PLAY OFF Watch!

[shrink]

Here we can follow the play-off race, and the value of the UTA pick:

As a reminder, here are the ones we can consider:

MEM 1st: 2013-16 lottery-protected, else 2nd rounder + $3 mil. Won't be conveyed this year

UTA 1st:
2012: Top 14 protected
2013: Top 12 protected
- If not conveyed by 2014 and if UTA 2014 1st rd pick is not within top 9 picks, MIN will have the option to swap 2014 1st rd pick with UTA.
- If MIN does not receive a first round pick by the 2013 draft and also does not swap 2014 first round picks with UTA, then MIN will receive UTA’s own 2014 second round pick

MIN 1st: unprotected: owned by NOH.

1/9/12

UTA is 5-3 right now, and has won 4 straight. This would make them the 6th seed in the west, and the 18th pick in the draft, which would be confered to us.

MIN is currently 3-5 right now, after beating WAS. This would make them tied for the 10th-12th position in the lottery, tied with MEM and TOR.

[[RCG]]

So. I would rather get #15 this year than #13 next. Anyone disagree? I think there is a good chance of picking up a decent SG or C prospect with #15 in what should be a deeper draft. I think Utah may end up the late-lottery when all is said and done however. Watch as we are the best team to miss the playoff, have the worst chance to get #1 and somehow Hornets end up drafting first overall...

[jscott]

Hypothetically, would you rather make the playoffs causing Utah to be the 9th seed (and lose the pick) or make a good run but the Wolves just miss the postseason and we get Utah's pick (roughly #16)?

[Esohny]

Hypothetically, would you rather make the playoffs causing Utah to be the 9th seed (and lose the pick) or make a good run but the Wolves just miss the postseason and we get Utah's pick (roughly #16)?

I'm greedy, so I want the best of both worlds. I want the Wolves to get the 7th seed or higher, and Utah to get the 8th seed so we get their pick. I'd laugh and laugh, and possibly cry. But mostly drink merrily.

[Yes We Kahn]

Hypothetically, would you rather make the playoffs causing Utah to be the 9th seed (and lose the pick) or make a good run but the Wolves just miss the postseason and we get Utah's pick (roughly #16)?

Easy. Make the playoffs. Its been 8 years. I need that feeling back.

[collin_k41]

Hypothetically, would you rather make the playoffs causing Utah to be the 9th seed (and lose the pick) or make a good run but the Wolves just miss the postseason and we get Utah's pick (roughly #16)?

I'd vote going to the playoffs. Just getting to the playoffs would be HUGE for a team that's been struggling mightily since just before KG left. However, one could argue that just missing the playoffs would give the team a similar fuel, only we'd have a pick to use as well.

[Yes We Kahn]

But obviously, I'm with Esohny. I want the best of both worlds.

[[RCG]]

Both. Let's see...

These teams should get in:
OKC
Portland
San Antonio
LA Lakers
LA Clippers
Dallas
Memphis

These teams will be fighting for the last spot:
Minnesota
Utah
Phoenix
Denver

Perhaps San Antonio or Dallas has too many miles to survive the condensed season but I think it is likely that we both won't make it. I would rather us get the last spot but wouldn't be devastated if they do. An off-season under Adelman and a decent draft pick could launch into annual playoff contenders.

[Peezo]

I don't even think its a question that you would have to take the playoffs. Even getting killed in the first round is an experience for a young team. It took KG a long time to get out of the first round, but he was SO hungry when we finally got there. I think playoff experience is a real thing.

Also we don't need another young player. I think I would prefer to get the 13 next year over the 15 this year regardless of supposed depth (always a crapshoot when you are talking past the 10) in the draft. We have enough projects already. Lets treat Malcolm Lee and AR like a 2 guard and young 5.

I'd also prefer we dont' have anymore money wrapped up in guaranteed rookie contracts if they aren't players that can contribute right away if it prohibits us having more money to throw at a vet. Lets make the playoffs and hope we get the Utah pick in 2013.

[shrink]

Both. Let's see...

These teams should get in:
OKC
Portland
San Antonio
LA Lakers
LA Clippers
Dallas
Memphis

These teams will be fighting for the last spot:
Minnesota
Utah
Phoenix
Denver

Perhaps San Antonio or Dallas has too many miles to survive the condensed season but I think it is likely that we both won't make it. I would rather us get the last spot but wouldn't be devastated if they do. An off-season under Adelman and a decent draft pick could launch into annual playoff contenders.

One other thing might help us: I think this season it will be harder than ever to predict the play-off teams.

First, we have less games, and with a smaller sample size, there is greater chance for variation. Next, the high-speed of the schedule might not favor older teams by giving them enough rest, or teams that could normally get in the play-offs with a shallow bench. Also, injuries will play an even bigger role. If you're out 6-8 weeks now, that's half a season!

I would normally give UTA little chance of making the playoffs, but this year, I think they have a much greater opportunity.

[jscott]

For the record I'd rather make the post season and skip the pick. We need an established vet more than another upside guy.

