1. Houston Rockets: Victor Wembanyama (Metropolitans 92, PF/C, 2004)

The development of Alperen Sengün has become the biggest storyline in Houston. Winning the lottery would force the Rockets’ front office and coaches to start picturing a bigger lineup with Wembanyama’s shooting and defense next to Sengün with Jabari Smith playing a three-and-D role on the wing.

Scoot Henderson makes the most sense for Houston on paper, and it may be worth finding out what the No. 2 team would give up to move to No. 1. But there is very little chance anyone will trade the right to draft Wembanyama, whose 7-foot-4 size, shooting range, defensive impact, self-creation, shot-making versatility and passing have separated him from any prospect in recent memory.

2. Detroit Pistons: Scoot Henderson (G League Ignite, PG, 2004)

Henderson’s fit in Detroit wouldn’t be the cleanest, but that wouldn’t cause the Pistons to realistically consider other prospects. Given the confidence every scout seems to have in the point guard’s star potential, Detroit would still take him. Also, the Pistons would recognize that Cade Cunningham has the 6-foot-7 size and versatility to play some wing, while Jaden Ivey operates as a combo. The creation, rim pressure and shot-making from Henderson, Ivey and Cunningham would give the Pistons an advantage.

3. Charlotte Hornets: Amen Thompson (Overtime Elite, Combo guard, 2003)

Alabama’s Brandon Miller may be shooting himself into consideration at No. 3, but scouts see more upside with the athletically superior Thompson brothers. Amen could have the edge right now because of his playmaking ability, which sets him apart from other NBA players around 6-foot-7. Despite no real signs of improved shooting yet, Thompson projects as a likely outlier who’ll still manage to score and create just off ball-handling, quickness, burst and springs.

4. San Antonio Spurs: Ausar Thompson (Overtime Elite, Wing, 2003)

The Spurs will be swinging for upside over fit, and no player on the board can match Thompson’s size, speed, quickness and bounce for self-creation, finishing and defense. Interested teams will buy that foundation and show a willingness to wait and bet on the 19-year-old’s handle, shot-making and decision-making to develop.

5. Orlando Magic: Cam Whitmore (Villanova, Wing, Freshman)

Nick Smith will be in play at No. 5, especially if the Magic aren’t sold on the ceilings of Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz. They could also see Whitmore offering similar upside and less risk for a rotation that could use another elite athlete and wing. His shooting and production may be streaky the rest of the way, but for a 6-foot-7, 232-pound explosive leaper, teams will find the flashes of driving, step-backs and threes worth betting on.

6. Toronto Raptors: Brandon Miller (Alabama, SF, Freshman)

An O.G. Anunody trade would increase the likelihood of Toronto targeting a wing in the draft. Regardless, Miller has entered the best-player-available discussion at No. 6 with his historic shooting for a 6-foot-9 freshman.

7. New Orleans Pelicans (via Lakers): Nick Smith Jr. (Arkansas, PG/SG, Freshman)

While there is still uncertainty around Smith’s return from knee problems, medical red flags would be the only reason for a draft-night slide. Scouts aren’t convinced there is anything seriously wrong. He’ll remain in the top-five discussion based on his tremendous creation and shot-making skill level for on- and off-ball scoring and playmaking.

8. Indiana Pacers: Jarace Walker (Houston, PF, Freshman)

After spending the past few years loading up on guards and wings, the Pacers could target Walker, who creates mismatches with a 6’8″, 240-pound frame, budding face-up game, three-point range, paint touch and passing IQ. He’s coming off a 25-point effort against Cincinnati that highlighted his shooting improvement, attacking in space and shot-making versatility.

9. Orlando Magic (via Bulls): Keyonte George (Baylor, SG, Freshman)

Despite George’s streakiness, teams are still picturing a microwave NBA scorer based on his convincing rhythm into self-creation and shot-making, plus his obvious confidence and range. He’ll have to clean up some of his decision-making as a finisher, but teams will put more stock into his effectiveness generating those paint-scoring opportunities.

10. Washington Wizards: Gradey Dick (Kansas, SF, Freshman)

Washington could see Dick as a surefire asset to their rotation with his 6-foot-8 size, special shooting skill and defensive toughness. He comes off as a high-floor prospect, but he also has a path to upside with his shot-making versatility and athletic finishes.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Jett Howard (Michigan, SG/SF, Freshman)

A 6-foot-8 shot-maker with developing creation skill for more on-ball scoring, Howard would offer Portland both immediate shooting and upside. Between his positional tools, 39.9 three-point percentage and sound decision-making, he projects as one of the draft’s easiest-to-picture fits.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: GG Jackson (South Carolina, PF, Freshman)

The rebuilding Thunder can afford to stay patient with Jackson, who won’t turn 19 until next December and has unique ball-handling and shot-making skill for a 6-foot-9 forward. He’d be a strong fit playing next to an efficient finisher and impact defender in Chet Holmgren.

