2023 NBA Draft draws record-setting numbers

Even though the No. 1 overall pick was a foregone conclusion on Thursday night, the 2023 NBA Draft saw a record-setting audience tune in for coverage.

Victor Wembanyama, the most-hyped prospect in the draft since LeBron James in 2003, went No. 1 to the San Antonio Spurs Thursday night. And a huge audience tuned in to see the selection.

Per a report from The New York Post, first-round coverage on ESPN and ABC averaged record 4,928,000 viewers. The highest total of viewers was obtained in the early portion of the NBA Draft, when the Spurs selected Wembanyama.

At that time, a total of 6,085,000 tuned in for the broadcast.

To put that into context, that total was 33% higher than viewership for James’ draft in 2003. The NBA probably loves the fact that the new star draws so much attention already.

This year’s NBA Draft coverage was also up 23% from last year’s event, averaging 3,743,000 viewers for both rounds.

Experts weigh in on Victor Wembanyama

Wembanyama hasn’t stepped foot on an NBA court yet but he’s already viewed as a generational talent. His unique 7-foot-4 frame and ability to do anything on the court sets him apart from nearly any player we’ve seen.

There are already major expectations for the 19-year-old. Some believe he has more potential than any other prospect we’ve ever seen.

“Wembanyama’s height combined with his well-rounded skillset makes him one of the highest-ceiling prospects most scouts have ever seen,” RotoWire’s evaluation of Wembanyama said. “Despite being well over seven feet tall, he can handle and shoot the ball like a playmaking wing, but he has skills in the post as well, allowing him to simply shoot over smaller defenders.

“He’s a willing passer, able to punish double-teams. Wembanyama’s length will make him extremely disruptive as a defender and rebounder. His relative quickness will allow him to defend some on the perimeter, where he’s capable of blocking jumpers.”

Wembanyama played this season in the Betclic Elite league in France for the Metropolitans 92. He added to the hype with an impressive stat line. In 34 games, he averaged 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.0 blocks per game while playing 32.1 minutes.

The NBA is obviously a much different league. There might be an adjustment period, even for the 7-foot-4 phenom. But everyone expects Wembanyama to be one of the best players we’ve ever seen perform in the league.