The 7 Biggest Impact Players And Shocking Steals From The 2023 NBA Draft

The 2023 NBA Draft, held on June 22, 2023, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, was widely heralded as one of the most consequential drafts in recent memory, largely due to a single, generational prospect. This event marked a definitive turning point for several franchises, injecting them with immediate star power and future potential that continues to reshape the league's landscape today. The anticipation surrounding the 77th edition of the annual draft was palpable, driven by a draft class featuring not just a clear-cut No. 1 pick, but also an unprecedented level of talent in the top five, including two sets of twins. Now, as time has passed, we can look back and definitively assess which picks have provided the biggest returns and which players have emerged as the true "steals" of the night, forever altering the trajectory of their respective teams.

The Generational Talent: Victor Wembanyama and the Top 3 Picks

The narrative of the 2023 Draft was, and remains, dominated by the French phenomenon who was dubbed the most hyped prospect since LeBron James. The San Antonio Spurs, after winning the NBA Draft Lottery, secured the player they hoped would reignite their dynasty.

Victor Wembanyama: The Franchise-Altering No. 1 Pick

The San Antonio Spurs selected Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick, a move that was universally expected but monumental nonetheless. Standing 7'4" with an 8-foot wingspan, the former Metropolitans 92 star is an exceptional rim protector and a defender who can single-handedly elevate a team's defensive ceiling. His unique skillset—combining elite shot-blocking with guard-like ball-handling and three-point shooting—made him the most anticipated NBA prospect in decades. Wembanyama’s arrival immediately put the Spurs back on the map, ushering in a new era of "Wemby-mania" for the storied franchise.

Brandon Miller: Charlotte’s Controversial No. 2 Selection

The Charlotte Hornets faced a tough decision at No. 2, ultimately choosing Brandon Miller from Alabama over the dynamic point guard Scoot Henderson. Miller, a tall scorer with a smooth offensive game, was seen as a high-upside wing to pair with LaMelo Ball. His selection was a major talking point on draft night, with many analysts debating the immediate fit and long-term potential compared to the player taken right after him.

Scoot Henderson: Portland’s Future Floor General

The Portland Trail Blazers selected Scoot Henderson third overall. Henderson, who played for the G League Ignite, is an explosive athlete and a powerful floor general. His selection, while exciting for the Blazers' future, also fueled speculation about the future of All-Star Damian Lillard, who was eventually traded later that summer. Henderson's arrival signaled a clear shift toward a youth movement and a rebuild in Portland.

The Biggest Steals of the 2023 NBA Draft

The true measure of a successful draft often lies in the mid-to-late round picks that outperform their draft position—the so-called "steals." The 2023 class has already produced several players who have defied expectations and proven to be invaluable additions to their teams.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. (No. 18, Miami Heat)

Perhaps the most impactful steal of the draft, Jaime Jaquez Jr. was selected 18th overall by the Miami Heat. The former UCLA standout quickly became a vital part of the Heat’s rotation, embodying the team's "Heat Culture" with his high-IQ play, toughness, and versatile scoring. His immediate contributions and maturity made him a contender for Rookie of the Year and arguably the best value pick of the entire first round.

Jordan Hawkins (No. 14, New Orleans Pelicans)

The New Orleans Pelicans selected Jordan Hawkins out of UConn, and he has proven to be a sharpshooting specialist the team desperately needed. Known for his elite movement shooting and ability to stretch the floor, Hawkins provides a crucial offensive spark and spacing for the Pelicans' star players.

The Thompson Twins: Amen and Ausar

The 2023 Draft made history by featuring the first set of twins selected in the top five of the same draft. Amen Thompson went No. 4 to the Houston Rockets, and Ausar Thompson went No. 5 to the Detroit Pistons. Both players, who came from the Overtime Elite program, are elite athletes with incredible defensive versatility and playmaking potential. Their unique journey and high selection marked a significant moment for non-NCAA development pathways.

Notable Trades and Draft Day Dynamics

The draft night itself is often characterized by frantic trade activity, and 2023 was no exception. While the focus remained on the players, several key trades reshaped team rosters and future draft capital. The pre-draft trades and moves leading up to and during the event were crucial for teams looking to optimize their picks or clear cap space.

The Trade Impact on Draft Picks

One of the major storylines surrounding the draft involved the Portland Trail Blazers, who, despite selecting Scoot Henderson, were at the center of trade rumors. The draft also had lingering effects from previous transactions, such as the Toronto Raptors trading a future pick to acquire Jakob Poeltl, which highlighted the unusual importance of the 2023 draft for teams looking to make roster adjustments.

Deep-Dive Steals and Value Picks

Beyond the lottery, several other players emerged as potential steals, adding to the draft's depth:

• Marcus Sasser (No. 25, Detroit Pistons): A high-energy guard known for his scoring ability and tenacity on defense.
• GG Jackson (No. 45, Memphis Grizzlies): Selected late in the second round, Jackson has shown flashes of being a high-upside scorer, making him a significant value pick for the Grizzlies.
• Brandin Podziemski (No. 19, Golden State Warriors): A versatile guard who quickly established himself as a rotational piece for the Warriors, demonstrating high basketball IQ and shooting touch.

The 2023 NBA Draft will forever be remembered as the "Wemby Draft," but its legacy is far richer than just the No. 1 pick. It delivered a deep pool of talent, including franchise cornerstones, immediate contributors, and surprising steals who are all contributing to the league's evolving landscape. The performances of players like Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller, and the remarkable value found in picks like Jaime Jaquez Jr. continue to be scrutinized and debated, solidifying this draft as a truly impactful moment in NBA history.

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