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The fascinating conflict between drafting in the top five and winning NBA titles
As the NBA considers dramatic lottery reform, the numbers show that drafting in the top five hasn't turned into NBA titles over the past 20 years.
Illustration by ESPN
TOP HEADLINES
THUNDER PUSH ALL THE RIGHT BUTTONS
How the Thunder's unlikely heroes have taken the Spurs to the brink of elimination
Oklahoma City turned to Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace and Jared McCain to claw its way back to the top against San Antonio.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Stephen A.: ‘I was impressed with how OKC bounced back’
2:25
FIXING THE SYSTEM?
NBA draft lottery reform: Pros and cons of the new '3-2-1' proposal
On the eve of the league's vote to enact significant anti-tanking measures, Tim Bontemps examines the good, the bad and the head-scratching changes coming to the draft lottery.
Photo by Melissa Tamez/NBAE via Getty Images
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
GAME 6: 8:30 P.M. ET ON THURSDAY
Perkins: Wemby got 'punked' in Game 5
1:53
Takeaways: Thunder secure 3-2 series lead with win over Spurs
Here's what we've learned -- and what's next for the Spurs-Thunder series.
EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
Should Knicks want OKC or Spurs more? Stephen A. weighs in
2:44
The Knicks went all-in, and it paid off: How they got to the NBA Finals
Here's how bold moves and a coaching change fueled the New York Knicks' improbable journey.
TALKING HOOPS
Does Hammon have a point about Brunson? Stephen A. weighs in
2:44
Stephen A.: Keeping Kenny Atkinson 'a disastrous move' by Cavaliers
2:44
NBA PLAYOFFS
De’Aaron Fox has taken on a new role in San Antonio, but his impact is undeniable
Fox put San Antonio at the top of his list when leaving Sacramento, and he has become their veteran leader.
Illustration by ESPN
The on-court trends defining the 2026 NBA playoffs
From Wemby's dominance to the Cavs' scoring problems, these storylines are shaping the conference finals.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Which NBA stars could get PAID this summer? Stacking the mega-extension candidates
These are the most important deals that could get done, plus how each outcome could help shape next season.
Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images
Mad Dog: 'I’d be shocked if LeBron goes back to Cleveland'
1:10
Top Headlines
- Source: Wemby warned for ditching reporters
- Sources: Hawks GM Saleh gets promotion, deal
- SGA starts slow, but 'guys held it down' to win G5
- Mazzulla 4th from Celtics to win Coach of the Year
- Sources: Atkinson to return as Cavaliers coach
- Hammon stands by Brunson take: Prove me wrong
- Wemby card sells for $5.11 million in private sale
- Suspects in athlete break-ins arrested in Argentina
- 👀 The players who could shape the offseason
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- Photo by Jerome Miron/Imagn Images
NBA offseason: Six star trade ideas to shake up the summer
ESPN's NBA insiders pitch six trades that could rock the offseason. But which move would truly change the league landscape?
- Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Grant Burke/NBAE via Getty Images)
2026 NBA buzz: Latest news, injuries, league intel, updates
Here's what our NBA insiders are hearing, including the latest on LeBron James' future in Los Angeles.
- Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Victor Wembanyama is shattering the NBA's age curve
In his first postseason run, the Spurs' young superstar is defying conventional wisdom about the importance of playoff experience.
- AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
NBA playoffs 2026: Team-building tips from Thunder, Spurs, Knicks, Cavs
Four conference finalists, four roster-building lessons. What could other teams learn from the Knicks, Cavs, Thunder and Spurs?
- ESPN
NBA offseason: Draft, free agency, trade targets for eliminated teams
For all but three NBA teams, the offseason is here. What lies ahead for the Cavs, Pistons, Wolves, Lakers and every eliminated team?
More NBA coverage on NBA.COM
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