The 25 Smartest Lottery Picks in NBA History

The 2013 NBA Draft Lottery is tonight at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN. This is a night where a franchise's fortune can change overnight. The consensus is that this will be a weak draft, but all that means is teams have to get creative and really put their thinking caps on. Maybe somewhere in this draft there's an international stud (like Croatia's Dario Saric), or a kid with a drive and passion to get better. Nerlens Noel is expected go No.1, but we feel like Trey Burke is the best player in the draft. He won the 2013 National Player of the Year and played for the National Championship while Noel sat with a torn ACL. Guys like Penny and Dirk were acquired via draft day trades, while guys like Dwyane Wade and Paul Pierce were slept on. So with the Lottery hours away, let's take a look at The 25 Smartest Lottery Picks in NBA History.

*We shyed away from no-brainer picks, so no Shaq and LeBron picks here.*
*The NBA Draft Lottery started in 1984 prior to the '85 season.*
*From 1985-1988 Lottery picks were 1-7. From 1989-1995 Lottery picks were 1-11. From 1996- 2004 Lottery picks were 1-13. From 2005-Present Lottery picks are 1-14*

Written by Angel Diaz (@ADiaz456)

25. Stephen Curry

School: Davidson
Team: Golden State Warriors
Year/Pick: 2009/No. 7
Career stats: 19.2 PPG 6.1 APG 4.0 RPG 1.7 SPG
Career accomplishments: 2010 All-Rookie

Three teams in need of a point guard passed on Steph; the Wolves (who drafted Ricky Rubio, no hate), the Kings (Tyreke Evans), and the Wolves again (Jonny Flynn. SMH). Imagine how crazy Minny would be if they were trotting out Rubio, Curry and Love as their "Big 3?" Curry went to a small school in Davidson but it wasn't like he was flying under the radar. He took them to the Elite 8 during his sophomore year all while taking the nation by storm, draining the most treys in a single season in college history with 162.

Teams passed on him because of his size, the fact that he played Davidson, and doubts on whether he can be a point guard. Finally healthy, Curry has made his critics eat crow once again with his spectacular 2013 NBA campaign in which he made the most three-pointers ever in a season. He also carried the Warriors to the sixth seed and the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs. Let's hope those paper thin ankles can hold up.

24. Vince Carter

School: North Carolina
Team: Toronto Raptors via Golden State Warriors
Year/Pick: 1998/No. 5
Career stats: 20.8 PPG 5.0 RPG 3.8 APG 1.1 SPG
Career accomplishments: 8x All-Star, 1999 Rookie of the Year, 1999 All-Rookie, 2x All-NBA

This was a smart pick because the Raptors traded the rights to Antwan Jamison to Golden State for Carter. Both were teammates at North Carolina, with Jamison being the more successful college player (1998 College Player of the Year), but he was a "'tweener" and many teams weren't sure if his game would translate to the NBA. Toronto went with the sure thing and it paid off. Carter made the Raptors relevant while turning every dunk into "Must See TV." In terms of playoff wins, his career was a bit of a disappointment, but his overall numbers suggest that he should be a Hall of Famer-considering his high school and college careers as well.

23. Kevin Love

School: UCLA
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves via Memphis Grizzlies
Year/Pick: 2008/No. 5
Career stats: 19.6 PPG 13.8 RPG 2.2 APG
Career accomplishments: 2x All-Star, 2008 All-Rookie, 1x All-NBA, 1x Rebounding Champion

Coming out of high school, Love was championed by magazines like Slam. After only one season at UCLA where he averaged a double-double, the Wolves took Kevin Love in hopes that he would mirror those efforts in the L. His rookie year was nothing to write home about and he spent most of the his first two seasons coming off the bench. He must've took that as a swipe because he has gotten better every year. We're still waiting for him to play some defense, but it's hard to nit-pick a guy that can give you 20 points and 20 boards on any given night. If he and Ricky Rubio can stay healthy, the Wolves will be a problem for the big dogs in the West for years to come.

