NBA Lottery Odds 2012: Teams That Would Make Playoffs with Anthony Davis
Even if the Charlotte Bobcats win the No. 1 pick in the draft, and take Anthony Davis, they won't make the playoffs next year. There are a few lottery teams that would, and the teams with the longest odds to land the top pick are primarily the teams closest to making the playoffs.
Naturally some of those teams would have realistic playoff chances, but there are also teams who would have new-found postseason hopes that missed the playoffs by a good margin.
Here are the complete odds for each team in the lottery, and the teams that would become instant playoff contenders by landing Davis.
(Odds info from NBC Sports)
1. Charlotte, 7-59, 25.0 percent
2. Washington, 20-46, 19.9 percent
3. Cleveland, 21-45, 13.8 percent
4. New Orleans, 21-45, 13.7 percent
5. Sacramento, 22-44, 7.6 percent
6. New Jersey, 22-44, 7.5 percent (a)
7. Golden State, 23-43, 3.6 percent (b)
8. Toronto, 23-43, 3.5 percent
9. Detroit, 25-41, 1.7 percent
10. New Orleans, 1.1 percent (c)
11. Portland, 28-38, 0.8 percent
12. Milwaukee, 31-35, 0.7 percent
13. Phoenix, 33-33, 0.6 percent
14. Houston, 34-32, 0.5 percent
(a) Pick to Portland if outside the top three.
(b) Pick to Utah if outside the top seven.
(c) From Minnesota (26-40)
Houston Rockets
The Rockets just missed the chance to be swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the first-round by two games. For that they get the slimmest chance of any team in the lottery at grabbing the top pick.
To say that Davis would make the Rockets two games better is an understatement.
Barring major injuries, the Rockets would be a playoff team.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks just missed the chance to take advantage of a wounded Chicago Bulls' team by four games. Milwaukee's MO is defense and so is Davis'. He would play a huge role with his shot-blocking and rebounding from day one.
The Bucks would probably be a fifth seed with Davis in the East.
Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers should definitely be a playoff team, because they would be better off trading the pick. They already have LaMarcus Aldridge at PF and they may as well add assets by moving the top pick to someone that covets Davis.
With the pick they get in return, they can still draft the guard they need. This would be an awesome scenario for the Blazers—and they have another pick in the lottery.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings were 22 games under .500, but this team has so much talent. They need a coach, or a player to ignite them, so they can reach their potential.
I believe an unselfish, defensive presence like Davis could possibly have that effect on this team.
Think about this starting five: Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Thornton, Tyreke Evans, Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. That is a very talented core, and they would still have Jimmer Fredette and Chuck Hayes off the bench.
I believe landing Davis would symbolize this team's turning point, even if it meant trading Cousins to better the culture.
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