+5
Again, the NBA Draft order is as follows:
14. Houston Rockets
13. Toronto Raptors
12. New Orleans Hornets
11. Memphis Grizzlies
10. Indiana Pacers
9. Utah Jazz
8. Los Angeles Clippers
7. Detroit Pistons
6. Golden State Warriors
5. Sacramento Kings
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
3. New Jersey Nets
2. Philadelphia 76ers
1. Washington Wizards
And as you'd expect there are a lot of ecstatic fans around these parts--and some that are feeling just the opposite. For the former, be sure to check out SB Nation's Wizards community, Bullets Forever, and our 76ers community, Liberty Ballers.
For fans not so thrilled with tonight's outcome, check out our T'Wolves blog, Canis Hoopus, our Nets blog, Nets Daily, and our Sacramento Kings blog, Sactown Royalty.
The lottery is minutes old, and the Washington Wizards have won it. Below, the complete draft order for the 2010 NBA Draft.
14. Houston Rockets
13. Toronto Raptors
12. New Orleans Hornets
11. Memphis Grizzlies
10. Indiana Pacers
9. Utah Jazz
8. Los Angeles Clippers
7. Detroit Pistons
6. Golden State Warriors
5. Sacramento Kings
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
3. New Jersey Nets
2. Philadelphia 76ers
1. Washington Wizards
Stay tuned for more coverage.
As the ESPN lottery coverage opened, the cameras panned the room and a number of luminaries standing together before the start of the ceremony. And behind all them? The infamous Mikhail Prokhorov, standing stone-faced for a solid three seconds before the cameras moved away from him. God I'm glad to have this guy involved with the NBA.
Later, Prokhorov spoke to ESPN's Heather Cox. It was only a brief interview, but it marked the first time the newly minted Nets owner has taken to live TV in the States. A few excerpts:
On his first priority as Nets owner:
"My top priority now? Is to win first draft pick."
On his strategy to woo LeBron:
"I follow the rules of NBA. That's why... I am not rich enough to pay the penalties now. That's why my strategy is to build the NBA's first gloabal team."
And on his approach to ownership in the New York City area:
"It's very simple, the way to success. We're going to turn Knicks fans into Nets fans. That's it."
David Stern addressed the media not too long ago. Discussion was primarily focused on the new ownership groups and the upcoming free agency.
The hot topic of the press conference was Mikhail Prokhorov, new owner of the New Jersey Nets, set to have his own press conference tomorrow. Stern says that Mikhail is excited to take on the challenge of improving the Nets, and is working hard every day to master the intricacies of the NBA’s collective Bargaining Agreement.
Stern used that opportunity to address the passing of long time Wizards owner Abe Pollin, who passed last November due to Corticobasal degeneration.
Stern was also asked whether he every contemplates how much longer he is going to continue as commissioner. While admitting that he thinks about it every few years, he would not say that he has a timeline in mind. He went on to say that every year brings new challenges, and that he’s excited for the challenges he has yet to face.
Free agency was another topic of interest, with Stern declining to address any specifics. He jokingly stated that he doesn’t believe there’s anything in the rulebooks about mayors breaking out in song and dance to attract a free agent after July 1st, but that he was sure his team of lawyers would correct him if there was.
More updates and quotes to follow.
Tonight, the 2010 NBA Lottery will take place at 8 PM on ESPN. The lottery is a watershed occasion during any NBA year, but this particularly in 2010, with a can't-miss prospect at the top of the Draft (John Wall), all eyes are on Seacaucus, New Jersey.
In more lean years, the Lottery can act as a footnote to a draft process that never had much fanfare to begin with. But when there are players like John Wall and Evan Turner available, everyone's ears perk up.
Because whatever happens tonight, there's a realistic chance that it'll shape the NBA landscape for the next few years. At least. So what goes on to make the NBA Lottery happen?
Well, it's simple, really...
An ever evolving process, the lottery now determines only the top three selections, with the remaining teams picking in inverse order of their regular season record. The 14 certified, weighed and sized white balls, numbered one through 14, are placed in a drum similar to those used in state lottery contests. Four balls are drawn, comprising the winning combination, without regard to their order of selection.
Did reading that give you a headache? Well, here's what it means for the teams involved.
So, after a year where scouts drooled mercilessly over John Wall, who gets to finally draft the guy? Tonight at 8, the NBA will find out. Stay tuned for updates here from myself and Derek Bodner, SB Nation's correspondent on the ground in New Jersey.
Photo: Jay-Z And Mikhail Prokhorov Have The Nets In Good Hands
The Nets may have lost the battle on Tuesday night, but with these guys pulling the strings for their franchise as owners, they should be just fine.
Mikhail Prokhorov: "Tell me, Mr. Jay, how you feel about world dominance?"
Jay-Z: "I'm not a businessman; I'm a business, mannnnn."
Prokhorov: "Well then.... I think we will have much business success!"
Jay-Z: "Number one b-boys, toast to crime... L'chaim!"
May 18 9:45p by Andrew Sharp - 0 comments