The issue of tanking in the NBA is back at the center of the debate, and this time the league appears ready to take decisive action. Commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed that structural changes to the NBA Draft system are on the way, with the goal of eliminating incentives that push some teams to lose intentionally.
NBA Draft and tanking: why the league wants change
Speaking at the Board of Governors meeting in New York, Silver was clear:
This is a decision that has to be made at the ownership level. It has economic, basketball, and integrity implications. We’ll fix it. Period
Adam Silver
The issue has intensified especially ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft considered one of the deepest in recent years. Current lottery rules indirectly reward the worst teams creating a real incentive to “drop in the standings” to improve odds of landing a top pick.
For this reason, the league has already scheduled a special meeting in May to define new rules before the start of the next offseason.
Starting next season, the incentives will be completely different from what they are today
Adam Silver
Rebuilding or tanking? A blurred line
One of the most critical issues is the difficulty in distinguishing between a legitimate rebuild and strategic losing.
The problem is that today it’s almost impossible to distinguish between rebuild and tanking
Adam Silver
Silver noted how the phenomenon has become increasingly sophisticated: minute management, rotations, injuries, and medical decisions make it less obvious – but no less impactful.
The commissioner hinted that the upcoming changes could be more drastic than in the past after several gradual attempts failed to solve the problem.
Competition and entertainment: the risk to avoid
Despite the tanking discussion, Silver highlighted the league’s current positive moment:
It’s unfortunate we’re talking about tanking because it takes attention away from the incredible competition we’re seeing. About 20 teams are in the race, and the playoffs are wide open
Adam Silver
The key issue remains the integrity of the product: when there’s doubt that a team is truly trying to win, the entire league loses value.
Giannis case and the 65-game rule
Among other topics, Silver addressed the situation of Giannis Antetokounmpo currently sidelined with a knee issue but aiming to return soon.
The NBA stated it had not been informed prior to the NBPA’s announcement and will evaluate the situation.
There was also discussion of Cade Cunningham excluded from season awards for not reaching the 65-game threshold due to a collapsed lung. Silver defended the rule:
We knew someone would be left out. It may seem unfair in individual cases, but the rule is working
Adam Silver
Introduced to counter load management the rule has indeed increased star player availability.
The NBA is now preparing for a Draft revolution aiming to rebalance competitiveness and meritocracy. The decisions expected in May could significantly reshape franchise strategies as early as next season.
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