San Antonio Spurs Draft: Oscar Wembanyama Receiving Buzz Four Years Early

The San Antonio Spurs are receiving all the hype for their young star, but they could add an equally interesting prospect down the road.

The 2023 NBA Draft might not be the only year that focuses on a Wembanyama in France. 

Victor Wembanyama was the no-brainer selection made by the San Antonio Spurs this summer, and in two preseason games, he has looked worth all the hype. He has posted at least 20 points in both of the games and has been dazzling with his length and defense.

While more eyes are on Victor than ever before, he has been in the spotlight since his early years as a basketball player. His younger brother, Oscar, might have a similar situation.

Victor Wembanyama is already showcasing elite defensive instincts.  / © Scott Wachter, USA TODAY

Oscar Wembanyama, 16, has only been playing basketball for a year and a half. Despite that, he took home a U15 national title in France in 2022 and has been signed to the ASVEL U18 team, which is the junior team for Victor’s former club.

Unlike his brother, Oscar is “only” 6-8. While that seems massive for a teenager, his brother was seven feet even by then. Oscar is not the showstopper that his brother is, averaging only 2.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.7 steals. Keeping in mind that he’s playing two years above most kids his age, that’s not bad at all.

Oscar has yet to announce his professional plans, but a career in the NBA doesn’t seem out of the picture. Last winter, before his brother was drafted, Oscar had some poignant words. 

“I don’t particularly feel in [Victor’s] shadow," Oscar said. "My goal is not to do exactly like him but to write my own story, as beautiful as possible.”

Predicting an NBA career that wouldn’t even begin until 2026 or 2027 is very hard to do, and by then Oscar may have found another passion. However, with his size, exposure to elite training, and family background, he has better chances than anyone to make it to the league. He would declare for either the 2026 or ‘27 Draft, and the Spurs have three first-round picks and seven second-round selections between those two classes.

Wouldn’t that be something?