Over the past 25 years, the Eastern Conference has dominated the NBA Draft Lottery, securing the top pick 14 times since the Cleveland Cavaliers selected LeBron James first overall in 2003, compared to nine times for the Western Conference. Notably, 57% of Eastern Conference top picks became All-Stars with their drafting team, while 75% of Western Conference top selections achieved the same. The Atlanta Hawks’ unexpected 2024 lottery win exemplifies the East’s luck, despite the West landing generational talents like Victor Wembanyama and Zion Williamson in recent drafts.
