Analysis: What to make of NBA’s attempt to curb tanking

The NBA board of governors approved sweeping changes to the league's draft lottery system on Thursday, May 29, 2026, introducing the new '3-2-1 lottery' format, named for the number of lottery balls allocated to each team. The reform is designed to curb tanking, but analysts warn the unintended consequences could significantly alter how trades are negotiated, the value of draft picks as assets, and how teams rebuild. The changes are expected to be controversial among general managers and fans alike.