Curry injury illustrates why you should never tank

[KSF-ERIC]

We had a four-game winning streak (including a win against the world champs) after the trade deadline. It was a brand new team, and everything was clicking. You leave Nurkic in the lineup and wait for Lillard to come back, and you might have something special.

Rockets had a 7 game win streak too. One 4 game win streak doesn’t mean anything and the “world champs” didn’t have Giannis when we beat them.

 

[Fairly-Hard]

Just curious, with you traveling with the team do you ever hear talk of tanking or improving draft position? I know you are around the organization a lot. You don't have to answer, I understand.

It's a valid question but i bet you could answer it yourself. Listen to the interviews players are giving before the game. Everyone of them are about "Just trying to stay focused and play hard" "Working on my game on both sides of the floor" " Letting the flow of the game come to me and seeing if we can improve"
These players know they are tanking and they know exactly why IMO.

 

[Phatguysrule]

Wow. That’s a far cry from what I said. Nobody hopes for player injuries. On the other hand, tanking is guaranteed to get you 30- and 40-point losses, but not much else.

It's guaranteed to get you rest and recovery.

 

[Hoopguru]

It's a valid question but i bet you could answer it yourself. Listen to the interviews players are giving before the game. Everyone of them are about "Just trying to stay focused and play hard" "Working on my game on both sides of the floor" " Letting the flow of the game come to me and seeing if we can improve"
These players know they are tanking and they know exactly why IMO.

So do they try and win or just short of winning?

 

[Fairly-Hard]

So do they try and win or just short of winning?

Guess it depends on if they are playing for a chance to actually become NBA players. I know if there was any question at all if I had a spot on a team I would be playing my very best ball every second I had a chance.

 

[Hoopguru]

Guess it depends on if they are playing for a chance to actually become NBA players. I know if there was any question at all if I had a spot on a team I would be playing my very best ball every second I had a chance.

agree and I think winning is a motivator to do that, and Chauncey knows it's a-cardinal sin to to give a player nothing less.
Its management and fans that try to engineer tanks. Ask Dame Dolla

 

[STOMP]

What if we get the 14th pick? You think there’s someone waiting for us at that spot who will make a huge difference? I don’t.

Lots of great players were picked there or lower including Clyde Drexler who was picked 14th. The reigning MVP (Jokic) & finals MVP (Antetokounmpo) were both available at 14 in their respective drafts too.

btw, a healthy 21-22 Warriors team minus Steph still likely mops the floor with a completely healthy Blazer team as would most of the Western playoff teams. Portland lacks contender level talent.

STOMP

 

[Tince]

I get it then why dont we easily tank the rest of the games. Tell the coach and players for the sake of improved draft position and fans expectations go out, have fun, but let's not win the games its counter productive.
I say the Blazers win 7 of their next 11 games. Just a guess.

I do think it would be in our best interest to lose the rest of our game. Sadly, we're going to be playing a lot of teams in the same boat. Having said that, I will gladly take the under on the Blazers winning 7 out of their next 11 games. They're going to be underdogs in all but 2-4.

 

[Ed O]

I do think it would be in our best interest to lose the rest of our game. Sadly, we're going to be playing a lot of teams in the same boat. Having said that, I will gladly take the under on the Blazers winning 7 out of their next 11 games. They're going to be underdogs in all but 2-4.

Well, now they need to win 7 of the next 10. This is a terrible team and that seems like an absurd thing to expect.

 

[Hoopguru]

Well, now they need to win 7 of the next 10. This is a terrible team and that seems like an absurd thing to expect.

I wasnt expecting the other vets like Hart & Winslow to be out rest of year? If they are I agree.

 

[Tince]

I wasnt expecting the other vets like Hart & Winslow to be out rest of year? If they are I agree.

Before this game, we had multiple guys who could play, who have been out weeks with injuries. Why would you not expect that trend to continue?

 

[Hoopguru]

Before this game, we had multiple guys who could play, who have been out weeks with injuries. Why would you not expect that trend to continue?

