The 2023 NBA Draft Lottery is here, and the big question is which team will win the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. The 7’2″ French center is widely considered to be the top prospect in the draft, and he would be a major addition to any team that is able to land him.
Wembanyama is considered by many to be the most important prospect since LeBron James. He is a 7-foot-2 center from France with a rare combination of size, athleticism, and skill. He has the potential to be a dominant force on both ends of the court, and he could change the fortunes of any team that is able to draft him.
Scouts have compared Wembanyama to some of the greatest big men in NBA history, including Hakeem Olajuwon and Tim Duncan. They say that he has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone, and that he could be one of the best players in the league for years to come.
This is how Hoops Hype described him :
“Once-in-a-lifetime prospect… Hasn’t been a player as hyped since LeBron James back in 2003… Can do it all… Handle the ball… Shoot from anywhere within 35 feet… Unblockable jump shot with his height… Outstanding wingspan… Super fluid athlete.. Advanced skills for his age… The real question is staying healthy… Chance to become a transcendent star. “
Wembanyama is still young and just 19 years old, but he has shown that he is a generational player in the making. He averaged 21.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game for ASVEL in the French Pro A League. Wembanyama is the most hyped prospect since LeBron James, and he has the ability to be just as good or even better. If he reaches his potential, he could become the best player in the NBA for years to come as he would redefine the center position just like Lebron James redefined the power forward position. Wembanyama has shown an incredible ability to shoot threes, dribble, pass, rebound and score from seemingly anywhere on the court.
At just 19 years old, he is making professional basketball players look like amateurs:
Who are the teams that have the best chance of drafting Wembanyama, and what would mean for them if they are able to secure the number one pick?
Note: Starting in 2019, the NBA Draft Lottery changed the rules to curtail tanking. The three worst teams will have the same chance to win the number one pick at 14%.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons are currently in last place in the NBA standings, and they have a 14% chance of winning. If they are able to land Wembanyama, it would be a major coup for the franchise. He would be a perfect fit alongside Cade Cunningham, and he would give the Pistons a dynamic duo that could lead them back to the playoffs in the near future.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets are also in the mix for the top pick, with odds of 14%. They have been rebuilding for a few years now and have struggled since James Harden left. Wembanyama would be a great addition to their young core and would give the Rockets a franchise cornerstone that can turn them into a contender. He would give them a potential star to build around, and he would help them in their rebuilding process, providing a superstar that would attract young stars to Houston.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are another team that is in the lottery, with odds of 14%. They have been one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, but they have been in a bit of a downswing in recent years. Wembanyama would be a great way for them to get back on track. He would give them a young player with a lot of potential, and he would help them reload for another run at the playoffs. Having a coach like Popovich who coached a young Tim Duncan and David Robinson and was able to win five titles with the Spurs, would be the best situation for Wembanyama from a developmental perspective. The Spurs are also known for playing an “international” brand of basketball as they are one of the teams that draft the most international players, something that would be a plus for Wembanyama as he eases into the NBA.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets finished with a 27-55 record and have 12.5% odds of winning the lottery. If they are able to move up and draft Wembanyama, it would be a huge addition for them. He would give them a potential star to pair with LaMelo Ball, and would provide a foundation for a playoff core for the Hornets.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers are another team that missed the playoffs and have 10.5% odds of winning the lottery. If they are able to move up and draft Wembanyama, it would be a great way for them to add some young talent to their roster. He would give them a potential star to pair with Damian Lillard, and he would help them keep their window of contention open. With Lillard starting to lose patience with the Blazers as they have failed to surround him with help, Wembanyama can be the catalyst that locks in Lillard long term and allows the Blazers to become a championship contender in a few short years.
Watch the NBA Draft Lottery: Tuesday 8 PM on ESPN
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