The NBA Draft Lottery is tonight at 7:30PM on ESPN right before game 1 of the Heat/Pistons.

 

Just when the Knicks thought it couldn't get any worse, it's time for the NBA draft lottery.

 

Yes, the league's annual celebration of hope and optimism for doormat teams will take place Tuesday night before the start of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals between Detroit and Miami.

 

Of the 14 teams that didn't make this year's playoffs, only the woeful Knicks will be left out of the lottery proceedings. That's because New York president Isiah Thomas traded his team's pick to Chicago last year as part of the Eddy Curry deal. Thus, the Bulls will have the second-most chances to land the No. 1 selection in next month's draft, thanks to New York's finishing with the second-worst record.

 

But don't look for Bulls GM John Paxson to be carrying any lucky totems with him to the NBA Entertainment Studios in Secaucus, N.J. "There's nothing I can put in my pocket that's going to affect the outcome," he said. "I'm not going to have any lucky charms or anything. Not my style."

 

Who needs a lucky penny or a horseshoe from a Kentucky Derby winner when you've got the Knicks?

 

The only consolation for New York is that this year's draft field doesn't feature a ready-made, franchise-changing player. Instead, the top of the draft board features a collection of raw talents who might be great down the road, such as LSU forward Tyrus Thomas, Texas center LaMarcus Aldridge or Italian forward Andrea Bargnani, as well as projected solid pro types like Gonzaga's Adam Morrison and Washington's Brandon Roy.

 

"The difference between [the top guys] might not be that great," says Hornets GM Jeff Bower. "We'll know more as we get closer, but right now it looks like the [No. 1 pick] could be any number of guys."

 

"I'd be worried at the top," agrees Nuggets assistant GM Dave Fredman. "I don't know if there is a clear-cut No. 1 this year."

 

That being said, all 14 teams that could win the lottery would love to have the option. Portland stands the best chance, with 25 percent of the Ping-Pong balls in the hopper. Chicago is next with 19.9 percent, followed by Charlotte (13.8), Atlanta (13.7), Toronto (8.8), Minnesota (5.3), Boston (5.3), Houston (2.3), Golden State (2.2), Seattle (1.1), Orlando (0.8), New Orleans (0.7), Philadelphia (0.6) and Utah (0.5).

 

Interestingly, only three times since 1990 has the team with the best chance won the lottery. Last year the Bucks claimed the prize, despite having only the sixth-best chance.

 

With so little certainty at the top, this year's No. 1 pick could turn out to be trade bait. The Bulls and the Warriors, for example, are said to be interested in Kevin Garnett and Jermaine O'Neal if, in fact, Minnesota or Indiana decides to rebuild for the future. The top pick could make for a nice sweetener in any such offer.

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writ.../05/23/lottery/

I bet most teams don't even want to be #1 since you have to pay more.

I bet most teams don't even want to be #1 since you have to pay more.

 

true that

 

there is not a single #1 player in the draft

Go Sixers

1. Raptors

2. Bulls

3. Bobcats

4. Blazers

5. Hawks

6. Wolves

7. Celtics

8. Rockets

9. Warriors

10. Sonics

11. Magic

12. Hornets

13. 76ers

14. Jazz

 

I predict the Raptors trade the pick. They dont need another PF or SF and this draft is top heavy on those positions.

1 - Toronto

2 - Chicago

3 - Charlotte

4 - Portland

5 - Atlanta

6 - Minnesota

7 - Boston

8 - Houston

9 - Golden State

10 - Orlando

11 - Seattle

12 - New Orleans

13 - Philadelphia

14 - Utah

Are there any Canadians in the draft?

Don't know crap about this draft.. just get me a big at 2 and a SG at wherever else we're at.

 

Don't spend on big time FAs this offseason.. keep our money and make a run at LeBron or Bosh after the '07 season.

 

Some say we've been building a supporting cast for LeBron the last few years... I wouldn't mind that so much.