Chicago Bulls secure top pick in 2025 NBA Draft despite slim odds
The Chicago Bulls have clinched the coveted first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft following their remarkable win in the Draft Lottery held at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago over the weekend.
The Atlanta Hawks secured the first pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by winning the Draft Lottery held at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago on Sunday.
Despite finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 36-46 record this season, Atlanta had a 3% chance of landing the top pick. The team participated in the play-in tournament but fell short of making it to the postseason.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever dribbles against Crystal Dangerfield of the Dallas Wings during a preseason game at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas on May 03, 2024.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever dribbles against Crystal Dangerfield of the Dallas Wings during a preseason game at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas on May 03, 2024.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
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Caitlin Clark made her WNBA preseason debut with the Indiana Fever after being selected as the number one draft pick.
The Atlanta Hawks had relatively low odds when they won the lottery, with only four teams having shorter odds. The Orlando Magic set the record with 1.52% odds back in 1993.
If the Hawks keep the pick, it will be the fourth time in franchise history they will be selecting first. The last time was in 1975 when they drafted David Thompson from N.C. State. Since the NBA introduced the Draft Lottery in 1985, the Hawks have never had the first pick.
The Washington Wizards, who shared the highest odds with the Detroit Pistons at 14%, will have the second pick. The Houston Rockets secured the third pick, and the San Antonio Spurs will pick fourth.
The Pistons will have the fifth pick in the upcoming draft, despite finishing with the worst record in the league. Unlike last year, there is no clear-cut top overall pick for this year's draft. Two French basketball players, forward Zaccharie Risacher and center Alex Sarr, are among the top prospects.
The 2024 NBA Draft will take place from June 26-27, in the first-ever two-day event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Editor's P/S:
The Atlanta Hawks' surprising victory in the Draft Lottery is a testament to the luck and unpredictability of the NBA draft process. Despite their modest record, the Hawks defied the odds and secured the top pick, giving them the opportunity to select one of the most promising young players available. The upcoming draft is highly anticipated, with several talented prospects expected to be available.
The Hawks now have a difficult decision to make: whether to keep the top pick or trade it for a more experienced player or future assets. If they decide to keep the pick, it will be a key moment in the franchise's history, potentially setting the foundation for a bright future. The 2024 NBA Draft promises to be an exciting and pivotal event for the Hawks and the entire league.
