The 4 Most Likely NBA Draft Lottery Scenarios

If the Nets (Celtics) Win

This is where things could get a little topsy turvy.

In a 2013 trade involving a couple members of the Celtics' former Big Three, the Celtics acquired Brooklyn's 2016 first-round pick. That's what brings us to this one-of-a-kind situation today.

I mean, come on, Boston finished fifth in the East and nearly won a playoff series this year. Securing a top asset like Simmons or Ingram would take Brad Stephens' young core of players one step further toward their goal of competing for an NBA title.

This would also possibly allow the Celtics to move Jae Crowder or even pull off a trade for a more experienced wing scorer like Jimmy Butler, whom the Celtics are rumored to be interested in. Long story short: if this is how things play out, Danny Ainge and company will have numerous possibilities at their disposal.

The Sixers would be nearly unaffected by this outcome. Sure, they don't have their choice of Ingram or Simmons, but they'd still be ensured one of them. If the Celtics steal Ingram, you'd have to expect the Sixers to go Simmons with the hopes of developing a perimeter game, allowing he, Nerlens Noel, and Joel Embiid to line up alongside one another.

Unlike the Sixers, the Lakers' draft night, on the other hand, could take a much bigger blow if they're relegated to the third pick. They'd be all but out of the running for potential superstars in Simmons and Ingram, and they'd have to pick among the consolation prizes of Jaylen Brown, Jamal Murray, and Buddy Hield. Bender, the unpolished and unproven 18-year-old isn't an option if the Lakers want to win as soon as possible.

Outside of the Lakers taking the Suns' top choice (if they have one) at number three, the Suns' situation would be uninfluenced by such an outcome. Once again, a combination of Brown, Bender, Hield, and/or Murray would be available to choose from.