Former NBA champion supports teams tanking for Victor Wembanyama: “He's the greatest prospect in the history of basketball”
Victor Wembanyama is the much-awaited prize for next year's NBA draft for good reason. Former NBA player Channing Frye explained why Wembanyama is a generational talent and why NBA teams are tanking hard for him.
There's still some time to go until the draft, and teams may already be eager to lose games. While tanking isn't a good look for the league in general, teams may still engage in the practice to help them get the No. 1 pick. This time around, a generational talent like Wembanyama has teams excited for the future.
The 7-foot-4 big man has caught the attention of many, including Frye. In an inverview, the 2016 champion made a bold claim.
"I wouldn’t have won a game! He's the greatest prospect in the history of basketball. It's not even close," Frye said. "If you watch this 18-year old play defense, he gets in a defensive stance, he's blocking 3-pointers, he's sliding his feet, moving his body. He has a defensive presence about him. His timing is almost perfect."
"I wouldn’t have won a game! He's the greatest prospect in the history of basketball. It's not even close."
@NBAalumni @ChanningFrye on Victor Wembanyama 👀
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Wembanyama has continued to impress fans, the media and any prospective tanking organizations. His play on the court is far different from any other big man his size. The Frenchman has already reached stardom in the United States, despite only playing two exhibition games in the country.
In October, the Metropolitans 92 played two games against the G League Ignite . This was the perfect opportunity for Wemby and the projected No. 2 pick, Scoot Henderson, to showcase their talents. Even though Wembanyama's team lost twice, he still played incredibly well.
Most media outlets have Wembanyama as the projected No. 1 pick in next year's draft. It's only fitting that he's being considered to be selected for the top spot given his incredible talent.
Also read: Which teams has Victor Wembanyama played for so far? All you need to know
Which teams have the chance at drafting Victor Wembanyama?
The race to win Victor Wembanyama is intense, and one of the 14 teams in the draft lottery on May 16 will have a chance at landing him. Teams like the Orlando Magic (5-13), Houston Rockets (3-14) and Detroit Pistons (4-15) should have the best odds at drafting Wembanyama. Still, it's not clear as to which team will get the Frenchman.
Among the teams with the worst records are the LA Lakers (5-11). However, the New Orleans Pelicans control that pick. The Pels (10-7) could use their pick swap obtained as part of the trade package for Anthony Davis to get in the lottery.
Based on records alone, the team that has a shot at getting the No. 1 pick next summer is the Houston Rockets. The Rockets could form a crazy young core with Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. and Victor Wembanyama.
It's still too early to say which team will get the first pick, but the Rockets may end up with the best chances to be the winners of the draft lottery and, thus, the 2023 summer.
Also read: Watch: 7'3" Victor Wembanyama shows guard-like handles as he crosses over multiple players before laying it in