NBA Draft: Victor Wembanyama 'Cannot Wait' to Join Spurs
Whether it was the French connection with former players or learning from the winningest coach in franchise history, Victor Wembanyama is thrilled about joining the San Antonio Spurs.
The paring between Wembanyama and the Spurs will become official Thursday night during the 2023 NBA Draft. San Antonio will make the French phenom its first No. 1 pick since Tim Duncan in 1997.
Wembanyama said he felt lucky when learning his fate at the NBA Draft Lottery in May due to the winning culture the Spurs have established since their first championship title in 1999.
"For me, San Antonio is synonymous of winning," Wembanyama said at the NBA Draft media availability Wednesday morning. "As a franchise that has that culture and experience in winning and creating good players, I cannot wait."
Scouts and draft analysts view Wembanyama as the league's best prospect since LeBron James in 2003. James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who had little to no success prior to his arrival as the No. 1 pick from St. Vincent–St. Mary High School.
But unlike the high school phenom 20 years ago, Wembanyama will join one of the most pristine franchises in league history.
Under the stewardship of coach Gregg Popovich, the Spurs have produced an All-Time great in Duncan and a trio of current and future Hall of Famers with Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker.
Wembanyama said his goal is to become an all-time great. And by joining the Spurs, he will have a blueprint to accomplish his lifetime dream. As a member of Metropolitans 92, Wembanyama averaged 21.6 points on 47.0 percent shooting from the field, 10.4 rebounds and 3.0 blocks.
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