What NBA players, coaches and execs are saying about tanking
Published on April 8, 2026.
The NBA's tanking problem has become an epidemic, spreading across the bottom third of the league. The Utah Jazz signed Andersson Garcia to a 10-day contract in March, but sent him back to free agency a day after not subbing him out during five games. The team, trying to protect a top-eight protected pick they owe the Oklahoma City Thunder, was outscored by 69 points in Garcia's 169 minutes. The Memphis Grizzlies, having lost 15 of 17, have started an NBA record 25 different players this season. The strategy, adding, activating and overusing mid-tier G League players, was popularized in Oklahoma City a few years ago. Despite this, many believe it is often the most prudent team-building path for teams stuck near the bottom. The NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called for a comprehensive overhaul of the problem.
Read Original Article