*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (1 Viewer)

[metoo]

Heat will win this again. They are what you think the Spurs are.

The Spurs who were a Kawhi Leonard FT away from winning last year?

And. Stars win games. Basketball is a young man's game. The Spurs big three can not win this.

 

[got_nugs]

Heat will win this again. They are what you think the Spurs are.

The Spurs who were a Kawhi Leonard FT away from winning last year?

There are countless championships that could have gone to another team if we changed the outcome of a single play in any given postseason.

Funny how the bounce of a single shot (Duncan's missed shot in game 7, bosh rebound to ray for 3 after kawhi/Manu miss ft)dictate the narrative of the entire blueprint of putting wade bosh james together. If Miami loses to Indy or SA this year and the fellas split apart, nobody aside from the haters would consider 2 rings and 3/4 finals in 4 years anything but a success....but what if the ball bounced differently just once last year and every thing else is exactly the same? 1 ring still a success? Because of a few inches of a free throw? Gotta love sports for that.

 

[Raider Nation]

Not to mention the Kings should probably have a ring if not for some truly criminal officiating.


♛

 

[sporthenry]

Heat will win this again. They are what you think the Spurs are.

The Spurs who were a Kawhi Leonard FT away from winning last year?

There are countless championships that could have gone to another team if we changed the outcome of a single play in any given postseason.

Pointing out how ridiculous it is to write the Spurs off when seemingly they are a better team this year and the Heat worse.

 

[timschochet]

So the Lakers draft 7th. Can they get a superstar at that number?

 

[Abraham]

So the Lakers draft 7th. Can they get a superstar at that number?

I don't see exum or smart falling that far.

 

[pizzatyme]

So the Lakers draft 7th. Can they get a superstar at that number?

Paul George was the 10th pick when he was taken.

 

[Raider Nation]

Kobe went #13.

 

[sporthenry]

So the Lakers draft 7th. Can they get a superstar at that number?

Considering that would require 6 other superstars in this draft, no. But 6/7 seems to be the cutoff between getting a potential AS type and just getting a role player. Randle/Exum is much different than say McDermott.

 

[SoBeDad]

So the Lakers draft 7th. Can they get a superstar at that number?

Paul George was the 10th pick when he was taken.

Not a superstar, but MCW was 11th last year.

 

[Frostillicus]

So the Lakers draft 7th. Can they get a superstar at that number?

Paul George was the 10th pick when he was taken.

Not a superstar, but MCW was 11th last year.

If I'm a Laker fan I'm hoping to get Vonleh. As a Big Ten guy I watched him a lot and he was criminally underutilized by Crean. Very athletic and very skilled. If he was in last year's draft he would have been in the conversation for #1. Great consolation prize, if they get him. Everyone else projected around there by the mock sites would be a terrible fit with Kobe and I think Gordon is a serious project, so I'd pray for Vonleh. And it rhymes.

 

[Daywalker]

Best thing for Cavs' fans is they don't have to lament the Bennett pick anymore. You would not want to change one thing at this point. Butterfly effect.

Lebron, Irving, Love and young supporting cast would be scary.

If Spurs win this summer is gong to be crazy.

 

[Shrugs]

Can't the Lakers stop the Cavs from getting the No. 1 pick again just by writing a letter of complaint to the commissioner? I thought that's how it works.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Andre Drummond went 9th two years ago. And he's a physical freak, not the type of guy you'd expect to slip. So you can definitely get a star at 7.

 

[Spartans Rule]

If I'm a Laker fan I'm hoping to get Vonleh. As a Big Ten guy I watched him a lot and he was criminally underutilized by Crean. Very athletic and very skilled. If he was in last year's draft he would have been in the conversation for #1. Great consolation prize, if they get him. Everyone else projected around there by the mock sites would be a terrible fit with Kobe and I think Gordon is a serious project, so I'd pray for Vonleh. And it rhymes.

Vonleh would be a real nice value at 7.

 

[Instinctive]

Active Players bound for the hall if they retired tomorrow:

Dirk

Lebron

Wade

Bosh

Duncan

Manu

Parker

Gasol

Allen

Garnett

Pierce

Anyone else?

Kobe

Nash for sure.

Carter and Marion each have a solid shot.

 

[Daywalker]

Can't the Lakers stop the Cavs from getting the No. 1 pick again just by writing a letter of complaint to the commissioner? I thought that's how it works.

