Everyone seems to be paying attention to NBA tanking -- yes, even the lottery picks themselves
CBS Sports
by
Cameron Salerno
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NBA's tanking phenomenon and the draft lottery have become hard to ignore as All-Star Weekend approaches. Recent fines for the Utah Jazz ($500,000) and Indiana Pacers ($100,000) highlight the league’s growing scrutiny of teams attempting to secure higher draft picks by underperforming. This year’s draft is particularly anticipated due to elite college stars like Duke’s Cameron Boozer, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, who could form the foundation of future franchises. The 2026 class also features one of the strongest rookie groups in years, with players like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper generating significant buzz.
The draft lottery’s increased visibility has drawn attention from players themselves. Some, like VJ Edgecombe, openly admitted monitoring standings to gauge potential draft positions, while others, such as Egor Dёmin, tried to focus solely on their game. This year’s draft adds intrigue due to the flattened odds system, which since 2019 has prevented the team with the worst record from securing the top pick. The lack of a clear top prospect in recent drafts has heightened drama and speculation.
Players like Reed Sheppard, the biggest college star before last year’s draft, found it challenging to ignore the standings and tanking debates. Social media and conversations with teammates inevitably brought attention to these issues, making it difficult for players to stay disconnected from the broader NBA narrative. This growing focus on tanking reflects both fan interest and the league’s evolving strategies to balance competitive integrity with excitement around the draft.
Ultimately, the NBA’s tanking discussion matters because it impacts how teams operate, shapes player perceptions, and influences fan engagement. As the draft approaches, the interplay between standings, talent evaluation, and strategic decision-making will dominate the conversation, offering fans a unique lens into the league’s inner workings.
Verticals
sports
Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/13/2026