NBA Fans Debate Abolishing Draft to Curb Tanking

League officials discuss potential solutions, but fans express skepticism over eliminating the draft system.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The NBA is grappling with the issue of tanking, where struggling teams intentionally lose games to improve their odds of landing a top draft pick. League officials have held meetings to discuss potential remedies, including the hypothetical idea of abolishing the draft altogether. While some fans see this as an intriguing solution, many are skeptical that it would actually solve the problem, citing concerns over cap circumvention and big-market teams having an unfair advantage in signing top prospects.

Why it matters

Tanking has been a persistent problem in the NBA, undermining the integrity of the regular season and frustrating fans who want to see their teams compete. The league is under pressure to find effective solutions, but any major changes to the draft system would face significant pushback from fans who view the draft as a crucial part of the league's competitive landscape.

The details

The NBA has fined several teams this season for violations related to tanking, including the Utah Jazz ($500,000) and the Indiana Pacers ($100,000). League officials have held meetings to discuss potential remedies, with one reported solution being the abolition of the draft. However, this idea was met with skepticism from fans, who argued that it could lead to even more cap circumvention and big-market teams dominating the free agent market for top prospects.

  • The NBA reached its All-Star weekend in 2026 with the tanking issue still unresolved.
  • League officials held several meetings this week to 'discuss tanking remedies.'

The players

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner who has been trying to address the tanking problem in the league.

World Wide Wob

A popular NBA commentator on social media who expressed skepticism about the idea of abolishing the draft.

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What they’re saying

“This, on paper, should work. It's been suggested by many sharp people who can justify an open market for rookies and elimination of restricted free agency.”

— World Wide Wob (X (formerly Twitter)

“This, realistically, will not work. You think cap circumvention is a problem now? Just wait until shoe brands start financially incentivizing their rookie clients to sign with preferred franchises/big city markets. More than half of the Board of Governors are going to approve even more negotiating leverage for the prom kings & queens? Hard to believe, despite the sound logic.”

— World Wide Wob (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The league is expected to continue monitoring the tanking issue closely and issuing punishments when necessary, but a more comprehensive solution has yet to be determined.

The takeaway

The NBA's tanking problem remains a complex issue without a clear solution. While some fans see abolishing the draft as an intriguing idea, many are skeptical that it would actually address the underlying incentives that lead teams to tank. The league will need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of any major changes to the draft system to ensure the integrity of the competition.