Is Your Team Tanking for the Next NBA Superstar? Shocking Numbers Reveal the Truth!

As the NBA gears up for March Madness, our attention shifts from the excitement of playoff races to the not-so-glamorous realm of team rebuilding strategies. Welcome to our second annual tanking rankings, where we examine how some teams are opting to forgo immediate success in favor of securing a better shot at top draft picks.

Just over a month has passed since the league penalized the Utah Jazz with a hefty fine of $500,000 and the Indiana Pacers with $100,000 for blatant tanking attempts. Surprisingly, no other teams have faced penalties since, even as nearly a third of the NBA has been accused of tanking in pursuit of the best prospects.

The race for prominent draft prospects such as BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, and Duke’s Cameron Boozer is becoming increasingly competitive as the draft lottery approaches on May 10. Our rankings highlight the current contenders in this tanking strategy, providing a comprehensive breakdown of their efforts.

While the four teams in the play-in tournament might yet secure a top-four pick, as the Dallas Mavericks did last season, the remaining teams are clearly focused on securing their position in the draft lottery.

With the Charlotte Hornets owning a six-win lead over the Milwaukee Bucks in the East and the Portland Trail Blazers leading the Memphis Grizzlies by ten in the West, we present the top ten teams in our tanking rankings.

10. New Orleans Pelicans (23-46)

Most recent starters: Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey, Zion Williamson, Yves Missi (+16 in 57 minutes)

Since the All-Star break: 8-5 record; 117.2 offensive rating (11th); 114.1 defensive rating (18th)

The Pelicans are not actively tanking, primarily because they do not own their first-round draft pick, which is currently in Atlanta Hawks hands. A miscalculation during the previous draft saw them trade away an unprotected lottery pick for the chance to select Derik Queen at No. 13.

9. Milwaukee Bucks (28-39)

Most recent starters: Ryan Rollins, AJ Green, Kyle Kuzma, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner (+59 in 99 minutes)

Since the All-Star break: 5-9 record; 110.4 offensive rating (24th); 120.8 defensive rating (29th)

The Bucks are facing their own struggles. Their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, has managed to contribute significantly when on the floor, but his presence has raised questions about the team's true intentions. If he continues to play, Milwaukee risks landing a pick that is less favorable than needed.

8. Sacramento Kings (18-51)

Most recent starters: Killian Hayes, DeMar DeRozan, Nique Clifford, Precious Achiuwa, Maxime Raynaud (-11 in 20 minutes)

Since the All-Star break: 6-7 record; 111.3 offensive rating (22nd); 117.4 defensive rating (23rd)

By relying on veterans like Westbrook and DeRozan, the Kings have surprisingly found themselves winning games. Their recent success has diminished their chances for a top-four pick, highlighting the difficulty of navigating a tanking strategy effectively.

7. Memphis Grizzlies (23-44)

Most recent starters: Walter Clayton, Rayan Rupert, Jaylen Wells, Cedric Coward, Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Since the All-Star break: 3-11 record; 114.4 offensive rating (15th); 120.8 defensive rating (29th)

After trading away key players like Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies have adopted an unconventional lineup strategy that is yielding poor results. Their approach raises questions about the effectiveness of their tanking strategy amid ongoing injuries.

6. Dallas Mavericks (23-46)

Most recent starters: Ryan Nembhard, Max Christie, Naji Marshall, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington (+5 in 31 minutes)

Since the All-Star break: 4-11 record; 108.0 offensive rating (28th); 118.4 defensive rating (25th)

Despite their efforts to tank, the Mavericks are hindered by the performance of rookie Cooper Flagg, who is competing for the Rookie of the Year award. Dallas is currently in contention for the sixth-worst record, but must adopt more drastic measures to secure a top pick.

5. Chicago Bulls (28-40)

Most recent starters: Tre Jones, Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Leonard Miller, Jalen Smith (-4 in 27 minutes)

Since the All-Star break: 4-9 record; 108.8 offensive rating (26th); 112.9 defensive rating (14th)

The Bulls have openly embraced tanking strategies by trading key players to gather draft picks. However, their efforts are undermined by solid defensive strategies that keep them out of the top tier for draft positioning.

4. Utah Jazz (20-48)

Most recent starters: Isaiah Collier, Elijah Harkless, Cody Williams, Andersson Garcia, Brice Sensabaugh (-4 in 15 minutes)

Since the All-Star break: 2-10 record; 111.1 offensive rating (23rd); 118.4 defensive rating (24th)

With a rotation of untested players, the Jazz have stumbled into tanking territory. They possess talent but are strategically sidelining key players to enhance their draft position. However, their efforts may not be enough to secure the desired outcome.

3. Brooklyn Nets (17-51)

Most recent starters: Nolan Traoré, Drake Powell, Ziaire Williams, Danny Wolf, Nicolas Claxton (-19 in 17 minutes)

Since the All-Star break: 2-13 record; 104.5 offensive rating (30th); 119.9 defensive rating (26th)

The Nets have implemented a youth-driven strategy, leading to historically low offensive outputs. Their current roster has not been effective, and they continue to struggle on both ends of the court.

2. Washington Wizards (16-51)

Most recent starters: Trae Young, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Will Riley, Julian Reese (-3 in 10 minutes)

Since the All-Star break: 2-12 record; 110.3 offensive rating (25th); 120.7 defensive rating (27th)

The Wizards recently allowed Bam Adebayo to score an astonishing 83 points against them, solidifying their place among the worst teams this season. Their defensive failures have made them prime candidates in the race for a top pick.

1. Indiana Pacers (15-53)

Most recent starters: T.J. McConnell, Aaron Nesmith, Jalen Slawson, Jarace Walker, Ivica Zubac

Since the All-Star break: 0-13 record; 108.7 offensive rating (27th); 122.4 defensive rating (30th)

The Pacers have executed their tanking strategy with precision, intentionally positioning themselves for a favorable draft outcome. Their recent decisions, including acquiring Zubac, reflect a commitment to a long-term vision that prioritizes securing elite talent through the draft.

As the NBA season unfolds, the consequences of these tanking strategies will be felt not just in the standings, but also in the futures of these franchises. The draft lottery looms large, and the teams that falter now may find themselves flourishing in the seasons to come.