What happened: The NBA Board of Governors approved new anti-tanking draft lottery reforms Thursday, with the Memphis Grizzlies the only franchise to vote against, sources said. Per Shams Charania, Memphis opposed the package solely because of a new rule disallowing a team from picking in the top five in three consecutive years.
Why it matters: The objection is self-interested: the Grizzlies control the more favorable 2027 first-rounder among Cleveland, Minnesota and Utah, and the consecutive-year restriction could cap how high that selection lands. The concern echoes earlier reporting that a reform proposal could limit the Grizzlies' incoming 2027 pick. The change reshapes how rebuilding teams weigh draft positioning across multiple seasons.
By the numbers: Board of Governors vote: 29-1 in favor, with Memphis the lone dissent. Key 2027 asset: Grizzlies hold the more favorable first-rounder of Cleveland, Minnesota and Utah.
What to watch: Watch how the top-five-in-three-consecutive-years rule affects Memphis's handling of its 2027 pick, and whether other rebuilding clubs adjust their draft strategy.