NBA Draft Lottery 2012: Teams in Terrific Shape Following Finalized Order
The NBA draft lottery was not fixed.
Conspiracy theorists are up-in-arms about the New Orleans Hornets landing the top pick, but there is no way to prove any foul play, so let's just move on.
Speaking of the Hornets, they are now in incredible shape to rebound from their poor 2011-12 season and compete in the Western Conference again rather quickly.
Obviously landing the top pick and the right to draft Anthony Davis is going to be huge, but holding the 10th pick is almost just as important. They need a point guard, and if Kendall Marshall is still available they will have rebuilt the core of their team on the fly with two players who can start instantly.
No team is poised to gain more from this draft than New Orleans, but two other teams are in terrific shape as well now that the smoke has cleared from the draft lottery.
No. 3 Washington Wizards
The Wiz dropped back a spot with the Hornets rise, but that shouldn’t stand in the way of them getting the perfect fit for the team.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is a 6’6’’ athletic freak that can run the floor alongside fellow former Wildcat John Wall, but more importantly he will provide a sound defensive presence.
Kidd-Gilchrist is extremely versatile with the ability to guard four different positions on the floor, and he moves his feet extremely well, while possessing incredible natural instincts and anticipation. He is an unselfish player that won’t pout if he isn’t getting the ball on offense.
Couldn’t say that about most players on the Wizards.
The Bobcats may select him at No. 2, but they would be incredibly foolish if they did. They need more help in the front court, and landing an NBA-ready big like Thomas Robinson or Jared Sullinger is the right move. They don’t need a wing player that will have a minimal impact on the offensive end of the floor in Year 1.
MKG and his willingness to compete on the defense is just what the doctor ordered for Washington.
No. 6 and No. 11 Portland Trail Blazers
When the Brooklyn Nets landed pick No. 6, they were forced to hand it over to the Blazers, which now gives them two picks in the top 11.
Considering this team gave the eventual champs all they could handle in the playoffs last year, this team isn’t too far off.
They can draft an NBA ready scorer like Sullinger or Harrison Barnes with their first pick, shoring up a clear area of need. Then with the 11th pick they can draft a new point guard, the clear achilles heel of the squad last season.
While the Hornets will likely scoop one of the two up at No. 10, the Blazers will be able to land either Marshall or Damian Lillard, the top two at the position.
Getting a player who can average double-digit points right off the bat and landing a point guard to get him the ball is a dream come true for a team that looks to have one of the brighter futures in the Western Conference.
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