NBA to Enforce Stricter Anti-Tanking Measures Next Season

The NBA is set to implement stricter anti-tanking measures for the 2024 season. Commissioner Adam Silver recently informed general managers about potential changes aimed at discouraging teams from deliberately losing games for better draft positioning.

Proposed Anti-Tanking Rules

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, several key modifications to current policies are under consideration. These changes include:

• Limiting first-round pick protections to the top four or top-14-plus.
• Freezing lottery odds at the trade deadline or another specified date.
• Prohibiting consecutive top-four picks or consecutive bottom-three finishes.
• No top-four pick allowed the year after reaching the conference finals.
• Allocating lottery odds based on two-year records.
• Extending the lottery to include all play-in teams.
• Flattening odds for all lottery teams.

Context of the Changes

This crackdown comes as almost one-third of the league seems to be aiming for better draft positions ahead of a promising 2026 draft class. The discussion about tanking intensified recently, especially after fines were imposed on the Utah Jazz ($500,000) and the Indiana Pacers ($100,000) for violating the NBA’s player participation policy.

Silver emphasized the importance of preserving the competitive integrity of the league. He stated, “Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition.” Additionally, he mentioned the league’s collaboration with the Competition Committee and Board of Governors to establish further measures.

Current Draft System Critique

During a press conference over All-Star Weekend, Silver acknowledged that the existing draft system incentivizes losing games. He called for “fresh thinking,” stating, “What we’re doing, what we’re seeing right now is not working.”

Reactions from Team Owners

The response to tanking has stirred varied opinions among team owners. Mat Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns, condemned tanking, labeling it “loser behavior” on social media. In contrast, Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban suggested that the NBA should embrace tanking, highlighting the divided views on the issue.

These discussions and potential rule changes indicate a significant shift in the NBA’s approach to competitive balance and integrity in the upcoming season. As the league reevaluates its strategies, the focus remains on ensuring fair play and maintaining excitement for fans and players alike.