What is Dariq Whitehead’s draft projection? Exploring the 6-foot-7 Duke forward's chances to make it into NBA

Duke Blue Devils freshman forward Dariq Whitehead has become the latest notable prospect to declare for the 2023 NBA draft. Despite being extremely talented, he will become one of the most fascinating names to monitor throughout the predraft process.

Coming into the 2022–23 NCAA season, Whitehead was viewed by many as a Top-5 pick for the 2023 NBA draft. At 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds, the talented freshman has shown the tools to be a special two-way player at the next level.

Whitehead was one of the country's top high school recruits. He was expected to have a big year for Duke, but a preseason foot injury saw him miss extended time. After returning from injury, he looked to be getting his health back when another injury sidelined him.

Although Whitehead didn't live up to preseason expectations as a potential top five selection, plenty of NBA decision-makers are intrigued by his talent and raw potential.

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Examining Dariq Whitehead's draft projection

Dariq Whitehead' draft projection for the 2023 NBA draft

Duke Blue Devils freshman wing Dariq Whitehead will be the name to monitor closely over the next couple of months. After a roller coaster of a freshman year, he will need to have a strong predraft process to improve his stock.

As of now, Whitehead is still expected to hear his name called at some point within the first round. Teams could be intrigued by his previous high school and FIBA tape and could look to ignore an inconsistent freshman year at Duke.

He played 28 games, starting in just seven and averaging 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 42.1% , including 42.9% from 3-point range.

Coming into the year, Whitehead was known as a feisty two-way player who offered some intriguing upside as a lockdown defender. But due to multiple lower body injuries, that explosiveness never seemed to recover fully throughout the year.

Whitehead will have to clear medical evaluations by NBA organizations. If he impresses in workouts and interviews, he could be a name that starts to rise back up the NBA draft boards.

One of the biggest areas of improvement for him was his outside shooting. It was something that was viewed as a weakness coming into his freshman year. If Whitehead can get healthy and regain his explosiveness, he could become a steal in the 2023 NBA draft.