You mean like the CP3 trade that got nixed by rival owners? The one that would have landed NO with Dragic, Odom, K. Martin and Scola instead of E. Gordon.

 

[T J]

Active Players bound for the hall if they retired tomorrow:

Dirk

Lebron

Wade

Bosh

Duncan

Manu

Parker

Gasol

Allen

Garnett

Pierce

Kobe

Anyone else?

No way either Gasol is a Hall of Famer. I don't see Bosh or Ginobli in there either. The others I can see.

 

[Short Corner]

Active Players bound for the hall if they retired tomorrow:

Dirk

Lebron

Wade

Bosh

Duncan

Manu

Parker

Gasol

Allen

Garnett

Pierce

Kobe

Anyone else?

No way either Gasol is a Hall of Famer. I don't see Bosh or Ginobli in there either. The others I can see.

Pau, Bosh, and Manu are all locks.

 

[Abraham]

Active Players bound for the hall if they retired tomorrow:

Dirk

Lebron

Wade

Bosh

Duncan

Manu

Parker

Gasol

Allen

Garnett

Pierce

Kobe

Anyone else?

No way either Gasol is a Hall of Famer. I don't see Bosh or Ginobli in there either. The others I can see.

Pau, Bosh, and Manu are all locks.

Thanks you.

Pau - in history, the second best player on multiple title teams always makes it. Whole career, international play, etc.

Bosh - 9 time all star, two rings, gold medal. Lockity lock lock lockenstein.

Manu - see pau.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Wait, Cleveland got the #1 pick? Again? How is it not fixed?

Of course it's fixed

 

[Cliff Clavin]

So if the Cavs and Sixers are not title contender in two or three years can we put to bed the idea that tanking = :championship:

 

[Abraham]

Man, philly is in a nice spot. Wiggins or Parker is a great spot to be in. The 10 should be someone useful. Williams has a future. And no one is talking about Noel. Noel making up for Parker's defensive liabilities inside is nice.

 

[wadegarrett]

So if the Cavs and Sixers are not title contender in two or three years can we put to bed the idea that tanking = :championship:

Cavs went 7-5 over last 12 games. Not exactly the definition of tanking.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

So if the Cavs and Sixers are not title contender in two or three years can we put to bed the idea that tanking = :championship:

Cavs went 7-5 over last 12 games. Not exactly the definition of tanking.

True, but they've lucked into every tankers dream. The top pick in 3 of 4 years and two other top 4 picks in there. Everyone here says that is the key to a championship.

 

[thecatch]

So if the Cavs and Sixers are not title contender in two or three years can we put to bed the idea that tanking = :championship:

Cavs went 7-5 over last 12 games. Not exactly the definition of tanking.

True, but they've lucked into every tankers dream. The top pick in 3 of 4 years and two other top 4 picks in there. Everyone here says that is the key to a championship.

So they need 3 no. 1 picks for us to come to that conclusion? I think we've seen all we need to with their last two, plus all their other high lotto picks the last few years.

 

[wadegarrett]

So if the Cavs and Sixers are not title contender in two or three years can we put to bed the idea that tanking = :championship:

Cavs went 7-5 over last 12 games. Not exactly the definition of tanking.

True, but they've lucked into every tankers dream. The top pick in 3 of 4 years and two other top 4 picks in there. Everyone here says that is the key to a championship.

You would think. But you've seen the chum that was available in those drafts. Not lighting up the league any time soon.

 

[Tom Hagen]

Man, philly is in a nice spot. Wiggins or Parker is a great spot to be in. The 10 should be someone useful. Williams has a future. And no one is talking about Noel. Noel making up for Parker's defensive liabilities inside is nice.

I agree with all of this assuming the Cavs or Bucks take Embiid. If they both get scared off by his back and don't want the risk, the Sixers are in a tough spot because I'm not sure Embiid fits with Noel or Exum fits with MCW.

 

[Please See Mine]

So if the Cavs and Sixers are not title contender in two or three years can we put to bed the idea that tanking = :championship:

Cavs went 7-5 over last 12 games. Not exactly the definition of tanking.

Everyone here says that is the key to a championship.

link?

 

[Abraham]

I know that some people hate this kind of revisionist history but I think it's sometimes fun.

