Originally started as individual envelopes stuffed with cards with the logo of each non-playoff team that was shuffled around in a bingo ball spinner, the system has since gone through multiple variations as it has been refined and made more ‘fair’ to the league’s worst teams.
Since 1985, the Phoenix Suns have participated in the lottery on 12 occasions (the 13th will be this May). 12 times has the team missed the playoffs and thus been given a shot at the number one overall spot in the draft. 12 times has Suns fans been disappointed.
While other franchises have leapt from the very back to the very front (1985 New York in particular), while others have won it multiple times (the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers are tied with the most lottery ‘wins’ at three), the Suns have yet to hit the jackpot, only coming close as second place, once.