Why do nba teams tank

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: NBA teams tank primarily to secure higher draft picks, especially for top prospects like Victor Wembanyama in 2023 or Zion Williamson in 2019. The practice intensified after the 1984 NBA Draft, where the Houston Rockets tanked to draft Hakeem Olajuwon first overall. Recent examples include the Philadelphia 76ers' 'Process' from 2013-2017, where they won only 47 games over four seasons to accumulate draft assets. The NBA introduced lottery reforms in 2019, reducing the worst team's odds from 25% to 14% to discourage extreme tanking.

Key Facts

The NBA draft lottery was introduced in 1985 to combat tanking after the 1984 Olajuwon draft
In 2019, the NBA reformed lottery odds, cutting the worst team's top pick chance from 25% to 14%
The 76ers' 'Process' involved trading All-Star Jrue Holiday in 2013 for draft picks
Victor Wembanyama was drafted first in 2023 by the San Antonio Spurs after their 22-60 season
Tanking teams often rest healthy players, like the 2014-15 Lakers sitting Kobe Bryant late in a 21-61 season

Overview

Tanking in the NBA refers to teams intentionally losing games to improve their draft position, a strategy that emerged prominently after the 1984 NBA Draft. That year, the Houston Rockets were accused of tanking to secure the first overall pick, which they used to select Hakeem Olajuwon—a move that helped them win championships in 1994 and 1995. In response, the NBA introduced the draft lottery in 1985, initially giving non-playoff teams equal odds. The practice gained notoriety during the 1996-97 season when the San Antonio Spurs lost star David Robinson to injury, finished 20-62, and drafted Tim Duncan first overall, leading to five championships. Modern tanking often involves multi-year rebuilding, exemplified by the Philadelphia 76ers' 'Trust the Process' era from 2013-2017, where they accumulated draft picks through trades and poor performance.

How It Works

NBA teams tank through various mechanisms: resting healthy star players, limiting minutes for key contributors, and making roster decisions focused on development over winning. For example, in the 2022-23 season, the San Antonio Spurs strategically managed Victor Wembanyama's arrival by finishing with a 22-60 record. Teams also trade veteran players for future draft assets, as the Oklahoma City Thunder did in 2022 by dealing Paul George and Russell Westbrook. The NBA's draft lottery system assigns odds based on regular-season records, with the worst teams having the best chances at top picks—though reforms in 2019 flattened these odds to reduce incentives. Tanking often aligns with long-term cap management, allowing teams to shed salary and acquire young talent simultaneously.

Why It Matters

Tanking impacts competitive balance, fan engagement, and league integrity. While it can lead to successful rebuilds—like the Golden State Warriors drafting Stephen Curry after a 29-53 season in 2009—it also risks alienating fans and devaluing regular-season games. The NBA's 2019 lottery reforms aimed to address this by increasing parity in draft odds. Economically, tanking affects ticket sales and local revenue, though teams may justify short-term losses for long-term gains. Ethically, it raises questions about sportsmanship, as seen in controversies over resting players. Ultimately, tanking remains a strategic tool in team-building, balancing immediate competitiveness against future championship aspirations.