The 2023 NBA Draft arrives on Thursday, June 22, following a great deal of speculation, consternation, buzz, and overall anticipation. With two selections forfeited due to NBA sanctions, 58 players will be drafted by the league's 30 teams, and the first round will garner the majority of attention. At the top, however, the No. 1 pick brings virtually no drama, as the San Antonio Spurs are widely presumed to be selecting French standout Victor Wembanyama. That reality came into view from the moment San Antonio won the lottery in May, and it persists into the hours before the draft. 

Still, there is great uncertainty after No. 1, with a split developing as to who the No. 2 prospect is and what the teams selecting at No. 2 and No. 3 overall might do as a result. Then, there are other lottery teams with conflicting incentives, including the Houston Rockets at No. 4 with a desire to improve quickly and the Portland Trail Blazers at No. 3 overall with Damian Lillard in the fold and a roster somewhat built for immediate results. 

You can find my prediction of the entire 30-pick first round below. The circumstances can change in a hurry once the clock begins to run on the No. 1 pick and beyond, but we'll take stock of the current landscape and where 30 of the best basketball prospects in the world may land.

1. Spurs: Victor Wembanyama, C/F, Metropolitans 92

Wembanyama is such a lock at No. 1 overall that the vast majority of outlets haven't posted odds on the pick for weeks. We can move on. He's a monster.

2. Hornets: Scoot Henderson, G, G League Ignite

It may be Charlotte that makes this pick, and if the Hornets do stick at No. 2 overall, they could very easily take Brandon Miller. However, Henderson seems to be the player that teams would be aiming for in trade-up scenarios and, for me, he's the No. 2 player in the class. From there, Henderson is listed at +110 to go No. 2 overall at Caesars Sportsbook, and though that number is on the move, it still presents value after a strong workout in Charlotte.

3. Blazers: Brandon Miller, F, Alabama

Miller and Henderson are inevitably correlated. Miller is +150 to go No. 3 at Caesars Sportsbook, and he is the very likely choice if Henderson goes No. 2 to Charlotte. Miller is an intriguing player with a mix of size, shooting, and versatility. 

How does the rest of the first round shake out? And which teams should consider alternatives? ... Join SportsLine right now to see a 2023 NBA Mock Draft!