Report: NBA puts forward new "3-2-1" expanded lottery proposal to curb tanking

Key Points:

• The NBA proposed a new “3-2-1” draft lottery system expanding the lottery to 16 teams, with the three worst teams penalized by receiving fewer lottery balls and a reduced chance at the No. 1 pick, aiming to discourage tanking.
• Under the plan, teams finishing 4th to 10th in the standings get more lottery balls and better odds, while teams losing early play-in games receive fewer chances, and protections on picks ranked 12-15 would be removed.
• The system would prevent teams from winning the No. 1 pick in consecutive years or having three consecutive top-five picks and grant the NBA more authority to discipline tanking teams by potentially removing lottery balls.
• Critics argue the complex system may confuse casual fans and unfairly penalizes struggling teams by limiting their ability to acquire top talent needed for rebuilding, potentially impacting the formation of competitive teams.
• The plan requires approval by NBA owners at the May 28 Board of Governors meeting and reflects the league’s reaction to heavy tanking during a particularly deep draft class, with future modifications possible based on team feedback.