Adam Silver wants to 'root out' NBA tanking, but the incentives still greatly outweigh the fines
CBS Sports
by
Jack Maloney
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NBA has taken another step in its ongoing effort to combat tanking by fining the Utah Jazz $500,000 and the Indiana Pacers $100,000 for actions deemed有害 to league competition. Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized that prioritizing draft position over winning undermines the integrity of the sport, while also hinting at further measures to address the issue. However, critics argue that the current system creates strong incentives for teams to tank, as securing a top draft pick remains the most reliable way for smaller-market franchises to acquire elite talent.
Tanking has long been a challenge for the NBA, with attempts like flattening lottery odds and introducing the Play-In Tournament often failing to address the root cause. The league’s latest fines target overt behavior, such as benching key players in meaningless games, but many believe these penalties are too lenient compared to the potential benefits of securing a high draft pick. Teams facing tough financial constraints see tanking as a necessary evil to compete with larger-market franchises.
The debate over tanking has intensified this season due to an historic draft class and teams protecting their picks. While Silver and the NBA aim to preserve competitive balance, fans argue that the league’s focus on rooting out tanking risks overshadowing efforts to improve on-court product. The dilemma highlights a fundamental tension in professional sports: balancing short-term roster-building with long-term on-court success.
Ultimately, while the NBA continues to tweak its policies, the reality is that tanking remains deeply ingrained in the league’s ecosystem. For fans and stakeholders, this raises questions about whether the current system can ever truly eliminate the practice or if it will remain a necessary evil for smaller-market teams. The league’s ability to address these challenges will be crucial as it seeks to maintain fan engagement and ensure fair competition across all franchises.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/13/2026