By James L. Edwards III, Kelly Iko, Alex Schiffer and Jason Quick
The San Antonio Spurs won Tuesday’s NBA Draft lottery, locking out the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft. Here’s what you need to know:
- San Antonio had a 14% chance of landing the top pick after finishing the regular season with a 22-60 record.
- The Detroit Pistons, who were tied with a league-best chance of landing the top pick by 14%, fell to the No. 5 pick.
- Victor Wembanyama, a 7-foot-4 prospect who plays for Metropolitans de Boulogne-Levallois 92 in the LNB Pro A in France, is expected to be the No. 1 pick.
AthleticismInstant analysis of:
What this means for Spurs
Coach Gregg Popovich gets his third generation big man in his time at San Antonio. Wembamyama joins a young Spurs core that includes Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan and others to possibly keep Pop on the bench for a few more years. Pop is no stranger to highly touted international players as Wembamyama joins fellow Frenchman Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Patty Mills and more. as the last international player to dress in black and silver. — Schiffer
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NBA Draft 2023 lottery: Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio?
Where could the Pistons turn?
There couldn’t have been more than one punch for the Pistons. Detroit has had the worst record and ends up falling as far as it can go. The organization thinks there are good players who can help them to No. 5, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pistons trade the pick in order to take the next step in the East next season – Edward III
Could the Rockets also move their pick?
Wow. There must be a lot of disappointment for Houston, especially after enduring the season — or seasons — the Rockets have, only to end up drafting outside the top three. There are still a few interesting names to consider here – the Thompson twins, Whitmore and even Taylor Hendricks or Walker – but I expect the Rockets to be extremely open to trading this pick. — It’s here
What will Portland do at No. 3?
With the Trail Blazers missing the top pick, look for them to trade No. 3. This was made clear by franchise star Damian Lillard on April 9, when in his exit interview he basically said he didn’t have the patience to draft a young player. “It just doesn’t interest me,” Lillard said in April. ” It’s not a secret. I want a chance to go there. And if the road is towards (the youth draft), then it’s not my road.
Lillard turns 33 in July and wants the Blazers to pick up some veteran talent to put them in contention. Will the No. 3 pick be enticing enough for teams to give up star power? — Fast
Full 2023 NBA Draft Lottery Results
1. San Antonio Spurs
2. Charlotte’s Hornets
3. Portland Trail Blazers
4. Houston Rockets
5. Detroit Pistons
6. Orlando Magic
7. Indiana Pacers
8. Wizards of Washington
9. Utah Jazz
10. Dallas Mavericks
11. Orlando Magic
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
13. Toronto Raptors
14. New Orleans Pelicans
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(Photo: Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
