Now that the 2016-2017 season is behind the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s now time to direct our attention to the NBA Draft Lottery.
One of the biggest events Philadelphia 76ers fans have been anticipating over the past several years is the NBA Draft Lottery, and this year is no different.
The Sixers season was better than expected, and the strong play of Joel Embiid and Dario Saric made this season much more exciting than any year in a long time.
With news that Ben Simmons has been cleared for 5-on-5 work according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, it’s time to start fantasizing about getting another lottery pick to add to Saric, Embiid and Simmons for next season.
Ben Simmons has been cleared for 5-on-5 work after a clean scan on his right foot today. But he is not expected to play in summer league.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) April 12, 2017
The Sixers will have a golden opportunity to add more key pieces if the ping-pong balls fall their way.
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Lakers’ Pick
What adds to the excitement is that if the Lakers, who finished the season with the third-worst record in the NBA, fall out of the top three picks in the draft the Sixers will take that pick (Thank you, Sam Hinkie).
The Lakers have a 53.1 percent chance of falling out of the top three, giving the Sixers not one, but two lottery picks in a year with a deep draft class.
Even if the Lakers keep their pick this year, the Sixers will get the pick next year when it becomes unprotected.
After the Lakers 5 game win streak secured them the 3rd lottery spot, the Sixers have a 53.1% chance of getting their pick this year. pic.twitter.com/wQMnYkHg4q
— Did The Sixers Win? (@DidTheSixersWin) April 12, 2017
Draft Class
As briefly mentioned above, this year’s draft class is loaded with talented guard prospects and the Sixers should be able to capitalize.
Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Malik Monk along with others would greatly improve the guard play which held the Sixers back at times during last season.
T.J. McConnell is a nice player who can be an effective piece off the bench or perhaps used as trade bait in the offseason. But in order to make a deep run in the playoffs against players like Isaiah Thomas and Kyrie Irving, the Sixers need to improve at the position.
Related Story: McConnell should be traded during NBA Draft
Most teams in the playoffs this season have high caliber point guards who can change the game with one big play and the Sixers need to find their own star-guard.
The Sixers will have the chance to add at least one high draft pick, and the excitement of potentially adding an elite guard prospect should make Sixers fans start counting down the days until the lottery.
Some fan bases look forward to the playoffs and the NBA Finals, while Sixers fans look forward to finding out the NBA Lottery results. (Why Philadelphia sports fans are the best)
One day in the near-future Sixers fans will once again be eager to watch their team in the playoffs, but that day can wait.
Next: Philadelphia 76ers need Malik Monk
The lottery is Tuesday, May 16, so get your popcorn ready.