The subject of tanking within the NBA is undoubtedly a controversial one. Many suppose that tanking video games to get a greater draft choose is incorrect, however generally tanking is the important thing to long-term success. Simply ask the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, who tanked for a pair seasons, stockpiled draft picks, and are actually not solely the defending champions, however may very well be the following NBA dynasty.
Due to a stacked draft class final season that was headlined by Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and V.J. Edgecombe, we noticed unreal ranges of tanking.
From the Raptors pulling gamers within the second halves of video games to the Jazz sitting out Lauri Markkanen so much over the second half of final yr to the Sixers blatantly sitting out gamers to take care of their choose, groups have been bending the foundations to get a lottery choose. That is one thing we may see much more of this yr.
The 2026 NBA Draft class is stacked
Groups which are trying to find their franchise face, or impression gamers, can be in luck as soon as once more subsequent June. School basketball is suffering from expertise, particularly this freshman class that’s projected to be probably the greatest ones we’ve got seen in years.
The highest three prospects are set in stone: Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke ahead Cameron Boozer, and BYU ahead AJ Dybantsa. The order of these three just isn’t set in stone, however all three have the potential to be franchise gamers.
Peterson might be one of the best taking pictures guard prospect we’ve got seen in fairly some time. His degree of poise, his all-around scoring skill, and his athleticism soar off the web page instantly. He has the instruments to be probably the greatest taking pictures guards within the NBA at his peak.
Boozer is 6’10” and constructed like an NFL linebacker however performs with a steadiness of smoothness and energy. His distinctive mixture of measurement, energy, and flexibility makes him the proper ahead for the fashionable NBA.
Dybantsa is an athletic freak that runs the ground like a gazelle, defends with a excessive motor, and slashes to the basket with unhealthy intentions each time. Dybantsa really reclassified so he will be in faculty this yr and get to varsity faster.
Outdoors of the highest three, there are a number of sleeper prospects
Even guys like Arizona’s Koa Peat, Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr., North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson, Tennessee’s Nate Ament, and Houston’s Chris Cenac Jr. are all prospects that may make an impression on day one and lead a staff’s younger core.
Due to this wealth of expertise, count on groups to not be shy about tanking this season as soon as once more. Groups like Brooklyn, Indiana, Washington, Utah, and Sacramento will seemingly be lining up for the prospect to safe the providers of an elite prospect. Tanking could also be thought-about unethical by some, however the advantages are onerous to disregard.
