Is there a point where we try to position ourselves in the draft too get another piece? Some of the top prospects could work out well for us. Ron Holland could be the wing we need, or we could leverage the pick for a trade. Ja coming back will give us some wins but it might put us in the awkward range that we’re out of the top part of the draft and a fringe play in team and maybe have too play the nuggets in the first round.
I don’t see the team tanking or “positioning ourselves in the draft,” as you put it. We may get a little more experimental with lineups and playing younger players like GG more, but honestly the flattening of the lottery odds has made it’s much less advantageous to deliberately lose. Plus the basketball gods reward trying.
If we get to the point that we mathematically cannot qualify for the play-in, then sure. Rest some guys and focus on finding out who can and cannot be quality contributors to our future success. Until then, why can’t we make a run? The Heat made the finals as an 8 seed and the Lakers went to the WCF as a 7 seed. No reason we couldn’t do the same if we get a chance.