22. Dwyane Wade

School: Marquette
Team: Miami Heat
Year/Pick: 2003/No. 5
Career stats: 24.7 PPG 5.1 RPG 6.1 APG 1.8 SPG 1.0 BPG
Career accomplishments: 9x All-Star, 1x Finals MVP, 2004 All-Rookie, 3x All-Defense, 7x All-NBA, 2x Champion, 1x Scoring Champion

The Pistons, Nuggets, and Raptors all passed on Dwyane Wade in favor of Darko Milicic, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh. Little did they know that Wade would have the ability to take teams to the promised land. During his first three years in Miami, the Heat made it to the second round of the playoffs in 2004, the Eastern Conference Finals in 2005, and the Finals in 2006. In those 2006 Finals, with the help of Shaq and a team full of veterans, Wade solidified himself as a superstar with an unbelievable performance. Down 0-2 to the Mavs, "Flash" averaged 39.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks over the next four games, sending Dallas home in six games and winning Miami's first NBA title. He's also the mastermind behind LeBron and Chris Bosh joining him in South Beach. Now with two rings, Wade and his "Super Friends" are poised for a second consecutive chip.

21. Amar'e Stoudemire

School: Cypress Creek (FL) (HS)
Team: Phoenix Suns
Year/pick: 2002/No.9
Career Stats: 21.3 PPG 8.6 RPG 1.4 APG 1.4 BPG
Career Accomplishments: 6x All-Star, 2003 Rookie of the Year, 2003 All-Rookie, 5x All-NBA

Taking a kid straight out of high school is always a risk, especially if the kid went to six different schools, missed his junior season, and only played two years of high school ball. But all that didn't matter because STAT was physically gifted and had a good head on his shoulders despite his rocky upbringing. Amar'e took home Rookie of the Year honors in 2003 and was dunking on everything in site during his first couple of years. But it wasn't until his third season when the Suns signed Steve Nash that his career really started to take off. Together they lifted Phoenix to the top of the Western Conference standings, but couldn't get it done in the playoffs, losing to the Spurs and the Mavs, respectively. Unfortunately, chronic knees have troubled Stoudemire and he is a shell of the player he used to be.

20. Gary Payton

School: Oregon St.
Team: Seattle Supersonics
Year/Pick: 1990/No. 2
Career stats: 16.3 PPG 6.7 APG 3.9 RPG 1.8 SPG
Career accomplishments: 9x All-Star, 1x Defensive Player of the Year, 1991 All-Rookie, 9x All-Defense, 9x All-NBA, 1x Champion, 1x Steals Leader

The 1990 Draft was a weak one. The Nets decided to take Derrick Coleman with the first pick and Gary Payton went behind him to Seattle. The rest is history. Coleman is known more for his underachieving career than for his talent. Using defense as his calling card, Payton has etched himself into the record books. He currently sits top 10 all time in both assists and steals, and is one of five guards to ever win Defensive Player of the Year. GP could score, too. He put up 20 or more points seven times during his 18-year career.

19. Pau Gasol

School: N/A
Team: Vancouver Grizzlies via Atlanta Hawks
Year/pick: 2001/No. 3
Career Stats: 18.4 PPG 9.2 RPG 3.3 APG 1.6 BPG
Career Accomplishments: 4x All-Star, 2002 Rookie of the Year, 2002 All-Rookie, 3x All-NBA, 2x Champion

After two high school players were selected, the Grizzlies made a draft day trade with the Hawks for the rights to Gasol. The two guys selected? Kwame Brown and Tyson Chandler. Relatively unknown here in America, Pau was becoming a young star in Spain and made enough noise that the Grizzlies took him with the third pick. That proved to be a smart move as he turned Vancouver/Memphis into a legitimate franchise, making the playoffs three of the six years he was there.

Although, he's known as soft, Gasol is one of the most versatile power forwards in the L. He has sweet jumpshot, has a soft touch around the rim, can rebound, defend (when he's not feeling like cotton), and most importantly, knows how to win. Kobe can thank Pau for helping him get his two post-Shaq championships.

