Suns Owner Slams NBA Tanking Culture

Suns Owner Matt Ishbia Vigorously Criticizes NBA’s Tanking Incentives

In a candid and passionate appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia didn’t hold back, launching a strong critique of the current NBA landscape and the pervasive culture of ‘tanking’ that he believes is detrimental to the league. Ishbia, a self-proclaimed basketball lifer who even participated in the celebrity All-Star game with surprising flair, voiced his strong disapproval of teams deliberately losing games to gain higher draft picks.

A Passionate Plea for Competitive Integrity

Ishbia, who also co-owns the Phoenix Mercury, expressed his disdain for the ‘loser mentality’ that tanking fosters. “It’s an embarrassment. It’s horrible,” Ishbia stated emphatically. “Like my perspective is tanking is loser mentality. Like I’ve never been around anyone. You show me someone that wants to lose or thinks about losing, like I’ll show you a loser.” He argued that the current system, where teams are incentivized to lose for better draft positioning, is fundamentally flawed and needs immediate reform. “If you purposely lose, you get better players in the future. You have a better chance. And that just is not how I that’s not how I was brought up.”

The Suns owner pointed to the league’s structure, particularly the strength of the draft class, as a major driver for teams to purposefully underperform. He highlighted that after a certain point in the draft order, the perceived talent drop-off is significant, making early picks even more valuable. “The draft is a big thing these days,” Ishbia noted, “and that’s why people are tanking. That’s why people are doing that because that’s they think that’s the only way.”

Building the Suns the ‘Right Way’

Reflecting on his own experience as an owner, Ishbia admitted to an initial temptation to ‘meddle’ after purchasing the team, even investing heavily with the addition of stars like Kevin Durant. However, he learned from that approach and is now focused on a more sustainable build. “No, let’s do it the right way. Let’s build. Let’s get toughness. Let’s get grit. Let’s get dogs. Let’s get guys that that I’m I’m my whole life I’m all heart, no talent. I want to get heart and talent, but we want just talent.”

Ishbia emphasized his desire for players with a strong work ethic and competitive drive, citing the acquisition of players like Dillon Brooks as an example of the ‘dog’ mentality he values. “He was exactly what we wanted when we made the Kevin Durant. We want a dog. Dylan Brooks defines everything. I believe in work ethic, leadership. He’ll he’ll grind. He’ll fist fight you, but he’ll also make some shots.” Brooks, despite his current injury, is seen as a cornerstone of the team’s identity.

The NBA’s Future and the All-Star Game

Looking ahead, Ishbia expressed optimism about the NBA’s global appeal and its future, even as some of the league’s biggest stars approach the end of their careers. “The league is in a great place. It’s a global game. People all around the world love it. They love the NBA. They love the players.” He believes the influx of international talent and emerging young American stars will ensure continued growth and excitement.

On a lighter note, Ishbia, who impressed many with his performance in the celebrity All-Star game, discussed his role in hosting the upcoming NBA All-Star weekend in Phoenix. He even enthusiastically agreed to Pat McAfee’s ambitious proposal of offering $1 million prizes for the winners of the Slam Dunk and Three-Point contests, with an equal amount donated to charity. “Let’s do it. Pat the show. We’re in on it with Let’s do it.” He also humorously considered participating in the dunk contest himself, jokingly asking for a trampoline.

Addressing the Play-In Tournament and Luxury Tax

The conversation also touched on the nuances of team building in the modern NBA, including the challenges posed by the luxury tax and the often-maligned play-in tournament. Ishbia acknowledged that while the draft is crucial, player development and finding undervalued talent are equally important. “Team building is definitely through the draft right now,” he conceded, “and that’s why people are tanking. That’s why people are doing that because that’s they think that’s the only way. But there’s multiple ways to win and succeed.”

Overall, Matt Ishbia’s appearance served as a powerful statement against the perceived decline in competitive spirit within the NBA, advocating for a return to a focus on winning and integrity, while also showcasing his enthusiasm for the game and his commitment to the Phoenix Suns.

Source: "We Are Incentivizing Not Being Great" Suns Owner Calls Out NBA Teams Tanking | Pat McAfee Show (YouTube)