Victor Wembanyama has been trending on social media for years to this point. He’s been the prospective GOAT (or near that) prospect since he first found himself in draft discussions. His combination of size and skill makes him generational: there’s no argument otherwise.
With Kevin Durant-like pull-up shooting and shot creation and Rudy Gobert-esque interior defense, Wembanyama’s potential is GOAT level. If he can stay healthy, there’s little reason to believe that he isn’t a future MVP. The real question is, what franchise will win the lottery and take the Frenchman? What will it look like for the team’s fit and outlook?
Houston Rockets: The Rockets currently have the worst record in the league at 1-7. This really isn’t too shocking, as they’re one of the youngest teams in the league. Their most used lineup to this point (Porter Jr.-Green-Gordon-Smith Jr.-Sengun) has an average age of 23, which is heavily skewed by Gordon. Adding Wembanyama would create a scary frontcourt with Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun; there’s a lot of versatility there. It would give shades of last year’s Cavs team of Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Add that to the star potential of Jalen Green as a pure bucket-getter, and the Rockets would be a really tough team.
Utah Jazz: Who would have thought a frontcourt of Lauri Markkanen and Kelly Olynyk would be so fun? And be winning? The Jazz have been a really fun team this year, led by Markkanen. Despite the 6-3 start, it’s hard to see this success continuing for an entire season for the Jazz. They aren’t the deepest team, but they’re a quality team; the outlook isn’t quite as poor as it appeared to be coming into this season. If Wembanyama found himself in Salt Lake City, he would be paired with Markkanen -- who’s flashing real star potential (on both sides of the court). Really though, it’s tough to say this landing spot would be as fun as the Rockets.
Indiana Pacers: To be honest, this may be my favorite spot for Wembanyama. Their offense has been clicking at a top 10 rate, largely due to the still underrated Tyrese Haliburtion (who’s quietly averaging 22 points and 9 assists per game). Benedict Mathurin has looked like the clear-cut 2nd best rookie with his ability to score and shoot. Myles Turner has been in trade rumors for years to this point, and Wembanyama would set them in a new direction at the five. Drafting the 18-year-old phenom would almost guarantee a Turner trade and create a new Big 3 in Indiana along with Halliburton and Mathurin.
Oklahoma City Thunder: In this young season, the Thunder find themselves with a 4-4 record and the 4th best defense in the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a near generational driver, has been playing at an MVP level. He’s been averaging 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists on a 61 true shooting percentage. This would be the best player that Wembanyama could realistically end up with, as that would be so entertaining. Adding Wembanyama to Chet Holmgren would create another set of twin-towers to the league, and this one could run the league. Their combination of defense and creation at their height would make this one of the most fun teams to watch.
Orlando Magic: The Magic find themselves in a similar spot to the Rockets. Really bad, but really young. They’ve got a lot of young players, and inserting Wembanyama into the equation would force this team to make some interesting decisions. Wendell Carter Jr., Bol Bol, and Mo Bamba all wouldn’t stay. Consider the presence of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, and the frontcourt is pretty filled up with young talent, which would form one of the best young frontcourts in the league by far. Banchero is the early front-runner for ROY, flashing elite shot creation and incredible upside. Guards Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, and RJ Hampton add some intrigue for this roster.
San Antonio Spurs: Off to a 5-3 start, the Spurs roster is pretty bleak. Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell have been great for the team, as both have exceeded their expectations early this season. Beyond them, there isn’t a ton for this team. Jeremy Sochan has been very good defensively already but needs to improve on the other side of the ball. Tre Jones has proved to be a serviceable point guard. Jakob Poeltl has continued to be one of the more underrated bigs in the league, but he has been in trade rumors -- which isn’t too shocking. If Wembanyama goes here, Poeltl’s odds of being traded would skyrocket, too. There doesn’t seem to be much sense in that pairing.
Other teams in the mix include the Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, and Charlotte Hornets. There’s going to be some generational tanking for a generational prospect as this season progresses.
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Charlie Spungin , NBA Analyst