Victor Wembanyama - 2023 NBA Draft Prospect

[timvp]

Victor Wembanyama
https://i.imgur.com/wLGX2Nb.jpg

Full Scouting Report (https://www.spurstalk.com/victor-wembanyama-spurs-scouting-report/)

Height: 7-foot-5
Weight: 220 pounds
Country: France
Position: C/PF
Draft Range: 1

Spurs Comparison: 7-foot-5 Manu Ginobili

Strengths: Unfair size, scoring, defense, Hall of Fame bound barring injuries

Weaknesses: Injury worries

Full Scouting Report (https://www.spurstalk.com/victor-wembanyama-spurs-scouting-report/)

L33JKYc1ZKA

[offset formation]

Third coming of NBA royalty or a injury nightmare?

[Ariel]

Depends on where he lands and what compromises he's willing to make. If he wants to go all out like some suggest (that want the Spurs to trade for win now players) and is eager to get individual accolades, he'll want to play too many minutes and expose himself to harm (Chet like), and his body will pay for it.
If he values long term collective goals first and foremost and he's willing to pace himself (like Manu did), he may not get quite same stats or individual praise (in the short term) but in the end he could have a 20 year career with multiple rings. The Spurs are ideal for the latter, not so much for the former.

[Leetonidas]

Waiting for someone to tell us he is beating up on scrubs overseas and hasn't played real competition yet :lol

[Robz4000]

Waiting for someone to tell us he is beating up on scrubs overseas and hasn't played real competition yet :lol

Both are true to be fair. Doesn't change the fact he's the best prospect coming out since Davis.

[LeBowen]

One week until the lottery.

Tbh, outcome of the lottery is more important than the playoffs if Wemby is actually as good as advertised. Someone can get themselves the next big thing and be set for a decade.

His potential aside, Spurs need a marketable superstar because right now it's one of the most obscure teams in the league noone except for the fans cares about. If Pop wasn't still coaching, current Spurs would be as irrelevant as the Hornets.

[JPB]

Depends on where he lands and what compromises he's willing to make. If he wants to go all out like some suggest (that want the Spurs to trade for win now players) and is eager to get individual accolades, he'll want to play too many minutes and expose himself to harm (Chet like), and his body will pay for it.
If he values long term collective goals first and foremost and he's willing to pace himself (like Manu did), he may not get quite same stats or individual praise (in the short term) but in the end he could have a 20 year career with multiple rings. The Spurs are ideal for the latter, not so much for the former.

He'll just do great wherever he goes.

[JPB]

Both are true to be fair. Doesn't change the fact he's the best prospect coming out since Davis.

NCAA is 3 times worse a competition between amateur teens. He would score 50 a game there with 10 blocks.

[Leetonidas]

Both are true to be fair. Doesn't change the fact he's the best prospect coming out since Davis.

Not sure id agree. While the competition is "weak" it's probably better than NCAA competition and he is a kid playing against grown men in a professional league. I think I'd put more stock into his performances there versus someone in the NCAA

[barakz21]

I’ll use my brother as a lucky charm on lottery day, as it’s his birthday. Not sure how much that’ll help, but fingers crossed we get 1st pick!

[Chomag]

Any player can get injured so I don't think that should be a concern more then it normally and not a factor should be. Now if he had a big track history of injuries that's when we worry, so thankfully he does not.

[baseline bum]

Both are true to be fair. Doesn't change the fact he's the best prospect coming out since James.

FIFY

[BatManu20]

The Golden Goose. Basketball Gods, be kind to us…

[BatManu20]

Feel like this kid is going to go to some shit franchise like the Rockets or Wizards and be stuck with horrible management. Hope I’m wrong, but could really alter how his career pans out.

[spurraider21]

Feel like this kid is going to go to some shit franchise like the Rockets or Wizards and be stuck with horrible management. Hope I’m wrong, but could really alter how his career pans out.
if its not going to be us, i would prefer he lands with the Hornets (to help convey that pick) or the Pistons (perfect basketball fit alongside Duren, Cunningham, Ivey)

[Silverheart80]

Been waiting for this draft lottery for two years, watching every clip of Wembanyama along the way. The closer it comes, the more I'm convinced there's no way the league lets the Spurs score this #1. Watching this franchise overcome the disdain of the commissioner's office, ESPN and the media all these decades is one of the best things about being a Spurs stan. National disrespect heated up after the 90's, when it was obvious Tim, Tony, Manu and Pop were gonna keep us in the running every year. They want our small market to stay buried, now that we're down.

