NBA Draft Lottery 2016: Winners and Losers

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown (right) poses with NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum after the 76ers receive the first pick in the 2016 NBA draft during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) shoots as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) defends during the first quarter in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are a team on the rise in the Eastern Conference behind a bunch of good young talent. While they might lack the superstar to compete for an NBA Finals at the moment, they have the depth to be in the conversation and that’s why they’re competing in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The draft lottery is usually reserved for non-playoff teams, but because of some smart wheeling and dealing, the Raptors will have the No. 9 pick in this year’s draft. That means that the Raptors will have a chance to add another young player to their core and they have a chance at a solid rookie too.

This might not be the best draft class, but ask any team in the playoffs if they want the No. 9 pick and they would all be jumping at the offer.

If the Raptors can nail the No. 9 pick in the draft just like they have assembling their roster, they’re only going to remain a dangerous force and one of the better teams in the league.

It’s a good spot to be in and the thought of another young impact player should give them plenty to be excited about.

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