Between France's Victor Wembanyama, G League Ignite star Scoot Henderson, Overtime Elite's Thompson twins and the incoming NCAA freshmen class, the 2023 NBA draft already feels loaded.
Scouts have also had plenty of opportunities to evaluate these teenagers in various settings, so the reports are out.
We broke down the signature, translatable strengths for each of our preseason top-15 prospects, as well as the areas they'll need to improve to maximize their pro potential.
15. Dillon Mitchell (Texas, F/C, Freshman)
Strengths
Athleticism: Quickness and bounce fuel most of Dillion Mitchell's scoring production and defensive playmaking. He's consistently around and above the rim, and he remains active/energetic to maximize his opportunities for finishing. Mitchell finished second in the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference in offensive rebounds per game.
Finishing/interior scoring: Around the baseline, he's quick and explosive going up after the catch. Aside from being ultra athletic, Mitchell has good body control and a nose for the rim. He finishes at tough angles and gets impressive extension to drop lay-ins over defenders.
It also feels like Mitchell is good for a put-back dunk per game. His second jump and hand-eye coordination earn second-chance points.
Outside of catch-and-finishes, he has a comfort level with his one-handed push shots and hooks around the key.
Defensive versatility/playmaking: At 6'8", Mitchell can be used to guard both forward spots, and some creative lineups could even use him as a small-ball 5 rim protector. He moves more like a wing than a big, but he's also going to block plenty of shots just off of his court coverage, leaping and coordination.
Weaknesses
Creation: Another reason to experiment with Mitchell at the 5 is because of his lack of ball-handling and creation. When he does put the ball down in the half court, he often winds up having to play back to the basket to shield his man.
Shooting: He's mostly a non-threat to make threes or shoot off the dribble. It obviously limits his scoring upside, particularly for a non-creator.
Off-ball defense: Mitchell can recover quickly to make up for lapses off the ball, but he can be prone to ball-watching or taking a few seconds off while his man loses him with a screen.
14. Dereck Lively (Duke, C, Freshman)
Strengths
Physical tools: Dereck Lively impacts games almost exclusively with his physical tools around the basket. At 7'1" with an estimated unofficial wingspan around 7'5", his body, role and effectiveness mirror Tyson Chandler's. Lively operates mostly as a finisher, put-back machine and rim protector.
Offensively, he also taps into his motor to run the floor hard and earn extra, easy scoring chances in transition.
Finishing/interior scoring: Lively's tools make finishing relatively easy, but he also shows good timing, awareness and footwork off cuts or from the dunker's spot.
More than just a dunk or lob threat, Lively has some one-handed touch as well, both from the low block and over the shoulder near the free-throw line.
Defensive upside—rim protection, switchability: Lively will earn his paychecks by protecting the rim and blocking shots with his size, length and mobility. He has defensive anchor potential, as well as the ability to slide his feet away from the basket. He should serve as a major asset in pick-and-roll coverage with his ability to drop or switch out and contain in space.
Shooting potential: Even at his size with limited off-the-dribble skills, Lively has played the 4 before. He's demonstrated confidence and encouraging fluidity shooting threes off the catch from the top of the arc and corners. He'll go back to playing more of a traditional center role at Duke next to stretch-big Kyle Filipowski, but Lively clearly has an interest in becoming a three-point threat that scouts will likely buy long-term.