Emergency TANK!

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As a fan, it's SO easy for you to say that. But that's not the reality.

The reality is tanking has never been "fixed" nor can it be under their current approach. Plus fans on this board didn't seem to mind our tanking at the end of the season.
 

AzStevenCal

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Tanking, as it is today, would have killed the NBA 20 years ago but now it's mostly about perception. Silver has to talk about it (in response to media inquiries) but I doubt it's really that big of a deal to him.

When this league's finances revolved around the attendance numbers, a franchise couldn't afford to give away even half a season. Most "tanking" back then didn't occur until the team was mathematically eliminated. But now, the national TV contract pays the bills for all the teams and the Networks can schedule away from the non-competitive games (for the most part). So, no harm, no foul IMO.

They really should just go back to a reverse order of finish. If they decide that tanking really is a problem, they have the tool they need to put it under control. Use a portion of the TV money to disincentivise teams from tanking. You might occasionally see a season long tank but for the most part, every team will have a financial reason to compete throughout all 82 games.
 

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Tanking, as it is today, would have killed the NBA 20 years ago but now it's mostly about perception. Silver has to talk about it (in response to media inquiries) but I doubt it's really that big of a deal to him.

When this league's finances revolved around the attendance numbers, a franchise couldn't afford to give away even half a season. Most "tanking" back then didn't occur until the team was mathematically eliminated. But now, the national TV contract pays the bills for all the teams and the Networks can schedule away from the non-competitive games (for the most part). So, no harm, no foul IMO.

They really should just go back to a reverse order of finish. If they decide that tanking really is a problem, they have the tool they need to put it under control. Use a portion of the TV money to disincentivise teams from tanking. You might occasionally see a season long tank but for the most part, every team will have a financial reason to compete throughout all 82 games.
That’s the hard part, but definitely the approach to take. TV money seems to be evenly spread out, so that allows teams to not care about tanking as much. But work on proportional payouts of that money, it becomes a whole different ballgame.
 

AzStevenCal

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That’s the hard part, but definitely the approach to take. TV money seems to be evenly spread out, so that allows teams to not care about tanking as much. But work on proportional payouts of that money, it becomes a whole different ballgame.

Yeah, and the Commissioner even mentioned it the other day as one of the successful ways that other leagues have combatted tanking (along with Relegation). He said relegation wouldn't work here and then mentioned that TV money has been used elsewhere to keep teams competitive.
 

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Tanking, as it is today, would have killed the NBA 20 years ago but now it's mostly about perception. Silver has to talk about it (in response to media inquiries) but I doubt it's really that big of a deal to him.

When this league's finances revolved around the attendance numbers, a franchise couldn't afford to give away even half a season. Most "tanking" back then didn't occur until the team was mathematically eliminated. But now, the national TV contract pays the bills for all the teams and the Networks can schedule away from the non-competitive games (for the most part). So, no harm, no foul IMO.

They really should just go back to a reverse order of finish. If they decide that tanking really is a problem, they have the tool they need to put it under control. Use a portion of the TV money to disincentivise teams from tanking. You might occasionally see a season long tank but for the most part, every team will have a financial reason to compete throughout all 82 games.
Yep. This will work. Teams should get a payout based upon W-L record. Give the players incentive to win too. Even if the money is small--say $1000 check for each player on the winning team on the night they win--it will make a difference. These guys are competitive.
 

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It’s true - the TV money can lead to negative scenarios. Baseball has had a related problem, with teams content to be profitable but uncompetitive for extended periods of time.

The lottery itself is supposed to mitigate tanking, I just think the league should keep an eye on the resting of otherwise healthy players, and trades that are clearly anti-competitive in the short-term.

Another wrinkle, though, was discussed on a recent Simmons podcast: players shutting themselves down after IT essentially lost a max contract after playing through injury. They were speculating about the Kawhi-Spurs situation, and wondering if more players will extend their recovery times even if their teams are pressuring them to come back.
 
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Yep. This will work. Teams should get a payout based upon W-L record. Give the players incentive to win too. Even if the money is small--say $1000 check for each player on the winning team on the night they win--it will make a difference. These guys are competitive.

As I said before to that idea. Players are already playing for their own contracts which is much much higher that $1000 per. Every player in the league has incentive to win everytime they step on the floor. Players do not tank.
 

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As I said before to that idea. Players are already playing for their own contracts which is much much higher that $1000 per. Every player in the league has incentive to win everytime they step on the floor. Players do not tank.
But that is their paycheck.

Put $50 on a game of one-on-one and watch those guys go at it. Its not about the amount of money, its about the bragging rights and the fact that they can buy everyone drinks after the game with their winnings. They will probably all blow that $1000 the night they win, its just the way athletes (and most men) are.
 

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But that is their paycheck.

Put $50 on a game of one-on-one and watch those guys go at it. Its not about the amount of money, its about the bragging rights and the fact that they can buy everyone drinks after the game with their winnings. They will probably all blow that $1000 the night they win, its just the way athletes (and most men) are.

That's a lot of money straight out of the owners pocket, I don't see it happening. And I don't really see it changing things in any way, the players aren't the problem here.
 
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I keep running the tankathon mock. We get 4th most of the time. 4th just doesn’t seem worth the misery.

What misery? It was fun rooting for 'something'. The suns have the best odds...that is all we can ask for. Yeah of course I'd like higher than 4th but knowing 4th is our rock bottom isn't too shabby in a draft like this. Young, JJJ, Porter, Bamba in that range is acceptable. I'd go with Young or Bamba at #4...To me either one of them has a chance to be elite at their position. Plus an added benefit is they both are a position of need.
 

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Or do it on an average of wins over the last 4 years.

Actually this might lead to long term tanking and the same teams getting the best picks year after year.
 
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I guess you enjoy going to demolition derbies, too, huh? :eek:

Are you kidding me? That was an epic tank in an epic draft. The drama everyday was unbelievable towards the end. Fans were not only following our tank but other tanking teams as well. I had a great time!
 

BC867

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Are you kidding me? That was an epic tank in an epic draft. The drama everyday was unbelievable towards the end. Fans were not only following our tank but other tanking teams as well. I had a great time!
With those three words, I agree. But, not only over a whole season, but to when Chandler and Bledsoe were benched during the latter part of the previous season, it was depressing to watch. Especially as part of a string of eight years out of the playoffs.

And with the Suns not anticipating Bledsoe's reaction to start this season and the embarrassment it would cause, which resulted in lack of respect for Suns' management.

To be fair, you did post some time ago that you would not be calling for a tank again preceding and starting the 2018-19 season.
 
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With those three words, I agree. But, not only over a whole season, but to when Chandler and Bledsoe were benched during the latter part of the previous season, it was depressing to watch. Especially as part of a string of eight years out of the playoffs.

And with the Suns not anticipating Bledsoe's reaction to start this season and the embarrassment it would cause, which resulted in lack of respect for Suns' management.

To be fair, you did post some time ago that you would not be calling for a tank again preceding and starting the 2018-19 season.

Just because I had a good time this season doesnt mean the circumstances will be right next season. Next draft isn't as talented nor will the suns be as bad.

Im hoping we get an impact player.. or two. I hope some players we have develop more as well.
 

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Are you kidding me? That was an epic tank in an epic draft. The drama everyday was unbelievable towards the end. Fans were not only following our tank but other tanking teams as well. I had a great time!
Oh, I was following the tank but I wasn’t watching the games. Or the ads or buying Suns merchandise.....


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Kel Varnsen

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