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NBA Fines Pacers $100K, Jazz $500K for Tanking

2/25/2026

28 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Indiana Pacers were fined $100,000 by the NBA for resting players, including Aaron Nesmith, in a game against the Utah Jazz.
The Utah Jazz were fined $500,000 for similar tanking behavior.
Coach Rick Carlisle criticized the league's decision, saying they insisted Nesmith could play without consulting the team's doctors or Nesmith himself, despite his injury.
The fines underscore ongoing debates about tanking ahead of the 2026 draft.

History

Historical Context

The NBA's struggle with tanking dates back to the 1983-84 season when the Houston Rockets intentionally lost games to secure a better draft pick. This practice intensified in the 2010s, exemplified by the Philadelphia 76ers' "Trust the Process" strategy from 2013 to 2016. In 2018, the league implemented stricter draft lottery rules to discourage tanking, a concern that remains relevant as teams prepare for the 2026 draft.

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Story summary

The Indiana Pacers were fined $100,000 by the NBA for resting players, including Aaron Nesmith, in a game against the Utah Jazz.
The Utah Jazz were fined $500,000 for similar tanking behavior.
Coach Rick Carlisle criticized the league's decision, saying they insisted Nesmith could play without consulting the team's doctors or Nesmith himself, despite his injury.
The fines underscore ongoing debates about tanking ahead of the 2026 draft.

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