The NBA’s latest plan to curb tanking is meeting early resistance from inside the league. During a recent conference call, multiple team executives questioned a key element of the proposed 3-2-1 draft-lottery format: how far the three teams with the league’s worst records should be allowed to fall on draft night.
Under the concept now under discussion, those bottom three clubs would face reduced odds of landing a top pick. However, league sources told Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix that several executives want a “floor” that prevents any of those teams from slipping past the No. 10 selection. Others on the call argued that even a guaranteed 10th pick could still reward poor performance too much.
The debate underscores the NBA’s attempt to balance two objectives—deterring intentional losing while preserving a clear path to improvement for struggling franchises. Commissioner Adam Silver has repeatedly said that finishing near the bottom should not feel “comfortable,” but officials have yet to agree on exactly how steep the penalty should be.
No formal vote on the 3-2-1 system has been scheduled, and league representatives indicated that additional tweaks are possible before the proposal reaches the Board of Governors.
Source: Hoops Wire
