2012 NBA Draft Lottery: The 5 Biggest Questions for Each Potential Lottery Team

Until the lottery order is determined, we must first examine what each team which has a chance to have the pinballs go their ways needs to address this offseason. 

The title of my article includes the phrase "Each Potential Lottery Team" because New Jersey and Utah could get involved in the lottery.

Golden State's pick is No. 7 before the lottery, but if it is out of the top seven, then the Jazz will get the pick. ESPN's Marc Stein is reporting that the Warriors and Jazz are in the discussions of a trade that would allow Golden State to keep the pick even if it fell out of the top seven.  

Meanwhile, Portland's top 10 pick, acquired from New Jersey in the Gerald Wallace trade, is currently slated at No. 6. However, if it falls within the top 3, then it stays with the Nets. 

With this in mind, here are the five biggest questions for each potential lottery team entering the draft lottery, which will be on Wednesday night.

Charlotte Bobcats (25 percent chance of getting no.1 pick)

Question No. 1: Can they finally have some luck with their draft picks?

Even though Adam Morrison had concerns about his athleticism, the first month of his rookie year would have given the impression that he had the chance to be a budding star in the NBA, not a bench warmer at best. Kemba Walker falling to No. 9 seemed like a blessing, but even he only hit almost 37 percent of his field goals last year, meaning he's got a long way to go. D.J. Augustin could leave via free agency four years after being a top-10 pick, right before he should be able to become a pure point guard.

As the owner instead of a personnel man, Michael Jordan shouldn't be able to mess anything up, assuming he's not too involved in personnel decisions. But with this team's luck, either the lottery will go wrong in terms of not getting the No. 1 pick (which will be Anthony Davis, no doubt), or this team will never put the players around a player like Davis to succeed. Either way, the Bobcats can change all that if they look at this as an opportunity to change the course of the franchise for the next decade or so. 

Question No. 2: Who is worth keeping on this current team?

Most top-five draft lottery teams ask themselves in the offseason who is the franchise player on their team, but you can't even answer that with Charlotte without either blanking out or asking if that is a serious question. Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowksi reported in April that Tyrus Thomas was shoved by then-coach Paul Silas after a shouting match, reportedly over Thomas' level of performance considering his salary at about $8 million a year. Corey Maggette is making over $10 million in the last year of his contract, so he may be best used as an expiring contract in a trade for a star player, if said star player really wants to play for arguably the worst NBA team of all-time.

DeSagana Diop also has an expiring contract over $7 million, so he could be a piece worth trading. The "Big Three," if there is one on this team, is Kemba Walker, Bismack Biyombo and Gerald Henderson, considering the fact that they are currently the least paid and youngest guys on the team, yet have the most potential to contribute on this squad of anyone left on the roster. With that being said, they may also be the only assets besides future draft picks and expiring contracts to use in trading for a star player. GM Rich Cho has an interesting few years ahead of him, if Michael Jordan's patience doesn't wear thin before Cho can get his feet wet with a truly versatile and intriguing roster.

Question No. 3: Can you convince any free agents to come here?

This is really only a question if this is how Cho and Jordan want to build the team. Can they get somewhat lucky by not getting the top pick and instead getting two or three stars to play together using a top-5 draft pick the way the Celtics did in 2007? It is not out of the realm of possibility, but Boston had so many things go its way in that offseason that maybe proved that it is not an impossible scenario, but maybe a once-in-a-generation scenario that may have to wait another decade or two in today's salary cap and new CBA NBA.

If this one-in-a-million scenario worked, it would allow for a free agent or two to consider playing in Charlotte. Other than that, none of the big free agents, veteran or those entering the prime, have the Bobcats within the top three, or even in the top five of destinations. 

Question No. 4: Is it time to use the Amnesty Clause and/or buyout a contract or two?

Tyrus Thomas was a perfect fit for Larry Brown as a defensive four-man paired with Gerald Wallace at the forward spot. Brown has been gone nearly two seasons, and Silas and Thomas didn't exactly get along very well. He has three years at about $8 million per left on his contract and may not fit with who the next coach is, nor has he become a true small or power forward at this point in his career. He is worth looking at using the amnesty clause on, while DeSagana Diop and Corey Maggette could have their contracts bought out and join contenders to take advantage of their diminishing skills as veteran players rather than play where they are unwanted commodities.

The question is whether or not Cho can use any of these three pieces in trades, or somehow sees roles for any of these players, which I highly doubt. 

Question No. 5: Who will coach this team, or even wants to?

There are nine coaches reported by the Sporting News as either having been interviewed or going to be interviewed for the Charlotte Bobcats coaching job. These include Jerry Sloan, Patrick Ewing, Nate McMillan, Dave Joerger, Mike Malone, Nate Tibbetts, Mike Dunlap and Stephen Silas, the son of Paul Silas, and now add Indiana Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw and L.A. Lakers assistant Quin Snyder. All of them have interest since they have interviewed, but can they show total dedication with the fact that Larry Brown said in April on The Dan Patrick Show that team Owner Michael Jordan "works around people who don't have a clue" and "had people around me that made me sick," according to Yahoo! Sports NBA Blog Ball Don't Lie.

