2023 NBA Draft: Spurs Take Wembanyama at No.1, Brandon Miller Goes Second

The San Antonio Spurs are starting a new era, as they drafted Victor Wembanyama as the No.1 overall pick last night. There was no surprise, with the young Frenchman taking the first selection position in this year’s draft.

Brandon Miller from Alabama went second to Charlotte Hornets, Scoot Henderson was the third pick, while Amen Thompson ended fourth.

Wembanyama joined two Spurs and NBA legends, David Robinson and Tim Duncan, who were selected as top picks by the Spurs back in 1987 and 1997. Both of them are in the Hall of Fame today.

“One of the best feelings of my life. Probably the best night of my life. I’ve been dreaming about this for so long. It’s a dream come true. It’s incredible,” he said following the ceremony.

A call from Coach Pop 🤳📞 pic.twitter.com/rVfERWCflC

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) June 23, 2023

Wembanyama played for the French team Metropolitans last year, winning the MVP honors in the French league. He has 19 years, is the first No.1 coming from France, and is the first European player since 2006 to go that high without playing college basketball.

With 7-foot-5 and an 8-foot wingspan, this young forward might revolutionize the game. His ball-handling skills are incredible for a guy that size, and his movement and athleticism are even greater. His size allows him to defend the space and protects the rim well, but many say that he needs to get some muscle in order to become competitive in the long run in the league.

Meanwhile, the pundits say that since Kevin Durant, there hasn’t been a player with such a versatile offensive skill set and size. Without any doubt, Wembanyama will become an immediate contributor on the offensive end, with his shooting and diversity.

The Charlotte Hornets took Alabama’s Brandon Miller at No.2. the 6-foot-8 is a very strong guy whose body is more or less ready for the NBA. He and LaMelo Ball will be a force in the East, and all they need is a little time to grow up and mature. Miller’s creativity will be useful to the Hornets, who will now have two playmakers on the court.

Miller is a solid shooter, but what makes him special is his talent to orchestrate the offense and see everything. The Hornets’ new owners now have a solid foundation for the future, but even so, it is expected to see them very aggressive in this year’s free agency market.

Proud mom of the Thompson Twins! ♥️ #NBADraft presented by State Farm NEXT on ABC & ESPN pic.twitter.com/CVnwv14bzu

— NBA (@NBA) June 22, 2023

Scoot Henderson ended up in Portland, which could signal that the Trail Blazers are willing to let go of Damian Lillard and enter a rebuild. He continued the trend of G-League players going high in the draft, proving once more that the competition has the quality and needs to be respected.

The Houston Rockets took Amen Thompson at No.5, while the Detroit Pistons selected Ausar Thompson one place later, with the two guards being projects of the Overtime Elite. They are the first pair of brothers taken in the top five of one NBA draft. This league is also making a name for itself, and it could be a very interesting pool of talent.

Of other interesting news, Gradey Dick went to Toronto Raptors at No.12, even though many believed he would be higher placed. Partizan Belgrade’s forward, Tristan Vukcevic, ended up in Washington, as the 42nd pick, with many suggesting that he might be the steal of the draft.