NBA Mock Draft 8.0: Raptors take a high-risk prospect; Lakers get a steal in round 1

NBA Draft prospect Anthony Black (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Draft prospect Anthony Black (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)
15 of 22
NBA Draft
NBA Draft prospect Jett Howard (Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)

15. Atlanta Hawks – Jalen Hood-Schifino, G, Indiana

The Atlanta Hawks head into an offseason of uncertainty but will have the opportunity to add another solid prospect with the No. 15 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. This is not necessarily a lottery pick but could be approached as one. And with much uncertainty revolving around this team’s backcourt, would it be all that surprising if they elected to take a risk on a player like Jalen Hood-Schifino?

JHS is not nearly the complete prospect that some of his contemporaries are but he did show a lot of potential and promise during his freshman season at Indiana. If he can continue to develop as a player, there’s a good chance he could be a solid contributor down the line for the Hawks. Plus, this pick gives them another option at the guard position.

16. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves) – Jett Howard, F, Michigan

The Utah Jazz continues to assemble talent. With the 16th overall pick, the Jazz could take a flier on Jett Howard. He was a 3-point marksman this past season at Michigan and at the very least, will be able to do some of the same things (you would expect) right away in Utah.

The great part about Howard is that he has the measurables and skill set to be much more than just a situational player.