There Is Only One Way to Fix the NBA Draft Lottery
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- The Washington Wizards, currently holding one of the NBA's worst records at 17–58, continue to struggle despite recent trades for Anthony Davis and Trae Young, with coach Brian Keefe focusing on player development and growth amid losses.
- NBA commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged the tanking problem, calling it a "pandemic" and promising reforms, including potential changes to the draft lottery system to discourage intentional losing.
- Proposed lottery reforms under consideration include expanding the lottery to 18 or 22 teams and adjusting odds based on multi-season records, but these changes may complicate the system without effectively solving tanking.
- Critics suggest abolishing the lottery entirely in favor of a more straightforward draft order based on team records, with protections to prevent repeated bottom finishes, aiming to better support struggling franchises and reduce tanking incentives.
- The Wizards' coach remains optimistic about the team's future despite a tough season, emphasizing the importance of developing young players and maintaining good habits to build a stronger foundation moving forward.
![Pixel 11 Pro is thinner, but mostly the same in first leak [Gallery]](https://media-cdn.cashwalklabs.io/https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2F9to5google.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F4%2F2026%2F03%2Fgoogle-pixel-11-pro-onl-2.webp%3Fresize%3D1200%252C628%26quality%3D82%26strip%3Dall%26ssl%3D1?format=webp&w=120&h=80){kind=tracking}
