The 2023 NBA draft is nearly nine months away, and the pick order is far from determined. As usual, the first-round order will be primarily shaped by each team’s record in the upcoming 2022-23 season — worst to best — with a weighted lottery for the first four selections.
But with two potentially generational prospects available in 7-foot-4 French big man Victor Wembanyama and G League Ignite guard Scott Henderson, there’s considerable intrigue in making early projections. Yes, even before the regular season has even started.
After finishing with the NBA’s worst record in each of the last two seasons, the Rockets earned the No. 2 and No. 3 overall draft picks in the 2021 and 2022 first rounds, which led to them adding Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. to the roster. Based on those types of blue chip young talents, many feel the Rockets could have more success in 2022-23, and Sunday’s 38-point romp over San Antonio in the preseason opener could offer evidence in that direction.
ESPN, however, doesn’t appear sold. (Or, perhaps they’re expecting some luck for Houston out of a lower spot in the pre-lottery order.)
In a newly released mock draft, ESPN is projecting Wembanyama to the Rockets with the No. 1 overall selection in June 2023. Scroll on for a look at their insight, along with statistics and highlights from Tuesday’s showcase game between Henderson’s Ignite and Wembanyama’s Metropolitans 92 team from France.
Those two top prospects will meet in a second showcase game on Thursday, Oct. 6, with tipoff set for 2:00 p.m. Central. That game will again be broadcast on national television via ESPN2.
ESPN’s mock draft
Statistics from Oct. 4 head-to-head showcase
Victor Wembanyama: 37 points, 11-of-20 shooting (55.0%), 7-of-11 on 3-pointers (62.6%), 5 blocks, 4 rebounds
Scoot Henderson: 28 points, 11-of-21 shooting (52.4%), 2-of-3 on 3-pointers (66.7%), 9 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Henderson’s team won the game, 122-115 (box score).
Wembanyama highlights
Henderson highlights
Draft lottery odds, without ties
Percentage odds chart via tankathon.com
The 14 “seeds” entering the 2023 NBA draft lottery will be awarded to the 14 teams that miss the league’s 2022-23 playoffs, with the top seeds and corresponding odds going to teams with the worst records, in descending order. The lottery draw takes place in May 2023.
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Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire
