• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

NBA Fines Jazz for Markkanen Absence Amid Tanking Concerns

The Jazz were fined $100,000 for sitting Lauri Markkanen against the Wizards on March 5. Other teams have drawn suspicion for tanking.

Rob Gray-Imagn Images

The NBA issued a $100,000 fine to the Jazz on Wednesday for violating the league’s Player Participation Policy.

The fine was given because Utah forward Lauri Markkanen was not available for the team’s game against the Wizards on March 5 at Capital One Arena. The league said the fine also accounted for “other recent games” missed by Markkanen, a one-time All-Star. 

Despite the fine, Markkanen has continued to miss games for Utah and has not played since Feb. 22. A second violation would cost the Jazz $250,000.

The timing of the fine was peculiar, as the league specifically called out the game against Washington. The Wizards, who hold the worst record in the NBA, defeated Utah, which has the second-worst record. The Jazz moved within two and a half games of Washington for the league’s worst record with about a month left in the regular season. 

The two teams meet again March 19 in Utah.

Teams that finish with the three worst records all have an equal chance at the No. 1 pick in the draft (14%), expected to be Duke’s Cooper Flagg. However, the lottery is only a selection of the top four picks, and the rest of the draft order is determined by record, with the worst teams getting the highest picks. 

The advantage of the lowest seed is protection if teams with lower odds jump them in the draft lottery. The team with the worst record at the end of the season will finish with, at worst, the No. 5 pick.

More Fines to Come? 

The NBA instituted its Player Participation Policy last season to keep teams from resting their players for the playoffs or for “tanking,” which is to deliberately lose games to improve lottery positioning.

However, the NBA has yet to issue fines on other teams that have rested stars, including the Raptors and Sixers. In recent weeks, Toronto has also started to bench its starters in the fourth quarter of games even when they are active.

The league did not respond to a request for comment. However, the official policy includes that “shutdowns” are considered a violation of the policy.

“Teams must refrain from any long-term shutdown (or near shutdown) whereby a star player ceases participating in games or begins to play a materially reduced role in circumstances affecting the integrity of the game,” the policy reads.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 17, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver talks to media during a press conference before NBA All Star Saturday Night at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Adam Silver Doesn’t Want NBA Europe to Be a ‘Top-Heavy League’ 

Silver said he doesn’t want the prospective league to be like European soccer.

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.

Amazon Sports Chief Says NBA, WNBA Coverage Should Be Celebratory

“There’s too much weird negativity out there,” Jay Marine told FOS.
Charles Barkley

TNT Sports CEO Responds to Charles Barkley Saying Company ‘Just Sucks’

Barkley recently criticized TNT’s handling of “Inside the NBA.”

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.
Sep 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) dribbles past Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) in the second half at Target Center.
September 12, 2025

As WNBA Grows, Engelbert Says Its Playoff Field Won’t for a While

Eight of thirteen WNBA teams made the playoffs this year.