These statements imply that Jordan likes having yes-men around him, which has always been rumored. If coaches don't feel they can be honest with Jordan, then there is another failed relationship in sight no matter who the coach is.

Washington Wizards (19.9 percent chance of getting No. 1 pick)

Question No. 1: Can John Wall make a jump the way that Derrick Rose did in his third year?

Both guys went to college for one year to play with John Calipari as point guards. Both became No. 1 picks and are elite point guards in terms of their athleticism and ability to play in transition. While Rose was in the postseason his first two years, he struggled tremendously as a three-point shooter and jump shooter overall. He played with a much better and more cohesive team than Wall has, but with the moves made at the trade deadline, along with an 11-14 record after acquiring Hilario Nene, even though he was only healthy for 11 of those games, it proves the two have a good connection in terms of pick-and-roll, a part of Wall's game that had been previously underutilized. With a mature player like Nene finally playing with Wall, the two can continue to develop the pick-and-roll game that allows Wall to have a better shot selection and something for the team to go to in crunch time. 

Question No. 2: What does the team do with the dreaded Rashard Lewis contract? 

Rashard Lewis is the second-highest paid player in the NBA behind Kobe Bryant at about $22.7 million. However, Washington can buyout his contract for $13.7 million, according to Bullets Forever. They could also get rid of the whole contract with the amnesty clause or find a team that will trade an overpaid but valuable player who can contribute to the Wizards near the trade deadline. What may be the best decision is to buyout the contract and receive more than $9 million in cap room this year and keep the amnesty clause for another player. 

Question No. 3: Is it time to give up on Andray Blatche?

With three years and about $23 million left on the five-year, $35 million contract extension he signed two years ago, you would think a team so devoid of talent would try to make a guy they have put so much into a cornerstone player. Unfortunately, he has been labeled, more than fairly so, as a malcontent who won't play for some coaches, and was involved in the Gilbert Arenas gun incident. If that wasn't enough, Coach Randy Wittman benched Blatche in March until he was in better condition, according to the Washington Post.

With no takers for him during the trade deadline, the amnesty clause may be best used on Blatche. With picks already made on big men like Jan Vesely, Trevor Booker and Kevin Seraphin, along with the Nene trade, Blatche is officially deemed a team cancer with diminishing skills and should be removed from the team with the amnesty clause if there is no trading partner available. 

Question No. 4: Is Randy Wittman the coach for this team?

With an 18-31 record as head coach, Wittman really got this team to play for him, and his move with Blatche was a tough but necessary move that seemed to endear him to players. According to the Washington Examiner, there have been no indications of a coaching search, and Wittman believes the job is his until told otherwise. It seems to make the most sense to follow the Knicks' chosen path, which is go with the coach that gave you the best run of your season, which was Mike Woodson for New York and hopefully Wittman for the Wizards.

Sure, Stan Van Gundy and Jerry Sloan sound awesome, but Larry Brown has failed at his last two stops as an older coach with a young and developing roster, so that formula hasn't yet borne fruit. Scott Brooks worked out very well with Oklahoma City in a similar situation, so Washington should follow that model until it is proven that another move is better. 

Question No. 5: Where does this team go in the draft?

It is unlikely this team gets lightning to strike twice in three years like they did with getting the No. 1 pick for John Wall. If they stay as projected at No. 2 or within the top 3, they will have their choice of multiple talented perimeter players. These players include Bradley Beal, Harrison Barnes and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and fill holes at either shooting guard or small forward. Beal has been compared by some scouts to Ray Allen, and his shooting would be a great complement to Wall's penetrating ability, and something the Wizards haven't had and were hoping to maybe receive in the Rashard Lewis trade.

Kidd-Gilchrist is a defensive monster who can defend four positions on the court and get finish and rebound with the best small forwards in the game. His shooting leaves a lot to be desired, but his work ethic and exuberance will only allow him to get better.

Barnes isn't very aggressive, but he won't have to be as the team's third option. At 6'8'', he provides a lot of length and athleticism to go along with streaky shooting that when on is deadly. Most likely, one of the two perimeter positions will be satisfied in free agency, so baring another No. 1 pick to get Anthony Davis, this team will be looking to build itself on the perimeter with a potential All-Star point guard ready to explode, hopefully. 

Cleveland Cavaliers (13.8 percent chance of getting No. 1 pick)

Question No. 1: Is Kyrie Irving officially anointed as the new LeBron James for the Cavs?

With a Rookie of the Year season that was injury-shortened in which Cleveland had a chance to compete for the postseason before injuries hit, Irving has proven himself as a future superstar in this league. With that in mind, the Cavs will use this year's pick and potentially about $30 million in salary cap room this offseason to build around him. With Irving now, Cleveland should learn to get a No. 2 to play with him, no matter what the cost. The earlier they do so, the better. 

Question No. 2: What should be done about Luke Walton's contract?