18. James Harden

School: Arizona St.
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Year/Pick: 2009/No. 3
Career stats: 16.2 PPG 3.8 RPG 3.3 APG 1.3 SPG
Career accomplishments: 1x All-Star, 2010 All-Rookie, 2012 Sixth Man of the Year

Three consecutive years, three genius picks by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Playing in the Pac-12, James Harden wasn't a household name. However, people that knew basketball were aware of just how good Harden was during his time as a Sun Devil. Instead of taking, "The Beard" at No. 2, the Grizzlies regrettably went with "stud" Hasheem Thabeet. We know seven-footers don't grow on trees, but neither do left-handed, 6'5" guards with a penchant for scoring at will. Harden has always been a one-man recking crew, and he proved it after being traded to the Rockets this season.

17. Andrew Bynum

School: St. Joseph (NJ) (HS)
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Year/Pick: 2005/No. 10
Career stats: 11.7 PPG 7.8 RPG 1.2 APG 1.6 BPG
Career accomplishments: 1x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 2x Champion

Yup, Andrew Bynum. Leave it to Phil Jackson and the Los Angeles Lakers to be the smartest guys in the room. With the exception of Milwaukee, Utah, and New Orleans, there's absolutely no excuse to pass on a seven-foot high school kid with legit game. We're not talking about Darko Milicic here. We're talking about a kid that put up 22.4 points, 16.8 rebounds and 5.3 blocks per game during his senior year in high school. Long story short, Bynum was/is a monster. Although, he has battled injuries his entire career, Bynum was a key piece on two championship teams. Too bad he's a nutjob.

16. Dwight Howard

School: Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy (GA) (HS)
Team: Orlando Magic
Year/Pick: 2004/No. 1
Career stats: 18.3 PPG 12.9 RPG 1.5 APG 2.2 BPG 1.0 SPG
Career accomplishments: 7x All-Star, 3x Defensive Player of the Year, 6x All-NBA, 5x All-Defense, 5x Rebounding Champion, 2x Blocks Leader

Say what you want about Dwight Howard, but, when healthy, the guy is pretty good at basketball, especially on the defensive end. Since Shaq left, Orlando went through many disappointing seasons and fans were salivating at the chance at another "once in a lifetime" star. They got just that in Dwight. Coming out of high school, he had an NBA-ready body and great defensive instincts. Athleticism aside, Dwight's timing when it comes to protecting the rim is remarkable. He seemingly blocks every shot and grabs every rebound. He does it so effortlessly that he's often criticized for not going hard, but then you check the stat sheet at the end of the night and he's giving you a double-double along with several blocks. Unfortunately, his personality put him in the position he's in now. He's a great player, but him not having a spine is a problem. He should've stayed in Orlando.

15. Ray Allen

School: UConn
Team: Milwaukee Bucks via Minnesota Timberwolves
Year/Pick: 1996/No. 5
Career stats: 19.4 PPG 4.1 RPG 3.4 APG 1.1 SPG
Career accomplishments: 10x All-Star, 1997 All-Rookie, 2x All-NBA, 1x Champion, All-Time Leader in Three-Pointers

The Bucks traded the rights to Stephon Marbury in exchange for Ray Allen. At the time it didn't seem like such a smart move because Marbury seemed like the better of the two. No one can predict the way a player's personality can affect his pro career, though. Steph had a lot of talent but he's also very selfish, and you can't have that in a point guard. Allen is arguably the greatest three-point shooter in history and can call himself a champion. However, early in his career Allen was more than just a sharpshooter. He was able to handle the pill, take you off the dribble, and defend.

