The perennial debate surrounding "tanking" in the NBA has reached a fever pitch, with Commissioner Adam Silver making it abundantly clear that significant reforms are imminent. This comprehensive report from sportsamo.com delves into the league’s battle against strategic losing, the controversial proposals on the table, and the surprisingly insightful perspective offered by Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green.
For years, the NBA has grappled with the ethical and competitive implications of teams intentionally losing games to secure higher draft picks. It’s a strategy, often dubbed “The Process,” that has yielded franchise-altering talents like Tim Duncan for the San Antonio Spurs and, more recently, fueled the Philadelphia 76ers’ rebuild. However, it’s also a practice that many, including NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, view as detrimental to the league’s competitive integrity and fan experience. Silver has put all 30 general managers on notice, signaling that drastic measures are coming next season to curb this increasingly prevalent phenomenon.
The commissioner’s office has floated a wide array of potential reforms, with Silver publicly stating that “all options are on the table.” Among the more radical ideas is the possibility of stripping draft picks from particularly egregious offenders – a punitive measure that could send shivers down the spines of front offices. Other reported proposals include: limiting protections on traded picks, a rule preventing a team from selecting in the top four of the draft in consecutive years, freezing lottery odds at a predetermined date before the season concludes, allocating lottery odds based on a two-year performance window, extending the lottery to include play-in tournament teams, disallowing teams from picking in the top four after reaching the conference finals, and simply flattening the lottery odds across all non-playoff teams.
Many of these ideas have been met with skepticism, ranging from impractical to outright detrimental. They often feel more like punitive actions designed to punish perceived misconduct rather than systemic solutions to a complex problem. Surprisingly, amidst the chorus of criticism and concern, one of the league’s most outspoken and often polarizing figures, Draymond Green, has weighed in with a perspective that resonates with many analysts and fans alike. Green, a four-time NBA champion known for his high basketball IQ, articulated his thoughts on his podcast last week.
“Flatten the odds for all lottery teams, I can understand that,” Green stated, offering a rare moment of consensus with the broader basketball community. “I think that one is probably the most effective. Like all of these other ones are like punishments. I think this one is the best fix because all these other ones are flawed a bit, right? Like, some teams are just going to suck, and if you do really just suck, there’s no path to winning.”
Green further elaborated on his preferred solution: “I think if you flatten the lottery odds and all 14 teams have the same probability to get the number one pick, number two pick. I think that helps a bit because then you’re not just throwing every game like you’re in the lottery.” His argument underscores a fundamental truth about NBA team building: some franchises, through no fault of intentional losing, simply lack the talent to compete. Forcing them into an even deeper hole through punitive measures could create perpetual losing cycles, alienating fanbases and diminishing overall league competitiveness. Flattening the odds would reduce the incentive for blatant tanking by minimizing the reward for being the *absolute worst* team, while still offering a legitimate chance at a top pick for any non-playoff team, thereby preserving hope and a path to improvement.
The sentiment that flattening the odds is the most sensible option echoes through many corners of the NBA landscape. It’s a pragmatic approach that acknowledges the reality of varying team strengths without overtly penalizing those struggling to compete. This perspective, coming from a player who has consistently competed at the highest level, offers a valuable counterpoint to the more draconian measures Silver’s office is reportedly considering. The irony of finding common ground with Draymond Green, known for his fiery temperament and controversial takes, is not lost on many observers, yet his logical points cut through the noise.
NBA Tank Rankings – March 3: A Masterclass in Losing
While the league office debates future reforms, the present reality of the NBA features a fierce, if unspoken, competition at the bottom of the standings. Our “Tank Watch” rankings assess which teams are currently executing the most effective strategies for securing a coveted top draft pick. Success here is measured by a team’s ability to consistently lose, often finding innovative ways to manage player availability and maximize their chances for draft lottery glory.
