The final order for the 2015 draft is set. The Timberwolves became the first team with the best odds to win the lottery in 11 years. The Los Angeles Lakers leapfrogged the New York Knicks and will pick second while the 76ers didn't move from their original position and will pick third.
NBA Draft Lottery 2015 results: Timberwolves will pick 1st, Lakers 2nd
For the first time since 2004, the team with the best odds landed the first pick.
After receiving two first overall picks in the Kevin Love trade, the Timberwolves had the best odds of landing at the top of the board thanks to having the worst record in the league in 2014/15. Now they will have the chance to add another star to flank Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins and Ricky Rubio. There's a nice mix of veterans and young players in Minnesota that should make the Timberwolves a fun team to watch next season.
Here’s the full draft order.
Full draft order
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
2. Los Angeles Lakers
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. New York Knicks
10. Miami Heat
11. Indiana Pacers
12. Utah Jazz
13. Phoenix Suns
15. Atlanta Hawks (Via Nets. Pick swap)
16. Boston Celtics
17. Milwaukee Bucks
18. Houston Rockets (Via Pelicans)
20. Toronto Raptors
21. Dallas Mavericks
22. Chicago Bulls
27. Los Angeles Lakers (Via Rockets)
28. Boston Celtics (Via L.A. Clippers)
29. Brooklyn Nets (Via Hawks. Pick swap)
This was a key draft for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they were at risk of losing their pick if it landed outside the top five. Instead, they moved to second overall, where they will get a shot at one of Jahlili Okafor or Karl-Anthony Towns. Either would represent an upgrade in their big man rotation, which will also be improved by the return to the court of the seventh overall pick from the 2014 draft, Julius Randle.
The Knicks dropped from second to fourth, likely putting the two top big men in the draft out of their reach. After such a rough season in which Phil Jackson stripped the team for parts and injuries plagued Carmelo Anthony, this must be a huge disappointment for the franchise. According to reports, the slip in the order makes the Knicks more likely to trade the pick. If the right veteran becomes available, it wouldn't be shocking to see them pull the trigger. Whatever they decide to do, they will dominate the rumor mill until draft day.
The 76ers will continue to load up on talent with the third pick. Unlike other franchises, Philadelphia has two quality young bigs in Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid, so they should have no problem selecting one of the lead guards that will likely be in their range. If one of Okafor or Towns slides to third and they like him, however, they might go ahead and select him. General manager Sam Hinkie doesn't seem concerned with overlap in position, as exemplified by the Embiid pick after already having Noel on the roster.
The Timberwolves and Lakers were the big winners on Tuesday. It will be fascinating to see if they make the most of their opportunity on draft night.
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