Introduction
The NBA draft is one of the most exciting events in the league. It’s a time when teams get to select new players and add them to their roster. However, not all draft picks are created equal. Some picks are protected, which means that they come with certain conditions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at NBA protected picks.
What are NBA Protected Picks?
Protected picks are draft picks that come with conditions attached to them. These conditions can vary, but they typically involve the pick being “protected” in some way. For example, a protected pick might only be given to a team if it falls within a certain range in the draft order.
Types of Protected Picks
There are several types of protected picks in the NBA. Some of the most common include:
1. Lottery-Protected Picks
Lottery-protected picks are picks that are only given to a team if they fall outside of the top lottery picks in the draft. In other words, if the team’s draft position falls within the top 14, they don’t get the pick.
2. Top-3 Protected Picks
Top-3 protected picks are picks that are only given to a team if they fall outside of the top three picks in the draft. If the team’s draft position falls within the top three, they don’t get the pick.
3. Top-5 Protected Picks
Top-5 protected picks are picks that are only given to a team if they fall outside of the top five picks in the draft. If the team’s draft position falls within the top five, they don’t get the pick.
Why Do Teams Use Protected Picks?
Teams use protected picks for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is to protect themselves from losing a valuable asset. For example, a team might trade away a star player, but include a protected pick in the trade. This way, if the team they traded the player to performs poorly, they still get a good draft pick.
Examples of Protected Picks
Let’s take a look at some examples of protected picks in action.
1. The Lakers and the Suns
In 2022, the Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards. As part of the trade, the Lakers gave up a first-round pick in the 2024 draft. However, the pick was protected. If the pick falls within the top 10, the Lakers keep it. If it falls outside of the top 10, the pick goes to the Suns.
2. The Grizzlies and the Jazz
In 2021, the Grizzlies traded Jonas Valanciunas to the Pelicans. As part of the trade, the Grizzlies received a first-round pick in the 2022 draft. However, the pick was top-10 protected. If the pick falls within the top 10, the Grizzlies keep it. If it falls outside of the top 10, the pick goes to the Jazz.
Conclusion
Protected picks are an important part of the NBA draft process. They allow teams to protect themselves from losing valuable assets and ensure that they get a good draft pick. As we’ve seen, there are several types of protected picks, each with their own conditions. Whether you’re a die-hard NBA fan or just getting into the sport, understanding protected picks is essential.
