The NBA Draft Lottery has long been surrounded by conspiracy theories questioning its legitimacy. Here's an analysis of the most compelling evidence and notable "coincidences" throughout its history.

The Frozen Envelope Theory (1985)

• First NBA Draft Lottery
• New York Knicks won rights to Patrick Ewing
• Conspiracy claims NBA froze Knicks' envelope to be identifiable by touch
• Some noticed bent corner on Knicks' envelope
• NBA allegedly wanted star player in largest media market

LeBron James Era Coincidences

• 2003: Cleveland Cavaliers win lottery to draft hometown hero LeBron James
• Post-LeBron departure (2011-2014):
  • Won 2011 lottery with 1.7% odds (Kyrie Irving)
  • Won 2013 lottery with third-best odds (Anthony Bennett)
  • Won 2014 lottery with ninth-best odds (Andrew Wiggins)
• These picks helped convince LeBron to return in 2014

The Chicago Bulls' Lucky Break (2008)

• Bulls had 1.7% chance to win lottery
• Won rights to draft Chicago native Derrick Rose
• Made NBA's third-largest market relevant again
• Rose became youngest MVP in league history

Other Notable Incidents

• 2012: New Orleans wins lottery after NBA blocked Chris Paul trade
• 2016: Dikembe Mutombo congratulated 76ers for winning hours before lottery

While many lottery results appear random, these coincidences have fueled ongoing skepticism about the process's integrity. Though concrete proof of manipulation doesn't exist, the pattern of favorable outcomes for major markets and compelling storylines continues to raise questions.

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