Should we tank for the 8th Seed?

[mr. dee]

I know it's not a celtic's thing to tank. But look at the upside. We will have a high draft pick without blowing the chance for banner 18. In 2010 playoffs, we didn't have the HCA after the first round so my conclusion is HCA doesn't hold much weight but rather being healthy. Thoughts?

[JSD]

based on our record so far we might not even have to tank.

[theswitch]

It's definitely an interesting theory that probably has a lot of merit, but I can't see the team actually tanking for the 8th seed. However, there are a lot of benefits than being, say, the 4th seed - you lock up a higher draft pick, you get the #1 seed when you're still fresh and haven't been worn down by the playoffs yet. You'll have to get through the Bulls/Heat eventually, you might as well face them right off the bat full force and not waste any time. Then, you've got yourself a relatively easy 2nd round against a team like the Hawks, Magic, Pacers or Sixers (not easy, but easier than Chicago/Miami) before the ECF.

There are certainly a lot of benefits to being a purposeful 7th or 8th seed with a plan, but I can't see this team doing that. Maybe at the end of the season it's reasonable to decide that we don't care between the 3rd-6th seeds, but you don't want to cut it close and lose all momentum heading into the playoffs.