The NBA Draft Lottery has come and gone. For fanbases of teams who got lucky, congratulations. For those who didn’t, well better luck next year. Here’s the winners and losers from the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery.
Winner: San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have one of the brightest future’s in the NBA. They have landed the number one overall pick and the right to draft Victor Wembanyama. Wemby will join a young core in San Antonio that includes Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan and Tre Jones. The Spurs can contend for a play-in spot next season and will likely be at the top of the Western Conference for the forseeable future.
Victor Wembanyama’s reaction to the Spurs winning the draft lottery. 🙏
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 17, 2023
Loser: Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons, who had the worst record in the NBA, will pick number five in the 2023 NBA Draft. While some fans will be upset because Detroit didn’t land Wembanyama, they fell out of the top three which takes them out of the sweepstakes for Brandon Miller. Guys like Jarace Walker, Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson could be available at five, but it doesn’t look like the Pistons will get an all-star level talent they were hoping for in the 2023 Draft.
We've been here before pic.twitter.com/9ln00iIK26
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) May 17, 2023
Winner: Charlotte Hornets
After a disastrous 2022-23 season the Hornets look to bounce back. Landing the number two overall pick will go a long way in doing that, as Charlotte can choose between Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson. With LaMelo Ball at point guard, they could look to draft Brandon Miller to solidify their depth on the wing. At the end of the day, a duo of Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller with LaMelo Ball gives the Hornets a bright future in the East.
NUMBER TWO.
BIG NIGHT FOR THE @HORNETS.#NBADraftLottery pic.twitter.com/4lWFBAPT1K
— Bally Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnBally) May 17, 2023
Loser: Houston Rockets
The Rockets were looking to add another generational talent to put next to Jalen Green, but they landed at number four, putting Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson out of their reach. Houston will look at players like Amen Thompson, Amir Thompson or Jarace Walker much like the Pistons. Rockets fans were dreaming of a backcourt of Scoot Henderson and Jalen Green, but they will have to settle for the number four pick.
We're picking 4th and 20th in the 2023 NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/BM6aM1u2BW
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) May 17, 2023
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