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15 best NBA Draft Lottery lucky charms

By Nathaniel Reeves

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 23: The 2011 Draft class including Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams, Enes Kanter, Jonas Valanciunas, Brandon Knight, Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker pose for a group photo during the 2011 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center on June 23, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 23: The 2011 Draft class including Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams, Enes Kanter, Jonas Valanciunas, Brandon Knight, Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker pose for a group photo during the 2011 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center on June 23, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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From horseshoes to Holy Water, examining some of the best lucky charms in NBA Draft Lottery history.

The NBA Draft Lottery is one of the most stressful nights of the year for any sports fan, and it comes down purely to chance.

Unlike other sports such as the NFL, the draft order in the NBA is determined by a drawing of ping pong balls rather than just inverse order of record. Teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers will vie for the top pick in this season’s Draft Lottery on May 17, with tantalizing prospects like Brandon Ingram and Ben Simmons up for grabs.

Of course, having a worse record increases your chances of getting a better draft pick. However, we’ve seen plenty of teams with extreme moves up or down in recent years, such as the Cleveland Cavaliers winning the 2014 Draft Lottery with just a 1.7 percent chance to do so.

Failing to get a top pick after a terrible season can be devastating for a franchise, particularly with the rampant tanking in today’s game. For example, the Lakers would lose their first round pick to the 76ers if they finish outside the top three in the lottery.

Naturally, general managers have taken to bringing good luck charms to the draft lottery. From family members to objects relating to the franchise’s history, some front office members have gone to great lengths to ensure their respective teams are in the best position possible.

While many won’t reveal their secrets, these lucky charms stand out as some of the best in NBA Draft Lottery history.

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