If the Cavs hadn't been the Cavs and all the slots had stayed the same over the last three drafts, they could have had:

Irving

Jonas Valanciunas

Andre Drummond (in the running for a top spot all year before sliding)

VO

Wiggins

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

Buck's daughter is hot.

 

[the moops]

Active Players bound for the hall if they retired tomorrow:

Dirk

Lebron

Wade

Bosh

Duncan

Manu

Parker

Gasol

Allen

Garnett

Pierce

Kobe

Anyone else?

Melo would have a decent shot, IMO. Someone mentioned Carter and Marion. I think one of those two will get in.

 

[sporthenry]

So if the Cavs and Sixers are not title contender in two or three years can we put to bed the idea that tanking = :championship:

Cavs went 7-5 over last 12 games. Not exactly the definition of tanking.

True, but they've lucked into every tankers dream. The top pick in 3 of 4 years and two other top 4 picks in there. Everyone here says that is the key to a championship.

Well considering that only 6 teams have won the last 15 titles combined, I'd say that judging it by championships is a bit unfair. And the point is, are the Sixers in a better spot now or if they kept Jrue Holiday, made the playoffs and continued in mediocrity?

Besides, the Cavs are pretty terrible at drafting so not sure they are a good example. And last year's draft was just terrible. Imagine if they had the #1 pick in 2012 and took Davis. Then tanking would look genius on their part. Just picked the wrong year to win the lottery.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Active Players bound for the hall if they retired tomorrow:

Dirk

Lebron

Wade

Bosh

Duncan

Manu

Parker

Gasol

Allen

Garnett

Pierce

Kobe

Anyone else?

Melo would have a decent shot, IMO. Someone mentioned Carter and Marion. I think one of those two will get in.

Just about to post this... As of now, I'd still say on the outside looking in.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

So if the Cavs and Sixers are not title contender in two or three years can we put to bed the idea that tanking = :championship:

Cavs went 7-5 over last 12 games. Not exactly the definition of tanking.

True, but they've lucked into every tankers dream. The top pick in 3 of 4 years and two other top 4 picks in there. Everyone here says that is the key to a championship.

Well considering that only 6 teams have won the last 15 titles combined, I'd say that judging it by championships is a bit unfair. And the point is, are the Sixers in a better spot now or if they kept Jrue Holiday, made the playoffs and continued in mediocrity?

Besides, the Cavs are pretty terrible at drafting so not sure they are a good example. And last year's draft was just terrible. Imagine if they had the #1 pick in 2012 and took Davis. Then tanking would look genius on their part. Just picked the wrong year to win the lottery.

So you're saying it takes a whole lot of luck?

 

[sporthenry]

So if the Cavs and Sixers are not title contender in two or three years can we put to bed the idea that tanking = :championship:

Cavs went 7-5 over last 12 games. Not exactly the definition of tanking.

True, but they've lucked into every tankers dream. The top pick in 3 of 4 years and two other top 4 picks in there. Everyone here says that is the key to a championship.

Well considering that only 6 teams have won the last 15 titles combined, I'd say that judging it by championships is a bit unfair. And the point is, are the Sixers in a better spot now or if they kept Jrue Holiday, made the playoffs and continued in mediocrity?

Besides, the Cavs are pretty terrible at drafting so not sure they are a good example. And last year's draft was just terrible. Imagine if they had the #1 pick in 2012 and took Davis. Then tanking would look genius on their part. Just picked the wrong year to win the lottery.

So you're saying it takes a whole lot of luck?

Sure it takes luck. But 25% is still greater than 1.7%. Don't think it takes Morey or Hinkie minds to know that. And the #1 pick is more valuable than the #15 pick.

Look at the teams left. OKC built through the draft. Miami lucked out into the big 3 and that isn't realistic for most cities. Spurs are built around a #1 pick (they are also a bit of an anomaly b/c they jumped on the international bandwagon first). Pacers were built through the draft but not by tanking. So essentially you have OKC vs Pacers as case studies.

 

[TobiasFunke]

So if the Cavs and Sixers are not title contender in two or three years can we put to bed the idea that tanking = :championship:

Cavs went 7-5 over last 12 games. Not exactly the definition of tanking.

True, but they've lucked into every tankers dream. The top pick in 3 of 4 years and two other top 4 picks in there. Everyone here says that is the key to a championship.

