Every year holds a new beginning for another player in the NBA. Each year, basketball athletes from all across the world, but predominantly from America, are given the adjective “professional” before their designation as basketball players. The NBA Lottery Draft is one of the most exciting events before the start of a new season. Teams get to select amateur players from colleges in America and national or international players who are eligible.
According to the NBA Draft rules, American athletes must be at least the age of 19 to declare for the draft. In the case of an international player, he must be at least 18 years of age. Every year, such amateur athletes compete at a very high level to be drafted No.1 overall.
Based on current lottery rules, the four teams with the worst record in the league will get the highest odds of the top pick. The other teams that miss the playoffs will be given a slot according to their wins-losses record. The 14 teams that fall short of playoff contention are called Lottery Picks. All other teams are called Lottery Teams.
A brief history of the NBA Lottery Draft
The Lottery Draft was only introduced in 1985, while in previous years, Draft selections were made through different systems. Between 1947 and 1965, teams were given slots according to their record. A “Territorial Pick” rule existed where teams would choose a player from its respective city, but they would have to forego their first-round pick.
From 1966 to 1984, the coin flip method was used. Two of the worst teams would flip a coin and the loser would be given the second overall slot. Other teams were allotted slots according to their record in inverse order.
“Tanking” first became an issue after the coin flip system. Teams were accused of losing games on purpose to get either one of the top two picks. In 1985, the concept of Lottery Picks came into existence. Envelopes containing names of teams that missed the playoffs were selected at random and picks were determined accordingly.
The NBA’s allotment system changed in 1990 to the Weight Lottery System which when through a series of changes that included a literal lottery number combination system as well. After much refining, the NBA settled on giving equal odds to four of the worst teams and allotting slots according to season records after that.
How many players will be picked in the NBA Draft?
Every year, 60 individuals get selected in the NBA Draft. But more than 60 individuals participate in the draft in hopes of getting picked. The draft is split into two rounds and undrafted players have a chance to try out with any team. Most players often sign with the NBA’s G League and move their way into the main league.
2003 NBA Draft pic.twitter.com/Rm1fox958f
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Initially, players were allowed to draft directly from high school but that is no longer the case. LeBron James and Kobe Bryant were two of the most notable players who entered the league after high school. Players are eligible for not more than two drafts. Many players have entered via the G League in recent years.
