Having a Ball

While fans of the Lakers, Timberwolves, Pacers and Pistons are busy following their teams' march towards the NBA Finals, the Chicago Bulls fans gear up for their seventh consecutive trip to the NBA Draft Lottery, held Wednesday night in Secaucus, New Jersey.

By virtue of having the second-worst record in the league, the Bulls have 200 ping-pong balls in the hopper, a chance at snagging the top pick. In the worst case scenario, the Bulls could drop to the sixth slot.

The fact this is their seventh straight time taking part in the draft lottery is a testament to their poor track record in the draft since the dismantling of the Jordan-era dynasty. While last year's pick, Kirk Hinrich, made the All-Rookie team, they traded away players like Elton Brand and Ron Artest -- who have become All Stars with their new teams. Most of their high draft picks have yet to perform as expected and free agents the Bulls have coveted have signed elsewhere.

Once the Bulls learn their draft position tomorrow night, expect rampant speculation throughout town regarding whom the Bulls will select with their pick, or whether they will trade the pick for a veteran player.

Gothamist on the NBA Draft Lottery.