13. Utah Jazz: Cason Wallace (Kentucky, PG/SG, Freshman)

The Jazz could address the point guard position by targeting Wallace, a two-way playmaker shooting 40.4 percent from three. The ability to play off the ball and defend both backcourt positions should also create flexibility for Utah as it continues to rebuild the roster.

14. Phoenix Suns: Brice Sensabaugh (Ohio State, SG, Freshman)

Producing at a ridiculous rate (29.2 points per 40 minutes) with outstanding efficiency (61.9 true shooting percentage), Sensabaugh has emerged as a potential lottery pick with his powerful 6-foot-6, 235-pound frame, shot-making versatility and consistent three-point shooting.

15. Atlanta Hawks: Taylor Hendricks (Central Florida, PF, Freshman)

As it becomes tough to envision John Collins in Atlanta’s long-term plans, the Hawks could see an excellent fit with Hendricks. His shooting, defensive versatility and shot-blocking could be what the team is looking for at the power forward position.

16. Los Angeles Lakers (via Pelicans): Maxwell Lewis (Pepperdine, SG/SF, Sophomore)

Despite Pepperdine’s 6-17 record, Lewis’ game has become too persuasive based on the fluidity of his creation and three-level shot-making and efficient 60.7 true shooting percentage.

17. New York Knicks (via Mavericks): Anthony Black (Arkansas, SG/SF, Freshman)

Though Black’s scoring production fluctuates, NBA teams still value his particular archetype as a 6-foot-6 playmaker who can also act as a play-finisher off the ball and defend guards, wings and forwards.

18. Golden State Warriors: Kris Murray (Iowa, PF, Junior)

Averaging 2.3 threes per game, Murray has taken huge step forward with his shot-making. And while it’s worth questioning the logic behind tying Keegan’s NBA success to Kris, scouts are still using it to buy the junior’s off-ball scoring and its likelihood of it translating to the next level.

19. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves): Kyle Filipowski (Duke, C, Freshman)

Averaging 20.5 points and 11.3 rebounds over Duke’s past five games, Filipowski has been highly productive, showcasing the type of shooting range and face-up skill scouts value in big-men prospects.

20. Los Angeles Clippers: Jordan Hawkins (Connecticut, SG/SF, Sophomore)

Between the 3.0 threes per game, Hawkins’ high elevation/release and the shot-making versatility to connect off screens, spot-ups and pull-ups, his shooting looks like one of the draft’s more bankable skills.

21. New York Knicks: Kel’el Ware (Oregon, C, Freshman)

Ware would be a fitting backup complement to Mitchell Robinson with his post game, touch and shooting range. The lack of production will make it tough for him to earn the trust of lottery teams, but pre-draft workouts should benefit the 7-footer and help him remind teams about his mobility, verticality and skill.

22. Miami Heat: Terquavion Smith (North Carolina State, PG/SG, Sophomore

Smith’s efficiency hasn’t improved this year, but he’s become a more effective playmaker, and scouts still see a dangerous NBA shot-maker for instant offense.

23. Sacramento Kings: Dariq Whitehead (Duke, SF, Freshman)

Another injury disrupts some of the momentum Whitehead was building. But he’s expected back at some point, and NBA teams in the 20s figure to see an enticing buy-low opportunity on a 6-foot-6, 18-year-old scorer who’s gradually developed into an advanced self-creator and tough shot-maker.

24. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers): Noah Clowney (Alabama, PF, Freshman)

Clowney is in a bad shooting slump, but for an 18-year-old, the eye test still detects an eventual three-point threat who can attack closeouts, block shots and gobble up boards.

25. Brooklyn Nets: Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana, PG/SG, Freshman)

Scouts are catching onto Hood-Schifino, who just buried six three-pointers in a win over Ohio State. The combination of 6-foot-6 size, three-level shot-making and clever passing are making it easier to look past his athletic limitations.