14. LaMarcus Aldridge

School: Texas
Team: Portland Trailblazers via Chicago Bulls
Year/Pick: 2006/No. 2
Career stats: 18.6 PPG 7.9 RPG 1.9 APG 1.0 BPG
Career accomplishments: 2x All-Star, 2007 All-Rookie, 1x All-NBA

The Blazers traded the rights to Tyrus Thomas to the Chicago Bulls for Aldridge. That's really all that should be said. LaMarcus is one of the best power forwards in the L today and has been trying to keep Portland relevant since Brandon Roy went down. Now with some help in the form of 2013 Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard, LaMarcus has a second chance at building a legacy with the Blazers.

13. Brandon Roy

School: Washington
Team: Portland Trailblazers via Minnesota Timberwolves
Year/Pick: 2006/No. 6
Career stats: 18.8 PPG 4.3 RPG 4.7 APG 1.0 SPG
Career accomplishments: 3x All-Star, 2007 Rookie of the Year, 2007 All-Rookie, 2x All-NBA

Andrea Bargnani, Adam Morrison, Tyrus Thomas, and Shelden Williams. Those were the players taken before Brandon Roy. Had he been able to stay healthy, along with LaMarcus Aldridge, the Blazers were poised to be a top team in the West. He's a natural leader and for whatever reason raises his game when it matters most. Unfortunately, his knees betrayed him and after a short stint with the Timberwolves, he retired for good.

12. Damian Lillard

School: Weber St.
Team: Portland Trailblazers
Year/Pick: 2012/No. 6
Career stats: 19.0 PPG 6.5 APG 3.1 RPG 0.9 SPG
Career accomplishments: 2013 Rookie of the Year, 2013 All-Rookie

Other than the center position, the point guard is the most important role on a basketball team. All in need of floor generals, the Hornets, the Bobcats, and the Kings passed on the nation's leading scorer in Damian Lillard. Although, it's hard to argue against New Orleans taking Anthony Davis first overall, they might've been better off with Lillard instead. He came into the league with an NBA-ready game and body. During his senior season at Weber St., Lillard led the nation in scoring with 24.5 PPG, but wasn't taken too seriously because of their weak schedule. Hopefully, the injury bug somehow stays away from Portland's young and this kid can stay healthy. He's going to be fun to watch.

11. Paul George

School: Fresno St.
Team: Indiana Pacers
Year/Pick: 2010/No. 10
Career stats: 12.9 PPG 5.8 RPG 2.7 APG 1.5 SPG
Career accomplishments: 2011 All-Rookie, 1x All-Star, 1x All-Defense, 2013 Most Improved Player

Given what we know now, Paul George should've been the second pick of the draft behind John Wall. Eight teams that should've drafted him passed. George is establishing himself as the best perimeter defender in the game and he showed it with the job he did on Carmelo Anthony during the second round of this year's playoffs. The 6'8" forward's lanky build and versatility allows him to stick to opponents like glue and do a million and one things on the offensive end like a young Scottie Pippen. Without Danny Granger, George has turned into a true star and now has the Pacers four wins from a Finals appearance.

10. Chris Paul

School: Wake Forest
Team: New Orleans Hornets
Year/Pick: 2005/No. 4
Career stats: 18.6 PPG 9.8 APG 4.4 RPG 2.4 SPG
Career accomplishments: 6x All-Star, 2006 Rookie of the Year, 2006 All-Rookie, 5x All-Defense, 4x All-NBA, 2x Assists Leader, 5x Steals Leader

It's hard to believe that three teams passed on Chris Paul, but it's true. The Bucks took Andrew Bogut with the first pick, the Hawks took Marvin Williams (because they were content with Joe Johnson running the show), and the Jazz took Deron Williams. And all three of those franchises regret it immensely. Chris Paul is already one of the greatest point guards in history. In terms of averages, CP3 currently sits third all-time in assists (9.8) and steals (2.4) per game. He turned around two franchises and will be the most prized possession this offseason.

