Hall‑of‑Famer Shaquille O’Neal just added fresh fuel to the NBA’s longest‑running controversy: Is the Draft Lottery rigged?
On Ashley Nevel’s podcast, O’Neal recalled a private exchange with then‑commissioner David Stern, three months before the 1992 draft, when Stern allegedly asked:
“Do you want to play where it’s cold or where it’s hot?”
Shaq replied, “Hot.” Stern smiled, and the Orlando Magic (hello, Florida heat) won the No. 1 pick that spring. Charlotte and Minnesota, both colder markets, landed Nos. 2 and 3.
A Running List of NBA Draft Lottery “Coincidences”
- 1985 – Patrick Ewing to the Knicks
Still the grand‑daddy of conspiracy theories: a supposedly “frozen envelope” that allowed New York to snag its franchise center during a ratings lull. - 1992 – Shaq to Orlando
Stern’s comment + a brand‑new expansion team + Florida sunshine = eyebrows raised ever since. - 2025 – Mavericks Win After Luka Trade
O’Neal even cited the “interesting” timing of Dallas winning this year’s lottery months after fan outrage over trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers. Convenient PR reset, or random ping‑pong luck?
Why Fans Still Believe
- Business Incentives – A star in the right market boosts TV ratings, jersey sales, and global reach.
- Opaque Process – The actual ball draws happen behind closed doors; the TV show reveals only results.
- Past Controversies – From the 2002 Lakers‑Kings officiating scandal to Stern’s voided Chris Paul trade, the league’s image of total impartiality has taken hits.
Stern, who died in 2020, can’t confirm or deny the story, and Shaq has a reputation for colorful storytelling. Yet the timing and outcome line up neatly enough to keep skeptics buzzing.
As social media reignites the “rigged” debate, one truth remains: the NBA Draft Lottery’s mystique is part of its marketing magic, and stories like Shaq’s guarantee that magic, and the controversy, never fade.
So, conspiracy or coincidence? Let us know what you think in the comment section.
