NBA Draft Reform Targets 'Tanking': Top Pick Odds Reduced for Bottom 3 Teams

Central News Agency, Los Angeles, May 28: NBA teams passed a reform measure today aimed at preventing teams from intentionally losing games to select better players in the next draft. According to AFP, the league previously gave lower-ranked teams a better chance to select top prospects to maintain competitive balance. However, this policy has led to 'tanking' in recent years, with many struggling teams benching star players. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver warned that financial penalties were ineffective and pushed for stronger reforms. Under the new system, the three teams with the worst records will no longer enjoy the highest odds and will instead be penalized, with lower chances of getting a high pick than teams ranked slightly higher. Additionally, the number of teams participating in the lottery will increase from 14 to 16. The reform aims to eliminate the incentive to lose intentionally. The system, known as the '3-2-1 lottery,' will take effect from the 2027 draft. The bottom seven teams will each receive three balls, but the worst three teams will only receive two, reducing their chance of getting the top pick to 5.4%. The regulation was approved by 29 teams, with only the Memphis Grizzlies voting against it.