NBA Draft Lottery riggings we want to see

Orlando Magic

The Magic are free of Scott Skiles, and they didn’t even have to pay him to go away. Skiles’ impromptu resignation was the talk of the NBA (even during the playoffs), but Orlando is probably better off for the long-term without him on board, especially if this scenario comes to pass.

This is an organization with a ton of young talent, but without a signature “star” to build around, leaving things in flux in central Florida. Aaron Gordon and Victor Oladipo are very nice players, but both look to be supporting pieces in an ideal world, and other players like Evan Fournier, Mario Hezonja, Elfrid Payton and Nikola Vucevic are probably even a step down from that.

Hello, Ben Simmons?

Orlando is one example of a team that would have no theoretical problem tabbing a ball-dominant player like Simmons to run the show for the future, and that makes things even more intriguing. Brandon Ingram’s skills are more versatile, but Simmons presents the higher ceiling based on his do-it-all capability, and that is something that the Magic could actually use in a reasonable sense.

Throw in the fact that the Magic have loads of salary cap space after moving away from Tobias Harris, and suddenly, the prospect of this much youth and talent combined with the top pick and some veteran free agent upside comes into view. That’s pretty scary for the rest of the East.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers