• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Tune in on Dec. 11 at 1:05 p.m. ET for our last Future of Sports virtual summit of the year – Future of Sports: Marketing! Register Now

2023 NBA Draft Spotlights Prospects Taking Unique Paths To Pros

  • Twin brothers from the Overtime Elite league could be taken in the top 10.
  • Several G League players are also projected to go in the first round.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday night’s NBA Draft will mark a seminal moment for a company that’s providing prospects with new pathways to the league.

The draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and Victor Wembanyama is expected to go first overall to the San Antonio Spurs.

Twin brothers Amen and Ausar Thompson are widely projected to be selected early in the evening after spending the last two years playing in the Overtime Elite league. They’ll be the first players drafted from the Atlanta-based developmental competition for 16-to-20-year-olds.

“It feels validating,” said Dan Porter, co-founder and CEO of the Overtime, which has raised $250 million and carved out its place alongside the NBA’s G League as more players look for alternatives to college basketball. 

“It’s exciting. It’s crazy,” he told Front Office Sports. “Six years ago, Overtime didn’t exist. Four years ago, Overtime was an Instagram account, and now … there are two guys who are potentially going to go top-10 in the NBA draft. It’s amazing.”

Porter is confident Overtime can continue building and attracting talent like the Thompsons. “We’re just really excited to plug into the ecosystem and to help people who want a different path and want to accelerate their development in basketball,” he said.

Beyond basketball, Porter pointed to the off-court teachings Overtime provides — “basketball, business, and brand” — highlighting the Thompsons’ growth on social media from virtually zero since arriving at Overtime. The twins now both boast Instagram followings of over 100,000.

“The best thing you can do is speak to the results,” Porter said of his strategy for the future.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 13, 2024; Bolingbrook, Illinois, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Bryson DeChambeau of the Crushers GC and Brooks Koepka of the Smash GC shake hands after the first round of the LIV Golf Chicago tournament at Bolingbrook Golf Club.

DeChambeau, Koepka Hope Showdown Helps Unite LIV–PGA Tour

The golfers will compete against Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.

More to A’s Offseason Spending Plans Than Meets the Eye

Revenue-sharing guidelines are helping fuel the increased spending.

As Wizards Hit Historic Low, Leonsis Calls Season ‘Very Productive’

They’re on pace for one of the worst records in NBA history.

College Football Playoff Teams Paid $27M for Non-Conference Schedules

Texas led the way with three games that cost $4.9 million.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.

Soto Contract Echoes 2000 A-Rod Deal. Could Similar Fallout Follow?

The record-setting Soto deal recalls A-Rod 24 years ago.
Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver arrives prior to the WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center.
December 6, 2024

NBA Set for China Return Five Years After Morey–Hong Kong Fiasco

The Nets and Suns will play two games in Macao in October 2025.
Iowa’s Kate Martin waves to the crowd during a celebration of the Iowa women’s basketball team Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
December 6, 2024

WNBA’s Valkyries Assemble Roster With Fan Favorite Kate Martin

It’s the WNBA’s first expansion draft since 2008.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Ar'Darius Washington (29) tackles Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) on the one yard line during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium.
December 5, 2024

NFL Relaxes Drug Policy by Reducing Fines and Resetting Violation Clocks

It makes it harder to test positive for marijuana and reduces fines.
From left, Jeeno Thitikul, of Thailand, Lydia Ko, of New Zealand, and Yan Liu, of the Republic of China, walk onto the first green during the Kroger Queen City Classic in Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.
December 4, 2024

LPGA Alters Transgender Player Policy, At Least One Player Barred

The new rules disqualify a current transgender golfer, Hailey Davidson.
December 4, 2024

WNBA Expansion Draft Drama: Picks Will Be Revealed, Not Player Pool

Only the final selections of the Golden State Valkyries will be revealed.
December 4, 2024

Toronto Tempo Announced Day After WNBA Leaked Team Name

Screenshots circulated on X of the team name on the WNBA’s website.