NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has raised alarms regarding the rising prevalence of 'tanking' in the league, as some teams appear to be intentionally losing games to enhance their position in the draft lottery. This trend has become more pronounced this season compared to previous ones, prompting the league to contemplate various strategies to deter such practices. These strategies may include penalties that could affect draft selections and structural changes to the recruitment process and lottery system.

During his annual press conference at the All-Star Weekend held in Los Angeles, Silver emphasized the league's commitment to ensuring that all teams compete in good faith. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of the competition, especially as some franchises are resorting to fielding less competitive lineups by sidelining healthy players. Recent fines imposed on the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers for such actions underscore the league's serious stance on the issue.

The NBA aims to tackle the problem of tanking to ensure a more level playing field for all teams. By increasing scrutiny and potentially implementing tougher penalties for teams that engage in losing games on purpose, the league hopes to discourage this behavior. Silver's remarks and the associated fines represent a significant step toward preserving the competitive nature of the NBA, which is crucial for fan engagement and the overall reputation of the league.