In his annual All-Star Weekend media availability, NBA commissioner Adam Silver was clear that he views tanking as a problem for the NBA. Silver said during that press conference that “everything is on the table” as far as reforms go to combat tanking. The NBA commissioner was just as clear in a recent video call with NBA GMs.
When Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks asked if changes would impact the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft and Draft Lottery, NBA executive VP Evan Wasch reminded everyone that no changes would be implemented before that draft. Wash emphasized that teams would be given time to adjust their strategies before changes would be implemented ahead of next season. When Wash asked Silver to add his thoughts, the NBA commissioner couldn’t have put it more plainly.
“I would just say, Sean,” Silver said, “you could assume for next season your only incentive will be to win games.”
Silver countered GMs claims that coaches are on board with tanking strategies, by saying that coaches have told the league that they don’t like losing games intentionally. The call was termed as tense and contentious, but productive. Multiple GMs recognize the issues tanking is causing the league, but are wary of quick-fixes that are just band-aids that don’t fix the problem.