DETROIT – Last year, the Pistons were slated for a lottery pick, only to be taken away by bad luck, and a bad trade that involved Ben Gordon in 2012. This year, the Pistons are ensured a lottery pick, but how low can they go?
Here are how the odds break down:
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ODDS FOR TOP PICK:
1. Minnesota Timberwolves (16-66): 25%
2. New York Knicks (17-65): 19.9%
3. Philadelphia 76ers (18-64): 15.6%
4. Los Angeles Lakers* (21-61): 11.9%
5. Orlando Magic (25-57): 8.8%
6. Sacramento Kings (29-53): 6.3%
7. Denver Nuggets (30-52): 4.3%
8. Detroit Pistons (32-50): 2.8%
9. Charlotte Hornets (33-49): 1.7%
10. Miami Heat** (37-45): 1.1%
11. Indiana Pacers (38-44): .8%
12. Utah Jazz (38-44): .7%
13. Phoenix Suns (39-43): .6%
14. Oklahoma City Thunder: .5%
* - The Lakers' pick will be sent to the 76ers if it falls outside the top five as a condition of an earlier trade.
** - The Heat's pick will be sent to the 76ers if it falls outside the top 10 as a condition of an earlier trade.
The Pistons are likely to land the 8th spot, but could easily move up or fall back a spot. Regardless, the team should be in a position to add a valuable player. Some targets include Stanley Johnson, Mario Hezonja or Willie Cauley-Stein. It will depend on what the Pistons do with Greg Monroe.