Noticed that we were a half game above the team with the 9th best Draft odds. We have the same amount of losses as them.
Let's lay the groundwork for this hypothetical.
- Let's say that Utah, Boston, Charlotte, Indiana and Brooklyn all finished the season with 35 wins (they are all tied in the loss column right now with 40 losses).
- Let's just say that each of those teams is on a par with each other in terms of current roster quality (though I think most would admit Utah and Indiana have more potential heading forward)
- Let's say regardless of who the tiebreaker went to (Boston, Charlotte, Indiana or Brooklyn), the Hawks would crush them in Round 1. I know the optimists always have faith in playoff miracles, but for the sake of argument let's pretend that we are certain a playoff appearance will lead to a sweep by Atlanta.
So then... explain to me which of the following two scenarios is better:
Scenario #1 - Win the tie-breaker. End up with the 8th seed. Get swept in Round 1 by Atlanta. End up missing out on a lotto pick and picking #15.
Scenario #2 - Lose the tie-breaker. End up with the 9th best odds in the Lotto.
Again, let's pretend that a sweep in Round 1 is certain. I'm genuinely wondering if a terrible playoff appearance + #15 outweighs missing the playoffs and having 9th best odds.
Last year, the team with the 9th best odds ended up winning the lottery. Doubtful it happens two years in a row, but it's interesting.
Which is a better Scenario?
Some will argue that playoff experience, regardless of the quality of the experience, is very beneficial. I could see it having a mild impact on the trade values of our players.
Some would argue that there's not a ton of difference between #9 and #15.
Others will argue that #15 + #26 wouldn't get you a Top 10 pick in this draft... and that having the #9 pick, based on the draft tiers, would be far more valuable than having the #15... so much so that it outweighs a pointless playoff exercise.
Curious what everyone thinks.