The Celtics had the best chance to win the NBA lottery and that's just what they did. Thanks to having the Nets pick, the Celtics will pick No. 1 overall in this year's NBA Draft followed by the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers. This is the second year in a row that the team with the best chances to win the lottery has won it. Last year, when the Sixers won it, was the first time the team with the best odds had won since 2004.
The Celtics now gain a very powerful asset. A No. 1 overall pick can change the entire path of a bad franchise, but Boston is currently preparing to play in the Eastern Conference finals. They have a solid roster that many predict is going to continue getting better. The Celtics have the choice to either trade the pick for great return, or hold onto it and continue to keep their roster young while relying on some of their veterans. The sky is the limit for Danny Ainge and the Celtics organization.
Here's the official NBA Draft Lottery order:
- Boston Celtics (via Nets)
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Phoenix Suns
- Sacramento Kings
- Orlando Magic
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- New York Knicks
- Dallas Mavericks
- Sacramento Kings (via New Orleans)
- Charlotte Hornets
- Detroit Pistons
- Denver Nuggets
- Miami Heat
