May 23, 2006

The Toronto Raptors won the first overall pick in tonight's NBA Draft Lottery, held at the National Basketball Association broadcast studios in Secacus, New Jersey. With only an 8.8 per cent chance of getting the top selection, the Raptors jumped up from the fifth spot based on their record during the 2005-06 season.

"I am very pleased with the outcome. It was a lot of stress at the end,” said Bryan Colangelo, president and general manager of the Raptors. "Now the Toronto Raptors find themselves in a situation with not only the number one pick but cap flexibility thanks to a couple of deals made by Wayne Embry. The combination gives us plenty of options and we are playing with a full deck."

The 22nd NBA Lottery sets the draft order for the 14 non-playoff teams for the 2006 NBA Draft scheduled for June 28 in New York City. This marks the second time in franchise history that Toronto has won the draft lottery. The Raptors won the 1996 lottery after finishing 27th overall with a 21-61 record but were unable to select first as per their expansion agreement with the league.