Local NBA fans can be forgiven if the draft lottery slipped their minds Tuesday.
An event that in many years holds the fate of the Timberwolves in its clutches — two years ago the Wolves landed the No. 1 pick they used on Anthony Edwards and last year the big question was whether they would owe Golden State a top-5 pick — was invariably Wolves-free after this year's playoff appearance.
But the local connection in this year's draft is still strong thanks to Minnehaha Academy turned Gonzaga prospect Chet Holmgren. And when Orlando turned a 14% chance at winning the lottery into the luck of gaining the first overall pick, it created a very intriguing possibility.