NBA Mock Draft: Dallas Mavericks take a huge gamble; A surprise riser emerges

Kobe Bufkin (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
Kobe Bufkin (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA Draft
NBA Draft prospect Anthony Black (Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports)

8. Washington Wizards – Anthony Black, G, Arkansas

As the Washington Wizards’ new front office looks to make a splash this offseason, led by President Michael Winger and Travis Schlenk, it will be interesting to see how they plan to approach the 2023 NBA Draft. Under the assumption that the team is planning to bring back Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis, I’d be extremely shocked if they didn’t target a wing or guard with the No. 8 overall pick.

One potential prospect that fits what the Wizards could be looking for is Anthony Black. Coming off a strong freshman season, in which he showed great playmaking ability, Black is a prospect that could go as high as No. 5. I feel strong about the fact that he’ll likely be a top 10 pick, however.

The Wizards may be the team that ends up taking the gamble on Black as he could be the playmaker that this team has lacked in recent years. This is certainly a risk, though. Black is far from a finished product and needs to make some clear developmental strides before he is considered to be a key foundational prospect in the NBA.