Silver considering all remedies for rampant tanking in NBA - ESPN

ESPN

by Ramona Shelburne

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed growing concerns over the prevalence of tanking in the league, describing it as "worse than we've seen in recent memory." In response to overt tanking behaviors, he emphasized that all potential remedies are on the table, including the possibility of stripping teams of draft picks. This stance comes after fining the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers for similar actions earlier this week. Silver highlighted how modern analytics have skewed team incentives, leading some clubs to intentionally underperform to secure higher draft positions. He questioned whether teams with poor records are genuinely struggling on the court or merely manipulating their outcomes to improve their chances in the lottery. This issue has prompted a reevaluation of the league's draft structure, with Silver suggesting that the current system may no longer align with the best interests of the game. The conundrum Silver described centers on balancing short-term gains for individual teams against the long-term health of the NBA. He stressed the importance of maintaining fan trust and upholding the integrity of the sport. While discussing potential reforms, he also referenced ongoing investigations into salary cap circumvention by the Los Angeles Clippers but provided no updates on a timeline for resolution. Silver's remarks reflect a broader effort to address systemic issues within the league. His focus on competitive balance and transparency underscores the NBA's commitment to preserving its reputation as a fair and compelling league. For sports fans, this matters because it directly impacts the quality of play and the overall appeal of the game, ensuring that decisions are driven by merit rather than manipulation.

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/15/2026