Victor Wembanyama is the projected number-one pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Wembanyama has been on NBA’s teams’ draft radar for years now, but his showcase in Las Vegas has propelled teams that are middle of the road, or lower tier, to completely tank in hopes of drafting him with the first overall pick.
This draft lottery is as crucial for many teams as any in the last decade as the 7-foot-4 Center from France is projected to be one of the next megastars of the NBA, even earning praise from LeBron James already. Every team will celebrate if they win the NBA draft lottery, but these are the best teams for Wembanyama and his future.
Victor Wembanyama Landing Spot #1: San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs make so much sense for Wembanyama. The Spurs are a historical franchise that is known for having staple legends at the center position. San Antonio went from David Robinson to Tim Duncan but is now in a predicament where they do not have a solid big man for the first time in over two decades.
For Wembanyama, it would be the perfect situation: Wembanyama would go to a top-notch organization, has a loyal fanbase, and has the greatest coach of all time with the plus side of Gregg Popovich being extremely familiar with coaching European talent.
Victor Wembanyama Landing Spot #2: Charlotte Hornets
There are not too many Lottery teams that already have an All-Star on the roster. However, that is the case for the Charlotte Hornets in guard Lamelo Ball. For many NBA championship teams, the combo of an All-Star guard and an All-Star big man has been the formula to reach the finals. The Hornets could have that in Ball and Wembanyama, creating one of the most lethal pick and rolls combinations the NBA has ever seen.
Victor Wembanyama Landing Spot #3: New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans could be laughing at the Los Angeles Lakers in the end after the Anthony Davis trade. The Los Angeles Lakers are having a struggle of a season. Just last week, it looked like the Lakers may have figured out a formula to turn their season around, but now with the announcement that Anthony Davis will miss multiple weeks with an injury, it looks like the Lakers may be once again sliding back down the NBA standings.
It is still unlikely that the Lakers are a top contender for the number one pick in the lottery, but there is a chance that LA crumbles and give the New Orleans Pelicans a chance to add another phenom with the first pick.
The Pelicans already have all-stars in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, and by adding another generational talent in Victor Wembanyama, they could become the next dynasty of the NBA. The Pelicans are currently second-best in the Western Conference, and Wembanyama’s addition would be the move that jumps them to the NBA Championship favorites for years to come.
