NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reiterated his opposition to tanking during the recent All-Star Weekend, making it clear that the league does not support intentional losing. At a tense press conference, Silver outlined the league’s plan to introduce stricter measures aimed at curbing tanking next season. Despite these proposed changes, many question whether such interventions are necessary or well thought out given the current state of the NBA, where the draft talent pool remains strong and numerous teams are still fiercely competing for playoff positions.
This ongoing NBA tanking debate has sparked considerable discussion among league executives and fans alike, especially as some franchises appear to be embracing the strategy to increase their draft odds.
Growing Support for Tanking Gains Unexpected Backing from Mark Cuban
Among those who challenge the league’s anti-tanking drive is Mark Cuban, minority owner and former frontman of the Dallas Mavericks. Cuban argues that fans are aware of the realities of NBA competition and recognize that not every team can contend every season. He asserts that the league’s traditional emphasis on constant competition may be misguided, saying,
“Why the NBA should embrace tanking – The NBA has kate been misguided thinking that fans want to see their teams compete every night with a chance to win. It’s never been that way that way. When I got into the nba, they thought they were in the basketball business. They…” — Mark Cuban, Minority Owner
The sentiment reflects a growing acknowledgment that tanking, while controversial, might be a rational strategy for teams outside the top tier, providing hope to their fanbases through the promise of better draft picks and future success rather than futile late-season playoff pushes.
Strategies and Realities of Teams Currently Engaging in Tanking
Teams like the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and Dallas Mavericks exemplify the tactical use of tanking this season. With limited chances of meaningful postseason impact, these franchises appear focused on optimizing their lottery prospects by prioritizing player rest, injury management, and sometimes deliberate losing efforts.
For example, the Bulls have suffered a nine-game losing streak and significant player absences, including Anfernee Simons (wrist), Jaden Ivey (knee), and Zach Collins, who will miss the rest of the season due to toe surgery. Despite the negative optics, this aligns with the team’s tacit acceptance of a rebuild.
The Pacers, who recently garnered criticism for a surprising win over the Brooklyn Nets, quickly returned to losing ways with back-to-back losses following the All-Star break and benching key player Jay Huff for parts of a game, signaling a more deliberate approach to tanking.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, decided to shut down Kyrie Irving for the remainder of the season as he recovers from an ACL injury, which echoes Cuban’s public endorsement of tanking. Irving’s agent confirmed the move aims to maximize Irving’s chances at a championship next year, validating the organization’s long-term focus.
Current Standings Reflect the Vigorous Pursuit of Tanking
The latest NBA tanking rankings highlight which teams are most engaged in building toward future success via losing strategies as of February 24:
1. Sacramento Kings (13-46)
Holding the bottom spot, the Kings endured a franchise-record 16 consecutive losses before an unexpected road victory against Memphis. They sidelined players Domantas Sabonis (meniscus), Zach LaVine (hand), and De’Andre Hunter (eye) for the season while others like Dylan Cardwell are expected to miss extended time. On-court performances have been notably poor, evidenced by difficult defensive lapses leading to embarrassing turnovers.
2. Indiana Pacers (15-43)
After criticism for a win against the Nets, the Pacers quickly adjusted by losing consecutive games post-All-Star break. Jay Huff’s limited playing time despite scoring bursts exemplifies their cautious tanking tactics. A recent loss to the Mavericks snapped Dallas’s 10-game losing streak, underscoring the Pacers’ renewed commitment to the strategy.
3. Dallas Mavericks (20-36)
The Mavs dropped from their previous spot largely due to their loss to the Pacers. Despite a 10-game losing streak earlier, their strategy includes resting Kyrie Irving for the rest of the season. Their defensive and offensive ratings remain near the bottom, illustrating difficulties in maintaining competitiveness while tanking.
4. Chicago Bulls (24-34)
The Bulls have plummeted into a nine-game slide with heavy defeats that reveal weakness on both ends of the floor. Injury sidelining key players supports the rebuilding process as they prioritize long-term improvements over immediate success.
5. Utah Jazz (18-40)
The Jazz slipped in rankings after being fined $500,000 for manipulating player minutes to dodge tanking scrutiny. Subsequently, they shifted to more transparent tactics, involving player absences due to illness and injury, such as Lauri Markkanen’s flu-related absence and Jusuf Nurkic’s season-ending nose surgery.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (21-35)
Memphis faced a costly home loss to the Kings, adding to their string of defeats and positioning them perilously close to the Mavericks in the standings. Their recent struggles reflect a growing acceptance of tanking.
7. Brooklyn Nets (15-41)
The Nets continue their downward spiral, losing 12 of 15 games and falling below the Wizards in the standings. Playing tough minutes in back-to-back losses, Michael Porter Jr. may inadvertently be risking injury despite the team’s tanking objective.
8. Washington Wizards (16-40)
The Wizards’ tanking efforts are inconsistent, as unexpected wins against the Pacers complicate their standing. Their protracted poor point differential and multiple player injuries, including Anthony Davis and Trae Young, keep the team’s postseason hopes dim.
NR. Milwaukee Bucks (24-31)
Although not officially tanking, the Bucks’ 28-point home loss to Toronto triggered Tank Watch probation. Milwaukee remains close to the play-in threshold but must refocus to remain competitive.
Upcoming Games Highlight Pivotal Matchups in Tanking Race
This week’s schedule includes important “tank wars” encounters that spotlight the ongoing strategies of struggling teams. The Mavericks face the Nets on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, with Nets coach Jordi Fernandez humorously noting Michael Porter Jr.’s indefinite absence due to “Nurk Nose™️.” Another key game will see the Sacramento Kings host the Mavericks on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Sacramento’s remaining schedule is relatively favorable, ranked 29th in strength, aiding their tanking efforts.
Potential Implications of Tanking Trends for the League’s Future
The persistence of tanking, particularly among teams like the Bulls and Pacers, intensifies ongoing debates about its role within the NBA ecosystem. While Commissioner Silver and the league office seek to impose more rigorous controls, owners like Mark Cuban and segments of the fanbase view tanking as a realistic and sometimes necessary approach to rebuilding and sustaining long-term competitiveness.
As the league moves forward, it faces the challenge of balancing competitive integrity with the practicalities of roster building and fan engagement. The outcome of the NBA’s evolving policies on tanking will undoubtedly shape the competitive landscape and influence how franchises approach their seasons in the years ahead.
Commissioner Adam Silver informed the league's 30 general managers on Thursday that the NBA plans to make anti-tanking rule changes for next season, sources tell ESPN. Stakeholders have intensified dialogue about combatting tanking.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 19, 2026
Why the NBA should embrace tanking –
The NBA has kate been misguided thinking that fans want to see their teams compete every night with a chance to win. It’s never been that way that way.
When I got into the nba, they thought they were in the basketball business. They…
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) February 17, 2026
Irving's agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, tells ESPN: "This is about Kyrie being 1000% when he comes back and giving himself the best chance to chase a championship next season." https://t.co/iWx4eQbJ82
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 18, 2026
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/0JFQpOnOmF
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 13, 2026
