With each team in the NBA having no more than three games remaining and the tanking talk hotter than ever, I thought it might be valuable to lay out the potential scenarios presented to the ping-pong ball chasers. For an explanation of how the lottery works see here. As of Saturday morning, April 12th the standings look thusly:

I show the top six because after running "best" and "worst" scenarios Milwaukee always stayed in 7th (in this post best and worst use the Wolves' lottery odds as a frame of reference). So even if the Clippers win their last three (all on the road, no less) and the Bucks lose their last three, the Bucks will still be 7th in the lottery rankings.

As much as I enjoy criticizing Kevin McHale, this bit over at Draft Express on a couple pre-draft events caught my eye in a positive light:

As usual, Portsmouth will be competing with the Nike Hoop Summit (which we’ll also be covering) for the attention of NBA executives—but unlike previous years (when it was held in Memphis), it will be more difficult for everyone to try and cover both—which means that some will have a decision to make. Considering that most of the players here are well known and it would be surprising if any first-round prospects emerged, it’s understandable why some will decide to go and see the international prospects playing in the Nike Hoop Summit (particularly Serge Ibaka and Alexis Ajinca), as people’s comfort level with them may not be quite as strong.

Avalanche over at Basketball Forum posted this:

President Chris White announced on Tuesday there will be a new Jersey and Logo design around draft day.

But a quick Google News search didn't give me anything. Anyone else hear this? Have a link? Let us know in the comments.

Moreover, who's Chris White? I don't recall ever hearing that name in reference to the Wolves, nor is he mentioned on their site. Am I taking crazy pills or is Avalanche blowing smoke?

Just in time for the rise of offseason talk, I've updated the Contract Info page to reflect trading Gerald Green and upcoming free agency. Let me know if anything doesn't look right.

Also, I forgot to mention yesterday that we held a blogger meet-up before yesterday's Grizzlies game. In attendance were Sonia Grover (T-Wolves Blog), Myles Brown (Slam Online), Peter Weinhold (Canis Hoopus) and myself. Turnout wasn't big, my phone ran out of power and we had to switch locations, but I think it's fair to say a good time was had by all.

Be sure to join us at NBA City for the 2008 NBA Draft Lottery!

As I write this, I'm watching the Sonics/Nuggets game on NBA TV. Watching Kevin Durant force two overtimes with 3-pointers has been amazing. Jeff Green's having a monster game too. If only he would've been available at #7 last year. *sigh*

Back to the matter at hand. It seems that Zgoda and Reusse over at the Strib have been talking draft all weekend. While I understand storylines are running low for the Wolves and likely top-2 pick Derrick Rose has been impressive this March, I think focusing on the draft right now gets us ahead of ourselves quickly.