During his annual media session at NBA All-Star Weekend, commissioner Adam Silver addressed growing concerns around tanking, stating that the issue has reached one of its worst points in recent years.
Silver emphasized that the league is actively evaluating ways to discourage teams from intentionally losing games and made it clear that no potential solution is being ruled out.
He pointed to the recent fines issued to the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz as a message intended for the entire league, signaling that the NBA is prepared to take stronger action if necessary.
When asked whether penalties could eventually include the loss of draft picks for teams that continue to engage in tanking behavior, Silver responded firmly, saying, “There is talk about every possible remedy to stop this behavior.”
Silver also acknowledged the importance of maintaining competitive balance, noting that struggling teams still need legitimate opportunities to rebuild through the draft.
At the same time, he expressed concern that deliberate manipulation of outcomes by certain teams could prevent genuinely weaker teams from securing top draft positions.
Because of those concerns, Silver indicated that changes to the lottery system could be considered, adding that it may be “time for the league to take a fresh look at everything.”
