The annual selection process, held before the National Basketball Association’s draft, determines the order in which teams with the worst regular-season records get to pick players. In 1996, this event dictated the initial selections, influencing the future trajectory of several franchises. A weighted system assigns odds based on a team’s record, giving the worst teams a higher chance of securing an earlier pick, although it doesn’t guarantee the top spot.
This specific year’s iteration holds significance due to the exceptional talent pool available, considered by many to be one of the deepest in league history. Securing a high draft position in that year offered a substantial opportunity to acquire a franchise-altering player, providing a potential pathway to future competitiveness and championship contention. It provided struggling teams the chance to quickly rebuild and attract fans, generating revenue and increasing the league’s overall parity.