Question for people who believe the draft lottery is fixed

 I believe it is fixed to maximize potential profit, and to be honest I don’t even think that’s debatable anymore. The fact that 99% of block/change calls usually goes in favor of whoever has the ball in their hands should be telling enough, and we already know about superstar calls. 

I don’t necessarily think the draft is fixed, but I’ts def. questionable. Rose going to CHI. Blake to LA. Kyrie to CLE. AD to Pel. LeBRon to CLE. I could go on with perfect case scenerios that have taken place over the last 10+ years that really makes you question the valitity of it.

Why I watch? Just because there is some blatant funny business taking place doesn’t mean that the NBA doesn’t still have the absolute most talented players in the entire world playing for it. I watch the best teams no matter what. If those teams played in China, I would start watching chinese basketball, but that isn’t the case, so I stick with the NBA.

 I believe it is fixed to maximize potential profit, and to be honest I don’t even think that’s debatable anymore. The fact that 99% of block/change calls usually goes in favor of whoever has the ball in their hands should be telling enough, and we already know about superstar calls. 

I don’t necessarily think the draft is fixed, but I’ts def. questionable. Rose going to CHI. Blake to LA. Kyrie to CLE. AD to Pel. LeBRon to CLE. I could go on with perfect case scenerios that have taken place over the last 10+ years that really makes you question the valitity of it.

Why I watch? Just because there is some blatant funny business taking place doesn’t mean that the NBA doesn’t still have the absolute most talented players in the entire world playing for it. I watch the best teams no matter what. If those teams played in China, I would start watching chinese basketball, but that isn’t the case, so I stick with the NBA.

 The reffing is my biggest gripe. Sometimes it’s pretty much obvious that the refs or their buddies have money on the line.

Silver never gets asked about the refereeing, and coaches and players are not allowed to criticize refs. And the sports media never writes articles questioning the integrity or process of making sure refs are accountable.

Refs never get fired, and it seems like the most suspicious refs always get to call the biggest playoff games.

When Donaghy was busted a few years ago, David Sternburgler came right out and declared that it was an isolated incident. He didn’t say they were going to investigate, he jumped the gun and started the coverup from day one. Super sketchy.

Teams should be able to challenge calls too. 

 The reffing is my biggest gripe. Sometimes it’s pretty much obvious that the refs or their buddies have money on the line.

Silver never gets asked about the refereeing, and coaches and players are not allowed to criticize refs. And the sports media never writes articles questioning the integrity or process of making sure refs are accountable.

Refs never get fired, and it seems like the most suspicious refs always get to call the biggest playoff games.

When Donaghy was busted a few years ago, David Sternburgler came right out and declared that it was an isolated incident. He didn’t say they were going to investigate, he jumped the gun and started the coverup from day one. Super sketchy.

Teams should be able to challenge calls too. 

 If we are going to pile on the NBA, what about PED’s? It is clear that much of the NBA is juicing. Look at the size of the players today. 

The refs have been a problem forever. I’m a Celtics fan and I know that Bird got every call (except against Magic and Jordan, where the star power was even). 

The lottery allegations have been there since the very first one – Ewing to NYC. Since I have worked for a Big 4 accounting firm, it is hard to imagine Ernst & Young as part of a cover-up, they have far more to lose by being caught. However, it doesn’t mean they haven’t been fooled as well.

On the other hand, the odds against Cavs getting the first pick 3 of 4 years are incredible (I read that the odds against the two years in a row they won were .26%). All these coincidences are stacked too high to be solely due to chance  

 If we are going to pile on the NBA, what about PED’s? It is clear that much of the NBA is juicing. Look at the size of the players today. 

The refs have been a problem forever. I’m a Celtics fan and I know that Bird got every call (except against Magic and Jordan, where the star power was even). 

The lottery allegations have been there since the very first one – Ewing to NYC. Since I have worked for a Big 4 accounting firm, it is hard to imagine Ernst & Young as part of a cover-up, they have far more to lose by being caught. However, it doesn’t mean they haven’t been fooled as well.

On the other hand, the odds against Cavs getting the first pick 3 of 4 years are incredible (I read that the odds against the two years in a row they won were .26%). All these coincidences are stacked too high to be solely due to chance  

 Yeah, the NBA is probably a little bit crooked.  

But compared to what???

Wall Street?  The media?  The NFL?

That’s what I think about the WWE too.  People say that pro wrestling is FAKE?  Ok, compared to WHAT???

If it is on TV it is … TV.

The NBA is more non-random than random.  

