We think of the NBA Draft Lottery, first and foremost, as a way for the league's poor and downtrodden franchises to replenish their ranks and take the first steps toward meaningful winning years down the line.

Since the league introduced the draft lottery in 1985, NBA teams have not-so-patiently hoped to see their combination come up. That painstaking moment can occasionally get worse—and worse, and worse.

Three teams each have a 14 percent chance at the top pick. History says one of those teams landing at No. 1 is far from guaranteed.