The San Antonio Spurs took home the top prize in the NBA draft. NBA DRAFT. The Spurs came in with a 14% chance of winning the lottery, taking the top spot. Here are all the details.
The Third Time
The 2023 lottery marked the third time in the history of the San Antonio franchise that it will select first. The other two occasions resulted in selections that completely changed the face of the franchise.
In 1987, the Spurs selected David Robinson. The Admiral led San Antonio to its first title, while in 1997 San Antonio selected Tim Duncan. Duncan and Robinson joined forces in 1999, leading the club to its first title. Duncan was part of the teams that won in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014 as part of a cast that included Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginóbili and Tony Parker.
After finishing the current campaign with a 22-60 record, a new era is dawning in San Antonio, which will usher in new possibilities for a franchise with a successful track record.
A Generational Talent
This draft has generated significant expectations. For the first time since LeBron James was the number one selection, there is a prospect that has the potential to transform the NBA. He is French player Victor Wembanyama.
Unlike other years, there is no doubt about who will be the number one selection. Wembanyama has been the clear favorite for months. With an impressive 7-foot-5 stature, and a balanced skill set, the possibility of reliving the Robinson or Duncan era is at the door.
Experts have described Wembanyama as a generational talent who is capable of changing the fortunes of a franchise completely. It would be a tremendous surprise if San Antonio decided to pass on Wembanyama and take another player. However, the likelihood of that happening is remote.
From the hand of Alvaro Martin, we are in the intimacy of the NBA Draft Lottery that takes place in a little while nothing more. #NBAlottery #loterianba pic.twitter.com/NXMX88xCHS
- NBA Rhythm (@RitmoNba) May 16, 2023
Other Selections
The lottery results may have been disappointing for the other four clubs most likely to take the first pick. The Charlotte Hornets took the second pick, while the Portland Trail Blazers took the third pick. The fourth pick went to the Houston Rockets while the fifth pick went to the Detroit Pistons.
Beyond Wembanyama, it is not entirely clear who the next selections will be. It is worth mentioning that this draft contains a number of high-profile players, so there is a very good chance of taking a key player for the future of the team that picks him.
The other selections were as follows:
- Orlando Magic
- Indiana Pacers
- Washington WIzards
- Utah Jazz
- Dallas Mavericks
- Chicago Bulls
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Toronto Raptors
- New Orleans Pelicans
The draft will take place on June 22, giving plenty of time for speculation to grow as to who the other selections will be after Wembanyama.
