NBA Tank Watch: The Dallas Mavericks are making a real run at another No. 1 pick
CBS Sports
by
John Gonzalez
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NBA's tanking debate has heated up with Draymond Green suggesting a potential fix: flattening the lottery odds to give all 14 teams an equal chance at landing a top pick. While other proposals like limiting protections on traded picks or freezing lottery odds have been discussed, Green argues that these ideas come off as punishments rather than solutions. His proposal aims to address the root issue of tanking by rewarding bad performance with fair opportunities for success in the draft.
The discussion around tanking has intensified as teams like the Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks continue their strong efforts to secure high draft picks. The Bulls, currently leading the rankings, endured a historic February without a single win—a franchise first—and yet they insist on competing despite their struggles. Their performance was marked by poor offensive and defensive ratings, high turnover rates, and significant points allowed off turnovers. Despite these challenges, players like Isaac Okoro maintain that they are not tanking but simply trying to win within the constraints of an overhauled roster.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks have been equally committed to their pursuit of a top pick. They sit in second place after losing 13 of their last 15 games, including a notable defeat against the struggling Sacramento Kings. Four of their starters scored in double figures in that game, showcasing their team's potential despite consistent losses. The Mavs' determination to tank effectively has not gone unnoticed, and their efforts reflect a broader strategy among teams to position themselves for future success through high draft selections.
The tanking debate matters because it highlights the NBA's ongoing struggle to balance competitive integrity with the desire to build strong franchises through the draft. As teams like the Bulls and Mavs continue to push for top picks, the league is under pressure to find a fair solution that discourages tanking while still rewarding truly bad performances. The outcome of this debate could shape how teams approach the draft process in the coming years, making it a critical issue for fans and stakeholders alike.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/3/2026