The long-anticipated has finally come and gone as Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the 2023 NBA Draft have found their new homes in the league. While the first pick was no surprise, and the draft day trade market failed to live up to expectations, there were still plenty of surprise picks, steals, and even reaches.
The San Antonio Spurs found themselves with the opportunity of a lifetime, while the Charlotte Hornets had to choose between drafting for fit or the best player available. All the while, the Portland Trail Blazers faced their own crisis between trading the third pick in the draft and satisfying the desires of their star player or keeping it and risking the face of their franchise forcing his way out.
San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama (PF/C, Metropolitans 92)
People have referred to Victor Wembanyama as potentially the greatest prospect in NBA history. It will take a herculean effort, but if there’s a player who might just be ready for such a challenge, it’s Victor Wembanyama.
Standing at 7’4″ with incredible agility and an ability to shoot and handle the ball that would make guards jealous, Wembanyana projects to be one of the greatest players in the NBA since LeBron James. Wemby is rather rail-thin, so the potential for injury remains; however, in time, the generational prospect will look to add functional strength that will hopefully not compromise his mobility.
The San Antonio Spurs It’s not as though the San Antonio Spurs did anything spectacular with this pick, but there is no other acceptable grade than top marks.
Grade: A+