SECAUCUS, N.J. — The losing started when LeBron James left and kept going throughout the season.

Hope is back for the Cleveland Cavaliers, thanks to a long-shot win by owner Dan Gilbert’s “hero.”

The Cavaliers won the No. 1 selection in next month’s NBA draft.

Defiant when James bolted last summer, Gilbert was a proud parent Tuesday when 14-year-old son Nick, who has battled disease since birth, stood center stage as deputy commissioner Adam Silver announced the Cavs had beaten the odds to pick first.

A pick acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers with only a 2.8 percent chance of winning came out on top.