Suns Owner Critiques Tanking in the NBA

Matt Ishbia, the owner of the Suns, has voiced strong disapproval of tanking in the NBA.

In a detailed social media post shared on Thursday, he took aim at teams that rest healthy players to improve their draft standings. He described this behavior as “a losing act” and “an embarrassment to the league.”

“It’s absurd! Tanking is something losers do. No one wants to knowingly be part of losing,” he expressed, adding that it tarnishes both the league’s reputation and the team’s image. He criticized those who consider this a “strategy,” pointing out the ridiculousness of it all.

“If your team struggles, you should seek out the best players. That’s just how it works. But intentionally sitting players or trying to lose games? That’s shameful and it messes with the integrity of the whole league,” he remarked.

Ishbia’s comments were a response to a Yahoo Sports article ranking teams based on a method that suggested tanking is far worse than recent scandals involving players like Malik Beasley and Terry Rozier.

“Using such tactics is frightening for fans who pay to support their teams. It’s alarming for any team genuinely vying for a playoff spot,” he added.

He further urged NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to implement significant reforms to curb such behavior, expressing confidence in Silver’s leadership to address these issues. “Everyone in influential positions should speak out on this,” Ishbia concluded.

His outburst followed Silver’s recent fines of the Jazz ($500,000) and Pacers ($100,000) for resting healthy players. Silver stated, “This blatant disregard for competition undermines the essence of the NBA, and we’ll take action against any further violations.” He also noted that discussions with the Competition Commission are underway to tackle this trend.

Ryan Smith, the owner of the Jazz, disagreed with some of the penalties. He questioned the logic behind the fines, especially since his team recently won a game.

The debate surrounding tanking has escalated within the NBA, with many teams seemingly focused on securing higher draft picks for the upcoming 2026 draft class.

During the All-Star weekend, Silver hinted at potential changes to the current system, acknowledging, “We need to explore new ideas. What’s happening now isn’t effective, that’s clear.”

Ishbia’s Suns are walking the talk this season. Despite trading away stars like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal and being forecasted as a bottom team in the West, they have surprised critics. Instead of tanking, they have entered the post-All-Star period with a respectable record of 32-23, currently sitting in seventh place in the Western Conference and competing for a playoff spot.