Scoot Henderson has claimed Victor Wembanyama is simply "another draft prospect" as the confident American hopes to go first overall at this week’s 2023 NBA Draft.
On Thursday, Henderson and Wembanyama are just a pair of players among an entire class who will discover which franchise they are set to join. For almost the entire process, the duo were considered the top two prospects on offer although Wembanyama has been projected unanimously as the first pick, which will be made by the San Antonio Spurs.
Wembanyama has been arguably the most hyped prospect since LeBron James back in 2003, with fans ready to watch the skilled international big arrive and develop in the NBA. The 19-year-old combines an eight-foot wingspan with the shooting ability of a point guard inside a 7’4” frame.
Wembanyama is also a fierce shooter from the perimeter, highlighting the well-rounded nature of his game. It is why many expect him to go to San Antonio, but Henderson is confident he is worthy of the first selection, too.
The 19-year-old became the youngest American player in history to ever go pro, joining the Ignite in the G League at 17. He faced off against Wembanyama in October, with the French star scoring 37 points – including seven three-pointers from 11 attempts – and registering five blocks.
However, Henderson put up 28 points on 11-21 shooting to give Ignite the win over Metropolitans 92. When it comes to Wembanyama, Henderson - like the rest of the basketball world - is intrigued by the teenager’s size and technique, albeit, far more discreetly than others.
“I mean, he's just like another draft prospect,” Henderson told ESPN. “Obviously, his height and unique ability to shoot the ball at that size is ... I don't know, I'm not guarding him, so I can't say too much.”
It was a diplomatic answer from Henderson, as he clearly respects Wembanyama but showed he carries a winning mentality with him. The 19-year-old wants to go first overall - and believes he has the talent to do so, but there is an alarmingly tall French silhouette casting a shadow over his hopes.
When asked what it was like to be on the court with Wembanyama, Henderson shrugged and said: “It was cool, I guess. Pretty sure it's cool to be on the court with me too, though.”
Henderson is clearly an ambitious player who exudes confidence, and he is likely to go to the Charlotte Hornets or Portland Trail Blazers depending on whether Charlotte prefer his upside or Brandon Miller’s wing play. The 2023 NBA Draft will take place at 8pm ET on June 22 in New York.
