NBA draft lottery couldn't have worked out much better for the Celtics

The NBA Draft Lottery was completed on Sunday afternoon, and while the Celtics don’t have a pick in the lottery this season, they had a lot on the line. For one reason or another, the Celtics had a rooting interest with most of the teams involved in the lotto, and there were a few ways it could have shaken out that would have been a little scary and potentially devastating.

Luckily, just about every potential bullet was dodged. There were a number of teams that could have landed in the top-4, which could have created some concerning scenarios for Boston. But none of those teams moved up, and the final results seem to be about as harmless as possible. 

The top four picks will go to the Wizards, Jazz, Grizzlies, and Bulls in that order. Four teams that appear to be quite far from contending, and shouldn’t worry the Celtics for a long time - especially the two in the East. These teams are genuinely bad and need help. They also aren’t particularly likely to use the pick for a win-now trade, potentially blocking the Celtics in that pursuit.

Pacers lose pick and Hawks don’t move up

The two biggest possible impacts for the Celtics both went their way. The Pacers, who had as good odds at the top picks as anyone, suffered some bad luck and dropped to 5th, which means they’ll send their pick to the Clippers. After all that, they won’t even reap the benefits of their gap year, other than trading for Ivica Zubac. They should still be very good next year, but if Indy landed a top pick, they could have shifted into East favorites for years to come.

It wasn’t as pronounced, but the Hawks had similar potential. That team has quickly risen up the Eastern Conference, and could have taken another leap by landing a top-4 pick. They had two cracks at it, but saw neither one move up, and they’ll pick 8th. It’s still a solid, great asset for a young team, but not as troubling as if they had moved to the top.

To a lesser extent, the same is true for the Hornets and Heat. They had much lower chances of moving up, but still, we’ve seen it happen in recent years. Either of those teams adding a top rookie or elite trade chip could have made things awfully interesting for either team.

Giannis trade suitors get no help in the lottery

Furthermore, if the Celtics hope to be in the market for Giannis or any other star this summer in the trade market, their chances look even better after the lottery. The Bucks didn’t get the luck they needed, and they’ll pick 10th, not exactly the piece that’s changing their fortunes and luring Giannis to stay.

Beyond that, the teams that may be inclined to make a run at Giannis, or any star, didn’t see their trade assets improved. The Heat, Warriors, Mavericks, and Hawks could all be trying to get in the mix for a star, and a top pick would’ve helped pave that path. But none of these teams moved up, and their assets don’t like any better than a day ago.

The final piece of good news is probably applicable to every team in the league; the Thunder didn’t move up. OKC will pick 12th and 17th in the draft, which is still pretty nuts, but adding another top-4 pick would have been downright unfair for a team that appears on the verge of becoming a modern dynasty.

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