Grizzlies opposed NBA lottery changes because of Jazz pick

Turns out the Memphis Grizzlies had a very specific reason for casting the lone dissenting vote against the NBA’s new anti-tanking lottery system.

According to ESPN, Memphis’ objection centered primarily around one particular rule within the newly approved “3-2-1” lottery overhaul: Teams can no longer land a top-five pick in three consecutive drafts.

That matters because the Utah Jazz again own a top-five pick in this year’s draft.

And as ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted, the Grizzlies currently control the more favorable 2027 first-round selection between Utah, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Under the NBA’s newly approved rules, however, Utah’s own 2027 pick now cannot land inside the top five because of the Jazz already owning top-five selections in consecutive drafts.

In other words, Memphis potentially loses some upside value on that future pick because of the new restrictions.

The NBA’s Board of Governors approved the broader anti-tanking reforms Wednesday by a 29-1 vote, with Memphis standing alone against the proposal.

Now we apparently know why.