NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 20: Andrea Bargnani #7 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during warm ups against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 20, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)
In about a month from now, the NBA will be holding its annual draft lottery. A time of hope for the league’s most broken and beaten down franchises, a time of prayer as the basketball gods decide who will rise and who will fall, and a time for the Toronto Raptors to get their due for playing in Tampa all year.