This is from Wikipedia about NBA Draft Lottery:
Starting from 1987, the NBA modified the lottery system so that only the first three picks were determined by the lottery. After the three envelopes were drawn, the remaining non-playoff teams would select in reverse order of their win-loss record. This meant that the team with the worst record could receive no worse than the fourth selection, the second-worst team could pick no lower than fifth, and so on.
In 2007, we were the second-worst team and got the fifth pick, so this data is correct.
If we are going to tank, we must make sure we are the worst team. Not the second worst team.
Looking into the future, lets say there are 4 teams that are worse than us next season.
We end up with the 5th worst record.
Lets assume there are 3 franchise guys in this draft.
Wiggins, Parker and Randle.
and another 4 All stars at a minimum. So 8 All Stars total
Here are our draft chances of landing a top 5 pick in 2014 if we finish 5th worst.(I'm pretty sure my rough math gives a reasonably accurate % unless im using a completely wrong formula which I dont think I am)
5th worst regular season record =70% of a top 5 pick (700 chances out of 1000 at landing any of the top 5 draft picks) and then
60% chance of a top 4 pick (600 chances)
38% of a top 3 pick. (380)
18.5% of the 2nd pick (185 chances)
8.5% of the number one pick (85 chances)
If we finished 4th overall we'd have a roughly 83% chance at a top 5 pick with(roughly):top 4 pick=78% chance
top 3 pick=46%
top 2 pick=26%
1st overall pick= 13%
If there are 8 All Star level prospects in the 2014 draft, we are 100% guaranteed a shot at selecting one of them.
Even with 6 All stars we are still 90% guaranteed a shot at one ( I know, don't remind me of 2007 draft) The odds are still incredibly good.
Basically a 42% chance of landing a 'potential' franchise player with either of the 4th or 5th picks and a 90% chance of landing a 'potential' All Star (or a top 6 pick) in 2014.I'd say a franchise guy is much more likely if Rondo or Green go down with injury for significant time.
But we'll see. Our defense, rebounding and shooting will be that terrible that I wouldn't be surprised to end up a bottom 4 team.