Can You Name All The NBA Draft Lottery Winners Since 2000?

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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NBA Draft Lottery Winners: 2000-2010

The Early 2000s: A Look at the Top Picks

The early 2000s saw some significant NBA lottery winners and their subsequent top draft picks profoundly impacting their franchises. Let's look back at some of the key moments:

• 2000: New Orleans Hornets – Kwame Brown. Brown's career never quite lived up to the hype of being the #1 overall pick, highlighting the inherent risk in the NBA draft, even with a top pick.
• 2001: Washington Wizards – Kwame Brown. This time he was traded to the Wizards. His time in Washington also yielded limited success.
• 2003: Cleveland Cavaliers – LeBron James. This pick needs no introduction. LeBron's arrival marked a new era for the Cavaliers and reshaped the NBA landscape. This is the ultimate example of a successful NBA lottery pick.
• 2004: Orlando Magic – Dwight Howard. Another hugely impactful pick. Howard became a dominant force in the league and an All-Star for the Magic.
• 2007: Portland Trail Blazers – Greg Oden. A cautionary tale. Oden's career was tragically cut short by injuries, a stark reminder of the unpredictability even at the top of the draft.
• 2008: Chicago Bulls – Derrick Rose. Rose became an MVP and changed the way the Bulls were perceived, although injuries sadly impacted his career longevity.
• 2009: Los Angeles Clippers – Blake Griffin. Griffin’s athleticism and showmanship rejuvenated a struggling Clippers franchise setting up future success.
• 2010: Washington Wizards – John Wall. Wall became the cornerstone for the next generation of Washington Wizards basketball, leading the team for several years.

Significant trades involving lottery picks were less frequent in this era compared to later years. However, the impact of certain players drafted outside the lottery, such as Pau Gasol in 2001 (selected 3rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks and subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies), still resonated significantly.

Mid-2000s Lottery Surprises and Disappointments

The mid-2000s offered a mix of unexpected outcomes and disappointments in the NBA lottery. The 2007 lottery, for example, saw Greg Oden selected ahead of Kevin Durant, a decision that continues to spark debate. While Oden's career was hampered by injuries, Durant went on to become an NBA legend, demonstrating the inherent uncertainty in predicting a player's long-term success, regardless of the draft position. Looking at win-loss records after the draft for teams who selected in the lottery reveals a mixed bag, with some teams seeing immediate improvement and others undergoing a longer rebuild.

NBA Draft Lottery Winners: 2011-2020

The Rise of Superstars and the Impact of the Lottery

The decade from 2011 to 2020 saw the rise of several superstars selected in the NBA Draft Lottery, significantly impacting the league's competitive landscape.

• This era is highlighted by Anthony Davis (2012, New Orleans Hornets), Karl-Anthony Towns (2015, Minnesota Timberwolves), and Ben Simmons (2016, Philadelphia 76ers). These players all became All-Stars, shaping the direction of their franchises. The lottery picks of this period greatly influenced which teams were competing for championships and which were rebuilding. Some teams used their lottery pick to contend for playoffs, while others focused on a long-term rebuild strategy centered around the new talent.

Notable Lottery Picks and Their Career Trajectories

Analyzing individual players selected in the lottery during this period provides insights into the diverse paths their careers took. While some fulfilled their potential immediately, others took longer, highlighting the importance of factors beyond the lottery pick itself—such as coaching, team environment, and player development—on a player's NBA journey. Comparing players drafted similarly but with differing outcomes emphasizes that the lottery pick only represents a starting point.

NBA Draft Lottery Winners: 2021-Present

Recent Lottery Winners and Their Current Status

The most recent NBA Draft Lottery winners have yet to fully establish their legacy. However, early observations provide some intriguing insights. The top picks from this period have shown flashes of brilliance, and their long-term development will be critical in shaping the NBA's future. Their current standings provide insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by these young players and their teams.

The Future of the NBA Draft Lottery and its Significance

The NBA Draft Lottery remains a pivotal event, sparking ongoing discussions about its fairness and efficacy. Debates regarding potential changes to the system continue, with the goal of balancing competitive parity and the rewards of rebuilding. Speculation about the future impact of future lottery winners keeps the intrigue alive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, analyzing the NBA Draft Lottery winners since 2000 reveals a compelling narrative of success, disappointment, and the inherent unpredictability of the draft. While winning the lottery often provides a high-probability chance of selecting a talented player, the path to championship contention remains complex, reliant on various factors beyond just the top pick. The lottery's impact is undeniable, but it's not a guaranteed path to success. So, can you name all the NBA Draft Lottery winners since 2000? Test your NBA draft lottery knowledge or challenge yourself to research and find out! Remember all the NBA lottery winners? Let's see how many you can recall.