Adam Silver Promises NBA Tanking Fix After Jazz Pacers Fines

Merlin sees NBA commissioner Adam Silver promising “substantial” rule changes to curb tanking, and says they will be in place for next season. He rejected separating a team’s record from draft position and warned that “the incentives are misaligned” after six-figure fines to the Jazz and Pacers. The league acted in part because, as Brian Windhorst said, “the No. 1 pick this year is worth $100 million.” Merlin thinks the likeliest fix will tie late season wins to lottery odds, a move meant to make losing less appealing and to protect stars returning from injury. Any tweak will need sharp enforcement because teams will hunt for loopholes. Expect change next season, but the tug of war between rulemakers and front offices will continue.