NBA's wet dream seems like it would be Chicago with the #1 (again, market size). So I'll leave this here in hopes of reverse-jinxing us into the golden ticket next Tuesday.

[KobesAchilles]

That move he does at 0:45 sec mark is just insane. That’s a move that most guards can’t make. That type of talent doesn’t really have a comp. I just hope he stays healthy

[Mr. Body]

Feel like this kid is going to go to some shit franchise like the Rockets or Wizards and be stuck with horrible management. Hope I’m wrong, but could really alter how his career pans out.

My bet is Charlotte.

[bluebellmaniac]

So how tall is he really? Is he 7'3" in bare feet and thus 7'5" in shoes? Or is he really 7'3" in shoes and there is a mistake in the OP post?

[exstatic]

So how tall is he really? Is he 7'3" in bare feet and thus 7'5" in shoes? Or is he really 7'3" in shoes and there is a mistake in the OP post?

I think he's now 7'4" bare foot. He's grown an inch since his Vegas debut, and would be listed as 7'5" in your game program.

[JPB]

I think he's now 7'4" bare foot. He's grown an inch since his Vegas debut, and would be listed as 7'5" in your game program.

A taller, more skilled Durant who can block everything. Yeah, gimme that please.

[LeBowen]

I think he's now 7'4" bare foot. He's grown an inch since his Vegas debut, and would be listed as 7'5" in your game program.

Next to Gobert. :rollin
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FeauaJOUAAAUPaj.jpg:large

[TD 21]

It was reported last September that he is in fact 7'4'' barefoot.

For context, Gobert is 7'0.5'' barefoot, so add 1-1.5 inches in shoes and he's about 7'2''.

[offset formation]

I think he's now 7'4" bare foot. He's grown an inch since his Vegas debut, and would be listed as 7'5" in your game program.

Insane.

[spurraider21]

i think he should be the pick. i dont trust amen thompson

[Spurs Homer]

Pretty sure detroit or houston will get him and then trade him to the lakers for some future 2 rps

[BacktoBasics]

My bet is Charlotte.

That seems so on brand for the NBA.

[Russ]

Pretty sure detroit or houston will get him and then trade him to the lakers for some future 2 rps

One thing that positively won't happen -- the team that gets Wemby trades him.

[Spurs Homer]

One thing that positively won't happen -- the team that gets Wemby trades him.

lakers want him- lakers get him- somehow

never fails

[Ice009]

One week until the lottery.

Tbh, outcome of the lottery is more important than the playoffs if Wemby is actually as good as advertised. Someone can get themselves the next big thing and be set for a decade.

His potential aside, Spurs need a marketable superstar because right now it's one of the most obscure teams in the league noone except for the fans cares about. If Pop wasn't still coaching, current Spurs would be as irrelevant as the Hornets.

When exactly is the NBA draft lottery? What day and time?

[ace3g]

When exactly is the NBA draft lottery? What day and time?


The 2023 NBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm will be held on May 16, 2023 at 8:30 p.m ET on ESPN.

[baknedkly]

Honestly, I feel Spurs are getting the number one pick. Silver may not like the Spurs, but it is a business decision. The league needs a new face to carry it since the times of LeBron, Curry, and Durant are coming close to an end. Ja isn't it after his troubles this year. Zion can't stay on the floor. The league can't afford to have their new face ruined by teams that are dysfunctional with no direction.

The league gave the pick to Cleveland to draft LeBron not just because Cleveland was so bad, which they were, but to let an 18 year old phenom stay in his home state to feel comfortable and help him grow since the league was making him the face. Wemby's people have already let Silver know he wants the Spurs as his team. Wemby for his part is playing the perfect public relations game with his comments about no bad teams and playing anywhere. The fact though is the league needs Wemby more than he needs them. The NBA has invested already a lot of money in Wemby, even buying the rights to stream his games and setting up an exhibition with the G-league. The league can manipulate the draft when they feel the need. They just only do it when they need to for business reasons. Cleveland getting the pick after LeBron left because the fanbase was feeling sorry for Cleveland is one. Cleveland getting number one when the NBA knew LeBron was going back home if the lottery fell their way. New Orleans getting number one by doing the Lakers a favor by giving them AD.

