Phoenix Suns Owner Condemns Tanking as “Losing Behavior,” Calls for NBA to Take Decisive Action
The debate surrounding intentional losing in the NBA has intensified, with Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia delivering a scathing critique of teams prioritizing draft position over competitive play. Ishbia’s strong words, posted on social media Thursday, come after the league recently levied significant fines against the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers for what it deemed “overt” tanking. The controversy centers on teams strategically resting healthy players to improve their chances of securing a higher draft pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA draft, a draft widely anticipated to feature exceptionally talented prospects. This practice, Ishbia argues, undermines the integrity of the league and disrespects fans.
“This is ridiculous! Tanking is losing behavior done by losers,” Ishbia wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. He further stated that intentionally losing is “something nobody should want to be associated with,” and labeled the discussion of tanking as a “strategy” as “ridiculous.” Ishbia’s comments reflect a growing concern among some owners and league officials that the pursuit of draft positioning is overshadowing the fundamental principle of competition. He believes that while a poor record naturally leads to a better draft pick, deliberately sabotaging on-court efforts is unacceptable. The Suns themselves do not control their own first-round draft pick until 2032, a consequence of previous trades, yet Ishbia feels compelled to speak out against the practice.
This is ridiculous! Tanking is losing behavior done by losers. Purposely losing is something nobody should want to be associated with. Embarrassing for the league and for the organizations. And the talk about this as a ‘strategy’ is ridiculous. https://t.co/wJq9w9wJ9q
— Mat Ishbia (@MatIshbia) February 19, 2026
NBA Fines and Growing Concerns
The NBA’s recent actions underscore the league’s increasing scrutiny of tanking. Last week, the Utah Jazz were fined $500,000 for benching key players, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., during the fourth quarter of close games against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat, respectively. According to Yahoo Sports, the Indiana Pacers were as well penalized with a $100,000 fine for violating the Player Participation Policy by resting Pascal Siakam and two other players during a game against the Jazz, despite their availability under medical standards. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged during All-Star Weekend that the league has observed more blatant tanking this season than in recent years.
Silver, in a press conference, stated that the league is considering “every possible remedy” to address the issue, including potential changes to the draft structure and even the possibility of stripping teams of draft picks. Bleacher Report notes that Silver did not rule out any options, signaling a serious commitment to curbing the practice. The league currently has seven teams with fewer than 20 wins, raising concerns about the widespread nature of the problem. The Jazz, as of February 19, 2026, hold the third-worst record in the Western Conference with 18 wins and 38 losses, and are currently battling to secure a top draft pick.
Integrity of the Game and Fan Disappointment
Ishbia’s criticism extends beyond the competitive implications of tanking, emphasizing the detrimental impact on fans. He argues that deliberately losing games is “terrible for the fans who pay to witness and cheer on their team” and harms “all real teams fighting for playoff places.” This sentiment resonates with many observers who believe that tanking devalues the regular season and undermines the excitement of the game. The perception of a lack of effort can alienate fans and erode trust in the league.
The debate over tanking isn’t new, but it has gained renewed urgency this season. Former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recently argued that the NBA should embrace tanking, suggesting it could be a way to prioritize fan engagement by focusing on developing young players and building towards future success. However, Ishbia vehemently rejects this notion, viewing it as a fundamental betrayal of competitive principles. He expressed “complete confidence” in Adam Silver’s leadership to address the issue and implement “massive changes” to restore the integrity of the league.
Potential Solutions and the Future of the NBA Draft
The NBA faces a complex challenge in finding a solution to tanking. Simply increasing fines may not be enough to deter teams, particularly those with limited resources or long-term rebuilding plans. More drastic measures, such as altering the draft lottery system or imposing harsher penalties, could be considered. One potential solution is to reduce the incentive for tanking by making the draft less reliant on luck. This could involve a weighted lottery system that gives better teams a slightly higher chance of securing a top pick, or a system that rewards teams for consistent improvement over time.
Another possibility is to explore changes to the draft eligibility rules, potentially allowing players to enter the draft directly from high school or international leagues. This could increase the pool of talent and reduce the emphasis on securing the top overall pick. However, any changes to the draft system would need to be carefully considered to ensure fairness and avoid unintended consequences. The NBA’s Competition Committee and Board of Governors are currently evaluating various options, and a decision is expected in the coming months. CBS Sports reports that Silver has indicated a willingness to consider all possibilities to address the growing problem of tanking.
The issue of tanking highlights a fundamental tension within the NBA: the desire to compete for championships versus the need to rebuild for the future. Finding a balance between these competing priorities will be crucial for maintaining the league’s long-term health and ensuring a compelling product for fans. The upcoming months will be critical as the NBA seeks to address this challenge and preserve the integrity of the game.
The NBA is expected to continue discussions regarding potential rule changes during the offseason, with a focus on implementing solutions before the start of the 2026-2027 season. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see what steps the league takes to address the issue of tanking and ensure a competitive and engaging product for years to come. We will continue to provide updates on this developing story as they become available.
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