Walton's contract expires after next season at about $5.8 million and is a medium expiring contract that teams will find attractive in a trade. Besides cap room and the potential top 5 pick, Walton's contract is the only asset left. 

Question No. 3: Is this the least talented team besides Charlotte in the NBA, and how can that be fixed?

Compared to the Bobcats, at least the Cavs have a No. 1 option. Tristan Thompson and Anderson Varejao should both be power forwards and should be a combination at the position rather than either be a full-time starter. Besides those three, nobody else screams even close to a "keeper" on the roster. Centers like Chris Kaman, Roy Hibbert and Marcus Camby are available in free agency and should be among the first names Cleveland call in July in order to give Irving great pick-and-roll players to use his penetrating skills with. Then, a perimeter star who has the potential to be a No. 2 and could start out as a No. 3 option would be a slam dunk pick in the draft.

Compared to Charlotte, the Cavaliers have a chance to build a contender in the next two years with cap room and draft picks and a star to build around. Plus, having a respected coach like Byron Scott who coached Chris Paul and the Hornets to the playoffs is nothing to scoff at as a free agent. 

Question No. 4: Will this team take a chance on potential or a sure thing in the draft?

Cleveland needs a true center to take the pressure of the rest of the big men on their team and become the rebounding the team needed to create extra possessions for a team with not a lot of offensive prowess and consistency, along with a defensively-stout squad. Andre Drummond from Connecticut is a potential stud, but not exactly the surest thing at the position. If he is picked by any squad in the top 5 and busts, he will be compared to Kwame Brown. Missing out on him if he is a star could be the difference between playoff participant and championship contender, however.

The Cavs haven't shown faith in making tough decisions, evidenced by their inability to trade for Amare Stoudemire during LeBron's last year. All the perimeter players available (Bradley Beal, Harrison Barnes and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist) seem to be at least good players, but not game-breakers. However, sometimes the best moves are the safe ones, as the reward for striking it rich is morphed by the failure of seeing your investment go down the toilet. 

Question No. 5: Can Owner Dan Gilbert keep quiet for the betterment of his squad?

The less publicity focused on the relationship between the departed LeBron James and Gilbert the better because it will show both have moved on. Gilbert famously stated the Cavs would win a title before LeBron James in a letter put on NBA.com and said there were no shortcuts to a championship when the Heat lost in the finals last year. Besides the fact that Gilbert has no right to criticize a player for using his free-agent rights, Gilbert just sounds like someone who can get past getting left at the altar, in constant denial and saying outrageous things in order to not let his team's poor record reflect poorly on his leadership of the organization.

If he lets the personnel people rebuild this team and Byron Scott coach without mentioning LeBron for a full year, imagine the possibilities for his players to be recognized as a new Oklahoma City or San Antonio who work as a deep and talented roster with multiple stars within a few years. 

New Orleans Hornets (13.7 percent chance of getting No. 1 pick, has No. 10 pick as well)

Question No. 1: Did the Hornets win or lose the Chris Paul trade?

Skip Bayless of ESPN First Take stated after the league had denied the Lakers-Hornets deal that the Hornets could be a playoff team if the Chris Paul trade with the Lakers had not been prevented, referencing a starting lineup that would have included Goran Dragic, Kevin Martin, Trevor Ariza, Luis Scola and Emeka Okafor. Right now, Chris Kaman looks to move on in free agency, and Eric Gordon is a restricted free agent with no guarantees that he will be back.

However, despite not having those players, they have two lottery picks in this year's deep draft and a ton of cap space (maybe between $15 and $25 million before any move on Eric Gordon). With Tom Benson now the owner of the team, the resources are there to build a big three with Gordon as the centerpiece or using draft picks to get veteran players. For now, however, the rejected trade has set this team back from playoff contender to cellar dweller until a few big successful moves are made. There are still opportunities to win this trade, especially in this year's draft and free agency period. 

Question No. 2: Can this team compete in the deep Southwest Division?

With the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies in this division, there could be four potential championship contenders with the immense pressure on each of these teams to make moves to improve in the Western Conference, along with their valuable assets. The Hornets are a few steps behind all these squads, but have the most valuable future assets of any of these teams with their two lottery picks and Eric Gordon's rights. Without a true star, however, and the depth and talent of each of these teams inside the paint, finishing last is a guarantee at this point. 

Question No. 3: Should Emeka Okafor be amnestied?

Okafor has yet to prove himself as either a cornerstone or a true power forward or center. He will turn 30 this offseason, played only 27 games this season and averaged less than double-digit points for the first time in his career. He will get paid about $28 million the next two seasons, but his elimination from the roster will allow the team to look at bringing back Kaman or drafting Andre Drummond to be a true center. Then, the team can build from the inside-out like the rest of the teams in the Southwest Division have done successfully. If you can't beat people with your own methods, look at the best performers and their methods, and somewhat copy them. Okafor is no longer a valued commodity, and the extra cap room can be used to re-sign Gordon and bring in another free agent. 

Question No. 4: What should be done with the likely top 5 pick?

