'Embarrassing,' Suns' Mat Ishbia Rips Tanking as 'Losing Behavior Done by Losers'

Phoenix Suns governor Mat Ishbia did not exactly hold back when discussing tanking for better draft picks in the NBA.

He took to social media Thursday and called it "losing behavior done by losers" and "something nobody should want to be associated with." He also said such a practice is "embarrassing for the league and for the organizations."

Ishbia also expressed "complete confidence" NBA commissioner Adam Silver can stop tanking "with massive changes."

It should be noted the Suns don't control their own first-round draft pick until 2032 as a result of prior trades.

These comments come after the NBA announced earlier this month it fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 because of "conduct detrimental to the league" when they did not play Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. late in close games against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.

The league also fined the Indiana Pacers $100,000 "for violating the Player Participation Policy" after Pascal Siakam and two other players didn't play against the Jazz on Feb. 3 even though they "could have played under the medical standard in the Policy."

In the press release announcing the fines, Silver said, "Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition and we will respond accordingly to any further actions that compromise the integrity of our games. Additionally, we are working with our Competition Committee and Board of Governors to implement further measures to root out this type of conduct."

Silver addressed the topic of tanking at All-Star Weekend as well and told reporters it has been particularly problematic this season. 

"There is talk about every possible remedy now to stop this behavior," Silver said.

The NBA draft is considered to be loaded with top prospects this season with players such as Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer, among others, seen as potential franchise cornerstones.

It is putting an even brighter spotlight on the tanking topic, and Ishbia was the latest to comment.