With the start of every NBA season comes rumors that struggling teams might lose on purpose for better draft positioning. Given the hype surrounding the 2023 draft class, including star prospects Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson, those conversations already appear to be at a fever pitch to begin the 2022–23 season.
The discourse again found its way to NBA commissioner Adam Silver this week during a Q&A session with Suns employees during which he apologized for the league’s handling of embattled owner Robert Sarver, per a report from ESPN. Sarver received a one-year suspension and $10 million fine on Sept. 29 following a league investigation into workplace misconduct.
After a Suns employee reportedly asked Silver about tanking during the session, Silver said the NBA has “put teams on notice” and plans to pay “particular attention to the issue” as the season continues. Silver also shared with Suns employees that tanking is considered to be a “serious issue” around the league, one that has sparked “hundreds” of meetings.
