One of the biggest talking points in the NBA in recent weeks has been the league's rampant tanking issue, with teams like the Utah Jazz routinely benching starters to increase their lottery odds. The NBA has tried to address this issue in recent seasons by reducing lottery odds and implementing fines, but clearly, more work needs to be done to meet fan expectations.
Recently, NBA insider Joe Warden of The Athletic reported on a proposed idea that would see the league eliminate the draft altogether and essentially make incoming rookies free agents.
"There were several meetings this week among league officials to discuss tanking measures, and about 10 solutions were discussed, not one of which included the complete elimination of the rookie draft," Vardon reported.
However, this does not mean that it will not be possible to move forward if things continue in this direction.
"...If (Adam) Silver and his advisors decide the only way to stop tanking...is to stop the draft altogether and turn rookies into free agents, the same league official said it would be seriously considered."
Meanwhile, NBA commissioner Adam Silver addressed the league's tanking issue during his media availability at All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.
He said, "I think talking to GMs and coaches around the league shows that perhaps our records show even more parity. And that goes back to the incentive issue. ... It's a little confusing."
It is unlikely that any solution exists that will be able to completely satisfy all parties involved, but there is clearly an issue when teams are routinely pulling their starters from games in a blatant attempt to make up for losing.
It remains to be seen how the NBA will address this issue in future seasons.
