2023 Mock Draft 2.0: Spurs roll the dice, Hornets win Wembanyama sweepstakes

Finally, with the 30th and final pick in the 1st round of the 2023 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers select Iowa’s Kris Murray. The 6’8” forward, who happens to be the twin brother of Kings rookie Keegan Murray, had an impressive season as Iowa’s new #1 option after his brother’s departure.

If you’re a hopeful Clippers fan, there isn’t much you can do at this point other than hope that Kawhi Leonard can remain reasonably healthy throughout the postseason. I’m not too sure how optimistic I would be about that actually happening, but if the Clippers' front office is holding out hope, then I would expect an agreeable, low-risk pick at 30th overall. One won’t get much safer than Murray’s size, shooting, and defense at this point in the draft, so I think this would be a very easy decision if he’s still available.

With this in mind, though, and despite Kris being a bit less proficient of a shot-creator compared to his brother, there is a strong chance that Murray is taken off the board far earlier than this. If that is the case, I’ll expect the Clippers to also show interest in Julian Strawther, Jaime Jaquez, Adem Bona, and others.