In recent non-playoff years, it has generally been Clay Allen — general counsel for the Rockets — who represents Houston at the NBA draft lottery. In that capacity, he is one of the select few people who is physically in the room where the lottery drawings take place.
In 2024, however, Allen had a conflict and wasn’t able to attend. In his place, the Rockets sent Sam Strantz, the team’s associate legal counsel.
Despite having only a 20% chance at securing one of the four lottery picks, the Rockets defied the odds and landed the No. 3 first-round selection (via Brooklyn). It’s the fourth consecutive year Houston has won a lottery pick — the first three with Allen and one with Strantz at much worse odds.
The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov was one of a handful of media members in the room. Of Strantz and the Rockets, he reports:
Sam Strantz, the Rockets’ associate legal counsel, was Houston’s representative inside the lottery room, and he brought some good luck with him. He brought the beanie that his son, Sawyer, wore in the hospital when he was born two months ago.
Before entering, in-room representatives are required to turn over all electronic devices so they cannot communicate the lottery results until they are announced on stage (and broadcast on live television) later in the day. Thus, many bring non-digital artifacts.
The @HoustonRockets haven’t lost a game since Sawyer checked in & I became a dad. Elite #motivational coaching by him. pic.twitter.com/1HYzacm9Nc
— Sam Strantz (@SamStrantzEsq) March 24, 2024
In 2025, the Rockets own the fully unprotected right to swap first-round picks with the Nets (32-50), which could give them a chance to go five-for-five in draft-lottery wins this decade.
Whether it’s Allen or Strantz, Houston seems to have luck on its side.
— Sam Strantz (@SamStrantzEsq) May 12, 2024
In the draft lottery drawing room, seven teams still had a chance to land the No. 1 pick entering the pull for the final lottery ball. It came up lucky No. 13 for the Hawks. A bit of unexpected fortune sets up an interesting next few months. https://t.co/narmk2rgQp
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) May 13, 2024
