Who are the top prospects in the 2023 NBA draft? Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller...

From the freak-of-nature Frenchman to Alabama’s talented but controversial guard, the upcoming NBA Draft class is loaded with not only talent but attributes that we haven’t seen in years if at all. Let’s break it down for you.

The 2023 NBA Draft class is exciting

With less than a week remaining until the 2023 NBA Draft, it’s fair to say that we’ve got a very interesting lineup of players who will be making their way into the professional game. The question now is, who are they? What makes them stand out and where are they likely to be going? Off the bat, we know that Victor Wembanyama out of France is going to be the No. 1 pick and he will be heading to the San Antonio Spurs after they won the rights to him in the recently concluded NBA Draft Lottery. Yet, that has nothing to do with the mystery of who will go at No. 2, No. 3, and the remaining top 10.

On the other hand, it would be safe to assume that the likes of Brandon Miller or Scoot Henderson will clock in at No. 2, meaning one of them will be playing for the Charlotte Hornets this coming season, while the one who falls at No. 3 will be suiting up for the Portland Trail Blazers. From there, we’ll see the Rockets coming in at No. 4 and Detroit at No. 5 but who they select is anyone’s guess at this point. That said, we do know which players are expected to be in the runnings for those spots. So, let’s get into it.

No. 1 - Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

While you might be tempted to think some part of it is just hype, it would be a mistake not to acknowledge the Frenchman as the real deal. Aside from his 7-foot-4 stature with point guard-like ball handling and sharp shooting, Wembanyama is a defensive machine. As LeBron James said, the only thing that can potentially stand in this kid’s way is the threat of injury. It will be interesting to see how his career develops in the NBA. We’re definitely excited about the idea.

No. 2 - Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets)

Following his involvement in a tragic situation that led to the shooting death of a young mother, Miller’s attitude and mentality have been called into question by a number of analysts. However, it’s interesting to note that none of them have questioned Miller’s game. Truth be told, the Hornets must be very excited by the prospect of the wing teaming up with LaMelo Ball in a Hornets offense that has often looked like it’s missing just one more offensive weapon before it can truly be competitive. For all intents and purposes, it would appear Charlotte’s wait is over.

No. 3 - Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers)

There’s been a great deal of debate about whether Henderson should go at No. 2 ahead of Miller and if we’re honest we can understand why. An athlete through and through, Henderson has been sensational for the G League’s Ignite and has been touted as a franchise player. On that note, some have questioned how he will fit with Damian Lillard who has thus far been the team’s pillar but the alternative would be to pass on a player who could quite frankly be one of the best of his generation.

No. 4 - Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)

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If one thing about Thompson makes him unlike the others who are projected to go ahead of him in the Draft, it’s his passing/playmaking. Add to that the fact that he’s a superb athlete and you’ve got yourself a party. Perhaps the only problem where Thompson is concerned is that the Rockets have been linked for some time with a move for their former star, James Harden, whose potential return could complicate things.

No 5. - Cam Whitmore (Detroit Pistons)

It may just be that the Pistons could get the missing piece to their puzzle. With Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey on the roster, Whitmore represents the exact kind of player with his high work ethic that could complement the two current stars of the franchise. An exciting wing who isn’t shy in the paint, the Villanova product boasts a solid frame that will do him well in the NBA.