Gold Blooded Ground 2023 Mock Draft

With the 19th pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors select Rayan Rupert (New Zealand Breakers, SG/SF, 2004)

Credit:Photo by Masanori Udagawa/Getty Images

Rupert is building a three-and-D case in the NBL, shooting 38.9 percent from deep (NBL and NBL Blitz) and flashing his 7'3" wingspan and ball pressure. Not turning 19 until May 30, his valued archetype and room to improve should keep his name anchored in the No. 15-30 range on boards throughout the year.

The French born prospect is a really interesting wing prospect from great basketball bloodlines who is far from a finished product but flashes big upside and projects well to the next level.

His season in the NBL was cut short by a wrist injury but he’s already showed enough ability and flashes of upside to warrant a mid first round selection.

Rupert is a prototypical 3&D wing with great length and a lot of versatility. He slides his feet well and has great lateral movement and overall agility. Has quick hands and gets a lot of deflections and steals.

Noah Clowney

Position: power forward Measurables: 6'9"/6'10" 210 lbs * Wingspan 7'1" * Born: Jul 14, 2004 (18 years old)

Is thin but has the frame to put on weight. Is a long 6-9/6-10. Moves his feet well and has good hands. Is a mobile and good athlete who is developing the strength to make more plays in traffic. Has three-point shooting range and can finish post moves with either hand. Has a go-to move in the post with his right hand jump hook. Catches well on the move. Built for pick and pop and pick and roll situations. Not a big ball handler but can attack the basket with a couple dribbles. Has a quick first step/dribble. Not a creative passer but has the awareness to make the proper read. Can defend the basket but needs to get stronger to control space down low. Has the lateral quickness to defend ball screen situations. Will go and get a rebound, but can be out muscled. Has a ton of upside. Strength gain is the key.

Jalen Hood-Schifino

Position:combo guard * Measurables: 6'6" 215 lbs * Wingspan 6'10" * Born: Jul 14, 2004 (18 years old)

Has a great physical build for a point guard who can also play the two and the three positions. At 6-6 has great strength and a physical presence on the court. Is not an explosive athlete but is a smooth athlete with body control and a feel for changing speeds. Has a burst out of his crafty moves to gain penetration. Can get to the rim and finish while also possessing the ability to find teammates with accurate passes while on the move. Also has a nice pull up jumper, especially going left, but is not known as a long distance shooter. Increasing his shooting range will be pivotal to maxing out on his potential. Handles the ball on a string and is efficient with his dribble game. Projects to be a quality rebounder for his position. Defensively he can control the ball with his size, strength and lateral quickness. Has awareness when defending off the ball.

The 2023 NBA Draft will be held on June 22, 2023, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York and I will remain hopeful one of these three prospects will be available when the Golden State Warriors select nineteen.