Does the NBA have a tanking issue? Mark Cuban doesn't think soMarcus D. Smith, USA TODAYWed, February 18, 2026 at 3:10 AM UTC·5 min readWith NBA commissioner Adam Silver fining teams for tanking and making statements about repercussions, there has been a lot of talk in league circles about the process and strategy of tanking its effectiveness and fairness.
The Utah Jazz received a $500,000 fine and the Indiana Pacers got a $100,000 fine for recent game management and roster decisions, the league announced on Feb. 12.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTanking, in a nutshell, is strategically and effectively losing games through playing or not playing players that can help win. In the long run, the hope is to position oneself in the draft and in free agency to improve the team long term.
One of the latest sports figures to partake in the conversation was Dallas Mavericks minority owner and basketball advisor Mark Cuban, who took to social media to express his take.
Cuban posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying that "tanking isn't the issue" and went on to explain "why the NBA should embrace tanking," even providing his own experience as a previous majority owner of the Mavericks for more than two decades.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shake hands during the 3-point contest.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates with the trophy after winning the 3-point contest.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts during the 3-point contest.
Adam Devine looks on during the 3-point contest.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) competes in the 3-point contest.
Miami Heat guard Normal Powell (24) reacts during the 3-point contest.
Guy Fieri looks on during the 3-point contest.
Keegan-Michael Key and Chris Tucker look on during the 3-point contest.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts during the 3-point contest.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (20) reacts during the 3-point contest.
Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel (7) competes in the 3-point contest.
Spike Lee acknowledges a fan before the start of NBA All-Star Saturday Night.
1 / 12Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shake hands during the 3-point contest.1 / 12Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shake hands during the 3-point contest.2 / 12Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates with the trophy after winning the 3-point contest.3 / 12Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts during the 3-point contest.4 / 12Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Adam Devine looks on during the 3-point contest.5 / 12Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) competes in the 3-point contest.
6 / 12Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Miami Heat guard Normal Powell (24) reacts during the 3-point contest.
7 / 12Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Guy Fieri looks on during the 3-point contest.
8 / 12Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Keegan-Michael Key and Chris Tucker look on during the 3-point contest.
9 / 12Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts during the 3-point contest.
10 / 12Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (20) reacts during the 3-point contest.
11 / 12Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel (7) competes in the 3-point contest.
12 / 12Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Spike Lee acknowledges a fan before the start of NBA All-Star Saturday Night.
"The NBA has [quite] been misguided thinking that fans want to see their teams compete every night with a chance to win. It’s never been that way that way," Cuban wrote. "When I got into the NBA, they thought they were in the basketball business. They aren’t."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"They are in the business of creating experiences for fans. Few can remember the score from the last game they saw or went to. They can’t remember the dunks or shots. What they remember is who they were with. Their family, friends, a date. That’s what makes the experience special."
Cuban, the Mavericks' majority owner for 23 years and now minority owner, said that fans understand when their team isn't good. What fans prioritize more is hope, he implied.
"Fans know their team can’t win every game. They know only one team can win a ring. What fan that care about their team’s record want is hope. Hope they will get better and have a chance to compete for the playoffs and then maybe a ring," Cuban wrote. "The one way to get closer to that is via the draft. And trades. And cap room. You have a better chance of improving via all 3, when you tank."
MORE: The NBA's tanking crisis — and why Adam Silver can’t ignore it
Cooper Flagg poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg and head coach Jason Kidd pose for a photo at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility on June 27, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) and guard Kyrie Irving (11) and forward Cooper Flagg (32) pose for a photo during the Mavericks 2025 media day at the American Airlines Center Sept. 29, 2025
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) warms up prior to a game against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center Oct. 11, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) follows through with a dunk against the Charlotte Hornets in the first half of a game at American Airlines Center on Oct. 11, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) leaves the court after the game against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on Oct. 11, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) and San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) go for a loose ball during the second half at American Airlines Center on Oct. 22, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy (1) and Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) react against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at American Airlines Center on Oct. 22, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg celebrates during the game between the Mavericks and the Raptors at the American Airlines Center on Oct. 26, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg moves the ball to the basket during the game between the Mavericks and the Raptors at the American Airlines Center on Oct. 26, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg grabs the loose ball in front of Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar (46) during the game between the Mavericks and the Grizzlies at American Airlines Center Nov. 22, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Nov. 28, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Center on Dec. 3, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg is fouled by Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center on Dec. 18, 2025.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (L) and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (R) swap jerseys after the game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Dec. 20, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg points to his team bench as he celebrates scoring against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center on Dec. 23, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (left) greets guard Ryan Nembhard (right) before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Dec. 25, 2025.
