In the NBA, if you’re not a free agent destination you can rebuild your team through the draft. That can involve the process of tanking.
Tanking is a dirty word in the NBA. Losing on purpose for a higher pick in the draft is a strategy teams have been showcasing for decades. If you’re a squad that doesn’t attract the top free agent talents, it’s definitely something that’ll be considered.Before former Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie made the word taboo, it wasn’t as much of a hot topic. Hinkie asked people to “Trust the process” without explaining exactly what it was, and he was forced out in Philadelphia for it.
The truth is that tanking can be a good strategy. If you stick to the plan until you find the rookies you want.
Look at Hinkie’s Sixers as an example. They have a bright future with Joel Embiid, Dario Saric, and Ben Simmons.
Despite Philly’s seemingly bright future, Hinkie’s legacy has clearly left teams skittish about it.
Tanking is risky, but it can also pay off. The controversial process has churned out stars like Tim Duncan (yes the Spurs tanked once), Hakeem Olajuwon, Anthony Davis, Kevin Garnett, and LeBron James.
Here are five teams that should consider taking the plunge:
