NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Victor Wembanyama arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Victor is 19 and has been playing professionally in his home country of France since 2019?!? Jeepers, when do kids get to be KIDS anymore (says Your Internet Grandmother). He has been a lock at this pick for ages now and is considered a generational talent; the last time the Spurs got an A+ big man like this, it was Tim Duncan, and that worked out pretty well (and I THINK the last guy with French ancestry was Tony "Eva Longoria" Parker, which also went nicely). This color AND style are wonderful, but I just need to know: If the pants are too long on a 7'5" man, WHO DID YOU THINK THEY WOULD FIT.
Adam Silver and Victor
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Victor Wembanyama (R) poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) after being drafted first overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
For reference, Adam Silver there is 6 feet tall. He looks like a crumb.
2. Brandon Miller, Alabama, to the Charlotte Hornets
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Brandon Miller arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Brandon is a puny 6'9". The shame!!!!! All jokes aside, he has a very nice smile, which I hear is super useful when you're running the triangle offense and whatnot. I love the suit; I miss some snazzy socks. I also think the custom necklace got lost against that color shirt, so... I guess I have notes. He's also, interestingly, the only kid in the top 5 who played in college/didn't skip his senior year of high school.
3. Scoot Henderson, G League, to Portland
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Scoot Henderson arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
This shirt looks like when I am traveling, and have to dump my necklaces out of my jewelry bag to untangle them (and then give up 20 minutes later).
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Scoot Henderson poses prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
He also added some dental flair.
4. and 5. Amen Thompson and Ausar Thompson, to Houston and Detroit
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: (L-R) Amen Thompson and Ausar Thompson arrive prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
These gents are twins, who skipped their senior years of high school to play in something called Overtime Elite, and now they're the first siblings to be drafted inside the top 10 in the NBA. And yes, they're The Thompson Twins, which explains all my latest earworms. I love that they went with simple suits in contrasting colors, and LOOK AT THOSE CHEEKBONES. My.
6. Anthony Black, Arkansas, to Orlando
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Anthony Black (R) poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) after being drafted sixth overall pick by the Orlando Magic during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Love it.
7. Bilal Coulibaly, France, to the Pacers and then Wizards
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Bilal Coulibaly arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Bilal played on the same team as Victor in France -- he's pretty much the same age, but with two fewer years of experience. The Pacers and the Wizards swapped their back-to-back pics in "a trade to be determined later," so... cool? He looks super.
8. Jarace Walker, Houston, to the Wizards and then Pacers
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Jarace Walker arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Is that a bejeweled pendant of HIMSELF, walking around in shiny green pants? APPLAUSE.
9. Taylor Hendricks, Central Florida, to the Jazz
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Taylor Hendricks arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Well, pink IS having a moment, but again, his Big & Tall store seems to have been too enthusiastic here. So many pant legs are off in one direction or another -- and I get it; this is a tall order, both in a punny way and in general.
10. Cason Wallace, Kentucky, to Dallas and then Oklahoma City
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Cason Wallace arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
I'm unclear whether this trade was made before or after the pick, but: The HPT logo stands for Hamilton Park, Texas, which is where he grew up, and it's near Dallas (some history here!). So it must've stung a little when he was WITH Dallas for like half a second. I LOVE how much is going on here, and as a side note, we have much better shots than at the NFL Draft so WELL PLAYED EVERYONE.
11. Jett Howard, Michigan, to Orlando
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Jett Howard arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
This is all well and good. AND not a speck of the Maize and Blue in sight. Sold!
12. Dereck LIvely II, Duke, to the Thunder and then the Mavericks
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Dereck Lively II (R) poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) after being drafted 12th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Drape yourself in velvet!
13. Gradey Dick, Kansas, to the Raptors
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Gradey Dick arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Someone please tell Gradey that we already HAVE a Machine Gun Kelly, and that they know about him in Canada too.
14. Jordan Hawkins, Connecticut, to New Orleans
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Jordan Hawkins arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
The tie at the waist! He seems delightful.
15. Kobe Bufkin, Michigan, to Atlanta
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Kobe Bufkin arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
A bold flash of cleav, some neckaces, and frameless specs. He was one of two Kobes to be drafted on this night, which seems right given when Kobe Bryant came to fame. And ANOTHER Wolverine who didn't go with his school colors. It doesn't mean anything, but hey, sports fans bring their petty rivalries with them across all disciplines and so I'll just laugh while ignoring ND's recent woes on the court.
16. Keyonte George, Baylor, to the Jazz
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Keyonte George arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
OMG this is so brilliant. It looks tactile. I hope it IS tactile. It is, in fact, JAZZY, so that's a very apt destination for him.
17. Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana, to the Lakers
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Jalen Hood-Schifino arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
I'm sure I'll be hearing about this tomorrow on Mason & Ireland, except that actually I don't anticipate being in the car at that time, so! I thought his necklace said FIND for a moment, but it actually says "FINO," as in his last name. And I guess as in the end of his college career. I also think these pants might be the wrong length to go bare ankle?
18. Jaime Jaquez Jr, UCLA, to Miami
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Jaime Jaquez Jr. arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Jaime brought Jessica a lot of happiness at UCLA, and then also I guess some agony, but only by association? If he does not have a rock band as a side hustle, he should. Jaime is very talented at Things and should do them very well in South Florida, a place that is warm. Analysis!
19. Brandin Podziemski, Santa Clara, to the Warriors
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Brandin Podziemski arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
On the right is the emblem of his university, and on the left, I believe, is the crest of St. John's Northwestern Military Academy, where he went to high school. And in the middle are his initials on a chain, in what looks like the Corn Pops font.
20. Cam Whitmore, Villanova, to the Rockets
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Cam Whitmore (R) poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) after being drafted 20th overall pick by the Houston Rockets during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
I suppose it's funny to call that pendant "simple," but it kind of is by comparison! It's attractive.
21. Noah Clowney, Alabama, to the Nets
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Noah Clowney arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Bold color, and immaculate fit. And the Nets need a... guy... who can do ... stuff, so he will fit right in.
24. Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Marquette, to the Kings but maybe then to the Mavericks?
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Olivier-Maxence Prosper arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
His name is amazing, and I hope he DOES prosper. That royal purple is also gorgeous.
27. Nick Smith, Jr., Arkansas, to Charlotte
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Nick Smith Jr. arrives prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Hard to impeach this on any grounds, except that we're losing the necklace a little, but maybe that's just a treat intended for anyone in his orbit.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: A detailed view of a golden draft ball of Victor Wembanyama is seen prior to the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
They also had these gold balls with the draftees names on them, and I was going to ask what happens if there are SURPRISES, or if someone attends who doesn't get picked. But that didn't seem to happen. Imagine if you didn't get drafted on the big night, and went on eBay in a week and someone was auctioning off the ball you didn't get to touch.
A fan wears a likeness of Victor Wembanyama spray painted on their hair as they cheer awaiting the selection during an NBA Draft Watch Party at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on June 22, 2023. The San Antonio Spurs in Thursday's NBA Draft in New York, are expected to choose French player Victor Wembanyama, widely viewed as a once-in-a-generation talent capable of transforming a franchise, as the No. 1 pick. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
