Latest Basketball News
NBA Plans Anti-Tanking Rule Changes for Next Season
Commissioner Adam Silver informed general managers of planned anti-tanking measures for 2026-27, including limiting first-round pick protections to top-4 or top-14+. Proposals also feature freezing lottery odds at trade deadline and barring top-4 picks in consecutive years.
This follows intensified tanking concerns this season.
Sacramento Kings Rule Out LaVine and Sabonis for Rest of Season
The Kings shut down Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis post-surgeries, fueling tanking accusations as they aim for top 2026 draft pick. Sabonis played until All-Star break before sidelining.
Team is near bottom of standings.
Utah Jazz Fined $500K for Tanking Behavior
NBA fined Jazz $500,000 for pulling Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. in fourth quarters of close games vs. Magic and Heat. Jazz held leads but rested stars, prioritizing draft position.
Fine for conduct detrimental to league.
Indiana Pacers Fined $100K Over Player Resting
Pacers fined $100,000 for violating Player Participation Policy by sitting Pascal Siakam and starters in Feb. 3 game vs. Jazz. Investigation found players could have participated medically.
Team near bottom, eyeing lottery.
Adam Silver Addresses Worsening Tanking at All-Star
Silver stated tanking is worse this year due to strong 2026 draft class perception, considering every remedy. Discussed with GMs on Thursday call.
Competition Committee examined lottery overhaul.
Potential Anti-Tanking Rules Detailed in GM Meeting
Seven proposals include no top-4 picks after conference finals, two-year record-based odds, and lottery for play-in teams. Flattening odds for all lottery teams also proposed.
Changes need owner and union approval.
Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Slams Tanking as 'Losing Behavior'
Phoenix Suns' Mat Ishbia called tanking worse than prop bet scandals, urging massive NBA changes via social media. Contrasts Mavericks' Mark Cuban's view embracing tanking as strategy.
Debate heated post-All-Star.
Draft Wheel Concept Reenters Tanking Discussions
Mike Zarren's 'draft wheel' idea from over a decade ago resurfaces amid 10 potential solutions reviewed. Abolishing draft not considered.
League focuses on fair competition for fans.
Lakers Gain Favorable 2026-27 Cap Space Post-Trade Deadline
NBA trade deadline improved Lakers' offseason outlook with better salary-cap flexibility for 2026-27 free agency. Positions them well amid league shifts.
Reported Feb. 19.
Mavericks' Mark Cuban Defends Tanking Strategy
Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban argued via tweets that tanking is legitimate team-building, worsened by draft class perceptions. Opposed by other owners like Ishbia.
Fuels broader NBA dialogue.
NBA Competition Committee Pushes Lottery Revamp
Committee tasked in January with anti-tanking solutions; Silver validated changes with Board of Governors in December. GM meetings Thursday advanced seven ideas.
Aims to curb blatant late-season losses.