Minnesota Lynx Win 2011 WNBA Draft Lottery
Published on November 2, 2010 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Minnesota Lynx News Release
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Lynx today won the 10th annual WNBA Draft Lottery, held in New York. Minnesota used the combinations from its first round pick - originally slotted second overall - to secure the first overall selection. Along with the first overall choice, the Lynx used the combinations obtained from a 2010 draft-day trade with Connecticut (originally slotted fourth overall) to secure the fourth overall selection. Tulsa, who held the No. 1 draft position coming into today's Draft Lottery, will pick second, followed by Chicago and then the Lynx.
"This is an exciting day to be a Minnesota Lynx fan," said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. "In winning today's Draft Lottery, we are guaranteed to add someone that we expect to be an MVP caliber player from the day she steps foot onto the court. When you add the No. 1 pick to the talent we already have on this roster, you can't help but be excited for what's to come."
Minnesota came into Tuesday's Draft Lottery with its own selection as well as Connecticut's first round pick, acquired via a 2010 draft-day trade with the Sun, in which the Lynx traded the third pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft (Kelsey Griffin) in exchange for first- and second-round picks in the 2011 WNBA Draft. The combined odds of obtaining the first pick in the draft from each selection added up to give the Lynx the second-best chance at securing the number one overall choice, with 380 chances out of 1,000, 62 less than Tulsa's 442. Minnesota came into the Draft Lottery with a 19.41 percent chance of obtaining the first and fourth overall selections.
This year marks the third time the Lynx have won the WNBA Draft Lottery (2010, 2006). In 2006, the Lynx defied the odds, winning the Draft Lottery from the number three position. They eventually used the pick to select two-time WNBA All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist Seimone Augustus. The Lynx have drafted in the fourth position twice - in 2007 when they selected Noelle Quinn and most recently in 2009 when the team chose Renee Montgomery.
Former WNBA Most Valuable Players Diana Taurasi (2004, Phoenix) and Lauren Jackson (2001, Seattle) were former number one overall selections. Also, former No. 1 picks and WNBA All-Stars Augustus (2006, Minnesota), Sue Bird (2002, Seattle) and Chamique Holdsclaw (1999, Washington) have enjoyed prominent WNBA careers. Notable No. 4 choices include Sophia Young (2006, San Antonio), Lindsay Whalen (2004, Connecticut), Asjha Jones (2002, Washington), DeLisha Milton-Jones (1999, Los Angeles), all WNBA All-Stars.
In addition to pick Nos. 1 and 4 overall, the Lynx will also select 13th, 14th and 26th overall. The 13th overall pick is the first pick in the second round, which originally belonged to Tulsa before the Lynx acquired it from Connecticut. The 14th (second round) and 26th (third round) overall picks are Minnesota's courtesy of the team's 2010 record.
In celebration of this historic day for the Lynx franchise, anyone that purchases a 2011 season ticket package or renews their season tickets by Friday, Nov. 12 will receive an exclusive meet and greet with the No. 1 overall draft pick. To purchase a full-season, anytime or flex-10 ticket package, call 612-673-8400 or visit www.lynxbasketball.com. Current season ticketholders who wish to renew are encouraged to contact fan relations executive, Erin Henning at 612-673-8421 or henning@lynxbasketball.com
Following are results of the 2011 WNBA Draft Lottery:
2011 WNBA DRAFT LOTTERY ORDER
Pick Team Chances (out of 1,000)
1. Minnesota 261
2. Tulsa 420
3. Chicago 167
4. Minnesota (from Connecticut) 76
Following is the remaining order for the first round as determined by overall records from the 2010 WNBA season:
REMAINING ORDER FOR FIRST ROUND
Pick Team 2010 Record
5. Los Angeles 13-21
6. San Antonio 14-20
7. Tulsa (from Phoenix) 15-19
8. Atlanta 19-15
9. Indiana 21-13
10. New York 22-12
11. Washington 22-12
12. Seattle 28-6
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from November 2, 2010
- Tulsa Shock Win Second Overall Pick in 2011 WNBA - Tulsa Shock
- Minnesota Lynx Win 2011 WNBA Draft Lottery - Minnesota Lynx
- Minnesota Lynx Win Top Pick in 2011 WNBA Draft - Tulsa Shock
- Minnesota Lynx Win Top Pick in 2011 WNBA Draft - WNBA
- Chicago Sky Draw the 3rd Overall Pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft - Chicago Sky
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
