In the world of professional sports, especially in basketball and hockey, "lottery protected draft picks" are a common term. But what exactly does it mean?
Understanding the Concept
A lottery protected draft pick is a draft pick that is protected from being sent to another team unless it falls within a specific range of the draft order. This means that if the pick falls outside the protected range, it will be traded to the other team. However, if the pick falls within the protected range, the team holding the pick gets to keep it.
Why Are Picks Protected?
Lottery protected picks are often used in trades to mitigate risk. Teams trading away a future pick might not want to risk losing a high-value pick if their team performs poorly and gets a low draft slot. By protecting the pick, they ensure that they will get a higher-ranked pick if their team is struggling, while still giving the other team a chance to receive a valuable asset in the future.
Examples in Action
Let's imagine a scenario:
- Team A trades a future draft pick to Team B, but the pick is "lottery protected."
- This protection means that if Team A's pick falls within the top 10 of the draft, they get to keep it.
- However, if Team A's pick falls outside the top 10, Team B gets to receive the pick.
Importance for Fans
Lottery protected picks can have a significant impact on a team's future. It can mean the difference between getting a high-potential player or losing a valuable asset. For fans, understanding how protected picks work can help them better understand the nuances of trades and the potential long-term impact on their favorite team.
Summary
In short, a lottery protected draft pick is a draft pick that is protected from being traded unless it falls within a specific range of the draft order. This protection is often used to mitigate risk for the team holding the pick, and can have a significant impact on a team's future prospects.