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)
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Brooklyn Nets*
- Sacramento Kings
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Denver Nuggets
- New York Knicks*
- Minnesota Timberwolves*
- Orlando Magic
** = Does not have a first round pick
Notes:
- With each loss crucial in the West, the Rockets are getting dangerously close to entering the picture amongst non-playoff teams, though not necessarily “tanking”.
- I think the Nuggets have talent on their roster and have the caliber to at least compete on a nightly basis against their West foes. However, they have no shot of going anywhere, and I would not be surprised if they miss the playoffs by at least five wins. Just to show the inequity of the two conferences, I think they are miles ahead of the Bobcats in talent.
- Orlando has struggled mightily lately, and are now entering the tanking picture.
- The Knicks, led by their jewell of last year’s tank Kristaps Porzingis, continue to impress. This is bad news for the Raptors, as they own the New York pick.
- And no, Philadelphia still has not won a game.
