Utah Jazz Hold 14% NBA Draft Lottery Chance After Worst Record

The Utah Jazz, after a historically poor 17-65 season, dropped to the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NBA draft lottery despite having a 14% chance at the top pick, which they have never secured in franchise history. The NBA's flattened lottery odds since 2019 have made it harder for teams with the worst records to secure the first overall pick, resulting in the Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets sharing equal chances. Although the Jazz tanked intensively this season, including a notable fine due to sitting a key player, they continue to struggle with luck and perception regarding draft success. The team is looking to rebuild with promising young talent, targeting highly rated prospects like Duke's Cooper Flagg and Rutgers' Dylan Harper, hoping these picks will help them recover. Coach Will Hardy, despite the team's poor recent performance, has been given a long-term contract extension, signaling organizational faith in his leadership. Meanwhile, other teams like the Washington Wizards are considered more deserving by some analysts to win the lottery due to fan suffering, organizational conduct, and potential basketball excitement with new talent.