WASHINGTON, DC – The NBA announced tonight that the Washington Wizards received the third overall pick in the 2012 Draft during tonight’s Draft Lottery in New York. The Wizards were represented onstage by Zach Leonsis.
“We have been committed to our rebuilding plan and have seen the results of those efforts start to materialize with how our team is coming together,” said Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld. “Adding a top pick in the draft will only help that process, and we’re very optimistic about the future of this team moving forward.”
The Wizards, who had a 17.06% chance of receiving the third overall pick, were originally slotted to pick in the second spot prior to the unveiling of the draft order.
The team has held the third overall pick twice before in franchise history, selecting Billy McGill in 1962 and Rod Thorn in 1963.
In addition to the number three pick, the Wizards hold their own second round pick (32nd overall) and the Dallas Mavericks’ second round pick (46th overall).
The 2012 NBA Draft will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on June 28.