Ranking the 5 best point guards in the 2023 NBA Draft

NBA Draft Point Guard #2: Cason Wallace, Kentucky

A former five-star recruit for John Calipari, Cason Wallace didn’t necessarily blow up the way some Kentucky Wildcats freshmen do. That should be no matter for Wallace, however, who looks like a lottery pick.

The 19-year-old started 32 games for the Wildcats this season, averaging 11.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. He was a respectable 34.6 percent shooter from three, something he’ll look to improve on at the next level.

There’s a rather obvious role for Wallace to play in the NBA if he does become a better shooter. He could easily be the prototypical 3-and-D guard, as he loves to get after it on the defensive end and make life miserable for opponents.

He’s built to be able to keep doing that. He’s a strong 6-foot-4, steady on his feet while being able to shuffle both his hands and feet quickly. Wallace should be able to guard at least three positions on the court.

The bones of a good jumper are there for Wallace. His release is quick, and his movement on the offensive end of the court is fluid. There just needs to be some better consistency and shot selection, which are fair criticisms of a player so young.

His ability to drive and kick out is also appropriate for a future rotational point guard. He’s able to make plays and set up good shots for teammates, at times relishing the opportunity to help one of them become the star.

There’s a chance Wallace slips past the lottery, but that seems unlikely at this point. His ceiling is probably midway through the lottery, around No. 7 or No. 8.