The San Antonio Spurs selected Victor Wembanyama first overall as expected, and the French prospect was in tears as his moment finally came.
Adam Silver gave a glowing account Wembanyama before he came on stage, and the 19-year-old couldn't hide his emotion. "Just accomplishing something that I've been dreaming of my whole life. Hearing that sentence from Adam Silver. I got to cry man," Wembanyama said.
"It's a tough league tough to win. Many players have tried to win for years and decades and my goal is to learn as quick as possible and win that ring." It may have been the worst kept secret in basketball, but it was always going to be Wembanyama first.
Wembanyama went first, but Brandon Miller followed him as the Charlotte Hornets picked the Alabama forward over Scoot Henderson, who was also rumoured. He will play alongside LaMelo Ball at the Hornets and create a star offense, and it was under the recommendation of owner and legendary NBA player Michael Jordan.
Miller's second private workout on Monday led to Jordan making up his mind after being seriously impressed. Henderson was selected third by the Portland Trail Blazers and then the Thompson twins heard their name read out.
Amen Thompson was selected fourth overall by the Houston Rockets before the Detroit Pistons selected Ausar. It was a solid top five in a very talented draft class, but as expected it was all about Wembanyama who's been preparing for this moment forever.
"I realised pretty young I wanted to play in the NBA but it becomes a reality more every day," Wembanyama said back in April. "I'm so lucky to have this dream within the reach of my hand."
"I've been working more than ever on my body with my personal trainer Guillaume [Alquier]. I'm ready to go over all sorts of obstacles. So far it's worked pretty well. I haven't missed a game yet. I've been there for my guys every game.
"There are so many games in an NBA season. It's hard to play all 82 games, some players are built a certain way. Others got to rest. My goal is to play the most games I can, and help my team as much as I can."
