Baylor product VJ Edgecombe, who made an impression at the 2024 Olympics, edges out Harper’s Rutgers teammate Ace Bailey on points at No. 3, and the decision seems to hinge on that pair — either Edgecombe or Bailey claims 8 of 10 No. 3 slots and all 10 at No. 4.

The NBA draft lottery once again produced straight-up drama and intrigue this week, with the Dallas Mavericks defying astronomical odds to land the No. 1 overall pick. That got us thinking about the NFL’s draft system that simply rewards the league’s worst teams without any wrinkles.

The lottery system is how the NBA determines the draft order for the teams that don’t make the playoffs. It only determines the first 14 picks of the draft and has no impact on the second round. The first four picks are determined by the lottery, and picks 5-14 are determined by the reverse standings of whoever is left.