Victor Wembenyama was very happy after the San Antonio Spurs won the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery on May 16 in Chicago.
The 19-year-old French prospect can’t wait to play for the Spurs, who are a popular team in France since fellow Frenchmen Boris Diaw and Tony Parker played for the franchise and won championships.
“My heart’s beating [fast],” Wembanyama told Brian Windhorst of ESPN. “I’ve got everyone I know, everyone I love around me. It’s a really special moment I’m going to remember the rest of my life.”
According to Windhorst, who was with Wembenyama in Paris during the draft lottery, Wembenyama “smiled and shook his head in disbelief as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski opened the lottery broadcast by saying NBA teams viewed him as maybe the most highly anticipated player to enter the draft and ‘maybe the greatest prospect in the history of team sports.'”
NBA DRAFT NEWS & RUMORS: Victor Wembenyama & San Antonio Spurs Updates
The Spurs won only 22 games this season, but their tank job worked to perfection, as they now get to draft a 7-foot-5 player who is a special three-level scorer and stout defender.
“I’m trying to win a ring ASAP,” Wembenyama said. “So get ready.”
The Spurs won five championships during the Tim Duncan era. Duncan was the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft and became arguably the best power forward in league history with San Antonio. Now, the Spurs are excited to bring Wembenyama into the mix with legendary head coach Gregg Popovich serving as his teacher.
NBA DRAFT NEWS & RUMORS: Victor Wembenyama & San Antonio Spurs Updates
After they draft Wembenyama, the Spurs’ roster will be headlined by him, Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Devonte’ Graham, and Tre Jones. Popovich, who will turn 75 next season, has to be thrilled that he gets a chance to work with Wembenyama, who will likely be the betting favorite to win the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year Award.
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