The NBA announced its plans to conduct the NBA draft lottery in Chicago come May. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported first. It will be the first time a city outside of the Tri-State area has hosted the event.
The NBA will hold its 2018 draft lottery on May 15 in Chicago — the eve of the start of the draft combine there.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 2, 2017
The NBA voted on and approved the changes to the NBA draft lottery last summer. The Draft Combine, which has been held in Chicago annually, will begin the day after the lottery.
The change in venue has the looks of a sneakily shrewd move by the NBA. By having the lottery in the same city as the combine, all eyes will be on the town and its franchise. The Bulls are expected to draw a high pick in next year’s draft now that the rebuild is in full effect.
Players like Marvin Bagley, Michael Porter Jr., and Luka Doncic will likely be in attendance at the combine; all are likely to be high lottery picks.
Chicago will look to take advantage of being center stage this spring as a hotbed of NBA activity.
Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel released a statement acknowledging the unique situation of the city.
Following from K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune,
“The decision by the NBA to move the 2018 Draft Lottery to Chicago is a recognition of our city’s status as a worldwide hub for sports, entertainment and culture,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. “The eyes of basketball fans from across the country and around the world will be on Chicago next year, and we look forward to hosting a great event. The NBA is recognizing what the NFL, NHL, MLS and the America’s Cup have all realized in recent years: Chicago is unique in our ability to host world class events and Chicago residents and fans are second to none.”
The Draft Lottery will be held on May 15.
