New Mock Draft has Wizards Taking Another Wing

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report released a new mock draft for the 2023 NBA draft. Yes, you might be thinking it is early to focus in on next year’s crop of rookies, but why not take a peek into some predictions for the future.

In Wasserman’s latest mock draft, he has the Washington Wizards selecting at the 10th pick once again. The Wizards are no strangers to drafting in the top ten, as they have in three of the last four drafts.

In this mock draft, the Wizards are slated to select Ausar Thompson, who is a 6’7″ wing that plays for the G-League team named Overtime Elite. Thompson is a blue-chip prospect, who decided to forgo college and take his talents to the G-League.

Ausar is also the twin brother of highly-touted prospect, Amen Thompson. The two look to both become top ten draft choices next year, with Amen projected to be taken in the top three.

Ausar is an extremely athletic wing with long arms that can contribute on both ends of the court. He has amazing defensive skills for such a young age. Look for him to be the type of player to guard the best wing on opposing teams.

Furthermore, he uses his athleticism on offense, but not in ways you would think from a 19 year old. Ausar has an array of moves going to the basket that will keep the defender guessing.

He is very creative with his movements and uses a nice hook shot to get off tough looks in the paint. His first step is lethal and he can control his body in different ways heading to the basket.

The Wizards have a few young wings on the roster with Deni Avdija and Rui Hachimura (contract year) already, but Ausar would easily be the most athletic. This pick is obviously not set in stone, especially with so much basketball to be played from now until June. However, be on the lookout for Ausar Thompson, as he could be a potential Wizard next year.