Well considering that only 6 teams have won the last 15 titles combined, I'd say that judging it by championships is a bit unfair. And the point is, are the Sixers in a better spot now or if they kept Jrue Holiday, made the playoffs and continued in mediocrity?

Besides, the Cavs are pretty terrible at drafting so not sure they are a good example. And last year's draft was just terrible. Imagine if they had the #1 pick in 2012 and took Davis. Then tanking would look genius on their part. Just picked the wrong year to win the lottery.

So you're saying it takes a whole lot of luck?

I think he's saying- correctly IMO- that counting titles is a bad way to measure the success or lack thereof of the tanking strategy. There just aren't enough titles to go around, and franchises don't need to win them to be successful. The Sonics/Thunder is the most obvious example but there are others. My Wizards are still a ways from being a top tier contender but I assure you that the front office and the fans are not at all upset about the terrible seasons that led to them picking up Wall and Beal. The Clippers probably don't regret the 19 win season that turned into Blake Griffin, even if they never win a title with him. The Trailblazers are probably happy about Aldridge, who they got at #2 by trading the #4 and a Russian guy after a 21 win season.

 

[Timmay]

I think the top 8 players in the draft are in tiers all themselves. If I was on a team on the cusp of the top 8, I would try to trade up somehow.

Tier 1: Parker, Wiggins, Embiid

Tier 2: Exum, Randle, Smart, Gordon, Vonleh

 

[sporthenry]

I think the top 8 players in the draft are in tiers all themselves. If I was on a team on the cusp of the top 8, I would try to trade up somehow.

Tier 1: Parker, Wiggins, Embiid

Tier 2: Exum, Randle, Smart, Gordon, Vonleh

I agree although I don't know enough about the international guys right behind this. But these are the only 8 that I can see being impact starters. The rest of the lottery is filled with solid role players who should really help teams but probably not what you are looking for in a lottery pick.

McDermott has bust written all over him. He didn't measure out that well and I'm just not sure who he guards. Best case is he becomes a 3 point specialist which isn't really worth a top 10 pick.

Hood should be solid but rather have Harris.

TJ Warren will likely be the steal of the draft assuming he falls far enough to get on a solid team. Guy can be the scorer on your 2nd team. Bigger question is whether he can be on the court for the end of games.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

So if the Cavs and Sixers are not title contender in two or three years can we put to bed the idea that tanking = :championship:

Cavs went 7-5 over last 12 games. Not exactly the definition of tanking.

True, but they've lucked into every tankers dream. The top pick in 3 of 4 years and two other top 4 picks in there. Everyone here says that is the key to a championship.

Well considering that only 6 teams have won the last 15 titles combined, I'd say that judging it by championships is a bit unfair. And the point is, are the Sixers in a better spot now or if they kept Jrue Holiday, made the playoffs and continued in mediocrity?

Besides, the Cavs are pretty terrible at drafting so not sure they are a good example. And last year's draft was just terrible. Imagine if they had the #1 pick in 2012 and took Davis. Then tanking would look genius on their part. Just picked the wrong year to win the lottery.

So you're saying it takes a whole lot of luck?

Sure it takes luck. But 25% is still greater than 1.7%. Don't think it takes Morey or Hinkie minds to know that. And the #1 pick is more valuable than the #15 pick.

Look at the teams left. OKC built through the draft. Miami lucked out into the big 3 and that isn't realistic for most cities. Spurs are built around a #1 pick (they are also a bit of an anomaly b/c they jumped on the international bandwagon first). Pacers were built through the draft but not by tanking. So essentially you have OKC vs Pacers as case studies.

I was referring to hitting on the top players when you do get a top pick and having the true franchise guys available in the draft. I was being facetious with my posts. There were multiple teams in full on tank mode this season and lots of people clamouring about how that is the key to future success. A team like Cleveland is the wet dream for tankers but they are no where near title contenders and they won't be for at least a few more years. Philly is miles away. You could say they're in a better spot now, but that spot is the basement and will be for the foreseeable future.

I'd take exception to saying the Pacers were built through the draft when only 2 of their rotation players were draft picks.

 

[Abraham]

I think the top 8 players in the draft are in tiers all themselves. If I was on a team on the cusp of the top 8, I would try to trade up somehow.

