Can You Name The NBA Draft Lottery Winners Since 2000?

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Early 2000s: A Decade of Changing Fortunes

Focus Keyword: NBA Draft Lottery 2000s

The early 2000s saw a fascinating mix of expected and surprising outcomes in the NBA Draft Lottery. This period laid the groundwork for future dynasties and highlighted the inherent unpredictability of the lottery system. The impact of these early 2000s draft picks continues to reverberate through the league today.

• Surprising Wins and Unexpected Outcomes: The 2001 NBA Draft Lottery, for instance, saw the Washington Wizards win the top pick, selecting Kwame Brown. While Brown didn't quite live up to expectations, the lottery's inherent randomness was clearly on display.

• Impact on Franchises: The 2003 NBA Draft Lottery fundamentally altered the trajectory of several franchises. The Cleveland Cavaliers, selecting LeBron James with the first overall pick, transformed themselves into a perennial contender. This showcased the transformative power of a successful lottery pick.

• List of Winners (2000-2009):

  • 2000: New Orleans Hornets – Kwame Brown
  • 2001: Washington Wizards – Kwame Brown
  • 2002: Memphis Grizzlies – Pau Gasol
  • 2003: Cleveland Cavaliers – LeBron James
  • 2004: Orlando Magic – Dwight Howard
  • 2005: Milwaukee Bucks – Andrew Bogut
  • 2006: Toronto Raptors – Andrea Bargnani
  • 2007: Portland Trail Blazers – Greg Oden
  • 2008: Chicago Bulls – Derrick Rose
  • 2009: Minnesota Timberwolves – Ricky Rubio (Though Blake Griffin was arguably the biggest star of the draft, Rubio was chosen first by the Timberwolves)

The 2010s: Stars Align and Lottery Surprises

Focus Keyword: NBA Draft Lottery 2010s

The 2010s brought a new wave of NBA superstars from the lottery, further cementing its importance in shaping the league's competitive landscape. This decade saw some significant trades involving the #1 overall pick, adding another layer of complexity to the lottery's impact.

• Significant Trades: The 2012 NBA Draft saw Anthony Davis selected first overall by the New Orleans Hornets, a pick which had significant long-term impact despite several years of struggle. The Hornets' drafting of Davis was arguably one of the most beneficial lottery picks of the decade.

• Impact of Lottery Picks on Team Success: The selection of players like Kyrie Irving (2011), Anthony Davis (2012), and Karl-Anthony Towns (2015) significantly influenced the fortunes of their respective teams, demonstrating the lottery's influence on team building.

• List of Winners (2010-2019):

  • 2010: Washington Wizards – John Wall
  • 2011: Cleveland Cavaliers – Kyrie Irving
  • 2012: New Orleans Hornets – Anthony Davis
  • 2013: Cleveland Cavaliers – Anthony Bennett
  • 2014: Cleveland Cavaliers – Andrew Wiggins (traded to Minnesota)
  • 2015: Minnesota Timberwolves – Karl-Anthony Towns
  • 2016: Philadelphia 76ers – Ben Simmons
  • 2017: Boston Celtics – Markelle Fultz (traded to Orlando)
  • 2018: Phoenix Suns – Deandre Ayton
  • 2019: New Orleans Pelicans – Zion Williamson

The 2020s: A New Era of Lottery Winners

Focus Keyword: NBA Draft Lottery 2020s

The 2020s have already seen the emergence of several promising young stars from the NBA Draft Lottery. This era continues to show the impact that a top pick can have on rebuilding a franchise, offering a glimpse into the future of the league.

• Current Impact of Recent Lottery Picks: Players like Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham, and Jaden Ivey are quickly becoming key figures in their respective franchises, showcasing the sustained impact of the lottery.

• Predictions for Future Success: The early career performances of these players offer a glimpse into their potential and the ongoing impact of the lottery on the league's dynamics.

• List of Winners (2020-Present):

  • 2020: Golden State Warriors – James Wiseman
  • 2021: Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham
  • 2022: Orlando Magic – Paolo Banchero
  • 2023: Charlotte Hornets – Victor Wembanyama

Analyzing the Odds: How Does the NBA Draft Lottery Work?

Focus Keyword: NBA Draft Lottery Odds

The NBA Draft Lottery is a system designed to give teams with worse regular season records a better chance of obtaining high draft picks, particularly the coveted number one overall selection. The odds are weighted, meaning the team with the worst record has the highest probability of winning the lottery. The lottery adds an element of chance and excitement to the rebuilding process, making it a pivotal event in the NBA calendar. The system is carefully designed to encourage competitive balance throughout the league and gives hope to struggling franchises that the next big star could be theirs.

Conclusion

Since 2000, the NBA Draft Lottery has been instrumental in shaping the league's landscape, producing numerous superstars and altering the fortunes of numerous franchises. From LeBron James to Zion Williamson, the lottery's impact is undeniable. We've seen surprising wins, impactful trades, and the emergence of future Hall of Famers. Understanding the NBA Draft Lottery and its odds is crucial for any serious basketball fan.

Now that you've tested your knowledge of NBA Draft Lottery winners since 2000, how many did you get right? Share your score in the comments below! Let's discuss your favorite NBA Draft Lottery moments and predictions for future winners. Keep up with the latest NBA news and test your knowledge again with more quizzes on the NBA Draft Lottery!