There are some big-time prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft, but you best believe the teams selecting in the lottery on Thursday have at least one eye on next year's draft.There's one particular reason why: Victor Wembanyama.By New Orleans Pelicans Hats now, there's a good chance you've heard of Wembanyama. He had a monster game against Chet Holmgren and the United States in the final of the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, and he's considered to be one of the best prospects we've seen in a long time.If you're not familiar with Wembanyama, be prepared to hear his name mentioned a lot over the next 12 months.Here's why the French center is likely going to be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.MORE: Wembanyama is a French basketball player who was born on Jan. 4, 2004. He's spent the last three seasons playing profe sionally in France with clubs Nanterre 92 and ASVEL.Wembanyama was named the Pro A Best Young Player, an honor given to the best player under the age of 22 in France's top division, in both 2021 and 2022.Wembanyama is currently projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. ESPN's Mike Schmitz the "true prize" of next year's draft cla s, the "best prospect in Tony Carr Jersey the world regardle s of age" and a future NBA MVP if, of course, he can stay healthy.That's some high praise from perhaps the most respected draft expert in the game.MORE: Wembanyama is a 7-foot-3 big man with a 7-foot-9 wingspan and 9-foot-7 standing reach, and he has guard skills.No, seriously.Offensively, Wembanyama has drawn comparisons to Wizards forward Kristaps Porzingis for his ability to stretch the floor at a high level as a 7-footer. While the aren't there yet, keep in mind that he's only a teenager. Also, he sure looks the part of a shooter. Not only is he capable of spotting up and picking-and-popping, but he can operate off of screens like a wing.You don't see people Wembanyama's size do stuff like this on the regular:That feathery touch shows Jrue Holiday Jersey up in other areas. Another playerWembanyama has drawn some comparisons to is Nets superstar Kevin Durant because he has the handle and footwork to create his own offense and a sky-high release point that makes him practically unblockable when he gets to his spots.His size he's listed at a slight 229 pounds is one of the few concerns with Wembanyama, but his length allows him to rise up over just about anyone.That playerhe shot over? He's listed at 6-foot-6. Wembanyama makes him look at Will Magnay Jersey least four inches shorter.Wembanyama does more traditional big man things as well. He's a legitimate lob threat, he's flashed some potential playing out of the post and he's already a big-time rim protector.One more playerWembanyama has been compared to: Jazz star and fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year who will go down as one of the most dominant defenders in NBA history.Wembanyama is a ma sive presence around the basket, and he's agile enough to step out to the perimeter.Watch how quickly he recovers on this po se sion after getting knocked out of position:Ridiculous.Put it all together the size, length, shooting, handle, defensive chops, fluidity and it's no wonder why people are losing their minds over Wembanyama. The icing on the cake is he won't turn 19 years old until January, so he's only scratching the surface of his potential. Wembanyama spent the 2021-22 season with ASVEL, but that he might opt out of his contract with the club to become a free agent Elfrid Payton Jersey and sign with Paris Basketball.Wembanyama y has until June 26 to opt out. A decision should be coming any day now.