The Spurs already have talent and will do right by Wemby to bring him along. The league knows that and Pop is the coach that will teach Wemby and get the most out of him.

[CGD]

Im very curious to see what follows from the draft result. If we get Wemby it feels like it’s one path for the summer, and if they get anyone else it’s another.

[exstatic]

lakers want him- lakers get him- somehow

never fails

Yeah, they’ve gotten all the #1 picks, since…never.

[Thomas82]

Honestly, I feel Spurs are getting the number one pick. Silver may not like the Spurs, but it is a business decision. The league needs a new face to carry it since the times of LeBron, Curry, and Durant are coming close to an end. Ja isn't it after his troubles this year. Zion can't stay on the floor. The league can't afford to have their new face ruined by teams that are dysfunctional with no direction.

The league gave the pick to Cleveland to draft LeBron not just because Cleveland was so bad, which they were, but to let an 18 year old phenom stay in his home state to feel comfortable and help him grow since the league was making him the face. Wemby's people have already let Silver know he wants the Spurs as his team. Wemby for his part is playing the perfect public relations game with his comments about no bad teams and playing anywhere. The fact though is the league needs Wemby more than he needs them. The NBA has invested already a lot of money in Wemby, even buying the rights to stream his games and setting up an exhibition with the G-league. The league can manipulate the draft when they feel the need. They just only do it when they need to for business reasons. Cleveland getting the pick after LeBron left because the fanbase was feeling sorry for Cleveland is one. Cleveland getting number one when the NBA knew LeBron was going back home if the lottery fell their way. New Orleans getting number one by doing the Lakers a favor by giving them AD.

The Spurs already have talent and will do right by Wemby to bring him along. The league knows that and Pop is the coach that will teach Wemby and get the most out of him.

This is the post of the thread right here!!

[Uriel]

Reminder that a 14% chance at Wembanyama means an 86% that we don’t get Wembanyama. In fact, we’re almost twice as likely to get pick #6 as pick #1.

[tbdog]

Reminder that a 14% chance at Wembanyama means an 86% that we don’t get Wembanyama. In fact, we’re almost twice as likely to get pick #6 as pick #1.

Gut wrenching stats. But I am in favour of more even draft odds that eliminates tanking.

[JPB]

The way some people post as if the NBA was (and always had) definitely deciding who gets the picks is cracking me up. Conspiracies everywhere nowadays.

[Ariel]

Reminder that a 14% chance at Wembanyama means an 86% that we don’t get Wembanyama. In fact, we’re almost twice as likely to get pick #6 as pick #1.
I think pretty much everybody gets that, otherwise we wouldn't be tearing ourselves up talking about Scoot, the Thompsons, Cam, Black, Hendricks, etc.

[MultiTroll]

Depends on where he lands and what compromises he's willing to make. If he wants to go all out like some suggest (that want the Spurs to trade for win now players) and is eager to get individual accolades, he'll want to play too many minutes and expose himself to harm (Chet like), and his body will pay for it.
If he values long term collective goals first and foremost and he's willing to pace himself (like Manu did), he may not get quite same stats or individual praise (in the short term) but in the end he could have a 20 year career with multiple rings. The Spurs are ideal for the latter, not so much for the former.


Any player can get injured so I don't think that should be a concern more then it normally and not a factor should be. Now if he had a big track history of injuries that's when we worry, so thankfully he does not.
Both of these.

Think Kream Jabbar.
Tall and skinny does not mean one has to get injured.

[Rocalcio]

Reminder that a 14% chance at Wembanyama means an 86% that we don’t get Wembanyama. In fact, we’re almost twice as likely to get pick #6 as pick #1.


That's the pessimistic way to see things, the optimistic way would be to say that we're one of the 3 teams which have the best odds to get him. Being you must suck...

