[Pudge714]

In general he is horribly results oriented, just because the number five sides have ran balls hot in the lottery doesn't mean the system is broken.

This
[ QUOTE ]
• Since 1994, the Grizzlies have drafted in the top-four seven times (with their 2003 pick going to Detroit); the Clippers have done it six times; and the Bulls have done it six times since 1999 (once via a New York pick). Why do we keep rewarding poorly managed teams with elite rookies? Why? It makes no sense.

[/ QUOTE ]
Is really stupid.

His conclusions are really wrong
[ QUOTE ]
The lottery system was originally created to prevent teams from tanking for better draft picks ... which is exactly what's happening right now (as described in the magazine column). So they completely failed in that regard.

[/ QUOTE ]
Teams tanking one year =! the lottery having no effect on the prevention of tanking.

[ QUOTE ]
The lottery system also hoped to turn the fortunes of struggling franchises. Well, as we just proved, it completely failed in that regard, too. If anything, top-four picks have a significantly better chance of struggling for a few seasons, then getting traded before finally landing on a contending team. It's much, much, MUCH less likely that they will turn around their first franchise themselves.

[/ QUOTE ]
Again this is so results oriented. Having a high pick is clearly an advantage, because teams make scouting mistakes or coaching mistakes or injuries occur. Doesn't mean that having a top 4 pick decreases your odds of getting a franchise player.