The San Antonio Spurs have officially won the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery, giving them first dibs for the upcoming draft on June 22. Expected to be selected first this year is 7-foot-3 French center Victor Wembanyama who is widely regarded by players, coaches, and analysts as the most exciting generational talent to enter the league since LeBron James in 2003.
“He clearly, you know, appears to be a generational talent,” N.B.A. Commissioner Adam Silver told ESPN before the lottery results. “And, you know, there’s lots of other examples of generational talents who come in this league who’ve met expectations and some who haven’t. But I have no reason to believe he won’t.”
NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski went a step further saying, “This is the most highly-anticipated player to ever enter the NBA. Maybe the greatest prospect in the history of team sports.”
This year is the third time the Spurs have won the lottery. Their last two picks, including Tim Duncan in 1997 and 10-time All-Star David Robinson in 1987, are both in the NBA’s Hall of Fame. Under the leadership of Gregg Popovich, the team has been rebuilding in recent years and was tied for the worst record in the Western Conference last year.
The number 2, 3, and 4 picks went to the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Houston Rockets respectively. Expected to be selected second overall is 19-year-old guard Scoot Henderson who showed his dominance on the developmental G League Ignite team this past season.
“My heart is beating,” said Wembanyama, in a EPSN interview. “I got everyone I love, everyone I know around me. It’s really a special moment I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.”
“I’m trying to win a ring ASAP,” he continued. “So be ready.”
Take a look at the commotion surrounding the announcement below.
“The number one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft goes to…the San Antonio Spurs.” ?#NBADraftLottery | @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/HWpPi17SaK
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 17, 2023
“We may think of him as one of the best players to ever live when he’s all said and done.”
Tonight, we’ll find out which team will win the NBA draft lottery and have the chance to select Victor Wembanyama ? pic.twitter.com/ESbVS7gMhY
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 16, 2023
“This is the most highly-anticipated player to ever enter the NBA. … Maybe the greatest prospect in the history of team sports.”
—@wojespn on Victor Wembanyama ? (via NBA Today) pic.twitter.com/LNuOG2RdHR
— ESPN (@espn) May 16, 2023
Shoutout to Brian Windhorst for flying all the way to France to do a 70-second interview at 2:30 a.m. pic.twitter.com/IgQ2QGj8rW
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 17, 2023
SPURS WIN
SPURS WIN
PANDEMONIUM
BIENVENUE A SAN ANTONIO VICTOR WEMBANYAMA pic.twitter.com/demSoxfTfn— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) May 17, 2023
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