Game Tanking Is A Problem

Until 1985, the team with the worst loss record would get the first pick in the draft. This led to rumors of game tanking — that is, losing purposely to get dibs on the best rookies. The National Basketball Association instituted the draft lottery as a way to deal with tanking and to allow for a fairer playing field. But even now, the worst teams still receive the most ping pong balls in a pick, thus improving their chances at top prospects. Therefore, some fans believe that tanking continues.