20 Undrafted NBA Players in 2023 to Keep an Eye on

20 Undrafted NBA Players in 2023 to Keep an Eye on

The NBA landscape is always revealing hidden gems among undrafted players, surpassing the limitations of the traditional draught system. A group of talented undrafted players has surfaced in 2023, sparking excitement and upending traditional player selection practices. These underappreciated players, who weren’t in the draught spotlight, have the unwavering will to leave their mark in the professional ranks of basketball.

Promising prospects include a wide range of skill sets—shooting wizards, defensive mainstays, and adaptable playmakers—all of whom exemplify the tenacity and drive of the undrafted player. Scouts and coaches have taken notice of these players because of their summer league performances, which have captivated them with their potential to make an impact on the league. These players range from the tough little guards who move through the paint with grace to the underappreciated forwards who show unwavering grit in the post.

Many players miss out on the NBA draught each year, but they eventually sign as free agents with teams. Some, like Kendrick Nunn, Duncan Robinson, and Fred VanVleet, go on to have successful careers. Many excellent prospects who were passed over but have the potential to be big players in the NBA are included in the 2023 draught class. Before the 2023–2024 season begins, keep an eye on these 20 undrafted players:

1. Trevion Williams, Boston Celtics

Trevion Williams. Alexander Jonesi, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Basketball player Trevion Williams is well-known for his time at Purdue University. Power forward/center Williams showed off amazing skills on the court, showcasing a special combination of strength, agility, and basketball intelligence. He was acknowledged for his ability to score in the post, grab rebounds, and use his all-around skills to influence games. Williams developed into a key member of the Purdue Boilermakers team, greatly enhancing their NCAA campaign. His commitment, work ethic, and performance on the court won him respect and made him seem like a bright future player for collegiate basketball.

Over the course of four seasons, the 6’10” big man for Purdue was a dominant force in the Big Ten thanks to his imposing physicality and soft touch, averaging 12 points and 7 rebounds per game. Although Williams’s athleticism and shooting range are not ideal for a modern centre, his ability to pass, rebound, and score in the low post could make him a valuable supporting actor. Williams could contribute significantly off the bench for a Celtics team in need of frontcourt depth if he works on improving his conditioning.

2. Dominick Barlow, San Antonio Spurs

With a wingspan of 7’4″ and a height of 6’9″ from Overtime Elite, Barlow is an intriguing project with a body ready for the NBA. He had committed to Arkansas at first, but he later decided to advance through the OTE programme, which is meant to get prospects ready for the pros. Barlow is still raw in many areas, but he is a force on the glass and a disruptive defensive player. The Spurs are rebuilding, so this is a great place for the 19-year-old to hone his skills and possibly eventually find his way into the starting lineup.

3. JD Davison, Boston Celtics

JD Davison. Boston Celtics, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Renowned basketball prospect JD Davison is well-known for his extraordinary point-guard abilities. His athleticism, agility, and scoring prowess garnered him recognition, positioning him as a highly sought-after recruit in the world of collegiate and high school basketball. He had made the decision to play basketball for the University of Alabama at that point. JD Davison, who was well-known for his remarkable quickness, leaping ability, and scoring prowess, was expected to have a big impact on the college basketball landscape. He is regarded as a promising prospect in the sport due to his dynamic playing style and room for improvement.

Prior to a difficult freshman season at Alabama where he had to play behind seasoned guards, Davison was one of the best point guards in his high school class. Even at 19 years old, the lightning-fast 6’3″ playmaker has the handle, passing vision, and explosiveness to plan an offensive if he can just sharpen his decision-making. After Derrick White and Marcus Smart, the Celtics could develop Davison into their point guard of the future. They have successfully developed young guards like Payton Pritchard.

4. Kenneth Lofton Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

A young basketball player who excelled as a forward, Kenneth Lofton Jr. He was playing basketball for Louisiana Tech at the time. Lofton demonstrated excellent skills in scoring, grabbing rebounds, and helping his team win games.

Although Lofton is only 6’7″, he has a huge wingspan of 7’2″, which he used to dominate the glass while he was a college student at Louisiana Tech. Lofton lacks the typical center size of a player. Despite his physical limitations, he used deft footwork and a soft touch around the rim to average 16 points and 10 rebounds last season. If Lofton continues to play well against stronger opponents, he could be an invaluable rebounder and scorer for a Memphis team that thrives with unheralded prospects. Lofton is an undersized center.

