Test Your Knowledge: NBA Draft Lottery Winners Since 2000

7 min read Post on May 13, 2025

Test Your Knowledge: NBA Draft Lottery Winners Since 2000

The Early 2000s: A Look Back at Lottery Winners (2000-2005)

The early 2000s in the NBA were a fascinating mix of established stars and emerging talent. The landscape was ripe for change, with several teams actively rebuilding and vying for top draft picks. Winning the lottery often meant acquiring a cornerstone player who could anchor a franchise for years to come. Let's look back at the NBA Draft Lottery Winners from this era:

2000: Washington Wizards – Kwame Brown (No. 1 pick). Brown's selection, while highly anticipated, didn't quite live up to the hype, highlighting the inherent risks and challenges of NBA draft prospects. His impact on the Wizards was ultimately limited, underscoring the importance of player development beyond just securing the first overall pick.
2001: Washington Wizards – Gilbert Arenas (No. 2 pick; won the lottery, traded pick). While the Wizards didn't get the #1 pick, they traded for Gilbert Arenas, who became a key player for them later.
2002: Houston Rockets – Yao Ming (No. 1 pick). The arrival of Yao Ming marked a pivotal moment for the Rockets and the NBA, showcasing the global reach of the league and the potential of international NBA draft prospects. He brought immense popularity and changed the franchise's trajectory.
2003: Cleveland Cavaliers – LeBron James (No. 1 pick). Need we say more? LeBron's selection is arguably the most impactful lottery pick in NBA history, transforming the Cavaliers from a struggling team to perennial contenders. This illustrates the immense impact a single lottery pick can have on franchise rebuilding.
2004: Charlotte Bobcats – Emeka Okafor (No. 2 pick). The expansion Charlotte Bobcats landed Emeka Okafor as they built their new franchise.
2005: Milwaukee Bucks – Andrew Bogut (No. 1 pick). Andrew Bogut was selected first by the Bucks. The Milwaukee Bucks selected Andrew Bogut first.

The Mid-2000s: A Shift in Power (2006-2010)

The mid-2000s saw a shift in the league's power dynamics, with some teams solidifying their positions while others continued to rebuild through the draft. The importance of lottery odds became increasingly apparent, with teams adopting various strategies to improve their chances of securing a top pick. The concept of "tanking," intentionally losing games to improve lottery odds, began to gain traction during this period.

2006: Toronto Raptors – Andrea Bargnani (No. 1 pick). Bargnani was a highly touted prospect with a high ceiling and potential impact.
2007: Portland Trail Blazers – Greg Oden (No. 1 pick). Oden's injury-plagued career is a cautionary tale in the NBA, demonstrating the fragility of even the most promising NBA draft prospects and the importance of player health.
2008: Chicago Bulls – Derrick Rose (No. 1 pick). Rose's explosive athleticism and talent captivated fans, leading to a period of renewed excitement for the Bulls and solidifying the franchise's direction.
2009: Minnesota Timberwolves – Ricky Rubio (No. 5 pick). This was a key lottery pick that helped set the course for the Timberwolves in the following years.
2010: Washington Wizards – John Wall (No. 1 pick). The selection of John Wall started a new era of basketball for the Washington Wizards.

The Rise of Superstars: Lottery Winners from 2011-2015

This period witnessed the emergence of several superstars who would shape the NBA for years to come. The emphasis on player development and sophisticated NBA scouting networks played a significant role in maximizing the value of lottery picks.

2011: Cleveland Cavaliers – Kyrie Irving (No. 1 pick). Kyrie Irving proved to be a dynamic player and key piece to the future of the Cavaliers.
2012: New Orleans Hornets – Anthony Davis (No. 1 pick). Davis' arrival marked a turning point for the Hornets/Pelicans, establishing him as a perennial All-Star and defensive force.
2013: Cleveland Cavaliers – Anthony Bennett (No. 1 pick). Bennett's career didn't live up to expectations, highlighting the uncertainties inherent in the NBA draft.
2014: Cleveland Cavaliers – Andrew Wiggins (No. 1 pick). The Cavaliers got another high-quality player, further strengthening their talent pool.
2015: Minnesota Timberwolves – Karl-Anthony Towns (No. 1 pick). Towns became a consistent double-double scorer for the Timberwolves and turned into a cornerstone player.

Recent History and Future Implications (2016-2023)

The recent history of the NBA Draft Lottery continues to demonstrate the unpredictable nature of the draft and the long-term impact of these selections. Draft prospects rankings have become more sophisticated, but the challenges of accurately predicting success remain. Discussions around lottery reform persist, aiming to balance competitiveness with the opportunity for rebuilding teams to acquire top talent.

2016: Philadelphia 76ers – Ben Simmons (No. 1 pick). Simmons and the 76ers had a rocky start but eventually grew into a strong contender.
2017: Boston Celtics – Markelle Fultz (No. 1 pick). Fultz never quite reached his potential and the pick didn't fully pan out.
2018: Phoenix Suns – Deandre Ayton (No. 1 pick). Ayton was a key part of the Suns success over the past few years.
2019: New Orleans Pelicans – Zion Williamson (No. 1 pick). Williamson's incredible athleticism and scoring ability have made him a fan favorite, but also highlighted the importance of player health.
2020: Golden State Warriors – James Wiseman (No. 2 pick). Wiseman has shown flashes of brilliance, but his career has faced obstacles and injuries.
2021: Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham (No. 1 pick). Cunningham had a promising rookie season and the Pistons hope he can be a cornerstone player.
2022: Orlando Magic – Paolo Banchero (No. 1 pick). Banchero had an immediate impact and his scoring ability has made him an exciting young talent.
2023: Charlotte Hornets – Victor Wembanyama (No. 1 pick). Wembanyama's unprecedented height and skills have generated incredible hype and expectations.

Quiz Time! Test Your Knowledge of NBA Draft Lottery Winners

Who was the #1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft? a) Carmelo Anthony b) LeBron James c) Chris Bosh d) Dwyane Wade
Which team won the 2012 NBA Draft Lottery? a) Cleveland Cavaliers b) Los Angeles Lakers c) New Orleans Hornets d) Charlotte Bobcats
In what year was Anthony Davis selected as the #1 overall pick? a) 2011 b) 2012 c) 2013 d) 2014

(Answers at the bottom of the article)

Conclusion

From Kwame Brown to Victor Wembanyama, the impact of NBA Draft Lottery Winners since 2000 has been profound, shaping franchises, igniting rivalries, and defining eras in NBA history. The lottery continues to be a critical element in the league's competitive landscape, offering hope to rebuilding teams and driving excitement among fans. The unpredictable nature of the draft, however, highlights the importance of draft strategy, player development, and a bit of luck.

Share your quiz results on social media and challenge your friends to test their knowledge of NBA Draft Lottery Winners! Revisit this article for a deeper dive into the careers of these impactful players and the teams they transformed. Keep learning about past NBA Draft Lottery results and how they shaped the league we know today!

(Quiz Answers: 1-b, 2-c, 3-b)