Tankin’ ain’t easy: Ranking NBA teams that need No. 1 pick the most

The NBA offseason will be one of intrigue, especially when it comes to June’s draft.

As many as four players can legitimately have a shot at being the No. 1 pick, and for the teams whose future could be decided by lottery balls, the league will be looking hard to avoid what happened in the regular season, where a record eight teams lost 55 or more games, including five that lost 60 or more.

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It remains to be seen whether the NBA can stop the tankathon, during which the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz were fined for tanking and resting players, and others were scrutinized for trying to manipulate participation policies.

When it comes to the draft, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Will the team with the No. 1 pick go with Duke forward Cameron Boozer, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, or even North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson?

The mystery will end on June 23 in Brooklyn at the NBA draft, and here are seven teams that most need the No. 1. Note: The New Orleans Pelicans were one of the eight teams that lost 55 or more games, and their draft pick belongs to the Atlanta Hawks.

MORE: When is the 2026 NBA draft lottery? Rules, time, format, how to watch

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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style

The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.

See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.

Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.

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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style

The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.

See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.

Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of…


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Publish date : 2026-05-08 10:04:00

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