MINNEAPOLIS — To no one's surprise, the Minnesota Timberwolves were unlucky in the NBA lottery once again.
The Wolves finished with the No. 9 pick in the league's annual draft lottery on Tuesday night. That's exactly where they were supposed to pick, according to their record during the regular season. In 15 trips to the lottery in franchise history, the Timberwolves have never improved their position.
The odds were very long when the night started, with just a 1.7 percent chance of getting the No. 1 overall pick.
The Timberwolves sent forward Kevin Love as their representative. Love tried to double down on the luck when he brought with him a Ricky Rubio action figure.
Maybe that wasn't the best idea. Rubio wears No. 9, after all. Minnesota will select ninth for the first time in franchise history.
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NBA All-Stars who were chosen ninth in their respective NBA Drafts include Joakim Noah (2007, Chicago), Andre Iquodala (2004, Philadelphia), Amare Stoudemire (2002, Phoenix), Shawn Marion (1999, Phoenix), Dirk Nowitzki (1998, Milwaukee) and Tracy McGrady (1997, Toronto).
Along with the ninth overall pick, the Timberwolves also hold the first round pick of Memphis (26th). In addition, the Wolves have two second-round picks, the 51st (Brooklyn's selection via New Orleans) and 59th (Oklahoma City's selection) overall draft choices.
