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.
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