[Lefty Noob]

In perhaps the worst illustration yet of the problems with the NBA Draft Lottery, the Minnesota Timberwolves needed to lose to the team with the worst record in the league yesterday in order to keep their draft pick, and sure enough, that's exactly what happened. Memphis beat Minnesota, 116-94.

As the AP reports, "The Wolves entered the game tied with New York and Portland for the sixth-worst record in the league. If they didn't earn a top-10 pick in the NBA draft lottery, they would've had to give it to the Clippers as part of the Sam Cassell-Marko Jaric trade two years ago... Maybe with that in mind, the Wolves didn't play much defense in the second half, constantly bailing out of the lane to give Stromile Swift a clear lane to dunk."

NBA - Memphis Grizzlies/Minnesota TimberWolves Recap

[azrael492]

Is there a statute of limitations on this deal or is it the first year they get a +10 pick they give it to the Clippers.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

In perhaps the worst illustration yet of the problems with the NBA Draft Lottery, the Minnesota Timberwolves needed to lose to the team with the worst record in the league yesterday in order to keep their draft pick, and sure enough, that's exactly what happened. Memphis beat Minnesota, 116-94.

As the AP reports, "The Wolves entered the game tied with New York and Portland for the sixth-worst record in the league. If they didn't earn a top-10 pick in the NBA draft lottery, they would've had to give it to the Clippers as part of the Sam Cassell-Marko Jaric trade two years ago... Maybe with that in mind, the Wolves didn't play much defense in the second half, constantly bailing out of the lane to give Stromile Swift a clear lane to dunk."

NBA - Memphis Grizzlies/Minnesota TimberWolves Recap

Classic...but come on...its in the spirit of the deal...one stinking win to cause them a pick?...LOL...If I am the team with the 6th worst record and I need that pick...I would not say lose the game...I would tell my players, "Guys this is the situation...now go out there and do what is best for your future and the future of this club... "

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by azrael492

Is there a statute of limitations on this deal or is it the first year they get a +10 pick they give it to the Clippers.

Well, I don't know the specifics of the deal, but usually a pick is lottery protected for X amount of years, and if the team doesn't make the playoffs by the end of that time period, the other club gets a compensatory pick at the end of the first round. At least that's how I understand the rules.