NBA Draft Lottery Quiz: Can You Name The Winners Since 2000?

Felix Dubois

6 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Early 2000s: A Decade of Lottery Surprises

The early 2000s were a period of significant change and unexpected outcomes in the NBA Draft Lottery. Several teams defied expectations, landing the top pick and shaping their franchises in surprising ways. Let's look back at the winners from 2000-2009 and some of the stars they acquired:

• NBA Draft Lottery History (2000-2009):

  • Year: 2000 Winner: New Orleans Hornets No. 1 Pick: Kwame Brown (While Brown's career didn't reach the heights expected, this pick marked the start of the franchise's new era.)
  • Year: 2001 Winner: Washington Wizards No. 1 Pick: Kwame Brown (The Wizards acquired the top pick in the 2001 NBA Draft Lottery and selected Kwame Brown.)
  • Year: 2002 Winner: Houston Rockets No. 1 Pick: Yao Ming (The selection of Yao Ming marked a pivotal moment in NBA history, transforming the Rockets and the league's global reach.)
  • Year: 2003 Winner: Cleveland Cavaliers No. 1 Pick: LeBron James (Arguably the most impactful lottery pick of all time, LeBron James reshaped the Cavaliers franchise.)
  • Year: 2004 Winner: Orlando Magic No. 1 Pick: Dwight Howard (Howard became a dominant force in the league, showcasing his athleticism and interior presence.)
  • Year: 2005 Winner: Milwaukee Bucks No. 1 Pick: Andrew Bogut (While Bogut's career was somewhat hampered by injuries, his selection still reflected the Bucks' rebuilding effort.)
  • Year: 2006 Winner: Toronto Raptors No. 1 Pick: Andrea Bargnani (Bargnani's selection, while not a resounding success, is a key part of the Raptors' draft history.)
  • Year: 2007 Winner: Portland Trail Blazers No. 1 Pick: Greg Oden (Oden's career was tragically cut short by injury, highlighting the uncertainty that can surround even top lottery picks.)
  • Year: 2008 Winner: Chicago Bulls No. 1 Pick: Derrick Rose (Rose's selection ignited excitement in Chicago, and though injuries impacted his career, he remains an iconic figure.)
  • Year: 2009 Winner: Minnesota Timberwolves No. 1 Pick: Ricky Rubio (Rubio brought a unique style of play to the NBA, influencing the game with his passing and international flair.)

This period in NBA Draft Lottery history showcases the unpredictable nature of the event and the impact a single player can have on a franchise's trajectory. The Early 2000s NBA Lottery was a key factor in the development of several future stars.

The 2010s: Building Dynasties Through the Lottery

The 2010s saw some teams use NBA Lottery Picks 2010-2019 to build consistent winners and even championship contenders. Smart drafting and player development played a crucial role in turning lottery selections into cornerstones of successful franchises.

• Building NBA Dynasties:

  • Year: 2010 Winner: Washington Wizards No. 1 Pick: John Wall (Wall became a franchise player for the Wizards, showcasing elite athleticism and playmaking.)
  • Year: 2011 Winner: Cleveland Cavaliers No. 1 Pick: Kyrie Irving (Irving's scoring prowess and playmaking complemented LeBron James, forming a potent backcourt duo.)
  • Year: 2012 Winner: New Orleans Hornets No. 1 Pick: Anthony Davis (Davis established himself as one of the league's premier two-way players, anchoring the Pelicans' frontcourt.)
  • Year: 2013 Winner: Cleveland Cavaliers No. 1 Pick: Anthony Bennett (Bennett's career didn’t meet expectations, reminding us of the lottery's inherent risk.)
  • Year: 2014 Winner: Cleveland Cavaliers No. 1 Pick: Andrew Wiggins (Wiggins became a consistent scorer and all-around player, though he didn't quite live up to being the No. 1 overall pick.)
  • Year: 2015 Winner: Minnesota Timberwolves No. 1 Pick: Karl-Anthony Towns (Towns quickly emerged as an elite center known for his scoring ability and rebounding prowess.)
  • Year: 2016 Winner: Philadelphia 76ers No. 1 Pick: Ben Simmons (Simmons' unique skillset and playmaking changed the Sixers' outlook and made them immediate contenders.)
  • Year: 2017 Winner: Boston Celtics No. 1 Pick: Markelle Fultz (Fultz's career trajectory wasn’t as smooth as some other No. 1 picks.)
  • Year: 2018 Winner: Phoenix Suns No. 1 Pick: DeAndre Ayton (Ayton brought a dominant presence and size to the Suns' frontcourt, contributing to the team’s recent success.)
  • Year: 2019 Winner: New Orleans Pelicans No. 1 Pick: Zion Williamson (Williamson's exceptional athleticism and scoring potential made him an instant attraction, even if injuries have impacted his career)

The 2010s NBA Draft and subsequent years showcased the crucial role of smart drafting in building sustainable championship contention.

The 2020s: A New Era of Lottery Success?

The 2020s NBA Draft is still unfolding, but the early returns from these lottery picks are intriguing. The players selected in this decade have the potential to shape the NBA landscape for years to come.

• The Future of NBA Stars:

  • Year: 2020 Winner: Golden State Warriors No. 2 Pick: James Wiseman (Wiseman’s potential remains to be seen as he recovers and adjusts to the league.)
  • Year: 2021 Winner: Detroit Pistons No. 1 Pick: Cade Cunningham (Cunningham has established himself as a franchise cornerstone player, showing leadership and versatility.)
  • Year: 2022 Winner: Orlando Magic No. 1 Pick: Paolo Banchero (Banchero has made a strong impact as a versatile and skilled forward with the Orlando Magic.)
  • Year: 2023 Winner: Charlotte Hornets No. 2 Pick: Brandon Miller (Miller is starting to make an impact as a highly skilled shooter for the Charlotte Hornets.)

Analyzing the early impact of these Recent NBA Lottery Winners and assessing their Future NBA Stars potential will provide a more complete picture in the years to come.

How Well Did You Do? The NBA Draft Lottery Quiz Answers

How many of the NBA Draft Lottery Results did you get correct? Award yourself one point for each correct answer.

• Scoring:
  • 15-20 Correct: NBA Draft Lottery Expert! Your knowledge is truly impressive.
  • 10-14 Correct: Above Average Fan. You're well-versed in recent NBA history.
  • 5-9 Correct: Average Fan. There's always room for improvement.
  • Below 5 Correct: Needs More Study. Time to brush up on your NBA Trivia!

Conclusion: Sharpen Your NBA Draft Lottery Knowledge

This journey through NBA Draft Lottery winners since 2000 highlights the profound impact these selections can have on shaping the league. From unexpected surprises to the building of dynasties, the lottery remains a pivotal moment in the NBA calendar. Remember the impact of players like LeBron James, Yao Ming, and more recently, Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero. Share your score with friends and see who reigns supreme. Test your knowledge further with our advanced NBA Draft Lottery Quiz and see if you can name all the winners!