Best scenario for Simmons. Celtics winning lottery.

[LarBrd33]

I firmly believe the League has no interest in making the Celtics better---they sell out every game anyway--and have won tons of rings---so don't expect any help on lottery night---5th pick for sure...Lakers will get No. 1.... Phoenix No. 2....Minny No. 3....Philly No. 4

I firmly believe the opposite. 

#1 - The draft isn't fixed.  So there's that.

#2 - One could argue that in 2008 the league had a rooting interest in a Lakers/Celtics finals.  What transpired that season was a perfect storm leading to big-time dollars. 

Celtics have a top 5 fan base nationally in terms of size.  It's one of the premiere franchises in the league.  The league would very pleased to have a Celtic team playing deep into the playoffs.

[jpotter33]

I firmly believe the League has no interest in making the Celtics better---they sell out every game anyway--and have won tons of rings---so don't expect any help on lottery night---5th pick for sure...Lakers will get No. 1.... Phoenix No. 2....Minny No. 3....Philly No. 4

I firmly believe the opposite. 

#1 - The draft isn't fixed.  So there's that.

#2 - One could argue that in 2008 the league had a rooting interest in a Lakers/Celtics finals.  What transpired that season was a perfect storm leading to big-time dollars. 

Celtics have a top 5 fan base nationally in terms of size.  It's one of the premiere franchises in the league.  The league would very pleased to have a Celtic team playing deep into the playoffs.

I don't know, man. I generally try to stay away from conspiracy theories, but the Cavs winning the lottery two years in a row - the second time from the ninth position - setting it up perfectly for Lebron to come back and form a superteam in Cleveland is a little too much coincidence for me.

[budMovin]

I firmly believe the League has no interest in making the Celtics better---they sell out every game anyway--and have won tons of rings---so don't expect any help on lottery night---5th pick for sure...Lakers will get No. 1.... Phoenix No. 2....Minny No. 3....Philly No. 4

I firmly believe the opposite. 

#1 - The draft isn't fixed.  So there's that.

#2 - One could argue that in 2008 the league had a rooting interest in a Lakers/Celtics finals.  What transpired that season was a perfect storm leading to big-time dollars. 

Celtics have a top 5 fan base nationally in terms of size.  It's one of the premiere franchises in the league.  The league would very pleased to have a Celtic team playing deep into the playoffs.

I don't know, man. I generally try to stay away from conspiracy theories, but the Cavs winning the lottery two years in a row - the second time from the ninth position - setting it up perfectly for Lebron to come back and form a superteam in Cleveland is a little too much coincidence for me.

Eh, it's all about the money. If there is a conspiracy theory, you would have to think it would be the league stacking the deck for a top revenue generator. The Cavs are not even a top 10 team in that category, even with Lebron's homecoming. The only conspiracy I ever will believe in is the Patrick Ewing lottery in 1985 when Stern selected the folded/ripped (I cant remember) envelope that was New York's. I'm not saying I believe it, but the league really doesn't care about a middling franchise in the same sense it would the Knicks.

[Csfan1984]

When we talk fixed. Let's not forget after selling Hornets team the new owners get #1 overall pick. I am 100% convinced it's fixed.

[nickagneta]

I firmly believe the League has no interest in making the Celtics better---they sell out every game anyway--and have won tons of rings---so don't expect any help on lottery night---5th pick for sure...Lakers will get No. 1.... Phoenix No. 2....Minny No. 3....Philly No. 4

I firmly believe the opposite. 

#1 - The draft isn't fixed.  So there's that.

#2 - One could argue that in 2008 the league had a rooting interest in a Lakers/Celtics finals.  What transpired that season was a perfect storm leading to big-time dollars. 

Celtics have a top 5 fan base nationally in terms of size.  It's one of the premiere franchises in the league.  The league would very pleased to have a Celtic team playing deep into the playoffs.

I don't know, man. I generally try to stay away from conspiracy theories, but the Cavs winning the lottery two years in a row - the second time from the ninth position - setting it up perfectly for Lebron to come back and form a superteam in Cleveland is a little too much coincidence for me.

While I know the lottery isn't fixed, the one that still stands out as most questionable to me was New Orleans getting the number one pick the year New Orleans was taken control of by the league and traded away Chris Paul and then went to every length to find a suitable owner to buy the New Orleans franchise.

