With Victor Wembanyama’s professional future on the line, the most anticipated NBA Draft Lottery in two decades is finally tonight.
To most observers, there hasn’t been a potential game-changing franchise player like Wembanyama available since young LeBron James in 2003. That makes the long-term stakes of Tuesday night’s results potentially seismic in their impact on the NBA.
But while we’ve already observed the betting odds favorites for Wembanyama and the best team fits for the blooming superstar, it’s hard not to wonder about the most fun location. Forget Wembanyama making sense in an on-court capacity.
Where would he help create the most fireworks right away?
Here’s a definitive and totally scientific ranking of the five most fun fits for Wembanyama on the night of the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery.
5
Charlotte Hornets
Just imagine a LaMelo Ball and Wembanyama pick and roll for the foreseeable future. I’m having a hard time envisioning anyone stopping this controlled madness.
4
Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard finally paired up with a legitimate superstar? Yes, please. Get the man the best help he’s ever had!
3
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have been in this position before, winning two separate draft lotteries for David Robinson and Tim Duncan. Getting Wembanyama for Gregg Popovich feels a little greedy at first. But he has the track record of turning these kinds of top picks into legitimate franchise changers.
2
Indiana Pacers
Led by young All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers are clearly on the rise as a dark horse in the Eastern Conference. Landing Wembanyama would turn Indiana into a bona fide powerhouse.
1
Detroit Pistons
It’s been a long time since the Pistons had a reputation anywhere close to befitting of the classic “Bad Boys.” Mixing Wembanyama in with Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey would give Detroit one of the NBA’s best young nuclei. It would likely also usher in a new era of high-flying “De-tro-it” basketball. Sign me up!
