NBA Mock Draft: Ranking top 10 small forward prospects of the 2023 class

7. Julian Strawther, Gonzaga

In the NBA, shooting is something that a team can never have enough of. And heading into the 2023 NBA Draft, if a team is looking to add shooting on the wing, there are several prospects that fit the billing. One of them, who has become an intriguing overall prospect, is Julian Strawther. The junior wing is catapulting his excellent season in hopes of becoming a first-round pick. But that still remains much of a question.

Strawther is coming off a season in which he was extremely productive and a huge part of Gonzaga’s success, averaging 15 points and six rebounds on 47 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range. At 6-foot-7 and good athleticism, he’s also become a capable defender. As a prototypical 3-and-D, Strawther had many nights at Gonzaga where he showed that he could also be much more than a shooter.

And the big question as he makes the jump to the NBA is whether or not that will prove to be true. At the very least, Strawther can shoot the lights out of the gym. And that’s a great foundation to have as a draft prospect in today’s NBA.