The NBA’s Consideration of New Regulations Against Tanking
The NBA is set to contemplate new regulations aimed at curbing tanking among teams as it looks towards the upcoming season, according to sources familiar with the ongoing discussions. Commissioner Adam Silver expressed a commitment to exploring all available strategies to address this issue during last weekend’s All-Star activities.
Commissioner’s Insights and Potential Approaches
In a call with general managers (GMs) on Thursday, Silver outlined multiple potential approaches, although specifics have yet to be publicly disclosed. ESPN initially reported on this conversation.
While nothing has been concretely decided, insights from one insider suggest that various concepts are already being considered, including the idea of solidifying lottery odds by a designated deadline. Implementing such a policy could incentivize teams to strive for victory during the season’s closing weeks rather than intentionally losing games.
Recent Incidents and Penalties
This tanking debate has gained significant attention following recent incidents involving the Utah Jazz, who faced a $500,000 fine for actions deemed detrimental, specifically for resting star players Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. during the critical final quarters of two games. The NBA stated that this decision was made despite the players being fit to play and the outcomes of those games still undetermined.
Similarly, the Indiana Pacers were penalized $100,000 for breaching the Player Participation Policy, which requires teams to utilize key players, including established stars like Pascal Siakam, in certain matchups.
Over the years, the NBA has taken steps to tackle the tanking issue, including adjusting the draft lottery system, implementing the Player Participation Policy, and imposing hefty fines—such as the $750,000 penalty handed to the Dallas Mavericks last season for sidelining key players late in the regular season.
Addressing Current Behaviors and Ensuring Fair Competition
Silver acknowledged that the league is approaching this issue from two angles: addressing current behaviors among teams and ensuring a fair competitive environment. He emphasized the necessity to uphold fans’ expectations by providing an engaging product while the competition committee continues to review the overall structure of the draft lottery.
