Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Tops Theoretical NBA Redraft

The NBA is in the middle of a youth movement. As LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry age out, rising stars like Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic have established themselves, and another wave of young talent is entering the league, centered around Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.

Wembanyama, 20, finished his rookie season as the runaway Rookie of the Year, and, remarkably, on the All-Defensive First Team. He is quickly establishing himself as one of the best two-way players in the league and is still oozing with potential.

In a recent mock draft exercise by The Athletic, three of their writers sat down and drafted their ideal eight-man rosters, with one caveat: every player has to be 21 years old or younger.

As expected, Wembanyama was the runaway first-overall pick, with Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic and Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets finishing out the first round.

Wembanyama's team ultimately added GG Jackson, Jabari Smith Jr, Ausar Thompson, Stephon Castle, Jalen Duren, Cason Wallace, and Zaccharie Risacher. Spacing and shooting will likely be an issue, but Castle would get a chance to run point.

Most outlets limit themselves to 25 years old or younger, so making the age cutoff this early limits the amount of All-Star talent severely, but, as James Edwards III points out, "if we did a draft that factored in 26-and-under players, I think Wembanayama still might go No. 1."

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Wembanyama is the most tantalizing prospect, ever. While he might not finish his career as decorated as LeBron James, the limitless potential is very, very hard to pass up.