San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama obviously highlights the 2023 NBA draft, with his freakish size and mobility, but what about the rest of the draft?
Right behind him was Brandon Miller, going to the Charlotte Hornets, and following him was Scoot Henderson to the Portland Trail Blazers.
So far, it has been Wembayama making the most noise out of this draft class as expected, but heading into year three is where players make or break their careers.
Let’s take a look at three guys who have the perfect opportunity to prove themselves next season.
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets.
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Thompson had a stellar second year, making the All-Defensive First Team, averaging 14.1 points per game. With the addition of Kevin Durant to the Rockets, the former fourth overall pick may lose some of his usage, but can become one of the best off-ball offensive players in the league, mainly due to his athleticism. Lining up alongside a playmaking center like Alperen Şengün already made Thompson’s life easier, but now, with the focus on Durant, Thompson draws a worse defender from his opponents. If he can improve his jump shot at all, Thompson could be in for his first All-Star season.
Anthony Black, Orlando Magic.
Black was drafted sixth by the Magic out of Arkansas and hasn’t been given the biggest opportunity with the Magic. With recently acquired Desmond Bane and forwards Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero on the roster, it is clear that the Magic want to win now. Jalen Suggs is great - if we’re talking about defense. The Magic need a point guard who can handle himself offensively, and may turn to the six-foot-seven third-year player to be just that.
Brice Sensabaugh, Utah Jazz.
In a roster filled with guys in their early 20s, Sensabaugh stands out the most. Last season, he turned it up a notch in the second half of the year, averaging 10.9 points per game in just 20.2 minutes per game. The best part is he did it while shooting 52% from the field. He has a lot more in his offensive bag than Cody Williams or Taylor Hendricks, making him the perfect candidate to be Ace Bailey's running mate next season.
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