All NBA teams plan ahead of the Draft, as they know that’s the best way of landing a top-tier talent without having to spend a lot of money in free agency. Either if it’s drafting them or trading their top pick for a bonafide star.
And now that we know all the NBA teams that made it to this year’s playoffs and the Sacramento Kings won the tiebreaker with the New Orleans Pelicans, all odds are set for this year’s Draft lottery.
For the first time ever, the Draft lottery will take place on a virtual platform due to the circumstances we’re all aware of. That being said, check out the odds to get the 1st overall pick for all NBA teams in ‘attendance’.
14. Memphis Grizzlies: 0.5%
13. New Orleans Pelicans: 1.2%
12. Sacramento Kings: 1.3%
11. San Antonio Spurs: 2.0%
10. Phoenix Suns: 3.0%
9. Washington Wizards: 4.5%
8. Charlotte Hornets: 6.0%
7. Chicago Bulls: 7.5%
6. New York Knicks: 9.0%
5. Detroit Pistons: 10.5%
4. Atlanta Hawks: 12.5%
Top 3 NBA Teams With The Highest Odds To Land The 1st Overall Pick
3. Minnesota Timberwolves: 14%
Minnesota made multiple moves this season. (Getty)
The Minnesota Timberwolves lost Andrew Wiggins but added D’Angelo Russell and several spare parts this season. They hope a top-3 pick could either land them another young piece in the Draft next to Russell, Karl-AnthonyTowns, and Jarrett Culver or try and trade him for a surging star as Devin Booker.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: 14%
The Cavaliers were the worst team in the Eastern Conference. (Getty)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly putting together a trade package to land Ben Simmons in the summer. That most likely means that they plan to send their top pick to the Philadelphia 76ers along with some of their young pieces like Collin Sexton or Darius Garlandunless they land the 1st overall pick.
1. Golden State Warriors: 14%
The Warriors won 15 games in 2019-20. (Getty)
The Golden State Warriors finished the season with the worst record in the league. They traded D’Angelo Russell for Andrew Wiggins and added a couple of interesting assets to their roster on Ky Bowman and Eric Paschall. And now that they’ll have Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green back at full strength, they’re likely to try and move their pick to land another All-Star.
see also
NBA rumors: Trades, news and free agency
Top 3 Prospects For The 2020 NBA Draft
LaMelo Ball, PG, USA
His brother Lonzo plays for the New Orleans Pelicans. (Getty)
We’ve been watching a lot of LaMelo Ball film since his days at Chino Hills. There’s clearly a lot of talent as a scorer and playmaker but his shot-selection, lack of muscle, and poor defense raise some questions about him as a top prospect. He’s got the size and scoring ability to thrive in the league but some growing pains are expected.
Obi Toppin, PF, Dayton
Toppin broke out as a sophomore. (Getty)
Obi Toppin wasn’t exactly the most sought-after prospect when he entered Dayton University but now continues to climb the ladder in most recent mock drafts. He’s an explosive athlete with an NBA-ready body and has shown glimpses of a versatile, dynamic, modern offensive game. Defense and lack of size may be an issue but he looks like the safest target.
see also
2020 NBA Draft sleepers you should know about
Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia
Edwards can also run the point. (Getty)
Anthony Edwards may be the most athletic player in this Draft and it’s not even close. He’s drawn comparisons to Dwyane Wade because of his speed, hops, and similar body types. He must improve as a shooter and a defender but has the upside to become a first scoring option right away. There’s no such thing as a can’t miss talent in this class but Edwards surely looks like the most special player.
