Updated Strengths, Weaknesses for Projected Top 2023 NBA Draft Picks

NBA teams' scouting reports on the top prospects have been finalized for the 2023 NBA draft.

Many have changed since the start of the season. While the evaluation process goes back to high school, NBA teams now have an extra 20-40 games of film and new advanced numbers to assess.

We broke down the signature, translatable strengths for each of this year's high-profile names, as well as the areas they'll need to improve to maximize their pro potential. Even the projected top few picks have weaknesses worth digging into.

Strengths

Positional size: At 6'6" in socks, Anthony Black has advantageous height for a ball-handler and enough to play other positions. But as a guard, he found ways to compensate for limited explosiveness by operating over his man, either as a finisher or distributor.

Passing/playmaking: Black lacks the speed or wiggle of a traditional point guard, but his passing IQ allowed him to play the most minutes as a lead ball-handler at Arkansas. He processes quickly when reading the floor, often making quick-decision assists right after the catch. He'll add value as both a pick-and-roll set up man and ball-mover or standstill quarterback. But his playmaking IQ still shows the most in pick-and-roll situations, where he demonstrates patience, manipulation and the vision to see rollers and shooters. That peripheral vision also pops on crosscourt passes while he probes and shifts the defense toward him.

Finishing: Black generated a good portion of his half-court offense in or near the paint, either with touch shots or timely cuts. He made 21 floaters at a decent 36.2 percent clip, showing good body and ball control when decelerating into one-handers over his men.

Defensive instincts/versatility: With wing size, Black pressured full court and guarded ball-handlers at the point of attack. He anticipated well and reacted fast with a quick jump and snatching hands. Black picked up plenty of strips and deflections, demonstrating excellent hand-eye coordination. He doesn't possess the longest wingspan, but he got the most out of each inch with his foot speed, IQ and active arms. At his size, he should be able to defend both backcourt spots, wings and potentially small-ball 4s as his body improves. He's looked like the type of defender coaches will want to put on opposing teams' best shooters to crowd their space and limit their rhythm looks.

Weaknesses

Self-creation: Black delivered few flashes of self-creation that didn't just result in herky-jerky drives. Some scouts have sounded skeptical about his lead-guard potential, mostly because of his creation limitations and poor pull-up shooting.

Shooting: Black finished with 28 threes in 36 games (30.1 percent), often looking reluctant to capitalize on open looks. The fact that he made only three contested catch-and-shoot jumpers suggests he lacks confidence. His rigid mechanics and occasionally choppy didn't look conducive for shooting with range. He barely leaves the ground and there isn't much of an energy transfer from his legs to his fingertips. There are questions about how well he'll score without much of a pull-up game or overly threatening catch-and-shoot stroke.

Turnovers: A 20.6 turnover percentage is extremely high for a player with just a 20.9 percent usage. The inability to blow by allowed defenders to stay attached and disrupt his dribble or passes.

Strengths

Shot-making accuracy/versatility: Gradey Dick hit 83 threes with the type of accuracy (40.3 percent), mechanics and versatility that have scouts convinced about his shooting. There is minimal dip in his shot, resulting in a quicker release. He hit 41 pull-ups at a 46.1 percent clip. He made 17 shots off screens, demonstrating sharp footwork and one-motion turns into balanced jumpers. Throw in the 85.4 free-throw percentage, and the indicators all point to an advanced shot-maker.

Athletic flashes: Dick doesn't check every athletic box, but he did flash impressive finishes that highlight some bounce and coordination to adjust midair.

Basketball IQ/decision-making: Though not threatening enough off the dribble to be labeled a playmaker, Dick processed quickly and made strong passing reads in potential assist situations. Teammates shot 56.4 percent off of his pick-and-roll feeds. His basketball IQ showed on reads he made off the ball to get himself open for jumpers and cuts. Defensively, his anticipation helped put him in position to rack up 1.4 steals per game.

Weaknesses

Creation upside: Aside from a couple step-backs and one to two-dribble pull-ups, Dick didn't get to showcase creation skill. The majority of his scoring came from off the ball, either as a shooter, cutter or line-driver past closeouts. Dick didn't look capable of beating his man and turning all the way to the basket. That led to spins that created little separation.

