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

Pedro Alvarez

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.8

Share

Main Points:

2.1 The Early 2000s: A Decade of Surprises and Stars (2000-2009)

The early 2000s witnessed some of the most impactful NBA Draft Lottery results, shaping the trajectory of numerous franchises. This era saw a mix of expected and unexpected winners, leading to a generation of iconic NBA players.

• 2003 NBA Draft Lottery: The Cleveland Cavaliers, winning the lottery, selected LeBron James, a moment that irrevocably altered the course of their franchise and the league. This 2003 NBA Draft Lottery pick ushered in a new era of Cavaliers basketball.
• 2004 NBA Draft Lottery: The Utah Jazz securing the No. 4 pick, which they traded to the Detroit Pistons for Carlos Arroyo. The Pistons then used the pick to select Darko Miličić, highlighting the inherent uncertainty and risk even with high NBA Draft lottery picks.
• 2007 NBA Draft Lottery: The Portland Trail Blazers won the lottery and selected Greg Oden, highlighting the highs and lows of early 2000s NBA Draft decisions. His injury-prone career shows the complexities of top NBA draft picks.
• Analysis: The early 2000s NBA Draft Lottery showcased the unpredictable nature of the draft, with some lottery wins translating into immediate success (LeBron James) and others less so. The impact of these early 2000s NBA draft picks is still felt today.

2.2 The Rise of Superteams and Lottery Luck (2010-2019)

The 2010s saw a shift in the NBA landscape, with the rise of "superteams" and a more strategic approach to NBA Draft Lottery outcomes. Teams increasingly utilized lottery picks to accelerate rebuilds or bolster existing rosters. The 2010s NBA draft was a period of significant team building.

• 2011 NBA Draft Lottery: The Cleveland Cavaliers once again found themselves in a position of power. After selecting Kyrie Irving, the Cavs built a strong foundation around this NBA Draft Lottery pick.
• 2012 NBA Draft Lottery: The New Orleans Hornets, later rebranded as the Pelicans, secured Anthony Davis, a cornerstone player who transformed their franchise. This selection proved to be one of the more successful uses of a high NBA Draft Lottery pick.
• 2015 NBA Draft Lottery: The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Karl-Anthony Towns, establishing a significant talent base for years to come. They show the success of using high NBA Draft lottery picks for building a winning team through the NBA draft.
• Analysis: This decade showcased the increasing importance of lottery picks in building a competitive NBA team. Strategies of "tanking" to improve odds of winning the 2010 NBA Draft Lottery and similar lotteries became more prevalent.

2.3 Recent Lottery Winners and Future Prospects (2020-Present)

The recent NBA Draft Lottery winners are still early in their careers, but initial assessments suggest exciting potential and further demonstrate the continued relevance of these high draft picks.

• 2020 NBA Draft Lottery: The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Anthony Edwards, demonstrating the potential for immediate impact from top draft picks.
• 2021 NBA Draft Lottery: The Detroit Pistons secured Cade Cunningham, a player widely viewed as foundational to their future. This is a prime example of how the latest NBA draft lottery winners shape future team rosters.
• Analysis: The early success of some of these players suggests that the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery and 2021 NBA Draft Lottery will be remembered as significant events in shaping the next generation of NBA stars. The long-term impact of these future NBA stars remains to be seen, but the potential is evident.

2.4 The NBA Draft Lottery Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

Now it's your turn! Test your knowledge of the NBA Draft Lottery winners since 2000 with this multiple-choice quiz:

1. Which team won the 2003 NBA Draft Lottery? a) Los Angeles Lakers b) Cleveland Cavaliers c) Memphis Grizzlies
2. Who did the New Orleans Hornets select with the number one overall pick in 2012? a) Kyrie Irving b) Anthony Davis c) Karl-Anthony Towns
3. Which team drafted Cade Cunningham in 2021? a) Detroit Pistons b) Oklahoma City Thunder c) Toronto Raptors

(Answers: 1. b, 2. b, 3. a)

Conclusion: Sharpen Your NBA Draft Lottery Expertise

The NBA Draft Lottery remains a pivotal event in the NBA calendar, significantly impacting the trajectory of franchises and shaping the league's competitive landscape. Understanding its history and outcomes provides valuable insight into team-building strategies and the long-term impact of NBA Lottery picks. Revisiting this article and quizzing your friends and family on your newfound NBA Draft Lottery knowledge will surely spark engaging conversations. Share your quiz results and discuss your favorite NBA Draft Lottery moments using #NBADraftLottery #NBADraft #NBATrivia! Keep honing your expertise on the NBA Draft Lottery – it's a fascinating aspect of the NBA!