2023-06-22 12:45:53
The hype regarding the future franchise star, which is expected to come in first place in the 2023 NBA draft, has been growing at the San Antonio Spurs for weeks. But behind that there are still some question marks, which top talent ends up in which franchise. Or does even a blockbuster trade whirl everything upside down?
The NBA Draft is on the program from 2 a.m. German time on Friday night. Then the dreams of 58 young, up-and-coming talents who have their sights set on the top basketball league in the world will come true. But who ends up where? The kicker takes a look at the most important questions before the NBA draft.
NBA Draft: Who will be the first pick in 2023?
One of the few questions that can be clearly answered in advance. Actually, for weeks, even more actually for months, if not years, it has been crystal clear: Victor Wembanyama will be the first draft pick to shake the hand of Commissioner Adam Silver, who will announce the 30 picks in the first round.
The 19-year-old Frenchman is the top prize in this year’s draft, considered the biggest talent since LeBron James came into the league in 2003. The king himself described the lanky big man as an “alien”, Warriors star Stephen Curry even said he had discovered a “cheat code”.
Why even the greatest of the current NBA greats rave regarding Wembanyama: The skills that the Frenchman has are unique. The 2.23 meter giant can dribble, pass and throw like a guard and moves like one too. At the same time, he shines with old-school post-moves, protects the ring with intimidating defense and can also defend on the perimeter.
This kid is going to be a problem. I’ve never seen anything like him before in my life.
Giannis Antetokounmpo on top talent Victor Wembanyama
In the past season in his native France he led the league in points, rebounds and blocks, he is the definition of the jack of all trades. Or to put it in the words of Giannis Antetokounmpo: “This kid is going to be a problem. I’ve never seen anything like him in my life.”
Should Wembanyama remain healthy – probably the greatest risk for the 19-year-old, who has weighed just over 104 kilograms for his height – there is a future star in him. Of course, the San Antonio Spurs also know that, who won the big jackpot in the draft lottery in May and are allowed to choose their upcoming franchise star in first place. When the likeable teenager landed in New Jersey on Tuesday, he was greeted enthusiastically at the airport, he posed for photos and signed autographs. Also on some Spurs jerseys – of course already printed with the Wembanyama name.
Who are the other top talents behind Wembanyama?
Actually, the draft only begins with the second pick, behind Wembanyama to the Spurs the further course of the evening seems to be completely open. The Charlotte Hornets can choose second place, they will probably choose between Brandon Miller (Forward, 20 years) and Scoot Henderson (Guard, 19). Behind them are also the Thompson twins Amen (Guard, 20) and Ausar (Guard, 20) as well as Anthony Black (Guard, 19) and Jarace Walker (Forward, 19) interesting talents.
But the focus is on Miller and Henderson. The latter is an over-athlete who can lead an offense with a versatile arsenal of weapons (only the throw needs some fine-tuning) and is praised by observers for his eagerness to work. Many draft experts in the US believe that the guard, who played in the developing G-League last season (16.5 points and 6.5 assists per game) the clear No. 1 in every other year Pick would be – even if Wembanyama weren’t also available.
In many other years probably the No.1 pick: Scoot Henderson. Getty Images
Miller, on the other hand, is a 6-foot-1 scorer with playmaking ability and one of the best collegiate players of the past season. For Alabama, he put up 18.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in 37 games, and the whole league is longing for powerful scorers on the wing with his size, who are also defensively strong.
According to reports from “ESPN”, Miller is said to have convinced those responsible in Charlotte around (still) team owner Michael Jordan during a workout on Monday. He is also considered to be a better fit alongside point guard LaMelo Ball compared to Henderson. The Portland Trail Blazers, who hold the third pick in the draft, are expected to kiss-hand the “leftover” talent — except…
Blazers Spotlight: Is There the Next Blockbuster Trade?
Shortly before the draft, the already hip NBA rumor mill is even more nervous, and this year is no exception. With Bradley Beal to the Suns and Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics already having two blockbuster trades to report, several teams are said to be interested in making a trade into the top 3 of the draft in order to snap up one of the hottest talents. There’s no way the Spurs are going to cede their first pick, and the Hornets seem pretty happy with pick number two, but what’s Portland doing?
The answer to this question is also related in a way to franchise star Damian Lillard. The 32-year-old played the best season of his career in 2022/23 (32.2 points, 7.3 assists), but the Blazers missed the play-offs relatively well. Lillard’s stated goal is to play for the title, but he needs more help to do that.
The order of the first ten draft picks Spurs Hornets Trail Blazers Rockets Pistons Magic Pacers Wizards Jazz Mavs
It is questionable whether a rookie like Miller or Henderson in his first year in the NBA can already be this help in the hunt for a championship. Despite their undisputed talent, newcomers usually need some time to acclimatize in the league. Therefore, Lillard is said to have informed the team officials that he would prefer a trade of the No. 3 pick for an upgrade in the form of a seasoned veteran.
The New Orleans Pelicans, among others, are said to be very interested in Henderson, who might well be available in third position. Even Zion Williamson should no longer be untouchable following his four seasons plagued by injuries and negative headlines off the court in New Orleans, but a trade seems rather unlikely. There have also been rumors regarding Clippers forward Paul George in connection with the Blazers.
If the reports are to be believed, Portland has not yet been completely convinced of the offers actually made and is said to be flirting with sticking to the third pick and thus signing Miller or Henderson. Could that, in turn, alienate Lillard and the seven-time All-Star call for a trade himself? The Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets, who are said to be very interested in the guard, are certainly hoping for that. Either way, it’s going to be exciting in Portland, probably even following the draft.
Will the Mavs secure another reinforcement for Luka Doncic?
Another trade candidate is the Dallas Mavericks. The more than disappointing 2022/23 season, in which Luka Doncic’s team didn’t even qualify for the play-in tournament (38 wins, 44 defeats, 11th place in the west), should and must not be repeated once more. At the end, the tenth pick in the draft jumped out.
But: “Not many sources assume that this pick will really stay in Dallas,” wrote draft expert Sam Vecenie from “The Athletic” a few days ago. Instead, the Mavs apparently want to land experienced players in a trade for the 10th pick who can immediately help Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who is to be kept as a prospective free agent.
It cannot be ruled out that players like Tim Hardaway Jr. or Davis Bertans will also be sold in a larger deal for the No. 10 pick. However, the Indiana Pacers (No. 7 pick) or the Utah Jazz (No. 9 pick), among others, are also reportedly open to deals, which might hurt the Dallas market. Behind, the Los Angeles Lakers (No.17 pick) are reportedly also looking for a trade.
Why are there only 58 picks instead of the normal 60?
Two rounds of 30 picks each, for a total of 60 talents going through the draft stage throughout the night. That’s usually the framework of the NBA Draft, but this year it’s a little different. Instead of the usual 60 picks, there will only be 58. Why? The Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls were each stripped of a second-round pick.
The background are so-called “tampering violations”. The league has strict regulations on when teams can approach free agents from rival franchises in the offseason to offer them a contract. Philadelphia and Chicago broke these rules.
According to an NBA investigation, the Sixers ensnared the two players PJ Tucker and Daniel House Jr. too early last summer as actually allowed. The Bulls have been shown similar misconduct with the Lonzo Ball personnel. As a result, Chicago lost its second-round pick in 2023, and the Sixers even had to give up their second-rounders in 2023 and 2024 without replacement.
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