Silver Weighs NBA Draft Overhaul: Rookies Treated Like Free Agents?
Adam Silver admits that tanking is a growing problem and opens the possibility of radically reforming the Draft Lottery. Even abolishing the Draft would no longer be a taboo
The issue resurfaced during All-Star Weekend: according to an analysis by Joe Vardon for The Athletic, the NBA is evaluating radical countermeasures against tanking, including a potential overhaul of the NBA Draft Lottery:
It’s time to take a fresh look at the issue and determine whether this model has become outdated.
Adam Silver
Silver said, referring to the mechanism that awards top draft picks to the 14 teams that miss the playoffs.
NBA Tanking: A Bigger Problem Than the Past
According to Silver, NBA tanking – the strategy of deliberately losing to secure a higher draft pick – has worsened this season. The commissioner acknowledged that simply fining franchises is not a sustainable solution.
Earlier this week, the league handed down significant penalties: $500,000 to the Utah Jazz and $100,000 to the Indiana Pacers for resting starters during key stretches of closely contested games.
This type of enforcement risks creating unhealthy relationships between the league and teams.
Adam Silver
The issue is structural: if the system rewards losing, it becomes inevitable that some franchises will be incentivized to do so.
NBA Draft Reform: Change or Elimination?
The NBA Draft Lottery, introduced in 1985, was designed to help the worst teams become competitive again. But Silver raised a critical question:
The theoretical premise is to help the teams with the worst records. But if some manipulate their performance to secure higher picks, can we really say they are the worst?
Adam Silver
A paradox that calls the entire framework into question.
During internal meetings this week, roughly ten possible solutions were discussed. Among the most radical ideas, Silver and his advisors are even considering the possibility of turning rookies into free agents – effectively abolishing the traditional Draft and allowing young prospects to freely choose which team to sign with. This extreme scenario is not at the top of the list, but it would receive serious consideration if it proves to be the only way to curb tanking and protect fans.
It would represent a historic revolution for the NBA Draft.
Teams Under Scrutiny
The phenomenon has taken on new forms. Some struggling franchises have acquired injured stars, essentially shelving them while continuing to lose games.
Among the most notable cases:
- Washington Wizards, who traded for former All-Stars such as Trae Young and Anthony Davis
- Utah Jazz, who acquired Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Indiana Pacers, Eastern Conference finalists who pushed to Game 7 of the Finals last year, and who targeted Ivica Zubac
It is important to emphasize that players on the floor are not being accused of a lack of effort. Tanking is primarily tied to front office and coaching decisions regarding the management of minutes for top players.
Any economist looking at our system would say the incentives are reversed. And that’s not what fans want.
Adam Silver
Everyone knows tanking is an issue, but hearing Adam Silver openly discuss the possibility of radical change makes it more tangible. Next season could look different: more competitive, more unpredictable… and perhaps even featuring a surprise rookie free to sign wherever he chooses.
NBA Expansion: Seattle and Las Vegas Still Leading Candidates
Beyond the Draft discussion, Silver also provided an update on potential NBA expansion. The Board will address the topic next month, though no immediate vote is expected.
Seattle and Las Vegas remain the frontrunners, having long been identified as the most likely candidates. Relocation, however, is not currently on the agenda.
In recent months, there had been speculation about the Memphis Grizzlies (whose arena lease expires in 2029) and the New Orleans Pelicans, who have faced attendance issues. Silver clarified that, for now, relocation is not a concrete option.