26. Memphis Grizzlies: Colby Jones (Xavier, PG/SG, Junior)

Jones continues to build a strong first-round case around two-way playmaking, improved shooting and an overall adaptable game. Teams could use him as a backup point guard or interchangeable wing with his ability to score off the ball and defend multiple positions.

27. Houston Rockets (via Bucks): Rayan Rupert (New Zealand Breakers, SG/SF, 2004)

Rupert has been up and down, but teams in the 20s figure to still see a worthwhile gamble on a 6-foot-6, 18-year-old wing with promising shooting form and a 7’3″ wingspan that often pops on defense.

28. Utah Jazz (via Sixers): Marcus Sasser (Houston, PG/SG, Senior)

Though Sasser hasn’t done enough to change the perception that he’s more of a 6-foot-2 scorer than a full-time point guard, first-round teams will still value his shot-making versatility and firepower. Over Houston’s past seven games, he’s shooting 47.2 percent on 7.6 three-point attempts.

29. Charlotte Hornets (via Nuggets): Leonard Miller (G League Ignite, SF, 2004)

Though raw and likely a year or two away from being NBA-ready, Miller could still draw first-round interest from teams thinking long term and enticed by 6-foot-10 size and wing skills.

30. Indiana Pacers (via Celtics): Jalen Wilson (Kansas, SF, Junior)

The slashing, finishing and mid-range scoring have always made Wilson interesting, but it’s the improved three-point volume (2.2 3PTM) that has turned him into a more believable NBA prospect. He’s already had 10 games making at least three three-pointers.

31. Indiana Pacers (via Rockets): Tristan Vukčević (KK Partizan, PF/C, 2003)

On NBA radars for the past few years, Vukčević appears to be turning a corner, delivering more convincing glimpses of shot-making and off-the-dribble moves.

32. Detroit Pistons: Keyontae Johnson (Kansas State, SF/PF, Senior)

Between the shot-making versatility, spot-up drives and cutting, Johnson has showcased the skills and efficiency for NBA off-ball scoring.

33. San Antonio Spurs: Bilal Coulibaly (Metropolitans 92, SF, 2004)

Coulibaly has been putting up big numbers in France’s U-21 league while delivering athletic scoring flashes next to Victor Wembanyama with Metropolitans 92. He’s capitalizing on the attention paid to the projected No. 1 pick with the type of physical tools, bounce, fluidity and shot-making potential that screams long-term upside.

34. Philadelphia 76ers (via Hornets): Ricky Council IV (Arkansas, SG/SF, Junior)

Athleticism, creation flashes and tough shot-making have landed Council on NBA radars, though every few games he’s able to showcase some three-point shooting that could help scouts see a worthwhile first-round gamble.

35. Orlando Magic: Emoni Bates (Eastern Michigan, SF, Sophomore)

Bates’ 43 points against Toledo highlighted the type of creation and shot-making that’s going to convince a team look past his athletic limitations and suspect decision-making.

36. Toronto Raptors: James Nnaji (Barcelona, C, 2004)

We’re seeing more productive stretches from Nnaji that highlight his strength, footwork and leaping ability for translatable, high-percentage finishing off lobs and rolls, drives, putbacks and transition.

37. Los Angeles Lakers: DaRon Holmes II (Dayton, C, Sophomore)

Size, athleticism and motor for finishing and shot-blocking represent the obvious draws to Holmes, though bonus upside has lit up from newer flashes of post footwork and shooting.

38. Sacramento Kings (via Pacers): Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA, SF, Senior)

Jaquez will go somewhere in the second round to a team that envisions and values a high floor tied to his physicality, scoring versatility and defensive toughness.

39. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Wizards): Nikola Đurišić (Mega MIS, SF, 2004)

After a brutal shooting start to the season, Đurišić has made six of his past 14 three-point attempts, a noteworthy development for a 6-foot-8, 18-year-old that can handle and play-make.

40. Washington Wizards (via Bulls): Sidy Cissoko (G League Ignite, SG/SF, 2004)

Interesting for 6-foot-7 size and two-way playmaking potential, Cissoko has made multiple three-pointers in three of Ignite’s past five games.

41. Boston Celtics (via Blazers): Coleman Hawkins (Illinois, PF, Junior)

The potential combination of shooting, passing and defensive versatility will keep interest alive in Hawkins, even if he struggles to score and his shot remains inconsistent.

42. Denver Nuggets (via Thunder): Terrence Shannon Jr. (Illinois, SF, Senior)

While Shannon’s shooting inconsistency can frustrate scouts, for an athletic, 6-foot-6 slasher and wing defender, he’s still improved his overall shot-making (and playmaking) enough to go top-45.

