NBA: 3 February takeaways and 3 March predictions
March Prediction: The official start to shameless tanking season
Like it or not, teams tank every year, and many of them know they’re going to do it from the start of the season. But once the latter half of March comes around and turns into April we officially start an incredible new season for bad teams known as a shameless tanking season.
It’s also known as the “Didn’t that guy play for a bad Pac-12 school four years ago?” season.
This is the time of year where awful teams give fringe NBA players 30 minutes per night while the normal starters are shut down for minor (and probably not real) injuries.
If you’re looking for a player to keep your eye on during the shameless tanking season, I’d suggest Cheick Diallo. He’s been the face of the season over the past couple years and if there was a hall of fame for shameless tanking, he’d be a lock first-ballot entry alongside the former Laker great, Andre Ingram.
Per NBA.com, over the past two seasons, Diallo has nearly doubled his minutes, scoring, and rebounds per game after the All-Star break. That stretch included a heroic 16 point, 18 rebound game in 26 minutes during a 15 point loss to Indiana last season.
For those that don’t know, Diallo is now a member of the Suns. They’ll likely keep trying for a little longer but there’s no doubt they’ll eventually get in the spirit of the season and let the tanking GOAT get some extended run.
Next. Golden State Warriors will be title favorites next year. dark
Some people dislike teams openly tanking but I’d encourage you to embrace it and have fun with it. Let the good teams be good, and when the good teams aren’t playing, enjoy watching some marginal talents go out and set career highs during a 30 point loss.