NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he would be aggressive in addressing tanking, and he delivered his first initiative Wednesday, altering the draft to discourage teams from losing on purpose.
The proposal presented to general managers Wednesday, creates an expanded 16-team draft lottery (previously 14), using a 3-2-1 method that equalizes odds, but punishes the three worst teams by reducing their odds of landing the No.1 pick.
The 3-2-1 refers to the number of balls granted for the draft lottery. Three go to teams four through 10, two to teams 1 through 4, and one to 11 through 16.
Additionally, no team can win the top-overall pick in consecutive seasons, and and no team can have three consecutive years picking in the top 5.
The rule, if ratified, will begin in 2027 and includes a sunset provision in 2029, at which time the league can extend, revise, or create a new system.
My take: So refreshing to see a commissioner do something dramatic to address a competitive imbalance and fan grievance. If bottom-feeders try to win to get that extra ball in the draft. More may need to be done, particularly with load management and player participation.
THE ASYLUM
Anti-tanking tweak to NBA Draft
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he would be aggressive in addressing tanking, and he delivered his first initiative Wednesday, altering the draft to discourage teams from losing on purpose.
The proposal presented to general managers Wednesday, creates an expanded 16-team draft lottery (previously 14), using a 3-2-1 method that equalizes odds, but punishes the three worst teams by reducing their odds of landing the No.1 pick.
The 3-2-1 refers to the number of balls granted for the draft lottery. Three go to teams four through 10, two to teams 1 through 4, and one to 11 through 16.
Additionally, no team can win the top-overall pick in consecutive seasons, and and no team can have three consecutive years picking in the top 5.
The rule, if ratified, will begin in 2027 and includes a sunset provision in 2029, at which time the league can extend, revise, or create a new system.
My take: So refreshing to see a commissioner do something dramatic to address a competitive imbalance and fan grievance. If bottom-feeders try to win to get that extra ball in the draft. More may need to be done, particularly with load management and player participation.
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