NBA Franchises: Strategic Spectrum From Visionary to Stagnant - Episode Hero Image

NBA Franchises: Strategic Spectrum From Visionary to Stagnant

Hollinger & Duncan NBA Show - NBA Basketball Podcast · · Listen to Original Episode →
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TL;DR

  • The Toronto Raptors' post-Masai Ujiri era faces questions about ownership's willingness to spend into the luxury tax, potentially impacting their ambition and direction despite having smart personnel.
  • The Raptors' extension of Jakob Poeltl for $30 million annually at age 32, despite recent poor performance, signals a continued fascination with him and potential financial strain.
  • The Raptors' strategic moves, swapping Siakam for Ingram and Anunoby for Barrett/Quickley, resulted in a younger, less expensive roster but maintained a similar team profile from 2023.
  • The Raptors' organizational direction is characterized by a lack of clear vision, despite semi-competent execution of their existing strategies, leading to overpaying several players.
  • The LA Lakers' potential staffing changes under new ownership, Mark Walter, signal a move towards a more analytical approach, potentially shedding the insular power structure of previous leadership.
  • The Lakers' past financial constraints, exemplified by losing Alex Caruso due to mid-level exception concerns, highlight a history of being cheap in certain areas despite being a large market team.
  • The Lakers' current roster depth remains a significant weakness, largely due to the long-term financial and draft pick repercussions of the Russell Westbrook trade.
  • The Charlotte Hornets' offseason and draft moves, including acquiring four promising players, indicate a potential shift in vision, though the disastrous LaMelo Ball pick and the Rozier trade controversy cast shadows.
  • The Portland Trail Blazers' acquisition of Anfernee Simons and their willingness to bet on scouting beliefs, despite questionable moves like the Jerami Grant trade, demonstrate an aggressive but unfocused approach.
  • The Milwaukee Bucks' ability to retain key players and make aggressive moves like the Damian Lillard trade, while spending into the tax, has been successful in maximizing Giannis Antetokounmpo's prime.
  • The Phoenix Suns' organizational process under owner Mat Ishbia, including the hiring of Bradley Beal and the controversial extension of Devin Booker with a no-trade clause, suggests a continued struggle with long-term financial planning.
  • The Dallas Mavericks' organizational instability, with Patrick Dumont's decision-making influenced by whoever last spoke to him, creates an uncertain environment despite potential smart hires in basketball operations.
  • The Chicago Bulls' consistent lack of vision and poor trade acumen, exemplified by the Nikola Vucevic and DeMar DeRozan trades, have led to a stagnant organizational philosophy despite occasional talent identification.
  • The New Orleans Pelicans' organizational issues, including cheapness and questionable decision-making like the Jordan Poole trade, are compounded by a front office brain drain and a lack of clear direction.
  • The Sacramento Kings' organizational dysfunction, marked by Vivek Ranadivé's involvement and a revolving door of former players in front office roles, undermines any potential for consistent progress.

Deep Dive

The NBA's organizational landscape is characterized by a spectrum of strategic approaches, from aggressive asset management to a more cautious, often stagnant, status quo. While some franchises demonstrate adaptability and forward-thinking, others remain mired in past decisions or a lack of clear vision, impacting their long-term viability and competitive potential. This disparity highlights how effective leadership and strategic resource allocation are paramount to sustained success in the league.

The Toronto Raptors exemplify an organization grappling with an identity crisis post-championship and under new ownership. Despite possessing capable personnel, their approach is described as directionless, marked by extensions for players like Jakko Purgdle at significant cost and a perceived reluctance to spend into the luxury tax. Their recent trades, swapping established stars for younger, less expensive players, have resulted in a team similar in composition to their prior iteration but now significantly more costly. This suggests a failure to adapt their strategy to evolving team dynamics and financial realities, potentially leading to diminishing returns despite semi-competent execution of a flawed vision. The implication is that without a clear, ambitious direction, even competent operations can lead to a state of perpetual mediocrity.

The Los Angeles Lakers, conversely, appear poised for a potential resurgence driven by a recent ownership change. The acquisition of Mark Walter's group signals an infusion of capital and a likely increase in analytical investment, aiming to elevate the organization beyond its previous frugal tendencies. While credit is given for the Luka trade and handling of the LeBron situation, the team's depth remains a significant issue stemming from prior missteps like the Westbrook trade. The Lakers' situation indicates that substantial investment, coupled with a strategic shift towards data-driven decision-making, can rectify past operational shortcomings, but the lingering effects of previous poor choices will require time and careful management to overcome.

Further down the organizational rankings, teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers showcase distinct paths toward development. Charlotte’s recent draft and trades suggest a more proactive approach, acquiring assets like P.J. Washington and aiming to build around their young core. However, their overall effectiveness is questioned due to a lack of clear coaching vision and a history of significant injuries. Portland, while having made some astute moves like the Anfernee Simons acquisition and demonstrating strong scouting, is burdened by significant financial commitments and past questionable decisions, such as the Damian Lillard extension and the Drew Holiday trade. These cases illustrate that while tactical moves can be positive, a cohesive overarching strategy and efficient financial management are crucial for translating individual successes into sustainable organizational growth.

