This is the on-site version of FTW’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Subscribe to get irreverent and incisive sports stories, delivered to your mailbox every morning. Here’s Charles Curtis.
We’ve already read, written and consumed so much about Victor Wembanyama, who will presumably be the first name called on Thursday night at the 2023 NBA Draft.
But let me throw one more log on the fire here: Wemby is so damn cool.
Here is a kid with all the eyes of the world on him right now — and it’s hard to miss him given his height when he’s, saying, riding the subway in New York City. We’re out here marveling at the size of his hands. It must not be the easiest thing.
But he’s unfazed by … anything. Even when he’s awkwardly at Yankees batting practice and we’re all laughing at his first pitch, he’s totally fine.
And then there’s what he said to JJ Redick on the former NBA star’s podcast:
My totem is something bigger than basketball. It’s just accomplishing yourself inside this universe. When I need motivation, when I need energy, when I’m tired and I need to fight on the court and it’s hard, I always remember, I’m free in the universe. I do what I can. I know what I wanna do and nothing’s gonna stop me from doing it.
I mean, doesn’t that tell you all you need to know? He’s the coolest.
Quick Hits: Final consensus NBA mock draft …
— Here’s our final “consensus” mock draft showing you who NBA experts are picking.
— What was this call that was overturned in the Rangers game? No way this was a catcher blocking the plate!
— Arike Ogunbowale signed an autograph after being ejected, which is awesome.