NBA 2023 Draft Surprises As Rising Stars Redefine Class

The 2023 NBA Draft class entered the league with sky-high expectations, boasting names like Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller, and the electrifying Thompson twins. Yet, just two and a half years later, the narrative around this group has shifted dramatically—especially as a handful of less-heralded prospects take center stage, surprising fans and front offices alike.

Victor Wembanyama, the French phenom, has lived up to every bit of the pre-draft hype, quickly establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone. Amen Thompson, too, has blossomed into a key contributor for a contender. But for others, the journey has been less straightforward. Scoot Henderson, drafted third overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, has struggled to find his footing—his career so far marred by inconsistency and now, a significant hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for the start of the 2025-2026 season. With no clear timeline for his return, the Blazers are left wondering what could have been.

Meanwhile, Anthony Black, selected sixth by the Orlando Magic, is proving that patience pays off. Black’s rookie and sophomore campaigns were quiet—averaging just 4.6 and 9.4 points per game, respectively—but this season, he’s exploded onto the scene. Now averaging 15.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, Black has nearly doubled his output from previous years. He’s shooting an impressive 53.1 percent on two-pointers and 38.1 percent on catch-and-shoot threes, up from his rookie struggles. And let’s not forget the highlight-reel dunk that broke a 107-107 tie against the Memphis Grizzlies—an exclamation point on his breakout campaign.

Black’s emergence isn’t just about numbers. He’s transformed from a defensive specialist into a reliable scorer and creator, carving out a crucial role alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. His size and defensive versatility fit perfectly with the Magic’s identity, and his growing offensive confidence has Orlando fans dreaming big. According to one analysis, "If he can start making enough pull-ups to punish defenses for going under screens or playing drop coverage, then you have a 6-foot-7, three-level scorer starting at point and, perhaps, the element that can finally unlock Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and the rest of this Magic offense."

Contrast that with Portland’s current predicament. The Blazers, who once envisioned Scoot Henderson as their next great point guard, are still waiting. Henderson’s rookie year was rough—shooting just 41.6 percent from two and 32.5 percent from deep, with 3.4 turnovers per game, tied for fourth-most in the NBA. While he showed flashes in his second season, inconsistency and injuries have kept him from becoming the star Portland desperately needs. With Damian Lillard gone and Henderson out, the Blazers’ backcourt is alarmingly thin. The regret is palpable. As one recent article noted, "With each game that he sits out and his draft peers ball out, that regret only grows."

It’s not just Black making noise from the 2023 class. Toumani Camara, a late second-round pick for the Trail Blazers, has quietly developed into a valuable rotation player. Known for his aggressive defense, Camara is now launching over seven threes per game. While his percentages have dipped this year, his willingness to shoot is opening up the floor and drawing defenders out. If he can find a consistent stroke, comparisons to a next-generation Shawn Marion don’t seem far-fetched—anchoring the defense, connecting the offense, and providing energy in transition.

Down in Miami, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is quietly turning heads. A rotation player from day one, Jaquez has grown into a playmaker, now handling the ball more than ever and leading the Heat in drives per game. His passing—averaging 4.8 assists—and elite finishing (over 70 percent in the restricted area) have made him an invaluable offensive connector. While he might not be a classic star, his blend of efficiency, savvy, and versatility makes him the kind of player every contender covets.

Utah’s Keyonte George is another breakout story, posting gaudy numbers: 24.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game on 46/38/90 shooting splits. His offensive leap is undeniable—he’s now a three-level scorer and offensive engine. While questions remain about his defense and turnovers, George’s individual stats compare favorably to Donovan Mitchell’s third season. If the Jazz can build a stronger supporting cast, George could be the focal point of a winning team in the near future.

Even those flying under the radar are making waves. Brandin Podziemski of the Golden State Warriors has quietly become a model of efficiency, shooting over 40 percent from three and 74.5 percent at the rim. Averaging 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, Podziemski has improved across the board, especially in isolation and pick-and-roll situations. While his numbers don’t scream "future star," his steady improvement and adaptability suggest he could thrive in a larger role—if he ever gets the chance on a loaded Warriors roster.

All of this progress from the 2023 class has shifted the conversation. Early on, it seemed only Wembanyama and Amen Thompson were destined for All-Star or All-NBA honors. Now, midway through year three, a half-dozen players have taken enormous leaps, addressing weaknesses and expanding their games. The pool of future stars is suddenly much deeper than anyone anticipated.

For the Magic, Black’s rise is a vindication of their draft-night patience. For the Blazers, the wait for Henderson continues—and so does the second-guessing. Would a backcourt of Black, Shaedon Sharpe, and Deni Avdija have been the defensive juggernaut Portland needs? The answer remains tantalizingly out of reach.

As the 2025-2026 NBA season unfolds, the 2023 draft class is rewriting its own legacy—one breakout performance at a time. With so many young players leveling up, fans and scouts alike are left wondering: just how high is the ceiling for this once-maligned group?