NBA Mock Draft: Ranking lottery teams that deserve Victor Wembanyama most

11. New Orleans Pelicans

Pre-lottery odds of landing the No. 1 overall pick: 0.5%

Just a few years ago, the New Orleans Pelicans were awarded the No. 1 overall pick and the right to draft the last unanimous “generational talent” – Zion Williamson. They can’t possibly have the karma to win another No. 1 overall pick. The Pelicans have a solid core and if they can just remain healthy, they should be a playoff team next season. New Orleans is another team that doesn’t necessarily need Victor Wembanyama.

Another lottery pick will do the Pelicans good. With a solid core of Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and CJ McCollum, along with a wealth of other young supporting players, the Pelicans are on the right track in the Western Conference. Heading into next season, for the Pelicans, it will be about consistency and whether they can remain healthy.

Even though Victor is a generational talent, I’m not sure you can look at this team and say they desperately need Wembanyama to resurrect or save the franchise.

It would be nice if the Pelicans somewhat won the lottery but they’re far from a team that absolutely deserves it. And that’s not a bad team. The Pelicans are actually in a good spot heading into the offseason.