In a groundbreaking moment at the NBA Draft in New York, the San Antonio Spurs selected Victor Wembanyama as the first overall pick, making him the highest-drafted French player in the league’s history. At just 19 years old, Wembanyama is regarded as a once-in-a-generation talent, generating a level of excitement reminiscent of LeBron James when he entered the league straight out of high school two decades ago.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Wembanyama couldn’t hold back tears of joy as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced his name at the Barclays Center. “This is a dream come true,” he expressed. “I’ve been envisioning this moment my entire life. To hear Adam Silver say those words, it’s something I’ve always dreamed of. I can’t help but cry. This is the best night of my life.”
Standing at an impressive 7 feet, 4 inches (2.24 meters), Wembanyama possesses the physical attributes of a center combined with the ball-handling, passing, and shooting skills of a guard, a truly awe-inspiring combination that has the potential to revolutionize the sport. His long-range shooting ability, athleticism, and knack for rebounding and dunking his own misses make him a formidable force on the court.
Despite his towering height, Wembanyama currently weighs only 230 pounds (104 kilograms), leaving the question of whether he can add bulk to his frame before the regular season commences in late October.
Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs is eager to further develop Wembanyama’s unique skill set in the hopes of revitalizing the storied franchise. The team has missed the playoffs for four consecutive seasons and hasn’t advanced past the opening round since 2017.
“The support I’ve received from the Spurs fans has been incredible,” Wembanyama shared. “I believe there are murals of me in the city of San Antonio. It’s absolutely amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome. I truly love the fan base.”
The San Antonio Spurs have previously held the first overall pick twice, selecting future Basketball Hall of Famers David Robinson in 1987 and Tim Duncan in 1997. These legendary players led the Spurs to multiple NBA titles, with Duncan winning three additional championships with the team.
The franchise has a successful history with French players, notably Tony Parker, who guided the team to four championships between 2003 and 2014 and whom Wembanyama admired while growing up. Prior to Wembanyama, the highest-drafted French player in the NBA was Killian Hayes, chosen seventh by the Detroit Pistons in 2020.
Wembanyama’s impressive performance with Metropolitans 92, a professional team in the French League, contributed to his remarkable rise in prominence. He averaged 21.6 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, earning numerous accolades, including the Most Valuable Player title.
Following Wembanyama’s selection, the Charlotte Hornets picked Brandon Miller as the second overall pick, and the Portland Trail Blazers chose Scoot Henderson with the third pick, setting the stage for an exciting new era in the NBA.
