The NBA Draft Lottery process has been refined slightly over the years, but the fate of the draft order still relies on logo’d ping pong balls and maybe just a brush of good luck. Behold, the sealed envelopes to determine which of the non-playoff teams are lucky enough to snag the desired first few picks. It always boils down to the top 3 who will have their first stab at the best of the future, including 2009 prospects, big man Blake Griffin and international sensation Ricky Rubio.

Come 8:30 EST tonight, we’ll learn what order the lottery teams will receive to gear up for when draft day rolls around. For a blast to the past, check out footage from past draft lottery announcements and reflect on how these teams have benefited and where these guys have ended up since their induction into the NBA.

1985 (Patrick Ewing, Chris Mullin, Karl Malone)

1999 (Elton Brand, Baron Davis, Lamar Odom)

2005 (Deron Wiliams, Chris Paul, Danny Granger)

2007 (Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Al Horford)

2008 (Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo)

Who will get first pick? Here are the 2009 lottery teams:

Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors,
New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, Charlotte Bobcats, Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns