The Athletic

We are about a week away from the 2023 NBA Draft. And with the NBA Finals finishing early, the focus across the league has shifted toward the draft and free agency with teams’ plans coming together quickly. There is no drama at No. 1 overall, where Victor Wembanyama will be selected first by the San Antonio Spurs. But the real questions start at No. 2, where it’s hard to nail down what the Charlotte Hornets are thinking with their pick. The Trail Blazers at No. 3 also present some real questions, as Portland looks to weigh its future and its present with a relatively new front office and Damian Lillard. The Houston Rockets at No. 4 have a strong scouting department but also want to shift more into win-now territory. And at No. 5, the Detroit Pistons are armed with their two creators of the future — Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey — but still need a wing player and defensive help.