Each week, we will take a look at the NBA and the standings–particularly the bottom of them, to rank teams based on their odds to land the number one pick in the draft. They are not necessarily ranked by who is making the most or who should tank the most, but rather the highest odds of landing the top draft pick in the lottery, based on lottery odds.
TANK Power Rankings (based on chances to finish with No. 1 lottery odds)
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Los Angeles Lakers (would keep pick if they finish 1-3 in the lottery)
- Brooklyn Nets*
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Portland Trailblazers
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Sacramento Kings
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Denver Nuggets
- Phoenix Suns
- Washington Wizards
- Charlotte Hornets
** = Does not have a first round pick
Notes:
- There have been concerns from many that the Sixers’ poor start is bad for the “culture” and the development of Jahlil Okafor. The more I look at past examples, the more ridiculous this sounds. First off, Okafor, Noel, and really everyone on the team for that matter come from strong pedigrees; they’re familiar with what it feels like to win (it’s been a mere 8 months since the Okafor-led Blue Devils were National Champions. Furthermore, the Clippers had a culture of nothing but losing before Blake Griffin and Chris Paul arrived. The moment they did, they ascended up the Western Conference. The Warriors tanked for the pick they used to draft Harrison Barnes. Believe it or not, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson still knew had to play basketball even after doing so. Good players win games, not good cultures. They don’t hurt, but it’s not all that matters.
- Not only do the Bucks stink, but they now are without a coach. Jason Kidd will undergo hip surgery and will miss some time. He got ripped for going there from the Nets, but he actually is a very good coach. Watch for a Milwaukee free-fall, or at least slip.
- Likewise, Portland is in trouble of getting seriously buried. Damien Lillard has a bad foot, C.J. McCollum has been banged up, and the rest of the roster is nothing special. They could be a team primed to fall.
- This is the first time I feel confident saying this: the Houston Rockets will make the playoffs.
