I get it - you always root for your team to win. But that doesnt mean you ignore the benefits of them losing. This isnt a thread to lay out which is better or worse, who is a true fan and who isnt. Just a place to list the pros of making the Playoffs and the pros if the Pelicans don't
Make the Playoffs
- Playoffs experience for guys who have none
- At least two home playoff games, leading to millions of revenue that in theory could increase future budgets
- Experience for Willie, somebody who is not great with adjustments. He will get a crash course in the playoffs
- Small, small chance Zion plays
- Perhaps increase team legitimacy around the league and/or to Zion
Lose in the Play-In
- Additional 9.41% chance at a top-4 pick. Could get that AND get the 9th pick from LA. Franchise changing.
- Retain the Bucks 2025 unprotected 1st if ours doesnt jump into the top 4. And yes, they will probably still be good but who thought the Lakers would be awful in 2022? Who could have ever predicted in 2017 or 2018 that the Warriors would get the #2 overall pick in 2020?
- A fire in the belly that comes from coming close but not making it.
- No risk of additional injury and/or mounted pressure to play Zion. Possibility of fracturing that relationship even more.
What did I miss? Again, one thing is not great and the other thing bad. Both things can help this franchise. I, personally, will be rooting for a blowout of the Spurs followed by a narrow defeat at LA. But I will have no sadness if they make the playoffs.