Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledges that tanking has become a serious issue around the NBA, though he admits there’s no easy fix, as Nick Friedell of The Athletic reports.
“Ironically, the last few years, it seems like it has not been at the forefront like it is this year because of the play-in (tournament),” Kerr said. “More teams felt like they were in it. This year, it’s pronounced just because of the circumstances and where a lot of teams are — injuries, starting rebuilds, that sort of thing. I know the league is really concerned about it, as they should be. It’s not good for the fans, for the league itself. They’re considering everything. It’s a really tough issue.”
Kerr also understands why teams near the bottom of the standings might be motivated to improve their lottery odds, particularly with the possibility that a top selection in the 2026 draft could dramatically reshape a franchise’s future.
“The bottom line is you kinda have to get lucky in the lottery,” Kerr said. “It’s what makes this issue so tricky, is that great players – Steph (Curry) and Tim Duncan, Wemby (Victor Wembanyama) – they’re not only team-changing, but they’re franchise-changing, for even beyond the scope of those guys’ careers. And so there’s only a handful of players that can do that, that are that valuable. And so teams are all clamoring for them. Sometimes, you don’t know who they are. Steph was the seventh pick. Giannis (Antetokounmpo) was the (15th) pick. So it’s not always the first couple guys, but more often than not, the first pick has an opportunity to be that guy, and that’s what creates this issue.”
Western Notes: Kerr, Braun, Barnes, Hinson https://t.co/bgZyXad5c6 pic.twitter.com/rvr2kP9Ek6
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 11, 2026
