In the last 18 years only four teams with the worst record (the best chance) have won the lottery. The Magic in 2004, the Cavaliers in 2003, the Sixers in 1996 and the Nets in 1990 have been the only lucky dogs.
Prior to their luck in 2004, the Magic won the big prize in 1992 which was Shaquille O’Neal. The Timberwolves had the worst record that year. They ended up with the 3rd pick and Duke’s Christian Laettner.
I will never forget this next one. It was 1997 and I was all of 11 years old. I spent that last year watching this amazing big man, Tim Duncan, play at some place called Wake Forest.
The Celtics had the best chance of winning the lottery but somehow the Spurs got the #1 pick. The C’s ended up with Chauncey Billups for a half season before dumping him. Whoopsies!
This years big prize is Blake Griffin. The Sac-town Kings are suppose to land the talented big man but the way things have gone in the past, I wouldn’t count on it.
I understand the point of the lottery; make it so teams do not tank games to get the #1 pick. However to me it would seem you might want to give the worst team more than a 1/4 chance of “winning” the lottery.
