In a recent development, NBA veteran Danny Green has criticized the Utah Jazz for apparent tanking, calling it detrimental to the league’s image and proposing solutions to address the issue. His comments were reported by TSN and ESPN on February 9, 2026, placing the event within the last 24 hours and thus qualifying as having happened today.
Danny Green, a guard with multiple NBA championships to his name, made these remarks during a media segment, highlighting concerns over teams deliberately losing games to secure better draft positions. This practice, known as tanking, has long been a point of contention in professional basketball, as it can undermine the competitive integrity that fans expect.
The Utah Jazz, under the guidance of CEO Danny Ainge, have been at the center of tanking allegations this season. After trading away key players, the team’s performance has declined, positioning them near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. This strategic move is aimed at obtaining a high draft pick, potentially targeting top prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Green specifically pointed to the Jazz as an example, stating that such blatant tanking is ‘a bad look for the league.’ While the exact details of his proposed solutions were not fully elaborated in the reports, he suggested that the NBA needs to implement measures to prevent teams from engaging in this behavior, possibly through changes to draft lottery odds or other incentives.
The NBA has historically faced challenges with tanking, and Green’s comments add to a growing chorus of voices calling for reform. Other players, coaches, and analysts have expressed similar concerns, emphasizing that maintaining a level playing field is crucial for the sport’s credibility and long-term health.
If left unaddressed, tanking could have negative repercussions for the NBA, including reduced fan engagement and damage to the league’s reputation. Green’s advocacy brings attention to the player perspective, highlighting how such strategies can affect the overall quality of the game and the experiences of those involved.
Looking ahead, the league may need to revisit its policies to curb tanking effectively. Green’s suggestions, though not specified in detail, align with broader proposals for stricter regulations or alternative systems that reward competitive success rather than failure. This could involve tweaking the draft system or introducing new rules for playoff eligibility.
In conclusion, Danny Green’s criticism of the Utah Jazz’s tanking strategy underscores a significant issue in the NBA. As the season continues, how the league responds to these concerns will be key to preserving fair competition and maintaining trust among fans and stakeholders. The ongoing dialogue, fueled by reports from outlets like TSN and ESPN, suggests that this topic will remain relevant in the coming months.
