Tis the Season ... for Ping Pong Balls

Tomorrow night, ESPN will broadcast the 2007 NBA Draft Lottery before Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. The pathetic Milwaukee Bucks own 156 of the 1,000 ping pong balls, yet are "most likely" to grab the fifth overall pick based on the probabilities of all possible draft orders. This could present a dangerous potential collision between Milwaukee's bad judgment and Florida junior Joakim Noah.

Barring another miracle, however, the Bucks should be in prime position for a forward-type along the lines of Al Horford, Brandan Wright, Corey Brewer or Julian Wright. I think the best player available would be a great approach considering the injury-plagued 2006-07 season. Whatever needs they cannot address through the draft may be able to be solved via free agency. Milwaukee has a number of expiring contracts to play with.

The lottery won't affect Alando Tucker's future destination. He's been slotted as a late-round draft choice in most mock drafts. Tucker has reportedly signed on with BDA Sports Management, home to current NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Yao Ming. Greg Oden has also signed on with BDA after a merger with Mike Conley Sr.'s MMG Sports earlier this month.

Between the draft lottery and the premiere of National Bingo Night, tiny plastic ball stock is waaa-y up in May.