As the NBA preseason comes to a close, and the regular season approaches, here is what you should look out for.
Victor Wembanyama, the french phenom selected 1st overall pick in the 2023 draft, showed in preseason that all the hype around him is more than warranted.
San Antinio’s Spurs rookie, Wembanyama put on a show in the four preseason games he appeared in. On Oct. 20, the Spurs took on the Warriors at Chase Center for their preseason finale. “The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft recorded 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 blocks on 8-19 shooting through three quarters, which included two made threes. Wembanyama showcased his ball-handling capabilities and athletic finishing ability, throwing down multiple dunks in fastbreak situations.” Reported by Bleacher Report, “Fans were impressed by the 19-year-old’s extensive offensive repertoire and imposing defensive presence.”
21 year old Chet Holmgren, the second overall pick in the 2022 draft, is looking like a star in the making. Not long after getting drafted to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Holmgren sustained a season ending foot injury last August.
“After missing the entire 2022-23 NBA season with a foot injury, Holmgren returned to play in the NBA Summer League this year and looked good, averaging 9.8 RPG with 3.7 BPG.” Reported by ESPN, “In two NBA preseason games thus far, Holmgren has grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked four shots in 37 total minutes over two games.”
On July 6 the Warriors traded Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards for 12x All-Star point guard Chris Paul.
On October 18, the Wizards took on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and Jordan Poole had himself a night. “Poole became the leader of the Wizards last night as he scored 41 points which is the not only the most points scored this preseason in the NBA, but also the most points scored in the preseason for the Washington Wizards franchise, which ties him with the great Michael Jordan which was done on 10/20/2001.” Sports Illustrated reported.
Over in Golden State with the Warriors when Poole would have a stand out game, teammates would say “it’s a Poole party”, to complement and comment on Pooles performance. Poole has made it clear that he is ready for this new chapter in Washington.
21 year old shooting guard, Julian Strawther, is another rookie to look out for. The Denver Nuggets rookie who came from playing college basketball at Gonzaga, who after last season were ranked No. 8 in the NCAA.
Strawther had a phenomenal preseason. The Athletic reports, “shooting 51 percent from the field during the preseason while averaging 17.8 points per game. He shot 45 percent from 3-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line.”
This 2023 preseason was an exciting preview for what’s to come for when the regular season kicks off.
