150 replies to this topic

[Pedro Cerrano]

So the decent team that just misses the playoffs should have the same chance at a franchise-changing player as a terrible team?

Yup. Life isn't fair. And this eliminates tanking -- something everyone hates.

[DJ MC]

Yup. Life isn't fair. And this eliminates tanking -- something everyone hates.

 

Why not just eliminate the draft?

[Pedro Cerrano]

Why not just eliminate the draft?

Don't be silly.

[DJ MC]

Don't be silly.

 

I'm not. It's a serious question.

 

The primary reason* to have a draft is to give poorly-performing teams a chance to improve by offering first dibs on the best talent entering the league. Even now, with the weighted lottery system, the best chances at higher picks go to the worst teams, and there are limits on how far the very worst team can fall.

 

If your belief is that "life isn't fair", why not eliminate the draft altogether? Let college players sign with whomever they wish. If the Spurs want to offer the biggest contract for Okafor, or if he wants to go there instead of a bigger contract with the Timberwolves, he could do that.

 

*At least the official primary reason. It could be argued that it's designed to artificially depress the salaries of young talent.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Nah that would be a disaster. All the big wigs would have an unfair advantage. At least the draft offers some semblance of "balance" in that smaller market teams would still have a shot. I'm just DONE with this tanking BS. it's bad for the sport and an insult to fans' intelligence when they have the balls to say "we are trying." If you don't make the playoffs you get an equal shot at the top picks. Even with this system it's still likely a bad team or two will receive higher picks most years.

[DJ MC]

Nah that would be a disaster. All the big wigs would have an unfair advantage. At least the draft offers some semblance of "balance" in that smaller market teams would still have a shot. I'm just DONE with this tanking BS. it's bad for the sport and an insult to fans' intelligence when they have the balls to say "we are trying." If you don't make the playoffs you get an equal shot at the top picks. Even with this system it's still likely a bad team or two will receive higher picks most years.

 

The big-market teams wouldn't have an advantage. The salary cap would still be in place. Teams would still have roster limits. The Lakers or Knicks could covet Okafor all they want, but if they don't have the cap space, or roster space, he'll go to a team that does. Or, if he decides to take less to go to a bigger market/better team...so what?

 

There's no perfect system. There are advantages and disadvantages to everything. Your suggestion risks having some teams completely unable to compete for lack of talent (at least when you're tanking, the ultimate goal is to acquire talent).

[BSLMikeLowe]

I wouldn't necessarily do one card for each team, but I would definitely make the lottery much less heavily weighted than it is now towards the teams with the worst records. If that means there's a greater chance of the 14th-worst team getting the #1 pick, then so be it. If it means that OKC gets to draft Okafor or Towns, fine....at least they kept trying after Durant and Ibaka were done for the season. I'd rather reward that than what Philly is doing. And speaking of....

 

....what Philly is doing is a disgrace. I get the impression that they just intend to keep trading away any decent player with value that they draft in exchange for a future pick, until someday fortune finally shines on them and the next LeBron falls into their laps....even if it takes another 20 years. Is that really good for the NBA?

[DJ MC]

You know who is a good choice to put in charge of your WNBA team? Someone found to have sexually harassed an employee the LAST time you employed him.

 

James Dolan Puts Sexual Harasser In Charge Of WNBA Team

[Pedro Cerrano]

Isiah Thomas is like that weird uncle that always somehow manages to find out when the family gatherings are happening.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Sports on Earth: Knicks Ready For Roster Refresh

http://www.sportsone...-pick-nba-draft

[SportsGuy]

Chris Broussard@Chris_Broussard

Latest NYK info from sources: if Okafor/Russell gone, Knicks like either Kristaps Porzingis, Frank Kaminsky or Trey Lyles. Mudiay hovering 15m

[SportsGuy]

Kaminsky at 4 would be hilarious but Phil thinks he's an ideal triangle big man.

[You Play to Win the Game]

Man, the pitch forks in Manhattan if the Knicks take Kaminsky. Either way, that was a tough draw for them... but you can still get someone very good in this draft at 4.

[BSLChrisStoner]

CBS Sports: NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis is on the rise

http://www.cbssports...es-up-the-ranks

[BSLChrisStoner]

Sports on Earth: Porzingis Now Owns the Garden

http://www.sportsone...new-york-knicks

[BSLChrisStoner]

CBS Sports: Dirk on Porzingis: 'Comparisons are probably unfair to him'

http://www.cbssports...y-unfair-to-him

[SportsGuy]

Derek Fisher fired.

That didn't take long.

[Mike B]

Derek Fisher fired.

That didn't take long.

That organization even with jackson may be among the worst in sports.

James Dolan makes Angelos look like a 5 star owner.

[bnickle]

Phil Jackson is horrible in the FO.Why won't people just say it

[mweb08]

I'm not confident in Phil, but the Knicks did nail the draft.