There are some big-time prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft, but you best believe the teams selecting in the lottery on Thursday have at least one eye on next year's draft.
There's one particular reason why: Victor Wembanyama.
By now, there's a good chance you've heard of Wembanyama. He had a monster game against Chet Holmgren and the United States in the final of the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, and he's considered to be one of the best prospects we've seen in a long time.
If you're not familiar with Wembanyama, be prepared to hear his name mentioned a lot over the next 12 months.
Here's why the French center is likely going to be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
MORE: 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Post-NBA Finals
Who is Victor Wembanyama?
Wembanyama is a French basketball player who was born on Jan. 4, 2004. He's spent the last three seasons playing professionally in France with clubs Nanterre 92 and ASVEL.
Wembanyama was named the Pro A Best Young Player, an honor given to the best player under the age of 22 in France's top division, in both 2021 and 2022.
Wembanyama is currently projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. ESPN's Mike Schmitz calls him the "true prize" of next year's draft class, the "best prospect in the world regardless of age" and a future NBA MVP if, of course, he can stay healthy.
That's some high praise from perhaps the most respected draft expert in the game.
MORE: Could Paolo Banchero have been an NFL QB?
Why Victor Wembanyama is the likely No. 1 pick in 2023 NBA Draft
Wembanyama is a 7-foot-3 big man with a 7-foot-9 wingspan and 9-foot-7 standing reach, and he has guard skills.
No, seriously.
Offensively, Wembanyama has drawn comparisons to Wizards forward Kristaps Porzingis for his ability to stretch the floor at a high level as a 7-footer. While the numbers aren't there yet, keep in mind that he's only a teenager. Also, he sure looks the part of a shooter. Not only is he capable of spotting up and picking-and-popping, but he can operate off of screens like a wing.
You don't see people Wembanyama's size do stuff like this on the regular:
That feathery touch shows up in other areas. Another player Wembanyama has drawn some comparisons to is Nets superstar Kevin Durant because he has the handle and footwork to create his own offense and a sky-high release point that makes him practically unblockable when he gets to his spots.
His size — he's listed at a slight 229 pounds — is one of the few concerns with Wembanyama, but his length allows him to rise up over just about anyone.
That player he shot over? He's listed at 6-foot-6. Wembanyama makes him look at least four inches shorter.
Wembanyama does more traditional big man things as well. He's a legitimate lob threat, he's flashed some potential playing out of the post and he's already a big-time rim protector.
One more player Wembanyama has been compared to: Jazz star and fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year who will go down as one of the most dominant defenders in NBA history.
Wembanyama is a massive presence around the basket, and he's agile enough to step out to the perimeter.
Watch how quickly he recovers on this possession after getting knocked out of position:
Ridiculous.
Put it all together — the size, length, shooting, handle, defensive chops, fluidity — and it's no wonder why people are losing their minds over Wembanyama. The icing on the cake is he won't turn 19 years old until January, so he's only scratching the surface of his potential.
Where will Victor Wembanyama play in the 2022-23 season?
Wembanyama spent the 2021-22 season with ASVEL, but Yann Ohnona of L'Equipe recently reported that he might opt out of his contract with the club to become a free agent and sign with Paris Basketball.
Wembanyama reportedly has until June 26 to opt out. A decision should be coming any day now.