Sure, the odds are that at some point in NBA history, a team won the title PURELY based on randomness.

BUT, the best teams WIN, the best players WIN, etc.

The draft?  Eh?  Who knows?

All I know…

The WORST draft moment in NBA history is probably a bit forgotten.

The 2003 draft.  Down to the last two picks.  The Grizzlies and the Cavs are on the board.  The Grizzlies HAVE to get the top pick aka LEBRON FFFING JAMES or they lose the pick to Detroit.

OF COURSE we don’t get the first pick!

That HURT.  

It was the Razor’s Edge.  BOOM or BUST…

For this year’s draft, I mean, there are like FIVE conspiracy theories for the top pick.  Ben Simmons is going number 1.  Could be a one guy draft.

And, you have the Sixers, Lakers, and Celtics (via the Nets pick) ALL competing for the Top Pick.

Then you have the Pelicans who already have Anthony Davis, and play in the same state as Ben Simmons does now…

So, insert your draft conspiracy theory here:

Odds are: Grizzlies BLOW it up, trade Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, Zach, and everybody else, THEN luck into the top pick.  Get Simmons.  Have NOTHING around him then he goes to the Lakers.  OR, the Grizzlies move to Nashville and win a title.

 Yeah, the NBA is probably a little bit crooked.  

But compared to what???

Wall Street?  The media?  The NFL?

That’s what I think about the WWE too.  People say that pro wrestling is FAKE?  Ok, compared to WHAT???

If it is on TV it is … TV.

The NBA is more non-random than random.  

Sure, the odds are that at some point in NBA history, a team won the title PURELY based on randomness.

BUT, the best teams WIN, the best players WIN, etc.

The draft?  Eh?  Who knows?

All I know…

The WORST draft moment in NBA history is probably a bit forgotten.

The 2003 draft.  Down to the last two picks.  The Grizzlies and the Cavs are on the board.  The Grizzlies HAVE to get the top pick aka LEBRON FFFING JAMES or they lose the pick to Detroit.

OF COURSE we don’t get the first pick!

That HURT.  

It was the Razor’s Edge.  BOOM or BUST…

For this year’s draft, I mean, there are like FIVE conspiracy theories for the top pick.  Ben Simmons is going number 1.  Could be a one guy draft.

And, you have the Sixers, Lakers, and Celtics (via the Nets pick) ALL competing for the Top Pick.

Then you have the Pelicans who already have Anthony Davis, and play in the same state as Ben Simmons does now…

So, insert your draft conspiracy theory here:

Odds are: Grizzlies BLOW it up, trade Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, Zach, and everybody else, THEN luck into the top pick.  Get Simmons.  Have NOTHING around him then he goes to the Lakers.  OR, the Grizzlies move to Nashville and win a title.

Jim Rome asks David Stern what we all want to know- if the NBA Draft Lottery was fixed. And David Stern’s reaction to the question began a heated argument between the two, as David Stern became very rude and spoke some very ill-conceived words towards Rome. What do you guys think? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73vGdCaC048

Jim Rome asks David Stern what we all want to know- if the NBA Draft Lottery was fixed. And David Stern’s reaction to the question began a heated argument between the two, as David Stern became very rude and spoke some very ill-conceived words towards Rome. What do you guys think? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73vGdCaC048

 Interesting Gold Chain.

So many conspiracy theories so little time.

NBA is still my FAVORITE sports league.  To me, basketball is the best game around.  With the NBA offering a better product than college.  COLLEGE is a racket.  SPORTS one of the few redeeming things about it now.  MARCH MADNESS is one of the best gimmicks in sports history.  The other, probably the Super Bowl.  BUT, overall, college basketball is an inferior product.

So many things look more rigged than the NBA right now that it is not even funny.

I think the NBA tries to milk a trend.  I think it is PRIMARILY a Marketing Company.  

David Stern was a marketing genius and fantastic opportunist.

So do some series go one game longer or shorter than they should?

Probably.

But, hey, I tell people, ok, if it is FIXED then bet on it.  They don’t…

The BIGGEST conspiracy theory regarding the NBA that I have, and I have SLIGHTLY looked into is that I believe that the NBA ALWAYS owned the ABA.  I mean, George Mikan ran the thing, and then all the old ABA refs went to the NBA.  I think the NBA used the ABA to test out new marketing ideas, a faster, more entertaining game, and they also went after and marketed flashier players like Dr. J.

 Interesting Gold Chain.

So many conspiracy theories so little time.

