Reading body language is hardly an exact science but it sure seemed like presumptive 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama was happy to see that the Houston Rockets got the No. 4 spot in the upcoming draft.
The NBA Draft lottery was held Tuesday night and the San Antonio Spurs ended up in the top spot, essentially securing the chance to draft the 7’2″ French phenom.
During the selection process, ESPN’s camera cut to Wembanyama to gauge his reaction to where certain teams ended up. When it was announced that the Rockets would be in the No. 4 spot, effectively ending their chances of picking him, he seemed to turn to someone and pump his fist, all of which sure seemed to imply that he was happy to see he wouldn’t end up in Houston.
Victor Wembanyama’s reaction to the Rockets getting the 4th pick 💀pic.twitter.com/BqWqCxp4sG
— Backcourt Alerts (@BackcourtAlerts) May 17, 2023
We have to imagine someone will ask him about his reaction at some point, but for many NBA fans, it sure said a lot about his preferences.
“Stay over there in San Antonio witcha big women & military buzz cuts. We good in the city,” said one Houston fan.
https://twitter.com/SippingTeaTv/status/1658883082345119771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1658883082345119771%7Ctwgr%5E76dbb77dd9bfd4f2a27079d4edf980cad1050038%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthespun.com%2Fmore%2Ftop-stories%2Flook-victor-wembanyama-clearly-didnt-want-to-play-for-1-nba-team
“Wembanyama wanted no part of James Harden in Houston,” said Jason McIntyre, presuming that the Sixers star might return to the Rockets this offseason.
Wembanyama wanted no part of James Harden in Houston https://t.co/ZaUC5WCuCI
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) May 17, 2023
“People really tryna make this seem like he hates these other teams and not the fact that he has connections with former players on the Spurs and wants to follow their path, the hate is starting early,” said Sharif.
People really tryna make this seem like he hates these other teams and not the fact that he has connections with former players on the Spurs and wants to follow their path, the hate is starting early https://t.co/zAHJ7Br58l
— sharif (@2ksharif) May 17, 2023
Whether real or perceived, expect that look to be part of the rivalry between San Antonio and Houston in the years ahead.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.