NBA Lottery at Navy Pier: Wizards secure top pick, Bulls surge into top four
Following the draw, the Memphis Grizzlies took the second pick, the Utah Jazz secured third, and the Chicago Bulls were awarded the fourth selection, while the Los Angeles Clippers received the fifth.
The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery concluded on Sunday afternoon at Chicago's Navy Pier, determining the top seven selections for the upcoming season. The event was overseen by NBA Vice President Matt Doria, who managed the drawing process, while assistant general counsel Katelyn Cannella West monitored the probability placards to announce the winners.
The Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 overall pick, a result that saw their president, Michael Winger, remain stoic despite the high stakes. The Memphis Grizzlies obtained the No. 2 pick, followed by the Utah Jazz, who received the No. 3 selection. Jazz president Austin Ainge was visibly relieved after securing the third spot, having previously advocated for a tanking strategy to improve the franchise's draft position.
The Chicago Bulls were awarded the No. 4 pick, a significant jump for the local team which had entered the lottery with the ninth-best odds. The Los Angeles Clippers finished with the No. 5 selection, while the Brooklyn Nets dropped to No. 6. Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai appeared devastated as his team fell to the sixth position, marking a decline from previous expectations.
The Sacramento Kings were assigned the No. 7 pick, ending their campaign in the top seven. During the proceedings, 15 teams sent representatives to the drawing room, a large conference space located one floor above the television set construction area. Although only 14 picks were ultimately determined, the presence of all eligible franchises underscored the critical nature of the event.
The atmosphere in the room was tense as representatives calculated probabilities based on their team records. The drawing involved four balls being pulled simultaneously, with specific combinations displayed on large placards along the wall. The outcome for each team represented millions of fans and carried significant weight for the future of their respective organisations.
