It was another season to forget for the Portland Trail Blazers as they missed the playoffs for a second consecutive year. While the Damian Lillard-led team improved by six wins from the previous season, they still finished 33-49. The Trail Blazers team that reached the Western Conference Finals in 2019 feels so, so long go.
However, they earned a crucial rebuilding piece last week when the NBA Draft Lottery granted them the third-overall pick. While much of the focus of the NBA Draft has been presumptive first-overall pick Victor Wembanyama, this year’s class is incredibly deep. Players like Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller could also be franchise-altering. Despite this, there are rumors that the Blazers might not stay at #3.
Blazers Could Trade #3 Pick For “Elite” Small Forward
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 02: Kevin Knox II #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes to the basket for a slam dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter of the game at Target Center on April 2, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
There is a lot of debate about what could happen after the San Antonio Spurs presumably take Wembanyama first overall. In particular, the Blazers don’t appear to be ready to accept their fate as a rebuilding team just yet. This news comes from The Athletic‘s John Hollinger. Hollinger’s reporting contradicts news from other sources, such as ESPN‘s Jonathan Givony.
The Trail Blazers, who currently own the pick, will seek to trade out of the third position rather than select another young player. With Portland in “win it for Dame” mode and the Blazers desperate for playable wings (even presuming they re-sign Jerami Grant), speculation is already widespread that a package of the third pick and Anfernee Simons might be used to snag an elite small forward.
John Hollinger, The Athletic
So who counts as an elite small forward in the eyes of the Blazers? There is only a small group of small forwards who could be considered “elite”. While that position includes the likes of LeBron, Durant, Kawhi, and Paul George, all these players come with baggage. Whether it’s age, injury history, or a poison pill contract, they simply aren’t worth the #3 pick. “All in for Dame” is not enough for a year of LeBron or a risk on an injured player. The same goes for the likes of Jimmy Butler and Jayson Tatum, who are elite but unlikely to be moved by their current teams as they are actively franchise keystones. So who does that leave? The Blazers could potentially move to trade for the likes of Andrew Wiggins, Brandon Ingram, or DeMar DeRozan. However, maybe it’s time for the Blazers to accept their fate and rebuild with their best draft position since 2007.
Victor Wembanyama is at the forefront of basketball fans’ minds as the 2023 NBA draft quickly approaches in June. Wembanyama is seen by many NBA scouts as a once-in-a-lifetime, generational talent. The draft sweepstakes for the French basketball player will be in full effect once the season is over. While the NBA draft is always a thrilling time for basketball fans, especially fans of less successful teams, this year’s stakes are high. Some have compared the anticipation to that of the 2003 NBA Draft. That saw the likes of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Carmelo Anthony enter the National Basketball Association.
Wembanyama stands at 7-foot-4 inches tall and reportedly has an eight-foot wingspan. Along with his freakish build, the nineteen-year-old can handle the basketball like a wing and shoot the ball from three. His natural physical attributes, along with his skill on the court, are what makes Wembanyama so enticing to teams. Scouts believe he can truly be a franchise-changing player for any NBA team.
Family History
LEVALLOIS – PERRET, FRANCE – DECEMBER 11: Victor Wembanyama (1) parents Elodie (Left) and Felix (right) Wembanyama are watching the French National Basketball League (LNB) game between the Metropolitans 92 and the AS Monaco at Palais des sports Marcel-Cerdan on December 11, 2022 in Levallois – Perret, France. (Photo by Glenn Gervot/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Both of Wembanyama’s parents were former athletes. His father, Felix, is a former Track & Field athlete as a triple-jumper, while his mother, Elodie de Fautereau, is a former basketball player and current coach. His father stands 6-foot-6 inches tall, and his mother stands 6-foot-3 inches tall. The baller’s older sister, Eve, plays basketball and won a gold medal with France at the FIBA U16 European Championships in 2017. His younger brother, Oscar, also plays basketball and signed to ASVEL’s U18 team at fifteen. Wembanyama also learned judo and played soccer as a goalkeeper as a child.
Youth Basketball Career
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 09: Victor Wembanyama of Metropolitains 92 reacts during the Betclic Elite match between Metropolitans 92 and LDLC Asvel at Salle Marcel Cerdan on January 09, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Wembanyama was first scouted during a U11 game in Versailles, France. A coach for Nanterre 92 basketball club, Michael Allard, mistook Wembanyama for a coach of the team. Allard then called the technical director in charge of the U11 program at JSF Nanterre, and shortly after, Wembanyama was moved to the club. Wembanayma rose through the ranks of Nanterre’s program before making his professional debut with the U18 and U21 teams.
Wembanyama also caught the eye of NBA veteran Nicolas Batum at fourteen. He was playing near where the French national team was practicing when his stunning stature caught the eye of Batum. While speaking on the experience with Andscape, Batum mentioned that after the game, he greeted Wembanyama. He stated, “I saw this 14-year-old kid walking, and I said, ‘Hold up. Let me watch this kid play.’ I saw him moving, dribbling, and I called Tony Parker right away and said, ‘We got to get this guy Victor Wembanyama.’”
