Tanking, also known as the deliberate underperformance by a team to secure long-term gains — has been one of the most contentious topics in professional sports. In fact, over the decades, professional sports teams have been accused of intentionally losing in order to secure better draft picks.
While some argue it’s a legitimate strategy to rebuild a team, others see it as an ethical breach that undermines the spirit of competition. Here are some of the biggest tanking controversies in sports:
“Trust the Process” Era in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia 76ers’ multi-year strategy to rebuild through the NBA Draft became infamous. Under General Manager Sam Hinkie, the team deliberately fielded subpar rosters, leading to consecutive losing seasons. While the team eventually acquired stars like Joel Embiid, critics questioned the integrity of the sport during this period.
2007 Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins’ abysmal 1-15 season led to widespread speculation that the team was tanking to secure the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. However, their choice of offensive tackle Jake Long over quarterback Matt Ryan fueled debates over whether the tank was even effective.
Cleveland Cavaliers Post-LeBron Exodus
When LeBron James left for Miami in 2010, the Cavaliers seemed to hit rock bottom, culminating in a 19-63 season. The franchise then landed three number-one overall picks between 2011 and 2014, reigniting debates about the NBA Draft Lottery’s susceptibility to incentivizing losing.
“Suck for Luck” Campaign
The 2011 Indianapolis Colts were accused of tanking to secure Andrew Luck as Peyton Manning’s successor. Finishing 2-14, the Colts landed the top pick, but critics slammed the perceived abandonment of competitive effort.
Houston Astros Rebuild
From 2011 to 2013, the Astros had three consecutive seasons with over 100 losses. While this painful rebuild strategy led to a World Series title in 2017, the team’s tanking approach was scrutinized.
“Riggin’ for Wiggins”
The 2013-14 NBA season saw several teams accused of tanking to land Andrew Wiggins, who was considered a generational talent at the time. In fact, the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Utah Jazz all seemed to deliberately underperform in hopes of securing the No. 1 pick.
NHL’s 1984 “Mario Lemieux Derby”
The Pittsburgh Penguins were accused of tanking the 1983-84 season to land Mario Lemieux, a transformative player. Critics pointed to roster decisions that appeared to weaken the team intentionally.
2019 Miami Dolphins
Dubbed “Tank for Tua,” the Dolphins’ 2019 season featured roster dismantling and poor performances. While Miami eventually drafted quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the team’s strategy raised questions about the NFL’s anti-tanking policies.
1996-97 San Antonio Spurs
With star David Robinson injured, the Spurs finished 20-62, landing the top pick and drafting Tim Duncan. Some argued the team could have accelerated Robinson’s return but chose to prioritize a high draft selection.
The 1980s “Elway Sweepstakes”
Several NFL teams were suspected of underperforming in hopes of drafting John Elway, a once-in-a-generation quarterback. Ultimately, the Baltimore Colts secured the number one pick but were forced to trade Elway to the Denver Broncos after he refused to play for them.
Chicago Blackhawks and Patrick Kane
The Blackhawks’ lackluster 2006-07 season resulted in the No. 1 pick, allowing them to draft Patrick Kane. The team’s fortunes quickly turned around, but people questioned whether the season’s poor performance was intentional.
“Tank for Trevor”
The 2020 NFL season saw the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars vying for the worst record to draft Trevor Lawrence, a generational quarterback prospect. The Jaguars secured the pick, but the season’s lack of competitiveness disappointed fans.
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2020 Golden State Warriors
Injuries to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson led to the Warriors finishing with the league’s worst record. While the injuries were legitimate, some accused the team of subtly embracing the tank to rebuild for future success.
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Buffalo Sabres and the “McEichel Sweepstakes”
In 2015, the Sabres were accused of tanking for the chance to draft Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel. In fact, fans and analysts alike scrutinized the team’s lack of effort during the season.
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2004-05 Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks’ dismal season, ending with a 13-69 record, sparked allegations of deliberate tanking. The team landed the number two pick, drafting Marvin Williams, though their choice proved controversial in hindsight.
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