Tanking still is a problem in the NBA, says Adam Silver.
During the commissioner’s postseason press conference, Silver addressed some of the issues in today’s game, particularly tanking.
“I recognize that the incentives are not aligned right now, that there’s a huge incentive to increase your chances in the draft lottery, especially under the old system,” Silver told reports, per ESPN.
The “old system” gives the team with the NBA’s worst record a 25 percent chance at obtaining the No.1 pick in the lottery, with the second and third-worst teams having 20 percent and 15 percent chances, respectively. Under the new system, starting in 2019, the teams with the three worst records each will have a 14 percent chance at the No.1 pick.
Teams within reach of the worst overall record have often been the teams guilty of tanking.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was on record saying that losing games was the team’s best option this season, while Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol openly criticized the team for playing G-League players once the team fell out of playoff contention.
Silver remains open to any changes if the new lottery reform does not change tanking the way he envisioned.
