What is ‘tanking’ in the NBA? What is being done to prevent it?
As draft prospects grow more valuable, the NBA weighs rule changes to curb teams that sacrifice wins for lottery position.
In the National Basketball Association, roster construction often revolves around acquiring a franchise cornerstone. Because elite prospects typically enter through the draft, some teams have adopted a controversial strategy known as tanking.
What tanking means in the NBA
Tanking refers to intentionally weakening a roster or prioritizing long term development over short term wins in order to secure better draft lottery odds. In practice, this can mean resting healthy veterans, limiting minutes for star players, or trading proven contributors once playoff hopes fade.
Remember when the Portland Trail Blazers pivoted toward a rebuild after injuries to Damian Lillard derailed their season. Portland moved key pieces, finished 27-55, and landed the No. 7 overall pick, selecting Shaedon Sharpe.
Why the league sees a problem with tanking
League officials argue that prioritizing draft position over competition damages credibility. The Dallas Mavericks were fined in 2023 for resting players in a game tied to draft protections. More recently, the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers were penalized for sitting healthy starters.
Commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged the concern publicly, saying the league will pursue measures that protect competitive integrity.
Proposed rule changes to reduce tanking
Among ideas discussed at Board of Governors meetings:
- Limiting traded draft pick protections to either top four or 14 and higher, eliminating middle ranges that encourage calculated losing.
- Barring teams from receiving top four picks in consecutive years.
- Locking lottery standings before the regular season ends to remove late season incentives.
Another concept involves a tournament among non playoff teams to determine draft order – some people just can’t get enough of extra games – replacing passive losing with direct competition.
With top prospects such as AJ Dybantsa generating buzz, the financial and competitive stakes remain high. Whether structural changes can shift incentives back toward winning is now a central question for the NBA.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.