On-ball defense: Dick offered little resistance from the point of attack. Opponents were able to easily blow by, spin past or physically play through the freshman, who struggled to close out with low balance or contain penetration in space. Considering his position as a wing, he'll be targeted early and often in the NBA.

Strengths

Perimeter self-creation: Keyonte George's polished, perimeter creation and shot-making fuel the type of scoring potential that will have teams willing to ignore this year's percentages. He used change of direction and speed with his handle and hesitations to separate into and set up his pull-up and step-back. He practically always got his feet squared up with the gather and hop into his shot. This perimeter self-creation is great for end-of-clock offense or scoring in bunches.

Shot-making: Too many tough shots hurt his efficiency numbers, but George still buried 49 pull-ups, including 35 from three. He put up similar catch-and-shoot numbers from behind the arc, demonstrating convincing rhythm hopping into spot-up jumpers. George also hit 39.5 percent of his off-screen attempts, a sign of more shot-making versatility that should allow him to still score off the ball.

Secondary playmaking: Advanced passes this year suggest that George could be a useful playmaker from the 2-guard spot. He's not the most reliable decision-maker, and he's naturally wired to score, but at 2.8 assists per game, with a chunk of them being high-level dimes that reflected vision and savvy, he doesn't just project as a black-hole scoring specialist.

Weaknesses

Decision-making: George had trouble resisting hero jumpers or rushing them early in shot clocks. He didn't show the best feel for attempting to score within the flow. And he was prone to picking the wrong times to attack, leading to turnovers in traffic or denials. Many of his errand passes highlighted poor anticipation and understanding of defensive positioning.

Finishing: Some coordinated finishes suggest he has room to improve, but he still struggled in the paint. Not reading rim protection and limited explosiveness were mostly to blame. George only dunked three times in 944 minutes, which also points to his inability to generate easy scoring chances.

Defense: George was vulnerable closing out, looking out of control and too easy to get by. One-on-one, he offered little physicality or resistance, and NBA 2-guards' eyes figure to light up next year when they have George in space.

Strengths

Vertical explosion/strength: Positional strength and explosiveness separate Scoot Henderson, who can finish after contact or elevate for dunks off half-court drives despite 6'2" size. He also used his athleticism to finish plays as a cutter or make defensive plays on the ball.

Ball-handling/creation: Tight ball-handling moves and hesitations fuel Henderson's advantage creation and driving ability. He got defenders leaning one way or frozen before shaking them or blowing by. He used quick counter moves off the dribble to slice through gaps.

Three-level shot-making potential: Henderson shows good rhythm and balance pulling up for jumpers and tossing in floaters. He's most comfortable inside the arc right now, but he showed marginal improvement with his three-ball, making 22 in 25 games. The ability to separate one-on-one into dribble jumpers and stop-and-pop off ball screens will play a big role in his scoring.

Playmaking ability: Henderson averaged 6.4 assists, looking sharp facilitating in pick-and-roll situations with his ability to manipulate, thread the ball or making the simple kick-out read to wing shooters. Between his elusiveness and willingness to dish, he can have games well above the 10-assist mark.

Weaknesses

Shot selection

Only one player in the G League took more shots in the mid-range than Henderson during the regular season, yet he only shot 34.8 percent. He settles for too many contested two-point jumpers, a shot he's not accurate enough with right to justify all the attempts. Henderson attempted just 3.9 shots in the restricted area, a low number relative to other ball-dominant guards.

Three-point range

Between Henderson's 32.4 percent mark from three and the low volume of attempts (2.7), shooting range is a clear must-improve area. NBA defenses will continue to drop in pick-and-roll coverage to take away his drive and force Henderson into long pull-ups.

Strengths

Defensive versatility/upside: Taylor Hendricks averaged 1.7 blocks, demonstrating outstanding anticipation and timing, which kept him from getting in foul trouble (2.0 per game). While he often made rejections from off the ball, he showed impressive foot speed and reactions on the ball to contest jumpers and keep drivers in front. The versatility to switch and protect the rim hint at valuable defensive upside.

