Who needs the No. 1 pick most?

The NBA Draft Lottery is set to take place in just over two weeks as the peak of the draft order is officially determined. Even if there isn't a clear franchise change in this draft like Victor Wembanyama, there is still tremendous value in being the No. 1 overall pick.

There are a number of franchises that have at least a slim chance of having the honor of picking first, but the five teams with the best odds include the Detroit Pistons (14%), the Washington Wizards ( 14%), the Charlotte Hornets (13.3%). ), Portland Trail Blazers (13.2%) and San Antonio Spurs (10.5%).

The five franchises with the best chance of finishing first are in this situation due to a poor 2023-24 season. The lottery odds are in the reverse order of the NBA's league-wide rankings, meaning these were the worst teams from last season.

Which of these five teams has the greatest need to get the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft? There's no guarantee that you'll recruit the best player in your class, but at least this franchise controls its own destiny and can choose from the entire pool of prospects.

Detroit Pistons

With Cade Cunningham at the helm, playing alongside Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson, the Pistons feel like a team that simply needs time to develop and work together. Another top pick would be beneficial, but the groundwork has already been laid in Detroit.

Washington Wizards

Washington has a number of interesting complementary players, including players like Deni Avdija, Bilal Coulibaly, Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma. With that said, this team is missing a franchise face and alpha that can position this team as a top option for years to come.

Charlotte Hornets

With LaMelo Ball an All-Star when healthy and Brandon Miller apparently a star player, the Hornets have a duo for the future. Add Miles Bridges and Mark Williams and you get the feeling that this team needs more experienced talent through free agency and trades than it desperately needs a top pick to become competitive.

Portland Trail Blazers

In theory, the Blazers have several players with star upside. Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons are all on a steep path and are good enough to one day make this team a postseason threat again.

San Antonio Spurs

After signing Victor Wembanyama, Spurs have one of the league's brightest prospects for the future. As much fun as it would be to pair him with another top pick, San Antonio is definitely the least desperate player of this group when it comes to needing the No. 1 overall pick.

Diploma

Given that the Wizards are the only team that doesn't appear to have a player with a clear path to becoming a true top option on a playoff team, Washington needs the top pick most. Again, this doesn't mean the franchise will land a superstar or a generational talent, but at least having the opportunity to select their guy is valuable.

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