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NBA Draft Lottery Karma Rankings

By Corey Rausch

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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
NBA draft (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

NBA Draft Lottery Karma Rankings: Undeserving

Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings

These fan bases may get their feelings hurt by their designation as undeserving, but ultimately it has nothing to do with the fans. The Cleveland Cavaliers have picked first overall a whopping five times. Combined with a less than likable owner in Dan Gilbert and a general manager who has held a press conference less than five times in the last year, there is little reason to give the Cavaliers any more nice things for the time being.

The Orlando Magic finally committed to tanking, long overdue for a franchise that has hovered between the ninth and seventh seed for years. However, they have moved up so many times in history (three times overall at number one) that they should be content with their (likely) two lottery picks.

Speaking of that other lottery pick, the Bulls essentially gave the pick away in an ill-fated attempt to push for the 10th seed. While trying to win deserves some credit, that was some of the poorest asset management in recent history. That deserves to be rewarded with a lost pick.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings are the types of teams that desperately need something to feel good about but their leadership has done basically nothing with the opportunities they have been given. Sacramento has moved up three times in franchise history and has spent more than a decade in the lottery with very little to show for it. Minnesota has only moved up once but has picked number one overall twice in recent memory. Lightening should not strike three times yet.

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