9. Russell Westbrook

School: UCLA
Team: Seattle Supersonics
Year/Pick: 2008/No. 4
Career stats: 19.9 PPG 6.9 APG 4.8 RPG 1.6 SPG
Career accomplishments: 3x All-Star, 2009 All-Rookie, 2x All-NBA

Westbrook played two seasons at UCLA and didn't really do anything mind-blowing. But the Seattle front office saw something in him and took a chance. Now they have two of the top 10 players in the league and have made two trips to the Western Conference Finals and one Finals appearance. Russell has been the Thunder's scapegoat during the last couple seasons. However, this postseason has changed those vicious lies. After going down with a torn meniscus in the first round, the Thunder weren't the same team and Kevin Durant proved that he couldn't do it alone. Westbrook is arguably the most athletic point guard to ever put on an NBA uniform. He's a two-way player that plays with a fire that can only be compared to greats like Isiah and MJ. It's hard not to want a guy that plays every game like it's his last on your side.

8. Paul Pierce

School: Kansas
Team: Boston Celtics
Year/Pick: 1998/No. 10
Career stats: 21.8 PPG 6.0 RPG 3.9 APG 1.4 SPG
Career accomplishments: 10x All-Star, 1x Finals MVP, 1999 All-Rookie, 4x All-NBA, 1x Champion

Nine teams passed on Paul Pierce like he didn't put up 20 and seven during his junior year at Kansas. His teammate, center Raef LeFrentz, was taken before him. That alone should make you cringe. Pierce has carved out a nice career for himself and he's played it while donning only one jersey. That's a great accomplishment given today's climate. He's been the face of the Boston franchise his entire career and might've punched his ticket to the Hall with his 2008 title and Finals MVP. It doesn't hurt that he's the Celtics second all-time leading scorer either.

7. Jason Kidd

School: California
Team: Dallas Mavs
Year/Pick: 1994/No. 2
Career stats: 12.6 PPG 8.7 APG 6.3 RPG 1.9 SPG
Career accomplishments: 10x All-Star, 1995 Rookie of the Year, 1995 All-Rookie, 9x All-Defense, 6x All-NBA, 1x Champion, 5x Assists Leader

The Bucks passed on Jason Kidd and Grant Hill, and took "Big Dog" Glenn Robinson. That alone makes this pick look like Albert Einstein was behind it. However, Mark Cuban didn't own the Mavs back then and they weren't able to keep Kidd there for too long. Two seasons after drafting him, they broke up the "Three J's" (Kidd, Jamal Mashburn, and Jim Jackson) because of Toni Braxton (allegedly). Dallas traded the best point guard of this generation for Sam Cassell, Michael Finley, A.C. Green, and a second round draft pick that turned into Greg Buckner. He then returned to Dallas 11 years later and helped them win a championship. Crazy how one genius move can turn into a bonehead move in two years.

6. Grant Hill

School: Duke
Team: Detroit Pistons
Year/Pick: 1994/No. 3
Career stats: 16.7 PPG 6.0 RPG 4.1 APG 1.2 SPG
Career accomplishments: 7x All-Star, 1995 Rookie of the Year, 1995 All-Rookie, 5x All-NBA

After the Mavs took Jason Kidd with the second pick, the Pistons went with Hill instead of the more hyped Juwan Howard and Jalen Rose. That proved to be a smart move as for a couple years, Grant Hill was arguably the best wing player in the game not named Michael Jordan. He and Kidd took home co-Rookie of the Year honors because it was too hard to pick one or the other. Grant was a one-man army and was a living, breathing triple-double; he currently sits at ninth all-time with 29. However, Hill injured his ankle to the point of no return during the 2000 season. He was never the same again, but still managed to have a long, productive career.

5. Penny Hardaway

School: Memphis
Team: Orlando Magic via Golden State Warriors
Year/Pick: 1993/No. 3
Career stats: 15.2 PPG 5.0 APG 4.5 RPG 1.6 SPG
Career accomplishments: 4x All-Star, 1993 All-Rookie, 3x All-NBA

The Orlando Magic originally wanted to pair Shaq up with Chris Webber, but after meeting Penny on the set of Blue Chips, O'Neal urged the Magic front office to go with Hardaway instead. That suggestion proved to be the right one. After trading the rights to Webber to the Warriors, Orlando immediately had two great complimentary players playing the two most important positions on the floor. In their first two seasons together, Penny and Shaq led Orlando to two Eastern Conference Finals appearances and one Finals appearance. Unfortunately, Shaq made another wise decision and bolted for the Lakers before Penny began suffering nagging knee injuries that eventually derailed his promising career.