I mean, what better way to get a new owner on board than to reward them with a number one pick, especially since the new owner was basically buying the team from the league.

[CoachBo]

Nonsense, the Man is a walking triple double, If you Like the Greek Freak you will love this kid even more. You can't stop him from getting to the hoop, he doesn't even need a jumpshot to control the game, and if the jumper develops he's a top 5 player in the league.

Ben Simmons: zero career triple doubles.

I wonder if there's a shot against hyperbole. Kinda like insulin.

Would not take Simmons with the first pick.

[jpotter33]

When we talk fixed. Let's not forget after selling Hornets team the new owners get #1 overall pick. I am 100% convinced it's fixed.

For real. I forgot about that one. TP!

[jpotter33]

I firmly believe the League has no interest in making the Celtics better---they sell out every game anyway--and have won tons of rings---so don't expect any help on lottery night---5th pick for sure...Lakers will get No. 1.... Phoenix No. 2....Minny No. 3....Philly No. 4

I firmly believe the opposite. 

#1 - The draft isn't fixed.  So there's that.

#2 - One could argue that in 2008 the league had a rooting interest in a Lakers/Celtics finals.  What transpired that season was a perfect storm leading to big-time dollars. 

Celtics have a top 5 fan base nationally in terms of size.  It's one of the premiere franchises in the league.  The league would very pleased to have a Celtic team playing deep into the playoffs.

I don't know, man. I generally try to stay away from conspiracy theories, but the Cavs winning the lottery two years in a row - the second time from the ninth position - setting it up perfectly for Lebron to come back and form a superteam in Cleveland is a little too much coincidence for me.

While I know the lottery isn't fixed, the one that still stands out as most questionable to me was New Orleans getting the number one pick the year New Orleans was taken control of by the league and traded away Chris Paul and then went to every length to find a suitable owner to buy the New Orleans franchise.

I mean, what better way to get a new owner on board than to reward them with a number one pick, especially since the new owner was basically buying the team from the league.

I mean, that's the thing. How many of these coincidences have there been in the last five years, though? I don't think the lottery is rigged every year, but just like the New Orleans deal and the Cavs winning the lottery from the 9 position setting up the perfect narrative for the NBA, I do think that there are years where there's some foul play involved.

[GetLucky]

I firmly believe the League has no interest in making the Celtics better---they sell out every game anyway--and have won tons of rings---so don't expect any help on lottery night---5th pick for sure...Lakers will get No. 1.... Phoenix No. 2....Minny No. 3....Philly No. 4

I firmly believe the opposite. 

#1 - The draft isn't fixed.  So there's that.

#2 - One could argue that in 2008 the league had a rooting interest in a Lakers/Celtics finals.  What transpired that season was a perfect storm leading to big-time dollars. 

Celtics have a top 5 fan base nationally in terms of size.  It's one of the premiere franchises in the league.  The league would very pleased to have a Celtic team playing deep into the playoffs.

I don't know, man. I generally try to stay away from conspiracy theories, but the Cavs winning the lottery two years in a row - the second time from the ninth position - setting it up perfectly for Lebron to come back and form a superteam in Cleveland is a little too much coincidence for me.

While I know the lottery isn't fixed, the one that still stands out as most questionable to me was New Orleans getting the number one pick the year New Orleans was taken control of by the league and traded away Chris Paul and then went to every length to find a suitable owner to buy the New Orleans franchise.

I mean, what better way to get a new owner on board than to reward them with a number one pick, especially since the new owner was basically buying the team from the league.

I mean, that's the thing. How many of these coincidences have there been in the last five years, though? I don't think the lottery is rigged every year, but just like the New Orleans deal and the Cavs winning the lottery from the 9 position setting up the perfect narrative for the NBA, I do think that there are years where there's some foul play involved.

The Cavs first lottery win (Kyrie) was actually from the Clippers' pick that they got from a Baron Davis salary dump (2.8% chance). They drafted Thompson with their own pick. Also, how about the Bulls winning the year that Son of Chicago, Derrick Rose, was the consensus #1 pick? And the Timberwolves winning with the highest odds for the first time ever (to pair Towns and Wiggins)?

[Roy H.]

I firmly believe the League has no interest in making the Celtics better---they sell out every game anyway--and have won tons of rings---so don't expect any help on lottery night---5th pick for sure...Lakers will get No. 1.... Phoenix No. 2....Minny No. 3....Philly No. 4

I firmly believe the opposite. 

