Tank on for bottom dwellers
Since last Thursday’s trade deadline, the NBA’S headlines have been dominated by buyout additions: The Brooklyn Nets signed former Spurs star Lamarcus Aldridge, the Los Angeles Lakers signed Andre Drummond and the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly are poised to onboard Austin Rivers, according to The Athletic.
But as top contenders fill holes before the championship chase, another far less glamorous race is developing. That’s right, the tank is on for the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic and anyone else who decides to join them.
The NBA has implemented anti-tanking measures in recent years, including flattening the draft lottery odds and expanding the
postseason field with a play-in round. Those steps appeared to work in some cases this season, as losing teams like the Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans all opted against widespread selling at the deadline.
However, there are other
incentives at work that should fuel a robust rush to the bottom, including the shortened and condensed schedule. This year, the trade deadline was pushed back until after the All-star break, meaning that the final day of the regular season is now just seven weeks away. In a typical season, the trade deadline occurs in early February before the All-star break, leaving more than two months until the regular season ends.
Bad teams always tend to pack it in early, and now they have less time to burn.
Draft to be July 29 at undecided site
The NBA has scheduled the draft for July 29, though it has yet to announce the location for the event.
Other key dates going into the draft were also revealed Monday: The draft combine is scheduled for June 21-27, the draft lottery will be held June 22 and July 19 is the deadline for early-entry candidates to withdraw from the draft.
Early-entry candidates must apply for the draft by May 30, the NBA said.