2023 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Blazers and Bulls find new life

I’m pretty sure the Blazers would throw a parade on lottery night if this happened. With a couple lucky bounces of a ping pong ball, the currently directionless Blazers suddenly have direction. Rather than toiling away in mediocrity, Damian Lillard suddenly has what appears to be a legitimate, day-one star teammate. Wembanyama projects as arguably the most impactful offensive and defensive player on the board.

Once considered mostly a play finisher and spot-up shooter, Wembanyama has progressed into the realm of comically competent self-creation. At 7-foot-5, he’s snaking through screens off the dribble, hitting movement 3s, and bringing the ball up the court Jokic-style before initiating the offense. He’s the créme de la créme in France, and he would probably join that same tier sooner than later in the NBA.

The two-man actions between Lillard and Wemby would quickly become must-watch television. Meanwhile, you’d have the potential for an elite defensive tandem in the frontcourt with Jerami Grant, who complements Wembanyama’s rim protection quite well. There’s also Anfernee Simons, who unlike Lillard fits snuggly with Wembanyama’s expected timeline. The Blazers would be built for now and later.

It would take borderline unthinkable circumstances for Wembanyama to lose his grip on the No. 1 spot, no matter who gets the pick. The Blazers just happen to have a glaring need at center given Jusuf Nurkic’s age and injury history. It’s a dream outcome for Portland fans after what’s shaping up to be a frustrating season.