Before the incoming NBA rookie class has an opportunity to take the court in an official setting, the basketball community will get an early look at two of the top prospects in 2023.
Victor Wembanyama and Metropolitans 92 of the LNB Pro A in France will face Scoot Henderson and the NBA G League Ignite in two preseason games this week starting on Tuesday (10 p.m. EDT, ESPN 2) from Henderson, Nevada.
Wembanyama, a 7-foot-4 center from Le Chesnay, France, is considered perhaps the top prospect since LeBron James. He boasts an 8-foot wingspan and is highly touted for his overall skills given his fluidity on the court, ability to handle the ball and space the floor.
The 18-year-old is widely projected to be the top pick over Henderson next year. Though the two have mutual respect for each other, Wembanyama agrees with the general consensus.
I’ve been following him for 1-2 years. Out of all of the prospects I’ve heard about in our class, I think he is my favorite one. I think he is the most reliable one I’ve seen. He is really a great player. If I was never born, I think he would deserve the first spot.
On the other side, Henderson enters his second season with the Ignite. He was the youngest American to sign a professional contract last year when he joined the team at 17. He has exceptional athleticism and shined in creating for himself and others last year.
With another year against G League competition, Henderson will look to show scouts and executives why he should be the top pick over Wembanyama. He believes he has taken a step toward being a strong leader for his team.
I feel like my game is very electrifying. I’m a leader that uplifts my teammates all of the time. Even if I make a mistake, I’m going to make sure everybody else is good and I feel like that’s where I’ve grown the most.
The exhibition game is expected to draw an estimated 200 scouts from NBA teams along with several other high-ranking executives. Players from the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles, who play in Las Vegas on Wednesday, are also expected to be in attendance.
Wembanyama called it the most important game of his career.
In terms of recognition worldwide, I think this is the biggest game I’ve ever played in my life. But I’m just curious to know how it will go because we’re an overseas team and we’re playing against an NBA team with NBA rules and an NBA court. This is really going to be a first time for me.
I’m looking forward to playing. Put it in my hands and I’m going to try to lead my team to the win; that’s what’s most important to me right now to start the season off right. If that changes the scouts’ minds then so be it but I feel like the outcome will be great.
The upcoming games will give scouts and executives a tremendous look at where each prospect is at this stage of their respective careers. The two players believe they are ready to live up to the hype, and those watching will certainly be eager to see how they handle it.
The two teams meet next on Thursday at 3 p.m. EDT on ESPN 2.
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