Ranking the 13 most unlikely draft lottery winners in NBA history
One of the most exciting moments for a basketball franchise is if they learn they have won the NBA draft lottery, especially when it's unexpected. Lottery odds formatting have changed several times since the system began in 1985 when the New York Knicks selected Patrick Ewing. In the future, the format might change again to help prevent tanking from league bottom-dwellers.
The upcoming 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is on May 10 in Chicago and will determine which teams will have a chance to draft top prospects like AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson. 14 teams will have a chance at No. 1 overall and with that in mind, here are all of the lottery winners who received the pick despite less than 10 percent odds.
NBA MOCK DRAFT 11. 0: First-round projections after early entry deadline 1. Orlando Magic (1993) Player: Chris Webber Record: 41-41 Odds: 1.
52% (11th) This pick was included in a trade to the Golden State Warriors involving Penny Hardaway and future first-round picks. 2. Chicago Bulls (2008) Player: Derrick Rose Record: 33-49 Odds: 1.
70% (9th) Rose, who is originally from Chicago, was named 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year and won NBA MVP in 2011. 3. Cleveland Cavaliers (2014) Player: Andrew Wiggins Record: 33-49 Odds: 1.