Scoot Henderson Makes Pitch to Be Top Pick Over Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs’ decision might not be as easy as most fans think.

Victor Wembanyama is widely expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, a selection owned by the Spurs following Tuesday night’s draft lottery. 

While it’s been a foregone conclusion that Wembanyama will be the first name off the board on draft night, some members of the 2023 draft class don’t necessarily see it that way.

Scoot Henderson, who is projected by most as the No. 2 selection, still hasn’t lost hope that it’ll be him and not Wembanyama who ends up being the first pick.

Speaking to media members on Wednesday, Henderson boldly declared he thinks he has what it takes to be the first name called at the draft.

“I think I have the ability to go No. 1,” said Henderson, via The Athletic. “I believe in myself as any competitor should.”

San Antonio already seems to be preparing for life with Wembanyama on the roster, but Henderson didn’t rule out the possibility of taking a visit with the Spurs during the pre-draft process. 

The Hornets own the No. 2 pick in the draft, while the third selection is owned by the Trail Blazers. 

Henderson didn’t play college basketball, opting instead to sign for the G-League Ignite, where he averaged 16.5 points and 6.8 assists per game in 19 contests last season. Wembanyama, on the other hand, plays professionally in France’s first-tier for the Boulougne-Levallois Metropolitans.