The Celts, Grizz, and Bucks didn't end up in the Top 3 picks. The probability of that happening was something like 3%. Portland lucked out getting the #1 pick, Seatlle #2 and ATL #3. Portland with Roy, Randolph (or whomever they trade him for) and Oden would make a nice core group of young players with a bright future.
Portland is the team to beat in two years. Holy hell, THEY hit the lottery. My Celts continue to be snake-bitten. Of course, that kind of karma will happen when you give Doc an extension.
Phoenix nearly hit it big as well. If Atlanta would have landed outside the top 3, Phoenix would have gotten their pick. They already have # 24 and #29 picks. Could you imagine if they had the #4 to go with it?
wow. i can't believe the celtics luck. i have no real rooting interest other than the hornets (and i grew up a hawks fan) but i was kida cheering for boston and the sonics to get the first two but especially boston. you can't feel totally horrible for them as a city with the red sox and pats but man, celtic fans must be on suicide watch today.
I don't like Bill Simmons' work but his column today is going to be classic. That dude is a hardcore Celts fan.
i like simmons, his article was just ok though. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070523
I hate the lottery basically because I think the lottery encourages bad teams to lose regular season games on purpose. I'd be PISSED if I were a Celtics/Grizzlies season ticket holder and I'm paying for tickets and these fools are losing on purpose. Here is my change the lottery plan... The two worst teams in the league are no longer eligible for the lottery. they get picks 4 and 5. Then you have a lottery with the rest of the teams for the first three picks. So if you really suck... you still get a top 5 pick, but if you tank and end up the worst team in the league you don't get rewarded with a shot at a franchise changing player.
not any different than any other sport where the worst is rewarded for being so. actually the lottery gives the worst team a chance to be screwed as the keltics were and rightfully so. i do like your idea though. pretty good. the simmons column had me laughing aloud. the sun was shining and something good was gonna happen.
