NBA Lottery Odds 2012: Franchises That Desperately Need a Top Pick

Landing the top pick in the NBA draft lottery is the equivalent of striking gold. Many times, franchises that end up being rewarded the coveted position aren’t even the favorites, but they certainly haven’t been complaining.

Over the past four years, we have seen Derrick Rose, Blake Griffin, John Wall and Kyrie Irving transform their respective organizations and make them respectable once again.

Let’s take a look at three teams that could be rejuvenated if they land a top pick.

Brooklyn Nets

With impending free agent Deron Williams’ fate hanging in the balance, the Nets almost have to hope they end up with a top-three selection.

If they don’t, they’ll have to ship their lottery pick over to Portland as part of the Gerald Wallace trade, which took place at the deadline this year.

Brooklyn needs to hit the jackpot and select someone like Anthony Davis if they want any chance of competing over the next few years. It would make sense for to D-Will stick around with his franchise grabbing that No. 1 spot.

The Nets would certainly be in the running for playoff spot sooner than later with that core.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs lucked out last year by winning the lottery with the Los Angeles Clippers' selection, which had just a 2.8 percent chance of turning up No. 1 overall.

They are hoping to get lucky again, this time with a 13.8 percent shot to come out on top of the lottery.

Irving has completely transformed the franchise, and adding another amazing player—such as Kentucky’s Davis—could bring the team back from the NBA’s basement and turn them into a contender.

New Orleans Hornets

NOLA was gutted last season after the Chris Paul trade and direly needs a new superstar to build around.

They have two chances to win it all, thanks to their own pick and the Timberwolves’ first-rounder.

Grabbing an elite player to help sell tickets, build excitement and—most importantly—win basketball games is a must for this team.