The NBA is proposing rule changes to combat tanking, but one of the hidden details in their official proposal may have bigger implications for all teams in the league.
The Association wants to give even odds of landing the first overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery to the bottom three teams in the standings, a big change from the 25 percent odds the worst team in the league currently has. But a proposal to punish teams for resting players might be the biggest change in the league’s proposal.
Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday that the league also wants the ability to fine teams if they rest “multiple” players in a game or healthy players on nationally televised games.
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There have been reports of the league changing its rules to punish teams that encourage resting players, but this is the most concrete sign that it’s actually happening yet. Players will likely hate this because many feel they need rest days with the way the schedule is.
It was a huge topic for debate throughout the season, but it’s important to note that this isn’t punishing every team for resting every player — just the ones who happen to be playing as part of the league’s massive television contracts with ESPN and TBS. This is a move designed not to punish players and teams for skirting the rules, but rather to help the league protect its assets.
