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Has the NBA Draft Lottery Screwed the Phoenix Suns: A look into history

By Matt Litzenberg

Dec 18, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Former NBA player David Robinson cheers during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Former NBA player David Robinson cheers during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2009, 2011, and 2012 NBA Draft Lottery’s

Mar 30, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward TJ Warren in the fourth quarter at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Clippers defeated the Suns 124-118. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward TJ Warren in the fourth quarter at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Clippers defeated the Suns 124-118. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

In 2009, the Suns had the 14th best odds and stayed right there. In 2011, the Suns had the 13th best odds and drafted didn’t move there either. The same happened in 2012 as well. The Suns definitely did not get screwed here at all.

On the other hand, all three of these draft lotteries were fixed. In 2009, the big market Los Angeles Clippers received the first pick and selected Blake Griffin #1 overall. In 2011, the post-LeBron Cavs received the first pick and selected Kyrie Irving with the pick. And in 2012, the NBA-owned New Orleans Hornets received the number one pick, selecting Kentucky’s Anthony Davis.

Verdict – Not fixed against the Suns, but definitely fixed

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