NBA Draft Lottery Winners Since 2000: A Comprehensive Quiz

Rajiv Sharma

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Early 2000s: A Decade of Surprises

2000-2004 Lottery Winners and Their Impact

The early 2000s saw some significant shifts in the NBA landscape, largely influenced by the NBA Draft Lottery. Let's look at the winners and their subsequent success:

• 2000: New Orleans Hornets (Baron Davis): The Hornets landed the number one pick and selected Baron Davis, a dynamic point guard who injected much-needed excitement into the franchise. While not a championship team, Davis's impact was undeniable.
• 2001: Washington Wizards (Kwame Brown): The selection of Kwame Brown as the number one overall pick remains one of the most debated picks in NBA Draft history, a stark reminder that the NBA Draft Lottery doesn't guarantee success.
• 2002: Houston Rockets (Yao Ming): The Rockets' acquisition of Yao Ming via the NBA Draft Lottery marked a turning point for the franchise, bringing international attention and sparking a period of renewed interest.
• 2003: Cleveland Cavaliers (LeBron James): Need we say more? LeBron James, drafted by the Cavaliers thanks to their NBA Draft Lottery win, transformed the franchise and the league. This exemplifies the transformative power of a successful number one pick.
• 2004: Orlando Magic (Dwight Howard): Dwight Howard, another dominant center, became the face of the Orlando Magic after their NBA Draft Lottery victory, leading the team to considerable playoff success.

Notable Trends and Surprises of the Early 2000s Lottery

This era highlighted the inherent unpredictability of the NBA Draft Lottery. While some teams, like the Cavaliers, reaped immense rewards, others struggled to translate their good fortune into sustained success. The success rate of lottery winners in this period was mixed, emphasizing the importance of effective team building beyond just the draft.

The Mid-2000s: Building Dynasties and Unexpected Upsets

2005-2009 Lottery Winners and Their Impact

The mid-2000s brought its share of surprises and successes driven by NBA Draft Lottery wins:

• 2005: Milwaukee Bucks (Andrew Bogut): While Andrew Bogut had a solid career, he didn't quite deliver the championship-level impact some hoped for after the Bucks won the NBA Draft Lottery.
• 2006: Toronto Raptors (Andrea Bargnani): Bargnani's selection is another example of a high draft pick that didn't fully live up to expectations, despite the Raptors' NBA Draft Lottery win.
• 2007: Portland Trail Blazers (Greg Oden): Injuries tragically derailed Greg Oden's career, highlighting the risks involved, even with a top pick from the NBA Draft Lottery.
• 2008: Chicago Bulls (Derrick Rose): Derrick Rose, the 2011 MVP, brought a resurgence to the Bulls franchise after they won the NBA Draft Lottery. His explosive athleticism and scoring ability captivated the league. This exemplifies how a successful number one overall pick can revitalize a franchise.
• 2009: Minnesota Timberwolves (Ricky Rubio): While not a number one pick, Rubio's selection via the NBA Draft Lottery marked a significant moment for the Timberwolves' rebuilding process.

Analyzing Lottery Success and Team Building Strategies

This period showed how crucial smart team building is, regardless of the NBA Draft Lottery outcome. Some teams effectively used their high picks to build strong foundations, others struggled. The long-term success often hinged on factors beyond just the initial draft pick.

The 2010s and Beyond: A New Era of Lottery Winners

2010-2019 Lottery Winners and Their Impact

The 2010s ushered in a new era with evolving strategies and changes to the NBA Draft Lottery system itself.

• 2010: Washington Wizards (John Wall)
• 2011: Cleveland Cavaliers (Kyrie Irving)
• 2012: New Orleans Hornets (Anthony Davis)
• 2013: Cleveland Cavaliers (Anthony Bennett) - A prime example of a high draft pick that didn't live up to expectations.
• 2014: Orlando Magic (Aaron Gordon)
• 2015: Minnesota Timberwolves (Karl-Anthony Towns)
• 2016: Philadelphia 76ers (Ben Simmons)
• 2017: Boston Celtics (Markelle Fultz)
• 2018: Phoenix Suns (Deandre Ayton)
• 2019: New Orleans Pelicans (Zion Williamson)

The Influence of Tanking and Lottery Reform

The rise of "tanking" – intentionally losing games to improve lottery odds – prompted the NBA to reform the lottery system in an attempt to incentivize competitiveness. This period demonstrates the ongoing evolution of the NBA Draft Lottery and its impact on the league's competitive balance.

The Ultimate NBA Draft Lottery Winners Quiz: Put Your Knowledge to the Test!

1. Which team won the 2003 NBA Draft Lottery and drafted LeBron James? a) Los Angeles Lakers b) Cleveland Cavaliers c) Sacramento Kings
2. Who was the number one overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft Lottery? a) Anthony Davis b) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist c) Bradley Beal
3. In what year did the Philadelphia 76ers win the NBA Draft Lottery and select Ben Simmons? a) 2015 b) 2016 c) 2017

(Answers: 1-b, 2-a, 3-b)

Conclusion

This journey through NBA Draft Lottery Winners Since 2000 highlights the unpredictable nature of the draft and the significant impact it has on shaping NBA teams. From LeBron James' transformative effect on the Cavaliers to the disappointments of certain high picks, the lottery remains a pivotal moment in a franchise's history. The quiz hopefully challenged your knowledge of the NBA Draft Lottery and its winners. Share your score and challenge your friends! #NBADraftLottery #NBADraft #LotteryWinners Let's continue the discussion – which NBA Draft Lottery winner surprised you the most? Explore further into the history of the NBA draft to uncover more fascinating stories!