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Who Has the Most to Lose at the NBA Draft Lottery?

May 21, 2007 – 6:05 PM
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The Big Lead

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Careful, it's not as simple as it seems. On the surface, you might say Memphis, but sorry, that would be incorrect. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200. I won't lie to you - I'm more pumped for the lottery and the actual draft than either conference Final. Weighing in all sorts of factors, here's your breakdown of the five teams with the most to lose when the hopper goes into motion Tuesday:

1. Atlanta
- There's no debating this. If the Hawks don't end up with a Top 3 pick, this franchise is doomed for at least five more seasons. These guys will be so far up the creek, Kevin Willis might as well unretire - again - and start at power forward next year.

2. Boston - Fact: this franchise, which hasn't been a legit contender since Larry Bird walked out of the Garden, needs a serious infusion of talent. Doc Rivers will be groveling for a top two pick, and Danny Ainge is probably willing to sell at least one kidney for Oden or Durant. The Celtics are in dire need of a center, and could go ahead and mortgage the rest of the roster for Durant. Al Horford? Corey Brewer? Brandon Wright? Probably not going to turn these guys into legit contenders.

3. Phoenix - Potentially landmark summer approaching in the desert. What to do with Shawn Marion? Would they actually entertain trading Amare (sure as heck hope not)? If the Suns land the 4th pick in the draft, that will give them three first rounders and instantly make them major players on the trading market leading up to the draft. Fun!

4. Memphis - How can a team with the best chance at Greg Oden fall this low? Because with a 46 percent chance at one of the top two picks, the Grizzlies are sitting pretty. If they didn't get a Top 2 pick, I'd be shocked. Golden State-over-Dallas shocked.

5. Chicago - The Bulls, who in my mind are a center (Jermaine O'Neal? Greg Oden?) away from becoming the best team in the East, could actually come up with the top pick. They have the option of taking the Knicks' No. 1 pick, but New York only has a 1.9 percent chance of getting the first pick. But as Jim Carrey once said, 'so you're saying there's a chance?'
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