Tanking tactics are stirring up a storm in the NBA, as teams eye top draft picks, leading to potential changes in draft rules.
Recently, the league has been abuzz with talk of tanking, with lottery-bound teams opting to rest key players and bench starters when victory is within reach. This strategy has sparked controversy and drawn scrutiny from fans and officials alike.
Take Utah's matchup against Orlando on February 7th. The Jazz held a seven-point lead entering the fourth quarter, thanks to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen, who combined for 49 points on 55.2% shooting. Yet, despite their stellar performance, neither saw a minute of action in the final quarter, resulting in a narrow three-point loss.
Indiana finds itself under the microscope as well. Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith all missed the same two games-against Utah on February 3rd and Brooklyn on February 11th-raising eyebrows about the timing and potential motives behind these absences.
While tanking isn't new, especially with a talent-rich draft like 2026's on the horizon, this season's tactics have been particularly bold. The Oklahoma City Thunder, for instance, famously benched Al Horford for the final 28 games of the 2021 season.
The current situation has prompted NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to consider fundamental changes to the draft process. Meanwhile, the league is imposing fines on teams found guilty of undermining the NBA's integrity. Recently, the Utah Jazz were fined $500,000 and the Indiana Pacers $100,000 for such tactics, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on February 12th.
Though these fines might seem insignificant compared to the financial boon of drafting a superstar, they indicate the NBA's growing intolerance for tanking. Players like Victor Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg exemplify the potential rewards that drive teams to employ these strategies.
As the season progresses, Utah faces a pivotal game against Memphis, another team with tanking tendencies. With only two more wins than Utah, the Grizzlies are a direct competitor in the race for favorable lottery odds in the 2026 Draft. Utah also has key matchups against New Orleans, which trails them by three wins.
The Jazz's decisions in these games could have significant implications, not just for their draft position but also for Oklahoma City. The Thunder hold Utah’s first-round pick, provided it doesn’t fall within the top eight. Currently, Utah has the sixth-fewest wins, but with Dallas and Memphis close behind, the standings could shift rapidly.
As the league grapples with these dynamics, all eyes are on how teams will navigate the fine line between strategic planning and maintaining competitive integrity.