Predicting the top 5 rookies heading into the 2023

Predicting the top 5 rookies heading into the 2023–24 NBA season

HENDERSON, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Victor Wembanyama #1 of Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 and Scoot Henderson #0 of G League Ignite shake hands after their exhibition game at The Dollar Loan Center on October 04, 2022 in Henderson, Nevada. Ignite defeated Metropolitans 92 122-115. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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Victor Wembanyama NBA commissioner Adam Silver, via Getty Images) /

1. Victor Wembanyama, Center, San Antonio Spurs

Who else did you expect to be the best rookie and the favorite for Rookie of the Year? Generational, Once in a Millennium, Transformational, and Game Changer are all words that have been bestowed to describe the Spurs’ new shiny toy in the 7-foot-4 “French Mamba” Victor Wembanyama as a specimen the likes of humanity has never seen on a basketball court.

Wembanyama decided to withdraw from the FIBA World Cup games this summer to focus on preparing his body for the rigorous NBA season and also obtain some rest for his body after playing in the French League up to a week before the draft.

Wembanyama will come in immediately as the top guy on both ends of the floor. He will struggle against stronger bigs early on in his career, a la Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic, but he will utilize his quickness and agility at his size with guard skills to combat his lack of girth at this junction of his career to make an impact and tire opponents out.

Wembanyama also will be a game-changing defensive anchor for a Spurs team that allowed the most points in the league last season (123.1 per game). He can swat someone’s shot at the rim and block someone’s three-point attempt all in one play due to his absurd 8-foot wingspan to go along with his 7’4 frame.

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Wembanyama has already stated he’s trying to win as soon as possible and hopes to make an imprint on the team immediately on both ends of the floor, which is expected as he’s been hyped as the best prospect since LeBron James and to some in NBA History! No Pressure.