43. Atlanta Hawks: Jordan Walsh (Arkansas, SF, Freshman)

Walsh won’t have enough production to build a first-round case, but given his potential to defend multiple positions and lock down wings, a team may deem his ball-handling and shooting development worth investing in.

44. Charlotte Hornets (via Jazz): Dereck Lively (Duke, C, Freshman)

Lively will want to build on this weekend’s 10-point, nine-rebound, three-block effort at Georgia Tech, where he also hit his first three-pointer. It was the type of game that will remind scouts of his potential value as an easy-basket target and rim protector who does have some capable shooting range.

45. Denver Nuggets (via Mavericks): Brandin Podziemski (Santa Clara, SG, Sophomore)

Podziemski gave scouts another reason to start taking him seriously with a 38-point game against Pacific that highlighted outstanding shot-making range, creativity and touch.

46. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Julian Strawther (Gonzaga, SF, Junior)

Between this weekend’s 40-point game against Portland and Strawther’s 43.5 three-point percentage, it’s safe to assume he’ll be a top-50 prospect on the majority of draft boards.

47. Phoenix Suns: Judah Mintz (Syracuse, SG, Freshman)

There should be enough interest in Mintz’s creativity, shot-making and two-way playmaking for a team to bet on his three-point development with a second-round pick.

48. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Warriors): Ažuolas Tubelis (Arizona, PF/C, Junior)

This late, teams can worry less about Tubelis questionable fit and bet on his rim running, finishing, rebounding and short-range touch carrying over in an energy role.

49. Memphis Grizzlies (via Timberwolves): Reece Beekman (Virginia, PG, Junior)

Beekman won’t offer NBA teams scoring firepower, but in a reserve ball-handling role, he can run offense and facilitate, force turnovers with defensive pressure and now make the open threes.

50. Los Angeles Clippers: Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana, PF/C, Senior)

Averaging 27.3 points, 13.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 4.0 blocks over Indiana’s past four games, Jackson-Davis has become too effective of a paint scorer, passer and defender for teams to nitpick his outdated offensive game in the second round.

51. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Knicks): Arthur Kaluma (Creighton, SF, Sophomore)

Inconsistency will keep Kaluma from climbing into the first-round discussion, but for a 6-foot-7, 225-pound wing, a team can still find the shot-making, slashing, tough finishes and defensive tools worth gambling on in the 40s or 50s.

52. Boston Celtics (via Heat): Jaylen Clark (UCLA, SF, Senior)

Clark’s defensive instincts are the draw, though he’s demonstrated enough pick-and-roll play, passing and capable shot-making to fill a versatility specialist role.

53. Sacramento Kings: Julian Phillips (Tennessee, SF, Freshman)

Philips will have a tough decision after the season regarding whether to enter the draft or return. He hasn’t shown scouts enough creation or shooting consistency to go in the first round, but teams will still detect draftable potential tied to his age (19), 6-foot-8 size, shot-making, slashing and offensive rebounding.

54. Milwaukee Bucks (via Cavaliers): Andre Jackson (Connecticut, SF, Junior)

Jackson could be worth a look as a potential specialist used for athletic play-finishing and defense, though the improved passing does create secondary playmaking value.

55. Brooklyn Nets: Dillon Mitchell (Texas, PF, Freshman)

For a 6-foot-7 freshman, exceptional quickness and bounce alone should make Mitchell draftable, though no translatable skill will keep teams from reaching.

56. Memphis Grizzlies: Baylor Scheierman (Creighton, SF, Senior)

A career 40.9 percent three-point shooter and high-IQ passer, Scheierman checks connector boxes with skills that could allow him to stick despite severe athletic limitations.

57. Milwaukee Bucks: Malcolm Cazalon (Mega MIS, SG, 2001)

With 14 threes over Mega’s past five games, Cazalon is looking well-rounded enough with his shot-making, passing and athleticism to get himself drafted.

58. Philadelphia 76ers: Forfeited

59. Chicago Bulls (via Nuggets): Forfeited

60. Boston Celtics: Mike Miles (TCU, PG, Junior)

From 42.7 percent inside the arc last year to 63.1 percent this season, Miles’ finishing execution has clicked, a noteworthy development for a creative scorer and playmaking threat whose jump shot seems better than the numbers suggest.

Stats courtesy of Sports-Reference.com

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Jonathan Wasserman is the lead scout and NBA Draft analyst for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter.

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