The NBA Draft lottery is a game of chance, but some franchises have consistently rolled sevens. For the Washington Wizards, the 2026 draft lottery could be a historic moment—one that would etch their name in the league's record books.
As it stands, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards are tied for the most No. 1 overall picks in NBA history, with six each. But the paths to that record couldn't be more different. Four of Washington's top selections came in the 1950s and '60s, while Cleveland has cashed in four times since the turn of the millennium—including drafting LeBron James (2003) and Kyrie Irving (2011).
Now, with Cleveland out of the lottery picture for 2026, the Wizards have a golden opportunity to break the tie. Washington enters the lottery with the best odds (14%) after finishing with the league's worst record in 2025-26—a dismal 17-win season. If the ping-pong balls bounce their way, they'll not only land a franchise-altering talent but also claim sole possession of the record for most No. 1 picks.
For context, the NBA Draft has been held every year since 1947, with the lottery system introduced in 1985. Over that span, some teams have been luckier than others. The San Antonio Spurs, for example, struck gold at the perfect time in 2023, landing Victor Wembanyama. But even before the lottery, a No. 1 pick could single-handedly transform a franchise.
Interestingly, six teams have never held the top pick: the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Memphis Grizzlies. That makes Washington's potential milestone even more remarkable—a testament to decades of both fortune and futility.
Washington Wizards' No. 1 picks (all-time):
- 1950: Chuck Share (then as the Washington Capitols)
- 1953: Ray Felix (Baltimore Bullets)
- 1961: Walt Bellamy (Chicago Packers, now Wizards)
- 1965: Fred Hetzel (San Francisco Warriors, now Wizards)
- 2001: Kwame Brown
- 2010: John Wall
Cleveland Cavaliers' No. 1 picks (all-time):
- 1971: Austin Carr
- 1986: Brad Daugherty
- 2003: LeBron James
- 2011: Kyrie Irving
- 2013: Anthony Bennett
- 2014: Andrew Wiggins
For Wizards fans, the 2026 lottery represents more than just a chance at a top prospect—it's a shot at history. And for a franchise that has often been a league punchline, that's a narrative worth watching.