NBA All-Star Weekend and Current Challenges
Inglewood, California, hosted the NBA All-Star Weekend this year, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressing the media on February 14, 2026. The league has faced numerous challenges in the aftermath of the Super Bowl, with criticism often focusing on issues such as player load management or a lack of effort during the All-Star Game. Currently, the most pressing concern is the issue of tanking—where teams intentionally lose games to improve their chances in the lottery draft.
The Moral Panic Surrounding Tanking
This moral panic surrounding tanking has garnered significant attention, particularly from fans of teams like the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards, who are frustrated by their teams’ decisions to withhold their best players in crucial moments. However, it seems many of these supporters are ultimately accepting of the strategy in a season that appears lost, as they hope for a future star to emerge from the draft.
Despite the complaints, it’s important to remember that as many as ten teams might be incentivized to lose throughout the remainder of the season—undeniably a negative perception for the league. In an attempt to tackle this issue, the NBA is considering a series of changes for the upcoming season, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting that a panel including former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is advising Adam Silver on potential solutions.
Proposed Changes to Address Tanking
Some of the proposals on the table include:
- Making first-round draft picks only protected for the top-four or top-14-plus slots
- Freezing lottery odds at the trade deadline
- Preventing teams from selecting in the top four consecutive years following poor finishes
- Allocating lottery odds based on two-year records
While some of these ideas show promise, others could inadvertently worsen the situation, casting a wider net of complications for the league. The real crux of the current tanking crisis relates to the anticipation surrounding the 2026 NBA Draft, which is loaded with talent. For teams lacking a superstar, acquiring one through the draft is the most viable route, especially as free agency options appear slim.
Future Directions for Teams
The Jazz and Wizards have signaled intentions to move away from tanking in the coming season by making strategic acquisitions. Meanwhile, teams that temporarily embraced tanking, like the Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls, may be stuck in a challenging position if new rules are imposed. Punishing teams that are already attempting to rebuild could prove counterproductive.
The Bigger Picture: Length of the NBA Season
Moreover, the primary issue confronting the league transcends tanking—it relates to the grueling length of the NBA season itself. With 82 games on the schedule, players often face excessive physical demands, increasing the reliance on load management and contributing to the condition that allows tanking to flourish. Compared to other leagues and formats, a reduction of the NBA’s regular-season games to around 60 or 65 could enhance player health and the overall quality of competition.
