The biggest winners and losers of the NBA Draft Lottery

NBA Draft Winners: Orlando Magic

The Magic landed in the sixth spot in this year’s draft, but most importantly, they kept Chicago’s pick at 11. The picks were given to the Magic in the deal with the Chicago Bulls for Nikola Vucevic. The Bulls would have been able to retain their pick if it was top four.

This is exciting for the Magic after drafting Rookie of the Year Paolo Branchero, number one last year, and Franz Wagner, number eight (also the Bulls pick) the year prior. They finally have a future to build around and can hopefully add some young talent that pans out in this year’s draft.

NBA Draft Winners: Portland Trailblazers

There have been few victories for this organization of late, but they desperately needed this. Their Star, Damian Lillard, has voiced he doesn’t want to be a part of a rebuild, and the Blazers landing a top-three pick can hopefully add some talent that can benefit him.

It also serves as excellent trade value, the Blazers might be forced to make a major move, or they risk losing Lillard in a messy trade request. Whether they keep the pick or trade, it was crucial they were able to stay within the top three.