FanPost

Whose Gonna Be Worse Than The Nets Next Year?


Yes I know the lottery just happened, and we have no idea how the offseason will play out, but I'm already getting hype for next years class. Headlined by a big three of Harry Giles, Josh Jackson and Jason Tatum, all three have superstar potential and would likely have gone number 1 in this years draft. With the Lakers and 76ers primed to finally get out of the cellar, are the Nets in the poll position to get the a top pick?!?!?

Its certainly possible the Nets will be the worst team in the league next year. They have zero draft picks and a roster void of talent outside their starting front court. Yes they got a spurs guy in the front office, but that can only go so far in one year. If the NBA was a league where every team was incentivized to win, the Nets would be the clear favorite for the top pick.

Unfortunately however, with a strong draft class coming in, teams miles away from contention may decided to Hinkie (my new word for tanking, the dude deserves it) and self sabotage to ensure futility. From my quick league wide scan I've identified a few surprise teams that may turn to the dark side and bottom out next year.

We probably should, but I don't know:

Phoenix

If the Suns trade Bledsoe, which they should, they would immediately assume the poll position in next years draft. It would make a lot of sense for them to suck for one more year. As much as I want Okafor for the Celtics, if the Suns offer the 76ers Bledsoe for Okafor who says no? Devin Booker, Brandon Knight and whoever they pick at 4 is a solid young core to build around, espicially when you throw a top pick next year and the haul from Bledsoe into the mix.

Memphis

If the Grizzles don't get Conley back, they don't even have to worry about tanking, they will just suck. Realistically they should cash out now by trading Gasol and zbo. At their best this grizzles team couldn't even get out of the second round. Oh and did I mention their first round pick is protected 1-5....nuff said

Ehh maybe if we don't get a free agent:

Chicago

If they Bulls decide to trade away Jimmy Butler and D Rose, they too will be in a prime position to tank. They did just bring in a new coach, maybe they decide to knock everything down and build a team that can play the way Hoiberg wants. With the east getting better and deeper, don't be surprised if the Bulls flip the script for a year.

Dallas

Cuban already stated, he will not start the rebuild until Dirk retires, but damn, if there was ever a golden opportunity for the Mavericks to tank, it would be this year. If he changes his mind and trades away Dirk and Wesley Mathews (doubtful) they're roster would challenge for the worst in the league. It's a tough choice, Carlisle's a great coach and they could do the free agent thing and fight for another low seed, but if I was in charge, the Mavs would win 15 games next year.

Washington

The Wizards have a bonafide stud in John Wall, but he's been there a while now, and they really haven't gotten any better. They don't have much talent on the roster outside of him and Beal, so if they were to trade away Wall they would almost certainly be one of the worst teams in the league. John Wall and Gortat for pick 1 and nerlens?

Crossroads time:

Houston

James Harden is a bad teammate. He's also one of the most gifted scorers on Earth. Again it's another tough decision, but it may be something the Houston front office needs to consider. They could let Howard walk and trade Harden to the Lakers for pick 2 and deangelo.

Clippers

Coming off a very ugly injury riddled season, the Clippers are in a dangerous place. Both CP3 and Blake Griffin are on the last year of their deals and can walk next year. They have both been injury prone over their careers and time will only make that worse. LA could seriously kickstart a rebuild by trading away those two guys and building around deandre and the massive haul they receive.

Honorable Mention:

Kings and Pacers.

Kings don't have their pick and I doubt Larry will trade a top 8 player in Paul George.

What do you guys think? Any teams I didn't think of?

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