NBA Implements New Anti-Tanking Measures
Recently, the NBA Board of Governors approved new anti-tanking strategies aimed at reshaping the draft lottery process.
As reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the league has voted to introduce a 3-2-1 rule that significantly alters the current lottery system. The most notable aspect of this new regulation is that the three worst-performing teams will be placed in what’s referred to as the “relegation zone.” This zone comes with a reduced likelihood of securing the No. 1 overall pick. With this change, the lottery will now include 16 teams, evening out the odds for everyone involved.
The new system is set to officially take effect starting with the 2027 lottery.
Additionally, teams suspected of deliberately tanking could face various penalties, including diminished lottery odds or reduced draft positions. As the vote approached on Thursday, anticipation surrounded the rule changes, as many teams were reportedly in favor of the modifications.
Under the new setup, each of the 16 participating teams will be granted a lottery ball. The three teams with the worst records will receive two balls, but they cannot select beyond the 12th pick. The next seven teams that miss the playoffs will each get three balls, and the teams that secure the No. 9 and No. 10 spots in the play-in games will receive two balls as well.
Interestingly, the two teams losing in the 7th and 8th play-in matches will each receive one lottery ball.
This 3-2-1 rule is expected to last until 2029. As that year approaches, the Board will assess the effectiveness of the changes and determine if further adjustments are necessary.
Commissioner Adam Silver has been vocal about revising the lottery process since at least March, expressing a desire for these modifications. During a press conference earlier, he recognized the ongoing issue of tanking within the league.
“We’re going to fix it,” Silver remarked succinctly.
The lottery was first established in 1985 primarily to address tanking concerns. However, in recent years, some teams have seemingly sought to exploit this framework. For instance, the NBA recently imposed a $500,000 fine on the Utah Jazz for benching a starter in the fourth quarter of two different regular-season games. In another instance, the Dallas Mavericks were fined $750,000 for “conduct detrimental to the league,” as they sat out key players to safeguard their chances at a high draft pick.
