NBA Draft Lottery Karma Rankings

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 22: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket past P.J. Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets during the final seconds of the second half at Little Caesars Arena on January 22, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 22: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket past P.J. Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets during the final seconds of the second half at Little Caesars Arena on January 22, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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NBA draft (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NBA draft (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

NBA Draft Lottery Karma Rankings: Middle Ground

New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers

Four of the teams with the lowest lottery odds, the New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs, Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers could all present cases for why they belong in either category. However, their odds are so slim that they almost do not bear considering.

Both the Pelicans and Hornets have young cores that feel like they are an elite piece away from taking a huge step forward. Zion Williamson is already an All-Star and LaMelo Ball, recently announced as Rookie of the Year, will not be far behind. The Hornets are closest to the next category considering they have never had the top pick despite a generation of tanking. However, they have moved up four times overall and this should not be the fifth. New Orleans has moved up just twice but they have also had two number one picks in the last decade.

San Antonio and Indiana are rarely in the lottery and need to build through the draft to succeed. However, while some teams would get excitement from other fans, most casual fans would be bored to tears by these options. The Spurs have grabbed the number one pick in two of the most opportune drafts in history but this should not be the third. The Pacers feel like they were made to pick between 11th  and 16th  every year.