NBA teams debate tanking strategies for draft picks

Some NBA teams are facing criticism for their strategy of "tanking," which means they are losing games on purpose to get a better draft pick. The Toronto Raptors have been limiting the playing time of their star player, Scottie Barnes, despite him being healthy. This has raised concerns about the team's intentions as they aim for a better position in the upcoming NBA Draft. The Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets are also in a similar situation. Teams have started pulling their key players in critical moments of the game, which leads to accusations of tanking. This season's draft class is particularly strong, leading to more teams wanting to secure high draft picks. Experts argue that the issue of tanking is complicated. While the draft system encourages teams to lose, there is also a lack of incentive to win. For example, teams may decide not to risk injuries to valuable players in games that do not matter. This situation raises questions about the NBA's structure and whether it should promote winning more actively. The Phoenix Suns are trying to improve their season by giving more playing time to rookie Oso Ighodaro. He has shown potential in his limited minutes, helping the Suns win crucial games. Despite facing tough competition, Ighodaro's skills have made a notable difference. In college basketball, Yaxel Lendeborg of UAB has gained attention during the NIT tournament with impressive performances. He has recorded several double-doubles recently and is attracting the interest of NBA scouts. Although he has struggled with shooting, his size and abilities make him a promising prospect for the NBA Draft. As the NBA season winds down, teams are under scrutiny for their decisions, whether strategic or for player safety. The league continues to seek a balance between competitiveness and fairness in the draft system.