It was NOT supposed to happen like this. Brad Stevens was NOT supposed to coach Boston's replacements like he's the second coming of Phil Jackson. Rookies Michael Carter-Williams and Victor Oladipo were never expected to have something such as a triple-double standoff *. Nobody would've though Eric Bledsoe was a leader of men, on top of being a ridiculously talented player. If the 2014 NBA happened tomorrow, rather unlikely teams would get first dibbs on the exceptional crop of players available, despite that several teams are making a conscious effort at sucking. Let's examine who are the champions of deliberate losing so far.
Utah Jazz (4-19)
Despite having Trey Burke coming back from his injury and proving his summer league haters wrong, Utah keeps losing. They seem to have found a successful method to systematic sucking. As long as you keep running pick n' pop like this with Enes Kanter **, you have a chance at the no.1 pick next summer. Giving the antediluvian Richard Jefferson an obscene amount of minutes every night will also help you get there. At least, Utah motivations couldn't be anymore clear. They are going ball's out on this.
How to stay on track: They are doing a magnificent job, so far. I say keep alienating Gordon Hayward by giving his minutes to Jefferson and maybe trade him before he leaves you next summer. After all, Utah's in this for a small forward.
Milwaukee Bucks (5-16)
Nobody in Milwaukee wants to tank, but it might be for their own good. In fact, they're not tanking, they're just sucking but they should keep going at it. The Bucks had the most random free agent signings last off-season next to the Knicks and both are in the bottom five. Surprising? I don't think so. You have to have a coherent line-up in the NBA and nothing about the Bucks makes sense. They're like pieces that don't belong to the same puzzle. I say suffer it only for a year, though. If they suck bad enough, it'll all be worth it in June.
How to stay on track: Keep benching the Greek Freak and the Wolters kid like idiots. Keep Larry Sanders stashed up for a little longer too. John Henson is a great young player, but he cannot do it all by himself.
New York Knicks (5-15)
Sigh. We went over this already *part of Nerd dies*. But you know what? Whoever finishes lowest between New York and Denver has to send its first round pick to freakin' ORLANDO, BECAUSE OF THE DWIGHT HOWARD TRADE. It's been over a year already and Dwight is the gift that keeps on giving his old team. Rob Hennigan might've traded Dwight for an NBA championship in 2017 or so. Right now the Knicks are helping them stockpile another two superstars for their trouble. Hey, I like Orlando too.
How to stay on track: Keep listening to whatever James Dolan is saying.
Orlando Magic (6-15)
That's right, the Orlando Magic run the chance of having TWO top five picks in the best draft of the decade. Thank YOU Dwight Howard for making it rain championship assets. Orlando is in a great position right now. They're losing, but they have a lineup full of kids, working their asses off game after game, they have Victor Oladipo being a one-man show and they have a world of goodies to look forward to. The Dwight Howard trade will forever be remembered as the sneakiest trade in NBA history.
How to stay on track: Trade the spare parts for fifty cents on the dollar. Trade Aaron Afflalo to a fringe contender, so you can make sure to finish in the bottom and rack up a third pick. Why not?
Sacramento Kings (6-13)
I don't believe the Kings are bound to a top 5 pick now that they acquired Rudy Gay and Derrick Williams. They might not be playoff-bound either, but they will improve. The fifth spot if kind of up for grabs and may very well go to an Eastern team. Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Toronto should battle savagely for a top pick in this draft. I expect the Raptors to be in this spot by the end of the year.
How to stay on track: Nothing. The Kings will land outside the top 10 for the draft.
* how badass does it sound? Triple-double standoff. Rolls right off your tongue.
** Not the only occurrence. Happened at least three times this season.
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