NBA Tanking: Is the “Gold Plan” the Answer to Restore Competitive Integrity?
The NBA is grappling with a growing problem: tanking. Recent fines levied against the Utah Jazz ($500,000) and Indiana Pacers ($100,000) for prioritizing draft position over winning have brought the issue to a boiling point. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that current measures “are not working.” But could a solution already exist, borrowed from other sports?
The Problem with Tanking: Undermining the Game
Tanking, the deliberate act of losing games to secure a higher draft pick, erodes the competitive spirit of the NBA. It disrespects fans, devalues regular-season games, and can negatively impact player development. The Jazz were specifically penalized for benching key players – Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. – in the fourth quarters of games, a clear signal of prioritizing future assets over present-day competition. The Pacers faced a similar fine for resting Pascal Siakam.
The “Gold Plan”: A Proven Solution from Other Leagues
A potential remedy lies in a concept known as the “Gold Plan,” originally proposed by Adam Gold for the NHL in 2012 and recently adopted by the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). The core idea is to incentivize winning for teams already eliminated from playoff contention. Once a team reaches a predetermined number of losses (40 in the proposed NBA model), any subsequent wins contribute to their draft lottery odds. The team with the best record among those eliminated would receive the top draft pick.
How Would It Work in the NBA?
Currently, the NBA draft lottery system aims to equalize the odds for all non-playoff teams. The “Gold Plan” would shift the focus to the final stretch of the season. As of mid-February 2026, teams like the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers have already surpassed 40 losses, while the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets are close behind. Implementing this plan would mean those teams would suddenly have a tangible reason to compete for wins in March and April, transforming meaningless games into crucial contests.
Addressing Concerns: Early-Season Tanking and Player Motivation
A valid concern is whether teams would simply tank *earlier* in the season to reach the 40-loss threshold quickly. However, intentionally losing games consistently over an entire season is more difficult to execute and would likely attract increased scrutiny from the league. Players themselves are likewise a key factor. They are competitors who wish to win, and their individual performance impacts their contracts and reputations. Hall of Fame coach George Karl emphasized the importance of addressing the issue, stating, “I don’t think it would work with me. I don’t think it’s right.”
Silver’s Stance and Potential Penalties
Commissioner Adam Silver has made it clear that the league is exploring “every possible remedy” to combat tanking, even considering measures like taking away future draft picks. The “Gold Plan” could be implemented alongside stricter penalties for blatant attempts to lose games early in the season, creating a multi-faceted approach to preserving the integrity of the league.
The Benefits of a Competitive Finish
The most significant benefit of the “Gold Plan” is restoring meaning to the final games of the regular season. Every contest would have stakes, not just for playoff contenders but for teams vying for a better draft position. This increased competition would be a win for fans, players, and the overall health of the NBA.
FAQ: Tanking and the “Gold Plan”
- What is tanking? Tanking is the intentional act of losing games to improve a team’s chances of securing a higher draft pick.
- Why is tanking a problem? It undermines the competitive spirit of the league and devalues the regular season.
- What is the “Gold Plan”? A system where teams eliminated from playoff contention compete for draft position based on their wins in the final stretch of the season.
- Could the “Gold Plan” be abused? Teams might attempt to tank earlier, but that’s harder to sustain and would attract league scrutiny.
- What is the NBA doing about tanking? The league has issued fines and is exploring additional remedies, including potential draft pick forfeitures.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on teams nearing 40 losses as the season progresses. Their approach to games in March and April could reveal whether the NBA adopts a “Gold Plan” style system.
What do you think? Would a “Gold Plan” solve the NBA’s tanking problem? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