5. Leonard Miller, Oklahoma City Thunder

Miller, who stands 6’10” with a wingspan of 7’2″ and guard-like ball handling ability, is still an intriguing project. Miller was once thought to be a possible first-round selection. Last season, he chose to play in the G League instead of college. Miller needs to gain strength, but if he improves his outside shot and defensive technique, he has a clear upside. The Thunder are the perfect team to take a chance on Miller’s long-term potential because they have recently been successful in developing raw, tool-rich prospects.

6. Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies

Santi Aldama.Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

He plighs his trade in Sacramento. After going undrafted, Aldama—a sharpshooting big man from Spain—had a promising rookie season with Memphis. With his size and mobility, he was able to spread the floor and maintain his own defensively while starting 24 games and shooting 36% from three. If Aldama gains muscle and increases the variety of points he can score, he might eventually prove to be a stretch four. Anticipate that the Grizzlies will give Aldama every opportunity to build on his rookie success after signing him to a multi-year contract.

7. Mojave King, Sacramento Kings

Mojave King. Marc Santaeugenia Ribas from Barcelona, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

His athleticism, ability to score goals, and potential to be a major player in the sport brought him attention. Australian basketball player King was renowned for his quickness, accuracy from the field, and adaptability. He was a prominent member of the Australian National Basketball League’s Cairns Taipans at the time (NBL). Numerous scouts and teams, both domestically and abroad, had expressed interest in him due to his talent and potential.

Against elite prep competition, King, a prolific scorer from Overtime Elite, averaged 31.3 points per game. The 6’5″ athletic scorer is quick off the dribble and has a long shooting range. His offensive skill set is ideal for the NBA of today, but his decision-making and defense still need work. The Kings could succeed in producing unheralded guards like Davion Mitchell as King transitions to the professional ranks.

8. Reggie Perry, Indiana Pacers

Reggie Perry. Gamecock Central, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Before playing in Japan last year, Perry spent two seasons averaging almost ten points and six rebounds per game in the NBA. The 6’10” center increased his shooting range abroad, scoring an average of 18 points per game and making 34% of his threes. Perry, who is still only 22 years old, can offer significant floor spacing, rebounding, and post scoring if he is given consistent playing time. Perry’s inside-out offensive style may be useful to the rebuilding Pacers as a substitute for Myles Turner, should Turner be traded.

9. Vitto Brown, Dallas Mavericks

Vitto BrownAlexander Jonesi, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Following stints with multiple NBA teams, Brown gave the Utah Jazz wing depth in the previous campaign. With a powerful 6’8″ and 240-pound frame, he held his own defensively and made 37% of his three-pointers. Despite being 26 years old, Brown has demonstrated that he can be a valuable role player thanks to his ability to play both forward positions, his defensive effort, and his outside shooting. He might contend for a spot on the roster as the Mavericks look to add veteran talent at a reasonable price to complete their rotation.

10. Matt Mitchell, Brooklyn Nets

Matt MitchellRon Sellers, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Mitchell, a 6’6″ wing who played four years of varsity basketball for San Diego State and went undrafted last year, spent time in both the NBA and G League. Because of his excellent outside shooting and strong finishing abilities, he averaged over 15 points per game in the G League. Despite having average athleticism, Mitchell has a competitive edge on the glass and in defense, which gives him the ability to make an impact. His work ethic might land him a job in Brooklyn while the Nets look to sign players to cheap contracts.

11. Micah Potter, Detroit Pistons

Micah Potter. MGoBlog, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After scoring more than ten points per game on average during his final two seasons at Wisconsin, Potter, who is 6’10” and has a wingspan of 7’2,” brings traditional size and inside-out scoring ability. Despite having limited defensive options, Potter shot almost 40% from three in college. If he can get used to the NBA three-point line, he could be a stretch big who spreads the floor. The Pistons could develop Potter in the same way that they have Isaiah Stewart and other unconventional big men.

12. Carlik Jones, Houston Rockets

Carlik Jones. SneakinDeacon, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The undersized but astute 6’0″ point guard, who played for Louisville and was named an All-American, signed with the Rockets and split the previous season between Houston and their G League affiliate. In the G League, he averaged 17 points and 7 assists while displaying quickness, perimeter shooting, and three-point shooting ability. Jones might be a top-tier backup at best, but Houston needs depth at guard, so they might give him a look behind Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr.

