Celtics Could Benefit From Clippers Situation, but NBA's Ruling Likely Doesn’t Change Much

The Boston Celtics may have gained a slight advantage from the Los Angeles Clippers' recent situation, according to recent reports. When the Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, they received a 2028 first-round pick from the Clippers as part of the deal. The Clippers, however, were penalized by the NBA for their actions, resulting in the loss of five first-round picks. This has left the Clippers in an unusual position within NBA history.

While it's possible that the Clippers might have been in a different position, it's reasonable to assume they wouldn't be the top team. Thus, the NBA's ruling earlier in the week doesn't seem to have changed the overall scenario significantly for the Celtics. Celtics fans celebrated the punishment for the Clippers, believing that the team would be worse off, which would have increased the likelihood of the Celtics acquiring the Clippers' pick in a lottery scenario or keeping their own pick if the pick didn't go to the Clippers.

However, the reality is that the Clippers were focusing on rebuilding regardless, placing them in a position to potentially be a fringe play-in team or a non-play-in team in the 2028 draft lottery. This would have resulted in the Clippers obtaining three balls, similar to the situation of six other teams. Consequently, the Celtics' chances of securing a top pick might remain the same even after the NBA's punishment.

The new three-ball lottery system could still benefit the Celtics, but it's not a certainty just yet. Still, the scenario is intriguing and may provide some help to the Boston Celtics.