There have been some good discussions here in the past that presented a number of potential changes to the draft that would minimize tanking while still allowing all teams equal chances at getting better through said draft. The idea that the only way for small market teams to improve is through the draft is not true. Sacramento stands as a prime example. Had Webber not collapsed that night in Dallas we would have most likely won the NBA Championship and it would have been done primarily through trades and one key free agent signing (thanks again, Vlade!)
If a draft system cannot be fair, it needs to be eliminated. The idea that HUGE market teams are now driving Shermans through their season repeatedly is more disruptive to the game than at least looking at making such actions prohibited. Personally, I think the draft order should be set at the midpoint of the season. At least that way we'd see 40 or so legitimate games as teams would have no reason to tank after their draft position was determined. And that's just one idea off the top of my head that would take away the post New Year diving contests currently being conducted.
What's going on right now is not fair to the fan who pays way too much good money to see one or two games. They aren't concerned about what happens in the future. They go to see a game and to root for their team to win. The mere fact that's been bastardized by teams forgetting what their real purpose is confounds me. Season ticket holders aren't paying thousands of dollars a year to watch the franchise star "rest" on the sidelines.
There is no doubt that tht team was build via trade but if we trace back the assets, they originate from the draft. We got Richmond because Don Nelson had one of his brain fades and traded an all-star for Owen (pick 3). Mitch eventually was traded for Webber.
We drafted Williamson and traded him for Christie. We drafted Peja, Hedo, Williams who later were used to bring in the likes of Bibby, Miller, Artest.
While trading is super important for a small market team, the way you get the assets to trade really originate from the draft. Sacramento has never been a big free agency attraction except in the days where we were genuine contenders where veterans signed on for cheap as they are now doing with Houston, Warriors et al.
Making the draft count, means not only do you aquire talent but also potential trade currency. If you keep wasting your picks, then you have no curency and you are in constant cycle in the gutter.
I still believe that the cheapest way to build for a small amrket team especially is via a draft. Once you get lucky with a couple of franchise players and young basketball operations side of franchise is in a good position, it makes your life easier. It is cheaper to draft a franchise player than it is to draft one not only in terms of money but also trade assets.
SA have been the absolute masters of this. They lucked into Duncan which obviously made life easier for them but they still used late 1st round pick to draft Parker and pick 59 to draft Manu. That made thier life easier for a while because they were able to use draft picks to draft players who fit their system, play those players while they are on their rookie deals and then trade them to maximize on their value because re-signing them would mean spending money that would jeopardize the franchise’s ability to contend. Beno, Hill, are clear examples of this. SA used those players to load up on picks and draft again, even identifying potential franchise players (Leonard).
Once you get your franchise pillars via the draft, the job becomes easier because you are then trading and drafting and signing FA for a specific need.
SA tanked when Robinson was injured and it got them Duncan (they didn’t have the worst record that year BTW...hello Boston) but the fortunes of the whole franchise changed with one tank job done well.
