The Rise of Tanking in the NBA
The phenomenon of tanking in the NBA, traditionally seen later in the season, has erupted earlier than ever this year, surfacing even before the All-Star break in February. Recently, the NBA imposed hefty fines on multiple teams for their tanking strategies: the Utah Jazz were fined $500,000, while the Indiana Pacers had to pay $100,000. In response to these actions, Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his concern during his All-Star weekend address, stressing that such tendencies towards tanking not only undermine the competitive integrity of the league but also lead to detrimental consequences for the teams involved. He emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen regulations against this growing trend.
Impact of the Upcoming Draft Class
This season stands out due to a particularly attractive upcoming draft class, featuring promising talent like Cam Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, and Darryn Peterson, making franchises eager to secure top positions. The excitement surrounding these prospects contributes significantly to the current tanking culture. Moreover, since the NBA revised its draft lottery by flattening the odds in 2019, teams find themselves in a more accessible race for coveted top picks. Previously languishing teams suddenly sense a feasible path upwards, altering the stakes for playoff contenders.
The Psychological Element
Compounding this, a psychological element known as recency bias casts a longer shadow over teams’ decision-making processes. The success of recent lottery winners—who came from less favorable draft positions—reinforces a narrative that encourages teams to pursue a losing strategy, with many eyeing improved odds at a better draft position.
Teams Engaging in Tanking
As a result, the landscape of the league is increasingly filled with teams poised to embrace a losing strategy, with many already exhibiting signs of deliberate underperformance. Below is a strategic assessment of teams positioned to engage in tanking this season, evaluated through various factors including draft incentives, historical tendencies, current health status, player demographics, and overall roster viability.
1. Washington Wizards
Record: 13-39
Injury Concerns: Trae Young (knee), Anthony Davis (hand)
Tank Score: 30 out of 30
The Wizards appear fully committed to the tank, having sidelined key players like Trae Young indefinitely and Anthony Davis potentially for the rest of the season. With draft pick protections hanging in the balance, their actions signal a clear intent to secure a favorable spot in the upcoming draft.
2. Utah Jazz
Record: 18-38
Injury Concerns: Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee), Keyonte George (ankle)
Tank Score: 29 out of 30
Following a significant fine from the NBA, Utah’s motives for tanking are transparent, especially as a high pick could mean securing star student AJ Dybantsa. The loss of Jaren Jackson Jr. heightens their chances to secure a valuable draft position.
3. Brooklyn Nets
Record: 15-38
Injury Concerns: Nic Claxton (hip)
Tank Score: 27 out of 30
With the potential to lose critical draft assets due to previous trades, Brooklyn is incentivized to finish the season with fewer wins, leaving space for new talent.
4. Dallas Mavericks
Record: 19-35
Injury Concerns: Cooper Flagg (foot), Kyrie Irving (ACL)
Tank Score: 27 out of 30
Mark Cuban‘s endorsement of a tanking strategy along with the Mavericks not controlling their first-round pick until 2031 makes this organization particularly motivated to pursue a lower win total.
5. Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 20-33
Injury Concerns: Ja Morant (elbow)
Tank Score: 26 out of 30
With a focus on acquiring more draft capital in the future, Memphis is gearing towards a tanking approach, particularly after a significant roster shake-up.
Conclusion
The assessment continues with evaluating other teams including the Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets, and New Orleans Pelicans, each navigating strategies that earn them ranks on the tanking list based on current records and other critical evaluative metrics.
As the race to the bottom heats up, the implications of these actions will have lasting impacts on the franchises involved, shaping both their immediate futures and the landscape of the NBA for years to come.
