NBA Finds A Fix For Tanking? '3-2-1 Lottery' Plan Proposed To Curb Mess - Report

Last Updated:April 29, 2026, 15:51 IST

NBA has reportedly proposed a new '3-2-1 lottery' draft to all 30 franchises in the league, in an effort to curb tanking.

For years, NBA fans have complained about ‘tanking’. And now, the league seems set to draw a line in the sand and stand on business.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the NBA has presented a new draft reform proposal, dubbed the “3-2-1 lottery," to all 30 teams in an effort to curb the growing issue.

Why the League Is Stepping In

Tanking (losing intentionally to secure better draft odds) has become increasingly visible, especially after the All-Star break. And this season, it reached a tipping point.

Five teams — Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets — all posted winning percentages below .180 after the break, something never seen before.

The league even fined the Jazz $500,000 for “conduct detrimental to the league" after questionable player usage late in games.

How the “3-2-1 Lottery" Works

The proposed system reshapes draft odds to discourage finishing at the bottom.

• The lottery pool expands from 14 to 16 teams, including play-in losers
• All 16 teams enter the draw, rather than weighting only the worst records
• Mid-tier non-playoff teams (roughly seeds 4–10) get three lottery balls
• The bottom-three teams receive only two lottery balls
• Other non-playoff teams get the best odds; about 8.1% for the No. 1 pick
• The worst teams drop to roughly 5.4% odds

There are also certain safeguards proposed.

• No team can win the No. 1 pick in consecutive years
• No team can land three straight top-five picks
• Bottom teams cannot fall below the 12th pick
• Picks in the 12–15 range cannot be protected

The league would gain expanded authority to penalise teams for tanking, including reducing lottery odds or adjusting draft positions if misconduct is detected.

What Happens Next

The framework has already been discussed extensively with team owners, executives, and the competition committee.

A final vote is expected on May 28, with minor tweaks still possible, but the core idea has significant backing.

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