While we are in the midst of an exciting first round of the NBA playoffs that has seen young teams such as the Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Nets shock the world with a pair of stunning victories in game one, I among many other lovers of the NBA Draft can not wait for the draft lottery.
What makes this year's draft lottery so highly anticipated is the new odds which were introduced to combat against the effectiveness of tanking. Each team has a more even chance at landing the #1 pick or landing in the top 4 (formerly only the top 3 were drawn). Check out tankathon.com for a look at the new lottery odds.
Expect to see some crazy jumps and falls during the lottery on May 14th. In light of the countdown to the lottery, I thought it would be fun to do my own simulation of the draft to see how much the order could change. Here's how it went...
1. Atlanta Hawks (+4) - Zion Williamson, PF
In this scenario, Atlanta finds themselves sitting pretty on top and winning the Zion sweepstakes. Zion's marketability alone makes him incredibly hard to pass up on regardless of who is picking. While the frontcourt pairing of Collins and Williamson is an oddity defensively, the offensive firepower of Young, Collins and Williamson all on the same court is something to marvel at. Williamson's highlight reel athleticism and natural feel for the game should easily cement him as the can't-miss #1 pick.
2. New Orleans Pelicans (+5) - R.J. Barrett, SG
New Orleans may have an almost entirely different roster come the 2020 season. Davis is almost a lock to be gone by then and Randle too may be off contract and headed elsewhere for a well-deserved payday. The Maple Mamba would be an excellent cornerstone to a rebuilding Pelicans team and be a set #1 scoring option for them moving forward. Barrett brings the intensity and competitiveness needed to establish a fresh new culture and identity on a Pelicans team that will be in for some major changes.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (-1) - Ja Morant, PG
Although Cleveland selected their "point guard of the future" in Collin Sexton this past draft, Sexton appears to be more suited for an off-guard role after showing his strengths as a bucket-getter rather than a floor general. Morant could be the definitive answer at the point for Cleveland and make for an excellent running mate to the fierce Collin Sexton with his height and exquisite playmaking.
4. Dallas Mavericks (+5) - DeAndre Hunter, SF/PF
The Mavericks strike lucky as their pick lands in it's protected range. The Mavericks miss out on a chance at one of the draft's big 3 but nevertheless, they'll get an opportunity to pick up an impact player. With Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis set as the first and second scoring options moving forward, Hunter could buckle down and focus on perfecting the art of being a three-and-d player.
5. New York Knicks (-4) - Jarrett Culver, SG
The newly introduced lottery odds really screwed the Big Apple over in this simulation. For the sake of the sanity of Knicks fans, let's hope they don't fall this unlucky come lottery day. While Culver may not project to be a go-to scoring option at the next level, he'd make for a valuable two-way wing and be an excellent complimentary scorer to add to their core of Dennis Smith Jr, Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson as they rebuild following the Porzingis deal.
6. Phoenix Suns (-3) - Darius Garland, PG
Much like New York, Phoenix took a dive for the worse and find themselves picking all the way down at #6. Garland may not have the pro-appeal that Morant has but he's definitely no slouch. Phoenix has been in desperate need of a point guard since Bledsoe was shipped to Milwaukee. Garland showcased NBA range and impressive handles during his lone collegiate season which was cut short due to a meniscus tear. Garland's top-end may be similar to that of Kemba Walker and the pairing of Booker and Garland could do some serious damage (in a few years of course).
7. Chicago Bulls (-3) - Coby White. PG/SG
Make that three. Chicago also falls short in the running race for the likes of Zion, Ja and R.J. The Bulls seem set at positions 2-5 with young players such as LaVine, Porter Jr, Markkanen and Carter under contract. Kris Dunn appears to be the weak link in their starting lineup so taking a risk on a combo-guard like White doesn't seem like a bad option. White's quickness and savviness have vaulted him into lottery consideration and Chicago would be very happy walking away with such a guard.
8. Washington Wizards (-2) - Cam Reddish, SF
Reddish disappointed in his lone season at Duke but his frame, skill and potential still warrant him worthy of being a top 10 pick. Washington has a glaring hole at the wing after trading away forwards Kelly Oubre Jr and Otto Porter Jr in an attempt to clear up their payroll. At 6'9", his ability to create for himself and defend several positions gives him a high ceiling but it will be his consistency and aggressiveness that determines whether he becomes a Paul George-esque superstar or a mid-level role player.
