How the latest narrative shows that teams are throwing stones at the Rockets

Houston Rockets v Washington Wizards
Houston Rockets v Washington Wizards | Scott Taetsch/GettyImages


The 2023 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated drafts in recent memory. This is because of French sensation Victor Wembanyama, who has been viewed as the best prospect and most NBA-ready prospect since LeBron James. 

Fans have been envisioning Wemby in their team's uniform for years. The Houston Rockets are no different, as they're hoping to land their next legitimate superstar.

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has even been conducting a prayer circle, with Fertitta parading around chanting "Pray for Victor". Okay maybe he hasn't been conducting a prayer circle but his prayers would surely be answered if the Rockets were to land the top pick. 

As would any other owner. Wemby is that good.

But unfortunately, according to The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, many around the league may not be thrilled about Wemby landing in Houston, including possibly even Vecenie himself (you interpret it for yourself).

"I've talked to alot of people in league circles and they're like God, I hope Houston doesn't end up with Victor Wembanyama. Just because the perception of the organization, I think is maybe a little bit worse than it is internally.

I feel like we can find some better spots. And I'm not uncomfortable with Vic there. I just think there are better fits."

How the latest narrative shows that teams are throwing stones at the Rockets

Vecenie has since clarified that he'd be on board with Wemby landing in Houston, saying essentially that he's just heard that from league circles. 

This isn't a jab at Vecenie, who is stellar at what he does, but what exactly does this mean? Does it mean that the San Antonio Spurs would be a better fit?

Or that they don't have organizational dysfunction? Kawhi Leonard would like a word.

Did we just forget about the situation regarding Josh Primo? Or the fact that the Spurs were determined to have been made aware of Primo's actions and failed to do anything to stop them?

Or maybe the Detroit Pistons are a better fit? A team that just landed the top pick and selected Cade Cunningham? Do we really think a team that hasn't made the postseason since Abraham Lincoln was in office would make for a better destination?

The Pistons literally just had a sexual harassment scandal emerge during the 2023 postseason, leading the franchise to part with assistant GM Rob Murphy. The former employee who filed the lawsuit stated that Murphy harassed her for months including even in front of her 4-year-old child at times.

Surely this isn't a better organization to land Wembanyama, right? Or how about the Charlotte Hornets.

A team with a free-for-all culture both on and off the court, with allegations that their best player, Lonzo Ball, was smoking marijuana before actual games. A team with one of their best players in Miles Bridges having recently faced domestic violence charges.

So are these better landing spots for Wembanyama?

Again, this isn't a knock against Vecenie, just merely a call-out for whoever shares this belief that the Rockets present a bad landing spot from an organizational standpoint. The other teams that hold the same 14 percent chance of landing Wembanyama as the Rockets are much worse on that front.

The 2023 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated drafts in recent memory. This is because of French sensation Victor Wembanyama, who has been viewed as the best prospect and most NBA-ready prospect since LeBron James. I feel like we can find some better spots. And I'm not uncomfortable with Vic there. I just think there are better fits.

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