Physical tools/athleticism: At 6'8" (without shoes), 213 pounds with a 7'0.5" wingspan and big hands, Hendricks delivered 35 dunks. His tools and athleticism led to easy baskets that were tough for shot-blockers to contest if he had room to elevate.

Shooting: Consistent throughout the season, Hendricks hit 61 threes at a 39.4 percent clip, impressive numbers for a freshman who also provides finishing and rim protection. He showed a no-hesitation release and a comfort level blocking out closing defenders from his line of sight. With 15 made pull-ups, he also looked capable when given room to rise up off the dribble, both inside and beyond the arc. A 78.2 free-throw percentage only helps strengthen his case as a future NBA shooter.

Weaknesses

Short touch: Hendricks made just 44.7 percent of his layups, an odd numbers for a player with his physical gifts and shooting skill. He showed little touch on the move or when forced to convert against paint challenges. When it wasn't a dunk opportunity, he played smaller than he is.

Creation: NBA teams won't use Hendricks to make plays on the ball. He's capable of hitting an open lane with a line drive, but defenders will be salivating if he puts the ball down against them. There is little creativity to his offense, which he generated mostly off spot-ups, cuts, transition and putbacks. Teams are more likely to picture a high-end, three-and-D role player ceiling than a main scoring cog.

Strengths

Positional tools: At 6'9", Brandon Miller has textbook size for a wing who should be interchangeable between both the 2-guard and small forward spots.

Shot-making accuracy/versatility: Miller hit 106 threes (38.4 percent) in 37 games, convincing, high-volume numbers for a freshman. He was highly consistent when left open on catch-and-shoot chances (48.1 percent). Miller also hit 32 dribble jumpers, which include pull-ups, step-backs and fallaways in the mid-range. Enough made runners and an 85.9 free-throw percentage highlight soft touch around the key.

Countering: Though not an explosive driver or an advanced one-on-one scorer, he showed patience and adaptability in creation situations, using timing and footwork to counter defenders who stopped his first move.

Live-dribble passing: Scouts have loved Miller's ability to make one-handed passes off a live dribble, particularly with his left hand. It showcases his ball skill, vision on the move and ability to play-make for teammates. He racked up 60 assists this year as a pick-and-roll ball-handler.

Weaknesses

Two-point creation: Miller's creation mostly resulted in jumpers off the dribble. He's not as adept at creating into downhill opportunities, which can be tied to a higher handle and lack of explosiveness. Miller shot just 31.8 percent on isolation opportunities and 33.7 percent as a pick-and-roll scorer.

Finishing: Miller made just 46.8 percent of his lay-up attempts, a low numbers that highlights limited vertical explosion. He struggled to create separation around the rim, often buckling when hitting contact or seemingly running into a wall. He also had a habit of taking off too early or rushing into a contested floater in order to avoid shot-blockers at the basket.

Age: Turning 21 in November, Miller is roughly 1 to 1.5 years older than other freshmen in his class.

Strengths

Shot-making: Shot-making will be Nick Smith's NBA moneymaker. Scouts won't put too much stock into the percentages during a 17-game sample size when he was in and out of the lineup. He's not even the most advanced creator, and it may not matter due to his ability to catch-and-shoot, pull up and use change of speed to get into floaters. He hits defenders with shoulder shakes to freeze them before rising as a form of self-creation, and he doesn't need much space to convert with hands in his face. Smith should also have one of the best one-handed touch shots in the draft. He hits traditional runners but also some push shots off two feet.

Off-ball scoring: A promising spot-up shooter, Smith also looked comfortable as a cutter and engaged/active off the ball. With sound shot prep catching and squaring off movement, Smith seems equipped to still score and threaten defenses if drafted by a team that already has a lead ball-handler.

Defensive flashes: Opponents may target his 185-pound frame, but Smith still defended with encouraging energy and active hands. He got low in stances, pressured the ball and looked to recover on plays when his man gained a step or a screen caught him.

