Predicting the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery

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; New York, NY, USA; Denver Nuggets heads coach Michael Malone represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Memphis Grizzlies Denver Nuggets

The Memphis Grizzlies have been the constant in the NBA for a while now, but this past season (albeit largely due to a litany of injuries) seemed a lot like the wheels falling off for the “Grit-and-Grind” era Grizzlies. Subsequently, I see them in the lottery—but they owe the pick to the Denver Nuggets, so here we are.

8. Los Angeles Lakers

Things are undoubtedly looking up for the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only do they have a slew of quality players already, but they’re going to get either Brandon Ingram or Ben Simmons with the No. 2 pick. They also have a ridiculous amount of cap space as well. However, I see there being a one-year buffer for the young players to keep developing and see them back in the NBA Draft Lottery.

7. Philadelphia 76ers Sacramento Kings

At the risk of spoiling a future team, the Philadelphia 76ers have the right to swap picks with the Sacramento Kings inside the top-10 next year. Though the Sixers should drastically improve, I don’t think it’ll be enough for them to make it out of the lottery.

6. Orlando Magic

Without question, the Orlando Magic still have plenty of intriguing young talent. That being said, I’m still not so sure how well all of their pieces fit together moving forward and how adequately the build toward success in the NBA. With that in mind, I’m thinking that the Magic again find themselves in the lottery.

5. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets get their second pick in the top-10 of the lottery next season. I love Nikola Jokic and think Emmanuel Mudiay is going to be quite good. However, this team has steps to take before they’re relevant and I don’t think they’re made next season.

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