The five biggest things we learned after the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery
The NBA Lottery took place this past Tuesday, and with the outcomes that took place, some things definitely have changed.
First things first, I cannot explain much without telling you the new official draft order, so here it is:
- Boston Celtics
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Phoenix Suns
- Sacramento Kings
- Orlando Magic
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- New York Knicks
- Dallas Mavericks
- Sacramento Kings
- Charlotte Hornets
- Detroit Pistons
- Denver Nuggets
- Miami Heat
Here are the biggest storylines moving forward after the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery.
The Lakers Are Now Almost Certainly Going To Land Lonzo Ball
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- Golden State Warriors: Buy or sell Chris Paul being a day 1 starter
- Does Christian Wood make the Los Angeles Lakers a legit contender?
It was pretty evident up to the draft lottery that the Lakers and the Ball family mutually felt like they would be a good fit. The main issue was that the Lakers needed to keep their pick in the upcoming draft.
If it fell outside the top 3, it would default to the Sixers. Not only did the Lakers keep the pick, but they actually moved up a spot, to No. 2.
In that process, they all but secured Lonzo falling to their lap. It is very unlikely for Boston to go anywhere besides Markelle Fultz or Josh Jackson, or trade the pick. So Lonzo and Lavar, your wish has come true, most likely.
Calm Down Knicks Fans, Moving Down One Spot Isn’t The End
The Knicks, unfortunately, dropped a spot in their draft position during lottery night, but it isn’t all that bad. One spot surely won’t make a difference, especially for the targets they reportedly want. I don’t think the Frenchmen Frank Ntilikina will be off the board yet, and the likelihood that one, if not both, of D’Aaron Fox and Dennis Smith Jr. will be available too.
They are essentially in the same spot they were beforehand. No need to worry.
The Kings Aren’t Doomed
The Kings actually came away in good shape after the NBA Draft Lottery. The assets they acquired in the DeMarcus Cousins trade have turned out pretty solid.
Sacramento now has the 5th and 10th picks in the upcoming stacked draft. The Kings will likely go with a guard/wing combo with both picks. The only problem the Kings have is they need to hit on these picks because they don’t have their own in 2018.
The Celtics Are On Top Of The World
Regardless of what happens in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Celtics are in a crazy good position. During the lottery, the Celtics secured rights to the No. 1 pick (thanks to Brooklyn). This means they now have the ability draft anyone they want, or possibly trade the pick for another superstar, while being a top 3 team in the NBA. Insane.
The Timberwolves Are In A Prime Spot To Add Another Star
The Timberwolves have been known to tank the last few seasons. The resulted tanking has landed them future superstars Karl Anthony-Towns, Andrew Wiggins and elite talents Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn.
The main thing Minnesota has seemed to be missing is a young point guard (no offense to Ricky Rubio and Kris Dunn). With the 7th pick, Dennis Smith Jr., D’Aaron Fox and Frank Ntilikina will all likely be available if they want to select one. If they wanted to go their second position of need which is a power forward, Lauri Markannen the Finnish stud would also fall in their laps. They will have options.
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The lottery didn’t have any crazy drawings or movement, but it was fun as always. Next up: The NBA Draft.