Weaknesses

Shot creation/selection: Smith only managed 33 shots attempts at the rim, a reflection of limited explosiveness and a tendency to settle for contested pull-ups or tough runners. He finished at 39.7 percent inside the arc, an extremely low number that may raise red flags about his style and ability to create higher-quality shots.

Playmaking: Scouts were hoping for Smith to showcase lead guard skills, but a 13.5 assist percentage suggests he doesn't have the playmaking feel. Though Anthony Black mostly ran Arkansas' offense, Smith still spent little time trying to create for others. Some of his attempts at showcasing his passing as a facilitator were mistimed or off the mark.

Strengths

Position tools/athleticism: Thompson should fall in the 100th percentile of total athleticism in terms of leaping, explosion, quickness, flexibility and coordination. He's lightning quick with his movement. He elevates effortlessly toward the top of the glass' box, showing the ability to also contort his body or slip through tiny windows, spin with fluidity and speed, blow by or use body control to adjust mid-air.

Creation/playmaking potential: Given how elusive he is due to quick-twitch bursts, footwork and ball-handling skill, Thompson consistently created paint-scoring and playmaking opportunities. He could also capitalize with bounce and acrobatics in the lane, plus the type of vision and passing typically seen from lead point guards. Only Thompson is 6'7", height that gives him another advantage when looking to dish off the dribble. He averaged 5.9 assists per game during the regular season before averaging 9.2 during the City Reapers' six playoff games.

Finishing potential: Ball-dominance and weak spacing led to pedestrian finishing numbers at Overtime, but special athletic gifts will continue to generate easy-basket chances and help Thompson convert at tough angles.

Defensive upside: Thompson registered a wild 3.9 steal percentage, a number that reflects outstanding speed and reaction time. He covers ground ultra quickly and figures to spend time guarding positions 1-3.

Weaknesses

Shooting: Between the regular season and playoffs, Thompson shot 16-of-60 (26.7 percent) from three and 70.0 percent from the free-throw line. There wasn't significant improvement from his first season to his second at Overtime. There is unorthodox movement that goes on with his release. Some of his jumpers never looked like they had a chance. Defenses will game-plan around Thompson's lack of shooting and spend games in drop coverage to take away the drive. Limited spot-up and pull-up shooting raises questions about his scoring upside.

Turnover prone: Thompson averaged 4.6 turnovers during the regular season with a habit of over-dribbling or leaving the ground without a plan. Much of it had to do with not being comfortable taking open pull-ups, which led to him forcing drives.

Defensive discipline: While Thompson's defensive potential is huge and fueled by his physical tools and athleticism, he has to improve his concentration, effort and discipline. He got caught or beat defending in a lazy stances, and he missed on too many gambles.

Strengths

Positional tools/athleticism: Ausar Thompson possesses effortless springs for easy finishes, cutting, defensive playmaking and offensive rebounding. He covers ground quickly with long strides and demonstrates high-level coordination for mid-air adjustments.

Secondary playmaking: Thompson projects as more of a wing than lead ball-handler, but he did average 6.1 assists during the regular season and showcase high-level passing skill in transition and kickouts. He delivered a number of touchdown pass assists, while the drive-and-kick assists highlight more of his vision. His ball-handling has gotten tighter, as he's added more combo moves that have elevated his creation.

Shot-making potential: Thompson took more threes this year, a promising sign regardless of what the percentages say at 20 years old. He also delivered more hot streaks of shot-making, finishing the Overtime playoffs with 15 threes in six games. Though the inconsistency and bad misses still suggest he's multiple years away, he's taken a step forward this season, creating some optimism over his potential to keep improving.

Defensive potential: At 6'7" with a 7'0" wingspan, Thompson will pressure and pick up full court. He's quick side to side, but also elevating to contest shot attempts on the ball. He averaged a combined 3.5 steals and blocks, giving his assignment little margin for error with their handle and fluidity of their shot attempts.

Weaknesses

Finishing: Despite the athleticism, Thompson shot poorly around the basket, where he put himself in too many off-balance situations. He struggled to find the easy angle. A lack of strength also made it tough for him to get close to the rim off half-court drives.

