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 – MAY 10: Basketball: NBA Finals, Philadelphia 76ers Darryl Dawkins (53) in action, taking shot vs Los Angeles Lakers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (33), Philadelphia, PA 5/10/1980 (Photo by Manny Millan/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (SetNumber: X24508)
UNITED STATES – MAY 10: Basketball: NBA Finals, Philadelphia 76ers Darryl Dawkins (53) in action, taking shot vs Los Angeles Lakers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (33), Philadelphia, PA 5/10/1980 (Photo by Manny Millan/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (SetNumber: X24508) /

12. Piece of glass backboard, Philadelphia 76ers

As far as franchise heirlooms go, few things can top the 76ers’ good luck charm from the 2014 NBA Draft Lottery.

Looking to get some positive news out of an ugly 19-63 season, Philadelphia fans came up with some wild ideas for possible good luck charms. Local radio station 97.5 The Fanatic FM ran a contest and managed to find a fan who owned a piece of the glass backboard that was shattered on an infamous dunk by Darryl “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins in 1979, which became the team’s good luck charm that year.

Dawkins was a legend in Philadelphia in the 1970s and early 1980s, helping the 76ers to three Finals appearances. In particular, Dawkins was known for monster dunks he gave outlandish nicknames like the “In-Your-Face Disgrace” and “Spine-Chiller Supreme.”

Unfortunately, the charm didn’t quite work, as the 76ers got the third pick in the 2014 NBA Draft when they had the best chance to get second. Philadelphia used that pick on Joel Embiid, who has a sky-high ceiling but has been unable to make his pro debut yet due to injuries.

We’ll give the charm an incomplete on effectiveness for now, as Embiid could end up with an excellent career. However, there have been few better charm ideas with such a strong connection to franchise history.

Next: 11. Cow magnet, Golden State Warriors

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