NBA Changes Draft Rules to Stop Losing

May 14, 2026, 19:40
USSports

Introduction

NBA leader Adam Silver wants to change the draft lottery. He wants teams to try to win every game.

Main Body

Some teams lose games on purpose to get a top player. The new rules stop this. Now, the three worst teams have a small chance to get the first pick. Teams in the middle have a better chance. The NBA can now punish teams that lose on purpose. In the past, teams only paid money. Now, the NBA can take away their draft balls or change their place in the draft. Some small teams are worried. They think it is harder to get great players now. This new system will last until 2029. Then, the NBA will check if it works.

Conclusion

The NBA leaders will vote on these rules in late May.

Learning

⚡️ The 'Want' Pattern

In this text, we see a very useful way to talk about goals and desires: Want + To + Action.

  • He wants to change...
  • Teams want to win...

How it works: When you desire an action, use this simple bridge: Person →\rightarrow wants to →\rightarrow verb

Easy Examples for A2:

  • I want to learn English.
  • She wants to go home.
  • They want to play basketball.

🕒 Now vs. Before

Look at how the text compares the present and the past:

Now (Present)In the past (Past)
NBA can punishTeams only paid
New rules stop thisTeams lost on purpose

Tip: Use "Now" to start a sentence when you are explaining a change in a situation.

Vocabulary Learning

draft (n.)
the selection of new players by teams
Example:The draft will decide which team gets the best new player.
rules (n.)
instructions that teams must follow
Example:The rules of the game are clear.
teams (n.)
groups of players that play in games
Example:Many teams play in the league.
players (n.)
individuals who play the game
Example:Players need to practice every day.
chance (n.)
the possibility of something happening
Example:There is a chance that it will rain.
worst (adj.)
the lowest or poorest
Example:The worst team had to improve.
middle (adj.)
in the center or between extremes
Example:The middle of the line is empty.
punish (v.)
to give a penalty or punishment
Example:The coach will punish players who break the rules.
purpose (n.)
a reason for doing something
Example:The purpose of the meeting is to discuss plans.
vote (v.)
to decide by choosing or selecting
Example:We will vote for the new president.
small (adj.)
not large or great in size
Example:The small house is cozy.
hard (adj.)
difficult to do or understand
Example:The test was hard.
new (adj.)
recently created or discovered
Example:This is a new book.
last (v.)
to continue for a period of time
Example:The game will last two hours.
check (v.)
to examine or test something
Example:Please check the results.
late (adj.)
happening after the expected time
Example:He arrived late to the party.
May (n.)
a month of the year
Example:May is a sunny month.