The last time New Orleans’ NBA franchise participated in a draft lottery during an Olympic/Presidential election year, it proved to be one of the most fortuitous nights in team history. The then-Hornets overcame the odds to secure 2012’s top pick, earning the right to select power forward Anthony Davis. The University of Kentucky product has gone on to earn three consecutive All-Star selections and led the Pelicans to a playoff berth in ‘15.
When the 2016 NBA lottery is held May 17, New Orleans will be seeking a similar result, though its chances of earning the No. 1 pick are roughly doubly more difficult this time than in ’12.