4. Kevin Garnett

School: Farragut Career Academy (IL) (HS)
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Year/Pick: 1995/No. 5
Career stats: 19.1 PPG 10.5 RPG 3.9 APG 1.5 BPG 1.3 SPG
Career accomplishments: 15x All-Star, 1x MVP, 1x Defensive Player of the Year, 1995 All-Rookie, 9x All-NBA, 12x All-Defense, 1x Champion, 4x Rebounding Champion

Too bad the Timberwolves were never able to capitalize on such a smart pick. "The Big Ticket" came into the league as the first player to be drafted out of high school since 1975 (Darryl Dawkins and Bill Willoughby). Garnett is probably the most versatile big man to ever play. He can score inside and out, rebound, defend, pass, and, most importantly, lead. He's loyal as well, not once requesting a trade in his 12 years with Minnesota. And when he was finally put out of his misery and traded to the Celtics, he won a championship alongside fellow veterans Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.

3. Dirk Nowitzki

School: N/A
Team: Dallas Mavs via Milwaukee Bucks
Year/Pick: 1998/No. 9
Career stats: 22.6 PPG 8.2 RPG 2.6 APG 0.9 BPG 0.9 SPG
Career accomplishments: 11x All-Star, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 12x All-NBA, 1x Champion

After struggling during his first season, Dirk quickly turned into the first of his kind. He's a seven-foot assassin. No player his size can shoot like he can. Often taking criticism early in his career for being soft, Nowitzki developed a postup game and became more aggressive on the boards. He's not the best defender but his size allows him to protect the rim. After working him out, Don Nelson fell in love with his game and decided to swing some draft day deals to acquire him and Steve Nash. The rest is history as the two quickly became friends and future MVPs, all while turning the Mavs into contenders.

2. Scottie Pippen

School: Central Arkansas
Team: Chicago Bulls via Seattle Supersonics
Year/Pick: 1987/No. 5
Career stats: 16.1 PPG 6.4 RPG 5.2 APG 2.0 SPG
Career accomplishments: 7x All-Star, 10x All-Defense, 7x All-NBA, 6x Champion, 1x Steals Leader

It's hard to believe that Scottie Pippen, an all-time Top 50 player, wasn't offered a scholarship and had to walk onto Central Arkansas. Originally a point guard in high school, Scottie grew from 6'1" to 6'8", suddenly turning him into a beast—Pip averaged 23.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game during his senior season. With his already above-average ball handling skills, that growth spurt and Jordan's tutelage helped him become one of the best two-way players the game has ever seen. The Bulls trading Olden Polynice for the rights to acquire Scottie Pippen was one of the most brilliant moves in NBA history.

1. Kobe Bryant

School: Lower Merion (PA) (HS)
Team: Los Angeles Lakers via Charlotte Hornets
Year/pick: 1996/No. 13
Career Stats: 25.5 PPG 5.3 RPG 4.8 APG 1.5 SPG
Career Accomplishments: 15x All-Star, 1x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 1997 All-Rookie, 14x All-NBA, 12x All-Defense, 5x Champion, 2x Scoring Champion

Jerry West might be the Bret Hart of GMs a.k.a. "The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be." Kobe flew under everyone's radar. No guard had ever been taken out of high school, but when West worked out Bryant he was floored by the way he "marched over" former pros in Larry Drew and Michael Cooper. The Hornets agreed to trade their pick to the Lakers the day before the draft in exchange for L.A.'s starting center Vlade Divac. The Lakers had Charlotte take Bryant with the 13th pick, making him the youngest player ever drafted at 17. This trade was highway robbery and the only person that knew it was Jerry West.