Drop the Lakers in the play in, PHX in first round, Utah in the 2nd, warriors in western conference finals and Bucks in the finals.
I love it but lets have us beating the Sixers and Dame licking up Morey’s tears ala Cartman & Scott Tenorman. I also like the symmetry of a 76’ Redux.
In all seriousness though I think at this point we want to be in the playoffs and get these young guys some experience. I also think having control of future picks is probably more important as a trade asset than a 12-15ish pick. I think playoff experience is invaluable with such a young squad. It’s a pity Nassir is hurt as he needs seasoning and experience as well. Hopefully we get Keon Johnson back so he can get some Exp as well and level up.
I chose the first outcome because especially if the Pelicans pick conveys, having all of our future firsts available to help us upgrade this roster now is more valuable than the pick we would likely get. The fact is if we were in 10th place in the West and made the play ins and lost, the way things are looking right now we would end up with the 9th pick not one of the 12th-14th picks. I would still take the playoff experience/chance to evaluate this group in the playoffs along with our future picks over the 9th pick. Not that it matters all that much but it would be pretty fucking badass if we could make the transition (however it ultimately gets done) from the Dame/CJ era to whatever is next and is very likely going to get to contender status... all without missing the playoffs and keeping that streak intact.
I feel like I am increasingly outnumbered but I am still rooting for maximum losses this season. If we make the playin I would also prefer to lose.
If we end up making the play-in game, I'm not going to be greedy. I only want 1 win during the playoffs. All I ask is that 1 win be the last game we play this season.