For the most part, NBA Draft headlines will be dominated by the usual crew.
In recent years the Jazz, Wizards, Nets, Hornets and more have undergone rebuilds, and are sure to frequent the next few draft lotteries.
Each year, though, some teams find themselves in the lottery without meaning to. Last year the Mavericks and 76ers were among those ranks, though the odds were in their favor as they landed picks No. 1 and 3, respectively.
Below, we’ll evaluate three teams who could be primed for potentially disappointing seasons, and surprising lottery appearances:
The Heat are a projected lottery team for many — at least landing in the 10-14 range — but Miami could very well finish even lower than that should they choose.
All-Star Tyler Herro is already set to miss the beginning of the season, and the Heat now have several young developmental players they could turn to, opposed to veterans. They have a fine win-now core with savvy veterans, but don’t necessarily stand out in an improving East.
While it won’t be surprising to see the Heat listed among lottery teams, they could push for better odds at a top pick by pulling certain levers mid-season.
The Celtics underwent a metamorphosis in the offseason, shipping off stars Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, following the major injury of superstar Jayson Tatum.
The C’s were able to pick up some talent — Anfernee Simons and a few draftees — but it’s clear they won’t be the powerhouse they’ve been in previous seasons.
Boston could certainly still make the postseason in the East, being led by Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. But few would blame them for wanting to instead make it out of the year with the best draft selection possible.
Most experts league-wide expected the Bucks to be better next season, having signed away former Pacers’ big Myles Turner to pair with longtime franchise superstar Giannis Antetonoumpo. Still, the team isn’t a sure things.
Outside of those two and Bobby Portis, it’s a fairly pedestrian rotation. And it wouldn’t take much for Milwaukee to slip down the standings with risers such as Orlando, Detroit and more.
Antetokounmpo is one of the best floor-raisers in the league, but he can only take the team so far singularly.
Regardless, the Bucks will be looking to win as many games as possible, as they don’t own their picks due to former trades.