9. Boston Celtics (Via MEM) (-1) - Keldon Johnson, SG/SF
Boston lands lucky as Memphis' pick slips out of the top 8 and thus becomes unprotected. As a Celtics fan, one area of improvement to the C's bench would be their ability to shoot the ball. Johnson has proven to be a great jump shooter and has gone on some impressive hot streaks. The alternative to keeping this pick is potentially including it, and the 3 other first-rounders, in a deal for Anthony Davis if that opportunity arises this off-season.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves - Rui Hachimura, PF
For Minnesota, this draft pick will be about filling the void at either point guard or power forward in the expected departure of several players in free agency. Hachimura projects to be a very solid pro with his developing face-up game and NBA ready body. Saric hasn't panned out quite as the T-Wolves would've liked since the Jimmy Butler trade so picking up a versatile forward like Hachimura to compliment their other young studs in Wiggins and Towns would be a good move in the right direction.
11. Los Angeles Lakers - Jaxson Hayes, C
For L.A, they have a bunch of veterans on expiring deals and nothing to lose. The 2018 season was one of the most disappointing seasons in Laker history and a successful off-season will be needed to save the reputation of LeBron and his young Laker teammates. Hayes has the skill set of the modern NBA big man. His run-and-jump style of play should be an ideal fit next to the uptempo ball-handlers of L.A.
12. Charlotte Hornets - Bol Bol, C
Bol's draft stock took a bit of a tumble after he had a season-ending injury 9 games into his freshman year. Nonetheless, Bol remains to be a lottery prospect due to his size whopping length and impressive shooting stroke from range. While Zeller has been serviceable for the Hornets, Kemba's potential departure may send the franchise into a minor rebuild, making Zeller expendable. Bol is a risk well-worth taking in the late lottery. If he pans out, at 7'3", his ability to space the floor and reject shots would give Charlotte their center for the future moving forward.
13. Miami Heat - P.J. Washington, PF
P.J. Washington is one of the risers from March Madness, mainly due to his 28-point outing against the red-hot Auburn Tigers. Although picking up a point guard would be ideal for the Heat, Washington would be just as good a pick as he would make for a solid forward to replace James Johnson and Kelly Olynyk once they are off contract. Washington's improvement as both a defender and shooter give me hope for future progression as a stretch-four. Washington and Adebayo would be an interesting young front-court of the future.
14. Boston Celtics (Via SAC) - Goga Bitadze, C
After selecting Keldon Johnson at #9, the Celtics honestly don't have much need for another lottery pick due to their standout depth. Bitadze is a skilled big who could quickly rise up draft boards during workouts. I wouldn't be surprised to see Boston ship this draft pick elsewhere for a higher return but in the chance that they keep this selection, Bitadze could be a great long-term investment to replace an ageing Al Horford with.
What makes this year's draft lottery so highly anticipated is the new odds which were introduced to combat against the effectiveness of tanking. Each team has a more even chance at landing the #1 pick or landing in the top 4 (formerly only the top 3 were drawn). Check out tankathon.com for a look at the new lottery odds.
Expect to see some crazy jumps and falls during the lottery on May 14th. In light of the countdown to the lottery, I thought it would be fun to do my own simulation of the draft to see how much the order could change. Here's how it went...
