2023 NBA Draft Results and Offseason Rumors

By Sam Batz

Before the Free Agency window officially opens, everyone was focused on one thing, the 2023 NBA Draft. The draft began last night on Thursday, June 22nd. Several players went where they were expected to go, but as always, certain high-profile players dropped to later in the draft. Below are the top-5 picks for the First Round of last night’s NBA draft. For a complete list of every selection, click here. 

2023 NBA Draft Results (Top-5 Picks)

Pick 1: Victor Wembanyama; San Antonio Spurs

No surprise here. Everyone and their mother knew the Spurs were going to take 19-year old French International Victor Wembanyama. Wemby has been described as a generational talent because of his size and complimentary dribbling skills. He is 7’ 5” (with shoes on) but can drain three-point shots, shots 82% from the Free Throw line, and is an elite shot-blocker. He was undoubtedly the top prize of this year’s draft, and if he can stay healthy, he will have an immediate impact for San Antonio next season. 

Pick 2: Brandon Miller; Charlotte Hornets

SEC Player of the Year Bradon Miller went 2nd to the Charlotte Hornets, who can certainly use a player of his caliber. Standing 6’9”, 200 lbs, Miller is a do-it-all type of athlete. He can hit from deep, drive the lane, and lock opponents down defensively. Miller’s ability to create shots will be crucial, and paired with LaMelo Ball’s playmaking skills, Charlotte should feel very good about this pick. 

Pick 3: Scoot Henderson; Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers may not have needed another Point Guard, but they couldn’t turn down the opportunity to grab the insanely talented Scoot Henderson. Scoot was the top-rated Point Guard entering the draft, and 3rd overall player in the draft. He is small, standing at 6’2” 195 lbs, but his competitive drive to be the best will be infectious in Portland. Choosing to skip the college scene, Henderson came out of the NBA’s G League Ignite, where he impressed everyone with his high-flying plays and excellent shooting. He’s a great defensive guard, something Portland desperately needed, and the Blazers should feel fortunate to have Scoot on the roster.  

Pick 4: Amen Thompson; Houston Rockets

Amen was the first Thompson twin to go in the draft. Standing 6’ 7” 199 lbs, Amen was considered the 2nd-best Forward, and the 4th-best overall player, in this year’s draft. Amen, like Scoot Henderson, chose the less traditional path, skirting college to play in the Overtime Elite system. His potential is limitless, and while the Houston Rockets still need more pieces to put together a title contending team, they are off to a great start with Amen Thompson.  

Pick 5: Ausar Thompson; Detroit Pistons

Ausar Thompson went to the Detroit Pistons directly after his twin brother. Ausar, who like his brother stands at 6 ‘7”, has great size for his position. Thompson is an incredibly efficient player, shooting 59% from the Field, 40% from the 3-point line, and 73% from the Free Throw line during his time with Overtime Elite. Like his brother, he is an elite defender, and I’m certain he will find a home in Detroit’s system next season. 

NBA Offseason Rumors

The news surrounding the NBA’s offseason activities has been chaotic, but highly entertaining. The latest move, which saw veteran Point Guard Chris Paul sent to the Golden State Warriors, shortly after he was traded from the Suns to the Wizards, in exchange for Jordan Poole, is just the start of what’s being touted as an offseason full of intrigue. Here’s the latest regarding offseason activities.

Los Angeles Clippers Want Westbrook Back

LA Clippers President Lawrence Frank said they want Russell Westbrook back for next season, but also stated that “we understand he [Westbrook] has a right to choose where he goes as a Free Agent.” Russ is one of the biggest names in this year’s Free Agency Field, but even though the Clipper’s want him to stay, if he gets a better offer from somewhere else, he will likely leave. 

Chicago Bulls Don’t Expect Lonzo Ball To Play Next Season

The Bulls picked up Lonzo Ball in 2021, but the 25-year old 6’ 6” Point Guard has only played 35 games for the Bulls in the 2021-22 season, and missed the entirety of last year’s season due to a knee injury that continues to haunt him. Chicago Bulls VP Arturas Karnisovas said “our expectation is that he’s [Ball] not going to be back next season.” Lonzo continues to recover from the knee surgery, but his progress has been slow, and the Bulls are preparing for the season with the intention that Ball will not be back. 

Will Damian Lillard Leave Portland?

Potentially the biggest question of the offseason pertains to the future of All-Star Point Guard Damian Lillard. It was hotly debated whether the Blazers would draft a rookie, or trade the No. 3 pick for another All-Star. It was reported Lillard does not want to be a part of a rebuild, but Portland’s GM Joe Cronin says “We want Damian to retire a Trail Blazer and we want to put a winner around him.” It’s been mixed signals so far, and hopefully Lillard will work out what’s best for him and his Portland legacy, but only time will tell.