Shooting consistency: Shooting is still a weakness at 20 years old. His shot looked stiff off the catch and dribble. Before catching fire in the playoffs, he finished the regular season at 29.8 percent from three and 66.2 percent from the line. Defenses often sagged a few feet off, even in the mid-range to bait Thompson into taking jumpers.

Defensive discipline: Like many young defenders, Thompson was still prone to making bad gambles or giving up on plays early. Stronger scorers were able to play and finish through him inside the arc.

Strengths

Physical tools: At 6'6.5" in socks, 249 pounds with a 7'2" wingspan and large hands, Jarace Walker is all power and length. He projects as a 4, but certain coaches may entertain the idea of playing him as a small-ball 5, given his mobility advantage and ability to match up physically.

Offensive versatility: Though Walker is missing one signature skill, he's a threat to score or make a play in practically every situation. He hit 35 threes at a respectable 34.7 percent clip. He showed pull-up potential (15 makes) and the ability to attack closeouts and toss up floaters (19 makes). High school tape showed far more live-dribble assists, while his passing IQ and processing were clear pluses at Houston. He shot 66.7 percent at the rim, mostly a result of putting himself in position to pick up an easy dunk (30). Occasionally, he delivered smooth self-creation that hinted at more scoring potential, whether it was into a step-back, post fallaway or drive.

Defensive upside: Walker's strength, length and movement create defensive versatility and on-ball upside. He can be tough for opposing wings to play through or separate from on drives. Houston also used him to defend in-bound passes. Walker should offer enough switchability to guard all three frontcourt positions while also providing playmaking ability with his timing and tools.

Weaknesses

Finishing drives: Walker only finished 13-of-45 drives to the basket out of spot-ups, a poor number for a player with his ball skill and strength. He prematurely opted for floaters instead of attacking the rim or drawing fouls (2.2 FTA).

Self-creation: Despite the occasional highlight, he converted just 7-of-24 shots out of isolation. He tends to dribble in place without an advanced handle in tight windows. It's difficult to picture a one-on-one weapon in the NBA early.

Defensive containment: Maximizing defensive potential will call for Walker to cut down on the lapses that result in too many blow-bys or backdoor beats.

Three-level shot-making: Cason Wallace shot 41.2 percent on pull-ups and 44.8 percent in the mid-range, demonstrating convincing balance and clean mechanics rising up after dribbling away from screens or finding space. He was also an outstanding finisher (64.2 percent) despite lacking a standout athletic strength, as he found smart angles and used his body to shield and coordination to adjust. His three-point percentage dipped to 34.6 percent by the end of the year, and he didn't shoot them in volume, but he still averaged 1.4 triples a game without any worrisome moving parts on his jump shot. Wallace mostly had proper shot prep with his feet, leading to balanced, squared-up looks.

Defense: Wallace will add defensive value with his knack for pressuring ball-handlers, anticipating moves, ability to guard 1s and 2s and effort/hustle plays. He registered a giant 3.7 steal percentage, a number that highlights his reaction time, IQ and coordination to get live-dribble strips.

Pick-and-roll passing: Teammates shot 47.0 percent off Wallace's ball-screen passes. He showed nice rhythm and pacing as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, using them to manipulate defenses and set up a teammate. His vision and IQ bode well for his chances of earning primary ball-handler reps.

Weaknesses

Self-creation: There isn't much creativity or shiftiness with Wallace, who's more of a "take what the defense gives" scorer. He finished with single digits in scoring in 14 games this season. Lacking explosiveness, he's forced into taking lower-percentage, lofting floaters. Wallace relies mostly on ball screens to create space into pull-ups and runners. And you don't get the feeling a defensive big is in significant danger when switched onto Wallace. He's missing blow-by burst.

Range: Of his 35 made pull-ups, 26 came from inside the arc. Without blazing speed, he's not the type of guard who'll make defenses pay on fast breaks or semi transition (20th percentile).

