THE NBA Draft is just one day away, with the future of the league set to change as a fresh crop of youngsters enter the world’s biggest basketball competition.

The build up to the 2023 draft has been one of the biggest of the 21st century, largely due to the talent at the top end of the pool. Although it is one of the most anticipated selection nights of the last 20 years, the first name read out is all but guaranteed to be Victor Wembanyama.

Although this seems to be a foregone conclusion, there are still plenty of possible outcomes later in the draft, and there has been a lot of speculation surrounding the way it will all pan out.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central has put together a mock draft for the first round ahead of tomorrow’s selections, taking into account quality of player and fit when considering each team’s potential selection.

Wembanyama seems destined to head to San Antonio to join the Spurs, having been touted as the best basketball prospect since Lebron James. The Spurs will be hoping the French phenom will be not only the next face of the team, but the face of the entire league too.

At pick two, things get a bit trickier, but the Charlotte Hornets seem likely to select Brandon Miller with the second overall selection. Although Scoot Henderson may be the best available player on the board, Miller will slot in nicely next to Lamelo Ball and be a better fit for what the team needs.

The third pick should see the Portland Trail Blazers scoop up Henderson, although a number of scenarios could play out here.

>> PICKS TWO AND THREE SCENARIOS <<

Guard Amen Thompson would make the most sense for the Houston Rockets at pick four, although the fit may not be perfect. Next to Jalen Green, there would be the case of who can work best off the ball, but regardless, Thompson’s passing will be invaluable for a Houston side that has plenty of young pieces as it stands.

The Detroit Pistons could snag Thompson’s twin brother Ausar, who offers extreme athleticism and explosiveness, making him one of the most exciting prospects in the draft. Next up, the Orlando Magic could add to their backcourt with the addition of Anthony Black, who can play either guard position.

The Indiana Pacers will be hopeful that Cam Whitmore is still available at pick seven, given the talent he possesses as a forward. Although he does not have the best perimeter game, Whitmore is an explosive athlete and seems destined to make an impact at NBA level.

The Washington Wizards have traded away their best two players over the past week, so they will be eager to snag the best player on the board, which looms as Jarace Walker, who will add to the team’s perimeter game in a big way, especially given the acquisition of guard Tyus Jones.

The Utah Jazz could cement their frontcourt of the future with the addition of Taylor Hendricks, who is the typical stretch four and is built for the NBA. Alongside Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen, he should torment opposition sides with his shotmaking ability.

Rounding out the top 10 are the Dallas Mavericks, who could move their pick in a trade, or alternatively take a punt on Duke center Dereck Lively II, who has established himself as one of the premier big men in the class with his elite rim protection.

Rookie Me Central 2023 NBA Mock Draft

#1. San Antonio Spurs – Victor Wembanyama (F/C)

#2. Charlotte Hornets – Brandon Miller (F)

#3. Portland Trail Blazers – Scoot Henderson (G)

#4. Houston Rockets – Amen Thompson (G)

#5. Detroit Pistons – Ausar Thompson (G/F)

#6. Orlando Magic – Anthony Black (G)

#7. Indiana Pacers – Cam Whitmore (F)

#8. Washington Wizards – Jarace Walker (F)

#9. Utah Jazz – Taylor Hendricks (F)

#10. Dallas Mavericks – Dereck Lively II (C)

#11. Orlando Magic – Gradey Dick (F)

#12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Jordan Hawkins (G)

#13. Toronto Raptors – Kobe Bufkin (G)

#14. New Orleans Pelicans – Jalen Hood-Schifino (G)

#15. Atlanta Hawks – Cason Wallace (G)

#16. Utah Jazz – Bilal Coulibaly (G)

#17. Los Angeles Lakers – Keyonte George (G)

#18. Miami Heat – Jett Howard (F)

#19. Golden State Warriors – Brandin Podziemski (G)

#20. Houston Rockets – Leonard Miller (F)

#21. Brooklyn Nets – Nick Smith Jr. (G)

#22. Brooklyn Nets – Leonard Miller (F)

#23. Portland Trail Blazers – Olivier-Maxence Prosper (F)

#24. Sacramento Kings – Colby Jones (G)

#25. Memphis Grizzlies – Jaime Jaquez Jr. (F)

#26. Indiana Pacers – Jett Howard (F)

#27. Charlotte Hornets – Dariq Whitehead (F)

#28. Utah Jazz – Rayan Rupert (F)

#29. Indiana Pacers – Maxwell Lewis (F)

#30. Los Angeles Clippers – Brice Sensabaugh (G/F)