The NBA conducted its tiebreakers to determine the back end of the 2022 NBA Draft on Monday. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the league broke four ties that now cement picks 15-30 in the first round.
The Bulls won their tiebreaker against the Timberwolves to get the 18th overall pick, while Minnesota receives the 19th. The Spurs' pick—which they acquired from Toronto—won the tiebreaker over the Nuggets for the 20th pick. The Nets (from Philadelphia) beat out the Bucks and Spurs (from Boston) for pick 23, with Milwaukee taking 24 and San Antonio picking 25th. And finally, the Heat won the tiebreaker over the Warriors for the 27th pick.
4 ties were broken today that will impact the 1st rd.
18. Chicago
19. Minnesota20. San Antonio (via TOR)
21. Denver23. Brooklyn (via PHI)
24. Milwaukee
25. San Antonio (via BOS)27. Miami
28. GSW— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) April 18, 2022
There is one caveat. The Nets have the option to defer the pick the team acquired from Philadelphia to the 2023 NBA Draft. If that happens, the 76ers will then slot in at number 23 in this year's draft. Brooklyn has until June 1st to make a decision.
After today, picks 15-60 are now set. The first 14 will be revealed on May 17th during the NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago. After the first four picks are determined via a weighted drawing, picks 5-14 will then be based on each remaining teams' placements in the final standings. Here's a look at each team's odds for the lottery.
With a deep draft class with plenty of variability, even a one pick difference in the draft order could change a franchise's outlook for years to come. These tiebreakers could be the difference between a superstar and a bust in the 2022 NBA Draft.