The NBA is getting serious about its crackdown on tanking.
Earlier this week, the league sent a warning to the Chicago Bulls about resting healthy players after head coach Fred Hoiberg sat center Robin Lopez for the last six games and swingman Justin Holiday for five of the past six.
Chicago is now planning to play the veterans "more extensively to close the season,".
Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson issued the following statement on the club's communication with the NBA:
"After the All-Star Break we had communication with the league office about Robin and Justin's roles -- after healthy dialogue the league determined that their situations fall into the 'player rest' policy. We respect the communication and cooperative dialogue with the league and will adhere to their recommendations going forward."
The Bulls have not explicitly stated an intention to tank. Instead, the organization made it clear after the All-Star break that Hoiberg would be instructed to prioritize minutes for younger contributors over established veterans.
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