Four Kentucky players listed in early 2023 NBA mock draft

Kentucky has two first-round picks and four selections overall in ESPN’s way-too-early 2023 NBA mock draft.

Five-star signees Cason Wallace and Chris Livingston represent the Wildcats’ two first-rounders, with the former being a lottery pick. Wallace comes in at No. 12 overall to the Atlanta Hawks, followed by Livingston at No. 22 overall to the Philadelphia 76ers.

From there, Kentucky has two early second-round picks in Oscar Tshiebwe (No. 36, San Antonio Spurs) and Daimion Collins (No. 38, Boston Celtics).

ESPN’s Jonathan Givony highlighted Kentucky’s standout freshmen, praising their versatility on both ends of the floor.

“Wallace was one of the best defenders in the high school game, a long-armed combo guard with outstanding toughness, intensity and instincts getting in passing lanes, chasing down blocks and crashing the glass energetically,” Givony said of Wallace. “He made major strides over the past year with his playmaking ability and perimeter shooting, showing good mechanics and range on his pull-up jumper, even if he’s still on the streaky side offensively. He is still developing as a shot creator, but has nice fluidity operating at different speeds and plays an unselfish style that has helped him win plenty of games everywhere he has been.”

“He’s a strong-framed combo forward who is physically ready for the college level, playing the type of hard-nosed, aggressive style on both ends of the floor that John Calipari likes from his forwards,” Givony added of Livingston. “Livingston is very effective attacking in a straight line, pushing the ball in the open court, and using his strength around the rim. He can pass the ball effectively as well, even if his decision-making and shot selection leaves something to be desired at times. Livingston’s jumper was streaky in high school, but he has shown some ability to make shots with his feet set throughout his career, the evolution of which will play a big role in how he’s perceived as an NBA prospect. He also has some multipositional versatility defensively with his length, strength and toughness.”

You can find ESPN’s projected first-round picks below: