Some believe Tuesday’s lottery video was edited. Others think it was misleading, with top French prospect Victor Wembanyama simply wanting to get to San Antonio — where his fellow countrymen, Tony Parker and Boris Diaw, played key roles in the Spurs’ recent dynasty.
But even giving some benefit of the doubt, things at least looked personal when a viral video emerged Wednesday that appeared to show Wembanyama smiling and fist pumping when the Rockets landed the No. 4 pick. That moment meant Houston wouldn’t be in play for Wembanyama, who is certain to be drafted first.
No matter the circumstances, one person who took notice was young Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., who was drafted No. 3 overall by Houston in the 2022 first round. He quote tweeted the video with a notebook, indicating that he’ll be writing it down to remember it.
Smith and Wembanyama are both lanky frontcourt prospects, so they may be matched up with one another when Houston and San Antonio resume their I-10 rivalry in the 2023-24 season. This might add more fuel to the fire in a rivalry that has lost some luster in recent years, with both teams entering a rebuilding phase to start the 2020s.
— Jabari Smith Jr (@jabarismithjr) May 17, 2023
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