#1 - The draft isn't fixed.  So there's that.

#2 - One could argue that in 2008 the league had a rooting interest in a Lakers/Celtics finals.  What transpired that season was a perfect storm leading to big-time dollars. 

Celtics have a top 5 fan base nationally in terms of size.  It's one of the premiere franchises in the league.  The league would very pleased to have a Celtic team playing deep into the playoffs.

I don't know, man. I generally try to stay away from conspiracy theories, but the Cavs winning the lottery two years in a row - the second time from the ninth position - setting it up perfectly for Lebron to come back and form a superteam in Cleveland is a little too much coincidence for me.

While I know the lottery isn't fixed, the one that still stands out as most questionable to me was New Orleans getting the number one pick the year New Orleans was taken control of by the league and traded away Chris Paul and then went to every length to find a suitable owner to buy the New Orleans franchise.

I mean, what better way to get a new owner on board than to reward them with a number one pick, especially since the new owner was basically buying the team from the league.

I mean, that's the thing. How many of these coincidences have there been in the last five years, though? I don't think the lottery is rigged every year, but just like the New Orleans deal and the Cavs winning the lottery from the 9 position setting up the perfect narrative for the NBA, I do think that there are years where there's some foul play involved.

The Cavs first lottery win (Kyrie) was actually from the Clippers' pick that they got from a Baron Davis salary dump (2.8% chance). They drafted Thompson with their own pick. Also, how about the Bulls winning the year that Son of Chicago, Derrick Rose, was the consensus #1 pick? And the Timberwolves winning with the highest odds for the first time ever (to pair Towns and Wiggins)?

The thing is, you can make a conspiracy theory for just about every team in every draft.

[Csfan1984]

I firmly believe the League has no interest in making the Celtics better---they sell out every game anyway--and have won tons of rings---so don't expect any help on lottery night---5th pick for sure...Lakers will get No. 1.... Phoenix No. 2....Minny No. 3....Philly No. 4

I firmly believe the opposite. 

#1 - The draft isn't fixed.  So there's that.

#2 - One could argue that in 2008 the league had a rooting interest in a Lakers/Celtics finals.  What transpired that season was a perfect storm leading to big-time dollars. 

Celtics have a top 5 fan base nationally in terms of size.  It's one of the premiere franchises in the league.  The league would very pleased to have a Celtic team playing deep into the playoffs.

I don't know, man. I generally try to stay away from conspiracy theories, but the Cavs winning the lottery two years in a row - the second time from the ninth position - setting it up perfectly for Lebron to come back and form a superteam in Cleveland is a little too much coincidence for me.

While I know the lottery isn't fixed, the one that still stands out as most questionable to me was New Orleans getting the number one pick the year New Orleans was taken control of by the league and traded away Chris Paul and then went to every length to find a suitable owner to buy the New Orleans franchise.

I mean, what better way to get a new owner on board than to reward them with a number one pick, especially since the new owner was basically buying the team from the league.

I mean, that's the thing. How many of these coincidences have there been in the last five years, though? I don't think the lottery is rigged every year, but just like the New Orleans deal and the Cavs winning the lottery from the 9 position setting up the perfect narrative for the NBA, I do think that there are years where there's some foul play involved.

The Cavs first lottery win (Kyrie) was actually from the Clippers' pick that they got from a Baron Davis salary dump (2.8% chance). They drafted Thompson with their own pick. Also, how about the Bulls winning the year that Son of Chicago, Derrick Rose, was the consensus #1 pick? And the Timberwolves winning with the highest odds for the first time ever (to pair Towns and Wiggins)?

The thing is, you can make a conspiracy theory for just about every team in every draft.

Which is great for conversation lol

[Csfan1984]

I do think having a fixed lottery is/would actually be good for the league. The league knows which teams need stars and as a business and for competition they can send players to the truly needy teams. It's better than giving picks to a tank teams that is good yet just sitting people for a higher pick or a injury laden team that will bounce back the following year. But since the league doesn't control the picks after 3 it doesn't deter teams imo. Lottery should be first 7 picks not just top 3 to better control talent distribution and eliminate tanking.

