Soaring Down South
Fansided

NBA State of the Tank Volume I: Race For the First Pick

By Dallin Duffy

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Raul Fernandez of the Washington Wizards attends the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Raul Fernandez of the Washington Wizards attends the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Looking at the seven NBA teams looking to fight for the first overall pick in the upcoming Lottery.

As the Trade Deadline gets smaller in the rear view mirror of tanking teams, the NBA Draft grows in the horizon. A shining light of promise that can turn years of suck around with just one good pick.

There are fourteen Lottery picks, awarding to the fourteen teams that failed to make the postseason. At this current moment, seven teams have set themselves up for a run at the top pick: the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavs, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons.

Teams like the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns can also fall into the mix with a bad 2nd half, but are currently a bit too far off.

Here we’ll be looking at the predicted outcomes of the 2nd half for the seven teams who have “won” tanking this season, and looking at their current odds for the top prize.

This is: NBA State of the Tank, Vol. 1: Race For the First Pick.

note: All stats via Basketball Reference or Tankathon and as of 2/10/20