THE NBA Draft Lottery has concluded, and the top four picks went to the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors, in that order.

It might be a surprise to see the Raptors in the lottery, but it was a very difficult season for them since they could not even play in their home city. They did not tank, but injuries eventually took its toll. They finished with the seventh worst record in the league, but they got lucky in the lottery. They are, easily, one of the winners in this lottery.

Whoever Toronto picks at No. 4 would likely be a winner, too, because he will be placed in a wellrun, competitive franchise. By next season, the Raptors would likely be given a warm welcome at their home city and their players would have recovered from injuries.

Instead of facing high expectations and being tasked to save the franchise, the Raptors’ pick would be integrated into a system which has one of the best development programs in the league.

The team Kawhi Leonard left after winning the NBA championship in 2019 reached the Eastern Conference semifinals in the 2020 bubble.

However, losing Spanish frontline of Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka proved too much for Toronto to handle as the East became surprisingly more competitive this season.

Thus, the Raptors ended up 12th in the Eastern Conference this year. Any NBA analyst would tell you the Raptors are a better team than half of those finished ahead.

The 2021 NBA Draft seems welldefined at the top level. The first tier belongs to Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley. Both are deserving to be first overall picks in many draft classes, but it’s likely Cunningham, a 6-foot-8 point guard, would end up at No.1 since he is an easier fit for any team.

Jalen Green is not in the same tier, but he is one of the leading candidates for the next level prospects. It is possible the Cleveland Cavaliers could pick him, since they already have two guards in Collin Sexton and Darius Garland (the Sexland duo). However, the Cavaliers are involved in many trade scenarios. The prize at No.3 is Jalen Suggs of Gonzaga, who gained fame in the last NCAA wars.

Suggs is definitely not a fit with Sexland, and the Cavs will likely shop their pick, possibly trading down for multiple lower lottery picks and getting something in return.

Next in line is Toronto, and the Raptors are likely to pick a talented, high-ceiling prospect like Green.

They still have a big question on veteran point guard Kyle Lowry, but the Raptors have Pascal Siakam, Fred Van Vleet and OG Anunoby as their primary players.

Early draft rumors

The OKC Thunder are clearly sending signals they are not planning on a long-term build-up. Even if they have a horde of draft picks this year, they do not intend on using all. While Sam Presti is the master drafter, he knows quality players, not quantity, wins championships.

The Thunder’s draft pick chest will be part of “an offer they can’t refuse” to a team with disgruntled superstars. There is a list of frustrated players, and recently, one name has just been removed from that list.

Devin Booker is likely not leaving Phoenix anytime soon. He and DeAndre Ayton have proven themselves as legitimate cornerstones to a young and promising franchise. Whether veteran point guard Chris Paul resigns with them or not, this team will be a force in the Western Conference for years to come.

Thunder GM Sam Presti is said to be preparing an offer for the Detroit Pistons for the No.1 pick. The Thunder are going all-in for Cade Cunningham.

Yes, Cunningham is that good, and OKC wants to pair him with Shai Gilgeous Alexander.

Meanwhile, the Thunder also has Kemba Walker, a trade asset, along with a horde of picks which they can offer in exchange for other stars like Bradley Beal of Washington, Ben Simmons of Philadelphia or even Karl Anthony Towns of Minnesota.

Oklahoma City owns the sixth, 16th and 18th picks in the first round of this year’s draft.