NBA Anti-Tanking Rule Changes Reportedly Eyed, Latest on Draft Picks, Lottery and More

The NBA is reportedly considering rule changes to address the issue of teams intentionally losing games, known as "tanking," to improve their draft position. According to a report by ESPN's Shams Charania, the league presented several ideas during a recent board of governors meeting aimed at modifying rules related to draft pick protections and the draft lottery.

The proposed measures are specifically designed to target teams that deliberately manipulate their rosters late in the season to secure a higher draft pick, rather than penalizing teams that are genuinely rebuilding and using their players normally. This distinction aims to preserve the integrity of regular-season competition.

Tanking has become a more common strategy, particularly since the NBA reformed its draft lottery system in 2019. Under the current rules, the three worst teams each have an equal 14% chance of winning the first overall pick. Despite this change, which was intended to reduce the incentive to be the absolute worst, teams outside the bottom five have won the top pick in recent years, including the Atlanta Hawks (10th-worst record) and Dallas Mavericks (11th-worst record).

The league has previously fined teams for obvious tanking tactics, such as manipulating player availability. However, the allure of acquiring a potential franchise-changing talent in the draft remains strong for teams eliminated from playoff contention. As competitive dynamics evolve, the NBA seeks to find a balance that allows struggling teams a fair chance to rebuild without undermining the competitive spirit of the entire regular season.