Valley of the Suns
Fansided

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

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
9 of 11

The 2014 and 2015 NBA Draft Lottery’s

Mar 11, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) hits the game winning shot over Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) hits the game winning shot over Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, the Suns had the 14th best odds of winning the lottery and drafted 14th. In 2015, the Suns had the 13th best odds of winning the lottery and drafted 13th. They drafted T.J. Warren and Devin Booker. No reason to complain.

The 2014 NBA Draft lottery was likely fixed as it gave the Cleveland Cavilers the first pick for the third time in five years and set them up to re-acquire LeBron James. The Cavs used that pick on Andrew Wiggins who was soon flipped in a package deal to acquire Kevin Love from Minnesota.

The 2015 NBA draft was likely not fixed as the big market Knicks fell from 2 to 4 and the winner of the lottery was the small market Minnesota Timberwolves.

Verdict – Neither were fixed against the Suns, although the 2014 NBA draft lottery was definitely fixed.

Home/Suns News