NBA Presents Bold Anti-Tanking Overhaul Ideas as League Considers Major Draft Changes
The NBA is taking a strong stand against the controversial practice of tanking.
Back in February 2026, the league imposed hefty fines on the Utah Jazz ($500,000) and the Indiana Pacers ($100,000) for putting draft positions ahead of winning games. That’s not all—Commissioner Adam Silver gave a stern warning over the issue. Now, the league is ramping up its efforts.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the NBA has rolled out three detailed anti-tanking proposals to its Board of Governors, with final adjustments expected ahead of a critical vote set for May.
The first includes 18 teams: the bottom 10 that missed the play-in tournament and the eight that qualified, each with an 8% chance to rise, while play-in teams share a 20% chance. The second plan expands to 22 teams, adding four first-round playoff exits. Teams will be ranked based on their performance over the last two seasons.
The NBA presented three comprehensive anti-tanking concepts to its Board of Governors on Wednesday, with modifications expected to each before a formal vote in May, per ESPN sources.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 27, 2026
1. 18 teams in draft lottery (seeds 7-15 in each conference) – flattened odds, with bottom 10…
Then there’s the “five-by-five” method thrown into the mix. This variation keeps the same 18 teams from the first proposal in the lottery, but gives the five teams with the worst records equal odds at the top five picks.
These proposals aim to bring playoff teams into the lottery mix. While the specifics will vary, one thing is for sure: the game is about to change.
Adam Silver Addresses NBA Tanking Concerns
Tanking has become a hot topic in the league lately, especially with Michael Porter Jr. voicing his criticisms. In a recent interview, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the issue head-on. He addressed the mounting criticism as teams scramble for coveted positions in what many believe is a stellar 2026 NBA draft class.
“I do think ultimately this is a decision that needs to be made at the ownership level. It has business implications, has basketball implications, has integrity, integrity, implications for the league. So it’s one that we take very seriously, and we are going to fix it. Full stop.” Silver said (via ESPN).
Silver assured fans that significant changes are on the horizon, emphasizing that the incentive structure for teams will “clearly” transform for next season.
NBA Presents Bold Anti-Tanking Overhaul Ideas as League Considers Major Draft Changes
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