Teams that consistently bottom out for draft picks usually stay at the bottom because they don't realize the value of surrounding those young guys with veterans to help with their development.

That's why I said. "a team like Portland." Portland isn['t a consistent loser. Small markets can try to surround their best players with decent talent. But it's really a losing battle. You'll keep them just long enough to make a few playoff runs. Once your core breaks up... like Aldridge leaving. You're other players won't be bad enough to guarantee you a Top 5 pick. You'll be continually in limbo. Unless you have a Pop whose a friggin' genius or you get superstar player (Kawhi) willing to take a chance. It's not just the talent you attract on the court. There's all sorts of factors that lead to how your team is put together. So I don't blame a team for taking a one year "dive."

/r/nba Thread Parent