The Utah Jazz have finally found out their NBA lottery fate. And it is better than anyone expected.
While some thought the NBA would punish the Jazz for their tankathon efforts, ensuring they fell to the worst possible spot (eighth overall), it didn't turn out that way.
Memphis and Chicago were revealed as top four entrants as the lottery unfolded, giving some Jazz fans panic, but when the Jazz weren't called out by the time the fifth pick was announced, we were able to breathe easy - knowing a high pick was in the offing.
And when both of the above teams were revealed as the third and fourth picks, excitement reigned. Could the Jazz really end up with the top overall pick, for the first time in their long and storied history?
The next envelope revealed the Jazz's fate. And even though Jazz fans (this one included) were a bit disappointed that we didn't get the first overall pick, they are more than ecstatic to get the highest draft pick in 46 years.
The Jazz proved that tanking pays off in the end
While tanking has drawn the ire of Adam Silver and the NBA, there's no disputing the results of it for the Utah Jazz this year.
The second overall pick justifies the Jazz's season-long pursuit of the tank, keeping a pick that could have gone to Oklahoma City, had they tried harder to win.
It was hard to watch for the fans, but like the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and others before them, the Jazz are about to get immensely better after several years in the tank.
With the NBA trying their hardest to stop the Jazz's run to the bottom, Danny Ainge can now smile as the Jazz are getting the last laugh, just as they're ready to exit the tank for good.
The second pick in the NBA Draft will be an immediate contributor, and the Jazz will have their choice of players there. And it's highly possible that trade talks will go on, as the Jazz could get a valuable player in the top FIVE and still feel great about it. Danny Ainge has orchestrated that type of move before, and it paid off handsomely.
But most likely, the Jazz will keep this pick and take the best player available. Whoever the Washington Wizards don't take among the trio of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer will justify the means the Jazz took to get here.
Add us as a preferred source on Google