A lot rides on NBA Draft Lottery for 76ers

Jabari Parker is one name you should already know.
Credit: Getty Images

Now that the debris has cleared from the 76ers’ maddening 19-63 regular season, it’s time to focus on the future.

The future is now, or more specifically, May 20.

That’s when the NBA Draft Lottery takes place in New York City.

The Milwaukee Bucks finished at 15-67, the worst record in the league, and have a 25 percent chance of getting the No. 1 pick. The Sixers have the second-best chance at the top pick with a 19.9 percent chance. The Orlando Magic (23-59) have the third-best shot at the No. 1 pick at 15.6 percent.

If the Sixers finish with the top pick, it will be their first since 1996 when they entered the lottery with the second-best chance following an 18-64 season. The ping pong balls landed their way, they wound up with the first pick and it resulted in guard Allen Iverson.

In 2010, the Sixers entered the lottery in sixth but came in second following the bounce of the ping pong balls and the player ended up being guard Evan Turner.

In addition to the Sixers’ pick, they also own the New Orleans Pelicans’ pick, a byproduct of a deal last year on draft night when they traded All-Star guard Jrue Holiday to the Pelicans. It’s likely to be around No. 10.

Since the Sixers should have two of the top 10 players selected, here’s a subjective list of 10 of the best players available:

Kansas F Andrew Wiggins – A tremendous all-around player who should get even better on the next level.

Kansas C Joel Embiid – He’s a dynamic player but is his back healthy?

Duke F Jabari Parker – Probably the most-ready NBA player.

Kentucky F Julius Randle – Already possesses an NBA body and looks like a double-double machine.

Australia G Dante Exum – Huge upside and could step in right away to lead a team.

Arizona F Aaron Gordon – Needs some polish on offense but major potential is there.

Syracuse G Tyler Ennis – Played just one season with the Orange and showed the poise of a senior.

Oklahoma State G Marcus Smart – A solid scorer but needs work on his outside shot.

Michigan State G Gary Harris – Almost every player coming from Tom Izzo’s program is advanced and ready for the NBA.

Creighton F Doug McDermott – Any NBA team who drafts this kid is getting a solid player. And possibly an All-Star.