deciphering the 14 franchises that could welcome Wembanyama to the NBA draft

Which team will Victor Wembanyama make his NBA debut on next season? The French basketball prodigy will find out on Tuesday, during the draft lottery, which will determine the lucky winner destined to choose him first on June 22. History, profile, strengths… Review of the 14 franchises concerned, from those with the best chance of winning to those with only the tiniest hope.

Detroit (14% chance)

Wembanyama would evolve with the leader Killian Hayes, before him the highest drafted Frenchman (7th, in 2020), who is struggling to confirm the hopes placed in him, and other young talents like Cade Cunningham, James Wiseman or even Jaden Ivey. But the Michigan team, three times champion in the past (1989, 1990, 2004), is looking for a coach for them.

Houston (14%)

Among the Rockets, the talented pivots we know, from Moses Malone, to Hakeem Olajuwon, the man of the two championship titles (1994 and 1995), via the Chinese Yao Ming. Wembanyama would play under Ime Udoka, who led the Celtics to the final last year, and could be associated with James Harden, star of the Sixers whose return to Texas is discussed.

Saint Anthony (14%)

What if, 22 years after selecting Tony Parker, with the success we know, four championship titles out of the five that Spurs have, Gregg Popovich took charge of another French prodigy to better relaunch his franchise? “After all the history I had there, it would be huge,” agrees “TP”. A scenario all the more enticing as the veteran coach also knew how to do it with Tim Duncan, who has become one of the best interiors in history.

Charlotte (12,5%)

One name gives a good reason to land at the Hornets: Michael Jordan. But still it is necessary that the legend remains the owner, he who is thinking of selling his shares. Perhaps inheriting from the Frenchman will make him backpedal (to better sell for more?) and he will be tempted by a role of mentor.

Portland (10,5%)

Victor Wembanyama with Damian Lillard? A duet with the star who has remained faithful to the Blazers, despite successive failures, would allow the 19-year-old Frenchman to grow even faster, within a team that can aim high enough, with the support of passionate fans dreaming of a second title after 1977. Starting out in Oregon, far from any frenzy, but at Nike, has other advantages.

Orlando (9%)

The Magic has no shortage of young talent, from Paolo Banchero, rookie of the past season, to Franz Wagner via Markelle Fultz. Wembanyama joining them, the progress of the team could result in play-offs, achieved only twice in the last eleven seasons.

Indiana (6,8%)

A gifted and altruistic leader, Tyrese Haliburton, a seasoned insider to accompany him, Miles Turner, and an experienced coach Rick Carlisle, champion with Dallas with Dirk Nowitzki in 2011 and who chaperoned Luka Doncic for a long time, all in a State where basketball is sacred. Wembanyama to the Pacers would do it.

Washington (6,7%)

At the Wizards, in search of a distant past glory (champions in 1978), “Wemby” would evolve with a leader-scorer, Bradley Beal, who would be required to share the ball, and would form impressive twin towers with the Latvian Kristaps Porzingis, who is the same height (2.21 m).

Utah (4,5%)

Walk in the footsteps of Rudy Gobert, drafted ten years earlier by the Jazz? Beyond the comparison with the triple best defender in the league, Wembanyama would impose himself in a team in reconstruction not devoid of talent, like the Finn Lauri Markkanen.

Dallas (3%)

The chances are minimal, but the tandem he would form with Luka Doncic, or even the trio with Kyrie Irving if he stays, would not lack superlatives and the Mavs would once again become contenders for the laurels.

Chicago (1,8%)

Under the mythical jersey of the Bulls, whose golden age dates back to the Jordan era (six coronations), a “big3” with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine would necessarily be promising.

Oklahoma City (1.7%)

Another good pick. The Thunder is a team with great potential, led by the excellent back Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, elected in the five-type of the past season.

Toronto (1%)

The Raptors are starting a new cycle, without Nick Nurse, the title coach in 2019. But alongside executives Pascal Siakam and Fred van Vleet, “Wemby” will grow quickly.

New Orleans (0.5%)

If luck, tiny, gets involved, and if Zion Williamson stops getting injured, their interior duo could be devastating.