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NBA Holds Final Classic Draft Lottery in Chicago — May 10, 2026

5/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

NBA will hold 2026 Draft Lottery on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET in Chicago.
Four picks are drawn; Washington, Indiana and Brooklyn each have 14.0% for No. 1, Charlotte 0.5%, and Miami (13th seed) 1.0% for No. 1 and 4.8% for a top-four pick.
This eighth lottery is last under current format before a 3-2-1 system begins next season, setting picks 1-4 and leaving picks 5-14 to follow order.

History

Historical Context

In May 1985 the NBA held its first draft lottery, giving each of the seven non-playoff teams a 14.3% chance at the top pick. The New York Knicks drew the envelope and used the June 18 draft to select Georgetown center Patrick Ewing with the first overall pick. The lottery replaced earlier drafts that had featured up to ten rounds and 162 selections.

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Story summary

NBA will hold 2026 Draft Lottery on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET in Chicago.
Four picks are drawn; Washington, Indiana and Brooklyn each have 14.0% for No. 1, Charlotte 0.5%, and Miami (13th seed) 1.0% for No. 1 and 4.8% for a top-four pick.
This eighth lottery is last under current format before a 3-2-1 system begins next season, setting picks 1-4 and leaving picks 5-14 to follow order.

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