The 2023 NBA Draft has just come to an end and it sure has been hectic, to say the least. Every youngster in the 2023 draft class would have surely been nervous just a few seconds before their name was called out on the big stage. French hotshot Victor Wembanyama was the first overall pick at this year’s draft, and he is said to be one of the greatest prospects in NBA history.
SPURS OFFICIALLY DRAFT VICTOR WEMBANYAMA 🔥
Is he the NBA’s next phenom? pic.twitter.com/L7d36NTw5N
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 23, 2023
The San Antonio Spurs, who were touted to land the center. The Spurs have a history with big men, who have eventually gone on to make the NBA’s Top 75. The player would be Tim Duncan, who many believe to be one of the best in the league’s history. There is a high chance Wembanyama proceeds to become as successful too, but an injury-free career would have to be the case.
WEMBY 🇫🇷🏀👏🏽🏅…
L’histoire commence maintenant.— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) June 23, 2023
After the draft, many congratulated the young star. But a certain Frenchman’s wishes would have surely been on Victor’s mind for quite some time. It would be none other than PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe. He wrote on Twitter, “The story begins now.” (translated by Google) As Mbappe says, the journey starts right now, as Victor looks toward a bright future.
The pair met each other at the lottery draft, and even posed for images together. The height difference between them left the sporting world baffled. Victor stands at an astonishing 7’2 and Mbappe is 5’10. Despite not having the fortune of a good height, the PSG forward has been electrifying for every team he has played so far. So much so that he’s continuously attracting one of the biggest teams in the world.
Kylian Mbappe is still heavily linked to Real Madrid despite being contracted to PSG until 2024
Kylian Mbappe has reportedly attracted plenty of teams in the last few years, but one team has stood out from the rest. Florentino Perez-led Real Madrid has been going after the lightning-fast striker in the last few years. Mbappe broke millions of Madridistas’ hearts when he signed a new contract with the French club last year. This only meant that he committed to PSG’s project until 2024.
🚨💣 @jpedrerol: “PSG ask for €200M for Mbappé. And this time, Florentino will NOT let him escape.” pic.twitter.com/A3nueTSzzB
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 22, 2023
However, recent reports have mentioned that Mbappe’s exit could be on the cards, even though he has a contract. PSG has reportedly asked for a huge price, and it is said that Perez remains unfazed. After all, Mbappe is a prodigal talent and even has a World Cup to his name. He even performed sensationally against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final, scoring a hat-trick.
With that said, it will be interesting to find out whether Mbappe stays with PSG, or joins Real Madrid. He even has been linked with Manchester United and Liverpool, but all these reports have been speculations without actual confirmation. As for Wembanyama, he is suiting up for his rookie season, and the entire world will be watching after months of built-up hype.