by Paul Jordan
Later tonight, the NBA will play their great game of chance known as the “NBA Draft Lottery” in which the teams that did not advance to the playoffs with learn their draft position for the upcoming draft. Usually this even passes with a great “ho hum” in the Bluegrass as usually the Wildcats do not have a horse in this race. But onight, it has become “Must See TV” as the NBA futures of John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, and possibly Daniel Orton and Eric Bledsoe may get a lot clearer tonight. Let’s taake a look at the teams whose draft position will be decided and the likelihood that they would finish first and get that elusive number one pick and what they may do with it if they do land the number one.
- New Jersey Nets (25%) – Most analysts think that if the Nets do get the number one pick, this will be the destination for John Wall. The Nets have Devin Harris as PG now, but if the Net’s select Wall, it’s a good bet that Harris will get traded.
- Minnesota Timberwolves (19.9%) – The T-Wolves are a confusing team as the selected four guards iwith their picks last year, including the still not played a game as a T-wolve Ricky Rubio. There is some speculation that the T-wolves landing Wall could draw Rubio across the pond to play aside him, but Minnesota would need to trade up. Wall will be a T-wolve if for whatever reason he is available.
- Sacramento Kings (15.6%) – A Tyreke Evans/John Wall backcourt would be amazing and it would dust off another whole crop of Calipari to the Kings rumors. DeMarcus Cousins is a possibility to the Kings as well but they may like Derrick Favors a bit more.
- Golden State Warriors (10.4%) – Simply put, the Warriors are a mess management wise but landing John Wall with the number one pick would give them a very solid backcourt of Stephen Curry and Wall. If the Warriors do end up picking fourth or so, DeMarcus Cousins is an option, but there is the possibility they go with Wesley Johnson of Syracuse in case they lose Monta Ellis to free agency.
- Washington Wizards (10.3%) – No team needs a face of the franchise more than the Bullets and Wall at #1 would be a godsend . This team needs about everything, so Cousins and Patterson are possibilities if they pick fifth, although it may be a bit early for Patrick.
- Philadelphia 76ers (5.3%) – A horrible team with no coach, horrible management and an angry fan base. Wall would be a slam dunk if the 76ers could get the lucky ping pong ball, but if not, DeMarcus Cousins would not fall lower than this pick.
- Detroit Pistons (5.2%) – Make no mistake, the demise of the Pistons began when Chauncey Billups departed. John Wall would revitalize the franchise and the fan base. In the event that he does fall, DeMarcus Cousins would go if available to the Pistons.
- LA Clippers (2.3%) – True, the Clippers still have Baron Davis at point, but Wall would be a star in LA and would fill seats. If the Clippers somehow land that number one pick, they may trade it as well. No one said the Clippers were smart…
- Utah Jazz (2.2%) The Jazz are set at PG with Deron Williams so if the Jazz somehow land the number one pick, the y have no need for Wall. They more than likely would trade out or draft Evan Daniels at number one. The more likely scenario is still the Jazz picking at #9, and possibly taking Patrick Patterson.
- Indiana Pacers (1.1%) – No team is more desperate for a game changer than the Pacers as they are losing money daily and have a pretty generic product to put on the court. Wall will not happen here, but the Patrick Patterson/Daniel Orton watch starts in earnest.
- New Orleans Hornets (.8%) – the official game will be “Let’s Make a Deal” of the Hornets land the number one pick as it will be traded away. They have Chris Paul at PG and Darren Collision backing him up. Evan Turner is not really even needed here as they have Marcus Thornton at the three. Daniel Orton’s name has been mentioned if they stay at eleven.
- Memphis Grizzlies (.7%) No team is in bigger need for a young floor leader as the Grizzlies and Wall would have a very ice supporting cast. But it’s not going to happen, barring a trade. if the Grizzlies land at twelve, Patrick Patterson has been mentioned.
- Toronto Raptors (.6%) Toronto would love Wall but if the impossible happens, it is just a matter of time before Wall departs for the lower 48 like every other young star Toronto has ever had.
- Houston Rockets (.5%) Sure, they would take Wall if possible. Also if Patterson or Orton are still around, this would be the last lottery spot so this spot bears watching.
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