“Relegation As a Potential Solution”: NBA commissioner Adam Silver Reportedly Considering European Soccer Model to Solve the Tanking Problem?
In recent remarks to Phoenix Suns employees, NBA commissioner Adam Silver discussed potential remedies for tanking while stating that he understood why teams would do it when a “once-in-a-generation player” is ready to enter the league. In order to increase their chances of receiving a high lottery choice in the future draft, clubs frequently begin benching important players at the close of the current campaign in favor of youth.
While this may be the case for certain NBA clubs, the issue doesn’t seem to be the main emphasis. Overall, tanking is pretty much horrible, but it’s also a quick cut that prioritizes “immediate” game wins above building a squad and addressing problems.
What is tanking in the NBA?
Tanking is the deliberate formation of a weak squad with the goal of losing games in order to acquire high draft selections. More and more teams are using this tactic to increase their chances of winning championships in the NBA since nearly every club needs a superstar to be successful.
ALSO READ: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver On Victor Wembanyama & Tanking Issue
Adam Silver discusses following European soccer model
A recent ESPN report mentioned: “Speaking of a concept in European soccer, Silver told employees that the league has thought about relegation as a potential solution to ensure the worst-performing teams are incentivized to compete. But the commissioner then said relegation would be “destabilizing” to the NBA..”
REPORT: Adam Silver says the NBA has thought about ‘relegation’ as a potential solution to tanking.
(via ESPN, https://t.co/1YOxhrtwkv) pic.twitter.com/M5RZ0TViPR
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 22, 2022
Relegation would effectively entail sending the G League’s weakest one or two teams there while elevating the league’s top one or two teams to the NBA in such a situation, Silver said to the staff.
REPORT: The NBA is investigating the Philadelphia 76ers for tanking for projected first overall pick Victor Wembanyama, per numerous sources. pic.twitter.com/Z3SC5g82zO
— Buttcrack Sports (@ButtCrackSports) October 23, 2022
Even Silver acknowledges it, saying that G League clubs lack the necessary tools to compete in the NBA. They are the G League team for a reason. Threatening them with relegation will stop them from tanking. Despite how amazing it seems, the threat is so meaningless. A G League club cannot be added due to roster limitations, lack of resources, and other factors. Even contracts wouldn’t function. But this problem must have a remedy.
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