If Harden is traded soon how good or bad is this team at that point? Tucker would probably be gone also. There seems to be a lot of questions that will be answered after these two games. Personally I would go all in and shed salary and veterans. But with Mr. Landry owner during a pandemic does he want to rebuild right? What an absolute messed up situation all around.
The problem is, being really bad isn't as beneficial to winning a top spot as it used to be. They could bottom out and fall short of the top 4 or just miss the playoffs and get a stroke of luck. But yeah, if they are in the lottery, they really only keep that pick if they get in the top 4.
The risk is high. The odds for bottom 3 team to get top 4 pick are identical: 52.1%. I think we're in a good position to fight for bottom 3 at this point (Wizards, Twolves and Pistons are the main competitors). But even if we manage to get to bottom 3 of the league, we still have about 50% of the chance to lose that pick to the Thunders (they'll swap the Heat pick with us). But if we don't tank, we're not going to make the playoffs unless we get a really good return from the Harden's trade. We'll get the Heat pick anyway. I guess it feels less bad getting a 8 - 12th pick swapped than a 5th pick swapped? At this point, I would say go for it. It's a perfect season for tanking. No fans in the arena, won't be competitive for playoffs, no young players that we want to avoid them developing the habit of losing (I think this is overestimated anyway). The only thing is that it's bad for coach Silas, but I guess he'll understand as he's kind of already been through it with the Mavs. If we get a top 4 pick, that's great, if not, so be it, nothing much to lose either.
Is Tilman penny pinching with the scouting department too? Some of these organizations like the Pistons, Wizards, Wolves, and Bulls have been terrible for years and have perfected the art of being sh*tty. They have way more experience in that department. most likely outcome is that the Rockets finish in the 9-13 range of the lottery and swap with OKC’s pick that they own from the Heat...
If Harden. Also Tucker and/or Gordon are gone. Then you’re depending on health from Wall and Cousins. It could be a long season with pins and needles at the end on actually keeping the pick. Good times lol
