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2023 NBA Draft: 8 teams competing for Victor Wembanyama

By Peter O'Keefe

ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne's French player Victor Wembanyama trains prior to the Euroleague basketball match between ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne and Zalgiris Kaunas at the Astroballe arena in Villeurbanne, near Lyon, on October 1, 2021. (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES / AFP) (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP via Getty Images)
ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne's French player Victor Wembanyama trains prior to the Euroleague basketball match between ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne and Zalgiris Kaunas at the Astroballe arena in Villeurbanne, near Lyon, on October 1, 2021. (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES / AFP) (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP via Getty Images) /
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2023 NBA Draft: 8 teams competing for Victor Wembanyama:
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) and Chet Holmgren pose for photos after Holmgren was drafted with the 2nd overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City, 2023 NBA Draft: 8 teams competing for Victor Wembanyama:. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

2023 NBA Draft: 8 teams competing for Victor Wembanyama: San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs made one of the most obvious rebuilding moves of the offseason to date, sending All-Star guard Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks for multiple future draft selections. They also pulled their qualifying offer for Lonnie Walker IV and let him walk to the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency.

Focusing on the future and actively trying not to win games doesn’t particularly fit within Gregg Popovich’s philosophy. Clearly, they would like to make a push for the number one pick, but their coach is as competitive as they come, which could make it difficult.

San Antonio has been in no-man’s-land for a few seasons now, not really competing for a high playoff position yet also not finishing low enough to add high draft picks. Their offseason moves could be taking the choice out of Popovich’s hands – the roster just isn’t that good now and could easily see them fall to the bottom of the West.

2023 NBA Draft: 8 teams competing for Victor Wembanyama: Utah Jazz

The most controversial team on this list, Utah’s future is somewhat of an unknown after the Rudy Gobert trade brought a host of future picks. They still have Donovan Mitchell on the roster, though, meaning their offense may remain good enough to be a competitive team.

Do they trade Mitchell as well? Are they looking to build around him? Can you actually successfully build around him?

If they don’t decide to trade their three-time All-Star, they still need to find a way to make a play for the number one pick. Mitchell will likely never be the best player on a championship team, but he could be an elite running mate for someone like Wembanyama.

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