20 May 2009

Clippers to pick first in NBA draft

3:07 pm on 20 May 2009

The perennial National Basketball Association also-rans the Los Angeles Clippers will go first in the draft next month after winning the draft lottery.

The Clippers had only the third-best chance to win the top pick, and by doing so they've given themselves a chance to nab the college player of the year. Blake Griffin.

The Memphis Grizzlies earned the second draft selection and Oklahoma City third.

The Sacramento Kings had the best chance to win the lottery after finishing with an NBA-worst 17-65 record, but fell to fourth, while Washington will have the number five pick.

The lottery decides which teams have the top three picks, with the rest of the first round going in reverse order of a club's record.