What would getting the number one pick mean to the lottery-bound franchises?
The NBA Draft Lottery has arrived.
No, not that one – but rather, the NBA’s way of determining the team to pick first in the upcoming NBA Draft. 12 teams have a shot at the number one pick, presumptively to select LSU forward Ben Simmons or Duke forward Brandon Ingram. What is on the line for each of the teams involved in tonight’s proceedings?
Philadelphia 76ers
Chance at No. 1 pick – 25 percent
It’s safe to say Philadelphia could use anything except a center. Luckily for Brett Brown and company, Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram are the two top options on the board. With identical grades, it’s an essential coin flip for who goes No. 1. With needs all over the board, Philadelphia should opt for the better all-around player of the two, which is Simmons.
In the possibility that the Lakers pick falls out of the top three, it is conveyed to the Sixers. Does this change who the top pick is? Assured one each of Ingram or Simmons and Dunn or Murray, the team would have quite a decision to make. It’s a win-win for the city of tanking.
Los Angeles Lakers
Chance at No. 1 pick – 19.9 percent
Lakers fans could have their hearts filled with joy or viciously ripped out as Mark Tatum reveals the fourth and fifth selections. Looking to fill the void vacated by Kobe Bryant, the Lakers will look for a star to put next to D’Angelo Russell and, potentially, Julius Randle. Simmons as an all-around player would introduce a ton of excitement and give fans some room for hope.
Boston Celtics (via Brooklyn)
Chance at No. 1 pick – 15.6 percent
Was the deal for Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett worth it for Brooklyn? Survey says! No. Not even close. Danny Ainge and the Celtics were beyond successful in getting back surplus value for the aging stars, and Brad Stevens will have his eyes locked squarely on the point forward from Australia. Simmons could fill the role as a primary ball handler, releasing some of the pressure from Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley.
Phoenix Suns
Chance at No. 1 pick – 11.9 percent
The Suns had a disastrous season, but there is reason for optimism given the youth of the roster. Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker and Alex Len are all valuable pieces moving forward, and pairing the trio with Ingram or Simmons would make for a very intriguing roster. The potential to put two elite three-point shooters beyond the arc will make Ingram the pick if Phoenix gets a lucky bounce.
New Orleans Pelicans
Chance at No. 1 pick – 6.3 percent
This pick would come down to whatever Anthony Davis needs. Does he need a scorer to space the floor and ease the burden or a do-it-all point forward that can get him the ball where he needs it. Both would fill a need, but look for the Pelicans to opt for the scorer to put next to Davis and look for distribution in free agency.
Denver Nuggets (via New York)
Chance at No. 1 pick – 4.3 percent
The Nuggets improved their odds for the pick simply by virtue of pick swap rights with New York and, by virtue of association, Toronto. Denver already has a ball-dominant guard in Emmanuel Mudiay, but Mudiay is better served as a facilitator and secondary scorer. Brandon Ingram would fill a need as a go-to scorer, and could be used in a small-ball lineup with Danilo Gallinari that would put up a ton of points.
Sacramento Kings
Chance at No. 1 pick – 1.9 percent
The Kings technically have a zero percent chance at the number one pick, thanks to one of the worst trades in NBA history. Granting a pick swap, the Kings do not lose their lottery pick altogether under most scenarios, but Chicago gets the pick if it falls out of the top 10 due to a separate exchange. In the best-case scenario, Sacramento gets the second pick behind Philadelphia, and would be happy to select either Simmons or Ingram.
Toronto Raptors (via Denver)
Chance at No. 1 pick – 1.9 percent
Toronto also has no chance at the number one pick, as Denver gets the highest of the two lottery selections. In the Eastern Conference finals, the Raptors biggest need falls at forward, where Ingram, Simmons and even Dragan Bender would fill a void and improve the starting lineup. The rich would get richer if Denver and Toronto can find their way into the top three.
Milwaukee Bucks
Chance at No. 1 pick – 1.8 percent
Milwaukee took a step back from the playoff season in 2014-15, as a lack of defense and shooting couldn’t propel the Bucks into the playoffs. With Giannis Antetokounmpo in the fold as a point forward, Ingram would represent a better fit for Milwaukee as a No. 1 pick. Think the odds are too little? Cleveland got the right to pick Kyrie Irving with the Clippers pick that had similar odds.
Orlando Magic
Chance at No. 1 pick – 0.8 percent
Less than one percent – those are the odds of Orlando winning the top pick. Orlando has made progress with its youthful core, even though it needs to find a new head coach for the second-straight summer. Ben Simmons would fill a need as a point forward for the Magic should the ping-pong balls bounce the right way.
Utah Jazz
Chance at No. 1 pick – 0.7 percent
A series of injuries limited the success Utah could have, and the team wound up ninth in the West. With Dante Exum set to return, the team could use an impact talent at either forward slot. Simmons would likely be the pick, freeing Exum and Hayward to run off screens and create secondary offense from the wings.
Phoenix Suns (via Washington)
Chance at No. 1 pick – 0.6 percent
The selection Phoenix would make at No. 1 was covered earlier in the article, but Phoenix does have the 13th-best odds of getting the top choice with this selection. It was acquired from Washington for Markieff Morris.
Chicago
Chance at No. 1 pick – 0.5 percent
How far has Chicago fallen? The top-tier core of a few years ago has fallen apart, and there are now questions over Derrick Rose’s status for the future. If the handful of combinations proves to be lucky tonight, Chicago would opt for Simmons to pair with Jimmy Butler.
Who wins tonight’s draw? Via one spin of ESPN’s Lottery mock draft, the basketball gods award the top pick to New Orleans, with Minnesota and Philadelphia to pick second and third.
Watch ESPN tonight at 8 p.m. to find out the results of the actual draw.
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