NBA Draft Lottery Winners (2000-Present): Quiz Time!

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Early 2000s: A Look Back at Lottery Winners (2000-2009)

The first decade of the new millennium saw some significant NBA Draft Lottery wins, shaping the landscape of the league for years to come. Let's revisit some of the most memorable moments:

• Key Highlights (2000-2009 NBA Draft Lottery Winners):

  • 2000: New Orleans Hornets (Kwame Brown) - The Hornets’ selection of Kwame Brown, while not a resounding success, marked the start of a new era for the franchise in its new location.
  • 2001: Washington Wizards (Kwame Brown) - The Wizards' selection of Gilbert Arenas, a star point guard, showcased the potential to build a competitive roster.
  • 2002: Memphis Grizzlies (Pau Gasol) - Selecting Pau Gasol, who became one of the league's most talented power forwards. He established himself as a future All-Star and an impact player.
  • 2003: Cleveland Cavaliers (LeBron James) – This is arguably the most impactful lottery win in NBA history. LeBron James' arrival catapulted the Cavaliers into perennial playoff contenders, and completely altered the league landscape.
  • 2004: Orlando Magic (Dwight Howard) - The Magic secured Dwight Howard, a dominant center who transformed the Magic into a playoff team and propelled them to the NBA Finals.
  • 2005: Milwaukee Bucks (Andrew Bogut) - Bogut's selection was a building block for the Bucks' future, although injuries hampered his career.
  • 2006: Toronto Raptors (Andrea Bargnani) - A high-risk, high-reward selection with mixed results.
  • 2007: Portland Trail Blazers (Greg Oden) - Oden's injury-shortened career is a cautionary tale of the fragility of the lottery pick system.
  • 2008: Chicago Bulls (Derrick Rose) - Rose’s selection marked a new era of hope for the Bulls, leading to several successful seasons.
  • 2009: Minnesota Timberwolves (Ricky Rubio) - Rubio's arrival marked a change in the style of play for Minnesota.

The early 2000s demonstrated the potential for both triumph and disappointment in the NBA Draft Lottery. The impact of these picks varied wildly, highlighting the unpredictability inherent in the system.

The 2010s: A Decade of Lottery Surprises (2010-2019)

The 2010s brought another wave of lottery-determined stars and their impact on franchise trajectory. Several unexpected outcomes and smart trades shifted team fortunes significantly.

• Key Highlights (2010-2019 NBA Draft Lottery Winners):

  • 2010: Washington Wizards (John Wall) - John Wall became an immediate impact player and helped reshape the Wizards' identity and trajectory.
  • 2011: Cleveland Cavaliers (Kyrie Irving) - A key player in the Cavaliers' rise during the LeBron James era and a future NBA champion.
  • 2012: New Orleans Hornets (Anthony Davis) - Davis became a cornerstone of the Pelicans franchise, showcasing his talent and leadership for many years.
  • 2013: Cleveland Cavaliers (Anthony Bennett) - A cautionary tale of a high lottery pick who didn't meet expectations.
  • 2014: Cleveland Cavaliers (Andrew Wiggins) - Wiggins, initially drafted by the Cavaliers, was part of a major trade that brought Kevin Love to Cleveland.
  • 2015: Minnesota Timberwolves (Karl-Anthony Towns) - Towns' arrival initiated a new era for the Timberwolves, creating a new and much needed team foundation.
  • 2016: Philadelphia 76ers (Ben Simmons) - Simmons joined a rebuilding 76ers team, eventually becoming a key figure in their playoff runs.
  • 2017: Boston Celtics (Markelle Fultz) - This pick was moved in a trade for Jayson Tatum.
  • 2018: Phoenix Suns (Deandre Ayton) - Ayton's selection proved to be vital in the building of the Phoenix Suns team.
  • 2019: New Orleans Pelicans (Zion Williamson) - Williamson's high-profile arrival in New Orleans generated significant excitement, even though injuries have been problematic.

The 2010s show that the NBA Draft Lottery is a high-stakes gamble. While some picks panned out exceptionally well, others serve as reminders of the inherent uncertainty.

The 2020s and Beyond: Recent Lottery Outcomes and Trends (2020-Present)

The most recent NBA Draft Lotteries continue to demonstrate the importance of securing a high pick. We've seen some immediate impacts, and the long-term effects are yet to be fully realized.

• Key Highlights (2020-Present NBA Draft Lottery Winners):

  • 2020: Golden State Warriors (James Wiseman) - Wiseman's development is still ongoing.
  • 2021: Detroit Pistons (Cade Cunningham) - Cunningham was widely considered the top prospect.
  • 2022: Orlando Magic (Paolo Banchero) - Banchero had an excellent rookie season.
  • 2023: Charlotte Hornets (Victor Wembanyama) - This pick generated huge excitement and the hope of future success.

The early years of the 2020s show that drafting high isn't a guarantee of instant success, yet it remains the most vital path to building a future contender. The league continues to evolve, with strategies for improving lottery odds becoming increasingly sophisticated.

NBA Draft Lottery Winners Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

Now it's time to put your knowledge to the test! How many of these NBA Draft Lottery winners can you correctly identify?

(Insert 10-15 multiple-choice questions here with images of players or team logos. Include an answer key at the end.)

Conclusion

Revisiting the NBA Draft Lottery winners from 2000 to the present reveals the unpredictable nature of the draft and the significant impact a single pick can have on a franchise's trajectory. From LeBron James’ transformative effect on the Cavaliers to the ongoing development of recent number one picks, the lottery consistently shapes the competitive landscape of the NBA. Test your knowledge again on our other quizzes about NBA Draft Lottery Winners, or delve deeper into the history of the draft! Share your score on social media using #NBADraftLottery and #NBADraft!