The subject of tanking within the NBA is undoubtedly a controversial one. Many assume that tanking video games to get a greater draft choose is incorrect, however typically 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 could possibly be the subsequent 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 loads over the second half of final yr to the Sixers blatantly sitting out gamers to keep up their choose, groups had been bending the foundations to get a lottery choose. That is one thing we might 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. Faculty basketball is suffering from expertise, particularly this freshman class that’s projected to be the most effective 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 will not be set in stone, however all three have the potential to be franchise gamers.
Peterson might be the very best taking pictures guard prospect we’ve got seen in fairly some time. His degree of poise, his all-around scoring capacity, and his athleticism bounce off the web page instantly. He has the instruments to be the most effective taking pictures guards within the NBA at his peak.
Boozer is 6’10” and constructed like an NFL linebacker however performs with a stability of smoothness and energy. His distinctive mixture of dimension, power, 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 may be in faculty this yr and get to school 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 crew’s younger core.
Due to this wealth of expertise, anticipate groups to not be shy about tanking this season as soon as once more. Groups like Brooklyn, Indiana, Washington, Utah, and Sacramento will probably be lining up for the prospect to safe the providers of an elite prospect. Tanking could also be thought of unethical by some, however the advantages are exhausting to disregard.
