After two years of setbacks and a management strategy that seemed to chase unrealistic goals, the Utah Jazz have finally embraced a clear direction: positioning themselves for the upcoming NBA draft. As the season crosses its midpoint, the jazz find themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference with a disappointing 10-32 record, onyl slightly better than the Washington Wizards’ 6-35 standing.
to pave the way for this strategic shift—and recognizing that waiting until February to make changes is ineffective—key players like Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and Walker Kessler have been sidelined more frequently than usual. This isn’t due to arbitrary decisions by head coach Will Hardy but rather a response to lingering injuries that have required extended recovery periods. Such measures would be unthinkable if the team were in contention for a playoff spot.
The concept of “tanking” has become a hot topic in Salt Lake City,but not everyone within the institution is on board with this approach. Markkanen, for instance, has been vocal about his disapproval. “Losing, or intentionally losing, shouldn’t have a place in professional sports,” he told the Salt Lake Tribune. “Athletes thrive on competition. While I understand why some teams resort to this strategy, I believe there must be a better way to build a roster. It’s just my opinion, but I think it’s a shame.”
Markkanen’s criticism is particularly noteworthy given his recent contract extension with the Jazz. Last summer, he signed a five-year, $238 million deal, a decision he likely made with full awareness of the team’s long-term rebuilding plans. Despite this,his stance resonates with other seasoned players on the roster,such as Patty Mills,a veteran with over 1,000 games and an NBA championship to his name.”I’ve always played with a clear purpose,” Mills shared. “When that purpose is missing, it’s incredibly challenging. At the end of the day,this is a business,and our role is to mentor the younger players,teaching them what it means to be professionals.”
While the strategy of tanking originates from the front office, the coaching staff and players remain committed to winning whenever they step onto the court. what stands out,however,is the apparent disconnect between some players and the decisions made by Jazz management. This tension highlights the complexities of balancing short-term sacrifices with long-term goals in professional sports.
(Cover photo by Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)
The Ethics of Tanking in the NBA: A Candid Interview with patty Mills
Moderator: Welcome, everyone, to another edition of Sports Insights, where we dive deep into the most pressing topics in the world of sports. Today, we’re joined by NBA veteran Patty Mills, a seasoned player with over 1,000 games under his belt and an NBA championship to his name. Patty, thank you for joining us.
Patty Mills: Thanks for having me. It’s always great to discuss the game I love.
Moderator: Let’s jump right into it. The Utah Jazz, your current team, have been making headlines this season—not for their wins, but for their struggles. With a 10-32 record, they’re at the bottom of the Western Conference. Many are calling this a deliberate strategy to secure a high draft pick, a tactic often referred to as “tanking.” What’s your take on this approach?
Patty Mills: It’s a tough situation, thereS no doubt whatsoever. as a player,you never want to lose. We’re competitors, and we thrive on winning. But I also understand the business side of things.Teams sometimes have to make tough decisions for long-term success. that said, I’ve always believed in playing with purpose. when that purpose shifts from winning games to developing young talent or securing draft picks, it can be challenging for players who are wired to compete every night.
Moderator: that’s an interesting perspective. Lauri Markkanen, your teammate, has been vocal about his disapproval of tanking. He said, “Losing, or intentionally losing, shouldn’t have a place in professional sports.” Do you agree with his stance?
Patty Mills: I respect Lauri’s opinion, and I think he speaks for a lot of players. Athletes want to win—it’s in our DNA. but I also see the bigger picture. the NBA is a business, and sometimes teams need to rebuild. The key is finding a balance. You can’t just throw games; that’s not fair to the fans, the players, or the integrity of the sport. But if the focus shifts to player advancement and long-term planning, that’s a different story.
Moderator: You mentioned the importance of balance. How do you, as a veteran, help younger players navigate this kind of environment?
Patty Mills: My role, especially now, is to mentor the younger guys. I try to instill in them what it means to be a professional—how to prepare, how to stay focused, and how to keep improving, even when the wins aren’t coming. It’s about building habits that will serve them well in the long run.
Moderator: That’s a great point. Let’s talk about the fans. Many Jazz supporters are frustrated with the team’s performance. How do you address their concerns?
Patty Mills: Fans are the lifeblood of this sport, and their passion is what makes the NBA so special. I understand their frustration—no one wants to see their team lose. But I’d ask them to trust the process. Rebuilding isn’t easy, but if done right, it can lead to something special. In the meantime, we’re going to give it our all every night, and I hope they’ll continue to support us.
Moderator: Shifting gears slightly, you’ve been in the league for over a decade. Have you seen other teams successfully rebuild thru tanking?
Patty Mills: Absolutely. The Philadelphia 76ers come to mind.They went through a tough period, but they used high draft picks to build a competitive team. It’s not a guaranteed strategy, though. You need the right management, coaching, and player development to make it work.
Moderator: That’s a great exmaple. Before we wrap up, I want to ask you a broader question: Do you think the NBA should implement rules to discourage tanking?
Patty Mills: it’s a tricky issue. On one hand, you want teams to have the freedom to rebuild.On the other hand,you don’t want to compromise the integrity of the game. Maybe there’s a middle ground—something like a lottery system that gives all non-playoff teams an equal chance at the top picks. But honestly, I don’t have all the answers.It’s a complex problem that the league will need to keep addressing.
Moderator: Well said, Patty. Thank you for sharing your insights. Before we go, I’d like to open the floor to our readers. What are your thoughts on tanking in the NBA? Do you think it’s a necessary evil, or should teams always prioritize winning? Let us know in the comments below.
Patty Mills: Thanks for having me. It’s been a pleasure.
Moderator: And thank you, Patty, for your time and honesty. To our readers, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more in-depth discussions like this one. Until next time, keep the conversation going!
—
Keywords: NBA tanking, Utah Jazz, patty mills interview, Lauri Markkanen, NBA draft strategy, professional sports ethics, NBA rebuilding, sports management, NBA fan perspective.
