The Athletic

This 2023 NBA Draft cycle started in earnest earlier than normal due to where the concentration of draft prospects is this season. The top-three prospects in this class are not in the NCAA this season, and all three of them have played in significant showcase events early. Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson faced off against each other in an event in Las Vegas, then Amen Thompson and Overtime Elite went overseas for a trip, including a game against KK Mega Basket and potential first-round pick Nikola Đurišić. Because of that strength at the top, NBA evaluators are generally excited about the 2023 draft. Wembanyama is considered an elite prospect, possibly the best since LeBron James entered the league in 2003. Henderson is considered one of the best guard prospects we’ve seen in the last 15 years. Thompson has his fans due to his immense athleticism, size and passing ability intersection. But there is some real question for scouts about the rest of the lottery, and some of the freshmen in what is considered a relatively underwhelming recruiting class will need to emerge.