Every spring, the conspiracy theorists try to poke holes in the NBA’s annual Ping Pong ball party. From the New York Knicks landing the top pick and franchise-savior Patrick Ewing to the Cleveland Cavaliers coming up lucky in the wake of LeBron James’ departure, the NBA draft lottery winner seems to be the team with the best story.
Monty Williams was shocked to win the lottery. Just look at his face. (Jonathan Bachman – AP)
Every spring, the conspiracy theorists try to poke holes in the NBA’s annual Ping Pong ball party. From the New York Knicks landing the top pick and franchise-savior Patrick Ewing to the Cleveland Cavaliers coming up lucky in the wake of LeBron James’ departure, the NBA draft lottery winner seems to be the team with the best story.
Last night was no different, and, predictably, talk of the lottery being rigged is drowning out the early mock draft frenzy.
The NBA-owned New Orleans Hornets earned the right to the No. 1 pick — which most assume will be Kentucky forward Anthony Davis — despite going in with thefourth-best chance of winningamong the 14 teams. The Hornets had a 13.7-percent chance compared to Charlotte’s 25-percent chance, Washington’s 19.9-percent chance and Cleveland’s 13.8-percent chance.
Now, after New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson assured NBA Commissioner David Stern he would keep the team in the Big Easy, he has already begun to cash in on his $338 million investment.
Coincidence?
