The Ultimate NBA Draft Lottery Winners Quiz (Since 2000)

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Biggest NBA Draft Lottery Surprises Since 2000

The NBA Draft Lottery isn't just about the best odds; it's about the unexpected twists that often define it. Some teams defy the odds, landing the top pick despite possessing relatively high lottery odds, while others, predicted to win big, fall short. These surprises have a profound impact on the following season and a franchise's long-term outlook. Analyzing these upsets gives us insight into the unpredictable nature of the lottery itself. Keywords like NBA draft lottery upset, unexpected lottery pick, and draft lottery odds are key here.

• 2007: The Portland Trail Blazers, defying probability, snagged the #1 pick despite having only a 5.8% chance. This led to the drafting of Greg Oden, a move that, while ultimately injury-plagued, significantly altered the team's direction.
• 2011: The Cleveland Cavaliers, having a mere 8.8% chance, surprisingly landed the top pick, selecting Kyrie Irving. This draft pick became instrumental in revitalizing the franchise.
• 2019: The New Orleans Pelicans, with a 6% chance, secured Zion Williamson, drastically altering their future prospects and creating immediate excitement around the franchise.
• 2008: The Chicago Bulls, despite having reasonable odds, landed the number one pick, selecting Derrick Rose, impacting the rebuilding of the franchise.
• 2017: The Boston Celtics, through shrewd maneuvering and trades, acquired the #1 pick, even though their own odds were relatively low. This allowed them to draft Jayson Tatum, dramatically improving their roster.

Analyzing the NBA Draft Lottery Winners: Top Picks and Franchise Impact

Winning the NBA Draft Lottery often means securing a generational talent, a player who can single-handedly transform a franchise. The impact of the #1 overall pick extends far beyond the immediate season, influencing the team's direction for years to come. Examining these selections showcases the significance of this single event on long-term success. Keywords like number one pick, top draft prospects, and franchise player are crucial here.

• 2003: LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers): A generational talent who instantly put the Cavaliers on the map.
• 2007: Greg Oden (Portland Trail Blazers): While plagued by injuries, his selection heavily impacted the Blazers' rebuilding efforts.
• 2008: Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls): A dynamic point guard who revitalized the Bulls, leading them to playoff contention.
• 2011: Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers): A cornerstone player who, alongside LeBron James, propelled the Cavaliers to an NBA Championship.
• 2012: Anthony Davis (New Orleans Hornets): A dominant big man who quickly became a franchise player for the Pelicans.
• 2014: Andrew Wiggins (Cleveland Cavaliers): Traded to Minnesota, Wiggins became the Timberwolves' face of the franchise for a significant period.
• 2019: Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans): The immensely talented Williamson has the potential to become a top NBA player and propel the Pelicans towards sustained success.

The NBA Draft Lottery Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

Here's your chance to prove your expertise. Answer the following questions about NBA Draft Lottery winners since 2000:

1. Which team won the 2003 NBA Draft Lottery?
2. Who was the #1 overall pick in 2008?
3. What team drafted Kyrie Irving?
4. In what year did the Portland Trail Blazers win the #1 pick despite having low odds?
5. Which player was drafted #1 overall in 2017? (and by which team)
6. Which team secured the #1 pick in 2019?
7. Who was the #1 pick in 2014? (And which team did they initially play for?)
8. What team won the 2012 NBA draft lottery?
9. Which player did the Cleveland Cavaliers draft with the first pick in 2003?
10. What team won the 2011 NBA draft lottery?
11. In what year was Anthony Davis selected as the number one overall pick?
12. What team drafted Zion Williamson?
13. Which player was the first overall pick for the Chicago Bulls in the 2000s?
14. In what year did the Boston Celtics acquire the #1 pick through trade or lottery win? (Specify the method)
15. Which team landed the #1 pick despite having a relatively low chance in 2007?

Understanding NBA Draft Lottery Odds and Probabilities

The NBA Draft Lottery uses a weighted system to determine the order of selection for teams with losing records. The team with the worst record has the highest odds of winning the top pick, but it's not guaranteed. The system is designed to prevent "tanking," a controversial strategy where teams intentionally lose games to increase their chances of getting a high draft pick. This system, based on a "reverse order of finish," involves assigning probabilities based on each team's regular season record. Keywords like NBA draft lottery odds, lottery probability, and tanking in the NBA are essential for this section.

• The Lottery Process: Teams are assigned probabilities based on their regular-season record. The lottery drawing takes place, and the order of selection is determined.
• Reverse Order of Finish: Teams with worse records have better odds but aren't guaranteed the top pick.
• The Tanking Debate: The system aims to discourage tanking, but it's still a subject of much debate and discussion.

Conclusion: Sharpen Your NBA Draft Lottery Expertise

This quiz has explored some of the most memorable moments in recent NBA Draft Lottery history, highlighting the surprises, the impact of top picks, and the intricacies of the lottery system itself. Understanding NBA Draft Lottery Winners and the odds involved is crucial for both seasoned fans and aspiring analysts alike. Share your score and discuss your answers – how well did you fare against the odds? Take the ultimate NBA Draft Lottery Winners Quiz now and test your knowledge of the last two decades of draft history!