Hornets Aim for No. 1 Pick in 2025 NBA Draft Lottery

CHICAGO, IL — The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery takes place tonight, as teams look to secure key future picks. The Charlotte Hornets, with a 14% chance for the No. 1 pick, are among 14 teams eligible for a transformative selection designed to redefine their roster.

Fans in Charlotte can join a public party hosted by the team at Legion Brewing South Park, starting at 6 p.m. ET. The event features a panel discussion with ESPN’s Paul Biancardi and FanDuel Sports Network’s Terrence Oglesby, moderated by Hornets broadcaster Sam Farber. With excitement in the air, the team hopes to land top prospect Cooper Flagg from Duke.

The lottery will determine the order of the first 14 picks, with teams like the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards sharing the best odds alongside the Hornets. The event unfolds live from McCormick Place West, following a dismal season for Charlotte, which ended with a 19-63 record.

The Hornets’ draft position is crucial, especially in a year stacked with talent. They expect a great turnout at Legion Brewing, where fans will enjoy food and drinks while celebrating the crucial evening. For those unable to attend, the lottery will be broadcast live on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET, providing nationwide access to the results.

Charlotte’s draft history has been marked by missed opportunities, including the No. 1 pick in 1991 when they selected Larry Johnson. With a chance for a top selection this year, there’s hope for improvement. A top pick this year could introduce valuable talents like Flagg, who is known for his versatility and skill.

The Hornets’ conference rivals and other teams also await the outcome, as the lottery will significantly affect offseason strategies. The team’s recent struggles haven’t dampened fan enthusiasm, as community engagement efforts continue to strengthen ties.

As the lottery nears, anticipation swells in Charlotte, making tonight’s event a pivotal moment for the Hornets and their supporters looking for a long-awaited turnaround.