Seemed that they were trying to keep at the minimum 2 of the rotational vets playing? BM, Hart, Winslow.

 

[Tince]

Seemed that they were trying to keep at the minimum 2 of the rotational vets playing? BM, Hart, Winslow.

I see your logic. In my eyes, they have been slowly reducing the number of rotation vets since January, so that was the trend I was expecting to continue.

It's not pretty!

 

[Hoopguru]

I see your logic. In my eyes, they have been slowly reducing the number of rotation vets since January, so that was the trend I was expecting to continue.

It's not pretty!

Its not, and Im surprised the league lets it go unless they are legit injuries?

 

[Phatguysrule]

Its not, and Im surprised the league lets it go unless they are legit injuries?

How do you prove it if they are not legit injuries?

 

[wizenheimer]

How do you prove it if they are not legit injuries?

 

[Hoopguru]

How do you prove it if they are not legit injuries?

Have someone following them for 24 hours with camera....

 

[Hoopguru]

How do you prove it if they are not legit injuries?

If they are tanking they are faking!

 

[blazerkor]

I just don't understand this thread. The Spurs did this and got Duncan... I'm quite sure they didn't expect Duncan because they got lucky but they held Elliot out of games that he was healthy enough to play in and Robinson didn't come back when he could have. This is S.O.P. in this league and people in here are acting like it's some kind of travesty. I hope we lose every game for the rest of the season and I hope we do what it takes to make that happen. If we do we will drop below the Kings and possibly even the Pacers to end up with the 5th or 6th best lottery odds. If we were playing for a playoff spot Dame would be in the lineup but we're playing for a pick so he's not. If you don't like it, get over it.

 

[Bingo Bango]

Lots of great players were picked there or lower including Clyde Drexler who was picked 14th. The reigning MVP (Jokic) & finals MVP (Antetokounmpo) were both available at 14 in their respective drafts too.

Who do you see in this year’s draft of that caliber that will be available at 14?

 

[Tince]

I get it then why dont we easily tank the rest of the games. Tell the coach and players for the sake of improved draft position and fans expectations go out, have fun, but let's not win the games its counter productive.
I say the Blazers win 7 of their next 11 games. Just a guess.

We're going to need to get REAL hot now for this to come true.

 

[Voodoo]

Speak for yourself, during the playoffs I'll sacrifice a chicken or buy voodoo dolls.

I have plenty let me know when you need some.

 

[blazerkor]

Who do you see in this year’s draft of that caliber that will be available at 14?

Stop talking about the 14th pick. The fact is that you started this ridiculous thread with the notion that because Steph is hurt it was a bad idea to tank while we get closer and closer to better lottery odds and a better pick. I get it that not trying to win every game disgusts you but this is the NBA and sometimes the long play is better than the short. We weren't going to play the Warriors and we weren't going to win in the first round so trying to lose as many games as possible was not only smart but the right thing to do. I know others have said this to you but try to have an adult perspective about whats going on here.

 

[Hoopguru]

We're going to need to get REAL hot now for this to come true.

Well, If we had at least Hart & Winslow we would. But when you give up purposely to lose its ugly. I know they are chasing the pot of gold, but what see already are players losing that, will, and intensity to win and prove themselves because losing isn't motivating.

 

[Fairly-Hard]

Well, If we had at least Hart & Winslow we would. But when you give up purposely to lose its ugly. I know they are chasing the pot of gold, but what see already are players losing that, will, and intensity to win and prove themselves because losing isn't motivating.

You won’t see me wasting time to watch this team right now.
Not sure why people are expending the energy.

 

[Phatguysrule]

Well, If we had at least Hart & Winslow we would. But when you give up purposely to lose its ugly. I know they are chasing the pot of gold, but what see already are players losing that, will, and intensity to win and prove themselves because losing isn't motivating.

None of these players will be in the rotation next season (MAYBE 1 or 2). They are playing for jobs elsewhere.

