NBA Draft 2023 Results: Victor Wembanyama to Spurs, Brandon Miller to Hornets Lead First-Round Picks
The 2023 NBA Draft results featured a parade of talented players who have now joined the league. On June 22 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, teams sought to secure the future stars of their franchises. As expected Victory Wembanyama went first overall, giving the Spurs another potential franchise big man. He could follow in the footsteps of former No. 1 picks Tim Duncan and David Robinson, who became NBA champions. Let’s dive into the top five picks and which teams they’ll bring their skills to in the NBA.
No. 1 pick: Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs
The French prodigy, Victor Wembanyama, unsurprisingly went first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. His selection makes the San Antonio Spurs an instant must-watch team. Standing at an imposing 7-foot-4, Wembanyama dominated France’s top professional league, averaging 21.6 points per game, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks. His athleticism, shooting prowess, and defensive skills are unparalleled in the NBA, with executives foreseeing him becoming one of the league’s best players in no time.
Many fans are excited to see what the Frenchman brings to the league and how he performs against some of the league’s star bigs including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Joel Embiid.
No. 2 pick: Brandon Miller – Charlotte Hornets
Brandon Miller, the national freshman of the year, brings his impressive length and talents to the Charlotte Hornets. A standout during his lone season with Alabama’s Crimson Tide, Miller averaged 18.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while displaying three-point range. His defensive disruption potential is promising, but consistency in his shot will be the key to his success. Miller’s wing play will complement LaMelo Ball, adding another exciting young piece to the Hornets’ roster.
No. 3 pick: Scoot Henderson – Portland Trail Blazers
G League Ignite’s Scoot Henderson, had it not been for Wembanyama, could have been the first overall pick. Known for his explosive ball-handling and scoring abilities, Henderson averaged 16.1 points per game last season, showcasing remarkable midrange shooting. Pairing Henderson’s explosiveness with the skills of All-Star guard Damian Lillard could transform the Trail Blazers’ backcourt into one of the most electrifying in the league, potentially elevating them to contender status.
No. 4 pick: Amen Thompson – Houston Rockets
One-half of the talented Thompson twins, Amen Thompson, joins the Houston Rockets with his impressive ballhandling and court vision. Standing at 6-foot-7, Thompson possesses a unique combination of size and skills, averaging 6.8 assists in the regular season and stepping up with 9.2 assists per game in the playoffs.
His explosiveness and fastbreak prowess make him a challenging player to defend against. The Rockets’ young roster has high hopes for Thompson as he aims to develop his midrange and three-point shot to become one of the league’s most formidable point guards.
No. 5 pick: Ausar Thompson – Detroit Pistons
The other half of the Thompson twins, Ausar, also boasts an impressive 6-foot-7 size for a guard. With a versatile offensive game, Ausar excels in scoring, passing, and rebounding, earning two-time Overtime Elite Finals MVP honors.
His explosive defensive skills, including reading passing lanes and disrupting the opposition, add value to the Detroit Pistons. Alongside Cade Cunningham, the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Ausar Thompson’s arrival is set to bolster the Pistons’ roster and ignite a new era of success in Motor City.
NBA Draft 2023 Results: First Round Top 15 picks
While there weren’t many surprises in the first round, it remains to be seen which players become stars or quality players. Of the picks, the New Orleans Pelicans landed one of college basketball’s best shooters, NCAA National Champion Jordan Hawkins of the Connecticut Huskies at No. 14. Just ahead of him was Kansas star Gradey Dick, another great shooting prospect, going to the Toronto Raptors.
- Spurs draft Victor Wembanyama (Metropolitans 92)
- Hornets draft Brandon Miller (Alabama)
- Blazers draft Scoot Henderson (G League Ignite)
- Rockets draft Amen Thompson (Overtime Elite)
- Pistons draft Ausar Thompson (Overtime Elite)
- Magic draft Anthony Black (Arkansas)
- Pacers draft Bilal Coulibaly (Metropolitans 92) – Traded to Wizards
- Wizards draft Jarace Walker (Houston) – Traded to Pacers
- Jazz draft Taylor Hendricks (UCF)
- Mavericks draft Cason Wallace (Kentucky) – Traded to Thunder
- Magic draft Jett Howard (Michigan)
- Thunder draft Dereck Lively II (Duke) – Traded to Mavericks
- Raptors draft Gradey Dick (Kansas)
- Pelicans draft Jordan Hawkins (Connecticut)
- Hawks draft Kobe Bufkin (Michigan)
The top picks of the 2023 NBA Draft have now found their respective teams, each bringing unique skills and potential to the league. Fans eagerly await their debut on the NBA stage as they aim to make their mark and shape the future of basketball.
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