With Trevor Ariza at small forward and possibly Eric Gordon at shooting guard, and no big-time point guard available, the Hornets' best move would involve getting talent inside the way other teams in the division have. With them currently slated at the No. 4 pick before the lottery, Thomas Robinson of Kansas is the type of aggressive and athletic power forward that can ruffle some feathers and pressure teams on both ends of the floor. He would also be an effort player that New Orleans can rally around, as Benson has seen what a personality like Drew Brees has done both on the field and in the community as owner of the Saints.

Andre Drummond could be the big-time center needed, but with the guys available in free agency, it makes more sense to take a sure-thing in Robinson. 

Question No. 5: Can Tom Benson re-create the magic he has with the Saints?

Six years ago, the Saints had a top-5 pick, tons of cap room and the opportunity to bring in a star free agent in Brees. If he gives himself the same resources, he has the opportunity to duplicate that success. Benson can't and hasn't done it all alone, but he is the one who knows the formula and has executed it before. In terms of all the lottery teams, none has a more committed and proven owner than Benson, and that is as big as having a star player or all the cap room in the world. 

Sacramento Kings (7.6 percent chance of getting No. 1 pick)

Question No. 1: Whose a keeper on this team?

Jason Thompson has yet to receive an extension and could leave in free agency. Tyreke Evans has yet to approached about a new contract, either, and the only long-term contract given by the Kings in recent years is Marcus Thornton's last year. Thornton, a player who could be a very good sixth man at best, is your one long-term piece. DeMarcus Cousins has the most potential to the star, but he also has the most potential to bust because of immaturity issues, and Evans doesn't seem to fit on this roster (we will discuss this later). 

Question No. 2: Is DeMarcus Cousins really growing up as a player and person?

Paul Westphal said at the beginning of the season that Cousins asked for a trade and was soon fired. However, Cousins has had multiple confrontations on the bench in the past two years, and the franchise has yet to show full support for him.

Statistically, though, Cousins improved greatly, shooting 44.8 percent from the field after 43 percent as a rookie, scoring 18.1 points and corralling 10.9 rebounds. He has been invited to NBA select team and maybe could improve both his skills and temperament with other young stars. At 21, he seems to have a much better relationship with Keith Smart then he did Westphal, and could be ready to explode as a third-year player. 

Question No. 3: Are there any true fits at any of the positions on this squad?

DeMarcus Cousins is a big body with the scoring ability of a Zach Randolph-type, so his skill set seems to fit a power forward position more than a center. Tyreke Evans is obviously not a true point guard and can't shoot well enough to even play some shooting guard. Marcus Thornton is a small shooting guard who should come off the bench in a sixth man role. Isaiah Thomas is only 5'9'', so he will always be a defensive liability, but to be the first guy to be the last player taken in the NBA draft to win the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award in February shows he is a franchise cornerstone.

Jimmer Fredette is a shooter who plays the point guard position, so all the potential star players don't necessarily fit anywhere. The Kings even tried to play Evans as a small forward. Don't be surprised if Sacramento makes a move or two to get better fits at positions on its roster. 

Question No. 4: Is the amnesty clause an option?

John Salmons has three years at about $8 million a year on his contract to be a bench warmer, whereas he can contribute on a competitive team as a low-paid shooter instead. With no other large contracts and no one to take this contract, it should be time for the Kings to let go of Salmons and have about $20 million in cap space to use this offseason. 

Question No. 5: Whose the draft pick?

Unless Bradley Beal is available when the Kings pick, Sacramento should pick a small forward or a true center to play alongside Demarcus Cousins. At the 3, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Harrison Barnes are both good options, while Andre Drummond is the boom or bust pick at the 5 spot in this draft. Sacramento should pick a sure thing after the risks it has taken with Evans, Cousins and Fredette. 

Portland Trail Blazers (7.5 percent chance of getting No. 1 pick, where it would then be given to Brooklyn Nets, and also for either pick No. 2 or No. 3, also have No. 11 pick in draft)

Question No. 1: Does this team get one or two lottery picks?

As long as the pick Portland acquired from New Jersey stays outside of the top 3, it keeps the pick. It would be a huge help if it did keep him because it could take both a sure thing and a risky pick while feeling safe that one of the guys will be a contributor while the author has great potential. This would include filling needs at center or point guard and taking a chance on a Perry Jones or Jared Sullinger, as one of the two could fall out of the top 10 picks.

Question No. 2: Does this team build around LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum?

Batum is only 23 years old. He averaged career-highs in points (13.9), rebounds (4.6), three-pointers made (1.8), blocks (1.0) and steals (1.0) in only 30.4 minutes of play and had the ability to play at shooting guard when Gerald Wallace was still on the team. He is also a restricted free agent, but with possibly around $30 million in cap space, Portland should easily be able to bring him back by matching any offer by other teams.

Aldridge (27 this offseason) is coming off a season-ending hip injury, but was playing at All-Star caliber level and even played at center when the depth at the position was non-existent. With 21.7 points per game to go along with eight rebounds per, he is an elite power forward in the NBA at this stage and can only improve. Batum and Aldridge are the two confirmed starters on this team and both have the ability to be All-Stars next season.  