 

[blazerkor]

None of these players will be in the rotation next season (MAYBE 1 or 2). They are playing for jobs elsewhere.

The guys that we will have: Keon, Greg, Trendon and possibly Williams are all getting a ton of time not just on the floor but with the staff breaking down areas for them to work on and what to do, in ways they would never get if we were winning. I really don't see the downside to this strategy. I personally only want to use our pick if we hit big in the lotto and can get Jabari or Paolo other than that I think every spot higher that we get the more the pick is worth in the trade market.

 

[Hoopguru]

The guys that we will have: Keon, Greg, Trendon and possibly Williams are all getting a ton of time not just on the floor but with the staff breaking down areas for them to work on and what to do, in ways they would never get if we were winning. I really don't see the downside to this strategy. I personally only want to use our pick if we hit big in the lotto and can get Jabari or Paolo other than that I think every spot higher that we get the more the pick is worth in the trade market.

Yep, I would use the picks/pick and some? to trade for all star front liner that, immediately address's positions, we've been weak at for years now. No more 6'2-5" players. The window imo to prove to Dame we are serious is 2-3 years. One year tank can make since, but if they go into a 2/3 year tank mode for young players rookie contracts, that may not help achieve the goal of winning it all for Dame? If they want to take the next 3/5 years and go young through tanking, they should move Dame.

 

[wizenheimer]

The guys that we will have: Keon, Greg, Trendon and possibly Williams are all getting a ton of time not just on the floor but with the staff breaking down areas for them to work on and what to do, in ways they would never get if we were winning. I really don't see the downside to this strategy.

there's no downside to it at all. At the same time, it seems pretty clear that none of those players, except for maybe Watford & Eubanks, will be in the top-9 in the rotation. Maybe Dunn if Portland brings him back. If any are it would be, IMO, because the Blazers were unsuccessful at building a decent bench

I personally only want to use our pick if we hit big in the lotto and can get Jabari or Paolo other than that I think every spot higher that we get the more the pick is worth in the trade market.

I think that's a little too absolute. Sure, if for example, the Blazers have a 7th pick and Atlanta would trade Collins for #7 + Bledsoe, that's worth the gamble

but if there's no player above the level of Grant available at the draft (which is when Portland has to decide), then the Blazers have to invest that pick in BPA/fit. If past drafts are the template, there are just about certain to be 2 or 3 players in this draft outside of the top 4 that could come in and be solid starters from day 1, or at least by mid-season or year 2. The trick is for the Blazers to identify them

2016:

7 Jamal Murray
11 Domantas Sabonis
19 Malik Beasley
20 Caris LeVert
27 Pascal Siakam
29 Dejounte Murray
36 Malcolm Brogdon

2017:

7 Lauri Markkanen
12 Luke Kennard
13 Donovan Mitchell
14 Bam Adebayo
19 John Collins
22 Jarrett Allen
23 OG Anunoby
27 Kyle Kuzma
30 Josh Hart
42 Thomas Bryant
45 Dillon Brooks

2018:

7 Wendell Carter Jr.
8 Collin Sexton
10 Mikal Bridges
11 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
12 Miles Bridges
14 Michael Porter Jr.
19 Kevin Huerter
24 Anfernee Simons
33 Jalen Brunson
34 Devonte' Graham
36 Mitchell Robinson
37 Gary Trent Jr.

