The 2023 NBA Draft is quickly approaching, bringing with it a new class of young, talented players to the league. The draft is set to take place on Thursday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and will be broadcast live on ABC, ESPN, and the ESPN App.
One of the most highly anticipated prospects in this year’s draft is French sensation Victor Wembanyama. The 19-year-old big man has been dubbed a “generational talent” by Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and is expected to be the first overall selection by the San Antonio Spurs. Wembanyama led his team to the finals in Paris this season, was named league MVP, and did not miss a single game all season. With the NBA ahead of him, he has the potential to become one of the faces of the league as soon as he suits up this October for the Spurs.
The Top Picks
Beyond the first pick, a handful of lottery teams will have the opportunity to add a difference-making prospect to their roster. Alabama’s Brandon Miller is projected by NBA draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo to go No. 2 to the Charlotte Hornets. However, G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson is right behind Miller, and the decision could come down to the wire. Other prospects projected to be high lottery picks include Villanova’s Cam Whitmore and twins Amen and Ausar Thompson of Overtime Elite.
According to Givony’s Top 100 prospects, the top 10 picks are as follows:
1. Victor Wembanyama | C | France
2. Brandon Miller | SF | Alabama
3. Scoot Henderson | PG | G League Ignite
4. Amen Thompson | PG | Overtime Elite
5. Ausar Thompson | SG | Overtime Elite
6. Cam Whitmore | SF | Villanova
7. Jarace Walker | PF | Houston
8. Anthony Black | SG | Arkansas
9. Taylor Hendricks | PF | UCF
10. Gradey Dick | SG | Kansas
Trade Rumors
Trade season has already begun, with the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder swapping future draft picks on June 9. However, rumors have been swirling around the New Orleans Pelicans’ interest in trading for either the No. 2 or No. 3 pick to reportedly select G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson. The cost of such a trade could potentially be Brandon Ingram or Zion Williamson.
The Future of the NBA
The 2023 NBA Draft is shaping up to be an exciting one, with a new class of young talent ready to make their mark on the league. While Victor Wembanyama is widely expected to be the first overall selection, the rest of the draft is still up for debate. Which teams will make the right choices and add the difference-making prospects they need to compete for championships? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the future of the NBA is bright.
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