NBA Mock Draft: Who could go No. 1 besides Victor Wembanyama?
By Ian Levy
Victor Wembanyama seems to be the consensus No. 1 pick in almost every NBA Mock Draft. Which players could knock him off that spot by June?
Almost every NBA Mock Draft you see right now is going to have Victor Wembanyama in the top spot. The 7-foot-2 French big is a uniquely talented prospect, a devastating shot-blocker with the mobility to defend in space. A center who handles the ball like a guard, can run the pick-and-roll and is comfortable drilling stepback 3-pointers.
As compelling as his physical tools and skill set are, there are questions. His frame is willow thin and a team could fall down a rabbit hole of concerns about how a lack of strength will keep him from assimilating quickly, or present a long-term injury risk. And, as unique as he is, there are a few teams who have players similar enough, and needs drastic enough elsewhere in their lineups, that they might consider another option.
This draft class is deep and has several other potential stars at the top. If teams like the Magic, Thunder, Jazz, Wizards or Pelicans land in the top spot they could consider trading back for a player they really want and pick up some additional assets. Or they could keep it simple and just take someone other than Wembanyama.
Which players could leap Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA Draft?
3. Ausar Thompson
Ausar Thompson, along with his twin Amen, are two of the most compelling prospects in this class. They are both elite, outlier athletes with the potential to be two-way stars but there are some subtle differences in the roles they project into at the next level.
His athletic tools will make him a force in transition and he’s slightly ahead of his brother as a defensive playmaker. With some reps under his belt he could be an All-Defensive candidate on the wing with the tools to cross-match against a variety of different kinds of players.
He’ll need improve his jumper and demonstrate that the secondary-creator upside he’s shown in the Overtime Elite league he’s playing in will translate to the next level. But he’s a special talent and a team at the top could certainly find themselves falling in love with him.