I doubt the NBA "rigs" the lottery. Rigs is too strong a word. Maybe...tips in favor slightly. If it were rigged though I think they would try to be "fair" about it. I think they do want paritiy but it is hard to get with big vs small city. Plus you want viewership and that's hard to get if two small cities face each other. No obvious scams like back in the 80s will do. It would be calculated. Like I am trying to predict though the odds are against anyone guessing, it would be to make sure business is going. The NBA giving a present to a new owner for buying the Hornets AND keeping it in New Orleans will surely get them top-3 pick if not the first pick. Stern wouldn't want to go through another off season dealing with teams trying to trade with the Hornets again unlike Sacramento who may move. The move that is approved and will help the image of the NBA is the Nets to Brooklyn. This deserves top-3 pick as well. The other pick is a crapshoot...I chose Wizards because John Wall needs a running mate BAD. He has vast potential and could help bring basketball back to D.C. Maybe the Raptors or Warriors.
Anyone who believes the lottery is not in same way fixed / rigged or tampered with is living in Wonderland with Michael Jackson and Roger Rabbit.
1. It does, and if Davis lives up to his potential. You've got another team in the West to worry about. Another thing to watch with Sacramento is Tyreke Evans. They might put him on the block with a few other players (Jason Thompson, and they've already got a fair amount of cap space. 2. The Cavs are another team to watch. If they get Davis, you might see them spending a little more in offseason to putting a team around Davis and Irving. 3. The Raptors might be one of the few teams who might trade the pick. At the same time, you might see them put several players on the block (they already have players on the block). Though, they might be more willing to part ways with Barganani. 4.The Nets with the first to third pick, they are firmly back in the Howard sweepstakes and have greater chance of resigning Deron Williams. This wouldn't bode well for Houston, Portland, and Dallas (somewhat). It sort of stops the hemorrhaging in Orlando with the Howard drama, and it gives the Nets a good introduction to Brooklyn. Portland: They lose out on a high-level pick and potential instant impact player. So, then they could put all of their efforts towards getting a point guard. in this scenario, I could picture them trading completely out of the draft, especially they do not see the player that they want on the board. Houston: For the Rockets, that means they either have to spend more money to keep Dragic or let him walk. While, they still might have disgruntled Lowry (realistically, the Rockets may not be able to trade Lowry, before the draft or early in free agents. Depends on their trading partners, some teams aren't going to be press to make any moves before the draft or the FA signing periods. Others, maybe more so). Also, the Dwight Howard hopefuls might literally have their off-season dreams crushed, if Brooklyn and Orlando agree to go through with a possible Howard deal. No superstars, this year for Houston. Dallas: Has no immediate way of getting better. The team is getting older, as their superstar is declining. Jason Terry and Jason Kidd are free agents, though Kidd might retire. The Mavs are now in need of starting point guard, if that happens. Brooklyn: Might be the happiest team in the world, tomorrow night, if they net a top 3 pick. Billy King would be ecstatic, while Mikhail Prokhorov could start sticking his chest out a little more. The Nets now have Howard and will most likely sign an extension for Williams, then fill the roster out with complimentary pieces. Orlando: Dwight Howard is gone. Let the rebuilding process begin. The Magic are now under the cap (with some flexibility), and have acquired top 3 pick (Anthony Davis, Bradley Beal, Andre Drummond, Michael Gilchrist or Thomas Robinson) with Brook Lopez and filler. You have one of the most talented players in the draft and a pretty good center that you can build upon. You also may throw your name into the hat for potential free agent point guards, while clear out bad contracts. 5. Washington might actually try to blow this team up, anyway, regardless of their draft pick. For the right deal, they may also trade out of the draft.
Hahah its obvious its rigged Why do all the draft work behind the scenes, let the fans see everything
I don't think David Stern hates Houston. The Rockets just so happened to be that third team in the CP3 to Lakers deal. We have the All-Star Game this year, and Stern will tell the Rockets "my bad" and give us Anthony Davis. Then Morey signs Williams (because he sees the long-term potential, unlike in Dallas). Lowry stays as the backup, which he gladly accepts. Nah, we'll just get the 14th pick.
You have to understand, Lowry's not going to be only available point guard in the next few weeks. THere's Steve Nash sitting out there, Lin may get his best deals outside of New York, and Deron Williams is still undecided. Then, there's Dragic. Moreover, Toronto is really the only that has show interests. Portland sort hasn't yet (they do not even have permanent GM, right now). You won't see the Trailblazers make any such moves until they hire someone. Also, the Rockets really do not have any leverage over these teams.
Predictions...I was close Well...I almost got it....I didn't think the Bobcats would get a pick but I guess they need them to be better...makes sense. Got 2 out of 3. Guess Deron Williams is out the door. Mine: Hornets, Nets, Washington Actual: Hornets, Bobcats, Washington
