As things start to get somewhat back to normal across the country, the NBA is following suit. Part of that process is returning to its typical calendar, which means the 2021 NBA Draft will take place on July 29 instead of in the fall like last year's event. That's just over a month away, and teams can really start to lock in on their preparation now that we have the results of the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery.
On Tuesday night, prior to Game 2 of the Western Conference finals between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers, the results were revealed. And the winner was... the Detroit Pistons. They now have the No. 1 overall pick for just the third time in franchise history, and the first time since 1970. Cade Cunningham is widely expected to be the first pick, and it appears he'll be heading to the Motor City.
Rounding out the top five are the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic. This was a great night for the Raptors, as they jumped up into the fourth spot after a very difficult season in which they were beset by injuries and had to play in Tampa, Florida.
In other notable news, the first-round pick the Minnesota Timberwolves sent to the Golden State Warriors in the D'Angelo Russell-Andrew Wiggins trade did convey. That means the Timberwolves will not have a first-round pick this year, while the Warriors will have two lottery selections.
Here's a look at the full NBA Draft Lottery results:
NBA Draft Lottery results
1) Detroit Pistons
2) Houston Rockets
3) Cleveland Cavaliers
4) Toronto Raptors
5) Orlando Magic
6) Oklahoma City Thunder
7) Golden State Warriors
8) Orlando Magic
9) Sacramento Kings
10) New Orleans Pelicans
11) Charlotte Hornets
12) San Antonio Spurs
13) Indiana Pacers
14) Golden State Warriors