At what point does it become too late to save the season?

[Freshtown]

When Olshey got dumped, I was excited, primarily because I thought moves were happening soon.

And I know. It’s only been 18 days. Plus CJ is hurt so probably can’t be traded. Plus all GMs are distracted by Covid and trying to figure out G-league signings to keep rosters afloat.

All of this leads me to suspect that even if we wanted to, trades aren’t going to be available until mid to late January as trade season starts and we get closer to the deadline.

This wouldn’t be a big deal if we were a .500 team that could at least tread water until the roster “enhancements” happened.

But we’re not. We’re one of the worst teams in the league. One more month of this and we will be far in the back half of the western conference. Like, 11th-12th seed type of stuff.

Kinda seems too late at that point to attempt to go for it this season, right? What are we going to do? Execute a series of perfect trades, win 75% of our games the rest of the season so we can make the play in, win, and go on to have a deep playoff run as a dark horse contender? Is that really realistic?

If I’m Cronin, I’m now worried that by the time trades are available to execute, it’s already going to be too late.

 

[Cugel]

If by saved you mean a 500 record, then the season can be saved. Maybe make the playin and an 8 seed for a nice easy sweep by GSW. That is the absolute best case scenario. Probably a 10% chance of it.

 

[illmatic99]

the existence of the play-in tournament prolongs this, for our detriment unfortunately.

 

[blazerkor]

If by saved you mean a 500 record, then the season can be saved. Maybe make the playin and an 8 seed for a nice easy sweep by GSW. That is the absolute best case scenario. Probably a 10% chance of it.

So with us 3.5 games out of the fifth seed and 49 games remaining on our schedule, the absolute best case scenario is the 8th seed?

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Before it began.

The roster needed a shakeup badly and Purgatory Neil answered with Snell/McLemore/Nance.

Welcome to hell

 

[riverman]

If getting a lottery pick is saving the season then we're succeeding so far.

 

[THE HCP]

I’m honestly upset my 41-41 prediction isn’t going to happen.

 

[Cugel]

So with us 3.5 games out of the fifth seed and 49 games remaining on our schedule, the absolute best case scenario is the 8th seed?

yes.

 

[blazerkor]

yes.

That's the absolute worst case scenario. Missing the playoffs and therefore keeping our pick and having a chance to move up in the lottery is better. Getting any other seed which are typically only a game or two away is also much better. Then there is getting the eighth seed and getting a win in the series which is also better. So in no world is the worst case scenario for this team the best way it can salvage the season.

We could make moves that make this team more competitive and get a higher seed or win a game or more in the first round as the eighth or we could tank and get a higher pick. Those are all very possible, plausible even and they are much better scenarios than the one you have decided is the best possible one.

 

[Phatguysrule]

When Olshey got dumped, I was excited, primarily because I thought moves were happening soon.

And I know. It’s only been 18 days. Plus CJ is hurt so probably can’t be traded. Plus all GMs are distracted by Covid and trying to figure out G-league signings to keep rosters afloat.

All of this leads me to suspect that even if we wanted to, trades aren’t going to be available until mid to late January as trade season starts and we get closer to the deadline.

This wouldn’t be a big deal if we were a .500 team that could at least tread water until the roster “enhancements” happened.

But we’re not. We’re one of the worst teams in the league. One more month of this and we will be far in the back half of the western conference. Like, 11th-12th seed type of stuff.

Kinda seems too late at that point to attempt to go for it this season, right? What are we going to do? Execute a series of perfect trades, win 75% of our games the rest of the season so we can make the play in, win, and go on to have a deep playoff run as a dark horse contender? Is that really realistic?

If I’m Cronin, I’m now worried that by the time trades are available to execute, it’s already going to be too late.

It's done. Rest Dame. Play the kids to up their value. Play CJ as soon as he's back. Get his value up.

We need a couple real good trades. Or one real big one. And a great draft pick.

 

[e_blazer]

I’m honestly upset my 41-41 prediction isn’t going to happen.

For your Lakers?

 

[Mediocre Man]

10/20/21

 

[Cugel]

That's the absolute worst case scenario. Missing the playoffs and therefore keeping our pick and having a chance to move up in the lottery is better. Getting any other seed which are typically only a game or two away is also much better. Then there is getting the eighth seed and getting a win in the series which is also better. So in no world is the worst case scenario for this team the best way it can salvage the season.

We could make moves that make this team more competitive and get a higher seed or win a game or more in the first round as the eighth or we could tank and get a higher pick. Those are all very possible, plausible even and they are much better scenarios than the one you have decided is the best possible one.

That's why I prefaced by saying if your "best" is a 500 season this year. Now the "best" for next year may be some of the scenarios you proposed. The best overall may be to see if Dame needs surgery; if so ,do it. Get a lottery pick, and wrap it in a package to net a ~star??