LeBron, Giannis and the 2023 NBA Draft omen as teams search for next superstar

22 June 2023 , 10:00

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LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo were drafted exactly 10 years apart (Image: 2023 Getty Images)

Victor Wembanyama has brought a lot of attention to the 2023 NBA Draft, with the French prospect one of the most exciting talents ever seen.

The seven-foot-four giant has even been recognised as a "generational talent" by LeBron James, someone who was experiencing a similar kind of attention 20 years ago. James was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 draft, and it seems a generational star is discovered every time the third year of the decade rolls around.

Ten years on from James, Giannis Antetokounmpo was discovered and the Milwaukee Bucks couldn't have confidently foreseen a two-time MVP when selecting him 15th overall. The strange omen gives other teams in the NBA hope that they will also land a future franchise gem, but Wembanyama is destined for the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs won the draft lottery and unless there's one of the biggest shocks in NBA history, they'll select Wembanyama first. But although the attention is rightfully on the Frenchman, there's still 57 other players that will be picked, and they'll be just as eager to make themselves a success.

For teams that aren't in possession of a top 10 pick, hope is not lost. It's worth being reminded that Kobe Bryant was selected 13th overall back in 1996 when coming straight from high-school. Giannis slipped to 15th, and current NBA champion Nikola Jokic wasn't even picked until the second round.

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Whilst some players like James are home-run picks and always appear destined for greatness from the moment they set foot on an NBA court, other players don't develop until slightly later or simply adapt to the NBA better than anticipated.

Across all sports it can be the case where a player just seems to exceed expectations, with no valid reason as to why. That said, the 2023 draft class is full of talent that may have been overshadowed slightly by Wembanyama.

Victor Wembanyama is close to discovering his destiny (2023 Aurelien Meunier)

Scoot Henderson is likely to be a top three pick, with the point guard one of the most talented in his position across the entire draft. Henderson may only be six-foot-three, but so is Stephen Curry.

Brandon Miller is also expected to be picked early, with the six-foot-nine forward from Alabama a dangerous threat out on the wing. The Thompson brothers have also gained a lot of attention, with Amen and Ausar both starring for City Reapers.

The identical twins are expected to be picked inside the top ten, but will finally be separated on Thursday night. The event will take place in Brooklyn, New York, with the first round starting at 8:00 p.m. ET - which is the time that Wembanyama will surely be selected.

Joseph McBride