James Gatz wrote:MasterIchiro wrote:amcoolio wrote:Unlikely in the NBA because one star player, especially on a rookie contract, holds more value than anything else
If we miss the playoffs I think we have a good chance at a top 7 pick because every team in the west will have better records than us except OKC, and there are more than 7 great players in this draft
If we really wanted to lock in a playoff spot Horford would be a Hornet by now. I suspect the plan is to aim for the sweet spot in the lottery. We also have some flexibility to move up a few notches if we like someone out of our range. I don't think adding Hayward changed our trajectory. The Wizards added Westbrook. The Hawks added Gallinari + Bogdonavic and filled out their bench. The Wolves will have a full year of Beasely + Russell and don't own their 2021 pick so they won't be tanking. Plus they added Rubio for vet leadership and he's a team player who will balance KAT, Russell, Beasely, Edwards.
Steph is back with the Warriors. Oubre in place of an injured Klay. Oladipo should be recovered for the Pacers. Raptors, Celtics, Bucks, Heat, Sixers, Nets with KD are all on a different tier. I'm confident we will be in the lottery.
Thunder, Pistons, Knicks, Bulls and Cavs are the only teams clearly worse. We could be slotted for pick 6 before the drawing.
There's always a surprise team like GSW last year that is terrible due to injury or some other factors. Rockets could easily be worse than us if they move Harden. I also think Bulls have the potential to be better than us, have them in a similar tier.
I think we'll likely end up with the 8th-9th pick and miss out on the top guys in this class. Still if we end up with a flawed wing I'd be happy. Guys like Zhaire, BJ, Keon should all be in the mix for us.
Outside of Cade, Mobley is the guy I'd want most for us. Cade will be better but not sure he and Lamelo really coexist. Still, if you get #1 you draft Cade. I have zero interest in trading him for a boatload. I'd rather move on from melo.
I have a hard time identifying a team outside of the 5 I listed that we will pass (Thunder, Knicks, Cavs, Bulls, Pistons). Name any team and it looks bad for us (good for draft position though). Seeing the Heat and Nuggets make their run emboldened GM's. Fringe playoff teams like the Suns added Chris Paul. I guess maybe the Pelicans minus Holiday? They could be bad or one injury from a tank. I'm sticking with slot 6 heading into the drawing.
As far as our target outside of Cade, I also like Mobley. Green interests me as well. I won't rule out us adding a franchise piece through this draft.