Philadelphia 76ers and 5 Teams in NBA Playoff Hunt Better Off in Lottery
The 2010-2011 NBA Playoffs are approaching and those in the playoff picture are preparing for the post-season.
But some teams may be hurting themselves by going to playoffs; yeah they would be extending their season and potentially making a name for themselves, but how many times does an 8th seed or even a 7th seed go far in the post-season?
Teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, and Charlotte Bobcats might actually benefit from not making the playoffs and instead preparing for next year's season; with this, these teams can potentially acquire a better draft pick and prepare for a better season in the future in exchange for a mediocre season.
This is a slideshow dedicated to those teams, the teams that will end up being better off, not making the playoffs. In this slideshow I will be listing ten teams in the playoff hunt that would be better off in the lottery.
Hope you enjoy and as always feel free to comment afterwards!
5. Charlotte Bobcats
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Letting go of Gerald Wallace was as sure a sign as any that the Bobcats chose to re-build for the future and give up on this year's playoffs.
This was a very bold move by the Bobcats considering they were right there in the playoff picture, but now they are sitting in the 9th spot, right behind the Pacers, and if they are smart they will stay there.
For the Bobcats, the difference from making the playoffs and sitting out is comparable from working as a waitress for four years and going to college for four years; the waitress may receive some money in the short run, but going to college has gives one the opportunity to succeed in the future, not necessarily present.
If the Bobcats were to stay out of the playoff picture, they would have a better chance in the lottery and with the decent players they already have, the Bobcats would be one good draft pick away from being a playoff team in the near future.
4. Utah Jazz
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The acquiring of Devin Harris was an obvious marking of a new era of Jazz basketball. If the Jazz are smart, they will play the season out and hopefully sit out the playoffs.
Considering the Jazz are in the 9th seed in the West, realistically they could make the playoffs as the 8th or 7th seed at most and even if that were to happen, they would have to play either the Lakers, Spurs, or Mavericks, which isn't someone they want to face off in a 7-game series.
The frustration with the Jazz is the fact that they are more than capable of being a playoff team, but the letting go of Williams was just at an impossible time for the Jazz to truly adjust. For this reason the Jazz should look forward to next season, starting a new era of basketball revolved around Harris.
With every team that doesn't make the playoffs, the chances of getting a good draft pick are only increased that much more and though the Jazz are a borderline playoff team, they still have a better chance than if they were to make the playoffs.
All in all the Jazz would be better off sitting out of the playoffs and taking their chances on the lottery; they would avoid a potential shutout and they could focus on re-building a potentially good team back into a playoff contender.
3. Indiana Pacers
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The Pacers have a bright future with the young core group of guys they have, with Granger, Hibbert, Collison, and Hasnbrough.
Sadly, they aren't quite experienced enough to take on a powerhouse in the East for a title just quite yet. That is why they would be better off not making it to the playoffs this year, even if they are the 8th seed right now.
It sounds like a loser mentality, but a team that is not capable of winning or going far in the playoffs this year is better off resting up for next year, avoiding a potential blowout, and also getting better chances on a good lottery pick.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
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It's sad to say this, but the Grizzlies have once again proven that they aren't ready for the big leagues yet. This is the team that has one of the most talented teams in the league right? Yeah, I thought so.
Well it doesn't matter at all how talented you are unless you prove that your worthy enough to viable playoff contenders and the Grizzlies just haven't done that, at least yet.
The Grizzlies are currently the 8th seed in the West and if they were to continue their average performances, they would indeed make the playoffs, but it's obvious that this team wouldn't be ready to face a Spurs team, or Lakers team in a 7-game series just yet.
With the now somewhat experienced starting five, the Grizzlies just need more time and a good lottery pick to become potential playoff contenders. That's why they would be better off not making the playoffs, but if you Grizzly fans want to see a spark of a playoff series even if they lost, I suggest the nearest and best cemetery in Memphis.
1. Philadelphia 76ers
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Yes, 76er fans, it's that time of year again; the time when the men are separated from boys, sadly this must be said, "your better off not making the playoffs guys."
With one of the more pleasant surprises in the NBA this year, the 76ers have proven themselves as a more than decent team, at times.
The 76ers obviously have potential and talent, but they aren't quite good enough to be taken completely serious in the playoffs, but this doesn't mean that they won't be in the near future.
All the 76ers need is more experience and it would definitely help to get a good lottery pick, preferably a big man to help balance their team.
The 76ers are most definitely better off not making the playoffs and even though they could make the playoffs, a one n' out just wouldn't be worth it for the 76ers.
