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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UNITED STATES – NOVEMBER 27: Basketball: Minnesota Timberwolves Randy Foye (4) in action vs Dallas Mavericks, Dallas, TX 11/27/2006 (Photo by Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (SetNumber: X77122 TK1 R2)
UNITED STATES – NOVEMBER 27: Basketball: Minnesota Timberwolves Randy Foye (4) in action vs Dallas Mavericks, Dallas, TX 11/27/2006 (Photo by Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (SetNumber: X77122 TK1 R2) /

3. Holy Water from France, Minnesota Timberwolves

While there have been more effective NBA Draft lucky charms throughout history, nobody has gone to greater lengths than the Timberwolves in 2007.

Minnesota had Kevin Garnett and not much else going on in 2007, with a 32-win season and third consecutive playoff miss. The Timberwolves needed more than just a physical good luck charm, they needed a divine miracle.

Some member of the franchise traveled and trekked all the way to Lourdes, France, a small mountain town where the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared in 1958. There, the Timberwolves collected some Holy Water from Lourdes, and gave it to Randy Foye for the 2007 NBA Draft Lottery.

There would be no intervention for the Timberwolves, as they would not move up while finishing with the No. 7 pick. Minnesota used that pick on Corey Brewer, who was far from the worst selection in that year’s top 10, but didn’t help the franchise turn things around. Sneaking into the top three certainly would have helped, as Kevin Durant and Al Horford went right after Greg Oden.

While Holy Water proved to be not enough to save the Timberwolves, the team deserves credit for the idea and pure effort it took to get the charm.

Next: 2. Nick Gilbert, Cleveland Cavaliers

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