Paolo Banchero and Orlando Magic are Avoiding Victor Wembanyama Sweepstakes Amid Scoot Henderson’s Declaration For Going No.1

While the 2022-2023 season is turning out to be an entertaining watch, we must also not divert our attention from the draft that will be taking place in the upcoming June. With the likes of Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson headlining the class of 2023, it’ll be interesting to see which team gets the #1 pick.

Both talented youngsters are projected to be lottery picks. As great as both of their skill sets are, Wemby is the favorite to be picked as the top pick of the draft.

In their 2-game head-to-head battle from earlier this year, one thing was made pretty clear – both these prodigies can instantly be beneficial for whatever team that drafts them.

Also Read: Victor Wembanyama Coming Into the NBA has Gilbert Arenas and Rashad McCants Excited

“No.1 is the goal”: Scoot Henderson

The French teenage phenom has also spoken about the desire he has to be the No.1 pick in the 2023 Draft. And there are numerous executives from around the league sharing the same thoughts with the 7-foot-3 unicorn.

However, this will not let the G-League Ignite star back down from his goals. In a recent interview with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the 18-year-old responded to Victor’s “No.1 pick” comments. The 6-foot-2 guard said:

“I’m blessed to be in the position I am for sure. I want to be No. 1. It’s my competitive spirit. I’m itching to be No. 1 in whatever I do, whether it’s badminton, pickleball, or whatever it is, I want to win. Second is great as well, but No. 1 is the goal.”

“I find tanking unreasonable”: Victor Wembanyama

As soon as the NBA saw Wembanyama shoot those long threes and swat away shots with ease, there was a scare that the teams would be ready to tank for the “greatest prospect of all time”.

With Adam Silver making it pretty clear that tanking would not be appreciated, Wemby also chimed in with his opinions on the strategy.

“Tanking? It’s a weird strategy,” Wembanyama said. “I find it unreasonable, and I try not to think about it. I also heard that the NBA considered changing a few rules for me, but that doesn’t concern me.”

Unlike last year, the Orlando Magic are showing no signs of being interested in purposely losing games to acquire the #1 pick. After gaining Paolo Banchero, the Florida-based franchise has been a much better side.

Despite being 13th in the season, Banchero and co. are already on track to win more games than their previous season.

With the likes of Detroit and Charlotte leading the race to win Wemby, it’ll be absolutely engrossing to see who acquires the #1 pick for the 2023 draft.

Also Read: 4x NBA Champ Said ‘No’ to the Far East Trip as He Was Offered a Mere $25,000