The Kings potentially coming in dead last has a higher price than ever

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has introduced a new "3-2-1" draft lottery system designed to curb tanking across the league. The updated format directly affects teams finishing at the bottom of the standings, including the Sacramento Kings, who are projected to struggle in the basement.

Under the new system taking effect for the 2027 draft, the three teams with the worst regular-season records receive only two lottery balls. This mechanism significantly reduces their chances of securing the number one overall pick and complicates traditional rebuilding strategies.