Quebecer Olivier-Maxence Prosper was chosen in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings in 24th place, Thursday evening, at the Barclays Center in New York.
The 20-year-old Montrealer, who cut his teeth in the NCAA with the Marquette Golden Eagles, followed in the footsteps of his compatriot Bennedict Mathurin by being selected in the first round. Last year, the Indiana Pacers player was called up to sixth overall.
It is however in Dallas, with the Mavericks, that he should find himself. Before his name was called, the Kings completed a trade by sending that 24th pick and Richaun Holmes to Dallas, according to Sportsnet.
The Sacramento Kings select Canadian Olivier-Maxence Prosper with the 24th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. ????????
The Kings have traded OMP Dallas. pic.twitter.com/9slAW336os
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 23, 2023
The spark
Prosper was lucky enough to be invited to the famous NBA green room for this auction, a privilege that is only granted to 23 athletes and their family members. According to ESPN’s rankings, he was ranked 20th among prospects after impressing at the Combine.
“Being part of the NBA Academy, playing against players like Josh Giddey and Bennedict Mathurin, it helped me so much. With the competition, I got better every day. It was an incredible experience for me.”
For their part, Prosper’s parents, Guylaine and Gaétan, told Sportsnet that their son will bring his versatility, his positive attitude and a certain spark in the NBA.
The 6-foot-8, 230-pound youngster is very powerful under the basket and he is able to bring home his share of points. In his final college season, he averaged 4.7 rebounds and 12.5 points per game.
Prosper also helped Marquette University win NCAA Big East Division honors.
No front row surprises
Considered for a long time as the best player of his vintage, the Frenchman Victor Wembanyama was selected in the very first row by the Spurs of San Antonio.
It was the first time since 1997 that the Texan formation held the first turn and that year, they had selected Tim Duncan. They’ll no doubt be hoping the 19-year-old newcomer can make the same kind of impact as the Hall of Famer.
Wembanyama played last season in the suburbs of Paris, with the Metropolitans 92. Fast and agile despite his 7’3″, he charmed the basketball world during the last year. He averaged 21.6 points in 2022-23.
Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets) and Scoot Henderson (Portland Trailblazers) rounded out the top 3.
Particularly, the twins Amen and Ausar Thompson were then selected in quick succession by the Houston Rockets and the Detroit Pistons. They became the first brothers to come out in the top 10 at the same NBA auction.
With the 13th pick, the Toronto Raptors set their sights on Gradey Dick, a University of Kansas Jayhawks player who can play as both a winger and a guard.
2023-06-23 03:05:02
#NBA #Quebecer #drafted #traded #1st
