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NBA Switches to 16-Team Draft Lottery, Fines Jazz $500K

4/29/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

NBA will adopt a 16-team “3-2-1” draft lottery, replacing the current 14-team system.
The lottery gives the three worst teams one fewer ball, Washington, Indiana and Brooklyn a 5.4% chance at No. 1, and the seven non-play-in teams an 8.1% chance.
Commissioner Adam Silver announced disciplinary authority expansion, fined the Utah Jazz $500,000, and said plan will sunset after the 2029 draft pending a Governors vote next month.

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Story summary

NBA will adopt a 16-team “3-2-1” draft lottery, replacing the current 14-team system.
The lottery gives the three worst teams one fewer ball, Washington, Indiana and Brooklyn a 5.4% chance at No. 1, and the seven non-play-in teams an 8.1% chance.
Commissioner Adam Silver announced disciplinary authority expansion, fined the Utah Jazz $500,000, and said plan will sunset after the 2029 draft pending a Governors vote next month.