Question No. 3: Is Perry Jones an option in the draft?

Perry Jones seems like a Lamar-Odom type undersized and versatile forward who is passive at times, but is so skilled and athletic that he impacts the game in so many ways. With an underrated amount of depth and versatility on this team, adding another unique piece allows for different lineups. But with Greg Oden not being the player many expected to be, does this new regime want to take another chance?

Question No. 4: What steps does this team take to get past the Oden-Roy era?

This draft and free agency are the first two steps to starting a new regime. With Batum and Wesley Matthews capable players at shooting guard, however, it seems like Brandon Roy's failures have been dealt with, while Oden can be addressed with possibly Chris Kaman in free agency or Andre Drummond in the draft. The Trail Blazers have already moved on to an extent with no Kevin Pritchard and Nate McMillan in the organization, and now, all it will take is a draft pick and signing to erase most of the bad memories. It will be over that quickly because Portland can be a playoff contender with just those two moves. 

Question No. 5: Who's the Trail Blazers' point guard?

Raymond Felton was a massive disappointment, and with floor generals such as Kyle Lowry, Jason Terry, Goran Dragic, Jeremy Lin, Aaron Brooks, Andre Miller, Kirk Hinrich, Jameer Nelson, Jerryd Bayless and Ramon Sessions available, this is the position that should be addressed in free agency with the lack of elite players at the position in the draft. Center, small forward and power forward are the strong positions in the draft and are weak in free agency, so Portland will most likely have someone in mind to play the point before the draft. 

Golden State Warriors (3.6 percent chance of getting No. 1 pick)

Question No. 1: Does this team keep its pick?

As addressed before, there is a chance the Warriors could lose this pick. If it falls below No. 7, then it will go to the Utah Jazz. If they lose the pick, it won't be disastrous because of the decent starting lineup they have made with the Bogut trade. 

Question No. 2: Is Stephen Curry the point guard of the future?

The combination of Nate Robinson and Charles Jenkins done the stretch of the season was impressive, and the offense seemed to have a consistent flow to it that the combination of Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis in the backcourt didn't have in the first year of the Mark Jackson era.

With that being said, Curry is an outstanding shooter with underrated skills as a point. No one is a better teacher than Mark Jackson for that position, and a full offseason for that teaching could allow Curry to make a third-year jump that could put the Warriors in contention for a playoff berth. If Curry can't become a great floor general with this situation, he never will. 

Question No. 3: What can this team do with the rest of its assets?

Dorell Wright is a talented player who has an expiring contract, while Andris Biedrins has the potential to be a starting center but is too inconsistent and a terrible free-throw shooter. There is virtually no cap room this offseason, and there will be none after a qualifying offer to Brandon Rush. If this team could find a sucker for either of these two players, there would be the potential for this team to compete for a division title, assuming Bogut, David Lee and Curry are healthy and improve along with Klay Thompson and Jeremy Tyler. 

Question No. 4: Does this team finally have a true core?

Andrew Bogut only has two years left on his contract, but he may be the best chance for Golden State to get past the Don Nelson fast-paced offense era that was exciting but was never going to win anything big. Stephen Curry has a great work ethic, and he and Klay Thompson are great shooters that are a unique combination in the backcourt with their ability to penetrate and shoot from long-range. David Lee was a steal in a trade with the Knicks two years ago, but just how much is still to be determined.

Question No. 5: What does Mark Jackson do for an encore?

As a first-year coach trying to instill a culture of winning, Jackson suffered through the injuries of Curry and Lee, the inconsistency of Biedrins and the trade of Ellis for Bogut that has yet to borne fruit, and still had this team playing hard at the end of the season. Of all the losing teams, Jackson may have done the best job considering the reconstructing of the roster and had the ability to adapt to the most valuable parts of the roster that didn't seem to be great fits with Jackson in the first place. Jackson could easily be Coach of the Year next season with a playoff run in the Warriors' immediate future.

Toronto Raptors (3.5 percent chance of getting no.1 pick)

Question No. 1: What does the addition of Jonas Valančiūnas mean for this team?

Jonas Valančiūnas is the first true center the Raptors have arguably had in their entire existence as a franchise. He brings the size of a seven-footer, the ability to block shots and a lot of potential to grow. 

In April, Valančiūnas won the Eurocup Rising Star award and was also named to the All-Eurocup squad. He averaged 10.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 1.6 bpg while shooting 63.4 percent from the field. WalterFootball.com's scouting report compares him to Andris Biedrins. 

Question No. 2: Can Toronto compete for a playoff berth? 

If Toronto can improve at center with Valancianas, then find someone in the draft at point guard or small forward and use free agency to fill the other need, the Atlantic Division better watch out for Toronto. Andrea Bargnani only has to focus on scoring the basketball, as long as he can stay healthy. He could even play at small forward with Amir Johnson and Ed Davis holding down the fort at power forward. 

Question No. 3: Has this team become defensive?

