Detroit — Everyone will know the fate of Victor Wembanyama and his future NBA team when the No. 1 pick is revealed on Tuesday night during one of the most anticipated draft lotteries in recent memory.
The Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs share an equal chance (14%) of securing the top pick, but a few other teams can sneak into the conversation, as well. Charlotte, Portland and Orlando share the next-best odds and could also be in the running for the 7-foot-5 French phenom, whose multifaceted abilities have regarded him as the most-hyped prospect since LeBron James.
There’s always a chance for the Pistons to land in the optimal scenario, in which they secure the No. 1 pick for the second time in three years — but what happens if Detroit doesn’t win the lottery?
Pistons general manager Troy Weaver said the roster’s needs are at the forward position, so drafting by position would likely be the case in the event that Detroit slides to anywhere from pick No. 3 to 5, which is the lowest it can drop.
Here is a short list of prospects — not named Wembanyama — whom the Pistons could consider drafting if they don’t land the No. 1 pick next week.
Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite
The second pick isn’t the worst position to be in for this draft. The late Bill Russell, Kevin Durant and even Pistons great Isiah Thomas were selected with the No. 2 pick in their respective draft classes.
For the majority of the season, Henderson was heralded as the clear choice to be the first name called after Wembanyama. Let’s take a look at why.
Despite his 6-foot-2 height, Henderson has the athleticism and strength to finish like most forwards, and he’s not afraid of physicality. Henderson’s fearlessness was on display when went toe-to-toe with Wembanyama in two G League preseason games in October.
His speed and awareness make him a threat on the defensive end, as he’s able to intercept passes and use that quickness in transition to make plays for himself or his teammates.
The Pistons have taken guards in the last three drafts — Jaden Ivey, Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes — and if the opportunity presents itself to select Henderson, Detroit will have to consider taking the best player available versus positional need.
Brandon Miller, Alabama
Miller, a 6-foot-7 forward, only needed one season of college basketball to prove why he’s capable of being a top-three pick, after his standout freshman year at Alabama.
He averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 38.4% from beyond the arc to lead Alabama to the Southeastern Conference regular-season title last season.
Projected as the best small forward in this year’s draft class, Miller is the direct archetype of a defensive wing with perimeter shooting that could immediately contribute in Detroit.
Miller has some difficulty finishing at the basket and has baggage from his off-the-court issues from this season, but his skill set as a player makes him worth looking at with the second or third pick.
Amen Thompson, Overtime Elite
The Thompson twins, Amen and Ausar, who spent the last two years playing for Overtime Elite, are the closest there will be to players entering the NBA fresh out of high school, since Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe entered the league without playing a single game at Kentucky last season.
Amen Thompson, a 6-foot-7, 212-pound forward, is perhaps the more likely of the twins to be drafted first. The film from his most recent season shows superb athleticism, a tight handle and finishing ability with either hand.
The NBA has become a shooter’s league and that’s one of Amen Thompson’s main deficiencies. It’s certainly possible to improve over time, but the Pistons would like to draft a player with length and shooting ability, similar to second-year forward Isaiah Livers.
Ausar Thompson, Overtime Elite
Like his brother, Amen, Ausar Thompson has a similar build at 6-7, 215 with elite athleticism. He has the traditional skills you want from a driver and slasher. He showed the capability to be a point-forward at the Overtime Elite and collegiate level, but it’s unclear if those traits will translate to the NBA.
Thompson attended Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and averaged 22.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.4 asissts per game as a junior.
Rather than the traditional route of college, both twins decided to pursue Overtime Elite because they believed it would help develop their bodies for the NBA. It’s only a matter of time before they find out if they’re ready.
Cam Whitmore, Villanova
The Pistons could look to trade their pick if they somehow drop to the fifth pick, but if they stand pat and draft a wing with the other four unavailable, Whitmore is a prospect to look out for.
Whitmore earned the Big East Freshman of the Year award after averaging 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds on 47.8% shooting from the field, which included 34.3% from the 3-point line.
Whitmore possesses the athletic abilities to finish at the rim and most importantly, defend on the perimeter, which fits the bill of the defensive wing that Detroit is looking for.
His size, at 6-foot-7 and 232 pounds, combined with his perimeter shooting, make him playable at either forward spot. Whitmore is a high-flyer and his athleticism bodes well on both sides of the ball. The Pistons need as many of those skill sets as possible, especially since Hamidou Diallo will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The last Villanova player taken by the Pistons was Saddiq Bey, who was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in February.
Depending on how the ping-pong balls fall, Whitmore could be the next.
mcurtis@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @MikeACurtis2