On Tuesday, the San Antonio Spurs won the lottery and the right to take Victor Wembanyama as the first selection in the 2023 NBA draft, their third No. 1 pick in franchise history.
The Spurs, who finished with one of the three worst records in the league (22-60), entered the evening with a 14% chance of landing the top pick. They won the lottery for the first time since 1997 when they selected Tim Duncan. They previously took David Robinson first in 1987.
They were represented on stage by managing partner Peter J. Holt.
Of course, winning the lottery will prove franchise-changing with Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 French phenom, set to arrive in the United States this year. He is widely expected to be the top pick and has the potential to vault the Spurs back into the upper echelon of the league.
"The number one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft goes to…the San Antonio Spurs." 🙌#NBADraftLottery | @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/HWpPi17SaK
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 17, 2023
The 19-year-old has drawn high praise from the top names in the sport, from LeBron James to Magic Johnson to Stephen Curry. He has the skill set and ability that is rare in a player his size, which is expected to make him a generational talent. He projects to be able to step in and contribute immediately in San Antonio.
In the weeks leading up to the draft lottery, it was reported the addition of Wembanyama could have the potential to add an estimated $500 million of value to the franchise that ultimately lands him. He is expected to be featured heavily on national TV next season and the Spurs will undoubtedly play in front of packed arenas around the league.
Beyond Wembanyama, the teams near the top of the draft will still have the opportunity to add a potential star player. Scoot Henderson, of the G League Ignite, is projected to be the second pick and likely would have been the top selection in any other year. Teams also have their sights on Brandon Miller and twin brothers Amen and Ausar Thompson.
Live from Paris… #NBADraft prospect Victor Wembanyama reacts to the #NBADraftLottery presented by State Farm! pic.twitter.com/YBnNQ4hgQk
— NBA (@NBA) May 17, 2023
With the Spurs landing the top pick, the rest of the draft lottery filled out with some changes. Among them: Detroit dropped four spots from its pre-lottery slot. Elsewhere, Portland and Charlotte each moved up two spots in the final drawing.
Here is the complete draft order of the first round after the lottery.