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NBA Unveils “3-2-1” Draft Lottery, Punishes Worst Teams

4/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced a “3-2-1” draft lottery proposal.
The plan expands the lottery to 16 teams, gives the three worst fewer balls, removes pick protection for picks 12-to-15, sets a floor around the 12th pick, and bars any team from winning the top pick in back-to-back years or a top-five pick three consecutive years.
The changes create a de facto relegation zone for the three worst teams.

History

Historical Context

In 1985 the NBA introduced its first draft lottery, using seven envelopes so each of the seven worst teams had a 14.29% chance, and the New York Knicks won the top pick and selected Patrick Ewing. The lottery replaced the coin-flip system that had been criticized for encouraging tanking. Today Commissioner Adam Silver has proposed expanding the lottery to more non-playoff teams, echoing the original anti-tank purpose.

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Story summary

U.S. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced a “3-2-1” draft lottery proposal.
The plan expands the lottery to 16 teams, gives the three worst fewer balls, removes pick protection for picks 12-to-15, sets a floor around the 12th pick, and bars any team from winning the top pick in back-to-back years or a top-five pick three consecutive years.
The changes create a de facto relegation zone for the three worst teams.

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