In 2027, the Nets\u2019 first-round pick will likely be headed to Houston, as the Rockets own the rights to swap picks. Given the NBA\u2019s new lottery format, that could certainly sting the Nets.<\/p>\n
Under the new format, the seven non-postseason squads that finish above the bottom three in the league will have the best odds at the No. 1 pick. Considering the moves Brooklyn has made this offseason, that range seems like a likely landing spot for the Nets.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately for Brooklyn, that would mean giving Houston a tie for the best odds at No. 1 and potentially losing out on a top pick. Under the new lottery format, teams also have restrictions on where they can land.<\/p>\n
Teams can\u2019t pick No. 1 in consecutive drafts or pick in the top three in three consecutive drafts. Given those restrictions and the new odds, it could open a door for Brooklyn <\/a>to be incentivized to tank if it\u2019s near the relegation zone and could fall into the bottom three records.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, that should be an absolute last-case scenario for the Nets, especially if they\u2019re playing competitive basketball. Sure, if the Nets open the year 5-20, they should aim for the bottom three. But if Brooklyn ends up hovering around .500 and can stay in the play-in race through the midpoint of the season, it shouldn\u2019t consider tanking at any point, even if the wheels eventually begin to fall off.<\/p>\n
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