NBA does the inevitable — postponing this month’s draft lottery and combine
The NBA announced Friday it has postponed this month’s draft lottery and combine, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s interruption of the season.
The lottery was scheduled May 19 and the draft combine May 21 though 24. Both events were to be held in Chicago.
Since the NBA has not yet canceled the remainder of the regular season, it’s impossible to assign chances in the weighted draft lottery to the 14 teams that would miss the playoffs. Also, a draft combine with players and league executives gathered together in one venue is not safe while there is still a pandemic risk.
The NBA has banned player workouts with teams. Draft candidates can do video interviews with teams.
The Charlotte Hornets were 23-42 when the NBA suspended the season March 11. They had 17 games left on their schedule, which would have ended April 15.
The league has given no indication what its plan would be if the season is restarted; whether any regular-season games would be played or if the league would go straight to the start of the playoffs based on the standings as of March 11.
The Hornets had the eighth-fewest wins in the NBA, so they would likely end up with a top-10 draft pick — with a chance to move into the top four — when the lottery is eventually held.
Based on current standings, the Hornets would have a 6 percent chance at the No. 1 overall pick, and slightly better chances for the second, third or fourth pick.
This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 5:22 PM.
