As we approach the mid-way point of the 2022 NBA Season, teams are starting to be faced with a choice. Do they try to contend? Or are just a few trade pieces away from contending? Or has all hope been lost and it’s time to start looking towards lottery odds? For teams like the Boston Celtics, the choice is clear. Almost all Sports Betting sites here feature Boston as the favorite to win the title. However don’t be fooled, there are a lot of hungry teams right behind them, and a few desperate ones that could land a big swing and propel their way up the rankings.

In this article though, we’re going to focus on the bottom feeder teams. The ones where winning has been replaced in their mind with one tantallizing French prospect. We’ve all heard the names, Wembanyama Sweepstakes, Tank for Wemby, Brick for Vic. Victor Wembanyama is a generational talent from France that could turn the NBA on its head once he enters. But this 2023 class of prospects has a lot of depth. Let’s break down Wemby and the other top names that these losing teams are hoping to add.

Victor Webenyama, Center, Metropolitans 92

The French 19 year old stands at 7’4”, AND can dribble. Should I continue?

This is the pure archetype of what every fanbase thinks of when they try to dub their big man that can shoot a, “unicorn”. Wembanyama is light on his feet, boasting quick reflexes for both shot creation and rim protection. He’s currently leading the French Pro team, Metropolitans 92, with

22.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, and 3 blocks a game. He’s shooting 58% from the field and 30% from 3. Along with a fluid stroke, expect his shot to translate well to the NBA as he also passes the free throw test at 80%.

Obviously every team would want Victor and could make the team be able to fit him in. But for the simplest fit, places like Charlotte or Detroit would be best. Both teams lack an inspiring big man while also having young star point guards to help get Vic the ball anywhere he wants it.

Scoot Henderson, Point Guard, G League Ignite

The young Marietta, Georgia product has exploded onto the scene as an undersized but uber athletic playmaker at 6’2”.

Henderson is widely accepted as the closest thing in this years’ class to being up next after Victor. He has a very natural flow to his game for his age. He’ll turn 19 in February 2023 and can already control his blitzing speed like a pro veteran. The only two clear concerns for Scoot will be his height causing him to get targeted on defense, and his dismal shooting at 17.4% from beyond the arc.

Best spots for Scoot to land would be places like San Antonio or Orlando. A matured game like his would be magnified under the wisdom of Popovich while the Magic are building a core with only a reliable point guard missing at this point.

Amen Thompson, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Overtime Elite

The Thompson twins have created a lot of buzz around the basketball scene through their years. Not as they play in the Overtime League, Amen has raised his stock steadily over his brother, Ashaan, to put himself in Top 3 conversations for the draft.

At 6’6”, Amen can make a run at being the prized prospect from a pure athleticism stand point. He harnesses a lighting quick first to blow past opponents and rise for the slam. He’s also proven to be a worthy playmaker through his time with the Elite team. Amen is currently averaging 16.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 5.9 apg, along with 2.0 spg. His two glaring issues are his shot struggling from deep, 20.8%, and his overall evaluation is a bit tricky when looking at his competition. The Overtime Elite league is fairly new and the only top prospects to sign with them are the Thompson twins. Game footage can sometimes show that Amen is not getting the level of competition he needs to truly push his game.

With a pretty complete lack of shooting and not the same level of running offenses like Scoot, Amen could best be placed in a role as a slashing/defending combo-guard. Landing spots like Detroit with Cade or potentially even Houston with Porter Jr. and Green hitting him on the cuts.

The 2023 Draft Class boasts many names beyond the top 3 that could become quality starters for the league. But these three could turn into clear cut stars. Let the Wemby sweepstakes continue, and we’ll see who has to draw the lowly consultation prizes of Scoot and Amen.