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-4 picks from Thursday’s draft:
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
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.
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
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 ‘s 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
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