Trail Blazers get lucky in the lottery, but not lucky enough

They were one number away from a franchise-defining moment. Wembanyama is a generational prospect, likely the best since Anthony Davis, if not LeBron James. While the draft has a number of exciting and talented prospects, Wembanyama is the only one likely to make a big impact as a rookie.

That's what the Blazers and Damian Lillard needed in this draft. Lillard turns 33 this summer, and he's been very clear about his disinterest in helping develop another young player.

That's as close as the famously loyal Lillard has come to giving his team an ultimatum. That means the Blazers are faced with a choice: See what they can get for the No. 3 pick in trade, or seriously consider moving Lillard.

At No. 3, Portland is likely looking at G League star Scoot Henderson or forward Brandon Miller, who has avoided charges related to his former Alabama teammate's capital murder indictment. Legal issues aside, those are both talented players, but not ones likely to help Dame Time when it's playoff time.

Now the clock is ticking for the Blazers. They have five weeks to figure out a deal for the No. 3 pick, or time might be running out on the Lillard era in Portland.