The NBA Lottery will take place on May 16th. 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 ? Let’s discuss the case of the Orlando Magic, one of the franchises that most likely will recover the French perspective, from their budget, from their project. Here we go!
Practical links
The current state of magic
Developing young people, preparing for the future? Magic is right in there. The current roster is young, very very young, and the coach (Jamahl Mosley) is also one of the newcomers to the bench (only second season in the NBA). Last June, the Magic enlisted with the first pick, and they seem to have had a good nose at selecting former student Duke Paolo Banchero. In fact, the 3/4 position is already a hit and had no trouble making the NCAA / NBA transition, and it looks like the Florida franchise has got its hands on – very – safe value for the future. Around Paul Banquier? Young, young and young, former Draft stars (Markelle Fultz, Jonatha Isaac, Mo Bamba), others more recent (Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs …) but one thing to remember today: Orlando Magic is changing and sees its future in the medium term. It doesn’t matter how well they do or better as long as they lose, and luckily they will … even if they try hard to win.
The five major expected (and highly idealized) if Victor Wembanyama moves to Orlando this summer
- Jalen Suggs
- Franz Wagner
- Paolo Banchero
- Victor Wembanyama
- Wendell Carter Jr.
So ok, Franz Wagner in 2 we’re not sure even if Orlando starts his season like that today, but it was mainly to show you just how talented Mickey is. Jalen Suggs, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Victor Wembanyama, who is blocked for at least a few years because he is (or would be) drafted very high, however, proof of a real individual project for these gentlemen. Around the few cracks or fragments of cracks? Cole Anthony and Wendell Carter Jr. are “in between” guys, Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac are a bit on the sugar side, and Mo Bamba has to shake off before she reaches her expiration date. Be that as it may, the 2/3/4 board type consisting of a German, a Frenchman, and an Italian must make some Florida leaders mouth water and we would understand them easily.
Sportively, for Victor? Well, you’ve already become the # 1 emblem of the John Hammond project, which consists of selecting only players with a wingspan of 2m50. Knowing that Bol Bol starts strong, this knows 2022-23, you associate it with Wembanyama and have the Stade de France safety lanyard in your racquet. More seriously, there would be something exciting and completely futuristic with Wemby in Orlando, but beware of the accumulation of talent … There is only one ball in basketball, 48 minutes of play and possessions to share. Given the start of Banchero and the development of Wagner, it is not tomorrow that they will become patient shooters. Consequently, we like the “physical” idea of Victor in Orlando, but in the relevance of the development of Wembanyama and the commercials needed to reach his maximum potential, we have some doubts.
A must visit place for Victor
How not to mention Walt Disney World. The address? 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. The idea? Stroll around to feel the Disney magic, plus the big Vic is clearly still old enough to be amazed by the parade. So ask a kid if he likes candy and you’ll see if the Orlando Magic / Victor Wembanyama attendance isn’t one of the tastiest in the entire NBA.
Scenario probability: 14%
Odds table for the lottery draw
Of course it is possible. How come ? Simply because Magic’s record will be one of the worst in the league at the end of the season, most likely one of the three worst evens, and all of this then very logically gives every chance (14% actually) of winning. the eardrums on May 16. And if we had to bet on five or six franchises in pole position to recover the French giant, Orlando’s would certainly be in the lot.
So much for this Orlando Magic edition of our great Victor Wembanyama Draft series. Yes, seven months before the draft. And you, would you like to see it land where the big Vic?
