Quebecer Olivier-Maxence Prosper was selected in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings in the 24th overall, Thursday night, at Barclays Center in New York.
The 20-year-old Montrealer, who cut his teeth in the NCAA with the Marquette Golden Eagles, followed in compatriot Benedict Mathurin’s footsteps by being named in the first round. Last year, the Indiana Pacers player was called up to sixth overall.
However, in Dallas, with the Mavericks, he will have to find himself. Before his name could be called, the Kings completed a trade by sending the 24th pick and Richon Holmes to Dallas, according to Sportsnet.
spark
Prosper was fortunate enough to be invited to the famous NBA Green Room for this auction, a privilege that is only given to 23 athletes and their family members. According to ESPN rankings, he is ranked 20th among prospects after impressing at the Combine.
“Being part of the NBA Academy, playing against players like Josh Geddy and Benedict Mathurin has helped me a lot. With the competition, I get better every day. It was an amazing experience for me.”
For their part, Prosper’s parents, Guylaine and Gaétan, told Sportsnet that their son will bring his versatility, positive attitude, and certain spark to the NBA.
The 6-foot-8, 230-pound youngster is extremely strong under the basket and is capable of winning back 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 surprises in the front row
Long considered the best player of his era, Frenchman Victor Wimpanyama was picked up in the first row by Tottenham San Antonio.
It was the first time since 1997 that the Texas formation held the first turn and that year they selected Tim Duncan. No doubt they’re hoping the 19-year-old newcomer can make the same kind of impact as the Hall of Famer.
Wimpanyama played last season in the suburbs of Paris, with the Metropolitan 92. Quick and agile despite being 7’3″, he charmed the basketball world over the past year. He averaged 21.6 points in 2022-23.
Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets) and Scott Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers) round out the top three.
In particular, the twins Amen and Ozar Thompson were picked up in quick succession by the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons. They became the first brothers to come out in the top 10 in the same NBA auction.
With the 13th pick, the Toronto Raptors set their sights on Grady Dick, a University of Kansas Jayhawks player who can play as a winger and guard.
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