The NBA Just Killed Tanking — Is It Actually a Good Thing, Though?
Summary
The NBA has changed its draft lottery rules to discourage teams from losing games on purpose to get better draft picks. Starting next season and through 2029, the worst teams will have fewer chances to get the top draft pick, while teams just outside the worst spots will have better odds.Key Facts
- All NBA teams except the Memphis Grizzlies agreed to the new draft rules through at least 2029.
- The three worst teams next season will have fewer chances to get the No. 1 pick in the 2027 draft.
- Teams ranked just above the bottom will have better odds than the worst teams for the top draft pick.
- The worst teams will get two lottery balls for first pick chances, while the next seven worst get three balls.
- Teams finishing 9th and 10th get two balls, and the last two play-in losers get one ball each in the lottery.
- The new rules aim to make late-season games more competitive by punishing the worst teams.
- The Memphis Grizzlies opposed the new rules because it may reduce their chances of getting high draft picks.
- The change is the closest the NBA has come to a relegate-style system like in European soccer, where poor results have direct consequences.
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