Rockets Two Weeks Away From Knowing Draft Lottery Position, Rights For Victor Wembanyama

HOUSTON — The NBA Draft lottery will take place on May 16 in Chicago. The Houston Rockets, along with 14 other teams, will find out whether or not they will land the first overall pick and the rights to French phenom Victor Wembanyama.

Wembanyama is the projected No. 1 overall pick and the most anticipated prospect since LeBron James in 2003.

And in an interview with ESPN, Wembanyama said he would be happy to begin his career with the Rockets or any other team selecting first during the 2023 NBA Draft in June.

As a member of Metropolitans 92, Wembanyama is averaging 21.4 points on 46.9 percent shooting from the field, 9.9 rebounds and 3.1 blocks.

"There is no wrong team," Wembanyama said per ESPN. "I am not worried; there is no bad organization. I never tell myself I don’t like to go there."

This year's draft class is shaping up to be star-studded. Joining Wembanyama in the class of 2023 are G League Ignite prospect Scoot Henderson and Alabama's Brandon Miller, who will round out the projected top-three selections.

The Rockets will enter the draft lottery with a 14.0 percent chance to land the No. 1 overall pick — a three-way tie alongside the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs.

But outside of drafting Wembanyama, general manager Rafael Stone said the Rockets are open to trading their lottery pick in hopes of keeping the franchise's options open when enhancing its subpar roster.

"I will consider trading picks for anything — it's my job," Stone said. "We will consider anything if it makes sense to where we are trying to go ultimately.

"We don’t necessarily have to draft at least both of the picks...Depending on who is available in the draft, trading those picks for future picks or veteran guys, all is on the table for us."

You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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