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We have finally arrived at the doorstep of the 2023 NBA Draft. The San Antonio Spurs are officially on the clock and will select we-all-know-who with the No. 1 overall pick when the festivities kick off at 8 PM E.T. on Thursday, June 22.
From there, the floodgates of possibility open. There has been frenzied trade chatter starting with the Hornets and the Blazers at Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, and then spiraling out through the rest of the lottery.
Regardless of whether or not those trade talks ultimately amount to anything, expect plenty of surprises. This is an unusually deep class, at least at the top, and the perceived weakness of the 2024 class could make teams desperate to strike while the proverbial iron is hot.
Let’s dive into all 58 picks.
No surprises here. Victor Wembanyama is a truly generational, once in a lifetime prospect. The Spurs already flew Gregg Popovich out to France after the lottery. Wemby sported the highest usage rate ever for a European prospect. He’s 7-foot-5, comfortable spraying 3s, attacking defenders in isolation, or playing simple pick-and-roll. He’s an elite finisher at the rim and he’s the best defensive prospect in the draft for good measure. Guards seldom dare challenge him at the rim.
There has been a lot of buzz around Scoot Henderson potentially surpassing Brandon Miller in Charlotte’s eyes. Both held second workouts in front of outgoing team owner Michael Jordan. That said, it feels a lot like trade posturing. Miller is the cleaner positional fit next to LaMelo Ball and a better shooter. He spent virtually the entire summer in this spot and that won’t change now.
The Blazers should be thankful if Scoot Henderson does ultimately fall to No. 3. The trade possibilities are vast, starting with New Orleans and Zion Williamson. Henderson is the best non-Wemby prospect in my book and, while the fit next to Lillard is not entirely clean, the Blazers’ backcourt should be able to co-exist, even thrive.