The NBA Draft Lottery has the fate of franchises being dictated by ping pong balls, and these results can undoubtedly shape the future of the league's landscape. That is, it gives way for unexpected outcomes, as seen in the most shocking lottery moments in NBA history:
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5.) New Orleans Pelicans Win 2019 Lottery to Draft Zion Williamson (6% odds)
After Pelicans star player Anthony Davis was held out of games at the end of the 2019 NBA season, the New Orleans Pelicans finished with a 33-49 record. With only a 6% chance, the Pelicans won the lottery, securing the rights to draft Duke star Zion Williamson. With Davis, their former 2012 No. 1 overall pick, being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, this started a new chapter for the franchise.
4.) Cleveland Cavaliers Win 2011 Lottery with Clippers' Pick to Draft Kyrie Irving (2.8% odds)
During the 2011 NBA Draft the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Kyrie Irving No. 1 overall. This came as a surprise since the franchise only had a 2.8% chance of receiving the top selection. In view of how they were able to get this pick, it was actually a result of a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, who had given up their unprotected first-round pick. This moment may have led to hometown hero LeBron James returning home to Cleveland from Miami, as Irving was a key figure during the Cavs' 2016 title run. To note, the franchise also had the rights to the first pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, in which they traded their selection Andrew Wiggins to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Kevin Love.
3.) Chicago Bulls Win 2008 Lottery To Draft Hometown Legend Derrick Rose (1.7% odds)
For the 2008 Draft Lottery, the Chicago Bulls only had a 1.7% chance to land the top pick, yet luck was on their side to complete the storybook headline of being able to draft hometown hero Derrick Rose. Ultimately, Rose went on to become the youngest MVP in NBA history (2011) at age 22 and played a key role in revitalizing the franchise.
2.) Orlando Magic's Back-to-Back No. 1 Picks (1992 & 1993) Shaquille O'Neal and Chris Webber (1.5% odds)
The Orlando Magic selected Shaquille O'Neal No. 1 overall in the 1992 NBA Draft, and then after finishing with a 41-41 record, they somehow also won the 1993 Draft Lottery (1.52% chance) the next season. This resulted in the franchise taking Chris Webber No. 1 overall, who was then traded for Penny Hardaway. With the team's new iconic duo, they appeared in the 1995 NBA Finals, but ultimately lost to the Houston Rockets.
1.) Dallas Mavericks Win 2025 Lottery (1.8% Odds)
After a coin toss to secure the 11th spot went in the Dallas Mavericks' favor, they had a 1.8% chance of winning the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery. Yet, fate was on their side, as Dallas somehow claimed victory in the lottery, months after the controversial Luka Doncic trade nearly left their franchise in shambles. For the upcoming draft, the Mavericks are projected to select Duke standout forward, Cooper Flagg, who will join Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis on a team that looks to bring hope back to the city.
Related: Fans Shocked By 'Rigged' NBA Draft Lottery
