NBA Draft Lottery Winners Since 2000: A Trivia Challenge

5 min read Post on May 13, 2025

NBA Draft Lottery Winners Since 2000: A Trivia Challenge

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

The early 2000s saw the lottery significantly impact franchise rebuilding efforts. Teams hoping to secure a franchise-altering player relied heavily on their lottery odds. The results were mixed, with some picks becoming superstars and others falling short of expectations.

2000: Washington Wizards (Kwame Brown) - The Wizards, selecting first overall for the first time, chose Kwame Brown, a highly touted prospect who, despite his potential, didn't quite live up to the hype. This pick highlights the inherent risk and uncertainty of the lottery.
2001: Washington Wizards (Gilbert Arenas) - While not the #1 pick, the Wizards found a star in Gilbert Arenas later in the first round. This exemplifies how even teams without the top pick can benefit from the draft.
2002: Houston Rockets (Yao Ming) - The Rockets landed a true international superstar in Yao Ming, dramatically changing the franchise’s trajectory and captivating global audiences.
2003: Cleveland Cavaliers (LeBron James) - Arguably the most impactful lottery pick of all time, LeBron James revolutionized the Cavaliers and became a global icon. The impact of this pick is still felt today.
2004: Orlando Magic (Dwight Howard) - Dwight Howard, a dominant center, propelled the Magic to playoff contention, showcasing the transformative power of a successful lottery pick.
2005: Milwaukee Bucks (Andrew Bogut) - Andrew Bogut provided a solid foundation for the Bucks, although injuries hampered his career. This illustrates the importance of player health and longevity in assessing lottery picks.

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

The mid-2000s witnessed a surge in talented players entering the NBA, making the lottery even more crucial for teams aiming for immediate contention or long-term success. Smart team building around lottery picks became increasingly important.

2006: Toronto Raptors (Andrea Bargnani) - Bargnani's selection, while not a resounding success, reflects the challenges of evaluating international talent at the time.
2007: Portland Trail Blazers (Greg Oden) - The Oden/Durant debate remains a legendary "what if?" moment in NBA history, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the draft and the lottery.
2008: Chicago Bulls (Derrick Rose) - Derrick Rose, the 2011 NBA MVP, electrified Chicago and transformed the Bulls into a playoff contender. His impact was enormous despite being short-lived due to injury.
2009: Minnesota Timberwolves (Ricky Rubio) - Although not an immediate star, Rubio helped redefine the modern point guard. This is a good example of value outside the typical top 3.
2010: Washington Wizards (John Wall) - John Wall's impact on the Wizards as a top pick is noteworthy as he solidified a franchise identity.

The 2010s: A Decade of Dynamic Talent (2011-2015)

The 2010s saw a continued emphasis on securing high-potential players through the lottery, impacting team competitiveness across the league. The decade produced a new wave of NBA stars.

2011: Cleveland Cavaliers (Kyrie Irving) - Kyrie Irving became a cornerstone player for the Cavaliers, eventually winning a championship alongside LeBron James.
2012: New Orleans Hornets (Anthony Davis) - Anthony Davis became an elite defensive player and offensive force. His contributions reshaped the Hornets’ (now Pelicans) franchise.
2013: Cleveland Cavaliers (Anthony Bennett) - Bennett's selection serves as a reminder that not every top pick becomes a superstar, no matter how promising early assessments.
2014: Cleveland Cavaliers (Andrew Wiggins) - Wiggins is a high-scoring talent who consistently put up strong numbers for several teams.
2015: Minnesota Timberwolves (Karl-Anthony Towns) - Towns is an excellent example of how good a top pick can be when a team gets their selection right.

The 2010s Continued & Beyond: Recent Lottery Triumphs (2016-2023)

The recent years have continued the trend of lottery picks shaping the NBA landscape. These players are still developing their careers, but some early trends are already apparent.

2016: Philadelphia 76ers (Ben Simmons) - Simmons’ impact is a complex story, but he was a transformative player in Philadelphia.
2017: Boston Celtics (Markelle Fultz) - Fultz's career has been impacted by injuries, highlighting the uncertainties of the lottery and professional sports.
2018: Phoenix Suns (Deandre Ayton) - Ayton has established himself as a key player on a championship-caliber team.
2019: New Orleans Pelicans (Zion Williamson) - Zion Williamson is a powerhouse player with explosive potential, but injury has unfortunately sidelined him significantly.
2020: Golden State Warriors (James Wiseman) - Wiseman's development is still ongoing.
2021: Detroit Pistons (Cade Cunningham) - Cunningham's role in the rebuilding Pistons is already substantial.
2022: Orlando Magic (Paolo Banchero) - Banchero’s debut season showed considerable promise.
2023: Charlotte Hornets (Victor Wembanyama) - Wembanyama is arguably the most hyped prospect in recent years; his impact will soon be measured.

Trivia Challenge: Test Your NBA Draft Lottery Knowledge!

Now, put your knowledge to the test! Which team won the NBA Draft Lottery in the following years? (Multiple Choice)

2003: a) Los Angeles Lakers b) Cleveland Cavaliers c) Detroit Pistons
2007: a) Portland Trail Blazers b) Seattle SuperSonics c) Los Angeles Clippers
2012: a) Sacramento Kings b) New Orleans Hornets c) Toronto Raptors
2018: a) Phoenix Suns b) Atlanta Hawks c) Dallas Mavericks
2021: a) Detroit Pistons b) Oklahoma City Thunder c) Houston Rockets

Answer Key: 1: b, 2: a, 3: b, 4: a, 5: a

Conclusion

This trivia challenge offered a comprehensive look at NBA Draft Lottery winners since 2000, highlighting pivotal moments and showcasing the impact of these selections on franchise building. From unexpected upsets to predicted successes, the lottery continues to be a crucial element of the NBA landscape.

How well did you fare in our NBA Draft Lottery winners trivia challenge? Test your knowledge again next year, or delve deeper into the history of other NBA drafts! Share your score and challenge your friends to this fun and informative NBA Draft Lottery quiz.