The NBA’s opinion on tanking is no secret and can be seen in recent adjustments made to the league, such as the lottery reform that will kick into effect this offseason. NBA commissioner Adam Silver isn’t shy about his feelings regarding tanking either, and had this to say on Saturday night of All-Star weekend:
“I personally don’t think it’s a winning strategy over the long term to engage in multiple years of rebuilding…There’s a mindset that, if you’re going to be bad, you might as well be really bad. I believe, personally, that’s corrosive for those organizations, putting aside my personal view of what the impact it has on the league overall.”
The organizations he is speaking towards are pretty obvious. The Philadelphia 76ers were essentially the pioneers of this strategy a few years back when under the command of then-GM Sam Hinkie. Intentionally touting a poor roster and buying draft picks by bulk, Hinkie was able to provide the Sixers with some foundation for the future, though it did cost him his job.
Despite Philadelphia having some success with tanking, having had two players they drafted in recent years playing in Sunday night’s All-Star game, many other teams have not.
The Phoenix Suns are the most obvious example. Over the last three seasons, the franchise has a record of 68-179 and is on pace for less than 20 wins this season. They have drafted in the lottery multiple times, but it hasn’t helped them take the next step and actually become a winning basketball team.
The New York Knicks face a similar situation. Having only won 40 or more games four times since the 1999-2000 season, the team has been particular rough over the last few seasons, and all for nothing. Being one of the biggest markets in the league, bad basketball on a stage like this is not good business for the NBA and it makes sense why Silver feels the way he does.
Follow Us
Subscribe