NBA Lottery 2012: Who Should Really Represent Every Team at the Lottery

Don't ask me why, but NBA fans love to tune into the NBA draft lottery. Watching the draft is one thing, but watching a mere five to 10 minutes of random selection for the order of the first 14 picks in the draft doesn't exactly sound like quality TV viewing.

Still, the NBA knows how to market this short period of time as they have individual representatives of each team attending this mini-ceremony.

These reps range from team executives to retired players to even current players. I remember back at the 2002 lottery, Steve Francis represented the Houston Rockets, who went on to win the first pick and select Chinese center Yao Ming.

It's unclear as to who each of the 12 lottery teams will be sending to this year's lottery, but chances are it will be a mix of executives and players.

To make the process more fun for those watching at home, here are some people who should REALLY be there.

Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Jordan

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Jordan was one of the most popular players of his time and could very well be the greatest to ever play the game. Today, he owns the Charlotte Bobcats, who have the greatest chance of winning the first overall pick this year.

Call me crazy or a sentimentalist, but I just think it'd be great to see Jordan's reaction were his team to win the grand prize. Maybe he'd do a little dance, or his legendary tongue maneuver?

Washington Wizards: John Wall

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The Wizards are a franchise at such a low point that there really doesn't seem to be any other appropriate option as to who should represent them at the lottery. 

Owner Ted Leonsis would be a conventional choice, but star point guard and ex-No. 1 pick John Wall's presence there could be a sign that he is committed to the team and ready to win.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Nick Gilbert

The reason Nick Gilbert should represent his father's team again this year is simple. He was such a hit last year and has a good attitude so, if I may quote him, what's not to like?

New Orleans Hornets: Hugo the Hornet

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The obvious choice here is new owner Tom Benson, and chances are he will attend the lottery.

Still, how fun would it be to see a giant furry mascot like Hugo at the lottery? Also, how awesome would his reaction be if the Hornets ended up with the top pick?

Sacramento Kings: Mayor Kevin Johnson

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Johnson was once an All-Star point guard for the Phoenix Suns, but now serves as mayor of Sacramento, California. 

Since taking office, one of his largest efforts has been to do everything possible to keep the Kings in the city and strike a deal for a new arena.

Though a tentative deal for a new arena fell apart in April, Johnson remains determined to keep the team's fans happy.

Representing the Kings at the lottery would not only show the fans that he is committed to them, but to their city as well.

Portland Trail Blazers: LaMarcus Aldridge

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It isn't uncommon for a team's star player to represent them at the lottery. Given how much of a mess Portland's front office is, Aldridge is the best choice in this case. 

He's currently recovering from hip surgery and being at the lottery would be a way of saying to the Portland fans, "I don't care where we end up in the order. I'm ready to play and win again."

Golden State Warriors: Bob Myers

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The Warriors are continuing their rebuilding phase next season and already took a step in the right direction in unloading Monta Ellis' horrible contract and bringing in Bob Myers as GM. 

As a first-year front office head, it is imperative that he attend the draft lottery to show the fans that he is serious about the team and ready to turn them into perennial winners.

Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan

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Simple reasoning here once again. The Raptors are a mess, and DeRozan is probably the best player on the team. Either he or coach Dwane Casey should attend the lottery.

Detroit Pistons: Mayor Dave Bing

Long before he became Detroit's mayor, Bing was a star shooting guard for the Pistons. That said, he attending the draft would give the team's fans something to smile about.

He may be a big-shot politician today, but he definitely remembers where he came from and deeply cares about the Pistons' future.

Milwaukee Bucks: Bango

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Bango should attend the lottery via satellite, but only so that he may entertain those of us watching at home with one of his amazing dunks.

Phoenix Suns: The Suns Gorilla

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The same should be the case for this mascot, who could also provide some entertainment as the anticipation mounts.

Houston Rockets: Hakeem Olajuwon

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The Rockets' ultimate dream is to get back to the NBA Finals and win another championship. That said, why not have "The Dream" himself represent them at the lottery? I mean, he DID win two rings with Houston.

Brooklyn Nets: Jay-Z

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Say what you want about Mikhail Prokhorov being the team owner. Jay-Z is the main reason the Nets are moving to Brooklyn and is an icon in that part of New York. 

Should the Nets make it to the top three (otherwise they have no first-round pick), his presence will be enough to start off their history in Brooklyn with a bang.