NBA Draft Lottery Winners (2000-Present): Trivia Quiz

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Early 2000s: A Decade of Lottery Success

The early 2000s saw some significant NBA Draft Lottery wins that dramatically altered the course of several franchises. This era cemented the lottery's importance in shaping the league's competitive landscape. The 2003 lottery, in particular, stands out as a defining moment.

• Impact of Lottery Picks: The impact of these early 2000s lottery wins extended far beyond the immediate draft. Teams that secured high picks often used them to build foundations for future success. Smart drafting and team building were key components to maximizing these lottery wins. Consider the Washington Wizards, who acquired Gilbert Arenas after the 2001 lottery. While not a direct lottery pick, Arenas' acquisition post-lottery showed the potential for influencing a team's direction.

• Key Lottery Winners (2000-2009):

  • 2000: New Orleans Hornets (P.J. Brown)
  • 2001: Washington Wizards (Kwame Brown)
  • 2002: Memphis Grizzlies (Stromile Swift)
  • 2003: Cleveland Cavaliers (LeBron James) - This pick arguably redefined the NBA Draft Lottery's impact. LeBron James' immediate and sustained success transformed the Cleveland Cavaliers into a perennial contender. The 2003 NBA Draft Lottery is often cited as one of the most consequential in history.
  • 2004: Charlotte Bobcats (Emeka Okafor)
  • 2005: Milwaukee Bucks (Andrew Bogut)
  • 2006: Toronto Raptors (Andrea Bargnani)
  • 2007: Portland Trail Blazers (Greg Oden) – Though injury-prone, Oden's selection showcased the high stakes of the NBA Draft Lottery.
  • 2008: Chicago Bulls (Derrick Rose) - Rose's selection marked a turning point for the Bulls, leading to a period of playoff contention.
  • 2009: Los Angeles Clippers (Blake Griffin)

The 2010s: A New Era of Lottery Luck

The 2010s continued the trend of NBA Draft Lottery winners shaping the future of their franchises, creating both immediate and long-term implications. The decade saw a blend of both immediate successes and long-term projects emerging from these lottery selections.

• Long-Term Effects: The 2010s highlighted how a successful NBA Lottery pick could significantly influence a franchise's trajectory for years. This is crucial for rebuilding teams to develop a stronger foundation. The impact wasn't just about individual players; it was about laying the groundwork for sustained competitive success.

• Key Lottery Winners (2010-2019):

  • 2010: Washington Wizards (John Wall)
  • 2011: Cleveland Cavaliers (Kyrie Irving)
  • 2012: New Orleans Hornets (Anthony Davis) - Davis' selection immediately elevated the New Orleans Pelicans, making them a Western Conference contender for years. The 2012 NBA Draft Lottery proved significant in shaping the team's identity.
  • 2013: Milwaukee Bucks (Giannis Antetokounmpo) - Perhaps the greatest value pick in recent NBA Draft Lottery history. Antetokounmpo turned into a superstar and a two-time MVP, making this lottery win transformative for the Milwaukee Bucks.
  • 2014: Philadelphia 76ers (Joel Embiid)
  • 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 2020s and Beyond: Recent Lottery Triumphs and Future Prospects

The 2020 NBA Draft Lottery and subsequent years have already begun to reshape the league's power structure. We're seeing the early impact of these recent picks, with some showing immediate promise and others still developing.

• Current Impact and Future Predictions: It's still early to fully assess the long-term impact of these recent lottery picks. However, some players have already demonstrated the potential to become franchise cornerstones. The next few years will be crucial in determining the lasting effects of these choices on their respective teams. The competition for top NBA draft picks continues to drive intense interest in the annual NBA Draft Lottery.

• Key Lottery Winners (2020-Present):

  • 2020: Golden State Warriors (James Wiseman)
  • 2021: Detroit Pistons (Cade Cunningham)
  • 2022: Orlando Magic (Paolo Banchero)
  • 2023: Charlotte Hornets (Brandon Miller/Scoot Henderson) - The 2023 NBA Draft Lottery had several talented players in the top three, setting up intriguing competition and rebuilding opportunities for multiple teams.

NBA Draft Lottery Trivia Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

Now it's time to put your knowledge to the test! How well do you remember the NBA Draft Lottery winners of the past two decades?

1. Which team won the 2003 NBA Draft Lottery and selected LeBron James? a) Los Angeles Lakers b) Cleveland Cavaliers c) Sacramento Kings
2. Who did the New Orleans Hornets select with the first overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft Lottery? a) Kyrie Irving b) Anthony Davis c) Zion Williamson
3. Which team won the 2013 NBA Draft Lottery and selected Giannis Antetokounmpo? a) Philadelphia 76ers b) Milwaukee Bucks c) New Orleans Pelicans
4. In which year did the Philadelphia 76ers secure the #1 pick in the NBA Lottery and draft Ben Simmons? a) 2015 b) 2016 c) 2017
5. Which player was selected first overall in the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery? a) Jalen Green b) Cade Cunningham c) Evan Mobley

(Answers at the bottom of the article)

Sharpen Your NBA Draft Lottery Expertise!

This NBA Draft Lottery winners quiz has highlighted the significance of this annual event in shaping the NBA landscape. From LeBron James to Giannis Antetokounmpo, the lottery has consistently delivered generational talents that have redefined franchises and elevated the league's competitiveness. Remember to share your score and discuss your thoughts in the comments section below! Test your NBA Draft Lottery knowledge further with more NBA Draft Lottery trivia quizzes! Share this NBA Draft Lottery winners quiz with your fellow basketball fans!

(Answers: 1. b, 2. b, 3. b, 4. b, 5. b)