NBA Draft 2023: Victor Wembanyama leads way-too-early mock draft

1. Victor Wembanyama (C) – France

Unlike the three-way battle for the No. 1 pick between Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero, and Chet Holmgren this year, the 2023 NBA Draft already has a heavy favorite to go first overall. Although not a perfect comparison, Wembanyama is essentially Chet Holmgren 2.0.

The 7-foot-3 Frenchman has a 9-foot-7 standing reach and an absurd 7-foot-9 wingspan, which would’ve been the longest wingspan in this year’s draft by 2.5 inches. He can handle, shoot, finish at the rim through contact, and defend the rim. He has excellent hands and is extremely coordinated for his height at just 18 years old.

After battling some early injuries, Wembanyama averaged 18.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 3.5 blocks per 36 minutes for ASVEL — a French team owned by Tony Parker — this past season. He’s a career 31 percent shooter from three in his international and club career, but he has a high release point and excellent mechanics that make scouts confident that his 3-point percentage will continue to rise.

The 2023 NBA Draft is loaded with young talent, but there’s a clear frontrunner in the early battle for No. 1 with Wembanyama.