NBA approves new draft lottery system to combat tanking: What it means

The NBA voted to approve a new draft lottery system designed to eliminate incentives for teams to tank during the regular season, the league announced on Thursday, May 28.

The “3-2-1 Lottery” approved by the NBA expands the lottery from 14 to 16 teams and flattens odds for teams that don’t make the NBA playoffs or play-in tournament.  The new system takes effect beginning with the 2027 NBA Draft.

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The NBA said in its announcement that the league office has met with key stakeholders to discuss current competitive incentives and solicit ideas aimed at discouraging tanking since October. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said combating tanking was a priority for the league at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in February.

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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to Cooper Flagg

2025: Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks

(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)

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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to Cooper Flagg

2025: Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks

(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)

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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to Cooper Flagg

2024: Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks

(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)

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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to Cooper Flagg

2023: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

(Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY Sports)

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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to Cooper Flagg

2022: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)

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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to Cooper Flagg

2021: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)

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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to Cooper Flagg

2020: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

(Stephen Lew, USA TODAY Sports)

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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to Cooper Flagg

2019: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)

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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to Cooper Flagg

2018: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)

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NBA draft No. 1 picks since 1990: From Derrick Coleman to Cooper Flagg

2017: Markelle Fultz,…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nba-approves-draft-lottery-system-210920429.html

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Publish date : 2026-05-28 21:09:00

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