Ranking the Best Victor Wembanyama Destinations – NBC 7 San Diego

Ranking the most fun Wembanyama destinations among lottery teams originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

This is going to be a franchise-altering night for one NBA team.

The 2023 NBA Draft Lottery set for Tuesday is possibly the most anticipated drawing for the No. 1 overall pick since 2003. That’s because, just like LeBron James in 2003, this year’s draft class boasts a once-in-a-gereration-type prospect.

Victor Wembanyama became a household name among NBA fans back in October when his French club played two exhibition games against the G League Ignite in Las Vegas. The 19-year-old French phenom who reportedly stands 7-foot-5 totaled 73 points, nine blocks and nine made 3-pointers across the two contests, showcasing his staggering perimeter skills and two-way ability. Since then, Wembanyama has been a lock for the No. 1 pick.

Fourteen teams will enter the lottery with a chance to secure the rare talent. But before the ping pong balls start bouncing, let’s take a look at the best potential landing spots for Wemby from the least to most fun.

14. Washington Wizards

Odds for No. 1 pick: 6.7%

Giving Bradley Beal $251 million and a no-trade clause should automatically disqualify you from the Wemby sweepstakes.

13. San Antonio Spurs

Odds for No. 1 pick: 14%

Wembanyama following in the steps of all-time great big men in David Robinson and Tim Duncan by getting drafted by the Spurs and playing for Gregg Popovich would be awesome. Wembanyama’s top two teammates being Keldon Johnson and Malaki Branham…not nearly as much.

12. Houston Rockets

Odds for No. 1 pick: 14%

It’s been two-plus seasons since James Harden left Houston…and possibly the most exciting thing about the franchise right now is that the Beard could be on his way back soon. Jalen Green is full of potential, Alperen “Baby Joker” Şengün is an interesting piece and Jabari Smith Jr. had some moments as a rookie, but there are simply better situations out there.

11. Toronto Raptors

Odds for No. 1 pick: 1%

Wembanyama feels like a Raptor in that he’s a long, rangy athlete. However, putting him on a team with several other long, rangy athletes in Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, O.G. Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa while not having a lead guard in place (Fred VanVleet has a player option for next season) sounds more like a basketball experiment than a fun situation.

10. Detroit Pistons

Odds for No. 1 pick: 14%

Had Cade Cunningham played more than 12 games this season, Detroit probably would have been higher. But we just don’t yet know enough about the former No. 1 pick, along with fellow youngsters Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren.

9. Chicago Bulls

Odds for No. 1 pick: 1.8%

An argument can easily be made for the Bulls to be higher. They’re a storied NBA franchise that can welcome Wembanyama into a situation with two stars in Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, and the chance to compete right away.

What the Bulls lack, however, is…