Tanking has taken center stage in NBA discussions recently, with Commissioner Adam Silver voicing his concerns during All-Star weekend. Silver's mission has always been to foster parity in the league, believing that a competitive balance among teams enhances the NBA's appeal both domestically and internationally.
Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green stirred the pot on "The Draymond Green Show," boldly claiming that nearly a third of the league is tanking this season.
"You're talking a third of the league is tanking right now," Green remarked. "It's not even All-Star break yet.
And the full-out tank jobs are on. Memphis, it's obvious they're tanking, right?
You trade Bane, you trade Jaren... But they're not the only team tanking...
Utah has to stay within the top eight or their pick goes to Oklahoma City. So Sam Presti is livid at what Utah's doing.
The only problem with that is Sam Presti just won a championship last year doing what Utah's doing. But it ain't so fun when the rabbit got the gun...
Stop rewarding tanking. It's more blatant than it's ever been.
It's ridiculous. And it's killing the product."
In the world of sports, it's a given that some teams will excel while others struggle. Rebuilding phases are part of the natural cycle as teams age or hit a ceiling with their current roster. However, in years like this one, with a highly talented and deep incoming draft class, the tanking debate intensifies.
Green's comments come at a pivotal moment, with the issue gaining traction due to the All-Star break spotlight. Silver has expressed his commitment to addressing the problem, but finding a solution in a league where the draft is crucial for maintaining market fairness won't be straightforward.