How do you even team build in the current NBA?

[76ciology]

It’s just like life, you don’t get rich by sitting at home waiting for opportunities. You go out, do your job, earn a salary, and along the way, you meet people, gain experience, and open doors to new opportunities. The more you put yourself out there, the better your chances of success.

[Inigo Montoya]

You tread water until an opportunistic trade comes up (kawhi for toronto, hali/siakam for indiana). Maybe jf the franchise is about to fold/relocate nba will pity you with another top pick in the draft, otherwise they will favor the big market teams that draws more money/ratings.

If you can’t land a high pick, then trade for a player that gives you the value of a high pick. And I dont even think you need one. Look at Indiana, they traded for Haliburton, who isn’t even a top-tier star, and now they’re heading to the ECF. That’s farther than the Sixers ever got despite years of tanking.

That’s what I like about Boston’s blueprint. They built around the idea of winning with a “weak alpha.” They had Isaiah Thomas leading the way in an earlier version, and when that run ended, they kept stockpiling smart, winning role players who could thrive in a system even without a dominant star. By the time they landed Tatum, they already had the infrastructure. Honestly, they were so solid last year, I think they could’ve won without a player like Tatum.

So if you’re the Jazz, ask yourself, which of these guys couldn’t play in the Celtics’ system? Once you identify them trade them.

Stop trying to land a top pick, instead try to build a team that can win without a top pick.

Jaylen Brown was the 3rd pick
Jason Tatum was the 3rd pick
Al Horford was the 3rd pick
Kristaps Porzingis was the 4th pick

That's four of the Celtics' starting 5. You need a high draft pick no matter what.

[bkohler]

You tread water until an opportunistic trade comes up (kawhi for toronto, hali/siakam for indiana). Maybe jf the franchise is about to fold/relocate nba will pity you with another top pick in the draft, otherwise they will favor the big market teams that draws more money/ratings.

If you can’t land a high pick, then trade for a player that gives you the value of a high pick. And I dont even think you need one. Look at Indiana, they traded for Haliburton, who isn’t even a top-tier star, and now they’re heading to the ECF. That’s farther than the Sixers ever got despite years of tanking.

That’s what I like about Boston’s blueprint. They built around the idea of winning with a “weak alpha.” They had Isaiah Thomas leading the way in an earlier version, and when that run ended, they kept stockpiling smart, winning role players who could thrive in a system even without a dominant star. By the time they landed Tatum, they already had the infrastructure. Honestly, they were so solid last year, I think they could’ve won without a player like Tatum.

So if you’re the Jazz, ask yourself, which of these guys couldn’t play in the Celtics’ system? Once you identify them trade them.

Stop trying to land a top pick, instead try to build a team that can win without a top pick.

Bostons roster is built on the backbone of two top three picks including the #1 overall that they traded? Seems odd to use them as the example when without Brown/Tatum none of the infrastructure would matter. + they had selected 6th a few years earlier and still had an in his prime Rondo who was dealt for those role players.

I’m sure there is no one here that would turn down getting great role players for good value. But the argument that you should just ‘get’ good players seems a bit ridiculous to me, like we’ve been turning down trades for good players just becuase we want to be bad. Ainge is nothing but an ooportunist if there was opportunities he’ll pounce, much like he tried to sign Paul George this offseason.

As for the Halliburton reference, I agree we should trade with the Kings. And attempt to steal RFA who could pop, and grab second draft guys that might hit. Anything we can do to get an advantage.

Also for the record:
The Knicks team is built on the back of 5 successive top ten picks.
The pacers had three top ten picks in the last 5 years.
The nuggets are built on the backs of 4 successive lottery picks.
The cavs roster is built on 4 top ten picks.
The twolves: five top ten picks in a row including #1 twice!

[bkohler]

It’s just like life, you don’t get rich by sitting at home waiting for opportunities. You go out, do your job, earn a salary, and along the way, you meet people, gain experience, and open doors to new opportunities. The more you put yourself out there, the better your chances of success.

And the argument is the Jazz have been sitting at home?

[FarBeyondDriven]

you tank until you luck out and get a top pick in a loaded draft like 2026. Until that happens, you take as many swings at as many prospects as you can hoping someone hits enough to become a starter or trade piece. You'll all be singing a different tune come next Summer when you're getting one of: Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, Wilson, Ament, Lopez, Quaintence or Yessoufou and any of the recent picks (Collier, Filipowski, Williams, George, Hendricks) turns into a solid starter.

[Inigo Montoya]

you tank until you luck out and get a top pick in a loaded draft like 2026. Until that happens, you take as many swings at as many prospects as you can hoping someone hits enough to become a starter or trade piece. You'll all be singing a different tune come next Summer when you're getting one of: Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, Wilson, Ament, Lopez, Quaintence or Yessoufou and any of the recent picks (Collier, Filipowski, Williams, George, Hendricks) turns into a solid starter.

I keep telling people that Pantera fans are smart,reasonable and know what's up but no one listens.

[Daddy 801]

you tank until you luck out and get a top pick in a loaded draft like 2026. Until that happens, you take as many swings at as many prospects as you can hoping someone hits enough to become a starter or trade piece. You'll all be singing a different tune come next Summer when you're getting one of: Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, Wilson, Ament, Lopez, Quaintence or Yessoufou and any of the recent picks (Collier, Filipowski, Williams, George, Hendricks) turns into a solid starter.

I keep telling people that Pantera fans are smart,reasonable and know what's up but no one listens.

I’m impressed with your vulgar display of power.