The 2023 NBA draft has come and gone. And while this year’s draft will likely be remembered for Victor Wembanyama at the top, there were still plenty of opportunities for teams to add value working their way down the board that could have an impact both next year and beyond. We’re fresh off an NBA finals that showed the power of smart drafting, from Nikola Jokić starring to role players like Christian Braun pitching in with quality bench minutes. Who could be this year’s big steal? Here’s a look at five of my favorite selections from this year’s class.
Kobe Bufkin (first round, No. 15, Atlanta Hawks)
Bufkin was considered a likely lottery pick coming into draft night, but a few surprises in the back half of the lottery led him to drop to No. 15 and the Hawks. I’m bullish on the former Michigan guard. The tape from his final 10 or so college games (which coincided with Michigan’s best basketball of the season) was superb, showcasing the ability to play either guard spot, make threes and defend at a high level. He raises the level of competitiveness every time he steps on the floor, and there’s still plenty of upside here given he has yet to turn 20 years old. Bufkin falling to No. 15 was a great outcome for the Hawks, which add a potential long-term piece from outside the lottery.
