Despite having just a 3% chance, the Atlanta Hawks defied the odds and won the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery. This marks the first time the Hawks have earned the No. 1 pick since 1975.
Atlanta Hawks Win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery
In a stunning upset, the Atlanta Hawks emerged victorious in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, securing the coveted No. 1 overall pick. The Hawks' triumph defied all expectations, as they entered the lottery with a mere 3% chance of winning.
This remarkable achievement marks the first time the Hawks have held the No. 1 pick since 1975, when they drafted David Thompson, a five-time All-Star and NBA Hall of Famer. However, it's worth noting that the Draft Lottery did not exist in 1975, so this is the first time the Hawks have won the lottery outright.
Hawks general manager Landry Fields was understandably overjoyed upon hearing his team's name called. His disbelief was evident, given their slim odds of securing the top selection. Fields' jubilation is a testament to the team's hard work and perseverance throughout the season.
The Detroit Pistons, who possessed the league's worst record at 14-68, and the Washington Wizards, were left in disbelief as they watched the Hawks' improbable victory unfold. Both teams entered the lottery with a 14% chance of landing the No. 1 pick.
Instead, Washington settled for the No. 2 pick, while the Pistons dropped to the No. 5 pick for the third consecutive season, despite having the worst record in the league in back-to-back seasons.
The Hawks now have the enviable opportunity to choose the player they believe is the best overall prospect in the draft. French small forward Zaccharie Risacher, center Alexandre Sarr, and UConn standout center Donovan Clingan are among the most promising candidates.
However, unlike last year's Draft, which featured the exceptional Victor Wembanyama, there is no clear consensus on this year's top prospect. This adds an intriguing element of unpredictability to the Hawks' decision-making process.
The complete top 10 draft order is as follows:
1. Atlanta Hawks
2. Washington Wizards
3. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets)
4. San Antonio Spurs
5. Detroit Pistons
6. Charlotte Hornets
7. Portland Trail Blazers
8. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors)
9. Memphis Grizzlies
10. Utah Jazz
The Hawks' improbable victory in the Draft Lottery has sent shockwaves through the NBA. It remains to be seen who the team will ultimately select with the No. 1 pick, but their triumph is a reminder that anything is possible in the world of sports.
