Power Forward NBA Draft 2023 Prospects: Top 10 players ranked
Thursday's NBA draft consists of young players who are primed and ready to take their talents at the professional level.
Here are the top 10 power forwards in the draft.
#10, Hunter Tyson
Hunter Tyson played five seasons with the Clemson Tigers before declaring for the draft. During his final season, Tyson averaged 15.3 points per game (47.9% shooting, including 40.5% from 3-point range) and 9.6 rebounds.
Listed at 6-foot-8, Tyson is one of the best stretch forwards in his draft class due to the excellent shooting he brings. In an NBA league that values spacing, he can be a nice addition to any team that picks him.
#9, Mouhamed Gueye
From the Washington State Cougars, Mouhamed Gueye is a 6-foot-11 power forward with a nice jumper to his game, making him a tough cover for defenders. He averaged 14.3 ppg (48.8% shooting, including 27.5% from 3-point range) and 8.4 rpg. He has the shooting touch but his outside shotmaking can use some refining.
The athleticism is also there for Gueye, especially for his size. Once he gets that proper development done to his game, he can be a tough matchup for anyone in the league.
#8, Ąžuolas Tubelis
Ąžuolas Tubelis played three seasons with the Arizona Wildcats before declaring for the draft. In his final season, he averaged 19.8 ppg (57.0% shooting, including 31.3% from 3-point range) and 9.1 rpg.
Tubelis has the post game working for him down low and is capable of knocking down the midrange jumper. Tubelis is also a quality rebounding power forward with an upside in playmaking at the half-court.
#7, Noah Clowney
Noah Clowney averaged 9.8 ppg (48.6% shooting, 28.3% from 3-point range) and 7.9 rpg in his one year with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The potential in Clowney to be one of the NBA's best power forwards is there with his size and decent shooting mechanics. He needs further improvement to take that next step.
#6, Olivier-Maxence Prosper
During his final year with the Marquette Golden Eagles, Olivier-Maxence Prosper averaged 12.5 ppg (51.2% shooting, 33.9% from 3-point range).
He has the build to go head-to-head against NBA competitors as he continues to expand his offensive game. His defense can also reach an elite level with continued development.
#5, G.G. Jackson II
In his one year playing for the South Carolina Gamecocks, G.G. Jackson II averaged 15.4 ppg (38.4% shooting, including 32.4% from 3-point range) and 5.9 rpg.
Jackson showcased flashes of his ability to become one of the best three-level scorers. However, his reckless shotmaking is questionable but can be refined once he lands on an NBA team.
#4, Trayce Jackson-Davis
Trayce Jackson-Davis spent four seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers and had his breakout season during his senior year. In his final season, he averaged 20.9 ppg (58.1% shooting) and 10.8 rpg.
Jackson-Davis is one of the best low-post scorers in his draft pool with a reliable mid-range jumper. However, he needs to expand his range to give him other options at the offensive end.
#3, Kris Murray
In Kris Murray's final season with the Iowa Hawkeyes, he averaged 20.2 ppg (47.6% shooting, including 33.5% from 3-point range) and 7.9 rpg.
Similar to his twin brother, Keegan, Kris Murray has the shooting touch locked down as he knocks down his jumpers with efficiency. He can be an excellent scoring punch, who can help space the floor.
#2, Taylor Hendricks
During his one year with the UCF Knights, Taylor Hendricks averaged 15.1 ppg (47.8% shooting, including 39.4% from 3-point range).
Hendricks has the complete package to his game from both the offensive and defensive end. He has the athleticism to combine with his midrange and 3-point shooting. Hendricks also has the skillset on defense as he has the size at 6-foot-9 and the quickness to boot.
#1, Jarace Walker
Jarace Walker played only one year with the Houston Cougars but has shown flashes of making an immediate impact in the NBA. He averaged 11.2 ppg (46.5% shooting, including 34.7% from 3-point range) and 6.8 rpg.
Because of his frame, Walker is a stand-out choice in his draft class as he can clash with bodies down low at the professional level. He continues to make strides at the offensive end but is a force at the defensive end. Walker is lethal defensively as he can cover multiple positions.
Jarace Walker on conversations with recruiting teams during the NBA draft combine
FanNation's "All Pacers" caught up with Walker during the NBA draft combine as he spoke with Tony East about his conversations with recruiting teams.
"They've been highlighting my defensive versatility for sure. And my passing ability, for sure," Walker said. "I feel like they watch a lot of film, broke it down. So they definitely know the strengths and weaknesses of my game right now."
With his NBA-ready body, Jarace Walker is sure to make his presence known with whichever team drafts him.