Are we tanking?

[SlyPokerDog]

Does it seem weird that Grant, Brogdon, and Ayton have been out with very little information about their injuries? We know Grant was in concussion protocol, but this is a long time to be out from a hit to the head. Brogdon and Ayton have been out with knee soreness.

Are we stealth tanking? Are we keeping guys out to ensure their health for a potential trade on the 15th?

Why would you think we aren't tanking?

 

[tlongII]

Three starters out for about 2 weeks (so far) with "knee soreness" or "concussion protocol". That is organizational tanking.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Why tank when you suck anyway?

How do we really know, though? Have we even had two consecutive games where we had our full complement of rotation-level players? Can we really know whether or not this team is actually decent when all our best players are available and healthy for an extended period of time if we've never seen it?

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

I don't think they are tanking, Trainers follow a strict protocol on concussions. As for Brogdon, if they are planning to trade him, they want to make really sure he is healthy at the deadline. Ayton?

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

There’s no reason for San Antonio to be THIS bad.

Especially since they are having terrible third quarters where you would think Popovich coaching would have a positive effect.

 

[Kell]

They have never tanked…….ever

 

[THE HCP]

1

Especially since they are having terrible third quarters where you would think Popovich coaching would have a positive effect.

Wonder if they’re losing because they have a shitty roster?

 

[oldfisherman]

In the next draft, moving up or down a few places should not matter. Especially if you have confidence in the scouting staff to find the best player for the team anywhere in the draft.

This is the perfect time to experiment. Give everyone a fair chance to show what they can do. While playing with rotations to find the pieces that fit together.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Players and coaches don't tank.

GMs build teams to tank.

Any coach or player who tries to throw a game intentionally is a cancer and needs to be removed from the team.

 

[blazerfan11]

Players and coaches don't tank.

GMs build teams to tank.

Any coach or player who tries to throw a game intentionally is a cancer and needs to be removed from the team.

Does Popovich make personnel decisions?

 

[Tince]

Players and coaches don't tank.

GMs build teams to tank.

Any coach or player who tries to throw a game intentionally is a cancer and needs to be removed from the team.

Billups made a few substitutions in close games last April that were suspect at best.

 

[Tince]

1

Wonder if they’re losing because they have a shitty roster?

 

[PDXFonz]

Nope, just bad.

This team has no identity.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Nope, just bad.

This team has no identity.

True but all the different lineups in just 23 games, is a big part of the "No Identity"

 

[HailBlazers]

The Warriors are.

 

[Whyachi]

Blazers aren't tanking. No way. Every NBA coach removes the Center and puts in a 4 guard lineup to counter a Jazz team that's annihilating Portland in the painted area.

The Billups 4 guard lineup was seen a few times last season, and the concept was entirely unsuccessful. Opponents got easy dunks and layups until Chauncey called another timeout to install larger bodies to defend and rebound.

While one can say the Blazers were totally stinking last night, and Billups was simply experimenting with any lineup that might turn the tide. The Jazz said "thank you" as their 21 point 3rd quarter lead ballooned to 33 points after 6 straight unchallenged Utah baskets.

 

[Predator]

Billups made a few substitutions in close games last April that were suspect at best.

To piggy back off of this - it would take a LOT for me to believe Popovich isn’t tanking this season. They weren’t even playing a point guard. (Sochan IS NOT a point forward).

 

[Blazinaway]

Not at this time, just basic mediocrity which was the expectation this season, resulting in another perhaps top 5 or 6 draft pick. Key is hopefully seeing young guys develop and get some value in trades for Brog, and perhaps another vet or two

 

[Tince]

Not at this time, just basic mediocrity which was the expectation this season, resulting in another perhaps top 5 or 6 draft pick. Key is hopefully seeing young guys develop and get some value in trades for Brog, and perhaps another vet or two

I always thought (used) mediocrity for situations that were at or near average. Come to find out, it can be properly used for something of low quality as well. Learn something new every day!