Strengths

Finishing: At 7'5" with an 8'0" wingspan and effective left hand, Victor Wembanyama should have the most advantageous finishing tools in the NBA. Aside from catching just catching lobs high above the cylinder, he can reach the rim for dunks without needing both feed inside the paint.

Creation upside: The NBA has never seen a player Wembanyama's size possesses his level of ball-handling fluidity for shot-creation. He uses dribble moves to separate into jumpers like a wing, and when there's enough space, he can attack his man off the bounce and create driving opportunities. While it's the face-up game that separates Wembanyama from other players over 7'0", he still has flash creation from the post, falling away or spinning.

Shot-making versatility: Wembanyama's predraft highlight package consists of NBA threes, pull-ups and step-backs, long runners and fadeaways. He can make shots in a variety of ways, both off the catch, standstill isolation and dribble.

Range/touch: Through 40 LNB Pro A games, he's made 53 threes while shooting 81.7 percent from the line. He has a high-arching shot with natural rotation and a comfort level from distance.

Defense: Wembanyama looks like a future Defensive Player of the Year candidate with the impact he can make off his length, mobility, timing and anticipation. The 9.7 block percentage doesn't tell the whole story, despite the strength of that number. Wembanyama changes shots throughout a game, as opposing drivers often enter the lane and either keep dribbling or pass without looking at the basket. Between his presence in rim protection and ability to contest shots away from the basket, it's difficult to imagine a player entering the league with a higher defensive ceiling.

Weaknesses

Decision-making: Wembanyama can be too careless with the ball, whether he's leaving it unprotected for help defenders to strip or trying an overly ambitious pass or drive. He has a tendency to play to the crowd and mixtapes by unnecessarily attempting a low-percentage hero shots.

Physicality: He's going to struggle around the basket defending the bulkier centers like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic. Wembanyama is vulnerable to being moved down low or pushed back in post-up situations.

Shooting consistency: The makes outweigh the misses when taking into account Wembanyama's size and age, but he's been vulnerable to cold shooting stretches. He's at 27.7 percent from three entering the LNB Finals.

Strengths

Physical tools/athleticism: There isn't another athlete in the draft with Cam Whitmore's mix of power and explosiveness. He took off outside the restricted area to beat defenders to the rim. At roughly 6'6" in socks, 235 pounds, he was difficult to bump off track, and he initiated and converted after contact. He also used eurosteps and hopsteps to elude defenders. A quick and forceful jump also made Whitmore a dangerous cutter and off-ball finisher.

Self-creation flashes: There is still room for Whitmore to tighten his handle, but he does have quick dribble moves for separating into jumpers and beating defenders off the line. A first step, burst and explosion off one foot also propel his driving ability.

Three-point shot-making: Whitmore made 37 threes in 20 games, with 19 coming off the dribble. He's become more comfortable converting threes off of his own step-back and crossover moves, though he was far more efficient in catch-and-shoot situations (40.0 percent).

Defensive tools/playmaking: Whitmore doesn't need the best technique to overwhelm with his strength and speed. He registered a 3.2 steal percentage, and he looked very switchable, particularly onto bigs. It wouldn't be surprising if he wound up playing and defending the power forward position.

Weaknesses

Playmaking: Whitmore's 6.4 assist percentage ranks last among draftable wing prospects. He developed tunnel vision off the dribble and missed open teammates or barreled into traffic. He appeared to have a tough time multitasking while ball-handling. It's difficult to picture Whitmore offering any real playmaking value.

Three-level scoring: With just five total two-point jumpers and floaters, Whitmore did not flash an in-between game. It limited his ability to counter rim protection and helpers after beating the first line of defense.

Shooting consistency: Whitmore still has a mechanical, stiff release. He finished at a respectable 34.3 percent from three, though it was rare for him to put together two or more strong shooting games in a row. His 70.3 free-throw percentage doesn't help build confidence in his short-term shot-making reliability.

Defensive fundamentals: Whitmore has a tendency to fall for fakes, gamble and make the wrong reads off the ball or navigating through screens. Closing out, he doesn't always look prepared to slide when his man puts the ball down.

Stats courtesy of Synergy Sports, Sports-Reference.com