The false promise of tanking and why Knicks can’t avoid it
The fallacy of tanking in the NBA has been a hotly debated topic for years. Many teams believe that losing intentionally to secure a higher draft pick is the key to future success, but recent history suggests otherwise.
Looking at the last 20 NBA Finals MVPs, it is interesting to note that none of them were drafted with a top-4 pick from their respective teams. The only exception to this trend is Tim Duncan, who was a top pick for the Spurs. LeBron James, another top pick, won a title with the Cavaliers after leaving and returning to the team.
In the past six years, champions like Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Jaylen Brown, Nikola Jokic, Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and LeBron James were not products of tanking. These players were either acquired through smart trades or drafted outside of the top picks.
Among these championship teams, only the Thunder could be accused of benefiting from tanking. However, their stint with intentional losing was short-lived and resulted in drafting Chet Holmgren.
The lesson to be learned from recent NBA champions is that success comes from smart drafting and trading, not from tanking. Teams must focus on building a strong foundation through strategic player acquisitions rather than relying on the chance of securing a high draft pick. The path to greatness lies in making calculated decisions and building a winning team culture.