A big reason why this team could compete for a playoff berth is how Bargnani missed 35 games, both point guards struggled with injuries, this team competed in a tough division and they were still only the eighth-worst team in the league without a true No. 1 option for over half the season. Dwayne Casey was phenomenal as a first-year head coach who changed the culture to defense. With Amir Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas as a defensive frontcourt, there is no question that defense is the biggest priority 

Question No. 4: Whose the Raptors' point guard?

Jerryd Bayless is a restricted free agent and only played half the season as well. Jose Calderon has one year left on his contract. Neither proved themselves as a starter nor as the future point guard, so the draft may be the best option. Kendall Marshall is a potential Jason Kidd, which would be perfect because Casey coached Kidd in Dallas and helped him become a very versatile and underrated defender.

Damian Lillard from Weber State is a great scorer with phenomenal speed and skill, but is he a true point guard or one that will take away touches from perimeter players like Demar DeRozan?

Either way, this team needs a young stud to compete in today's NBA both offensively and defensively with the speed and skill at the floor general position in this league.

Question No. 5: Who's the draft pick ,and at what position?

Unless Harrison Barnes is available when the Raptors pick, point guard should be the position addressed in this draft. Perry Jones is an elite talent, but doesn't have a true position and could be a duplication of Bargnani when this team needs more toughness than athleticism. Toronto needs a sure thing in order to quickly become a contender like it can be. With Boston making changes, Brooklyn looking to grab a big fish, Philadelphia growing before our eyes and New York looking impressive in the Mike Woodson era, the Raptors have to get a floor general who can lead this team unless Harrison Barnes is available to play with DeRozan on the wing. 

Detroit Pistons (1.7 percent chance of getting No. 1 pick)

Question No. 1: Who can play with Greg Monroe?

Monroe is currently at the center position, but he is a little undersized versus the biggest guys at the position in the league. Detroit has tried to get a true power forward for a few years, but Charlie Villanueva and Jonas Jerebko haven't proven themselves to be consistent players. They have complementary skills, but when one is in and the other is on the bench, there is something missing from the position. Villanueva can score, but can't rebound, while Jerebko is athletic and tenacious, but doesn't have a ton of skill.

If Jared Sullinger falls, don't be surprised if the Pistons look to trade up or are lucky enough to have him fall to him. He provides a great scorer who is a volume-rebounder, and is a better power forward since he compares favorably to Zach Randolph. 

Question No. 2: Are Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon possible assets?

Villanueva is currently on the bench behind a second-round pick in Jerebko, assuming Jason Maxiell isn't re-signed. Villanueva will be paid over $8 million per year the next two seasons, including a player option for 2013-2014, and will be a bench player no matter what happens. There may be a team that needs his scoring off the bench by the trade deadline. Gordon will get paid over $25 million the next two seasons, including a player option for his last year.

Considering their scoring ability, Detroit should keep them on the roster and as bench players until someone comes up with a great offer for either of them. However, if Gordon and Villanueva, handle the situation poorly, the buyout clause is an option. 

Question No. 3: Are Stuckey and Gordon a good combination at Shooting Guard?

Stuckey was drafted as the eventual replacement for Chauncey Billups, but has disappointed in that regard. Jay Bilas called him a poor man's Dwyane Wade when drafted, but hasn't been given the opportunity to start at the two-guard spot with large minutes because of Gordon's presence. They are both undersized and don't have the shooting ability or defensive skill to be a consistent starter at the position. One of them should be traded to get a true shooting guard and then allow the other guy to come off the bench. 

Question No. 4: Should this team remove all players from the competitive Pistons era?

Tayshaun Prince has three years and over $21 million left on his contract, but he only shot 42 percent from the field last year and is now 32. The amnesty clause should be used on him at this point in order to both move on at the small forward position and from the Pistons' championship era. Jason Maxiell has a $5 million player option for next year, but he may need to be traded or bought out as well in order to let these new core of Pistons to make their own mark. It may not be pretty PR-wise, but these are moves that Joe Dumars may have to do. 

Question No. 5: Is Brandon Knight the right man at the point?

Knight's shooting ability and toughness reminds me a lot of a young Chauncey Billups. He has a lot of room to improve in terms of his assist to turnover ratio (3.8 to 2.6). With the inability to commit to someone at shooting guard or power forward, the last thing Detroit should think about is getting somebody else to play point guard. However, there should be a lot of teaching this offseason for Knight, which, without a lockout, should not be a problem. 

Milwaukee Bucks (.70 percent chance of getting No. 1 pick)

Question No. 1: How does this team get past the disappointment of the Andrew Bogut era?

Ekpe Udoh is intriguing at center, but he doesn't provide the All-Star potential that Bogut did, and the team's defense suffered greatly because of his injury issues and subsequent trade. With the speed and scoring ability of the backcourt and the shot-blocking skills of Udoh and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, this team can create many fast-break opportunities. The excitement on offense should soon remove the disappointment in not having the former No. 1 pick finish his career (or even his prime) in Milwaukee. 

Question No. 2: Can Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis consistently co-exist?

