What exactly IS "tanking"?

[PtldPlatypus]

I hate the term, "tanking". Why?...because it is used very widely, and holds no nuance. Is any instance of team play that does not use every option player wise (coaches decision) that a fan feels they should have used....then tanking?

Is is agreed upon? Premeditated? All coach inclusive? Player inclusive? Activated after a game loss milestone is reached? Used with trade scenarios in mind? Used with contracts in mind?

I'll guaranfarkingtee that a well thought poll would render wildly different opinions on what it is. THAT is why I hate it.

Perhaps not a "well thought poll", but I figured I'd try. Pick your favorite 2-3 options.

 

[Tince]

Options 2/4/5 would fit my definition of tanking, even though I don't think option 5 is happening in the league.

Options 1/3 seem more like "rebuilding" than "tanking".

 

[kjironman1]

I could go with the top 4. Hope I never see 5.

 

[Chris Craig]

See the 2023-2024 Blazers

 

[Whyachi]

Using "live by the 3, die by the 3" on a Blazers team lacking skilled shooters from deep. Coach Billups wants his guys to keep firing away, even if Portland bricks 10-15 in a row.

Mosh pit offensive rebounding. When the opponent grabs a defensive board with room to manuever, opponent fast breaks are frequent and successful.

Get back get back! Pull up game highlights, and you'll see non-turnover opponent fast breaks. Where'd all the Blazers go ?? Oap.. there's a 4th Blazer lightly jogging back.

 

[Natebishop3]

See the 2023-2024 Blazers

Only in the second half.... so technically just the 2024 Blazers.

I don't think we were tanking in the first half when we were playing Simons/Ayton/Brogdon/Grant.

 

[blazerkor]

I think when people get angry about tanking they're talking about options 2 and 4. When the best players on the team are held out when they are able to play, in an effort to increase losses and therefore lotto odds.

I don't think rebuilding, even a youth rebuild is considered tanking but it does quite often end up with a team getting pretty high lotto odds.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that most fans who complain about tanking really hate the inorganic nature of trying to lose by not putting your best players out there.

 

[e_blazer]

I agree with Tince's and blazerkor's posts. Let's get real though, until the league sends out a warning and comes down hard on teams that employ tanking practices, it's going to continue. The potential rewards are too great.