NBA adopts 3-2-1 lottery format to curb tanking and reshape draft odds
The NBA Board of Governors approved a new 3-2-1 draft lottery format to reduce tanking by reshaping odds: the worst three teams get two balls, the next seven get three, the 9th/10th Play-In teams get two, and the 7-8 losers get one; the first 16 picks of the second round will be drawn in reverse order, and the system will sunset after the 2029 draft unless extended. The measure passed 29-1 with Memphis as the lone no vote and could affect existing trades and incentives.