The best NBA landing spot for international star Victor Wembanyama
International star Victor Wembanyama -- the undisputed top prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft -- and Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich seem like a match made in heaven. The 7-foot-4 forward should hope the San Antonio Spurs (19-52) land him with the first overall pick.
The Spurs are 14th in the Western Conference and have the third-worst record in the league, ahead of only the Houston Rockets (18-54) and Detroit Pistons (16-56). The NBA Draft Lottery on May 16 will determine the order of selection.
A five-time NBA champion, "Pop" has developed some of the greatest stars in basketball history, including David Robinson, Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard. The Basketball Hall of Famer also has a knack for coaching international players, such as former Spurs stars Tony Parker (France) and Manu Ginobili (Argentina).
With the Metropolitans 92 in a French professional league, Wembanyama -- who was born in France -- is averaging 21.5 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 blocks while shooting 46.7% from the field. The 19-year-old's highlights are jaw-dropping. Teams often double him even without the ball.
Wembanyama moves like Phoenix's Kevin Durant, who is six inches shorter, and he's developing a unique shot that only he may consistently hit: a one-legged three.
Wembanyama, whose size and quickness could make him a superior NBA defender, said last month that he doesn't have a preference for where he lands in the Association.
"There is no wrong team. There is no bad organization. I never tell myself I don't want to go there," he told ESPN.
There may be no "wrong" team, but there is a right one.
San Antonio should be Wembanyama's hope. A pairing with Popovich, one of the best coaches of all time in any sport, would be special.
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