The NBA couldn't have picked a worse time to address tanking
CBS Sports
by
Sam Quinn
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NBA's recent focus on addressing tanking has come at a time when teams are increasingly reliant on drafting top-tier talent to compete for championships. While the idea of "tanking" seems simple—intentionally losing games to secure higher draft picks—the reality is more complex. Teams often tank with the hope of landing a franchise-altering star, but history shows that such outcomes are rare. The article highlights how few NBA champions have been built solely through tanking, with most relying on a mix of drafting, trades, and free agency to assemble their rosters.
Historically, many championship teams acquired key players without tanking. For example, the Lakers added LeBron James and Anthony Davis via trades, while the Warriors brought in Kevin Durant through free agency. Even stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry were not the result of tanking but rather strategic drafting or fortunate high picks. This underscores that while tanking can help, it is not a guaranteed path to success. Teams often have little control over external factors like player availability and trade dynamics, making tanking an uncertain strategy.
The article also explores why teams feel compelled to tank despite the risks. With limited control over free agency and trades, tanking offers one area where teams can assert influence—securing better draft positions by ensuring they finish poorly. However, this approach comes with its own challenges, such as the long-term consequences of losing streaks and the uncertainty of draft outcomes. Teams like the Nets have even gone to great lengths, trading away assets to regain control over their picks, highlighting just how critical this strategy has become.
For sports fans and analysts, understanding tanking's role in NBA roster-building is crucial. It reveals the league's evolving dynamics, where teams are forced to balance short-term losses with long-term gains. The article ultimately questions whether the risks of tanking outweigh the potential rewards, leaving readers to ponder if there's a better way for teams to compete without relying solely on losing on purpose.
Verticals
sports
Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/20/2026