Tier 1: Parker, Wiggins, Embiid

Tier 2: Exum, Randle, Smart, Gordon, Vonleh

I agree although I don't know enough about the international guys right behind this. But these are the only 8 that I can see being impact starters. The rest of the lottery is filled with solid role players who should really help teams but probably not what you are looking for in a lottery pick.

McDermott has bust written all over him. He didn't measure out that well and I'm just not sure who he guards. Best case is he becomes a 3 point specialist which isn't really worth a top 10 pick.

Hood should be solid but rather have Harris.

TJ Warren will likely be the steal of the draft assuming he falls far enough to get on a solid team. Guy can be the scorer on your 2nd team. Bigger question is whether he can be on the court for the end of games.

Saric is the real deal in the second tier. I think this draft is actually 10 players deep, although no one else seems to like Tyler Ennis as much as I do.

 

[thecatch]

I think the top 8 players in the draft are in tiers all themselves. If I was on a team on the cusp of the top 8, I would try to trade up somehow.

Tier 1: Parker, Wiggins, Embiid

Tier 2: Exum, Randle, Smart, Gordon, Vonleh

Sacramento is trying to trade the 8 pick for a vet. I'd rather they try and grab Saric I think.

 

[Timmay]

I think the top 8 players in the draft are in tiers all themselves. If I was on a team on the cusp of the top 8, I would try to trade up somehow.

Tier 1: Parker, Wiggins, Embiid

Tier 2: Exum, Randle, Smart, Gordon, Vonleh

I agree although I don't know enough about the international guys right behind this. But these are the only 8 that I can see being impact starters. The rest of the lottery is filled with solid role players who should really help teams but probably not what you are looking for in a lottery pick.

McDermott has bust written all over him. He didn't measure out that well and I'm just not sure who he guards. Best case is he becomes a 3 point specialist which isn't really worth a top 10 pick.

Hood should be solid but rather have Harris.

TJ Warren will likely be the steal of the draft assuming he falls far enough to get on a solid team. Guy can be the scorer on your 2nd team. Bigger question is whether he can be on the court for the end of games.

Saric is the real deal in the second tier. I think this draft is actually 10 players deep, although no one else seems to like Tyler Ennis as much as I do.

I don't know much about Saric. Personally I like Gary Harris over Ennis.

 

[sporthenry]

So if the Cavs and Sixers are not title contender in two or three years can we put to bed the idea that tanking = :championship:

Cavs went 7-5 over last 12 games. Not exactly the definition of tanking.

True, but they've lucked into every tankers dream. The top pick in 3 of 4 years and two other top 4 picks in there. Everyone here says that is the key to a championship.

Well considering that only 6 teams have won the last 15 titles combined, I'd say that judging it by championships is a bit unfair. And the point is, are the Sixers in a better spot now or if they kept Jrue Holiday, made the playoffs and continued in mediocrity?

Besides, the Cavs are pretty terrible at drafting so not sure they are a good example. And last year's draft was just terrible. Imagine if they had the #1 pick in 2012 and took Davis. Then tanking would look genius on their part. Just picked the wrong year to win the lottery.

So you're saying it takes a whole lot of luck?

Sure it takes luck. But 25% is still greater than 1.7%. Don't think it takes Morey or Hinkie minds to know that. And the #1 pick is more valuable than the #15 pick.

Look at the teams left. OKC built through the draft. Miami lucked out into the big 3 and that isn't realistic for most cities. Spurs are built around a #1 pick (they are also a bit of an anomaly b/c they jumped on the international bandwagon first). Pacers were built through the draft but not by tanking. So essentially you have OKC vs Pacers as case studies.

I was referring to hitting on the top players when you do get a top pick and having the true franchise guys available in the draft. I was being facetious with my posts. There were multiple teams in full on tank mode this season and lots of people clamouring about how that is the key to future success. A team like Cleveland is the wet dream for tankers but they are no where near title contenders and they won't be for at least a few more years. Philly is miles away. You could say they're in a better spot now, but that spot is the basement and will be for the foreseeable future.

I'd take exception to saying the Pacers were built through the draft when only 2 of their rotation players were draft picks.

Hibbert, George and Stephenson were all drafted by the Pacers. Granted Stephenson was a 2nd rounder. Hill was traded for the 15th pick. And West signed as a FA. I'd consider trading Hill for a pick part of building through the draft. And if anything, the Pacers epitomize the anti-tanking. Built through picks 10+. Used one pick to trade for a player and got a FA that I believe anyone could have gotten.

