Brian Windhorst May 11, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Close ESPN.com NBA writer since 2010 Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years Author of two books IT WAS TOLD to me, repeatedly, that being inside the NBA draft lottery drawing room would be boring. After being there, I patently disagree. Being inside the sealed room Sunday afternoon at Chicago's Navy Pier was heart-pounding, exhilarating and excruciating. I felt great happiness for some and compassion for others. In my 16 years at ESPN, I don't think I've ever written in first person, but this is the only way I feel I can try to relate it. Each person watching the balls being drawn represented millions of fans. They also carried with them the weight of their organizations, many of whom tanked for months this season and endured soul-damaging and sometimes embarrassing nights to get to this moment.…