4. Charlotte Hornets (6.0% odds for No. 1, 26.2% for the top 4)
Much like Detroit, the Hornets finally accepted reality by letting Kemba Walker depart in free agency and embracing the youth movement. A few of their young guys – particularly Devonte’ Graham – showed more this season than expected, but none have the makings of a future all-star.
Moving up in the lottery will give Charlotte the opportunity to find that type of high-end talent to jump-start the rebuild.
3. Detroit Pistons (10.5% odds for No. 1, 42.1% for the top 4)
After years of chasing 40 wins and the eight-seed, Detroit has finally seemed to settle in on a lengthy rebuild. Gone are Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson, and (most of) the overpaid veterans, and in are…Sekou Doumbouya? Christian Wood? Bruce Brown? That’s the issue.
The Pistons are pretty much at square one, and the only way forward is drafting a potential franchise cornerstone.