Would you rather...

[ReubenJRD]

He's no lebron? Big deal. You make it sound like there's just a bunch of lebrons out there to snatch up and you just can't believe we haven't gotten one yet. And the idea to use more money to try and sign big stars to play in a losing franchise makes you ill? You need a reality check and not just copying everyone else's generic comments.

+1. Rudy Gay is no LeBron James, but Rudy Gay is a terrific player, and potential to be right there.

[iblastoff]

At this point, I'm just too jaded to even consider playoffs EVER. We fucked up our rebuild, AGAIN and now we will likely lose a shot at Wiggins. Gay is good, but he's no Lebron and the idea of him getting offered max money by BC to resign here makes me physically ill. Honestly, you can't blame Gay if he signs on the dotted line and screws us over for god knows how many years - BC HAS to lose his job before anything gets better. We will never get out of this shithole while he is at the helm.

He's no lebron? Big deal. You make it sound like there's just a bunch of lebrons out there to snatch up and you just can't believe we haven't gotten one yet. And the idea to use more money to try and sign big stars to play in a losing franchise makes you ill? You need a reality check and not just copying everyone else's generic comments.

[NoPropsneeded]

9th spot is the only choice so yes 9th spot it is.

[Darien]

At this point, I'm just too jaded to even consider playoffs EVER. We fucked up our rebuild, AGAIN and now we will likely lose a shot at Wiggins. Gay is good, but he's no Lebron and the idea of him getting offered max money by BC to resign here makes me physically ill. Honestly, you can't blame Gay if he signs on the dotted line and screws us over for god knows how many years - BC HAS to lose his job before anything gets better. We will never get out of this shithole while he is at the helm.

[ReubenJRD]

Agree with most people's sentiment. First and foremost .. we arent making the playoffs, so the question is somewhat moot.

However, lets assume he hadnt blown the games we did this week and there was still a glimmer of hope (which there isnt any longer).

Two factors that I dont think people have mentioned (in addition to the pros and cons already mentioned).
Pro - I actually get to go to a home playoff game for the first time is a LOOOOOOONG time. Ive gotta admit, that would be nice
Con - if we do miss the playoffs, there is still a chance (albeit a small one) that we win the lottery and keep the pick. This would obviously be the best of all scenarios to get top 3 draft pick. Even in a "weak" draft, a top 3 pick has a lot of value

Weighing these and all the factors mentioned, I still think missing the playoffs would be the best thing for the team long term. Look at a team like Philly this year .. who squeaked in and actually made a bit of a run in the playoffs .. hasnt helped them much make the next step. Whether or not this team makes the playoffs this year or not, it will still have many years of progression until its a legit playoff team, let alone a legit contender.

You have to take into consideration the risk they took in breaking up the original core in dealing for Bynum, who hasn't played a game yet - and probably won't this season - for the Sixers. It's a completely different team, so it doesn't exactly create that scenario you mentioned.

Although, it's definitely helped Jrue Holiday. So, maybe that's a positive. But, we all know one individual doesn't create a team.

[mountio]

Agree with most people's sentiment. First and foremost .. we arent making the playoffs, so the question is somewhat moot.

However, lets assume he hadnt blown the games we did this week and there was still a glimmer of hope (which there isnt any longer).

Two factors that I dont think people have mentioned (in addition to the pros and cons already mentioned).
Pro - I actually get to go to a home playoff game for the first time is a LOOOOOOONG time. Ive gotta admit, that would be nice
Con - if we do miss the playoffs, there is still a chance (albeit a small one) that we win the lottery and keep the pick. This would obviously be the best of all scenarios to get top 3 draft pick. Even in a "weak" draft, a top 3 pick has a lot of value

Weighing these and all the factors mentioned, I still think missing the playoffs would be the best thing for the team long term. Look at a team like Philly this year .. who squeaked in and actually made a bit of a run in the playoffs .. hasnt helped them much make the next step. Whether or not this team makes the playoffs this year or not, it will still have many years of progression until its a legit playoff team, let alone a legit contender.

[ReubenJRD]

I go with make the playoffs, because that means we are playing at a CRAZY high level to finish the season. Although it makes sense to give up the pick now as it allows more flexibility in terms of making trades, I prefer to see the team play at that high level because hopefully that allows them to carry their success over into next year and set their goal as home court advantage.

Unfortunately, the playoff odds must be getting pretty close to zero right now, and without some roster changes our hope of getting home court next year is about as slim.

+1, but like you said, unlikely we get into that final spot.

[ezz_bee]

I go with make the playoffs, because that means we are playing at a CRAZY high level to finish the season. Although it makes sense to give up the pick now as it allows more flexibility in terms of making trades, I prefer to see the team play at that high level because hopefully that allows them to carry their success over into next year and set their goal as home court advantage.

Unfortunately, the playoff odds must be getting pretty close to zero right now, and without some roster changes our hope of getting home court next year is about as slim.

[ReubenJRD]

Playoffs:

Pros: Experience for the young players. Tasting of what it takes to try and win a new environment, and new tempo of game. National coverage for now, and big picture. Attracting free agents, staff etc.

Cons: Pick stays with us, but a poor pick, and takes away our ability to use it as a trade asset.

9th Seed:

Pros: OKC gets a low pick. Gives MLSE and Toronto ample time management to make decisions upon head office, roster, etc.

Cons: No playoffs = lost season. Team plays for nothing. Losing equals to less attraction in free agency, or players/coverage.

I'm taking playoffs.

[enlightenment]

Finish 9th.
only so we can have another trade asset moving forward. Besides I would hate to find us 4 years down the road having a tanked season and giving OKC our number 1 overall. If you want to make the playoffs this year, you probably want to make them for a few years in a row, and you are most likely going to find yourself owing OKC an unprotected lottery pick

[Eric Akshinthala]

Finish 9th and let OKC get the pick. The coming draft is the best time to see OKC use our pick as it lacks star quality. Besides getting it over with would be nice.

[hateslosing]

Playoffs everytime.

[Sig]

playoffs because if we stay in them we eventually end up giving okc just a a playoff pick

...what?

[d749]

playoffs because if we stay in them we eventually end up giving okc just a a playoff pick

[iblastoff]

I think the pieces are there already for the most part. I'd rather get an established player via trade than take another gamble with even more rookies you have to build for several more years at this point.

Regardless of how far they would make it, getting into the playoffs this year would definitely help rejuvenate the team and fans into believing again.