NBA is still my FAVORITE sports league.  To me, basketball is the best game around.  With the NBA offering a better product than college.  COLLEGE is a racket.  SPORTS one of the few redeeming things about it now.  MARCH MADNESS is one of the best gimmicks in sports history.  The other, probably the Super Bowl.  BUT, overall, college basketball is an inferior product.

So many things look more rigged than the NBA right now that it is not even funny.

I think the NBA tries to milk a trend.  I think it is PRIMARILY a Marketing Company.  

David Stern was a marketing genius and fantastic opportunist.

So do some series go one game longer or shorter than they should?

Probably.

But, hey, I tell people, ok, if it is FIXED then bet on it.  They don’t…

The BIGGEST conspiracy theory regarding the NBA that I have, and I have SLIGHTLY looked into is that I believe that the NBA ALWAYS owned the ABA.  I mean, George Mikan ran the thing, and then all the old ABA refs went to the NBA.  I think the NBA used the ABA to test out new marketing ideas, a faster, more entertaining game, and they also went after and marketed flashier players like Dr. J.

Im like most people and have no idea if the NBa lottery is rigged but IMO there has been too many coinedences that have happened over the years that makes you wonder how legit the NBA lottery is. Why is it done behind closed doors? why does is always seem the one team that needs the top pick the most ends up getting it. If I remember correctly I think Washington had a new owner and was rewarded with the first pick (John Wall) same goes with New Orleans and getting (Anthony Davis). If im spending a couple 100 million to buy a new franchise makes sense I would be rewarded with the top player in the draft.

Like most people can agree on its a business at the end of the day, this mutli billion dollar business knows what its doing and was to maximize revenue potental. We just saw it this week when Jerry Colangilo was brought in to help with the 76ers. I was listening to raptors game and Leo Rautins was saying the NBA had to step in cause 76ers are a big market and there losing money from not being able to put the best product on the court. What that tells me the NBA has a lot more power than we really know if they can just place people there. I wouldnt have a problem form the 76ers stand point Jerry is a great knowledgable man that will def turn this franchise around, but did they even interview him or where they told he was being placed there.

At the end of the day, I love basketball and will always keep watching just things seem to happen that make you question things. That doesnt just go with basketball but how this side of the world works at least and once your able to start making those connections you start to see a trend and the trend is there is a lot of money on the line and it falls back to a small group of poeple who have the power and control. So if the lottery is rigged I predict we see the 76ers finally win the lottery and most likey get the lakers pick at 4 causing them to finally be out of the rebuild process.

Im like most people and have no idea if the NBa lottery is rigged but IMO there has been too many coinedences that have happened over the years that makes you wonder how legit the NBA lottery is. Why is it done behind closed doors? why does is always seem the one team that needs the top pick the most ends up getting it. If I remember correctly I think Washington had a new owner and was rewarded with the first pick (John Wall) same goes with New Orleans and getting (Anthony Davis). If im spending a couple 100 million to buy a new franchise makes sense I would be rewarded with the top player in the draft.

Like most people can agree on its a business at the end of the day, this mutli billion dollar business knows what its doing and was to maximize revenue potental. We just saw it this week when Jerry Colangilo was brought in to help with the 76ers. I was listening to raptors game and Leo Rautins was saying the NBA had to step in cause 76ers are a big market and there losing money from not being able to put the best product on the court. What that tells me the NBA has a lot more power than we really know if they can just place people there. I wouldnt have a problem form the 76ers stand point Jerry is a great knowledgable man that will def turn this franchise around, but did they even interview him or where they told he was being placed there.

At the end of the day, I love basketball and will always keep watching just things seem to happen that make you question things. That doesnt just go with basketball but how this side of the world works at least and once your able to start making those connections you start to see a trend and the trend is there is a lot of money on the line and it falls back to a small group of poeple who have the power and control. So if the lottery is rigged I predict we see the 76ers finally win the lottery and most likey get the lakers pick at 4 causing them to finally be out of the rebuild process.

 I’m not saying that I believe any of the stuff above is true or false.  What I do know is that I hate watching ESPN when there is a steroid scandal.  And I hate watching it when there are other scandals.  

I would hate and not be able to watch hoops because it would be all anybody would talk about.  

I’ve worked in the field of science for a little bit now.  But oddly, when it comes to the NBA I believe I would prefer to stay in the dark on most of these issues.  Simply because nothing pisses me off more than the NFL, and medias coverage of the NFL during a scandal.  I wouldn’t be able to take it if it were the NBA.

