The San Antonio Spurs have won the 2023 NBA draft lottery, securing the number one overall pick and the chance to select French super-prospect Victor Wembanyama. This marks the third time in franchise history that the Spurs will have the first pick, having previously selected Tim Duncan in 1997 and David Robinson in 1987. The Spurs, along with the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets, entered the lottery with the highest odds at 14% and cashed in on a potentially franchise-changing selection.
Victor Wembanyama – the Next LeBron James?
Wembanyama, who has been expected to be the top selection for months, is the consensus top draft pick and is considered a generational talent for his height and ability to create his own shot off the dribble, shoot step-back 3s, and use an 8-foot wingspan to protect the rim. At 7-foot-5, he has become the most anticipated NBA prospect since LeBron James entered the league in 2003. The Spurs General Manager, Brian Wright, said that Wembanyama’s uniqueness extends beyond his ability to put the ball in the basket. He has an ability to be a great teammate, think the game, and approach his profession with a high level of professionalism.
The opportunity to be coached by Gregg Popovich, one of the greatest teachers in the game of basketball, is also exciting for Wembanyama. Popovich, who has already broken the all-time record for most regular-season wins, had already coached 557 games, won two NBA championships, and was a year away from winning his third by the time Wembanyama was born on Jan. 4, 2004.
The Hornets will draft second, followed by the Portland Trail Blazers and Rockets. The Pistons, who finished a league-worst 17-65, will pick fifth, marking the fifth straight season the team with the worst record in the league will not select first overall.
The draft will take place on June 22 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
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