A Who's-Who of the NBA Lottery Teams

No one doubts Jefferson's talents, as he managed to replace Kevin Garnett's statistical production with 21 PPG and 11.2 RPG. However, it is not a promising sign that in his four-year career, his production has increased every year, but his team's wins have decreased every year (45,33,24,22).

Hopefully, the Timberwolves' young core will come together around Jefferson, and improve upon their road record, a Western-Conference worst, 7-34.

4. Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers.

Roy's Blazers took the NBA by storm in the first half of the season, as he lead a young team into the playoff picture averaging 19.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.8 APG.

While the future in Portland looks promising, Greg Oden is set to debut next season, Roy has not yet appeared in the postseason, and it is difficult to see which of the eight teams will fall in order to make room for the Blazers.

3. Michael Redd, Milwaukee Bucks.

Redd has quietly compiled quite a resume in his eight NBA seasons, with over 10,000 points and a 20.5 PPG average. However, this has not translated into much playoff success, as Redd's Bucks have not advanced past the first round since his rookie season.

2. Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets.

While Carter may have the most potential of any player not in the playoffs, his absence from this postseason is of little surprise, given that he just signed a four-year deal worth more than $60 million this past offseason.

Carter, now the poster boy for unmotivated, overpaid athletes still averaged 21.3 PPG, 6 RPG, and 5.1 APG. To his credit, Carter's career resume, at the age of 31, is quite impressive, as he has amassed more than 16,000 points in his ten NBA seasons

1. Baron Davis, Golden State Warriors.

A healthy, motivated Davis enjoyed his finest NBA season in his his nine-year career. Playing in all 82 games for the first time in six seasons, Davis scored 21.8 PPG and handed out 7.6 APG.

Davis' absence from the postseason is a disappointment, as the talented point guard missed the playoffs for just the third time in his career. The race for the eighth seed could be even tighter, as Davis, Jackson, and Monta Ellis could compete with the likes of the Nuggets and Blazers for the final spot.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?