Fansided

NBA Draft Lottery riggings we want to see

By Brad Rowland

Mar 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) in the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers during the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) in the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers during the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 9, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (left) talks with NBA referee Brian Forte (right) during the fourth quarter in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won in overtime 94-87. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (left) talks with NBA referee Brian Forte (right) during the fourth quarter in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won in overtime 94-87. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Raptors (via Denver Nuggets)

Without boring you with the mechanics of various trades, the number two seed in the Eastern Conference this season can actually win the 2016 NBA Draft Lottery. What a world.

Unlike the other playoff team involved in the lottery proceedings (the Boston Celtics), the Raptors are in a potential state of flux, and they could certainly use the grand slam that would come with winning the drawing. Toronto is facing a huge decision on DeMar DeRozan when it comes to free agency this summer, and Bismack Biyombo is also entering his free agent summer as an exceptionally valuable role player. Throw in the fact that the Raptors have a stigma as a team that can’t get over the hump and an infusion of young talent would be a lot of fun.

Ben Simmons probably isn’t an ideal fit in that he handles the ball a great deal and the Raptors have a high-level point guard in Kyle Lowry. However, Brandon Ingram would be fantastic in Toronto as a floor-spacing, uber-long talent, and his presence might also allow the team to make the potentially wise decision to allow DeRozan to walk this summer.

The thought of a returning top-flight playoff team coming back with the number one pick is pretty crazy on the surface, but the Raptors have a rabid fan base and a lot of talent. Add in a player like Ingram and get your popcorn ready.

Next: Utah Jazz

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