1. Chicago Bulls (25-36)
Last week: 4
The Bulls ascend to the top spot, not for winning, but for a truly historic February. While they broke an 11-game losing streak with a surprising victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, that solitary win can be forgiven given their preceding performance. Chicago endured its first-ever winless month in franchise history, a testament to their dedication to the tank. Over that brutal stretch, the Bulls ranked dead last in offensive rating and second-to-last in defensive rating, shooting a paltry 43.2% from the field and committing an alarming number of turnovers. February was a clinic in basketball futility. Despite players like Isaac Okoro publicly insisting they are “trying to win,” the results speak volumes. The roster, particularly after recent trade deadline adjustments, appears strategically constructed for maximal inefficiency. One puzzling decision: the continued DNP-CD for fan-favorite “Dunk God” Mac McClung against the Bucks. Give the people (and the tank) what they want: less winning, more high-flying theatrics from the bench.
2. Dallas Mavericks (21-39)
Last week: 3
The Mavericks continue their impressive slide, dropping 13 of their last 15 contests. Their pièce de résistance this week was a nine-point home loss to a Sacramento Kings team that had previously lost 16 of 17 games. This was a “Tank Watch defeat of the season” contender, showcasing a masterful ability to lose even when a player like Naji Marshall erupts for 36 points on 14-for-23 shooting in 42 minutes. Coach Jason Kidd’s decision to keep a “hot hand” on the court for so long could be seen as a brave, albeit misguided, attempt to *not* tank, but the team’s collective effort to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory was admirable. The Kings’ bizarre starting lineup, featuring Precious Achiuwa, Maxime Raynaud, Devin Carter, Nique Clifford, and DeMar DeRozan (who deserves better), only amplified Dallas’s commitment to the cause. On the injury front, promising young talent Cooper Flagg has missed seven straight games with a foot injury, a conveniently timed absence for a team with its sights set on the lottery. His next chance to play is Tuesday against the Thunder.
3. Brooklyn Nets (15-45)
Last week: 7
The Nets are embracing their post-superteam reality with open arms, plummeting down the standings with an eight-game losing streak and 18 defeats in their last 21 outings. Their professional “L” against the Mavericks, sans the injured Flagg, solidified their tanking bona fides. However, there are still some lingering concerns for Tank Watch. Key players like Mikal Bridges are still playing heavy minutes and, at times, performing too well. Bridges’ 26 points on 10-for-17 shooting in 30 minutes against the Cavaliers nearly jeopardized a crucial loss. General Manager Sean Marks might need to have a stern word with head coach Jordi Fernandez about managing minutes and offensive output more strategically. Adding fuel to the tanking narrative, former Net Cam Thomas (now in Milwaukee) recently told the New York Post that the Nets “don’t believe in nobody,” a candid assessment that perfectly aligns with a franchise in full rebuild mode. It seems Cam Thomas understands the assignment, even from afar.
4. Indiana Pacers (15-46)
Last week: 2
The Pacers slide two spots this week, a testament to the hyper-competitive nature of the tanking streets. While they’ve compiled a respectable six-game losing streak, including back-to-back defeats in Washington and home losses to fellow tankers Dallas and Memphis, their overall efforts weren’t quite enough to hold a higher position. Credit, however, must be given to head coach Rick Carlisle. Known for his competitive spirit, Carlisle has, at times, appeared to be subtly resisting the league’s anti-tanking tyranny, perhaps through spirited speeches or aggressive timeouts. His commitment to “fighting the good fight,” even in the face of inevitable losses, is appreciated by Tank Watch, as it adds a layer of intrigue to their deliberate descent.
5. Utah Jazz (18-43)
Last week: 5
The Utah Jazz maintain their position, consistently delivering losses with a six-game losing streak that includes being thoroughly outmatched by the New Orleans Pelicans in back-to-back home games. One contest saw them trail by as many as 27 points, never once holding a lead – a textbook tanking performance. A minor setback occurred when Keyonte George, returning from a six-game ankle injury absence, poured in 36 points in 30 minutes during a too-close-for-comfort three-point defeat against Denver. While his talent is undeniable, such scoring outbursts are counterproductive to the larger objective. To borrow from Paul Rudd, the message to George is clear: “do less.” The Jazz’s strategic deployment of injuries continues to be a masterclass. Lauri Markkanen recently underwent an MRI on his hip and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, joining Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) and Jusuf Nurkic (nose), both of whom have been shut down for the season. The timing of these “unfortunate” ailments, particularly for key players, is strikingly convenient, suggesting that Utah’s front office under Danny Ainge is acutely aware of the benefits of a high draft pick. League investigators, beware of catching this particular strain of “injury bug” in Utah.
