The “lottery” is still rigged by the league, with data from McKinsey (a consulting firm) to send players to markets where they can maximize star quality. If you look at who “wins” its pretty clear why sometimes. D Rose to Chicago, Lebron to the Cavs, Mao to Houston (the same place as China’s consul). Those were markets that really wanted their hometown star.
The most recent examples, The cavs winning the lottery multiple times after Lebron left, The Pelicans winning right before they traded AD, and the Lakers also moving up too to help facilitate that AD trade.
The reason why the “process” in Philly was so hated and Hinkie got blackballed was because it drew attention to the fact the lottery could be manipulated.
You can also add the NFL to this and how over the last 20 plus years how teams who relocate, get new stadiums and get stadium renovations to suddenly become good and go to superbowls.
It is all used to galvanize the fan base and ensure that they spend money and buy season tickets. To help the teams and league recoup money from the relocation, stadium renovations and new stadiums.
You can literally draw a timeline with a good portion of teams over the last 20 plus years. From when they reloacted or get a new stadium / renovation and them going to superbowls. From the Ravens moving from cleveland, the rams each time they moved from LA to St. louis and back to St. Louis. To the titans moving from houston to Memphis. To the bears having their stadium renovated and going to the superbowl. To the falcons getting a new stadium and going to the superbowl...and on and on and on. Its literally right there in everyones face.







" ...Nah Nah Nah....It's a good ol boy network/fraternity.