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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

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