2019:

7 Coby White
8 Jaxson Hayes
9 Rui Hachimura
11 Cameron Johnson
12 P.J. Washington
13 Tyler Herro
21 Brandon Clarke
28 Jordan Poole
29 Keldon Johnson
30 Kevin Porter Jr.
46 Talen Horton-Tucker

2020:

12 Tyrese Haliburton
15 Cole Anthony
19 Saddiq Bey
21 Tyrese Maxey
25 Immanuel Quickley
30 Desmond Bane

5 drafts in a row with plenty of gems available at 7 or lower, some of them already all-stars. Yeah, it will take some luck, but that's always a big factor in developing a winner. Memphis generated good luck with Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks. The Suns got real lucky with Booker, Bridges, Ayton and Cam Johnson. Maybe the worm has turned and the Blazers can get real lucky in this draft

besides that, I don't think it's a half season window for that luck to show. Portland appears committed to Dame and he appears committed to Portland so there is a 3-4 year window for some player to develop into a high level one. Simons is well on the way; maybe a 7th pick will have a faster timeline than Ant

 

[blazerkor]

there's no downside to it at all. At the same time, it seems pretty clear that none of those players, except for maybe Watford & Eubanks, will be in the top-9 in the rotation. Maybe Dunn if Portland brings him back. If any are it would be, IMO, because the Blazers were unsuccessful at building a decent bench



I think that's a little too absolute. Sure, if for example, the Blazers have a 7th pick and Atlanta would trade Collins for #7 + Bledsoe, that's worth the gamble

but if there's no player above the level of Grant available at the draft (which is when Portland has to decide), then the Blazers have to invest that pick in BPA/fit. If past drafts are the template, there are just about certain to be 2 or 3 players in this draft outside of the top 4 that could come in and be solid starters from day 1, or at least by mid-season or year 2. The trick is for the Blazers to identify them

2016:

7 Jamal Murray
11 Domantas Sabonis
19 Malik Beasley
20 Caris LeVert
27 Pascal Siakam
29 Dejounte Murray
36 Malcolm Brogdon

2017:

7 Lauri Markkanen
12 Luke Kennard
13 Donovan Mitchell
14 Bam Adebayo
19 John Collins
22 Jarrett Allen
23 OG Anunoby
27 Kyle Kuzma
30 Josh Hart
42 Thomas Bryant
45 Dillon Brooks

2018:

7 Wendell Carter Jr.
8 Collin Sexton
10 Mikal Bridges
11 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
12 Miles Bridges
14 Michael Porter Jr.
19 Kevin Huerter
24 Anfernee Simons
33 Jalen Brunson
34 Devonte' Graham
36 Mitchell Robinson
37 Gary Trent Jr.

2019:

7 Coby White
8 Jaxson Hayes
9 Rui Hachimura
11 Cameron Johnson
12 P.J. Washington
13 Tyler Herro
21 Brandon Clarke
28 Jordan Poole
29 Keldon Johnson
30 Kevin Porter Jr.
46 Talen Horton-Tucker

2020:

12 Tyrese Haliburton
15 Cole Anthony
19 Saddiq Bey
21 Tyrese Maxey
25 Immanuel Quickley
30 Desmond Bane

5 drafts in a row with plenty of gems available at 7 or lower, some of them already all-stars. Yeah, it will take some luck, but that's always a big factor in developing a winner. Memphis generated good luck with Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks. The Suns got real lucky with Booker, Bridges, Ayton and Cam Johnson. Maybe the worm has turned and the Blazers can get real lucky in this draft

besides that, I don't think it's a half season window for that luck to show. Portland appears committed to Dame and he appears committed to Portland so there is a 3-4 year window for some player to develop into a high level one. Simons is well on the way; maybe a 7th pick will have a faster timeline than Ant

Oh, we can potentially get great value with both picks if the Pelicans' pick conveys. To me the question is are we going for immediate impact or are we trying to get the best value for the future further down the road. My preference is immediate impact to give Dame the best chance to win a championship ASAP.

To me the ideal situation if our pick won't get us Jabari or Paolo is that we can trade our pick, the Pelicans pick, Bledsoe and Hart to Toronto for Siakam. Then we pay the Bulls some money or give them the Grizz second rounder to take the conditions off the pick we owe them. Then we trade our 2025 and 2027 first rounders top 4 protected for Jerami Grant. I think Dame, Ant, Grant, Siakam, Nurk, Nas and whoever else we put with them would be an immediate contender.