NBA Draft Lottery Quiz: How Well Do You Know The Winners Since 2000?

4 min read Post on May 13, 2025

NBA Draft Lottery Quiz: How Well Do You Know The Winners Since 2000?

The Early 2000s: A Look Back at the Lottery Winners

The early 2000s offered a fascinating glimpse into the unpredictability of the NBA Draft Lottery. The results from 2000-2005 highlight both the potential for game-changing picks and the occasional lottery disappointment. This period offers a valuable case study in NBA Draft Lottery History.

2000: The Washington Wizards won the lottery and selected Kwame Brown first overall. While Brown’s career didn't live up to the hype, the lottery’s inherent risk was on full display.
2001: The Washington Wizards (again!) secured the top pick and selected Gilbert Arenas. This time, their lottery luck yielded a more impactful player.
2002: The Memphis Grizzlies, in their relatively new existence, won the lottery and drafted Pau Gasol. This pick would prove to be transformative for the franchise and ultimately help shape the modern Grizzlies.
2003: The Cleveland Cavaliers won the lottery and selected LeBron James, arguably the most impactful player ever drafted. This solidified the lottery's significance in shaping NBA dynasties.
2004: The Orlando Magic's lottery win led to the selection of Dwight Howard, a dominant center who became a key player in the league for years.
2005: The Milwaukee Bucks won the lottery and selected Andrew Bogut. Though not a generational talent like some other lottery picks, this choice still provided value to their team.

The Rise of Superstars: Lottery Picks That Defined a Decade (2006-2015)

The 2006-2015 period witnessed the rise of several superstars whose careers were launched via the NBA Draft Lottery. This era showcased the lottery's ability to dramatically alter the trajectories of franchises, significantly impacting NBA Draft Lottery Results and shaping the Top NBA Draft Picks.

2006: The Toronto Raptors drafted Andrea Bargnani. While not as impactful as other players from this period, Bargnani illustrates the variance inherent in the lottery.
2007: The Portland Trail Blazers selected Greg Oden, a player whose career was tragically cut short by injuries. This served as a harsh reminder of the risks involved in the lottery.
2008: The Chicago Bulls won the lottery and selected Derrick Rose, a dynamic point guard who became an MVP and captivated fans with his electrifying play.
2009: The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Ricky Rubio who became a fan favorite with his excellent passing and flashy plays.
2010: The Washington Wizards picked John Wall, a game-changing point guard who led the Wizards to multiple playoff appearances and established himself as one of the top players in the East.
2011: The Cleveland Cavaliers won and selected Kyrie Irving, another exceptional point guard who would go on to become a champion and NBA all-star.
2012: The New Orleans Hornets selected Anthony Davis, a dominant big man and an immediate impact player who transformed the franchise.
2013: The Cleveland Cavaliers were granted the luck of the lottery again, picking Anthony Bennett, a player who didn't quite meet expectations.
2014: The Cleveland Cavaliers again won the lottery, selecting Andrew Wiggins who would eventually become an NBA all-star.
2015: The Minnesota Timberwolves got Karl-Anthony Towns, who became one of the best centers in the league.

Recent Lottery Successes and Surprises (2016-2023)

The most recent lottery winners (2016-2023) present a mix of established stars and intriguing prospects. This period demonstrates the ongoing impact of the NBA Draft Lottery Odds on team-building strategies and the unpredictable nature of NBA Lottery Mock Drafts.

2016: The Philadelphia 76ers won the lottery and drafted Ben Simmons.
2017: The Boston Celtics won the lottery and used the pick in a trade to get Jayson Tatum.
2018: The Phoenix Suns drafted Deandre Ayton.
2019: The New Orleans Pelicans chose Zion Williamson.
2020: The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Anthony Edwards.
2021: The Detroit Pistons drafted Cade Cunningham
2022: The Orlando Magic drafted Paolo Banchero.
2023: The Charlotte Hornets drafted Brandon Miller.

The Quiz!

[Insert Interactive Quiz Here] This quiz will test your knowledge of NBA Draft Lottery winners and their top picks since 2000. Share your score on social media and challenge your friends!

Conclusion

This NBA Draft Lottery quiz tested your knowledge of the teams that successfully navigated the lottery and selected impactful players since 2000. From unexpected wins to superstar selections, the NBA Draft Lottery has consistently shaped the league's landscape. How did you do? Share your score and challenge your friends to take the NBA Draft Lottery Quiz and test their knowledge! Keep checking back for more updates and quizzes on the NBA Draft Lottery winners and other exciting NBA topics.