Careful, it's not as simple as it seems. On the surface, you might say Memphis, but sorry, that would be incorrect. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200. I won't lie to you - I'm more pumped for the lottery and the actual draft than either conference Final. Weighing in all sorts of factors, here's your breakdown of the five teams with the most to lose when the hopper goes into motion Tuesday:
1. Atlanta - There's no debating this.
If the Hawks don't end up with a Top 3 pick, this franchise is doomed for at least five more seasons. These guys will be so far up the creek, Kevin Willis might as well unretire - again - and start at power forward next year.
2.
Boston - Fact: this franchise, which hasn't been a legit contender since Larry Bird walked out of the Garden, needs a serious infusion of talent. Doc Rivers will be groveling for a top two pick, and Danny Ainge is probably willing to sell at least one kidney for Oden or Durant. The Celtics are in dire need of a center, and could go ahead and mortgage the rest of the roster for Durant.
Al Horford? Corey Brewer? Brandon Wright?
Probably not going to turn these guys into legit contenders.
3. Phoenix - Potentially landmark summer approaching in the desert.
What to do with Shawn Marion? Would they actually entertain trading Amare (sure as heck hope not)? If the Suns land the 4th pick in the draft, that will give them three first rounders and instantly make them major players on the trading market leading up to the draft.
Fun!
4. Memphis - How can a team with the best chance at Greg Oden fall this low?
Because with a , the Grizzlies are sitting pretty. If they didn't get a Top 2 pick, I'd be shocked. Golden State-over-Dallas shocked.
5. Chicago - The Bulls, who in my mind are a center (Jermaine O'Neal? Greg Oden?
) away from becoming the best team in the East, could actually come up with the top pick. They have the option of taking the Knicks' No. 1 pick, but New York only has a 1.
9 percent chance of getting the first pick. But as Jim Carrey once said, 'so you're saying there's a chance?'
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
Jeez, the Bulls with Oden would be unstoppable. I actually like Durant better, but Oden would be perfect for my Bulls, theyd school everyone in the East right away. And screw the Celtics, I can't wait till they end up with Yi, just to hear Simmons complain about how unfortunate it is.
2. The Celtics do not deserve a top 3 draft pick. If we get it and are stuck with Ainge in charge I see him trading Oden for some lint and a new brain doctor.
3. Hey Boston haters kiss my Irish ass!!
! Boston will get either Oden and Durant..
Will we trade our #1 or #2 off hell no! Actually we do deserve the #1 pick and we will return to get more championships!!
!
4. hmmmmmmm could there be another conspiracy where the bobcats get the #1 pick.
..doubt it but it would be interesting if it did happen
5.
if Atlanta gets the 1 or 2 pick, David Stern might as well contract the Suns . I hate all of this talk how the Suns will trade up from 4 or 5 to 1 or 2..
Any team that trades down from the top two spots are IDIOTS. I can see Milwaukee or Memphis doing something but not Boston. Ainge doesn't wanna be lynched outside the Boston Garden
6.
Um how could you possibly shocked at something that previously in your own SENTENCE you said has a 54% chance of happening??
7.
"If they didn't get a Top 2 pick, I'd be shocked." 8. "If they didn't get a Top 2 pick, I'd be shocked.
" 9. "If they didn't get a Top 2 pick, I'd be shocked." Hmmm, lemme flip this coin here.
.. OH MY GOD IT'S TAILS THIS IS TOTALLY SHOCKING ALERT THE MEDIA
10.
ANOTHER 20 YEARS OF MEDIOCRITY FOR THE CELTICS!
11. ANOTHER 20 YEARS OF MEDIOCRITY FOR THE CELTICS!
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