The NBA is bracing for significant rule changes designed to discourage “tanking” – the practice of intentionally losing games to improve draft position – as early as next season. Commissioner Adam Silver informed the league’s 30 general managers of the impending adjustments, according to multiple reports.
A Growing Concern
The issue of tanking has gained increasing prominence in recent weeks, prompting the league office to accelerate discussions with stakeholders, including the board of governors and the competition committee. Initial concepts were discussed in December, and the conversation intensified leading up to the All-Star break. Silver reportedly described his message to the GMs as “forceful,” emphasizing the need to address the problem and safeguard the integrity of the sport.
Potential Rule Changes Under Consideration
While no final decisions have been made, a range of potential changes are on the table. These proposals, revealed during meetings with general managers and the competition committee, aim to reduce the incentive for teams to prioritize lottery odds over competitive play. Among the concepts discussed are:
- Draft Pick Protection: Limiting the protection of first-round draft picks to only top-four or top-14-plus selections. Currently, teams can protect picks for a wider range of selections, making it more difficult for them to be traded.
- Lottery Odds Freeze: Freezing lottery odds at the trade deadline or a later date. This would prevent teams from improving their lottery chances through late-season losses.
- Consecutive Bottom-Three Finishes: Preventing teams from picking in the top four in consecutive years and/or after consecutive bottom-three finishes. This would discourage sustained periods of intentional losing.
- Conference Finals Restriction: Disallowing teams to pick in the top four the year after making a conference finals appearance. This aims to prevent teams that have recently experienced success from quickly rebuilding through the draft.
- Two-Year Rolling Records: Allocating lottery odds based on a two-year rolling record. This would lessen the impact of a single poor season on a team’s draft position.
- Expanded Lottery: Extending the lottery to include all play-in teams. This would increase the number of teams with a chance at a top draft pick, potentially reducing the incentive to tank for the very top selection.
- Flattened Odds: Flattening the odds for all lottery teams. This would make the lottery less top-heavy, reducing the disparity in chances between the teams with the worst records and those slightly higher in the standings.
Krzyzewski’s Call to Action
The urgency of the situation was underscored by Mike Krzyzewski, senior advisor to basketball operations for the league office. Krzyzewski reportedly urged a prompt and “tasteful attack” on the problem, preparing all involved to respond to the changes the league ultimately enacts. His comments suggest the NBA is committed to implementing changes swiftly.
The Current Landscape of Tanking
The current NBA draft lottery system awards the teams with the worst records the highest odds of securing the top overall pick. While intended to help struggling teams rebuild, this system has inadvertently created an incentive for teams to lose games strategically. This practice has drawn criticism from fans, analysts, and even within the league itself, with concerns raised about the competitive integrity of the game.
Impact and Implications
The proposed rule changes represent a significant shift in the NBA’s approach to tanking. The league is clearly signaling that it is no longer willing to tolerate the practice, even if it means potentially altering the dynamics of team building. The impact of these changes could be far-reaching.
Freezing lottery odds at the trade deadline, for example, could lead to a more active trade market as teams look to improve their rosters rather than simply accumulate losses. Restricting consecutive top-four picks could encourage teams to build through free agency and player development. Flattening the lottery odds could make the draft more unpredictable and exciting.
However, some proposals may have unintended consequences. Freezing lottery odds could incentivize teams to begin tanking earlier in the season, while extending the lottery to include play-in teams could lead to teams on the cusp of the postseason to intentionally lose games to improve their draft position. The league will need to carefully consider these potential drawbacks before finalizing any changes.
Looking Ahead
The NBA plans to continue discussions with stakeholders in the coming months to refine the proposed rule changes and address any concerns. The goal is to find a solution that effectively discourages tanking without creating new problems. The changes are expected to take effect beginning with the season, giving teams time to adjust their strategies and prepare for the new landscape. The league’s commitment to addressing this issue signals a desire to prioritize competitive balance and the overall health of the game.
