Adam Silver Announces NBA Draft Lottery System Will Not Change

After the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Family Reunion and Awards Dinner on Thursday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced there wouldn't be any changes to the Association's current draft-lottery system.

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reported the news and provided Silver's remarks about the draft lottery, which will remain in place as it stands for an indefinite period of time:

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There's a recognition that the lottery is only one aspect of how to build a team. ... And given the inflow of the new television money next season and the large increase in the cap, ultimately the owners concluded that while we think we need to take a fresh look at the lottery system, let's wait and look at the system holistically once the new money comes in.

Because there's always unintended consequences and at least everyone understands the rules of the road right now. I think we need to be deliberate about any changes we make, so we'll turn back to it, but we're going to leave things as is for now.

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Silver also acknowledged that changes could take place eventually, stating the draft-lottery issue will be readdressed in "a couple of years."     

The Philadelphia 76ers have been accused of tanking in recent seasons to improve their odds of getting a higher draft pick. Odds to land the No. 1 overall pick improve the worse a team fares; the 14 teams with the worst record from the recent NBA season are entered into the draft lottery.

It's difficult for teams without a big market or an ideal location to land premier talent in free agency, which requires a heavy reliance on draft picks.

But a considerable increase in the salary cap is slated for the 2016-17 season. Silver hinted it could serve as an equalizing force for teams struggling to rebuild—and it certainly seems feasible.