quote:
they aren't going to tank next season. they may not quite make the playoffs, but they will not tank.

this young, island of misfit toys roster- with $17million in dead cap space- has been mediocre when everyone is fully healthy.

an improved Davis, FA signings, lotto pick, plus either healthy EG or his trade haul will be around .500 next year.

I agree. Depending upon the signings and improvements, perhaps a little above .500.

quote:
42 can correct me here, but I also believe that Benson is losing millions on the team this year. He wants a competitive team to put people in the stands and get eyeballs on the tube. I doubt tanking is high on his list of options.

I don't know how much Benson is losing, but, regardless, I fricking guarantee you that the marching orders are to win next season. And here's the thing, it's almost like some of the posters seem to think that you have be high lottery team until . . . bingo . . . you're a contender with three all stars and a nine man deep rotation. At some point, this team is going to have to move forward. It's not the end of the world to have an intermediate step, or take a baby step to put it another way, and have a season of contending for a 6-8 seed. Hopefully, by then you are in a position to add the final pieces that, along with continued improvement of your young players, makes you a contender.

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Posted by brmark70816

Atlanta, GA

Member since Feb 2011

9862 posts

Posted on 4/12/13 at 8:37 am to VOR

quote:
I fricking guarantee you that the marching orders are to win next season. And here's the thing, it's almost like some of the posters seem to think that you have be high lottery team until . . . bingo . . . you're a contender with three all stars and a nine man deep rotation. At some point, this team is going to have to move forward. It's not the end of the world to have an intermediate step, or take a baby step to put it another way, and have a season of contending for a 6-8 seed. Hopefully, by then you are in a position to add the final pieces that, along with continued improvement of your young players, makes you a contender

Exactly, perfectly said. You have to be build a winning team, then a playoff team, then maybe, just maybe a title team. Also, making the playoffs isn't that big of a deal. Over half the league makes it. With 3 players in the top 50ish (Gordon, Davis, Anderson, maybe Vasquez?) playing full time, this team should already be there. Monty and Dell need to figure out some fit issues.. Vasquez/Gordon and Davis/Anderson, plus I expect two major additions this summer (lottery, FA, trade?) then we are on the way. If we don't make the playoffs, something major went wrong and heads should roll. I'm ready for this wasted season to be over and get the shite going..

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Posted by corndeaux

Member since Sep 2009

9634 posts

Posted on 4/12/13 at 9:04 am to VOR

quote:
And here's the thing, it's almost like some of the posters seem to think that you have be high lotttery team until . . . bingo . . . you're a contender with three all stars and a nine man deep rotation.

This.

Look at Memphis- last two lotto picks were Henry and Thabeet- yuck. Yet here they are, a legit western conference contender. Were they stuck in no mans's land 2 years ago as an 8 seed?

They had their guys (Gay, Conley, Gasol) and they let them develop while building around them (ZBo/Allen).

This is going to take time. Pels have a solid young nucleus in Davis/Ryno (Gordon or his trade value) but they need time grow (Davis), grow up (Gordon), and just season together. Of course they need more better players. And the team has a top 6 pick, cap space for FA and trades, and a couple of trade chips to play if they want.

But short of signing Lebron, there isnt a magic bullet to be found. And tanking in the hope that a 19 year old a year from now can be that guy is incredibly dumb.

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