A view of the Christmas logo on the back of the jersey of Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Dec. 25, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg walks out on the court during introductions before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Dec. 29, 2025.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg dunks the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the American Airlines Center on Jan. 1, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg brings the ball up court against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center on Jan. 1, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) stands on the court before the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center on Jan. 6, 2026.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg drives to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center on Jan. 10, 2026.1 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Cooper Flagg poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025.1 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Cooper Flagg poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025.2 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg and head coach Jason Kidd pose for a photo at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility on June 27, 2025.3 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2025.4 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) and guard Kyrie Irving (11) and forward Cooper Flagg (32) pose for a photo during the Mavericks 2025 media day at the American Airlines Center Sept. 29, 20255 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) warms up prior to a game against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center Oct. 11, 2025.6 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) follows through with a dunk against the Charlotte Hornets in the first half of a game at American Airlines Center on Oct. 11, 2025.7 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) leaves the court after the game against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on Oct. 11, 2025.8 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) and San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) go for a loose ball during the second half at American Airlines Center on Oct. 22, 2025.9 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy (1) and Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) react against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at American Airlines Center on Oct. 22, 2025.10 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg celebrates during the game between the Mavericks and the Raptors at the American Airlines Center on Oct. 26, 2025.11 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg moves the ball to the basket during the game between the Mavericks and the Raptors at the American Airlines Center on Oct. 26, 2025.12 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg grabs the loose ball in front of Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar (46) during the game between the Mavericks and the Grizzlies at American Airlines Center Nov. 22, 2025.13 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Nov. 28, 2025.14 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Center on Dec. 3, 2025.15 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg is fouled by Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center on Dec. 18, 2025.16 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (L) and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (R) swap jerseys after the game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Dec. 20, 2025.17 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg points to his team bench as he celebrates scoring against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center on Dec. 23, 2025.18 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (left) greets guard Ryan Nembhard (right) before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Dec. 25, 2025.19 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
A view of the Christmas logo on the back of the jersey of Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Dec. 25, 2025.20 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg walks out on the court during introductions before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Dec. 29, 2025.21 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg dunks the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the American Airlines Center on Jan. 1, 2026.22 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg brings the ball up court against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center on Jan. 1, 2026.23 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) stands on the court before the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center on Jan. 6, 2026.24 / 24See Cooper Flagg in action with Mavericks as top NBA rookie ... so far
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg drives to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center on Jan. 10, 2026.Did Mark Cuban, Mavericks lose intentionally?
Tanking happens often in the NBA and it has for a better part of the last two decades. At least Cuban said so on X.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe also added that fans "appreciated it" whenever they would willfully lose games.
"We didn’t tank often. Only a few times over 23 years, but when we did, our fans appreciated it. And it got us to where we could improve, trade up to get Luka [Doncic] and improve our team," Cuban wrote on X.
Cuban and the Mavericks acquired Doncic via a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, who selected Doncic with the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, for Trae Young, who Dallas chose at the fifth pick, and a protected future first-round pick.
Positioning themselves for that pick, they finished the previous season with a 24–58 record, which included a 3-15 start through their first 18 games, and finished the season winning just two of 14 games.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn the 2025 NBA Draft, the Mavericks received the No. 1 pick, selecting Cooper Flagg out of Duke.
During the 2024-25 season, the Mavericks sent Doncic, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, to the Los Angeles Lakers in a controversial blockbuster trade in return for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick.
Dallas finished the 2024-25 season with a 39-43 record, losing in a postseason play-in qualification game to the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Mavericks became the second straight team, after the Hawks, to qualify for postseason play and to receive the first overall pick despite only having a 1.8% chance to win the NBA draft lottery.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe bottom NBA standings in the 2025-26 season
The Sacramento Kings have the worst record in the league at 12-44, just above them are the Washington Wizards at 14-39. Here are the bottom ten teams in the NBA standings through the All-Star break in the 2025-26 season.
Sacramento Kings, 12-44
Washington Wizards, 14-39
New Orleans Pelicans, 15-41
Indiana Pacers, 15-40
Brooklyn Nets, 15-38
Utah Jazz, 18-38
Dallas Mavericks, 19-35
Memphis Grizzlies, 20-33
Milwaukee Bucks, 23-30
Chicago Bulls, 24-31
Tank-a-thon predicts 2026 NBA Draft through All-Star break
The following order in the 2026 NBA Draft, according to Tankathon.com, predicts the Kings with the No. 1 pick and the Wizards at No. 2.
The Pelicans would have the No. 3 pick but it goes to the Hawks after a they acquired an unprotected 2026 first-round pick from New Orleans during the 2025 NBA Draft as part of a deal for the 13th pick, which was Derik Queen. The Hawks secured the right to the most favorable 2026 first-round pick between the Pelicans and the Bucks.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere's the hypothetical order of the 2026 NBA Draft as of Feb. 17, according to Tankathon.com:
No. 1: Sacramento Kings
No. 2: Washington Wizards
No. 3: New Orleans Pelicans (traded to Hawks)
No. 4: Indiana Pacers
No. 5: Brooklyn Nets
No. 6: Utah Jazz
No. 7: Dallas Mavericks
No. 8: Memphis Grizzlies
No. 9: Milwaukee Bucks
No. 10: Chicago Bulls
Cuban: Bigger issue in NBA than tanking
Cuban stands by that tanking is one of least of the NBA's concerns, or should be. Rather he insisted that the NBA should focus on game attendance.
"The NBA should worry more about fan experience than tanking," Cuban wrote on X. "It should worry more about pricing fans out of games than tanking. You know who cares the least about tanking , a parent who cant afford to bring their three kids to a game and buy their kids a jersey of their [favorite] player. Tanking isn’t the issue. Affordability and quality of game presentation are."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe average cost for a family of four to attend an NBA game during the 2025-26 season is $277.65 for the cheapest available tickets, a parking spot, two beers, two sodas and four hot dogs, according to Bookies.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mark Cuban said tanking for draft position isn't an issue in NBA
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