In recent weeks, the NBA has been buzzing with discussions about tanking, especially after the Utah Jazz benched Lauri Markkanen during crucial fourth quarters. This tactic, aimed at improving draft lottery odds, has sparked a national debate.
Some have proposed radical changes, like eliminating the NBA draft altogether or freezing lottery odds mid-season. But let's not get carried away. If you're following the NBA, you've likely encountered the argument that tanking undermines the league's integrity, with the bottom-tier teams seemingly collecting losses for better draft positions.
Former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has weighed in, supporting tanking as a natural part of professional sports. He pointed to the Mavericks' acquisition of Luka Doncic in 2018 as a prime example. Cuban argues that fans understand their team can't win every game, but they crave hope-hope for improvement, playoff contention, and maybe even a championship.
It's hard to dismiss Cuban's perspective. Tanking seems ingrained in the NBA's fabric. There will always be teams at the bottom, and giving them access to top college talent is a way to rejuvenate and potentially create future contenders.
The NBA has taken a firm stance against tanking recently. The Jazz and Indiana Pacers received hefty fines, and Commissioner Adam Silver has even threatened to strip draft picks from offenders.
However, this crackdown feels somewhat exaggerated. The draft is a lifeline for smaller-market teams, and without it, some franchises could find themselves stuck in mediocrity.
Cuban also mentioned the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighting their success in player development and some lottery luck, like snagging Chet Holmgren with the No. 2 pick in 2022. Although he mistakenly thought the Thunder tanked for Jalen Williams, taken with the LA Clippers' pick, his overall point remains valid.
Tanking is likely here to stay in the NBA. Even if the league changes the rules, teams will adapt to secure top lottery odds. It's a cycle that seems destined to continue, with adjustments merely shifting the strategy rather than eliminating it.