The draft lottery is supposed to favor teams that aren't intentionally tanking. If there wasn't a motive to reduce the amount of late-season games being thrown, it wouldn't exist. The Atlanta Hawks have been a recent beneficiary of this, and they have another shot to land a top pick depending on the outcome of this Pelicans/Bucks swap.
The suspense the lottery brings is often almost impossible to bear. It's going to be magnified this year, as the class of draftees could enter generational territory if they meet expectations. Luckily for Atlanta, though, there's a chance that suspense doesn't last too long.
Their status could be determined within the first five announcements
It's all in the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks. Well, not all, but a much more enjoyable viewing experience at least. They have the tenth-best odds to land the first-overall selection. If they stay put at ten, Atlanta will have to hope the Pelicans pick jumps. However, if Milwaukee isn't called by the time they get into single digits, it means the Hawks have leaped into the top four.
Of course, the likeliest scenario in which the Hawks jump is the Pelicans pick hitting the jackpot. If it comes down to it, Hawks fans will be grateful, but it would be nice to know if they're going to leap that early into the event.
Watching the ownership of picks nine through five would provide for plenty of entertainment before the intensity skyrockets as soon as they get the top four rolling. Once into those final few pick announcements, anything can happen.
New Orleans has the seventh-best odds at landing the top pick, but there isn't a scenario that'll see them keeping their pick. It's either going to Atlanta or Milwaukee, thanks to the infamous 2025 draft night trade.
They'll be in good spirits regardless of where they land in the lottery
Atlanta is in quite the advantageous position due to the brilliant work of their general manager. Onsi Saleh hasn't shied away from engaging in bold moves during his early tenure here, and fortune has favored him so far.
There's always the chance he engages in another draft night trade if the lottery doesn't show them any luck. He'll be there as Atlanta's representative, as well, so hopefully his presence will bring exactly what they need for that final push up the board.
This class is stacked. There's plenty of talent at both the top and deep within the player pool. It'll be nice to finally know exactly when the Hawks will be making their first selection.
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