Fansided

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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BOSTON – APRIL 23: Boston Celtics team president and former coach Red Auerbach looks on during Game one of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Indiana Pacers during the 2005 NBA Playoffs at Fleet Center on April 23, 2005 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON – APRIL 23: Boston Celtics team president and former coach Red Auerbach looks on during Game one of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Indiana Pacers during the 2005 NBA Playoffs at Fleet Center on April 23, 2005 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

7. Red Auerbach’s cigars, Boston Celtics

Several years prior to the leprechaun tie, Auerbach had already cemented his place as one of the best good luck charms in Lottery history.

The Celtics missed the playoffs with a 36-46 record in 1998, continuing a franchise-record three year drought. Many believed the 1998 NBA Draft had the potential to be one of the best ever, so Boston really needed a good selection to get things turned around.

General manager Chris Wallace turned to none other than Auerbach, a franchise legend, for help. Auerbach, known for always smoking a victory cigar, gifted Wallace two half-smoked stogie butts prior to the 1998 Lottery.

The good luck charm didn’t appear to work at first, as the Celtics ended up with the tenth overall pick following the Lottery. However, Boston was able to select Paul Pierce with that pick, who would go on to take his place alongside Auerbach in Celtics lore.

Pierce helped Boston to two Finals appearances, including the 2008 championship. Meanwhile, the Celtics avoided the embarrassment of drafting busts like Olowokandi with a higher draft pick.

Few Lottery charms have a better connection to franchise history than Auerbach’s cigars. The Celtics enter the 2016 draft with the third-best odds for the top pick thanks to the Brooklyn Nets, and may want to track down another Auerbach heirloom.

Next: 6. Blake Griffin sports coat, Los Angeles Clippers

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