New York: The Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Draft Lottery and the top overall pick for the second time in three years yesterday.
The Cavaliers were able to edge out the Orlando Magic, who had the highest probability of winning the top selection, as they continue to rebuild a franchise reeling from the loss of LeBron James following the 2009-10 campaign.
“It’s huge for us,” Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert told reporters. “This is our third year in a row in the lottery. Hopefully it’s our last for a long, long time.”
Cleveland selected Kyrie Irving with the number one selection in 2011 and the guard has blossomed from a Rookie of the Year into an All Star.
The Cavaliers were still unable to avoid finishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference this past season, however, though they are on the verge of receiving major help.
Following the Cavaliers and Magic, the Washington Wizards will pick third. Charlotte, Phoenix, New Orleans and Sacramento will get picks 4-7. The 2013 Draft is set for June 27 in New York.
Meanwhile, NBA great Michael Jordan wants to get Charlotte buzzing again, applying to the NBA to re-name his Charlotte Bobcats the Hornets.
If approved, the switch would take effect for the 2014-15 season.
The first NBA club in Charlotte was named the Hornets, and played in the city from 1988 until they moved to New Orleans in 2002.
In 2004, the league awarded the expansion Bobcats franchise to Charlotte.
Now that the New Orleans club has re-named itself the Pelicans, a switch that became official last month, Jordan wants to bring the Hornets name back to Charlotte.
“This is a monumental moment for our organization,” Jordan said. “After undergoing an elaborate research process, we recognize that this is what our fans want.
Agencies
