NBA Considers Changes to Curb Tanking

NBA executives told ESPN’s Anthony Slater that tanking is more obvious than ever, and they say it works. One Western Conference GM pointed to teams sitting players late, using bad lineups, and chasing losses. He named the Thunder, Spurs, Pistons, Rockets, and Hornets as teams that built through years of high picks. The standings show the gap. The No. 10 seed in each conference is at least 10 games ahead of No. 11, while the Kings and Jazz are 21-59 and the Wizards are 17-62. With AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson, and Darius Acuff Jr. in the 2026 draft, teams want top odds. The NBA could vote in May on lottery changes, two-year records, or a win floor.