Anonymous NBA player poll 2026: Players see no integrity problem, despite gambling, tanking issues

Key Points:

• A majority of NBA players (about 75%) do not believe the league's integrity is currently in danger, though many acknowledge emerging issues like gambling and tanking that could harm the league if unaddressed.
• Gambling is the top concern among players regarding integrity, especially following federal charges against NBA personnel for gambling-related offenses; players worry about the impact of betting and social media on the purity of the game.
• Tanking remains a contentious issue, with about 72% of players considering it a minor or non-issue, but some express frustration over teams deliberately losing games to improve draft positions; the NBA is implementing measures to discourage this practice.
• Players overwhelmingly favor changes such as reducing the 82-game regular season, eliminating back-to-back games, and modifying rules to allow more physical defense, rather than focusing on gambling or tanking reforms.
• When asked what they would do if they were commissioner, players suggested a variety of ideas including shorter seasons, more defensive freedom, harsher penalties for flopping, and creative rule changes like a 4-point line or shorter shot clock to enhance the game's excitement.