Victor Wembanyama could be missing piece for Rockets

The Houston Rockets currently have the worst NBA record at the All-Star break. With 24 games left, the Rockets are trying to turn things around heading into the offseason and that could center around draft prospect Victor Wembanyama. 

The 19-year-old big man has been touted by Lebron James as a generational talent. He’s projected to be the No.1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft in June. The Rockets could be a potential destination for the French basketball star if their losing trend continues. 

The Rockets have been rebuilding since the end of the James Harden era in Houston in January 2021. The Harden trade kicked off Houston’s renovations. Since then, the team has drafted several young talents, including Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun and many more. They are currently 13-45 and have had two losing seasons prior to this year. 

The last place Rockets are currently ranked 29th in points scored per game (109.8). They are also 32.6% from the three-point line as a team and lead the league in turnovers with 17 per game. 

Wembanyama could be the missing piece that the Rockets have been looking for to revamp their organization. The 7-foot-4-inch center has an 8-foot wingspan. He is a great ball handler who can run the floor, rebound and finish at the rim. Wembanyama is averaging 22.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game in the LNB Pro A League. 

Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta recently hinted at the team's interest in Wembanyama. During an interview with KPRC Houston during Mardi Gras, Fertitta spoke about the Rockets and may have shared some of his focus on the potential No.1 draft pick. 

“Thank god we got ten days off and pray for Victor,” Fertitta told KPRC’s Frank Billingsley. 

If selected by the Rockets, Wembanyama would be the latest big man drafted early by the organization. Picks include Elvin Hayes, Ralph Sampson, Hakeem Olajuwon and Yao Ming.