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The San Antonio Spurs drafted French phenom Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick, as expected. The 19-year-old is arguably the highest-rated prospect since Lebron James was taken in the 2003 draft class by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With their second-round pick, at No. 44, the organization selected fellow Frenchman Sidy Cissoko.
Ticket sales have already sky-rocketed for the upcoming season at the AT&T Center since the city’s residents learned the Spurs earned the top selection in the NBA Lottery.
Victor Wembanyama (First round, No. 1 overall)
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Position: Center/Power Forward
Age: 19
Height: 7-4
Weight: 229
Experience: Metropolitans 92
Country: France
San Antonio finally got its man after a few seasons of rebuilding. The team has an excellent track record with first overall picks having previously drafted Hall of Famers David Robinson and Tim Duncan. The duo of big men won two championships together, and Duncan went on to collect five rings.
The potential generational talent, Wembanyama, owns a wingspan of eight feet and averaged 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and three blocks, to go along with a 46.8% field goal percentage last season with Metropolitans 92. Despite being 7-feet-4 inches, he can also shoot well from downtown (27.5%).
Wemby’s abilities on both sides of the court and potential to be the best player with even MVP-like prowess gives San Antonio great hope for the future. While considered a small market, bringing in a player of his stature will make it enticing for other stars around the league to want and play with him.
The product of Le Chesnay, France, has had incredible success at such a young age, having won the French Pro A title with ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne last season and leading Metropolitans 92 to a championship spot this year.
Sidy Cissoko (Second round, No. 44 overall)
Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 19
Height: 6-8
Weight: 200
Experience: Ignite (G-League)
Country: France
The former G-League product averaged 12.8 points, 3.5 boards, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals and one block per game while in action with the Ignite during the past year. It’ll be nice for Cissoko to be paired with fellow Frenchman Wembanyama.
As showcased in his averages, the versatile 6-foot-8 guard/forward can do well on both ends of the floor and is tall for a guard with ball-handling skills. With head coach Gregg Popovich’s guidance, who has an excellent track record with international players, Cissoko has real potential.
In order to earn minutes this season, he’ll need to play well in the NBA Summer League and during camp.
Spurs draft pick grades: A+
Regardless of who the team selected with their second selection, securing Wembanyama gives them an A+.
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