NEW YORK – The NBA is bracing for significant changes to its draft process as Commissioner Adam Silver has vowed to address the escalating issue of tanking, a practice where teams intentionally lose games to improve their odds of securing a higher draft pick. Silver’s firm declaration came Wednesday following a two-day meeting of the league’s Board of Governors, signaling a sense of urgency to rectify a problem he described as “worse this year than we’ve seen in recent memory.”
“We are going to fix it. Full stop,” Silver stated emphatically, underscoring the league’s commitment to finding a solution before the start of the next NBA season. The issue has gained prominence due to the perceived strength of the 2026 NBA draft class, incentivizing teams to prioritize lottery positioning over competitive play. This has led to concerns about the integrity of the game and the competitive balance within the league.
The Board of Governors discussed the matter extensively, with Silver noting a “unanimous” agreement among team owners that change is necessary. While no specific solutions were adopted during the meeting, the league plans to hold a special board meeting in May to finalize details and ensure all teams are aware of the new rules before the draft and free agency periods begin. The goal is to create a system where competitive effort is rewarded, rather than penalized.
The current incentive structure, heavily influenced by the draft lottery, has been identified as a key driver of tanking. Teams recognize that securing a top draft pick can dramatically alter their franchise trajectory, leading some to prioritize long-term potential over short-term wins. This has resulted in questionable on-court decisions, such as resting healthy players and strategically losing games, actions that Silver and the league are determined to discourage.
The league isn’t starting from scratch in addressing this issue. Silver acknowledged that the NBA has grappled with tanking for years, implementing various changes to the draft and lottery processes in the past. Still, the current situation demands a more comprehensive and effective approach. The challenge lies in finding a solution that doesn’t inadvertently create new unintended consequences.
The Utah Jazz recently faced a $500,000 fine for sitting key players during the closing minutes of games, even in instances where they could have secured a win. This action, along with the prolonged losing streaks of teams like the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and Washington Wizards – all enduring stretches of 16 consecutive defeats – have brought the issue to the forefront. Even teams like the Brooklyn Nets have openly acknowledged a focus on future development over immediate success.
Silver expressed his overall satisfaction with the current state of the NBA, highlighting the competitive balance and excitement surrounding the upcoming playoffs, with approximately 20 teams vying for contention. However, he acknowledged that tanking undermines this positive momentum. “I lament having to talk about tanking because it detracts from the incredible competition we’re seeing,” he said. “It’s about ensuring both teams are going out there giving it their all to win a game.”
The 65-Game Rule and Player Participation
Beyond tanking, the Board of Governors also addressed the NBA’s player participation policy, specifically the recently implemented 65-game rule for award eligibility. This rule requires players to appear in at least 65 games to be considered for major individual awards, such as Most Valuable Player and All-NBA selections.
The discussion stemmed from a statement released by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) on Tuesday, calling for changes to the rule. The NBPA argued that the rule could unfairly penalize players who are legitimately injured or managing workloads, citing the case of Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham, who is likely to be an All-NBA caliber player but may fall short of the 65-game threshold due to injury.
Silver acknowledged the potential for unfair outcomes, stating, “We always knew that when you draw a line, someone is going to be on the other side of that line and it may seem unfair in that particular case.” He emphasized that the rule is intended to encourage consistent player availability and prevent excessive load management. He also pointed out that even if a player is ineligible, another deserving player will take their place on the All-NBA teams.
The NBPA has proposed that the rule should focus on preventing excessive load management, rather than penalizing players for legitimate injuries. They argue that precautions should be taken to ensure players are not forced to play through injuries simply to meet the 65-game requirement.
WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement and Blazers Sale
The NBA Board of Governors also discussed the recently ratified collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and its players. Silver expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the agreement was reached in time to avoid disruptions to training camp, free agency, and the season. He also indicated strong support for WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, stating that her performance has been “fantastic” and that ownership is “very happy” with the direction of the league.
Finally, the potential sale of the Portland Trail Blazers to Tom Dundon, owner of the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), was also on the agenda. Silver described Dundon as a “hands-on” and “passionate” businessman who is committed to success both in Portland and on the basketball court. The sale is expected to be finalized in the coming days, pending approval from the Board of Governors.
The league’s commitment to addressing tanking, coupled with discussions surrounding player participation and league governance, underscores the NBA’s proactive approach to maintaining the integrity and competitiveness of the game. The upcoming meeting in May will be crucial in shaping the future of the draft process and ensuring a level playing field for all teams.
What’s Next: The NBA Board of Governors will convene again in May to finalize changes to the draft process. Expect further details and official announcements to follow that meeting. Fans can stay updated on official NBA communications through the league’s website ([https://www.nba.com/](https://www.nba.com/)).
What do you think the NBA should do to curb tanking? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
