NBA’s Worst Turn Eye To Tonight’s Lottery

Added on May 17, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

Follow the floating balls. Tonight’s always exciting NBA Draft Lottery is a mere hours away. All 14 of the league’s bottom feeders will be crossing fingers and toes their name is called for the right to select first in next month’s real draft. Will the Timberwolves, Cavaliers or Raptors take home the prize ping pong ball, or will the Bucks, Jazz or Suns defy the odds and steal the thunder? Stay tuned for high drama.

The T-Wolves have the best shot at securing the top pick thanks to their dreadful 17-65 season. However, the last time the worst team won the lottery was Orlando in 2004. Minnesota will be hoping the number 14 will prove lucky. In 13 previous trips, they have yet to secure the top spot.

Cleveland struck gold in 2003 when the balls bounced their way ushering in the LeBron James era. There isn’t a player the caliber of James in this year’s draft, but the Cavs could still use an elite prospect to fill an extremely bare cupboard. They have two chances of winning, including the Clippers pick which was acquired in the Baron Davis trade.

Utah also has a pair of picks to increase their odds of seizing the rights to Kyrie Irving or Derrick Williams. Along with their own spot, they own New Jersey’s balls too as part of the compensation from the Deron Williams deal. With Andrei Kirilenko’s future in doubt, small forward Williams should be on the Jazz’s radar.

Sacramento will be looking at a third straight top 5 selection. Tyreke Evans went 4th in 2009 and DeMarcus Cousins went 5th last year. A natural point guard like Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker makes sense for the Kings, thus allowing Evans to slide to shooting guard.

To sum up, the Wolves and Cavs are the leading candidates to win the lottery, which means neither probably will. Don’t be surprised if a team nobody is talking about, e.g. Detroit or Golden State, ends up raising their arms in victory.