During Danny Ainge’s inaugural experience in the NBA draft lottery chamber
In Chicago, Danny Ainge, with 43 years of NBA experience as a player, coach, and executive, finally stepped into the draft lottery room for the first time. Despite this being a rare NBA first for him, Ainge remained calm, treating it like any other Sunday. With the Jazz potentially getting various draft outcomes, including a top four pick or even losing their pick, one might expect Ainge to be nervous. Yet, he brushed off any anxiety, emphasizing his lack of control over the situation, echoing the advice he gives players to focus on what they can control.
The lottery drawing, a private affair, involved representatives from all 14 lottery teams, NBA staff, security, and select media members surrendering their devices before the draw. The unexpected outcome saw the Atlanta Hawks, with just a 3% chance, securing the top pick, surprising many but not Ainge, who quipped about the slim odds. As the envelopes were sealed and results prepared for public unveiling, Ainge remained composed, acknowledging the uncertainties inherent in the process.
The Jazz, with the eighth-best odds, ultimately landed the 10th pick, narrowly avoiding a scenario where they would lose the pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ainge downplayed the significance of the difference between the eighth and 10th picks, emphasizing the need to swiftly move forward regardless of the outcome.
