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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NEWARK, NJ – JUNE 23: Kyrie Irving (R) from Duke greets NBA Commissioner David Stern after he was selected number one overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round 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: Kyrie Irving (R) from Duke greets NBA Commissioner David Stern after he was selected number one overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round 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) /

2. Nick Gilbert, Cleveland Cavaliers

Many teams have simply turned to lucky individuals rather than pendants or charms, particularly in recent seasons. That’s likely due to Gilbert, who has brought Cleveland plenty of good luck in the Lottery over the past five years.

After the initial departure of LeBron James in 2010, the Cavaliers were in an ugly situation. After failing to break through with a finals victory, Cleveland dropped from 61 wins in 2009-10 all the way to 19 the next year.

Looking for a spark, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert sent his son Nick to the Draft Lotteries in 2011 and 2013. With his lucky bow tie on, Nick would help the Cavaliers win both lotteries. While Nick would not attend the 2014 NBA Draft Lottery, his bow tie made the journey, and Cleveland won again with just a 1.7 percent chance at the top pick.

The Cavaliers would use those selections on Kyrie Irving, Anthony Bennett (in a very weak draft), and Andrew Wiggins. James would return in 2014, and the Cavaliers would trade Wiggins for Kevin Love to construct a team that may finally be able to break through with a title this season.

Nick Gilbert was born with neurofibromatosis, a condition that causes tumors to grow throughout his body without warning. Not only has he been one of the best good luck charms, Gilbert has been a part of some of the most heartwarming moments in NBA history.

Next: 1. Lucky horseshoe, New York Knicks

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