The Sacramento Kings now know where they will be picking in the 2013 NBA Draft. Following the league’s annual lottery, the Kings earned the seventh overall pick in next month’s draft, which takes place June 27 at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn.
“My lucky number 7,” new Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé tweeted shortly after the lottery results were revealed. “(Day) I was born 7, (Stephen) Curry picked at 7, (Harrison) Barnes at 7, seven is heaven.”
When it came to moving up in the order, the odds were not in the Kings favor. The Kings had a 6.3 percent chance of winning the right to select first in the league’s annual draft. By comparison, they had a 30.44 percent chance of moving down to the seventh selection.
This is the second time in three years that the Kings will own the seventh pick in the NBA Draft. Sacramento had the same pick in the 2011 Draft, but ended up trading the selection for John Salmons and the rights to Jimmer Fredette in a three-team deal with the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Bobcats.
Including 2011, the Kings have owned the seventh choice in the NBA Draft five times in franchise history. In 1990, the Kings selected Lionel Simmons with the seventh pick. In 1992, they chose Walt Williams out of Maryland. In 1993, they drafted Bobby Hurley out of Duke. And finally in 1998, they chose Jason Williams, who, along with Chris Webber, Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic, ushered in the the greatest era of basketball in Kings franchise history.
The Kings moved down in this year’s draft due to the Washington Wizards ascendence in the order. The Wizards owned the seventh best odds of winning this year’s lottery and ended up with third pick. The Orlando Magic, who owned the best odds, fell to the second pick, while the Cleveland Cavaliers won the right to choose first for the third time in 10 years.
Notable players picked seventh overall
- 2012 – Harrison Barnes, Warriors
- 2010 – Greg Monroe, Pistons
- 2009 – Stephen Curry, Warriors
- 2004 – Luol Deng, Suns
- 2003 – Kirk Hinrich, Bulls
- 2002 – Nene Hilario, Nuggets
- 1999 – Richard Hamilton, Wizards
- 1998 – Jason Williams, Kings
- 1997 – Damon Stoudamire, Raptors
- 1991 – Luc Longley, Timberwolves
- 1987 – Kevin Johnson, Cavaliers
- 1985 – Chris Mullin, Warriors
- 1979 – Vinnie Johnson, Sonics
- 1977 – Bernard King, Nets
- 1967 – Pat Riley, Rockets
- 1965 – Billy Cunningham, 76ers
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