[LarBrd33]

I firmly believe the League has no interest in making the Celtics better---they sell out every game anyway--and have won tons of rings---so don't expect any help on lottery night---5th pick for sure...Lakers will get No. 1.... Phoenix No. 2....Minny No. 3....Philly No. 4

I firmly believe the opposite. 

#1 - The draft isn't fixed.  So there's that.

#2 - One could argue that in 2008 the league had a rooting interest in a Lakers/Celtics finals.  What transpired that season was a perfect storm leading to big-time dollars. 

Celtics have a top 5 fan base nationally in terms of size.  It's one of the premiere franchises in the league.  The league would very pleased to have a Celtic team playing deep into the playoffs.

I don't know, man. I generally try to stay away from conspiracy theories, but the Cavs winning the lottery two years in a row - the second time from the ninth position - setting it up perfectly for Lebron to come back and form a superteam in Cleveland is a little too much coincidence for me.

Jpotter, anytime someone says they are open to the conspiracy theory of the lotto being rigged, I have to ask if they have seen any of the behind-the-scenes videos.

2013 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKI-fToATpQ

2014 - http://www.nba.com/video/channels/draft/2014/05/20/052014-draft-lottery-behind-the-scenes.nba/

2015 - http://www.nba.com/video/channels/draft/2015/05/19/2015-draft-lottery-drawing.nba/

Just curious if you watched all of those, read about the process, and still think there's a chance it's fixed.   The only way it's fixed is if every team (which all have their own bottom-lines and could see their franchise value sky rocket if they land a star) is willingly part of it, and the media that are let into the room every year go along with it as well.

I'd say it's extremely unlikely unless you're willing to essentially say the entire sport is fixed.  And once you're willing to make that leap, it's just a tiny baby-step towards believing the NBA gifted the Celtics KG and gifted the Lakers Pau, then rigged the entire playoffs so the two teams would clash in the Finals back in 2008.  Either go all-in on the conspiracy theories or accept that they aren't very plausible. 

[86MaxwellSmart]

Took me about 15 tries...but this is best I think

[86MaxwellSmart]

I firmly believe the League has no interest in making the Celtics better---they sell out every game anyway--and have won tons of rings---so don't expect any help on lottery night---5th pick for sure...Lakers will get No. 1.... Phoenix No. 2....Minny No. 3....Philly No. 4

I firmly believe the opposite. 

#1 - The draft isn't fixed.  So there's that.

#2 - One could argue that in 2008 the league had a rooting interest in a Lakers/Celtics finals.  What transpired that season was a perfect storm leading to big-time dollars. 

Celtics have a top 5 fan base nationally in terms of size.  It's one of the premiere franchises in the league.  The league would very pleased to have a Celtic team playing deep into the playoffs.

I don't know, man. I generally try to stay away from conspiracy theories, but the Cavs winning the lottery two years in a row - the second time from the ninth position - setting it up perfectly for Lebron to come back and form a superteam in Cleveland is a little too much coincidence for me.

Jpotter, anytime someone says they are open to the conspiracy theory of the lotto being rigged, I have to ask if they have seen any of the behind-the-scenes videos.

2013 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKI-fToATpQ

2014 - http://www.nba.com/video/channels/draft/2014/05/20/052014-draft-lottery-behind-the-scenes.nba/

2015 - http://www.nba.com/video/channels/draft/2015/05/19/2015-draft-lottery-drawing.nba/

Just curious if you watched all of those, read about the process, and still think there's a chance it's fixed.   The only way it's fixed is if every team (which all have their own bottom-lines and could see their franchise value sky rocket if they land a star) is willingly part of it, and the media that are let into the room every year go along with it as well.

I'd say it's extremely unlikely unless you're willing to essentially say the entire sport is fixed.  And once you're willing to make that leap, it's just a tiny baby-step towards believing the NBA gifted the Celtics KG and gifted the Lakers Pau, then rigged the entire playoffs so the two teams would clash in the Finals back in 2008.  Either go all-in on the conspiracy theories or accept that they aren't very plausible.

All I'm saying is it Can be rigged---because they assign teams sequential combinations (not random)--and they SWITCH the balls-after the test drawing...If the league wanted to rig it--all they have to do is have one or two balls weigh more--in the Secured Box they bring in....Not probable---but Possible....Teams would have no idea what's going on--so of course they're not involved...if they got rid of the Sequential order of assigned numbers--nobody could rig it.