Tottenham have a rich history of being a first-place finisher, while Victor Wimpanyama is France’s A Huge favourite To follow in the footsteps of Tim Duncan and David Robinson in the NBA draft next month.
San Antonio won the Tuesday lottery by getting a 14% shot in the top pick, which was tied with two other teams for best odds. The franchise has been a first-time selection twice before: Robinson was the selection in 1987 and Duncan was the selection in 1997—both Hall of Famers.
The Spurs’ four-year drought is the longest in franchise history, and they came off a 22-60 season, their worst full season under head coach Gregg Popovich. Generational talent like Wimpanyama could turn the tide in San Antonio, though there are other talented opportunities available to teams that miss out on the top prize.
The Hornets would pick their runner-up three years after they landed the third-place finisher in the LaMelo Bowl. The Trail Blazers earned the No. 3 pick, their first pick since 2007, when they won the lottery. Rounding out the top five are the Rockets in fourth and the Pistons in fifth.
SI Sportsbook There are betting markets available for the first five NBA draft picks, which can be found below. The draft is scheduled for June 22.
Chances are you’ll be the #1 pick
Victor Wimbanyama -10,000
Scott Henderson +1,600
Brandon Miller +8000
Nick Smith +10,000
Cam Whitmore +10,000
Casson Wallace +10,000
Wimpanyama is the highest rated player on the big SI plate and the favorite not to let go first. The 19-year-old has a skill set never seen before from a player of this size. The 7’4″ Wembanyama has been playing in the LNB Pro A in France for the Metropolitans 92 and has averaged 21.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game this season.
If there’s an upset at the top of the draft, G League Ignite’s Scoot Henderson has the next best odds to go first. But that’s a long way off – the high expectation was that Wimpanyama would be first choice, and that’s been the case for some time.
Chances are you’ll be pick #2
Scott Henderson -225
Brandon Miller +170
Amen Thompson +2800
Ossar Thompson +5000
Nick Smith +6600
Victor Wimbanyama +8000
Henderson, is the favorite for a touchdown in Charlotte along with Paul in the backcourt. But Alabama forward and SEC Player of the Year Brandon Miller will likely get ahead of Henderson. Miller’s stellar season ended with a disappointing showing in the NCAA Tournament, and he also dealt with off-court controversy over his connection to the shooting of Jamea Jonae Harris.
Sweeney Henderson ranked the 6’2″ guard second, one place ahead of Miller and praised his potential as a primary ball handler. For the 6’9″ Miller, Sweeney writes: “His ground is somewhat elevated as a big wing shooter, and there are some upsides to draw from it given the flashes of playmaking he showed at Alabama.” “
Chances are you’ll be pick #3
Brandon Miller +110
Scott Henderson +200
Amen Thompson +550
Ossar Thompson +1200
Cam Whitmore +1800
Grace Walker +2000
Nick Smith +2000
Wimpanyama, Henderson, and Miller appear to be the top three players in the class, and the draft appears to begin with the Hornets ranked second. Although Miller has the best odds for third place, ahead of Henderson, it has been reported Portland will likely trade a first-round pick unless you win the lottery. So Trail Blazers can shop their selection with the intent of adding around superstar Damian Lillard.
Chances are you’ll be pick #4
Amin Thompson -105
Ossar Thompson +450
Brandon Miller +500
Cam Whitmore +650
Jaras Walker +700
Taylor Hendricks +2,500
Overtime Elite’s Amen Thompson, the fifth-place finisher on Sweeney’s big board, is the odds-on favorite to finish fourth in Houston. After Amen in the betting odds is his twin, Osar Thompson, also an elite extra. It stands at 6’7 too, but the profile is more of a spoiler. Sweeney ranks OSAR ninth in the class.
Chances are you’ll be pick #5
Ossar Thompson +250
Jaras Walker +270
Amen Thompson +300
Cam Whitmore +375
Taylor Hendricks +800
Anthony Black +2000
This is where the betting market really opens up. Ossar Thompson is the favorite to land at Motor City, but Houston forward Kharas Walker is not far behind, as are Amin Thompson and Villanova forward Cam Whitmore.
Sweeney ranked Walker fourth on his senior plate and said he looks like a “ready high-level player.” As for Whitmore, who is eighth, Sweeney said, at times, “he seems like a bit of a possible leading scorer in the NBA.”
The favorites to start early in the draft include Arkansas guards Nick Smith and Anthony Black, UCF forward Taylor Hendricks and Kentucky guard Casson Wallace. Sweeney ranks Black No. 6, Hendrix No. 7, Wallace No. 10 and Smith No. 14.
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