NBA Draft 2023: Analyzing top 8 teams for protected No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama

2. Houston Rockets – 14% chance of landing No. 1 pick in NBA Draft

There’s been no franchise in the past three years worse than Houston, who has won a combined 59 games. They’re the youngest roster by far but that could be changing, as they’re reportedly looking to add more veterans, including possibly James Harder of the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Rockets hired former Celtics head coach Ime Udoka, who despite dealing with essentially a season-long absence from the league after alleged misconduct a year ago, is known for being a quality coaching mind. But there are some talented pieces on the roster, including guards Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green, along with center Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith.

Smith was the third pick in the 2022 NBA Draft but many Big Boards had him at No. 1 overall. His rookie year was filled with ups and downs, averaging 12.8 ppg and 7.2 rpg on 41% shooting from the field. He certainly can improve and playing with more pass-first guards would help that. However, if the Rockets get the top pick and they take Wembanyama, I believe they’d take Sengun over Smith and make him available.

It’s a first-world problem for Houston if that were to happen but after three miserable seasons, it’s time for them to take a leap. And this current group isn’t capable of doing that so changes will be made regardless. It would just be great if that happens because they know a franchise player is coming to them after Tuesday night.