The Spurs are on the clock, but there’s no suspense surrounding the No. 1 overall pick with generational talent Victor Wembanyama destined for San Antonio.
Wembanyama headlines Thursday’s 2023 NBA draft. However, there is uncertainly following the consensus top choice. What will the Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers do at the top of the draft? Will Orlando make magic happen with its two lottery selections? Could the Los Angeles Lakers trade the No. 17 pick?
STAY UP-TO-DATE: Subscribe to our Sports newsletter now!
All 30 clubs have some decisions to make. USA TODAY Sports explores NBA teams with much at stake ahead of the draft:
The Spurs won the Wembanyama sweepstakes when the draft lottery pingpong balls fell their way just over a month ago. San Antonio will undoubtedly select the crown jewel of the draft No. 1 overall Thursday night.
What’s at stake for the Spurs? The Spurs have owned the No. 1 pick three times in franchise history. The previous two times the Spurs selected a generational big man in David Robinson (No. 1 overall in 1987) and Tim Duncan (No. 1 overall in 1997). The 7-foot-2 Wembanyama has the talent, and hype, to be the next San Antonio all-time great big man.
Wembanyama will become the face of the Spurs franchise the instant he’s drafted. A microscope is set to be on the Frenchman his entire career. Will Wembanyama deliver championships to San Antonio like the Hall of Fame big men that preceded him?
Charlotte Hornets
Michael Jordan is in the midst of selling his majority ownership stake. But before the multibillion-dollar transaction is complete, the Hornets have a prime opportunity to onboard young talent to a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2015-16 season. Charlotte has five picks in the top 41, including two first-rounders (No. 2 and No. 27).
The Hornets lost out on the Wembanyama lottery, but the No. 2 overall selection isn’t a terrible consolation prize. With Wembanyama on his way to San Antonio, the Hornets’ decision on who to draft second overall is likely between Alabama forward Brandon Miller or NBA G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers are at a crossroads. Should Portland trade the No. 3 pick in exchange for more immediate help or select a player as part of its gradual rebuild. Star Damian Lillard is growing impatient with the only franchise he’s ever known and by all indications would prefer for a more win-now approach.
Portland has a big decision to make: build around its seven-time All-Star in Lillard or embrace a rebuild. Choosing the latter might necessitate a Lillard trade request.
The future appears bright in Orlando with reigning NBA Rookie of the Year forward Paolo Banchero and 2021 top-five pick guard Jalen Suggs. This year, the Magic own two lottery picks (No. 6 and No. 11), plus a second-round pick (No. 36).
Banchero is a rising star. He led the Magic in scoring, averaging 20 points, and contributed nearly seven rebounds per game as a rookie. Now the Magic are tasked with figuring out how to construct a competitive team around Banchero, Suggs and company. Orlando hasn’t finished a regular season with a winning record since 2018-19.
Utah boasts three first-round picks as a result of trades. NBA drafts are paramount for small-market franchises like the Jazz. John Stockton (1984) and Karl Malone (1985) were both homegrown talents by Utah as first-round selections. Even recently departed Rudy Gobert (2013) and Donovan Mitchell (2017) were acquired by Utah on draft-day trades.
The Jazz were surprisingly competitive last season and almost snuck into the postseason. Utah could be a playoff contender if its three 2023 first-round picks pan out.
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James and Anthony Davis demonstrated that they still have the capabilities to lead the Lakers deep into the playoffs once general manager Rob Pelinka swiftly constructed a cohesive roster during last year’s trade deadline. But James, 38, and Davis, who will turn 31 next season, aren’t getting any younger.
The clock is ticking for the Lakers to win another title with James and Davis as the franchise’s two centerpieces.
Players available at the 17th spot presumably won’t be ready to contribute right away for a Lakers squad looking to win while their window is still open. Could Pelinka use the 17th pick in a trade package to acquire more help for James and Davis? The Lakers two stars need more to contend in a highly competitive Western Conference.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA draft 2023: Six teams with plenty at stake in the first round