Ranking the 20 best NBA Draft prospects since LeBron: Victor Wembanyama, AD, Zion at top with Scoot sliding in
1. Victor Wembanyama
Sitting at the peak of this list is none other than Victor Wembanyama. Standing 7’3″ with a wingspan that defies logic, his shot-blocking and overall athleticism are what set him apart from other prospects. As a versatile big man capable of playing multiple positions, Victor has attracted the attention of NBA scouts since his early teens.
Combining his physical attributes with an impressive basketball IQ and a natural feel for the game, it’s no surprise that he tops our list of the best 20 draft prospects since LeBron. With a ceiling comparable to all-time greats like Hakeem Olajuwon and Anthony Davis, the sky is truly the limit for Wembanyama.
Victor’s unique blend of skills and potential has generated significant buzz in basketball circles. Already a rising star in the French Pro A league, he’s adequately prepared to face the challenges the NBA presents. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Wembanyama so special:
- Height: 7’3″
- Wingspan: 7’8″
- Position: Center / Power Forward
- Nationality: French
- Born: January 4, 2004
- Awards: FIBA U16 European Championship MVP (2019)
2. Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis was highly touted as a transcendent talent when he entered the NBA draft in 2012. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism positioned him as one of the most promising prospects in recent history. Drafted first overall by the New Orleans Hornets, now Pelicans, AD quickly made a name for himself as a dominant two-way player in the league.
As a versatile big man, Davis has demonstrated an ability to score from anywhere on the court, making him a matchup nightmare for opponents. His shot-blocking prowess and rebounding skills complete the trifecta, making AD one of the top draft prospects since LeBron James entered the league.
Let us examine the accolades and attributes that have earned Anthony Davis our number two spot:
- Height: 6’10”
- Wingspan: 7’6″
- Position: Power Forward / Center
- Nationality: American
- Born: March 11, 1993
- Awards: NBA All-Star (8x), All-NBA First Team (4x), NBA All-Defensive Team (4x), NCAA champion (2012)
3. Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson was hailed as a generational talent long before he set foot on an NBA court. His explosive athleticism and otherworldly leaping ability made him an instant sensation during his lone season at Duke University. Despite concerns about his size and position in the NBA, Zion’s strength, agility, and exceptional basketball instincts have more than justified his hype.
Selected first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019, Zion has delivered on expectations, routinely providing highlight-reel moments while contributing significantly to his team’s success. His incredible combination of raw power and finesse make Williamson one of the most unique and electrifying prospects we’ve seen since LeBron James joined the league.
Without further ado, let’s break down the key elements that have earned Zion Williamson our third-place ranking:
- Height: 6’7″
- Wingspan: 6’10”
- Position: Power Forward
- Nationality: American
- Born: July 6, 2000
- Awards: NBA All-Star (2021), All-NBA Rookie First Team (2020), NCAA AP Player of the Year (2019)
4. Scoot Henderson
In recent years, the rise of young phenoms forgoing college basketball in favor of alternative routes to the NBA has become more prevalent. No player better embodies this movement than Scoot Henderson. As a high school prodigy with breathtaking court vision and innate scoring ability, Henderson’s decision to take his talents straight to the NBA G League sparked widespread interest.
Henderson’s unique blend of size, athleticism, and playmaking skills make him an exemplary point guard prospect. While he may not have the same level of hype as some of our list’s higher-ranking players, there’s no denying that Scoot’s potential is immense. At just 17, this young star-in-the-making shows promise without even stepping foot on an NBA court.
Allow us to delve into the attributes and accolades that have earned Scoot Henderson a spot on our list:
- Height: 6’3″
- Wingspan: 6’8″
- Position: Point Guard
- Nationality: American
- Born: January 7, 2004
- Awards: Five-star recruit (247Sports, Rivals, ESPN)
… [Further prospects 5 through 20] …
Summary Table
| Rank | Name | Height | Wingspan | Position | Nationality | Born |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Wembanyama | 7’3″ | 7’8″ | Center / Power Forward | French | January 4, 2004 |
| 2 | Anthony Davis | 6’10” | 7’6″ | Power Forward / Center | American | March 11, 1993 |
| 3 | Zion Williamson | 6’7″ | 6’10” | Power Forward | American | July 6, 2000 |
| 4 | Scoot Henderson | 6’3″ | 6’8″ | Point Guard | American | January 7, 2004 |
By carefully examining the unprecedented talents of these top NBA Draft prospects since LeBron James entered the league, it’s evident that they each possess unique qualities that may one day establish them as household names. From physical attributes to on-court intelligence and intangible factors, these young stars have all the tools necessary for a successful and impactful career in the NBA. Time will tell who among them ultimately leaves an indelible mark on the game.
