Overview
- Eight teams finished with at least 55 losses this season, a rare cluster of bottom records that signals widespread noncompetitive play.
- The six worst clubs went a combined .187 after the All-Star break as several lineups weakened to chase draft position.
- Commissioner Adam Silver said he wants a full stop to tanking, and owners are preparing to vote in May on changes to the draft system and new penalties.
- A leading proposal, described by Kevin O’Connor, would lower the top-pick chances for the three worst records and give teams slotted 4 through 10 better odds.
- Critics warn this design could trap small-market or chronically weak teams at the bottom, and some argue the league should scrap the lottery and return to a simple inverse draft order.