NBA commissioner Adam Silver delivered a firm warning to teams engaging in tanking, emphasizing that deliberate losing will no longer be tolerated, according to Joe Vardon and Sam Amick of The Athletic. The remarks came during a video call with general managers on Thursday, February 20, where the league outlined potential anti-tanking measures for the 2026-27 season.
Silver specifically addressed Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks, stating, “You could assume for next season your only incentive will be to win games,” signaling a shift in the league’s approach to competitive integrity. Multiple executives described Silver’s tone as stricter than usual, drawing comparisons to former commissioner David Stern.
The commissioner highlighted that coaches on tanking teams often do not support losing, telling GMs, “Coaches tell that to you. They say they’re on board because they have to. When we talk to coaches, no one wants to go in there and try to lose on purpose.” The comment highlighted the league’s concern about internal conflicts within organizations using strategic rebuilds.
The call also addressed the broader system that incentivizes tanking. Evan Wasch, NBA executive vice president, explained that changes under consideration include limiting pick protections, restricting top-four draft picks for consecutive seasons, and adjusting lottery odds. These proposals aim to align team strategies with winning rather than losing for draft advantage.
Recent fines to the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers for resting starters during winnable games were cited as examples of the league enforcing its stance. The NBA is reportedly evaluating additional penalties for teams that manipulate game outcomes, with the potential loss of draft picks in extreme cases.
Silver emphasized that long-term plans should prioritize competitiveness rather than job security through tanking. One GM on the call noted, “We are all to blame,” acknowledging that both league rules and team strategies have contributed to the problem. Another added that supporting the commissioner is crucial for meaningful change.
League sources say proposals are still under review, with input from more than half of NBA GMs. Ideas focus on creating incentives for teams to play their best players nightly while maintaining fairness for legitimate rebuilding processes. Changes will require approval by the board of governors, with the next meeting scheduled for March.
Teams currently employing rebuilds, including the Nets, Jazz, and Pacers, face heightened scrutiny. The league’s goal is to prevent deliberate losing while preserving opportunities for young players to develop through the draft. Silver’s comments mark a decisive step in addressing what he described as “one of the worst points” of tanking in recent NBA history.
