The NBA draft is what separates good franchises from bad ones, and kick starts dynasties. The draft lottery is what (suspiciously) brought Lebron James to Cleveland, and what gave the Cavaliers the players for him to come back. And now, 20 years after ‘The Chosen One’ went to Cleveland, possibly the greatest draft prospect ever is headed to San Antonio.

Victor Wembanyama, a 7’4 do it all center from France is the prize of this year’s draft, after an incredible year with Mets 92 of the French league, averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks while shooting over 50% from behind the arc. “I’d love to see Wemby, I love to go to games when the product is good and competitive, which last year really wasn’t,” said Mr. Simmons, before the lottery.

The Blazers had a 10.5% chance of landing the number one pick Wembanyama, and a 42.5% of getting a top 4 pick.

The Blazers are at a crossroads in franchise history. Franchise legend Damian Lillard is about to enter his age 33 season on a team that won just 33 of 82 games, with a few young players for trade assets. Due to this, Blazers fans have been split into 2 camps; those who want to keep trying to build around Lillard while he’s still in his prime, and those who want to trade him, and start a new era in Portland. This year’s lottery was supposed to help make that decision a bit easier. “[I think] the team would’ve taken Wembanyama and would try one year with Dame then the year after start a rebuild and get picks for our older players,” said Sophomore Kabril Evans.

Similar to the 2003 draft class, there is a definitive number 1, how ever there’s more of a top 3. In 2003 it was Lebron, Wade, and Bosh. This year, it’s Wembanyama, Point Guard Scoot Henderson, and Alabama Forward Brandon Miller.

Henderson is this year’s more than alright consolation prize. Henderson is an extremely athletic, if smaller guard playing for the G-League Ignite. He is primarily a threat to drive to the basket,  however he still has the ability to shoot from mid range and isn’t a liability on defense.

Miller is much more of a risk. Miller is a good floor spacer that could also help out a struggling Blazers defense, however he isn’t the most athletic by NBA standards, struggled heavily in the NCAA tournament, and had a major off-the-court issue at Alabama.

The lottery took place on Tuesday night, and will now have major implications on the direction of the franchise, and could shape the team’s future for the next 15-20 years. It could now all come down to what the Charlotte Hornets do with the 2nd pick. If they draft Henderson or trade it to a team that will take Henderson, the Blazers likely trade their 3rd pick and win now. If Henderson is available,  they likely kickstart a rebuild around him and promising rookie forward Shaedon Sharpe. Now, we just have to wait and see.