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ESPN Makes Decision On Host For NBA Draft Lottery

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 7, 2025 11:14 AM ET

Numerous NBA fan bases will anxiously watch Monday's draft lottery on ESPN.

The Cooper Flagg sweepstakes could make the lottery appointment viewing for anyone whose favorite team has a shot at capturing the No. 1 overall choice. For the second straight year, ESPN picked a new host for the broadcast.

According to Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports, Kevin Negandhi will host the NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago. Shams Charania, who joined ESPN in October, will also appear on the show alongside analysts Bob Myers, Kendrick Perkins, and Jay Bilas.

Malika Andrews hosted the 2022 and 2023 lotteries following Rachel Nichols' departure from the company. While Andrews remains a leading presence in ESPN's basketball coverage, the network adjusted the 2024 lottery broadcast.

Last year, Elle Duncan hosted her first NBA Draft Lottery for ESPN. The Georgia native saw the Atlanta Hawks win the No. 1 pick despite having just a 3 percent chance.

The 2024 draft didn't boast a clear grand prize for the lottery winner. Atlanta used the top choice on Zaccharie Risacher, who averaged 12.6 points per game in his first season.

However, fans and participating teams will watch Monday with bated breath. Whoever captures the No. 1 pick will almost certainly draft Flagg. The 18-year-old earned Player of the Year honors and led Duke to the Final Four during a spectacular freshman year.

The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets each wield a 14 percent chance of winning the lottery. The San Antonio Spurs have a 6 percent probability of hitting the jackpot two years after drafting Victor Wembanyama with the first overall selection.

Monday will be a particularly stressful evening for the Philadelphia 76ers. They have the fifth-best odds (10.5%) of winning the lottery, but their pick goes to the Oklahoma City Thunder if it falls outside the top six.

Perhaps Negandhi, a 76ers fan, could bring them the same luck as Duncan gave the Hawks. Pairing Flagg alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George would instantly revitalize the franchise following a disastrous 24-58 season.

Although this is his first NBA lottery, Neghandi has hosted multiple drafts, including the first one ABC televised in 2020. This year's NBA Draft Lottery starts Monday at 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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