Going into Tuesday’s draft lottery, the Cleveland Cavaliers only had a 1.7 percent chance of finishing in the top three, but the beauty of the lottery is sometimes the odds don’t matter.
The Cavs leapfrogged eight teams, shocking a crowd which included NBA legends, top prospects, and league executives alike. Making the victory more stunning was their recent success in the lottery. Cleveland has picked in the top 4 of the draft each of the last four years, with three of those selections coming first overall. Teaming this year’s high draft pick with Anthony Bennett (first overall, 2013), Kyrie Irving (first overall, 2011), and Dion Waiters (fourth overall, 2012), might be just what the Cavs need to break the cycle of futility plaguing the franchise since losing franchise centerpiece Lebron James in 2010.
Unlike years past however, there is no consensus top pick. Cleveland will likely choose between Kansas 7-footer Joel Embiid, his teammate, athletic swingman Andrew Wiggins, and skilled Duke forward Jabari Parker. ESPN NBA Insider Chad Ford has installed Wiggins as the early favorite to be selected first, but with over a month between now and the June 26th Draft, the Cavs will surely investigate all options, including a potential trade.
The Milwaukee Bucks, who had the league’s worst record, will pick second and the Philadelphia 76ers will pick third. The Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz round out the top five.
The Cleveland Cavaliers receive the 1st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft #NBADraftLottery
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) May 21, 2014
Our new Mock is my faithful editors hands. Think Andrew Wiggins is odds on favorite to go No. 1 to Cavs
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) May 21, 2014
Just got done w/ a speech &they told me we won when I sat down.I said "that's not a funny joke".It's true? I am speechless.I love Cleveland!
— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) May 21, 2014
How many number one picks is Cleveland gonna get smh… Yes I'm hating
— Ty Lawson (@TyLawson3) May 21, 2014
Luck of the Ping pong balls…Very exciting!!!
— Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) May 21, 2014
