Wizards will have sixth-best odds in 2019 NBA Draft Lottery

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night to improve to 33-49 on the season. The win ensures the 32-50 Wizards will have sole possession of the league’s sixth-worst record and thus, the sixth-best odds in 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14.

Washington will be one of the big benefactors from the lottery reforms that have been put into place this season. Odds are more evenly distributed between the teams in the lottery and the league now draws the top four picks instead of the top three. Under the old system, the Wizards would have had a 21.5 percent chance at a top three pick and a 6.3 percent shot at the top pick. Now, they’ll get a 37.2 percent chance at a top four pick and a 9.0 percent chance at the top overall pick.

Here are their odds at getting each pick, courtesy of Tankathon:

• 1st pick - 9.0 percent
• 2nd pick - 9.2 percent
• 3rd pick - 9.4 percent
• 4th pick - 9.6 percent
• 5th pick - Washington can’t move into 5th since the league only draws for the top four picks.
• 6th pick - 8.6 percent
• 7th pick - 29.8 percent
• 8th pick - 20.6 percent
• 9th pick - 3.7 percent
• 10th pick - 0.1 percent

It’s good to see that the Wizards made the most of their unfortunate situation this season by getting best lottery odds possible. However, it’s also a sad reminder that every other team in the league that had serious playoff aspirations this season finished with a better record. Hopefully Washington’s pick, together with new leadership in the front office, can help the Wizards meet more of their goals next season.