### The NBA's Ongoing Battle Against Tanking: A Quest for Competitive Integrity The NBA is grappling with the persistent issue of tanking, where teams deliberately lose games to secure better draft positions. This practice has raised concerns about the league's competitive integrity and fan engagement. In response, the NBA is exploring new rule changes aimed at discouraging this behavior, which has been exacerbated by the growing trend of star players missing games. The league's commissioner, Adam Silver, has expressed frustration over the impact of tanking on the overall quality of the game and is seeking solutions to maintain a competitive balance among teams [https://www.libertyballers.com/nba-rumors-news/82875/report-nba-to-brainstorm-new-ways-to-combat-tanking]. ### Proposed Solutions to Combat Tanking 1. **Draft Pick Protections**: The NBA is considering eliminating mid-lottery protections on traded picks, allowing only top-four or top-14 protections. This change aims to prevent teams from manipulating their draft positions through trades [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/nba_weighing_rule_changes_to_discourage_tanking/s1_14822_43241710]. 2. **Back-to-Back Top Picks**: A proposal is on the table to prohibit teams from drafting in the top four in consecutive years, which could deter teams from intentionally losing to secure high draft picks [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nba-reportedly-brainstorming-ideas-discourage-163316984.html]. 3. **Locking Lottery Positions**: Another suggestion includes locking lottery positions as of March 1, which would limit teams' ability to manipulate their standings late in the season [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/nba_weighing_rule_changes_to_discourage_tanking/s1_14822_43241710]. 4. **Feedback from Team Executives**: The league has solicited input from team owners and general managers regarding these potential rule changes, indicating a collaborative approach to finding solutions [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/nba-rumors-league-proposes-new-anti-tanking-rules-to-owners-amid-gambling-scandal]. ### Evidence of the Impact of Tanking - **Fan Engagement**: Tanking has been linked to decreased fan engagement, as teams that consistently lose can alienate their fan base [https://nypost.com/2025/12/20/sports/nba-considering-policy-changes-to-discourage-tanking]. - **Star Player Absences**: The trend of star players missing games has been exacerbated by tanking, further diminishing the quality of the on-court product [https://frontofficesports.com/nba-considering-new-rules-to-curb-lingering-tanking-issue]. - **Historical Context**: Previous attempts to address tanking, such as changes to the lottery format in 2017, highlight the ongoing struggle to maintain competitive balance in the league [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/nba_informs_teams_tanking_policies_will_be_reviewed/s1_127_43229700]. ### Conclusion: A Path Forward for the NBA In summary, the NBA is actively seeking to address the issue of tanking through a series of proposed rule changes aimed at enhancing competitive integrity and improving fan engagement. The league's efforts include: 1. **Eliminating mid-lottery protections** on traded picks. 2. **Prohibiting consecutive top-four draft picks** for teams. 3. **Locking lottery positions** as of March 1 to prevent late-season manipulation. 4. **Engaging team executives** for feedback on these proposals. These measures reflect the NBA's commitment to fostering a competitive environment while addressing the challenges posed by tanking [https://www.opencourt-basketball.com/2025/12/27/the-nba-is-searching-for-a-way-to-kill-tanking].