When I said they were build through the draft, I wasn't making it a negative thing. Every team is built through the draft in one way or another. But if we want to talk about luck, how lucky were the Pacers to get Stephenson in the 2nd round? How lucky were they to get an All Pro at #10 or an All Star at 17?

I agree that tanking is overblown and most fans are irrational. But with tanking at least brings hope. As a casual Sixers fan, the Holiday teams never excited me. But at least putting a team out there with Parker/MCW/Noel brings some hope for the future and should be entertaining to watch.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Hibbert, George and Stephenson were all drafted by the Pacers. Granted Stephenson was a 2nd rounder. Hill was traded for the 15th pick. And West signed as a FA. I'd consider trading Hill for a pick part of building through the draft. And if anything, the Pacers epitomize the anti-tanking. Built through picks 10+. Used one pick to trade for a player and got a FA that I believe anyone could have gotten.

When I said they were build through the draft, I wasn't making it a negative thing. Every team is built through the draft in one way or another. But if we want to talk about luck, how lucky were the Pacers to get Stephenson in the 2nd round? How lucky were they to get an All Pro at #10 or an All Star at 17?

I agree that tanking is overblown and most fans are irrational. But with tanking at least brings hope. As a casual Sixers fan, the Holiday teams never excited me. But at least putting a team out there with Parker/MCW/Noel brings some hope for the future and should be entertaining to watch.

Hibbert was drafted by the Raptors and traded for Jermaine O'Neal. Nitpicking. And yes, I fully agree that Indy got lucky hitting with their later picks. Which kind of goes back to my point. Tanking doesn't serve that much value and the draft comes down to almost a crapshoot. For every OKC or Portland there are the Wolves and Cavs.

 

[rodg12]

Active Players bound for the hall if they retired tomorrow:

Dirk

Lebron

Wade

Bosh

Duncan

Manu

Parker

Gasol

Allen

Garnett

Pierce

Kobe

Anyone else?

Melo would have a decent shot, IMO. Someone mentioned Carter and Marion. I think one of those two will get in.

Just about to post this... As of now, I'd still say on the outside looking in.

When they take into account his NCAA title at Syracuse and his work as part of Team USA, I'd say Melo is a shoe-in.

 

[culdeus]

Why are pacers getting all the shots from the thread title updates?

 

[Ghost Rider]

Why are pacers getting all the shots from the thread title updates?

See: pizzatyme

 

[tommyGunZ]

Saw a stat last night - only 1 team in the last 30 years has won an NBA title with a player they took #1 overall (SA with Robinson & Duncan).

 

[sporthenry]

Hibbert, George and Stephenson were all drafted by the Pacers. Granted Stephenson was a 2nd rounder. Hill was traded for the 15th pick. And West signed as a FA. I'd consider trading Hill for a pick part of building through the draft. And if anything, the Pacers epitomize the anti-tanking. Built through picks 10+. Used one pick to trade for a player and got a FA that I believe anyone could have gotten.

When I said they were build through the draft, I wasn't making it a negative thing. Every team is built through the draft in one way or another. But if we want to talk about luck, how lucky were the Pacers to get Stephenson in the 2nd round? How lucky were they to get an All Pro at #10 or an All Star at 17?

I agree that tanking is overblown and most fans are irrational. But with tanking at least brings hope. As a casual Sixers fan, the Holiday teams never excited me. But at least putting a team out there with Parker/MCW/Noel brings some hope for the future and should be entertaining to watch.

Hibbert was drafted by the Raptors and traded for Jermaine O'Neal. Nitpicking. And yes, I fully agree that Indy got lucky hitting with their later picks. Which kind of goes back to my point. Tanking doesn't serve that much value and the draft comes down to almost a crapshoot. For every OKC or Portland there are the Wolves and Cavs.

It is a crap shoot but again, odds are favored for the top teams. My Link Odds of getting a star are much higher the higher up your pick goes. Of course, this isn't necessarily surprising but the draft isn't as random as you seem to think.

The real downfall of tanking is that it often requires you to get rid of known assets. From the Sixers standpoint, is it worth it to trade Jrue Holiday for 2 lottery picks and ensure an additional top 5 pick through your own futility? Or is it worth it to keep an All-Star and continue to draft late lottery-teens and hope to build around him?