The Bucks played better with them together down the stretch of the season, but they are both defensive liabilities due to their lack of height and size. With that being said, there is so much versatility scoring-wise with these two that they can adjust to a lot of teams with lineups depending on injuries and style of play. Jennings' aggressiveness to penetrate works better with Ellis than it did with Stephen Curry because they can run back-door cuts or hang out on the three-point line. It is a point-guard and shooting-guard version of Dwayne Wade and LeBron James in terms of both guys having a similar skill set and will develop as that aforementioned relationship has in Miami, though not nearly to the same effect. 

Question No. 3: How does the defense improve while keeping the new-found offensive prowess?

The best thing this team can do is teach its guards to be aggressive on defense to get steals, as just like Ellis says in Golden State when the team competed for the postseason, their scoring defense was bad, but they were in the top 5 in the NBA in blocked shots, steals and forced turnovers, so just create more scoring opportunities than the other team. That is how the defense will improve, though it won't necessarily help the scoring defense statistics. 

Question No. 4: Does Ersan Ilyasova stay?

With about $10 million in cap room, Ilyasova should easily be brought back because he seems to only be a great fit with Milwaukee and has a chance to develop into an elite sixth man for the Bucks. Plus, the Bucks won't care about long-term contracts.

Question No. 5: Who do the Bucks draft?

With a lot of needs potentially already filled, unless a true small forward is available, a player like Perry Jones might be intriguing. However, if a center like Tyler Zeller is available, then the Bucks should pounce quickly because of his character, passing and shooting skills and seven-foot size. He allows Milwaukee to play multiple styles and use size it currently misses without Bogut. 

Phoenix Suns (.60 percent chance of getting no.1 pick)

Question No. 1: Does Steve Nash stay?

For Nash, at 38 years old, it is now time for him to think about his legacy in terms of championships. He said on The Dan Patrick Show in March that without any progress, he wouldn't return to Phoenix: "I'm not coming back to the Suns if there isn't improvement."

He also said he would be interested in joining the Miami Heat. All signs point to him leaving unless a big trade is made to possibly bring back Amare Stoudemire or some other star.

Question No. 2: If Nash leaves, is there a youth movement?

If Steve Nash leaves, it is officially back to square one for the Suns. Therefore, there is no question it is a youth movement if the two-time NBA MVP leaves. Aaron Brooks or some guy in the draft will likely be the point guard of the future if the franchise player for Phoenix leaves. 

Question No. 3: Amnesty clause for Josh Childress or Hakim Warrick?

With only two years left on his contract and one of them being a team option, Warrick will likely stay or be traded with his current contract at over $4 million a year. Childress, meanwhile, has three guaranteed years left at over $20 million, so he could easily be amnestied this offseason. His elimination from the roster would give the Suns about $35 million in cap room this offseason. 

Question No. 4: What happens with Aaron Brooks?

Brooks hasn't worked out at all given that the Suns will owe the Rockets a first-round pick for his services. He isn't a true point guard and wasn't even able to out do Goran Dragic as the backup point guard, so why should Phoenix have confidence in him as a starter if Nash leaves? This will be another interesting predicament for Phoenix. 

Question No. 5: What should be done with the draft pick?

With the pick currently slated at No.13, a player like Dion Waiters or Austin Rivers would make sense as a possible sixth man who can score and handle the ball. Of course, if a point guard like Kendall Marshall or Damian Lillard drops, one of these two will either be Nash's successor in a couple years or immediately after Nash's possible departure this offseason. 

Houston Rockets (.5 percent of getting No. 1 pick, also have No. 16 pick in draft)

Question No. 1: Does Houston attempt a big trade again?

After the NBA denied the Rockets' trade for Pau Gasol last year, does Houston want to go after a big fish again? Without a star, Houston will not be able to compete either on the court or in the box office  with two other teams in Texas (San Antonio and Dallas) full of stars. With the depth on this team, talented players on cheap contracts like Kyle Lowry and Chase Budinger to go along with established players like Luis Scola and Kevin Martin, along with two first-round picks allow the Rockets to make a possible blockbuster deal.

With nearly $20 million in cap room before a qualifying offer to Courtney Lee, the Rockets could absorb a large amount of money, which makes them an attractive trade partner. More likely than not, GM Daryl Morey will be on the phones early and often this offseason. 

Question No. 2: Is Kyle Lowry done as a Rocket?

Lowry told Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle that he does not believe he and Coach Kevin McHale can co-exist. 

“I don’t think so,” Lowry, 26, said. “I honestly think it would be tough. Things have to be addressed. The situation would have to be addressed. If things aren’t addressed coaching-wise, I guess I have to be moved.”

With Goran Dragic playing at a great level last season, it is time to move on from Lowry, as he has only two years left on his contract, including a team option for 2013-14. With plenty of teams interested in young point guards like Lowry, there is no question he should be moved with this type of attitude.

Question No. 3: What is the value of the two first-round picks?

