With the 2023 NBA Draft cycle almost underway, it’s time to look at which prospects could raise their stock the most before draft night.
There’s always a need for competent role players in the NBA, and those who can hit threes and defend at a high level are always in high demand.
The 2023 draft class should have its fair share of productive role players. Here’s a look at the five best 3-and-D players in the 2023 NBA Draft:
1. Terrance Arceneaux, Houston
A player that will help Houston tremendously in a variety of ways, there are few timelines where Arceneaux doesn’t end up a productive 3-and-D player at the next level.
At 6-foot-7, he’s a wiry athlete with a knack for making winning plays. He’s got a smooth, quick jumper and will be a productive defender.
He won’t function as the primary scorer, but will fill his role well alongside Jarace Walker and Marcus Sasser, and is going to help the Cougars win a ton of games.
2. Chris Murray, Iowa
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With 40 percent 3-point numbers and plenty of versatile tape defensively, Murray makes the list for now. But it’s totally possible we see a completely different player come draft night.
Murray fits his role well, but is expected to step into an even bigger role with Iowa next season.
At least, though, he’ll use his 6-foot-8 frame and reliable defense to earn himself a day job in the NBA next year.
3. Jalen Bridges, Baylor
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While Bridges is fairly confident handling the basketball, he’ll likely spend a majority of his time filling out shooting and defense for the Bears this upcoming season.
He will likely be confined to the nitty-gritty with Baylor, as Bridges saw a pretty good dip in his 3-point shooting from freshman to sophomore year.
If he can see a shooting resurgence, he has all the tools to morph into a productive role player in the NBA.
4. Sidy Cissoko, G League Ignite
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Cissoko already has the ‘D’ in 3-and-D down, but will have to have a fairly strong shooting season to really insert himself into these ranks.
Unfortunately, that’s likely what will be expected of the 6-foot-5 guard with the Ignite.
He’s likely to be a passable shooter, but to really jump off the page, he’ll need to thrive off-ball.
5. Julian Phillips, Tennessee
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At 6-foot-8, Phillips likely has some of the best 3-and-D potential in the country.
A true wing, Phillips is positionally versatile and coordinated enough to make plays on both ends of the court.
The catch: his shot is far from a finished product. If he can find consistency and production, he’ll skyrocket up the 2023 role player ranks.
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