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Dr. J representing Sixers at lottery

Alan Draper profile picture
Sports Editor
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The Philadelphia 76ers hope Dr. J will bring some luck to the team during Tuesday’s NBA Draft Lottery.

Special advisor and Sixers legend Julius Erving will represent the team at the lottery in New York. It will be broadcast live on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET.

“Dr. J is one of the most revered and legendary figures in the history of the Philadelphia 76ers and the National Basketball Association, so it is fitting that he represent us at the podium on this exciting night,” team CEO Scott O’Neil said in a statement on Monday. “As we build for the future, we are thrilled to have a key part of our past with us to bring the team good luck during tomorrow night’s NBA Draft Lottery.”

The 76ers are hopeful of becoming the third franchise to go from the second-worst record to the top pick, a feat that would represent a repeat for Philadelphia. In 1996, the lottery pushed it up from the second spot and the 76ers drafted Allen Iverson first overall.

The Sixers would receive the New Orleans Pelicans’ first-round pick if it is outside the top five. Based on NBA draft models, the best chance for Philadelphia to wind up with two top-10 picks is if the Pelicans get the 10th selection and the 76ers fall to fourth. There is a nearly 28 percent chance of that outcome Tuesday.

Kansas wing Andrew Wiggins was widely considered to have been last year’s top pick had he been eligible to declare, and he is the frontrunner this year. Jayhawks teammate big man Joel Embiid and Duke’s Jabari Parker are also strong considerations depending on which team wins the No. 1 selection.

Alan is an expert gambling writer who works as one of the chief editors for Basketball Insiders. He has been covering online gambling and sports betting for over 8 years, having written for the likes of Sportlens, Compare.bet, The Sports Daily, 90min, and TopRatedCasinos.co.uk. His particular specialisms include US online casinos and gambling regulations, and soccer and basketball betting. Based in London, Alan holds an MA in English Literature and is a passionate supporter of Chelsea FC.

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