With that said the lottery isn’t fixed.  Too many variables. Or I guess it hasn’t been since the Ewing draft.  The lottery process is exhausting,  with a lot of people involved who would all have to be compliant.  

 I’m not saying that I believe any of the stuff above is true or false.  What I do know is that I hate watching ESPN when there is a steroid scandal.  And I hate watching it when there are other scandals.  

I would hate and not be able to watch hoops because it would be all anybody would talk about.  

I’ve worked in the field of science for a little bit now.  But oddly, when it comes to the NBA I believe I would prefer to stay in the dark on most of these issues.  Simply because nothing pisses me off more than the NFL, and medias coverage of the NFL during a scandal.  I wouldn’t be able to take it if it were the NBA.

With that said the lottery isn’t fixed.  Too many variables. Or I guess it hasn’t been since the Ewing draft.  The lottery process is exhausting,  with a lot of people involved who would all have to be compliant.  

 The world aint fair. People with money want more money and they will do whatever it takes. So if you think 100% its not fixed then you are stupid. It could definetely be fixed. I like to believe its not fixed though. Thats why I love sports becase every game is real and not scripted. Refs might give a hand to some teams sometimes. But in general the players are trying to win and its awesome. Back to the lottery, It is ridiculous that we cant see the ping pong balls picked and that it is done behind locked doors. That is so suspicious. 

 The world aint fair. People with money want more money and they will do whatever it takes. So if you think 100% its not fixed then you are stupid. It could definetely be fixed. I like to believe its not fixed though. Thats why I love sports becase every game is real and not scripted. Refs might give a hand to some teams sometimes. But in general the players are trying to win and its awesome. Back to the lottery, It is ridiculous that we cant see the ping pong balls picked and that it is done behind locked doors. That is so suspicious. 

Fixed for "basketball reasons".

Fixed for "basketball reasons".

NHL’s Lawyer: Lockouts Are ‘Necessary’ Weapons 2013 Feb. 12 (Bloomberg) — Robert Batterman, senior member of the Sports Law Group at Proskauer Rose LLP, talks with Bloomberg Law’s Spencer Mazyck about his representation of the National Hockey League during recent negotiations with its players’ union to form a 10-year collective bargaining agreement, the longest in NHL history. The league and the National Hockey League Players’ Association approved the contract’s framework in January to begin a lockout-shortened season. Batterman, who similarly serves as labor counsel for the National Football League and Major League Soccer, also discusses in this "Rainmakers" episode the "economically justifiable" reasons for lockouts this round in the NHL, NFL and NBA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFq2LFuBWIM

NHL’s Lawyer: Lockouts Are ‘Necessary’ Weapons 2013 Feb. 12 (Bloomberg) — Robert Batterman, senior member of the Sports Law Group at Proskauer Rose LLP, talks with Bloomberg Law’s Spencer Mazyck about his representation of the National Hockey League during recent negotiations with its players’ union to form a 10-year collective bargaining agreement, the longest in NHL history. The league and the National Hockey League Players’ Association approved the contract’s framework in January to begin a lockout-shortened season. Batterman, who similarly serves as labor counsel for the National Football League and Major League Soccer, also discusses in this "Rainmakers" episode the "economically justifiable" reasons for lockouts this round in the NHL, NFL and NBA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFq2LFuBWIM

I hate to bring religion into the equation…..

But there is definitely a "boys club" featuring a certain religous minority that runs the league in a way that maximises profits and protects the interests of those within the group. 

Clearly they do an excellent job of growing the league. Doesn’t mean that it’s always a fair playing field. But…they make the best of a situation involving a lot of stakeholders. Just protecting their own 🙂

But when the next big thing comes along…lets just say I’d rather have a GM named Abel Goldman than a GM called DeAndre Jackson. 

I hate to bring religion into the equation…..

But there is definitely a "boys club" featuring a certain religous minority that runs the league in a way that maximises profits and protects the interests of those within the group. 

Clearly they do an excellent job of growing the league. Doesn’t mean that it’s always a fair playing field. But…they make the best of a situation involving a lot of stakeholders. Just protecting their own 🙂

But when the next big thing comes along…lets just say I’d rather have a GM named Abel Goldman than a GM called DeAndre Jackson. 

 Everyone knows it is fixed. The lakers will get the number one pick this season. Because Kobe is retiring and Simmons and Russ were HS teammates. LA is a big market, the fix is in. 

 Everyone knows it is fixed. The lakers will get the number one pick this season. Because Kobe is retiring and Simmons and Russ were HS teammates. LA is a big market, the fix is in.