[spurraider21]

Reminder that a 14% chance at Wembanyama means an 86% that we don’t get Wembanyama. In fact, we’re almost twice as likely to get pick #6 as pick #1.
do you have a program that automatically posts this once per day or something?

[exstatic]

I know, right? He’s been posting this for days and in multiple threads, as if everyone here isn’t aware of the odds.

[Leetonidas]

Reminder that a 14% chance at Wembanyama means an 86% that we don’t get Wembanyama. In fact, we’re almost twice as likely to get pick #6 as pick #1.

And the #6 pick would still be the highest draft pick SA has had since 1997. Gotta look at the positives

[BatManu20]

And the #6 pick would still be the highest draft pick SA has had since 1997. Gotta look at the positives

For sure. Realistically though, getting the 6th pick would be devastating lol.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I’m damn near praying we get the first or second pick in this draft because i am not a big fan of this draft and many in it. I like Cason Wallace and Leonard Miller a lot if they are drafted lower though.

[scott]

I feel like Wemby is going to somehow end up in Chicago, Dallas or even Toronto. This is based on nothing even remotely scientific, just a gut feel.

[rascal]

I feel like Wemby is going to somehow end up in Chicago, Dallas or even Toronto. This is based on nothing even remotely scientific, just a gut feel.

Dallas might lose their pick to the Knicks if one team below them jumps into the top four and they don't get into the top four.

[exstatic]

Dallas might lose their pick to the Knicks if one team below them jumps into the top four and they don't get into the top four.

He’s talking about Dallas jumping all the way up to #1. Knicks don’t get the pick in that case.

[DAF86]

Both are true to be fair. Doesn't change the fact he's the best prospect coming out since Davis.

Which draft prospect has ever faced real competition before getting to the NBA?

[rascal]

He’s talking about Dallas jumping all the way up to #1. Knicks don’t get the pick in that case.

I know what he's talking about but more chance Dallas loses that pick.

[Ariel]

Which draft prospect has ever faced real competition before getting to the NBA?
The guy they passed over for DeAndre Ayton and Marvin Bagley :lol

[Ice009]

The 2023 NBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm will be held on May 16, 2023 at 8:30 p.m ET on ESPN.

Thanks. I will try and tune in for it live. How much time does it usually go for? Do they normally drag it out or anything? I'm going to be strapped for time that day (it's daytime here).

[spurraider21]

Which draft prospect has ever faced real competition before getting to the NBA?
Arvydas Sabonis

[JPB]

Arvydas Sabonis

Sabonis played 15 years in Europe before entering the NBA at 30 or 31... He wasn't exactly a prospect.

But I don't see any prospect playing harder competition than euro guys (Batum, Bobo, Tony, Wemby, Giannis...) playing pro leagues.

[spurraider21]

Sabonis played 15 years in Europe before entering the NBA at 30 or 31... He wasn't exactly a prospect.

But I don't see any prospect playing harder competition than euro guys (Batum, Bobo, Tony, Wemby, Giannis...) playing pro leagues.
but he was drafted in 1986 at age 22

[Thomas82]

Thanks. I will try and tune in for it live. How much time does it usually go for? Do they normally drag it out or anything? I'm going to be strapped for time that day (it's daytime here).

From what I remember, it's around 30 minutes.

[Ariel]

Thanks. I will try and tune in for it live. How much time does it usually go for? Do they normally drag it out or anything? I'm going to be strapped for time that day (it's daytime here).
Not too long, the actual process is done behind the scenes and, once it's completed, they put the results in envelopes and start revealing them one by one, from #14 all the way up to #1. It's pretty condensed.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

Reminder that a 14% chance at Wembanyama means an 86% that we don’t get Wembanyama. In fact, we’re almost twice as likely to get pick #6 as pick #1.

i can't hear this post

[JPB]

but he was drafted in 1986 at age 22

Sure but the question was:


Which draft prospect has ever faced real competition before getting to the NBA?

And at 22, he already had played 5 years or so as a pro, including international competitions.

[spurraider21]

Sure but the question was:
ahh fair point. i went for a cheeky gotcha but lost via technicality. well played


And at 22, he already had played 5 years or so as a pro, including international competitions.
but that was my point. he is an example of someone who had faced real competition before being drafted

[Degoat]

I’d be so excited having a core of Wemby, Sochan, and Vassell.

