2019 NBA Draft
The new NBA Draft Lottery “antitanking” provisions kick in during the 2019 NBA Draft. In this new world, the three worst teams lose probability of landing a top five pick in the draft, including the odds of the top overall pick.
Presuming the Los Angeles Lakers pick remains the property of Philadelphia in 2018, the next pick to be transferred is more favorable of the Sacramento Kings or the Philadelphia 76ers. If either selection lands as the number one pick, the Boston Celtics will receive the alternate pick.
Now, that 2019 NBA Draft is coming into focus now as well. Talent appears to be very good in the upper third of that first round. But will the Sixers have an opportunity to pick there? Well, logic suggests that the team’s best chance is to land a top pick via the Sacramento Kings. Do that, and the Celtics will be forced to settle for the Sixers first round pick, wherever that may fall.
NBA Draft Summary:
Philadelphia 76ers first round pick
Sacramento Kings first round draft pick (conditionally protected)
Philadelphia 76ers second round pick
Milwaukee Bucks or the Sacramento Kings second round pick (more favorable)
New York Knicks second round pick
The team must settle (for now) for just one first in 2019 (unless they lose the Lakers pick from 2018). That will give the team more incentive to select a late first rounder with huge upside. The team will have the luxury of selecting the best player available in 2019.
You can bet the Sixers will do just that.