“Tanking” has become a contentious issue in NBA circles.
That’s understandable. There is something that feels undeniably wrong about teams intentionally losing. The lottery system is in place to help bad teams improve – not to incentivize teams to need improvement. Like any system, it has a loophole.
With that said, there are drawbacks to exploiting it. NBA executives may want to lose games, but players never do. When they do, it fosters negative feelings and losing habits. For a young team that can have a negative impact on development.
For example, take the Orlando Magic. They just selected Paolo Banchero with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft.
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Moreover, young players like Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr., and more make for an exciting young core. Isn’t it time for this team to start chasing wins?
Perhaps. On the other hand, if the front office isn’t sure, here’s a deal that focuses a little more on their future than their present.