PTI Does the NBA Have a Tanking Problem AGAIN?
Feb 11, 2026
Steve Young, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former NFL quarterback, joins to weigh in on Super Bowl quarterbacks and rookie struggles. He compares career revivals and names young QBs who impress. The conversation also covers whether defensive-minded coaches will rise and debates around tanking and teams sitting starters.
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Box Scores Don't Equal Proof
- Tony Kornheiser argued the Knicks game was essentially a scrimmage because the Lakers sat key starters.
- He said last night's box score doesn't establish Wembanyama's status against top competition.
Tanking Is An Organizational Choice
- Michael Wilbon flagged intentional losing by teams (tanking) as a recurring plague driven by coaches and front offices.
- He blamed owners for allowing the strategy and said players typically want to win.
Be Cautious About Penalizing Tanking
- Addressing tanking is legally tricky because owners could sue the league if penalized directly.
- Michael Wilbon suggested stripping a pick or suing would be options but admitted the complexity of enforcement.