When Is The 2019 NBA Draft Lottery? Knicks, Bulls Among Teams Eyeing Chance To Pick Zion Williamson

A significant portion of the NBA isn’t concerned with winning games this season. Teams that know they can’t make the playoffs are hoping to lose as many games as possible to increase their odds of winning the lottery.

That’s the case in every season, but it’s even more important this year, despite the league changing the rules in order to disincentive tanking. Landing the top overall pick in the draft means getting the opportunity to draft Duke freshman Zion Williamson, who might be the most-hyped prospect since LeBron James.

The worst teams in basketball have their eyes on Tuesday, May 14, which is the date of the 2019 NBA Draft lottery. The order of the first round of the June 20 draft will be determined, potentially changing the landscape of the league for the next few years.

Much of the attention will be surrounding the New York Knicks. Despite being the worst team in basketball, they’ve got visions—somewhat realistic ones—of turning into a championship contender this summer.

It could all hinge on what happens in the lottery. The teams with the three worst records will all have a 14 percent chance of getting the No.1 pick. That drops to a 12.5 percent chance for the team with the fourth-worst record and a 10.5 percent chance for the NBA’s fifth-worst team.

The Knicks could make the Duke star part of their roster for the 2019-2020 season, but there is increased speculation that New York would trade the pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for Anthony Davis. Acquiring Davis might attract Kevin Durant—many assume he’s already headed to New York—and another All-Star to the Big Apple in free agency.

If a team like Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls or Phoenix Suns wins the lottery, they will draft Williamson and build around him for the foreseeable future. The Cleveland Cavaliers will be in the mix, as well, hoping Williamson could succeed James as their next transcendent superstar.

Before the Cavs drafted James first overall in 2003, they hadn’t won a playoff series in a decade. James got Cleveland to the second round of the postseason in 2006. He brought the city it’s first professional sports championship since 1954 when the Cavs beat the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals. James and Cleveland won the East five times.

Williamson, of course, doesn’t have to become the next James in order to turn a franchise around.

The Orlando Magic drafted Dwight Howard first overall in 2004, and the big man led them to the NBA Finals five years later. Five years after the Oklahoma City Thunder—they were the Seattle Supersonics through the 2007-2008 season—took Kevin Durant first overall in 2007, he took the team that drafted him to the finals. Three years after Chicago picked Derrick Rose first overall in 2008, the Bulls’ point guard became the youngest NBA MVP in history.

No.1 overall draft picks haven’t experienced as much success in recent years, but history suggests that will soon change. Every top pick from 2008-2012 has made at least five All-Star teams or won an MVP award. The No.1 picks from 2002-2004 will all be in the Hall of Fame one day. Even 2005 No.1 overall pick Andrew Bogut had a solid career with one All-NBA Third Team selection and a championship.

The teams that secure picks in the top-three or top-five will have a good chance to select potential All-Stars, but winning the draft lottery on May 14 will be a true game-changer for one franchise.