The NBA plans to address tanking, but there are problems with the league's seven potential solutions
CBS Sports
by
Jack Maloney
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NBA is taking significant steps to address the issue of tanking, which occurs when teams intentionally lose games to secure higher draft picks. In recent weeks, the league fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 and the Indiana Pacers $100,000 for altering lineups to remove star players, a practice that prioritizes draft position over winning. Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, emphasized during his All-Star Weekend press conference that such behavior undermines fair competition and fan expectations. He revealed that the league is collaborating with its Competition Committee and Board of Governors to implement new measures aimed at curbing tanking.
Among the potential solutions being considered are changes to pick protections, lottery odds adjustments, restrictions on consecutive high picks, and involving play-in teams in the lottery. For instance, one proposal suggests eliminating protections altogether for first-round picks, while another aims to freeze lottery odds at the trade deadline. Additionally, there is a discussion around preventing teams from selecting top-four picks in consecutive years or after multiple poor finishes. These changes reflect the league's commitment to fostering parity and ensuring that all teams have a fair chance to compete.
However, critics argue that tanking is not as significant an issue as it appears, especially with highly anticipated draft classes like 2026 on the horizon. Many believe that minor tweaks to the system will not address the root cause of tanking, which remains tied to the importance of the draft in building competitive teams. The league's efforts to eliminate tanking are particularly challenging because the draft serves as a reliable method for most teams to acquire top talent.
Ultimately, the NBA's decision to implement these changes hinges on its ability to balance fair competition with the realities of the draft-driven system. If successful, these measures could restore fan trust and ensure a more level playing field across the league. For sports fans, this matters because it directly impacts the excitement, fairness, and quality of the games they watch. The NBA's approach to addressing tanking will not only shape the future of competition but also influence how teams strategize and compete in the years to come.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/20/2026