With the No.14 pick and the No.16 pick in this year's draft from the New York Knicks, Houston can get a couple of young studs to develop in their lineup or use one or two of these picks to get a potential superstar in a trade. The latter will most likely be the decision, as the draft steals like Chase Budinger and Chandler Parsons show that the Rockets know how to develop and maintain their depth and have no need to increase it in this year's draft. 

Question No. 4: Does this team keeps its depth or use it to build a great starting lineup?

Playing against the Spurs' Big 3, Dirk Nowitski, Jason Kidd and Jason Terry from Dallas, and Memphis' multiple star lineup in its own division proves that Houston needs to get a star or two before it can think about competing for a playoff spot, let alone a Western Conference title. Luis Scola is 32, Kevin Martin only has one year left on his contract and fans in Houston are getting a little restless with the team's inability to get past the Yao and McGrady era.

If no big move is made, keeping depth may sound nice, but the deepest team in the league outside of San Antonio (Denver), didn't get past the first round of the playoffs. It is time for Houston to finally use its assets, even though the ability to do so left them with nothing last year because of an unfair decision by the commissioner.

Question No. 5: Can Kevin McHale get it done?

With Rick Adelman finishing off his last season on a great run, McHale did the opposite with a six-game losing streak when the team was in great position to get into the playoffs. With Lowry's statement, if McHale doesn't get the team in the postseason next year, he may be gone. 

Brooklyn Nets

Question No. 1: Does this team get a top-3 pick?

If the pick they gave up in the Gerald Wallace trade moves into the top 3, the pick goes to Brooklyn. With this pick, the Nets can either get a young star or another asset to look to get another star. That question will be answered tonight. 

Question No. 2: Is Dwight Howard attainable?

As currently stated without a top 3 pick, probably not, because there is nothing Brooklyn could give up that would compare to Andrew Bynum and other talented big men. But with a top-3 pick, Brook Lopez and the ability to take on Hedo Turkoglu's contract, the Nets would have the assets to entice Orlando to send Dwight to Brooklyn. Hopefully, the pin balls fall in the Nets' favor for their sake. 

Question No. 3: Is Deron Williams staying?

Deron Williams can opt out of the last year of his contract, and with possible suitors like the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers, the Nets will have a lot of competition. Without another true star like Dirk Nowitzki, there is virtually no chance Brooklyn will keep Deron Williams. The best hope is a trade for a big-time big man. 

Question No. 4: What will satisfy the fans in Brooklyn?

If Deron Williams leaves, fans in Brooklyn will be highly disappointed and will probably rip owner Mikhail Prokhorov, fairly or unfairly. However, if Deron Williams and Dwight Howard become the one-two punch needed to compete for a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference, fans in Brooklyn will be happy but ready to be championship contenders in year one of the Williams-Howard era. 

Question No. 5: Does the presence of Mikhail Prokhorov help or hurt the ability to get free agents?

Billionaire owners such as Jerry Jones and Mark Cuban have done a great job to bring talented players and personalities. Maybe Prokhorov is the third in that category to do so; it wouldn't be surprising if he did.

Utah Jazz

Question No. 1: Do the Jazz get a draft pick?

As stated before, if the Golden State Warriors' pick falls out of the top 7, it becomes the Utah Jazz's pick. That question will be answered tonight then. Utah's own first-round pick went to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Al Jefferson pick. 

Question No. 2: Is Devin Harris the future point guard of this team?

With one year left on his contract at $8.5 million, Harris will turn 30 this season and is one of a few potential free agents after next season from this team, including Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Raja Bell and Earl Watson. It took Harris basically a calendar year before he and Ty Corbin got on the same page, and then the team made some beautiful magic en route to a postseason berth.

If it does get a draft pick and a player like Kendall Marshall and Damian Lillard, however, all bets are off on even keeping Harris on the team. 

Question No. 3: Is Gordon Hayward a potential All-Star?

After shooting 18 percent against the Spurs in the series sweep, Hayward's great end to the season that included scoring double-figures in 18 of his final 21 regular season games was nearly forgotten. However, Hayward's size at 6'8'' and 210 pounds at shooting guard is extremely unique, and he will only get stronger as he has more offseasons to improve. Scoring 11.8 points per game last season, Hayward may still have a long way to go to get All-Star status, but he took the first big steps in terms of consistency in the last third of the regular season. 

Question No. 4: Are Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter the future of the franchise?

With Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap possibly leaving after next season, having two young big men with the potential of Favors and Kanter seems to put Utah in a starters-in-waiting position in the paint. As good as Jefferson and Millsap are, they are not great fits at center and power forward, respectively.

If the two veterans do depart, Utah will have about $40 million in cap space next offseason to really make a championship run in a couple years with the multiple assets it has, including Golden State's future first-round pick if it isn't this year. 

Question No. 5: Who is Utah's Leader?

With no player playing big against San Antonio or having a long-term contract, it seems there is no true leader like there was when Deron Williams was playing. However, Gordon Hayward could make a huge jump and become that player due to his end of the season resurgence. The chance to get a veteran in free agency is as big a need to fill as that of getting a small forward on this team, unless a young player steps up as the leader.