The NBA is actively exploring reforms to its draft lottery system to discourage teams from intentionally losing games, a practice commonly known as "tanking." League executives have acknowledged that the current structure, which gives the worst-performing teams the best odds at the top draft picks, creates perverse incentives that can undermine the integrity of the regular season.
One frequently discussed proposal is a "wheel" system that would deterministically assign draft positions to all 30 teams on a rotating schedule over a multi-year period, completely disconnecting a team's record from its draft slot. Other ideas include flattening the lottery odds so the worst teams have less of an advantage, or implementing a play-in tournament for non-playoff teams to determine draft order.
However, any significant change faces substantial hurdles. Fans and team executives often criticize proposed solutions as creating new problems, such as reducing hope for truly rebuilding franchises or being too complex. The league's collective bargaining agreement with the players' union also limits how quickly the draft system can be altered, requiring lengthy negotiations.
The debate gained renewed attention during the 2025-26 season as several teams near the bottom of the standings engaged in transparent rebuilding efforts. While the league has made minor adjustments in recent years, such as smoothing the lottery odds in 2019, Commissioner Adam Silver has stated that finding a more permanent solution remains a priority, though no formal proposal is imminent.
