6. Washington Wizards (4.5% odds for No. 1, 20.2% for the top 4)
With the John Wall injury, Washington shifted its priorities from “win-now” into player development this past season. The problem is that none of their young guys popped, so basically the only way to augment the star backcourt is through the draft due to the cap situation.
How much time do they have before the Wall/Beal era inevitability runs its course?
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (14.0% odds for No. 1, 52.1% for the top 4)
The long-term plan of the Cleveland Cavaliers is unclear. The entire season seemingly was a push-and-pull between the proud (and expensive) veterans in the front-court and the overeager Sexton/Garland back-court.
The Andre Drummond trade only complicated things. The only way they can finally pick a direction is by landing a true franchise building block. Perhaps winning the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery, or at least getting a top 3 pick, would help them accomplish that.