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NBA Moves to Overhaul Draft Lottery with '3-2-1' System, Sources Say

Sports
April 29, 2026 · 1:26 PM
NBA Moves to Overhaul Draft Lottery with '3-2-1' System, Sources Say

The NBA is putting the finishing touches on a proposal to revamp the draft lottery, according to a report. The new format, dubbed the "3-2-1" system, would fundamentally change how the league distributes top draft picks.

Under the current system, the three teams with the worst records each have a 14% chance of landing the No. 1 pick. The proposed change would flatten those odds, giving the bottom three teams a 33% chance, a 25% chance, and a 20% chance, respectively, for the top three picks.

The move aims to discourage tanking by reducing the incentive for teams to deliberately lose games to secure a higher draft position. By making the lottery odds more favorable for the worst teams but still uncertain, the league hopes to create a more competitive environment.

The proposal is expected to be presented to NBA owners for a vote at the upcoming Board of Governors meeting. If approved, the new system could take effect as early as the 2025 NBA Draft.