1. Atlanta Hawks (+4) - Zion Williamson, PF
In this scenario, Atlanta finds themselves sitting pretty on top and winning the Zion sweepstakes. Zion's marketability alone makes him incredibly hard to pass up on regardless of who is picking. While the frontcourt pairing of Collins and Williamson is an oddity defensively, the offensive firepower of Young, Collins and Williamson all on the same court is something to marvel at. Williamson's highlight reel athleticism and natural feel for the game should easily cement him as the can't-miss #1 pick.2. New Orleans Pelicans (+5) - R.J. Barrett, SG
New Orleans may have an almost entirely different roster come the 2020 season. Davis is almost a lock to be gone by then and Randle too may be off contract and headed elsewhere for a well-deserved payday. The Maple Mamba would be an excellent cornerstone to a rebuilding Pelicans team and be a set #1 scoring option for them moving forward. Barrett brings the intensity and competitiveness needed to establish a fresh new culture and identity on a Pelicans team that will be in for some major changes.3. Cleveland Cavaliers (-1) - Ja Morant, PG
Although Cleveland selected their "point guard of the future" in Collin Sexton this past draft, Sexton appears to be more suited for an off-guard role after showing his strengths as a bucket-getter rather than a floor general. Morant could be the definitive answer at the point for Cleveland and make for an excellent running mate to the fierce Collin Sexton with his height and exquisite playmaking.4. Dallas Mavericks (+5) - DeAndre Hunter, SF/PF
5. New York Knicks (-4) - Jarrett Culver, SG
The newly introduced lottery odds really screwed the Big Apple over in this simulation. For the sake of the sanity of Knicks fans, let's hope they don't fall this unlucky come lottery day. While Culver may not project to be a go-to scoring option at the next level, he'd make for a valuable two-way wing and be an excellent complimentary scorer to add to their core of Dennis Smith Jr, Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson as they rebuild following the Porzingis deal.6. Phoenix Suns (-3) - Darius Garland, PG
Much like New York, Phoenix took a dive for the worse and find themselves picking all the way down at #6. Garland may not have the pro-appeal that Morant has but he's definitely no slouch. Phoenix has been in desperate need of a point guard since Bledsoe was shipped to Milwaukee. Garland showcased NBA range and impressive handles during his lone collegiate season which was cut short due to a meniscus tear. Garland's top-end may be similar to that of Kemba Walker and the pairing of Booker and Garland could do some serious damage (in a few years of course).7. Chicago Bulls (-3) - Coby White. PG/SG
Make that three. Chicago also falls short in the running race for the likes of Zion, Ja and R.J. The Bulls seem set at positions 2-5 with young players such as LaVine, Porter Jr, Markkanen and Carter under contract. Kris Dunn appears to be the weak link in their starting lineup so taking a risk on a combo-guard like White doesn't seem like a bad option. White's quickness and savviness have vaulted him into lottery consideration and Chicago would be very happy walking away with such a guard.8. Washington Wizards (-2) - Cam Reddish, SF
Reddish disappointed in his lone season at Duke but his frame, skill and potential still warrant him worthy of being a top 10 pick. Washington has a glaring hole at the wing after trading away forwards Kelly Oubre Jr and Otto Porter Jr in an attempt to clear up their payroll. At 6'9", his ability to create for himself and defend several positions gives him a high ceiling but it will be his consistency and aggressiveness that determines whether he becomes a Paul George-esque superstar or a mid-level role player.9. Boston Celtics (Via MEM) (-1) - Keldon Johnson, SG/SF
Boston lands lucky as Memphis' pick slips out of the top 8 and thus becomes unprotected. As a Celtics fan, one area of improvement to the C's bench would be their ability to shoot the ball. Johnson has proven to be a great jump shooter and has gone on some impressive hot streaks. The alternative to keeping this pick is potentially including it, and the 3 other first-rounders, in a deal for Anthony Davis if that opportunity arises this off-season.10. Minnesota Timberwolves - Rui Hachimura, PF
For Minnesota, this draft pick will be about filling the void at either point guard or power forward in the expected departure of several players in free agency. Hachimura projects to be a very solid pro with his developing face-up game and NBA ready body. Saric hasn't panned out quite as the T-Wolves would've liked since the Jimmy Butler trade so picking up a versatile forward like Hachimura to compliment their other young studs in Wiggins and Towns would be a good move in the right direction.11. Los Angeles Lakers - Jaxson Hayes, C
For L.A, they have a bunch of veterans on expiring deals and nothing to lose. The 2018 season was one of the most disappointing seasons in Laker history and a successful off-season will be needed to save the reputation of LeBron and his young Laker teammates. Hayes has the skill set of the modern NBA big man. His run-and-jump style of play should be an ideal fit next to the uptempo ball-handlers of L.A.12. Charlotte Hornets - Bol Bol, C
13. Miami Heat - P.J. Washington, PF
P.J. Washington is one of the risers from March Madness, mainly due to his 28-point outing against the red-hot Auburn Tigers. Although picking up a point guard would be ideal for the Heat, Washington would be just as good a pick as he would make for a solid forward to replace James Johnson and Kelly Olynyk once they are off contract. Washington's improvement as both a defender and shooter give me hope for future progression as a stretch-four. Washington and Adebayo would be an interesting young front-court of the future.14. Boston Celtics (Via SAC) - Goga Bitadze, CAfter selecting Keldon Johnson at #9, the Celtics honestly don't have much need for another lottery pick due to their standout depth. Bitadze is a skilled big who could quickly rise up draft boards during workouts. I wouldn't be surprised to see Boston ship this draft pick elsewhere for a higher return but in the chance that they keep this selection, Bitadze could be a great long-term investment to replace an ageing Al Horford with.
Comments
Post a Comment