Professional Career Overseas
HENDERSON, NEVADA – OCTOBER 04: Victor Wembanyama #1 of Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 walks ahead of teammate Tremont Waters #51 as they return to the court after a timeout in the third quarter of their exhibition game against G League Ignite at The Dollar Loan Center on October 04, 2022 in Henderson, Nevada. Ignite defeated Metropolitans 92 122-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Wembanyama began his professional basketball career for Nanterre 92, a French team that competed in the under-21 and under-18 leagues in France’s LNB Espoirs league. While playing for Nanterre 92, Wembanyama mostly came off the bench in limited minutes. However, in February 2020, he averaged 15.8 points, 12 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and six blocks per game in the under-18 Kaunas qualifying tournament for the ‘Adidas Next Generation Tournament’ and earned all-tournament team honors.
In June of 2021, Wembanyama signed a contract with ASVEL of the EuroLeague. Many basketball fans regard the EuroLeague as the best league outside the United States. During his time with the team, Wembanyama suffered several injuries and was sidelined for a long time. However, in his final year with the team, he came in second in voting for the EuroLeague Rising Stars Award.
Wembanyama currently plays for Metropolitans 92 of the French LNB Pro A league. It was here that American media began to cover Wembanyama. In October 2022, Metropolitans 92 played two exhibition games in Las Vegas, Nevada, against the G-League Ignite team. Throughout these two games, Wembanyama averaged 36.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and 4.5 blocks. Due to this performance, the NBA announced it would stream all of Metropolitans 92’s games on their app.
Wembanyama became one of the most dominant players in the Pro A League during the 2022-2023 season. He was named captain of the France team during the LNB All-Star game and also took home All-Star game MVP honors, becoming the youngest player in league history to do so. Wembanyama has also played for France’s Junior and Senior National Teams and led his team to two silver medals, including at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
High Praise from NBA’s Best
Wembanyama has also received high praise from many former NBA All-Stars and MVPs as his debut in the NBA approaches. On Wembanyama, Lebron James stated, “I think probably the same as everybody else thinks. Everybody’s been a unicorn over the last few years, but he’s more like an alien. No one has ever seen anyone as tall as he is but as fluid and graceful as he is on the floor. He’s for sure a generational talent. Hopefully, he continues to stay healthy. That’s the important thing for him.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo also had high praise for Wembanyama. He, too, was a highly scouted European player who is now an NBA champion and back-to-back league MVP. While speaking about Wembanyama, Antetokounmpo stated, “I had the chance to watch Victor play in 2021, a year ago, for the first time because my little brother, Kostas, played for ASVEL, and they were teammates. And he’s incredible, man. His skills, the way he can shoot the ball, the way he can move, he’s extremely fast for his size, he can block shots, he can be a threat on the defensive end, he’s unbelievable. I believe it’s only a matter of time until he’s in the league.”
Continued Co-Signs
Kevin Durant, a player to who Wembanyama’s basketball ability has often been compared, also reflected on Wembanyama’s potential. He stated, “That type of talent and skill just puts a smile on your face if you play basketball. The evolution of the game has taken us this far. We got a 7-foot-5-inch dude that’s able to do everything on the court. It’s inspiring to a lot of people. The league’s really in trouble when he comes in. I want to see how it plays out. Everybody has been excited about his arrival to the league, so we’ll see what happens.”
Victor Wembanyama has been destined to be the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft for nearly a year. On Friday, the French phenom finally made it official. At 19 years old, Wembanyama is already facing a mountain of expectations before he even enters the NBA. Webanyama stands at 7’2 and can do anything on the basketball court. While many could be skeptical of his talents since he isn’t a well-known name. However, scouts have long been drooling over the intention of adding Wembanyama to their roster.
With the thought of Wembanyama joining the league, the term tanking has been popular. Tanking has long been an issue the league has tried to encourage teams to stop. However, it can be almost nearly impossible to know for certain that a team is tanking. Unless you’re the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks were fined for tanking after benching Luka Doncic in their last two regular season games for rest. However, the Mavericks waited too long to tank. The team will not be in the Wembanyama sweepstakes.
There are a few candidates that are hoping their ping pong ball goes first in the draft lottery. The teams with the best chance would be the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Detroit Pistons. The Spurs have had a few down years, but the franchise has been known as one of the best of the last 25 years. Gregg Popovich getting the chance to coach Wembanyama would strike fear into the entire NBA. The Pistons would love to add the big man to their loaded young roster. A roster that includes a former number one overall pick already in Cade Cunningham.
However, we will not know who the winner of the Webanyama sweepstakes is until the Draft Lottery. Stranger things have happened, but it seems like the three teams mentioned above will have the best chance at landing Webanyama. Will Victor Wembanyama be ready for the challenge of being the face of a franchise? Is there any chance that someone is chosen before him? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA Draft news, keep it right here with HNHH.
