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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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BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: Boston Celtics mascot Lucky the Leprechaun spins a ball on his finger during a time out in the second half during a preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on October 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Lawrie/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: Boston Celtics mascot Lucky the Leprechaun spins a ball on his finger during a time out in the second half during a preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on October 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Lawrie/Getty Images) /

14. Steve Pagliuca’s leprechaun tie, Boston Celtics

The Celtics haven’t had to participate in the Draft Lottery too many times throughout their storied history. On the few occasions Boston has gone through a rebuilding phase, it has gone all out with the good luck charms.

Coming off a miserable 25-27 season in 2014, Celtics co-owner Steve Paglicua was desperate for a good pick to get the proud franchise heading in the right direction once again. Among numerous other charms, Paglicua wore a leprechaun-speckled tie to the 2014 Draft Lottery.

As if that wasn’t Celtics-appropriate enough, the tie was gifted to him by legendary Boston coach Red Auerbach. Boston ended up with the sixth pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, their most likely projected position before the draft.

The Celtics ended up using that selection on Marcus Smart, who has averaged 8.4 points and 3.1 assists per contest in the first two years of his career. Smart has shown improvement as his career, and could very easily go down as the best selection in the 2014 draft other than Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker.

Since then, the Celtics have improved under Brad Stevens with two straight playoff appearances, including a 48-34 mark this season. Auerbach has been a source of good luck charms in a few different Lotteries, and will be making another appearence later on in this ranking.

Next: 13. Pat Williams, Orlando Magic

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