THE NBA Draft for 2023 took place on Friday morning AEST, with the next batch of players added to the league in style.
Although the first pick had been essentially cemented for the better part of 12 months, there were still a few surprises along the way as teams added to their rosters with the best young talent the world has to offer.
As expected, there is plenty of discussion surrounding the results of the draft, with a few surprises and expected selections across the 58 picks.
Spurs get their man
In one of the most certain results in all of sport, the San Antonio Spurs selected Victor Wembanyama with the first overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft. Touted as potentially the best prospect in NBA history, Wembanyama is the first number one selection to head to San Antonio since Tim Duncan, and the team will be hopeful the French phenom produces similar results. The big man has all the makings of an NBA superstar given his physical gifts and matching skillset, and his debut in October will be one of the most anticipated games in the 21st century.
Hornets opt for Miller, Henderson heads to Portland
In one of the most debated topics surrounding the 2023 draft, there was plenty of speculation as to whether the Charlotte Hornets would select the best fit for their team in Brandon Miller, or choose the best available player in Scoot Henderson. Ultimately, the Hornets decided in favour of fit and added Miller, pairing him in the wings and allowing Lamelo Ball to remain as the team’s primary ball-handler. On the other hand, the Trail Blazers have added another potentially generational talent in Henderson, although the team’s surplus of backcourt players may cause further moves in the coming weeks.
Rupert gets his chance, albeit slightly later
Speaking of the Portland Trail Blazers, they snagged one of the steals of the draft with the addition of Rayan Rupert, who was selected a bit further down the order than many predicted. The Trail Blazers will not be complaining though, with Rupert showing plenty as a starting member of the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL last season as a Next Star, and if the team is patient enough, could be a valuable member of Portland’s roster moving forward. The Trail Blazers will be happy with their draft haul from 2023, and the addition of Rupert is a big part of that.
Goulding gets going to gear Aussies past Thailand
A TERRIFIC shooting performance from in-form veteran Chris Goulding has spurred the Australian Boomers to a thumping victory over Thailand in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on Thursday night. With the National Basketball League (NBL) on hold for international break this week, Goulding and several of his peers in the competition headed to Bangkok to […]
Dell’Orso destined for big college campaign
VICTORIAN-BORN guard Anthony Dell’Orso spent the first two seasons of his college career at Campbell University, where he had an impressive freshman campaign averaging 12.5 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game. The 6’6 Melbourne product shot 32 per cent from three and established himself as a key component of the Fighting Camels squad. […]
Rapp rips through Long Beach as Portland pips win
HAVING started his freshman campaign with the Portland Pilots with some solid performances, Austin Rapp produced his best showing at college level in the win over Long Beach State Beach on Sunday. Having worked on his game as a development player for the SEM Phoenix in the National Basketball League (NBL), the stretch forward made […]
NBL25 Next Star Watch – Round 9
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Wessel wonderful as Gaels get the win
ONE OF many Aussies catching the eye in the NCAAM for the 2024/25 season is Harry Wessels, and he helped his Saint Mary’s Gaels to an 87-68 win over the Akron Zips last week. The Gaels are well-renowned for bringing Australian players onto their roster, with the likes of Matthew Dellavedova and Patty Mills forging […]
WNBL Wrapped – Round 3
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Wildcats break even in ninth round
THE PERTH Wildcats entered Round 9 with a battle against a rolling SEM Phoenix side, but welcomed back star guard Bryce Cotton who wasted absolutely no time getting back into his rhythm dropping 33 points, five rebounds and four assists. They overcame a relatively slow start by posting 40 second quarter points and didn’t look […]
NBL25 Wrapped – Round 9
THE NINTH round of the National Basketball League (NBL)’s 2024/25 season had it all, leaving plenty to unpack as the competition enters a week off for the FIBA qualifying window. Although there were only six games that took place over the weekend, there was plenty of action throughout the span of Friday and Sunday, with […]
Wildcats and Lynx looking for crucial wins
REIGNING MVP Bryce Cotton is set to return on Friday night as the Perth Wildcats tackle the SEM Phoenix at RAC Arena. Perth’s superstar has missed the last five games after suffering a fractured rib in the Round 5 loss to New Zealand. Cotton said that the injury changed the way he was living day-to-day, […]
