SwingMan wrote:The above pick scenario is why I've been so conflicted about the season - we need a good pick, yet what right have I or anyone else to tell these guys to lose?
I'd gladly let Minny slide into #9 in the west, giving us something 10-13 and getting Minnesota's #14 - especially if it means resting Dragic, who's breaking down through his own admission.
The thing is that the, say #13 is not a
good pick. It's still nice and by definition better than #22, but not worth missing the playoffs, at least in my opinion. I could be ok with a top what, 5-7 pick in 2014? It is, the guys with real potential to elevate a team. Of course nobody knows the future, and there are hidden gems, etc. But still.
And sure, if it gets to the point where making the playoffs is not realistic (which could be the case pretty soon at the current pace and above all, given the current play), go for the two picks and let Minni finish ahead, if they want to. Sit Goran, Bledsoe or whatever. At that point I won't care and I'd want to take full advantage of whatever the system can give me.
But until that moment comes, to me, making the playoffs beats the crap out of improving from #21 to #14 plus whatever the Wolves do, in no small part because they do have eyes too, and are actually closer to the Pelicans than to the Mavs.
And really, it doesn't have to do with being personally attached to this team or anything like that. First, it indeed allows you to test what you have, under real stress, and man we do have a big number of question marks. The wrong answers can set the franchise back years, again.
Second, overall making the playoffs in the West, after being the best story of the year, with a player friendly coach, system, etc, puts you in a better position in the eyes of the rest of the league and its players. The difference in status is quite evident (let alone if we actually do something relevant), and quite convenient given that we can have max cap space available for the next two free agency seasons. Of course, in my personal belief.
So no, just missing the playoffs, and a best case scenario of one extra pick and a improved one won't make it ok.