The NBA Lottery will take place on May 16. The Lottery 2023, an event already identified as one of the most important in the recent history of the NBA, because it is on this day that we will know which franchise will be able to select first in the Draft, on June 22nd. It is therefore on that day that we will know, quite logically, which team could field Victor Wembanyama, a French phenomenon of over 2m20 that your aunt also talks about during Sunday meals.
Is it too early to talk about it? Perhaps. So are we gonna talk about it every day from now on? Obviously. And to get to the heart of the matter, here is a small projection of the 2023-24 season, imagining what Victor Wembanyama could sell in … the 30 franchises of the League. For some it is a utopia, for others it is entirely possible and it is also the project, but no jealousy so let’s talk about everyone. Today ? We are in turmoil with the New York Knicks, one of the most legendary franchises in world sport. Here we go!
Practical links
The current situation of the Knicks
Operation Redemption is on order in New York. After a disappointing season with a languid Julius Randle, the Knicks must bounce back and finally get rid of the losing tag that has stuck them for too many years now. Today, Madison Square Garden no longer scares many people and even motivates opposing players to hold their annual basketball Mecca masterclass, and Spike Lee sees his life expectancy drop dramatically due to disillusionment. We hope Jalen Brunson’s arrival will save her life, but we highly doubt it.
The five major expected (and highly idealized) if Victor Wembanyama moves to New York this summer
- Jalen Brunson
- RJ Barrett
- Victor Wembanyama
- Obi Toppin
- Mitchell Robinson
Since the trend is not precisely for an extension of Julius Randle’s adventure in New York, we can already imagine him away from Gotham City with Obi Toppin who would take his place in a major five with very long arms with Mitchell Robinson and Wemby therefore, which they could cover the entire width of the court by spreading their arms. Obi Toppin allegedly provided bail during the show while the two left-handed RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson will have most of the external ammunition. But in his first year in the Big Apple, Victor Wembanyama may very well become the hottest skyscraper in the city, and this in his first NBA season.
Sportively for Victor? He would probably already be the headliner of the Big Apple and the first option of these Knicks, which neither Julius Randle nor RJ Barrett have managed to wear. Jalen Brunson somehow tries to stick to that, but it might as well be a little tight. The talent of the external lines is present thanks to the two left-handers, and Vic’s presence and versatility will be at their service. Obi Toppin will use the spaces left by the unicorn to traumatize two or three circles. Only the presence of Mitchell Robinson still seems to be debated, because Wembanyama ticks its own defensive boxes while having a much better offensive contribution. To see, but their presence in defense would still slow more than a reckless one from venturing into the New York racket.
A must visit place for Victor
We’re talking about the Big Apple anyway, so it’s impossible to limit yourself to just one point of interest. How not to think of the Top of The Rock, or the Empire State Building, above which Wemby could see from his toes. He could also go from one end of Central Park to the other with his arms, cross the Hudson to reach the Statue of Liberty, or even add another light to Times Square. All this before obviously putting Madison Square Garden at his feet.
Scenario probability: 10%
Odds table for the lottery draw
Sure, the Knicks aren’t the first franchise that comes to mind for repatriating Victor Wembanyama, but nothing says they won’t have a say in the next lottery. The Knicks should be fair for the Playoffs and, in all honesty, we’d be at a level of hype rarely achieved in the NBA seeing the French unicorn land at the Knicks. Maybe it’s time to bring out the folded bags or hot balls for Adam Silver if he wants the potential next face in his league to enter one of the biggest markets. We’re kidding of course, well maybe …
So much for this edition of the New York Knicks of our great series dedicated to Victor Wembanyama’s Draft. Yes, seven months before the draft. And you, would you like to see it land where the big Vic?
