Shaquille O’Neal, Hall of Famer, recounted a conversation he had with former NBA commissioner David Stern months before the 1992 Draft Lottery that seemed to hint at a predetermined outcome.

Is the NBA Draft Lottery rigged?

O’Neal, who was the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft, revealed that in March of that year, about three months before the draft, he met with Stern. During their meeting, Stern expressed excitement about O’Neal joining the league but then pulled him aside and asked a seemingly unusual question: “You want to play where it’s cold or where it’s hot?”

O’Neal replied that he preferred playing in a warm climate. Shortly after, the draft lottery took place, and the Orlando Magic, located in Florida’s warm climate, won the No. 1 pick. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets, both from colder regions, received the second and third picks respectively.

At the time, O’Neal said to not think much of their exchange, but looking back, he finds it “very interesting” and acknowledges the many conspiracy theories that have swirled around the lottery over the years.

2025 Draft Lottery and Renewed Speculation

The NBA Draft Lottery has been under intense scrutiny recently after the Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 No. 1 overall pick despite having just a 1.8% chance. The Mavericks’ surprising lottery win, following their trade of superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers, sparked fresh speculation about the league manipulating outcomes to maintain competitive balance or maximize revenue.

O’Neal referenced this situation, noting how the Mavericks’ low odds and recent roster moves have fans questioning the legitimacy of the lottery.

“You hear a lot of these conspiracy theories, and there’s a lot of situations that could make these things sound good and sound true. Like, okay, Dallas gets rid of one of the best players, but oh, we’re getting a new one. Ding, ding, ding,” O’Neal said.

The NBA has maintained that the draft lottery is conducted fairly and transparently, with strict protocols and independent auditors overseeing the process. However, the league’s history of managing competitive balance and the high stakes involved in draft positioning inevitably fuel skepticism among fans and analysts.

O’Neal’s anecdote about Stern’s question and the subsequent lottery results from 1992 is often cited as one of the most intriguing pieces of “inside” information fueling these theories.