Winners and losers of the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery

Winner: Atlanta Hawks

Upon realizing Dennis Schroder was not the star franchise point guard they hoped he’d evolve into in 2017-18, the Atlanta Hawks‘ most prominent rebuilding piece was suddenly John Collins, a power forward who had a very good but not great rookie year. That’s not going to cut it, especially with head coach Mike Budenholzer gone.

While the Hawks basically had the same odds of securing a top-three pick as the Dallas Mavericks, they were technically slated for fourth. Moving up to No. 3 gives them plenty of options, even if it comes with the responsibility of selecting at the very spot where the draft really begins.

Assuming both Doncic and Ayton are off the table, the Hawks could add a rim-protecting big at the 5 alongside Collins (Jaren Jackson Jr., Mohamed Bamba, Wendell Carter Jr.) or add to the backcourt (Trae Young) or just add sheer talent regardless of fit (Marvin Bagley III, Michael Porter Jr.). This pick comes with pressure, but it’s a welcome boost up the draft order regardless.

Loser: Dallas Mavericks

Again, the Hawks and Dallas Mavericks essentially had the same odds of securing a top-three pick, but falling from No. 3 all the way to No. 5 had to hurt, especially with the prospect of finding the right complementary frontcourt player for Dennis Smith Jr.

The Mavs may still find that big man, but the decision could be out of their hands now. What if Bamba or Jackson are their guy and they’re both off the board by No. 5? What if they like prefer Bagley to take the scoring load off DSJ and he’s gone?

They’ll still have a very good chance of snagging a franchise cornerstone to pair with Smith and to succeed Dirk Nowitzki, but this is obviously a disappointing drop in the pecking order for a team that lacks a surefire replacement for its aging Hall-of-Famer.