Story perspectives

Wizards land No. 1 pick in final NBA lottery

5/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Washington Wizards received the No. 1 pick, their first top selection since 2010.
The May 10, 2026 Chicago lottery awarded picks 1-9 to Washington, Utah, Memphis, Chicago, Los Angeles (via Indiana), Brooklyn, Sacramento, Atlanta and Dallas, and sent Indiana’s No. 5 pick to Los Angeles Clippers after a February trade for center Ivica Zubac.
The lottery is expected to be the last under the current format, with odds dropping to 5.4% and the pool expanding.

History

Historical Context

To curb tanking, the NBA introduced a draft lottery in 1985, giving the 14 non-playoff teams a 1 % chance each; the New York Knicks won that first draw and selected Patrick Ewing. The system now awards the top four picks, and the 2026 lottery saw the Washington Wizards claim No. 1.

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Story summary

The Washington Wizards received the No. 1 pick, their first top selection since 2010.
The May 10, 2026 Chicago lottery awarded picks 1-9 to Washington, Utah, Memphis, Chicago, Los Angeles (via Indiana), Brooklyn, Sacramento, Atlanta and Dallas, and sent Indiana’s No. 5 pick to Los Angeles Clippers after a February trade for center Ivica Zubac.
The lottery is expected to be the last under the current format, with odds dropping to 5.4% and the pool expanding.

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