The NBA officially approved new lottery reforms on Thursday, aimed at tackling concerns over tanking. I still have some reservations about this plan, and the league introduced a few unexpected changes as well.
Initially, it was reported that teams couldn’t finish in the top five for three consecutive years or secure the first overall pick in back-to-back seasons. This rule seems designed to address the San Antonio Spurs’ situation, having drawn top picks for three consecutive years. However, this created complications for teams that had already traded their picks. The league decided not to invalidate those trades, which means teams that traded their picks will now face penalties.
In the 2027 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies will feel the impact. They hold the Utah Jazz’s unprotected first-round pick in 2027, but because the Jazz already picked in the top five in 2025 and 2026, that pick is now protected for the top five. So, even if the Jazz don’t select, they won’t have a third straight top-five pick. Strangely, this isn’t even the oddest amendment introduced.
As part of the reforms, the NBA revealed that the top 16 first-round picks will lead to corresponding picks in the second round. Essentially, the team that selects 16th in the first round will automatically claim the first pick in the second round. Conversely, the team with the first overall pick won’t draft again until the 16th spot in the second round, and the second overall pick will be paired with the 15th in the second round, and so forth.
This is a first for American professional sports. Previously, second-round selections were based on overall standings. For instance, the Brooklyn Nets, having one of the league’s worst records, would typically draft third in the second round this year, despite their first-round pick landing at sixth in the lottery. Why is the NBA making this move, though? John Hollinger from The Athletic reached out to NBA Executive VP Evan Wasch for some insight.
Wasch explained that this change serves two purposes. First, it aims to “offset the luck of a first-round draw” by giving a better second-round pick to the team that has the worst luck in the lottery. Secondly, it also intends to avoid a potential situation—albeit an unlikely one—where a team at the bottom starts aiming for the 31st pick.
My first thought is, why was this even requested? But, it’s so quirky and innovative that I find it hard to get upset about it. Some parts are just amusing.
I’ve always considered a top-10 pick in the second round to have significant value. Recent successes from this range include players like Jalen Brunson and Ayo Dosunmu, among others. However, the second round appears less promising these days. With NIL deals impacting college basketball, the draft depth is thinning. The 31st pick—potentially 33rd if Las Vegas and Seattle join—still holds decent value, but, at this point, it’s probably not worth getting too worked up over.
Many knowledgeable analysts in the NBA seem to support the new lottery reforms. Honestly, tanking wasn’t as critical an issue as some suggested nationally. Anyway, the reforms were passed with a vote of 29-1, with the Grizzlies as the lone dissenters.
The only silver lining for critics of the NBA lottery reform is that it’s a three-year trial. By 2030, we might see yet another lottery system. While three years seems rather short, the league believes it’s essential for improving its image following the tanking controversies. It’ll be interesting to watch how this unfolds, especially with the changes in the second round.
