Playoffs vs. the future

[Tactical unit]

Fair enough, I can't really argue with a top 12 pick not being good for the long term but I also think there is plenty of value in going to the playoffs.

[mjs34]

I have no doubt that I would go for the PO's. Anything can happen next season, and could derail our plans. For a fan of the wolves, our injury history, the unexpected death of Sealy, etc..

I also don't think the 12th pick will be the asset that puts us over the top. That incoming vet salary could be used instead to pickup a FA. I have never been a big fan of using our first rounders for vets for the simple reason that we lose years of control over a player at a likely smaller salary. If we keep our pick, I use it on a young guy.

I think gettting to PO's would be a huge confidence builder for the young guys, regardless of how they fare. I think it would be beneficial to have KG to help them prepare for that as well. KG may be gone next season, and that could be a huge stumbling block for them when taking that step.

[thedoper]

Yeah we want progress. There comes a time when you have to start focusing on trades and free agents as essential parts of building a team. We are ready to start growing up as far as I see it.

[Coolbreeze44]

I can't see some of these Western conference teams struggling for much longer (except New Orleans), so I still think the playoffs are a long shot. But I fully expect us to be a very improved team by the end of the year, so who knows? If we make the playoffs, great. If not, I can live with that for one more year too.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

No more top 5 picks, I want a playoff appearance too, this team needs it, even if it's an ass whopping by GS. I'd be happy to watch that.

[Phenom]

I want playoffs because it would mean great things for the handful of players that raised their games to get the team there. If the Wolves do make it, it would be largely due to Wig, Ricky, Towns and maybe one other becoming legit stars. We should all want to see that now vs another offseason of maybes and what ifs.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I'll take an ass-beating in the playoffs as an 8th seed plus signing Nic Batum (or insert another helpful free agent signing) to help us get to another level over tanking out another season and adding another hopeful rotation player. That level of respect around the league and players can't be found when you're in the lottery year after year. Not to mention losing in the playoffs usually gives the top players on the team more motivation to get better. KD and Russ got killed in the playoffs before they took off. Failure can assist growth.

[worldK]

Good discussion here on the topic. Im all in for going for a playoff berth if it is within reach. We have our core to build around in place( Wig, KAT, Rubio, Lavine). It can only be better for them if they start learning how to win games and play in games that matters. It can only help and accelerate their development.

As others mentioned already, we can sign a top notch free agent next off season and we have young and moveable pieces on the team outside of the core group that can be used in trades.

[bleedspeed]

I am for making the playoffs as long as Wiggins, Towns, and LaVine are leading the charge to get there. I don't see a senario where anyone else can do it, but I think Flip built last years team with the thought that Rubio/Martin/Young/Pek could get him there while he developed Wiggins, LaVine, and Shabazz.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

Fun Philly facts as we love to pick on them:

Okafor 33.5 mins. 48% FG, 63% FT 7.5 REB 1.7 BLK 3 TRN
Big KAT 29.6 mins .50 FG, 90% FT 10.7 REB, 2.4 BLK, 2.3 TRN

Small sample size, but I love it. Okafor and Noel-0 3 pt attempts this year, maybe the best stat of all.