Can We Elevate the Conversation?
The term “tanking” in the NBA has taken on a new, less favorable connotation in 2026. Instead of simply losing games intentionally, teams are now engaging in what’s referred to as “positioning.” This shift has led to the NBA imposing significant fines on teams like the Jazz and Pacers, who were penalized $500K and $100K, respectively. Unlike traditional tanking, which is characterized by deliberate losses, positioning is about not winning while having a tactical approach.
The Nature of Tanking vs. Positioning
Tanking implies a direct effort to lose, whereas positioning involves not winning in a strategic manner. It’s akin to distinguishing between an “opinion” and a “perspective.” The core issue stems from the unprecedented rookie class expected to enter the league in late June, prompting discussions about whether this is the best freshman class to date. The sheer number of top talents from the NCAA suggests that we might be witnessing an influx of future stars.
Upcoming Talent
Players like Mikel Brown Jr. from Louisville and Darryn Peterson from Kansas, among others, are poised to make an impact. These young prospects are essential for any team aiming to enhance its roster through the draft. Thus, teams must secure favorable positions to select the player that best fits their needs, emphasizing the strategy of vying for position rather than tanking.
The Draft Landscape
It’s anticipated that a significant portion of the top picks in the NBA Draft will be talented freshmen, all under 20 years old. This creates a scenario where teams are strategically maneuvering to land these promising athletes, which is better described as leveraging rather than gambling.
Misinterpretations of Tanking
Labeling tanking as “rampant” or claiming it’s worsened compared to previous years misses the mark. The variety of elite players available in this draft class complicates matters; thus, any attempts to regulate or abolish the draft lottery may not effectively address the real issues. The league should recognize that this exceptional talent pool is a rare occurrence.
Navigating Future Changes
Concerns about tanking and losing as a strategy are set to be addressed during offseason NBA meetings. There’s hope that the league won’t rush to impose changes without carefully considering the unique context of this draft. The reality is that teams will always find ways to adapt and outmaneuver any regulations that may be introduced.
Embracing Positioning
Instead of condemning the strategic approach of positioning, it’s time to acknowledge it as a legitimate part of the game. This approach is less about intentional losses and more about playing the longer game effectively. If the current practice is akin to putting a fresh spin on a challenging situation, let’s embrace it for what it is—a smart method for future success.
