Another Rigged Lottery? San Antonio Wins Victor Wembanyama Draft Lottery

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Updated: May 16, 2023

Did the NBA rig the draft lottery? The claim that the NBA draft lottery is rigged is a common conspiracy theory among some fans and critics and it is only getting worse after the Spurs miraculously win yet another NBA Draft Lottery right after an uncharacteristic season of deliberate tanking for Victor Wembanyama.

However, it is important to note that there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, and the NBA has consistently denied any allegations of rigging.

The NBA draft lottery is a process used by the league to determine the draft order for teams that did not make the playoffs. It is designed to provide a fair and equitable chance for each team to obtain a higher draft pick, with the teams with the worst records having a higher probability of getting a top pick. The lottery involves a random drawing, conducted under the supervision of independent auditors, to determine the top picks in the draft.

The lottery system has undergone changes over the years to address concerns and increase transparency. For example, starting from 2019, the NBA changed the odds distribution to decrease the incentive for teams to intentionally lose games. The league also introduced measures to prevent tampering or manipulation of the process.

Many NBA fans are disappointed with the lottery results and are now EXTREMELY suspicions about the fairness of the system.

if a basketball league were to rig the draft lottery, it could involve various methods of manipulation. Here’s a hypothetical explanation:

Biased Random Drawing: The league officials responsible for conducting the lottery could manipulate the random drawing process. They might use weighted balls or biased equipment to increase the likelihood of certain teams obtaining higher draft picks. By controlling the randomization process, they could ensure that specific teams are favored.

Secret Agreements: Behind closed doors, league officials could enter into secret agreements with team owners or influential individuals to predetermine the draft order. This could involve collusion, where certain teams are promised favorable draft positions in exchange for financial incentives or other benefits. The lottery could then be conducted merely as a cover-up.

Tampering with Odds: The league could manipulate the odds assigned to each team participating in the lottery. By adjusting the probabilities discreetly, they could increase the chances of certain teams landing top draft picks. This could be done by tweaking the formula used to determine the odds or manipulating the data used in the calculations.

Insider Information: League officials could exploit insider information to their advantage. If they have access to confidential team information, such as which players a team desires or intends to select, they could adjust the lottery results accordingly. This would give them the power to ensure that certain teams receive the players they desire.

Do you think the NBA cheated for the Spurs to get Victor Wembanyama?
I know what I think.