As it stands, the Pels have the 8th pick. I see a few objectives for the team to go and maximize success short and long term. Of course, luck and chance always play a huge role and that is hard to account for in any analysis. Regardless, the Pels are positioned better than they ever have been to make a run.
Here are a few objectives ranked in order to achieve dynastic excellence.
- Internal improvement. Brandon, Zion, Trey, and Herb improving their games. Facilitating, off-ball movement, and handling are musts for them. They are the cornerstones and ultimately decide the fate of the franchise.
- Continue to add youth to the pipeline. We are in a unique position where we don?t have to worry about the now with our pick. Being in the 8th position is a great value spot. We can have the young player(s) develop and hone key skills with an assistant and trainers whether that is the G-League or the end of the bench with no pressure of being relied on. There will come a time where you will have to pay guys (if everything works out), and having cheap, young talent is the key to sustainability.
- Build and sustain culture. I hate this word, but it rings true. You build a sustainable, winning, and personable program, and the media and players will begin singing praises rather than giving the team the boot out of the boot. Unfortunately, stigmas greatly sway perception and having a perception of a Spurs or Warriors-like culture of sustainability will allow the roster to work and improve, whereas the Sacramento's of the world are floundering.
I think of building a team for long term success like building a prediction model. Having proven and consistent data points with a large sample size establishes significance. Right now, we have good data (playoffs, young talent) but the sample size is low. Continuously proving that we develop young players, a player-friendly culture, and proof of organizational competence are key.
Curious as to what yall think, disagree or agree. Or anything else that is important to short and long-term success.