2023 NBA Draft: Analysis of Victor Wembanyama to Spurs, Brandon Miller and rest of the Top 10 selections
Wembanyama, the giant Frenchman, shook Adam Silver’ s hand in a dark green suit and officially joined the San Antonio Spurs. The process was drawn out by the NBA to achieve maximum airtime for ESPN, with the Spurs requiring the full five minutes for the pick. Then the clock started on the real drama, with Michael Jordan making his final pick as Hornets owner at No. 2.
With the first pick, the “Wemby Draft” went according to plan. We’ll see if Victor Wembanyama’s career follows suit. Wembanyama, the giant Frenchman, shook Adam Silver’s hand in a dark green suit and officially joined the San Antonio Spurs. The process was drawn out by the NBA to achieve maximum airtime for ESPN, with the Spurs requiring the full five minutes for the pick.
Then the clock started on the real drama, with Michael Jordan making his final pick as Hornets owner at No. 2. Here were the top-10 picks from Thursday’s draft:
1. SPURS: VICTOR WEMBANYAMA
Previous Team: Metropolitans 92 (France)
Age: 19
Height: 7-4
Weight: 209 pounds
The Frenchman is considered a talent without rival because of his combination of height, athleticism and skill. His presence places the Spurs back on the national map after four years without a playoff appearance. It also probably extends the career of Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich. The talent and uniqueness is undeniable, but the big questions concern Wembanyama’s rail-thin physique: can he handle the grown men of the NBA? And, can he stay healthy? Don’t expect miracles in the first year.
UPSIDE NBA COMP: Kevin Durant
2. HORNETS: BRANDON MILLER
Previous Team: Alabama
Age: 20
Height: 6-9
Weight: 205
The Hornets reportedly mulled guard Scoot Henderson with this pick but ultimately met with the better positional fit in Miller. Henderson would’ve been redundant in a backcourt with LaMelo Ball. Miller is a prototypical 3-and-D wing who arrives with baggage: he was at the scene of the fatal shooting of a 23-year-old woman and the gun used in the murder was retrieved from Miller’s car, according to police testimony. Miller hasn’t been charged with a crime.
UPSIDE NBA COMP: Paul George.
3. TRAIL BLAZERS: SCOOT HENDERSON
Previous Team: G League Ignite
Age: 19
Height: 6-2
Weight: 196
The Blazers are at a crossroads with Dame Lillard still on the roster and a group of youngsters as his supporting cast. They’re nowhere close to contention, which was why the Blazers were reportedly mulling offers for Lillard. We’ll see if they’ll engage more seriously after drafting Henderson, an athletic and fierce competitor who needs to work on his jumper.
UPSIDE NBA COMP: Russell Westbrook
4. ROCKETS: AMEN THOMPSON
Previous Team: Overtime Elite
Age: 20
Height: 6-5
Weight: 209
The Rockets are young and eager to take the next step with new coach Ime Udoka, and much of their direction will be determined in free agency (James Harden is contemplating a Rockets reunion). Thompson is more of a facilitator and playmaker than his twin brother, Ausar, the fifth pick in Thursday’s draft. Amen is certainly athletic and fast. A concern is Thompson’s shooting, or lack thereof. Frankly, his form looks broken. Also, it’s tough to judge Thompson against the other prospects because his level of competition at Overtime Elite in Atlanta — where he played mostly against high school players — lacks perspective in the NBA.
UPSIDE NBA COMP: John Wall
5. PISTONS: AUSAR THOMPSON
Previous Team: Overtime Elite
Age: 20
Height: 6-5
Weight: 209
Considered a better shooter but inferior playmaker compared to his twin brother. The Pistons, like the Rockets, weren’t turned off by the lack of competition at Overtime Elite. Detroit remains in a rebuilding phase and feature a bevy of youngsters for new coach Monty Williams, including 2021 first overall pick Cade Cunningham.
UPSIDE NBA COMP: Andre Iguodala
6. MAGIC: ANTHONY BLACK
Previous Team: Arkansas
Age: 19
Height: 6-6
Weight: 210
A tall and versatile wing guard who has the potential to be an elite defender in the NBA. Shooting is also a strength but he might struggle creating for himself off the dribble. You can plug him in easily alongside Paolo Banchero. The Magic finished last season strong and hope to push for a playoff spot next season.
UPSIDE NBA COMP: Shaun Livingston
7. WIZARDS: BILAL COULIBALY
Previous Team: Metropolitans 92 (France)
Age: 18
Height: 6-7
Weight: 190
The teammate of Wembanyama in France, Coulibaly is considered a project with upside. He’s explosive and carries the physical traits of an NBA player, even if he’s clearly not experienced enough to put it together. The Wizards, who traded up for Coulibaly, certainly have time to wait. They’re just starting what figures to be a long rebuild after trading Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis.
UPSIDE NBA COMP: OG Anunoby
8. PACERS: JARACE WALKER
Previous Team: Houston
Age: 19
Height: 6-8
Weight: 248
Big and tough with a body ready for the NBA, the hope is Walker develops into a reliable stretch four. His athleticism presents a high upside as a defender. The Pacers, who traded down from the 7th pick for Walker, are looking to take the next step with playmaker Tyrese Haliburton as a cornerstone.
UPSIDE NBA COMP: Paul Millsap
9. JAZZ: TAYLOR HENDRICKS
Previous Team: UCF
Age: 19
Height: 6-8
Weight: 214
One of the best freshman in the NCAA last season, Hendricks is a versatile forward who passes the eye test as an NBA stretch four. There are concerns about his ability to drive in the paint and finish, however. The Jazz are fortifying its frontcourt with breakouts Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler.
UPSIDE NBA COMP: Jaren Jackson Jr.
10. THUNDER: CASON WALLACE
Previous team: Kentucky
Age: 19
Height: 6-4
Weight: 193
The Mavericks kept this top-10 protected pick from the Knicks by tanking the end of their season. Then they traded it with Davis Bertans to the Thunder for the 12th pick. The deal was mostly about shedding Bertans’ undesirable contract, which the Thunder can absorb into its cap space. Wallace now gets to play alongside fellow Kentucky Wildcat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in OKC.
UPSIDE NBA COMP: Jrue Holiday
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