Tuesday’s NBA draft lottery has commonly been described by analysts as a monumental event – with a much greater impact than in most years – partly because multiple teams are facing drastically different best case/worst case scenarios. For example, Houston and Minnesota each may earn a top-three pick, or lose a first-round selection altogether.
New Orleans is not in that group of franchises concerned with potentially catastrophic consequences in Tuesday’s lottery, but the Pelicans still have a great deal at stake. The outcome of the lottery for New Orleans will determine exactly where it selects in Round 1 at the July 29 draft, a detail that could have a significant impact on how to proceed next month, whether that’s by adding a promising high draftee, or using the pick as a trade asset.