Victor Wembanyama is the talk of the NBA and hasn’t even played a game. The 2023 prospect has dazzled with clips of his skills plastered all over social media. The 7’4 French superstar will be the first name called at the 2023 NBA Draft this summer. However, Wembanyama’s talents already have those within the NBA jealous of missing out on him. For one anonymous exec. tanking for Wembanyama would have been in the best interest of his team.
The only thing we know about this unnamed executive is that he works for a team in the Western Conference. When speaking on the talents of Wembanyama, the anonymous executive didn’t hold back. “Honestly, I wish we wouldn’t have won so many games this year. We’re going to all regret not tanking every game to get this dude.” The anonymous statement was reported by ESPN‘s Jonathan Givony. Just from watching Wemby’s highlights, you can see why one would feel this way.
Victor Wembanyama’s latest addition to his sizzle reel was an insane feat of talent. Not many players can pull off a putback dunk off their own missed three. Wemby’s length isn’t a skill that can be taught. However, following your shot is, and Wemby has that down to a science. Yes, the talent I’m the ASVL may not be on par with the NBA. But it’s hard to imagine a scenario where Wembanyama doesn’t pull something like this off in his next venture.
The time is fastly approaching when we will finally witness Wemby’s NBA debut. The kid will most certainly have a target on his back from day one. The pressure on Victor may be something we haven’t seen since the debut of LeBron James. While the pressure may be large, Wembanyama seems like he is more than ready for the challenge. Do you believe that Wembanyama is the next big NBA star? Or do you believe he will be doomed from the start? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. For more on the NBA and the latest in sports, stay right here at HNHH.
Brandon Miller has decided to forgo the rest of his college eligibility and enter the NBA Draft. The standout Alabama freshman will be one of the top picks in this year’s draft. Miller’s season performance was overshadowed by his alleged involvement in the murder of Jamea Harris. However, the allegations against Miller are still in the midst of being processed. Although, at the moment, it doesn’t seem the allegations will affect his draft status.
Miller was awarded the 2023 SEC Player of The Year award at the season’s end. The Crimson Tide were head and shoulders above everyone in the conference. With Miller leading the charge. The soon-to-be lottery pick averaged 19 points a game in his lone college season. Miller’s great season helped lead Alabama to a regular season and conference tournament SEC Championship. Overall, it was the team’s sixth conference tournament championship in their history.
Brandon Miller Is Heading For NBA Stardom
University of Alabama forward Brandon Miller – the No. 3 prospect in latest @DraftExpress mock draft – is entering the 2023 NBA Draft, he told ESPN on Thursday. Miller has made a strong case to teams to go second overall behind generational No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama in June. pic.twitter.com/JIOajIq14b
Without question, Australian star Victor Wembanyama will be the first pick in the draft. The Australian sensation has dazzled scouts across the league with his talent and sheer size. Whereas the Webanyama sweepstakes are in full effect. As the Spurs, Rockets, and Pistons look to have the best chance of landing the big man. However, Miller will be no consolation prize. However, Miller will have to be cleared of any wrongdoing in the murder of Harris to further his career. Surprisingly, details on Miller’s alleged involvement in the case are tightly sealed.
Miller’s decision to enter the NBA Draft was an easy one. While NIL has made a positive impact on college athletes making money, Miller is a surefire lottery pick. With that accolade comes millions of dollars and instant stardom. Miller’s Alabama career will surely be written as confusing in the history books. An incredible talent that could potentially be for nothing due to off-the-court pain. Do you believe that Miller’s talents will translate to the NBA? Do you believe teams need to be suspicious of Miller’s alleged involvement in the Harris murder? Let us know your opinions on the matter in the comment section below. To stay up to date with the latest NBA Draft news, stick with us here at HNHH.
Leading up to the NBA Draft, it was believed the Orlando Magic would use the No. 1 pick to pick Jabari Smith Jr. from Auburn. Instead, they swerved the basketball world and selected Paolo Banchero of Duke.
“I had a feeling, from the information I was being told, that it was just kind of up in the air,” Banchero said to ESPN. “Orlando wasn’t really sure yet, and just to be ready for whatever.
“I didn’t find out, though, that I was actually getting picked until about 20 seconds before the commissioner got on the stage. I didn’t even have time to really think about it or anything. It just kind of happened. I can’t believe it, but I’m ready. I’m ready.”
During his final season at Duke, Banchero averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He now joins a young core that features Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Franz Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr. All players, except Carter Jr., were drafted by the Magic.
To round out the top five, The Sacramento Kings drafted Keegan Murray, and Detroit added Purdue guard Jaden Ivey to their young core.
There were plenty of Draft Night trades. The New York Knicks sent Kemba Walker to the Detroit Pistons, who are expected to buy the guard out. The Philadelphia 76ers traded Danny Green and the No. 23 pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for De’Anthony Melton.
