What Is Tanking?

For anyone that isn’t informed about the modern NBA, tanking is a strategy that teams have started to use recently. Tanking in the NBA happens when a team intentionally fields a weaker lineup or limits its effort to win fewer games. The goal is not laziness or lack of skill — it’s strategy. By finishing near the bottom of the standings, a team improves its chances of getting a higher draft pick. That pick can help the team rebuild faster and find future stars.

However, tanking doesn’t come without with risks. It can frustrate fans, lower team morale, and hurt the overall competition of the league. Some teams argue that short-term losing leads to long-term success. Others believe it damages the integrity of the game.

Many fans have grown frustrated with the tanking process. Losing games on purpose goes against everything the NBA stands for. Jazz fans have echoed this sentiment for the last three years, the constant losing has taken a toll. However, going into the 2025-26 season it’s finally starting to look like there might be a light at the end of the tunnel.

What’s Different?

Times were tough for Jazz fans last year. The team won only 17 of 82 games and struggled through a difficult season. In the second half, several players dealt with what many called “phantom injuries,” leading to a $100,000 fine for improper injury reporting. Despite the frustration, fans hoped the rough season would pay off in the draft.

However, luck wasn’t on Utah’s side. The Jazz dropped out of the top four and ended up with the fifth overall pick. Missing out on freshman phenom Cooper Flagg stung, but the outcome wasn’t all bad. The team landed Rutgers forward Ace Bailey, a player many analysts ranked among the top three prospects in the class. After selecting Bailey 5th overall, the Jazz traded up from the 21st pick to select Walter Clayton Jr. at 18th. Clayton Jr. led the Florida Gators to the national championship while being named the nations most outstanding player.

Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. at the Utah Jazz Media Day (Via SLC Dunk)

Although the draft lottery may not have gone as expected, many draft experts considered the Jazz the winners of the draft. Although the rebuild continues, the arrival of Bailey and Clayton gives Jazz fans something real to be excited about.

How are things changing this year?

While the Jazz are still tanking this year, the on court product is a breath of fresh air compared to last year. The team is 4-7 through it’s first 11 games and while that may not sound like much the team’s effort level, ball movement, and overall vibe is much higher than it was through the first 11 games last year.

The team has also seen a leap from third year guard Keyonte George. George’s averages are up across the board this year as he’s averaging 21.5 points, 7.1 assists, and 4 rebounds. The Jazz have also seen improvement from second year big man Kyle Filipowski and third year guard Brice Sensabaugh.

Outside of the on court product, coach Will Hardy has been incredibly active in coaching the team this year. He has been coaching the team hard and making sure that they’re not just going through the motions during their games. When asked about this Hardy had this to say; It’s all intentional. There is a real process right now of trying to have all of our players, especially our young players, understand that every time you take the court, you’re trying to win.” While the Jazz aren’t world beaters just yet, they are definitely getting better.

Will Hardy coaching and yelling at the Utah Jazz during a game. (Via Salt Lake Tribune)

Where do they go from here?

While the Jazz are trying to win, the ultimate goal is still a top pick in the loaded 2026 NBA draft. Players like Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer, and AJ Dybansta are seen as franchise changing talents that could vault the Jazz from a fun group of young players to a legitimate playoff threat. In a perfect world, the Jazz spend the entire season playing competitive basketball while still losing a lot of games. After the season, they add another top five pick to their roster and focus on winning as many games as possible in the 2026-27 season.

Finding the right balance between development and draft positioning will shape Utah’s future. The Jazz have built a promising young core, but patience remains essential. Fans want visible progress, not endless potential. However, staying competitive while losing enough to secure a top draft pick is a difficult task.

If things go right, the 2026 NBA Draft could mark a major turning point. A high pick might add the missing piece that turns Utah into a playoff contender. Yet if the lottery luck fades, the front office will need creativity and resilience to keep the rebuild moving forward. Ultimately, this season will test whether the Jazz are truly building something lasting or still searching for their next star. Let me know if you agree…

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