Teams across the league have embraced tank strategies, with the Utah Jazz playing undrafted prospects heavy minutes while being outscored by 69 points. The Memphis Grizzlies started an NBA-record 25 different players this season. Teams are benching young stars and using questionable tactics to secure better draft positions.

The Oklahoma City Thunder pioneered this approach, playing non-NBA level talents 40 minutes per game to secure the fourth-worst record. They drafted Chet Holmgren, who later started for a title team. Despite criticism from coaches like Steve Kerr who "hate it," executives admit it's often the most prudent team-building path when stuck near the bottom.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the problem, calling it "almost impossible to distinguish between the tank and rebuild." The league fined Utah $500,000 for benching stars but has taken no recent action despite continued usage. The tanking epidemic continues as teams prioritize draft position over competitive integrity.