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, assets... A review of the 14 franchises concerned, from those most likely to win it to those with only a tiny hope.
Detroit (14% chance)
Wembanyama would evolve with the point guard Killian Hayes, before him the highest drafted Frenchman (7th, in 2020), who struggles to confirm the hopes placed in him, and other young talents like Cade Cunningham, James Wiseman or Jaden Ivey. But the Michigan team, three times champions in the past (1989, 1990, 2004), is looking for a coach.
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Houston (14%)
At the Rockets, the talented pivots we know, from Moses Malone, to Hakeem Olajuwon, the man of the two championships (1994 and 1995), through the Chinese Yao Ming. Wembanyama would play under Ime Udoka, who led the Celtics to the Finals last year, and may be paired with Sixers star James Harden, whose return to Texas is being discussed.
Victor Wembanyama Federico Pestellini / PANORAMIC
San Antonio (14%)
What if, 22 years after selecting Tony Parker, with the success we know - four league titles out of the five that the Spurs have - Gregg Popovich takes charge of another French prodigy to better revive his franchise? "After all the history I've had there, it would be huge," agrees "TP." A scenario all the more enticing that the veteran coach also knew how to do it with Tim Duncan, who became one of the best interiors in history.
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Charlotte (12.5%)
One name gives a good reason to land with the Hornets: Michael Jordan. But it is still necessary that the legend remains the owner, he who thinks of selling his shares. Perhaps inheriting the French will make him backpedal (to better sell more expensive?) and he will be tempted by a mentoring role.
Portland (10.5%)
Victor Wembanyama with Damian Lillard? A duet with the star who remained loyal to the Blazers, despite successive failures, would allow the 19-year-old Frenchman to grow even faster, in a team that can aim high enough, with the support of passionate fans dreaming of a second title after 1977. Starting in Oregon, far from any frenzy, but at Nike, has other advantages.
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Orlando (9%)
The Magic have no shortage of young talent, from Paolo Banchero, last season's rookie, to Franz Wagner and Markelle Fultz. With Wembanyama joining them, the team's progression could translate into play-offs, reached only twice in the last eleven seasons.
Indiana (6.8%)
A gifted and selfless point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, a seasoned interior to accompany him, Miles Turner, and an experienced coach Rick Carlisle, champion with Dallas with Dirk Nowitzki in 2011 and who chaperone Luka Doncic for a long time, all in a state where basketball is sacred. Wembanyama to the Pacers, it would.
Victor Wembanyama Federico Pestellini / PANORAMIC
Washington (6.7%)
At the Wizards, in search of a distant glory past (champions in 1978), "Wemby" would evolve with a point guard-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 three-time 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 become contenders for laurels again.
Chicago (1.8%)
Under the mythical jersey of the Bulls, whose golden age dates back to the Jordan era (six titles), a "big3" with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine would necessarily be promising.
Victor Wembanyama Federico Pestellini / PANORAMIC
Oklahoma City (1.7%)
Another good pickaxe. The Thunder are a team with great potential, guided by the excellent back Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, elected in the five-type of last season.
Toronto (1%)
The Raptors are entering a new cycle, without Nick Nurse, the 2019 title coach. But alongside executives Pascal Siakam and Fred van Vleet, "Wemby" will grow fast.
New Orleans (0.5%)
If luck gets involved, and Zion Williamson stops injuring himself, their interior duo could be devastating.