As the NBA regular season comes to a close, teams are heading in two very different directions — some are prepping for the playoffs, while others are praying to the lottery gods. For the bottom-tier teams, the postseason isn’t about wins — it’s about ping-pong balls. And one question is dominating front offices and fanbases alike: Who’s going to land the No. 1 overall pick?
The 2025 NBA Draft may not have a consensus generational talent like LeBron James or Victor Wembanyama, but it’s loaded with intriguing prospects. Players like Alexandre Sarr, Nikola Topić, Ron Holland, and Matas Buzelis have scouts buzzing. They’re not guaranteed superstars — yet — but in the right system, they could blossom into franchise-changing cornerstones. So the stakes for landing that No. 1 pick are sky-high.
Let’s talk odds.
As of the season’s end, the Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, and San Antonio Spurs are the frontrunners in the lottery standings. Each has a 14% chance to secure the top pick due to the NBA’s flattened lottery odds. And while that might seem like a coin toss between the bottom three, we’ve seen plenty of surprises before — just ask the New Orleans Pelicans, who jumped up to grab Zion in 2019, or the Cavaliers’ wild lottery luck in the 2010s.
Detroit Pistons
Detroit has talent, but not enough wins to show for it. Despite building around Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, the Pistons still lack identity, leadership, and consistent defense. A top pick like Sarr, a defensive anchor with shot-blocking instincts and mobility, could help balance their young roster and push them closer to relevancy.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards are in a full rebuild with little to show. Their current roster feels like a placeholder for something better. Washington needs a leader — a player who can put the team on his back and make others better. Serbian point guard Nikola Topić, who brings size, vision, and playmaking to the table, could be the ideal fit to build around.
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio struck gold last year with Victor Wembanyama, and if they manage to win the No. 1 pick again, it could be the beginning of a new dynasty. The Spurs have always been masters at player development, and adding a dynamic guard to pair with Wemby — someone like Topić or Holland — would instantly elevate their ceiling.
Of course, the lottery rarely follows the script. Teams like the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, or even the Houston Rockets could jump into the top spot. And with a draft class that’s more wide open than usual, team fit and long-term vision may matter more than ever before.
In the end, we won’t know until those lottery balls bounce. But one thing is certain: whichever team lands the No. 1 overall pick will have the power to shift the NBA landscape — for better or worse. Buckle up, basketball fans. The future is almost here.
