2023 NBA Lottery Reaction & Final Tally of This Draft's Traded Picks

Wemby received the top shot-blocker award pre-game

I know I say it every year, but I really love the NBA lottery. Teams can strategically make moves to rebuild in certain years with a top prospect or two in mind, but in the end, it all comes down to a drawing of four ping pong balls that could completely change the direction of a franchise. This year's festivities were the most anticipated in the 20 years since the LeBron James draft because Victor Wembanyama really is a generational talent, as cliche as that term has become. And now he'll follow in the footsteps of David Robinson and Tim Duncan as big men taken #1 overall by the San Antonio Spurs.

The 7'4" (without shoes!), 230 pound French phenom with a ridiculous 8'0" wingspan actually just capped the regular season of the Pro A in France earlier in the day with a tough win. After dealing with foul trouble in the first half, he finished with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks to help Metropolitans 92 secure the #2 seed in the playoffs, and he clinched leading the league in points, rebounds, and blocks despite only turning 19 in January. He will likely earn MVP honors with final averages of 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.7 blocks, 3 blocks, and 2.6 turnovers with 47%/27.5%/82.8% shooting in 32.2 minutes (of 40 minute games there) while playing all 34 games. Credit to RealGM.com for his season-long totals coming into this game.

And Wemby caps the regular season with this coast to coast dunk to seal the W and secure the #2 seed for #GoMets92.

He also finalizes the scoring title, rebounding title, and blocks title in the French Pro A league. After only turning 19 in January, folkspic.twitter.com/DLFXrjdljl

— Dave Giovanazzi (@SF_DavidGio) May 16, 2023