We think of the NBA Draft Lottery, first and foremost, as a way for the league's poor and downtrodden franchises to replenish their ranks and take the first steps toward meaningful winning years down the line.

The lottery system is how the NBA determines the draft order for the teams that don’t make the playoffs. It only determines the first 14 picks of the draft and has no impact on the second round. The first four picks are determined by the lottery, and picks 5-14 are determined by the reverse standings of whoever is left.

The 2025 NBA Draft lottery odds project teams like the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets with the best chance at the No. 1 pick and therefore the chance to grab Cooper Flagg, who could be a generational talent.