The sports draft, devised 79 years ago in Philadelphia because Bert Bell knew his Eagles couldn't otherwise compete, is a curious institution.
Without one, wealthy teams such as the 1927-1964 New York Yankees can dominate. But with one, shrewdly run franchises such as the 1957-69 Boston Celtics can do the same.
Though its worst-goes-first structure is meant to level the playing field, the system, as tank-ful 76ers fans understand, can still be manipulated.
To preserve parity and integrity, leagues have tinkered constantly with their drafts. Just last week we witnessed again the spectacle of an NBA draft lottery.