NBA Unveils 3-2-1 Draft Lottery Plan Featuring 16 Teams and Flattened Odds
nba-3-2-1-draft-lottery-plan-16-teams-flattened-odds
The NBA has presented general managers with a sweeping proposal to overhaul the draft lottery, outlining a “3-2-1” system that would expand the field to 16 teams, reduce the impact of the league’s worst records and introduce new anti-tanking measures.
According to the plan, which will go before the Board of Governors on May 28, the format would debut in 2027 if approved. The nickname “3-2-1” reflects the number of lottery balls each club would receive under specific circumstances.
Key elements of the proposal
Lottery field: All teams missing the playoffs or play-in tournament would enter the lottery. The bottom three clubs—labeled the “relegation zone”—would be limited to two balls apiece, while franchises finishing with the fourth-worst through 10th-worst records would receive three balls each. Those bottom-three teams could fall no lower than the No. 12 pick; the remaining 13 lottery participants could slide to No. 16.
Play-in teams: Ninth- and 10th-place finishers in each conference would collect two balls, and the losers of the 7-8 play-in games would get one ball apiece.
Restrictions on repeat success: No organization could land the top overall pick in back-to-back drafts or secure three straight top-five selections.
Trade implications: Future draft picks slotted 12-15 could no longer carry protections in trades.
Sunset clause: The system would automatically expire after the 2029 draft unless the Board of Governors votes to extend or replace it.
Enforcement: The league would gain authority to cut lottery odds or alter draft positions as penalties for tanking.
Commissioner Adam Silver has championed stricter anti-tanking measures for several years and, sources said, the majority of teams back the current framework. Minor tweaks could still emerge before owners cast their votes later this month.
Source: Hoops Rumors
