Which teams could use the most help at the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery?
CHICAGO (BVM) — On May 17, the NBA will be hosting its annual draft lottery. Every year, each team鈥檚 representative holds their breath as they await a possible franchise-altering moment decided by 14 ping pong balls. Some teams will be drafting much higher and much lower than they expect respective to their odds.
While every team is hoping for a lottery boost for their selection, some could use it more than others.
5. Sacramento Kings
No. 1: 7.5%
No. 2: 7.8%
No. 3: 8.1%
The Kings received plenty of criticism from the fanbase when they pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal sending arguably the face of the franchise, Tyrese Haliburton, to Indiana. Sacramento chose to keep former top five pick De鈥橝aron Fox instead, running the offense through him. While the Kings have some interesting pieces on the roster, they look for some help in the lottery in hopes to land their first superstar talent since Chris Webber.
4. Portland Trail Blazers
No. 1: 9%
No. 2: 9.2%
No. 3: 9.4%
The Chauncey Billups era did not get off to the start Portland was hoping for as the Trail Blazers finished the season with a 27-55 record. However, after Damian Lillard only played in 29 games due to an abdominal injury, Anfernee Simons broke out for Portland. In 57 games, Simons averaged 17.3 points while shooting 44.3% from the field and 40.5% from the 3-point line. Now the question of the offseason will be to trade or not to trade Lillard. If the Trail Blazers can land a top pick in the draft, it makes that idea a bit more palatable.
3. Indiana Pacers
No 1: 10.5%
No 2: 10.5%
No 3: 10.6%
Indianapolis should be home to one of the NBA鈥檚 most interesting offseasons. After completing a six-player deal that included Domantas Sabonis going to Sacramento and getting Tyrese Haliburton in return, it is fair to wonder what the future looks like for Myles Turner and Malcolm Brogdon. With Haliburton looking like the only player to build around, the Pacers are in desperate need of young talent. If they get lucky on lottery night, it would make the rebuilding process much quicker.
2. Detroit Pistons
No. 1: 14%
No. 2: 13.4%
No. 3: 12.7%
After winning the Cade Cunningham sweepstakes in last year鈥檚 lottery, the Pistons find themselves having great odds once again. Cunningham looked every bit of a future cornerstone piece throughout his rookie season and now Detroit is hoping to find him a partner. Isaiah Stewart looks like he can have a long NBA career and Saddiq Bey has showcased his ceiling of being a high quality 3-and-D wing player. With Jerami Grant having one more season left on his contract, the Pistons could replace him with the pick or they can find another guard to pair Cunningham with in the backcourt.
1. Houston Rockets
No. 1: 14%
No. 2: 13.4%
No. 3: 12.7%
The Rockets were in a similar situation last year, where they wound up picking No. 2, selecting Jalen Green. It was an up and down season for Green with averages of 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists while Evan Mobley, who was selected with the following pick, flourished in Cleveland. Kevin Porter Jr. showed flashes this season and Christian Wood was consistent in the front court, but the remainder of the roster is lacking the type of talent that would be rostered on a contending team. They are locked in for a top five pick, but dropping outside of the top few would be a nightmare scenario for Houston.