[rascal]

I’d be so excited having a core of Wemby, Sochan, and Vassell.

Still need another top ten league wide player to that.

[Ariel]

Still need another top ten league wide player to that.
Wemby is our guy there
Top 10: Giannis, Jokic, Embiid, Durant, Steph, Tatum, LeBron, Luka, Jimmy Butler, Ja?
No team has 2, hard to think a small market team will get 2 top 10 players in their prime. Maybe OKC has a chance if Chet gets healthy and blows up, but I doubt it.

[rascal]

Wemby is our guy there
Top 10: Giannis, Jokic, Embiid, Durant, Steph, Tatum, LeBron, Luka, Jimmy Butler, Ja?
No team has 2, hard to think a small market team will get 2 top 10 players in their prime. Maybe OKC has a chance if Chet gets healthy and blows up, but I doubt it.

Spurs need another top ten player because the rest of the team is so bad.

[DesignatedT]

You start attracting better talent if you get a franchise guy like Wemby.

[spurraider21]

Still need another top ten league wide player to that.
i think the idea is that wemby becomes that top 10 league wide player (maybe not immediately)

how many championship teams in recent years have had 2 top 10 players at the same time? lebron/davis when they first joined, but not anymore. durant/curry, sure. otherwise, not since the heatles

certainly not the post durant warriors, the bucks, the raptors....

look at the teams still alive. do the current lakers have 2 top 10 players? no. the nuggets? no. the warriors? no. the celtics? no. the sixers? no (unless you think harden is still a top 10 guy). the heat? no. the knicks? no.

[rascal]

i think the idea is that wemby becomes that top 10 league wide player (maybe not immediately)

how many championship teams in recent years have had 2 top 10 players at the same time? lebron/davis when they first joined, but not anymore. durant/curry, sure. otherwise, not since the heatles

certainly not the post durant warriors, the bucks, the raptors....

look at the teams still alive. do the current lakers have 2 top 10 players? no. the nuggets? no. the warriors? no. the celtics? no. the sixers? no (unless you think harden is still a top 10 guy). the heat? no. the knicks? no.

The Spurs need another top ten because their core is so weak. It's between the Spurs and Rockets for the least talented team in the league. Even Detroit's top three players are better than the Spurs top three.

[spurraider21]

The Spurs need another top ten because their core is so weak. It's between the Spurs and Rockets for the least talented team in the league. Even Detroit's top three players are better than the Spurs top three.
do you think the spurs plan, if they get the #1 pick, is just to draft wemby and then make no other transactions for a few years and assume a championship will happen?

why not just add to the core? why have you set this requirement to get "another top 10 player" as though its something all title contenders do?

[rascal]

do you think the spurs plan, if they get the #1 pick, is just to draft wemby and then make no other transactions for a few years and assume a championship will happen?

No, I'm not talking about that.

I'm talking about the current core of a team in regards to the Wemby, Sochan, Vassell as the top three players comment.

[spurraider21]

No, I'm not talking about that.

I'm talking about the current core of a team.
has anybody here said that wemby + vasell + sochan is a championship core on its own? its just a conceivable one because we already have 2 of those 3 and the potential to draft the third.

why have you set this requirement to necessarily land another top 10 nba player?

[rascal]

has anybody here said that wemby + vasell + sochan is a championship core on its own? its just a conceivable one because we already have 2 of those 3 and the potential to draft the third.

why have you set this requirement to necessarily land another top 10 nba player?

No, but the goal is to get to be a championship core so with the current lousy roster it will need another top ten player added with Wemby to get there.

[spurraider21]

No, but the goal is to get to be a championship core so with the current lousy roster it will need another top ten player added with Wemby to get there.
you've intentionally set an impossible goal because you enjoy misery

hmm, either the spurs (in this scenario with wemby developing into a top 10 player) can...

supplemental their existing core? no. nonsense. they HAVE to add another top 10 player otherwise nothing matters.

