Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has made waves with his outspoken stance against tanking in the NBA. Taking to social media, Ishbia didn't mince words, calling the strategy "ridiculous" and labeling it "loser behavior done by losers."
He emphasized, "Purposely losing is something nobody should want to be associated with. It's embarrassing for the league and for the organizations.
The idea of this as a ‘strategy’ is absurd. If you're a bad team, you get a good pick.
But intentionally shutting down players and losing games is a disgrace, impacting the league's integrity."
Ishbia didn't stop there, drawing a sharp comparison to past scandals. "This is much worse than any prop betting scandal.
It's strategically throwing games. It's horrible for fans who pay to watch and cheer for their team, and unfair to the teams genuinely competing for playoff spots."
These comments add to the growing outcry from NBA executives, media, and fans who are calling for action against tanking. Ishbia’s perspective is particularly compelling given the Suns' recent resurgence. After missing the playoffs last year, Ishbia took over and made bold moves, including trading for Kevin Durant and orchestrating a deal that sent Chris Paul to the Wizards in exchange for Bradley Beal.
The Suns sacrificed several first-round picks in these trades, signaling a commitment to winning now. Despite initial challenges in forming a Big Three with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, the Suns adapted. Instead of seeking first-round picks to rebuild, they focused on strategic acquisitions, bringing in Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green from the Rockets for Durant, and adding size with Mark Williams.
Currently sitting at 32-23 and seventh in the Western Conference, the Suns are just two games behind the Timberwolves for sixth place and three games behind the Nuggets for the third seed. Ishbia's approach to quick roster retooling may well set a new standard for team rebuilding.
The Suns are set to face Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs tonight at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, aiming to continue their upward momentum.