The National Basketball Association (NBA) is dealing with a rising tanking problem — where teams intentionally lose games to improve their draft lottery odds.

The issue has become so visible that it’s now affecting competitive integrity and fan experience, drawing strong criticism from league leadership.

After the All-Star break, several high-profile matchups lacked star power because key players were suddenly sidelined.

Some teams with strong draft positioning appeared more focused on losses than wins.

Fines have already been issued to franchises for sitting healthy players, highlighting how serious the league views the situation.

Commissioner Adam Silveradmitted tanking is “worse this year than we’ve seen in recent memory.”

He pointed out a core problem: the current lottery system rewards the worst teams with the best draft odds, creating incentives to lose.

Silver has warned general managers that anti-tanking rule changes are coming as early as next season.

Mat Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns, strongly condemned tanking, calling it “losing behavior.”

He argued it hurts fans who pay to see competitive basketball and damages the league’s reputation.

One idea gaining traction would flip incentives midseason.

After a certain point — like the All-Star break — wins (not losses) would improve draft lottery odds.

Instead of racing to the bottom, struggling teams would compete harder down the stretch.

Supporters say this would:

• Keep games meaningful all season

• Encourage teams to play their best players

• Boost fan engagement

• Reduce “end-of-season apathy”

League discussions include:

• Freezing lottery odds at the trade deadline

• Preventing teams from drafting in the top four in consecutive years

• Using two-year records to determine lottery odds

• Flattening lottery odds to reduce benefits of finishing last

Legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski has urged a swift and strategic response, emphasizing the urgency of protecting the league’s integrity.

The NBA’s challenge is simple but critical: align incentives with winning. Fans want effort, competition, and meaningful games — not strategic losing.

As the league prepares for board meetings and potential reforms, one thing is clear: the future health of the NBA depends on ensuring every team has a reason to compete hard, every single night.