[tonight...you]

you've intentionally set an impossible goal because you enjoy misery

hmm, either the spurs (in this scenario with wemby developing into a top 10 player) can...

supplemental their existing core? no. nonsense. they HAVE to add another top 10 player otherwise nothing matters.
rascal's gonna rascal

[jjspur]

Some people on this board have a gut feeling that the spurs will get the #1 pick. It would be great if it happens, but all my gut tells me right now is that the worst record (Detroit) isn't getting Wemby. So maybe the spurs do get the 1st pick. At this point its anybody's lucky guess.

[scott]

If we get Wemby we’re going to need to add 5 more Top 5 League Wide players. -rascal, in yet another one of his all time terrible takes.

[Ariel]

If we get Wemby we’re going to need to add 5 more Top 5 League Wide players. -rascal, in yet another one of his all time terrible takes.
Wow. So you're assuming Wemby won't be top 5? :tongue

[Dejounte]

SpUrS hAvE hAD thE lEaSt TaLeNtEd tEaMs iN tHe LeaGuE foR thE pAsT 5 YeArS. NoNe oF tHeM woUlD pLaY oN pLaYoFf TeAmS

…White, Murray, Lonnie, Landale, even Lyles all say hello.

Sochan and Vassell have higher upside than at least White (who knows about Murray), there’s no problem with seeing if both can reach 2nd or 3rd best player status on a good team.

[TD 21]

SpUrS hAvE hAD thE lEaSt TaLeNtEd tEaMs iN tHe LeaGuE foR thE pAsT 5 YeArS. NoNe oF tHeM woUlD pLaY oN pLaYoFf TeAmS

…White, Murray, Lonnie, Landale, even Lyles all say hello.

Sochan and Vassell have higher upside than at least White (who knows about Murray), there’s no problem with seeing if both can reach 2nd or 3rd best player status on a good team.

When people mention the relative lack of talent in recent years, it's upper echelon obviously, where they have none to speak of at the moment, current or projected.

We knew they had some starters and a bunch of rotation players among the previous youth, which is precisely why they finally re-built: They were simultaneously too good and not good enough.

[Dejounte]

When people mention the relative lack of talent in recent years, it's upper echelon obviously, where they have none to speak of at the moment, current or projected.

We knew they had some starters and a bunch of rotation players among the previous youth, which is precisely why they finally re-built: They were simultaneously too good and not good enough.
Nah, this isn’t “obvious”. There are posts I can pull up easily saying this team had no talent from top to bottom.

[TD 21]

Nah, this isn’t “obvious”. There are posts I can pull up easily saying this team had no talent from top to bottom.

I won't speak for others, but knowing this board, it was probably either schtick/trolling or not meant literally.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I mean, that is splitting hairs.

"No talent" means "no superstar" to me. The differences between Derrick White and the players slightly better and slightly worse than Derrick White are minimal. You can find them easy enough. That's not what "talent" means, in my opinion.

[exstatic]

I mean, that is splitting hairs.

"No talent" means "no superstar" to me. The differences between Derrick White and the players slightly better and slightly worse than Derrick White are minimal. You can find them easy enough. That's not what "talent" means, in my opinion.

Derrick White is All Defense, and a high level connector on both ends. You can’t “find that easy enough”. He’s in the top 25% of NBA players, 100-110 guys out of 450 roster players. That’s not something you sign off the waiver wire.

[Rocalcio]

but he was drafted in 1986 at age 22

So he hadn’t face real competition before being drafted ;)

[Ariel]

Nah, this isn’t “obvious”. There are posts I can pull up easily saying this team had no talent from top to bottom.
Surely hyperbole. Even if you think the Spurs had one of the least talented teams in the league, it doesn't mean that every player was hot garbage.

[The Truth #6]

We’re still probably the least talented but better coached and more or less with less goofballs now who seem to be highly motivated.

[Extra Stout]

The Spurs need another top ten because their core is so weak. It's between the Spurs and Rockets for the least talented team in the league. Even Detroit's top three players are better than the Spurs top three.
what if over the next three years they used their draft capital to get a couple more all-stars and some good role players by drafting them or maybe by making trades would they still need a top ten player then

[RC_Drunkford]

what if over the next three years they used their draft capital to get a couple more all-stars and some good role players by drafting them or maybe by making trades would they still need a top ten player then

look at the Heat tbh

[DAF86]

Position: C/PF

This should read "PG/SF", tbh. :nope