NBA Draft Lottery Winners Quiz: 2000 To Present

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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

The early 2000s in the NBA saw a shift in power, with established teams facing new challenges and the rise of some unexpected stars. The NBA Draft Lottery played a pivotal role in shaping this era.

• 2000: New Orleans Hornets (Kwame Brown). The Hornets, in their inaugural season, secured the top pick but Brown's career never fully lived up to expectations. This highlights the unpredictable nature of the NBA Draft Lottery.
• 2001: Washington Wizards (Kwame Brown). Washington hoped for a franchise cornerstone in Brown, but his impact was ultimately less than hoped. This NBA Draft selection shows that the lottery alone doesn't guarantee success.
• 2002: Memphis Grizzlies (Darko Miličić). Miličić’s career didn't reach the heights many predicted, showcasing the inherent risk in the NBA Draft Lottery.
• 2003: Cleveland Cavaliers (LeBron James). Need we say more? The NBA Draft 2003 and LeBron's selection fundamentally altered the Cavaliers franchise and the trajectory of the NBA itself. The LeBron James draft remains one of the most impactful moments in NBA history, a testament to the significance of NBA Draft Lottery success.
• 2004: Charlotte Bobcats (Emeka Okafor). Okafor had a solid NBA career, providing a respectable return for Charlotte’s NBA Lottery win.
• 2005: Milwaukee Bucks (Andrew Bogut). The Bucks drafted Bogut, a talented center who went on to become a key player in the NBA. The NBA Draft that year produced impactful players.

The Mid-2000s and the Rise of Superstars (2006-2010)

The mid-2000s saw the rise of several superstars who would define the next decade of NBA basketball. The NBA Draft Lottery played a significant role in shaping their careers and the fortunes of their respective teams.

• 2006: Toronto Raptors (Andrea Bargnani). Bargnani's career ultimately fell short of expectations, another reminder of the inherent uncertainty of the NBA Draft Lottery.
• 2007: Portland Trail Blazers (Greg Oden). Oden's career was tragically cut short by injuries, a cautionary tale in the unpredictable world of professional basketball. The NBA Draft Lottery 2007 is remembered for this unfortunate outcome.
• 2008: Chicago Bulls (Derrick Rose). Rose's captivating skill and athleticism made him an instant fan favorite. His NBA Draft selection marked a turning point for the Bulls, illustrating the transformative power of a successful NBA Draft Lottery.
• 2009: Minnesota Timberwolves (Ricky Rubio). While Rubio didn't become a star in Minnesota, his draft pick changed the direction of their franchise.
• 2010: Washington Wizards (John Wall). Wall became a key player for the Wizards, showcasing the positive impact of a high NBA Draft Lottery pick.

The 2010s and Beyond: Recent Lottery Success and Surprises (2011-Present)

The 2010s and beyond have seen a significant increase in the strategic use of "tanking" to improve the odds in the NBA Draft Lottery. This era demonstrates a sophisticated evolution in team building strategies, emphasizing the importance of long-term planning and NBA Draft Lottery odds.

• 2011: Cleveland Cavaliers (Kyrie Irving) The Cavs, post-LeBron, found another franchise player in Irving.
• 2012: New Orleans Hornets (Anthony Davis) Davis became a dominant force in the NBA.
• 2013: Cleveland Cavaliers (Anthony Bennett) A notable example of a lottery pick that didn't pan out as expected, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the draft.
• 2014: Cleveland Cavaliers (Andrew Wiggins). Wiggins became a prominent player in the league.
• 2015: Minnesota Timberwolves (Karl-Anthony Towns). Towns became one of the NBA’s elite centers, demonstrating that even with the NBA Draft Lottery Odds in your favor, careful player development is crucial.
• 2016: Philadelphia 76ers (Ben Simmons) Simmons was selected first overall.
• 2017: Boston Celtics (Markelle Fultz) Fultz's career unfortunately took an unexpected turn due to injuries.
• 2018: Phoenix Suns (DeAndre Ayton) Ayton has established himself as a top NBA center.
• 2019: New Orleans Pelicans (Zion Williamson) Williamson's arrival has made a massive impact on the Pelicans. The NBA Draft Lottery that year produced a generational talent.
• 2020: Golden State Warriors (James Wiseman) Wiseman’s career hasn’t reached its potential yet.
• 2021: Detroit Pistons (Cade Cunningham) Cunningham was selected first overall.
• 2022: Orlando Magic (Paolo Banchero) Banchero made an immediate impact upon entering the NBA.
• 2023: Charlotte Hornets (Brandon Miller) Miller, a freshman, was selected second overall after a trade.

The NBA Draft Lottery Quiz – Test Your Knowledge!

Now, let's put your knowledge to the test! How well do you remember the NBA Draft Lottery winners from 2000 to the present?

(Insert Multiple Choice Quiz Here with Questions about NBA Draft Lottery Winners from 2000-Present and Answer Key at the End)

Conclusion: How Well Did You Do on the NBA Draft Lottery Winners Quiz?

This quiz highlights the crucial role the NBA Draft Lottery plays in shaping the NBA landscape. From generational talents like LeBron James to unexpected outcomes, the lottery's impact on franchise building and player careers is undeniable. The results demonstrate the volatility and the high stakes associated with the annual NBA Draft Lottery. Share your score with your friends and challenge them to a NBA Lottery Quiz showdown! Test your knowledge further with our other quizzes on NBA Draft Lottery Winners or explore more NBA trivia!