A mechanism, often digital, that randomly assigns National Basketball Association teams or outcomes based on chance. It can be used for various purposes, such as selecting draft order in simulations, determining match-ups in hypothetical tournaments, or creating random scenarios for predictive analysis. For example, a simulator might use this to decide which team gets the first overall pick in a mock draft if the draft lottery is bypassed.
The value of such a tool lies in its capacity to generate unbiased results, providing a level playing field for simulations and eliminating human preference. It can offer insight into potential future scenarios, supporting strategic decision-making for fans and analysts. Historically, randomness has been a part of sports analysis; this simply formalizes that approach in a digital or physical manifestation that can be repeated for larger sets of data.