THE future of the San Antonio Spurs is now as bright as ever, with the franchise awarded the number one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

It was one of the most highly anticipated lotteries in NBA history given the talent of the projected top pick. There were rumours that some sides were taking in a bid to give themselves the best chance of selecting first on draft night.

The joy for Spurs fans was evident when they were announced as the recipients of the pick, now given the opportunity to change the blueprint of the franchise.

It now seems likely they will acquire the services of French big man Victor Wembanyama, who has been touted as a generational talent. The phenom has a limitless ceiling as it stands, and could be the face of the league in a few years time.

San Antonio has had the top pick in the draft twice in the past, drafting two Hall of Famers in Tim Duncan and David Robinson, and another star big man seems destined for the same fate.

The Charlotte Hornets will have the second pick in the draft, likely to select guard Scoot Henderson, who will slide in next to former NBL Next Star Lamelo Ball.

The biggest surprise of the night was the Detroit Pistons sliding down to pick five, despite having the equal-most odds of securing the number one selection. They finished with a league-worst 17 wins on the season, but the lottery system knocked them down to fifth. However, there is plenty of depth and talent in the 2023 draft class, so there are still a number of potential future stars available for selection.

The draft will take place in June, and although Wembanyama looms as a near-certain first selection, there will be plenty of speculation surrounding which players fit the remaining picks.

2023 NBA Draft Lottery

1. San Antonio Spurs
2. Charlotte Hornets
3. Portland Trail Blazers
4. Houston Rockets
5. Detroit Pistons
6. Orlando Magic
7. Indiana Pacers
8. Washington Wizards
9. Utah Jazz
10. Dallas Mavericks
11. Orlando Magic
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
13. Toronto Raptors
14. New Orleans Pelicans