13. Devontae Shuler, Los Angeles Lakers

Due to his relentless on-ball pressure, Shuler twice made the SEC All-Defensive team while playing college basketball at Ole Miss, ranking among the best defensive guards in the country. The Lakers’ Summer League performance demonstrated their all-around effort and leadership. Shuler, who is only 6’2″, might be a formidable backup guard. Although Shuler still needs to improve his outside shooting, the Lakers could give him a chance given his outstanding summer campaign and their dire need for backcourt support.

14. Olivier Sarr, Portland Trail Blazers

Olivier Sarr. SneakinDeacon from New River Valley, Va, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sarr will attempt to remain in the league with Portland after stints with the Thunder and Sixers. The 7’4″ wingspan, smooth shooting touch, and developing potential of the French big man were evident in the G League last season. Sarr needs to get stronger and become a better rim protector, but the Blazers lack big man depth behind Jusuf Nurkic. Sarr has the potential to play either frontcourt spot in smaller lineups thanks to his shooting ability. This might turn out to be a great NBA season for the young lad.

15. Kaiser Gates, Chicago Bulls

After being selected in the first round by the Clippers in the 2019 NBA Draught, Gates bounced between the NBA and G League for the previous three seasons due to injuries. When in good health, the 6’8″ forward uses his 7’2″ wingspan to give good wing defense and spacing. The Bulls signed Gates, who had shot 38% from three last year in the G League. He could fill the stretch forward position that Otto Porter Jr. vacated at a lower cost.

16. Lester Quinones, Los Angeles Clippers

Quinones, a standout four-year player at Memphis, was not selected in the draught prior to agreeing to a two-way deal with the Clippers. In college, the 6’5″ shooting guard shot 38% from three-point range and averaged almost 10 points per game. The previous season, he was named to the All-AAC Defensive Team. If Quinones can adapt to the greater athleticism of the NBA, he has the tools to potentially develop into a 3-and-D role player. The Clippers have prospered at making the most of untapped opportunities.

17. Payton Willis, Phoenix Suns

After attending four different universities, Willis had a difficult journey to the NBA before moving to Minnesota for the 2018–19 season. The 6’4″ point guard demonstrated his ability to score and assist while averaging 16.5 points and 4 assists. After going undrafted, he signed with the Suns, where he could compete for backup minutes to relieve Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Phoenix may be able to mine Willis in the same way that it has mined veteran rookies like Cameron Payne.

18. Matt Bradley, Phoenix Suns

Matt Bradley. Ron Sellers, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bradley, a seasoned collegiate athlete who spent four years at Cal and San Diego State, enters a bright future. Over the past two seasons, the 6’4″ combo guard has made over 40% of his three-point attempts. He is a knockdown shooter. Bradley can provide useful perimeter scoring and spacing, but he isn’t the main creator as his high assist percentage in college would suggest. The Suns could look to see if Bradley can take his shot-making to the next level as they clearly need wings.

19. Timmy Allen, Milwaukee Bucks

Timmy AllenRon Sellers, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Allen now arrives in Milwaukee with the intention of staying in the NBA after being traded in subsequent draughts. At forward, he has two-way potential thanks to his well-built 6’6″ frame and seven-foot wingspan. Thanks to his aggressive style of attacking the rim and developing outside shooting, Allen finished his college career at Utah and Texas with averages of over 12 points per game. He’ll have a tough time getting minutes against the defending champion Bucks, but he’s versatile enough to grow into a rotation player.

20. Alonso Faure, Minnesota Timberwolves

Before going undrafted last season, Faure, an intriguing French prospect, competed professionally in the Spanish ACB league. At the NBA combine, he performed incredibly well in his tests, showcasing his ability as a versatile defender at 6’8″ with a 7’2″ wingspan and remarkable agility. Faure is the kind of moldable international prospect that a Minnesota team in need of wing defensive support can develop in the G League, even though his shooting and scoring prowess are yet to be proven.

By 2023, all 20 of these underappreciated players—from prep, G League, college, and overseas—will have signed two-way or NBA contracts. While some have prior NBA experience, others stand out for their specialisations as role players or have obvious physical tools that justify roster spots. Anticipate a few of these group of underdogs to overcome the odds and contribute at the highest level of the sport the following season.