6. Washington Wizards (16-44)
Last week: 8
The Wizards are making a strong push up the Tank Watch rankings with a five-game losing streak, highlighted by an impressive loss to the Toronto Raptors where they squandered a 13-point lead despite shooting 53% from the floor and 47% from three-point range. To lose by nine under those circumstances requires a special kind of dedication to the tank. In a particularly bizarre and commendable incident, a prominent (albeit unnamed) player was ejected from Monday’s home loss to the Houston Rockets while still in street clothes, showcasing an unparalleled commitment to non-participation. Tank Watch salutes such dedication! Still, it’s somewhat surprising that the Wizards haven’t completely shut down all their key veterans for the rest of the season. Even more curious are the persistent rumors that the Wizards are set to give a significant contract extension to a high-usage player. This decision seems premature, at best, and potentially counterproductive to a comprehensive rebuild, suggesting a conflicting approach within the organization.
7. Memphis Grizzlies (23-36)
Last week: 6
The Grizzlies slide down a spot, primarily due to their inconsistent commitment to the tank. While they secured a valuable loss against the Sacramento Kings, they unfortunately notched wins against fellow Tank Wars combatants Indiana, Dallas, and Utah. This represents too many steps forward and not enough backward for a truly elite tanking operation. The injury-riddled season, however, continues to work in their favor. Ty Jerome has been used sparingly, and the news that Zach Edey appears done for the season after undergoing another ankle surgery (following a previous one last June) is a significant development. Edey has played just 11 games this season, showcasing a convenient inability to stay on the court. Ja Morant remains sidelined with an elbow injury, having missed the last 17 games. While these injuries are genuine, their collective impact inadvertently aids Memphis’s pursuit of a higher draft pick, despite their occasional missteps in the win column.
8. Sacramento Kings (14-48)
Last week: 1
[Adopts stern parental posture] Tank Watch isn’t mad, we’re just deeply disappointed. After a masterful 16-game losing streak – the longest in franchise history and a benchmark for tanking excellence – the Kings inexplicably snapped their skid with a road win in Memphis against a Grizzlies team barely more formidable than a G-League affiliate. To add insult to injury, two games later, they followed it up with *another* road victory, this time in Dallas against the Mavericks, who were conveniently without their rising star, Flagg. What happened? What are we doing here? The Kings had established themselves as the undisputed champions of intentional losing, only to betray the very essence of the Tank Wars. Do you believe in this thing or not? This sudden burst of competence is a severe blow to their draft lottery aspirations and a stern reminder that even the most dedicated tankers can occasionally falter.
Tank Wars Game(s) of the Week
Pacers at Clippers, Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. ET
The Clippers hold the Pacers’ draft pick, making this a critical matchup. From the Clippers’ perspective, an Indiana victory would be highly beneficial, pushing their future asset further down the draft board. Conversely, the Pacers must resist the urge to win, however tempting, to preserve their own lottery position.
Jazz at Wizards, Thursday, 7 p.m. ET
A direct clash between two dedicated tankers. We’re looking for the Utah Jazz to get particularly creative here. Perhaps Keyonte George “misses the flight” or “experiences a sudden, mild ailment.” Every small decision counts in the pursuit of draft lottery glory.
Tankathon Spin of the Week
The latest Tankathon simulation shows the Utah Jazz landing a top pick, a result that undoubtedly has their front office, led by the shrewd Danny Ainge, dreaming up new and innovative ways to ensure this outcome becomes reality. The commitment to a long-term rebuild is palpable, and these simulations only fuel the strategic maneuvering from Salt Lake City.
As the NBA season progresses, the tension between competitive integrity and strategic team building will only intensify. Commissioner Silver’s impending reforms aim to address this delicate balance, but as Draymond Green wisely noted, finding a “fix” rather than just “punishments” will be key to a sustainable solution. Until then, the Tank Wars rage on, providing a unique, if sometimes absurd, subplot to the professional basketball landscape.