I'm not sure MEM is a lock for post season either with ZBo out so that could open a couple spots. DEN will get some help later in the season but one injury could knock them out as well.

I agree with shrink that anythig could happen. Right now I don't feel like this is a playoff squad by if we can find a way to string some multiple game winning streaks together (even just 3-4 games) then I'd feel better.

I'm going to go with Secret Option C and say we should deal the pick (and a player - hopefully Wes) for a 2 that can help us make the push.

[call.me.dude]

For the record I'd rather make the post season and skip the pick. We need an established vet more than another upside guy.

I'm not sure MEM is a lock for post season either with ZBo out so that could open a couple spots. DEN will get some help later in the season but one injury could knock them out as well.

I agree with shrink that anythig could happen. Right now I don't feel like this is a playoff squad by if we can find a way to string some multiple game winning streaks together (even just 3-4 games) then I'd feel better.

I'm going to go with Secret Option C and say we should deal the pick (and a player - hopefully Wes) for a 2 that can help us make the push.

Disagree 100%.

You're at least one really talented player (preferably a SG) away from ever having a chance at being a serious contender one day. Which way you get that guy doesn't matter, but since you're still not winning a lot of games (I don't think playoffs are very realistic) the draft is the most logical choice, especially with a good draft class next year.

Sure, you want to win games to keep Love happy. Losing 5-10 more games BUT getting a guy like Jeremy Lamb will keep him happy for much longer though.

1. Trade for a borderline playoffs team's first rounder. (I really like that proposed deal in the other thread: Johnson + Beasley for Chandler + Rudy + 1st rd pick)
2. Package that first rounder together with your pick and trade up in the draft.
3. Get Jeremy Lamb. Bradley Beal or Austin Rivers would also be okay, but as it looks right now you probably wouldn't even need to trade up for Rivers.
4. Win.

[shrink]

UTA lost in overtime last night to the Lakers, and is now the 7th seed with a 6-4 record, which would be a tie for the 17th pick.

They are 1.5 games ahead of 9th seed PHX, at 4-5.

MIN at 3-7, is tied for the 5th-7th slot in the lottery, and 3 more teams are 3-6, at 8th-10th.

[phonzadellika]

If Minnesota can get to 12th place or better in the lottery and the Utah pick gets conveyed this year then maybe a Gordon+Minnesota pick for D Williams, UTA 1st, MEM 1st, and maybe a couple of seconds + whatever other reasonable thing it would take to accomplish the deal or something would be viable.

[shrink]

UTA won two more - today beating the Nuggets in DEN, and are now 8-4.

8-4 puts them at the third seed in the west, and ties them for the 21-23 pick. 5-6 is the ninth seed in the West, so they have a 2.5 game lead.

The pick is Top 14 protected this year.

[Klomp]

1. Washington (1-11)
2. Detroit (3-10)
2. Charlotte (3-10)
2. New Jersey (3-10)
5. New Orleans (3-9)
6. Sacramento (4-9)
6. Toronto (4-9)
8. Phoenix (4-8)
8. Golden State (4-8)
8. Minnesota (4-8)
11. Milwaukee (4-7)
11. Boston (4-7)
13. Houston (5-7)
14. Memphis (5-6)
------------------------------
15. Cleveland (5-6)
16. New York (6-6)
17. Portland (7-5)
18. Dallas (8-5)
18. Denver (8-5)
20. LA Lakers (9-5)
21. LA Clippers (6-3)
21. Miami (8-4)
21. Utah (8-4)
24. Atlanta (9-4)
24. San Antonio (9-4)
26. Orlando (8-3)
27. Indiana (9-3)
27. Philadelphia (9-3)
29. Oklahoma City (11-2)
30. Chicago (12-2)

[Krapinsky]

Can Utah keep it up? They're probably the most surprising team in the league. I thought they would be worse than us. Their scoring margin is actually worse at +/- = 0.

[rennytwentyone]

Man I hope so, I'm watching this very, very intently. If we keep improving this year, AND get Utah's pick, this season will be a great step in the right direction. That is if we lock up Love as well. He sounded every bit this morning like he was a man who wanted to be here but had been told he could not utter ANYTHING to the media about his contract.

[Klomp]

He sounded every bit this morning like he was a man who wanted to be here but had been told he could not utter ANYTHING to the media about his contract.

If you are referring to his KFAN interview, I completely agree. PA asked if they could schedule him for the day after the deadline, and he said yes. The way he talks about this team and Ricky makes me think he wants to stay. He's smart for not discussing his contract with the media, thats his agent's job and not his.


Back to the thread topic, everyone acts like we've had a dreadful start, but to do what we have with basically a 10-man roster is somewhat impressive. Every player currently injured is a likely rotation member on this team.

[moss_is_1]

^ Yeah we've been off to a much improved start from what we're used to. We just want more...and we've had some game that we could of easily won with decent leads.

If we can get that Utah pick we should really try and move up to get a center. Myers Leonard would be really nice, he'll probably be a late lotto pick. Otherwise who is there in free agency?

Asik - McGee - Hibbert?
Hawes - Oden?