At the lower end, the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks represent organizations facing significant challenges, largely stemming from owner involvement and prior strategic blunders. Phoenix's recent positive trajectory is attributed to a coaching change and a more developmental approach, but the long-term implications of the Bradley Beal contract and the owner's continued direct involvement in basketball decisions remain concerning. Dallas, similarly, is described as unstable, with the owner's influence creating uncertainty. Their past dismantling of a championship-contending team around Luka Dončić highlights a profound strategic misjudgment. These examples underscore the critical impact of ownership on organizational stability and strategic coherence, suggesting that even without direct financial constraints, poor leadership can lead to systemic dysfunction.

The Chicago Bulls are characterized by a consistent lack of vision and scouting acumen, evidenced by a series of questionable trades and contract decisions. Their organizational philosophy appears to be one of inertia, marked by a reluctance to engage in impactful trades or strategic overhauls. This stagnation, coupled with a perceived inability to properly value assets, positions them for continued mediocrity. The implication is that a deeply ingrained, unchanging operational philosophy, even without overtly destructive moves, can prevent an organization from capitalizing on opportunities and adapting to league trends.

The New Orleans Pelicans, despite possessing some promising young talent like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, are hampered by significant organizational issues, including poor ownership, a lack of financial commitment, and a history of bewildering personnel decisions like the Jordan Poole trade. Their front office brain drain, with key personnel departing, further exacerbates their challenges. This situation suggests that while individual player development can be a positive, systemic organizational deficiencies, particularly regarding ownership and front office stability, can severely undermine a team's potential.

The Sacramento Kings are ranked at the bottom due to a combination of owner interference, questionable personnel decisions, and a lack of clear direction. The re-hiring of individuals with past ties to the organization and the signing of players like Dennis Schröder to long-term deals, while simultaneously trading away assets like Richaun Holmes, demonstrate a disconnect between stated goals and actual execution. This suggests a culture where sentimentality and short-sighted decisions override strategic long-term planning, leading to an inability to build a sustainable competitive advantage.

Action Items

  • Audit Toronto Raptors' organizational direction: Assess ambition and strategic clarity post-Masai Ujiri and ownership change to prevent aimlessness.
  • Evaluate Lakers' front office structure: Analyze the impact of new ownership on decision-making processes and potential for improved analytics adoption.
  • Analyze Charlotte Hornets' draft strategy: Review the effectiveness of recent draft picks (e.g., Mark Williams) and their alignment with long-term organizational goals.
  • Track Milwaukee Bucks' player development pipeline: Measure the success of organizational finds (e.g., AJ Green, Bobby Portis) against drafted talent to inform future scouting and development investments.
  • Measure Phoenix Suns' long-term financial viability: Calculate the impact of Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant's contracts on future cap flexibility and roster construction.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"I actually had these guys a little higher than 21 and we didn't get to them last episode the toronto raptors uh i feel like they're a little aimless right now but they're also not horrible uh and we'll see what they are in the post masai era obviously this is a franchise that completely took their eye off the ball once they won the championship there are maybe some questions about whether they're going to be cheap after the change of ownership uh they didn't want to pay masai ujiri what he was making i think was part of the deal um and are they going to be as willing to spend into the luxury tax as their previous overlords even though toronto is a huge market we'll see"

John argues that the Toronto Raptors currently appear aimless but are not a poor team, especially as they navigate the post-Masai Ujiri era. He raises concerns about potential cost-cutting measures following a change in ownership and questions their willingness to exceed the luxury tax threshold, despite Toronto being a significant market.

"and then they also moved on from anunoby and brought back barrett and quickly and barrett was already paid quickly got paid as well in a contract that agents will be citing for basically the rest of eternity for why their point guard deserves to get paid we're we've reached the point now where even guys who have absolutely no similarity of quickly whatsoever are like oh yeah i'm a point guard quickly yeah he should be getting paid right and you know you've done a bad deal when every agent uses your contract to try to get the deal for their guy a year later it's like oh yeah yeah when you and i renegotiate are you going to say that your your game is similar to quickly's exactly yeah the first guy quickly and purdle will be the first two guys that bring up"

John highlights the Toronto Raptors' acquisition of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, noting that Quickley's contract has become a benchmark for agents seeking higher pay for point guards. He points out that this deal has set a precedent, with agents now using Quickley's contract as leverage for their own clients, even those with dissimilar playing styles.

"but i think i mean number one you do have to give them credit for pulling off the luka trade even if it's not a conventional move by the analytically the analytically focused genius like there is a currency in having relationships and being able to capitalize on your trust run league which polinka did and also that they didn't do the oh what what are we going to do where we don't have a commitment from luka we can't make the deal there la they decided they could do that now they have that luxury but it's not like that never has come back to bite the lakers in the past it did with dwight howard when they couldn't extend him so and they got luka to sign on the dotted line i think they actually had a pretty good off season"

John credits the Los Angeles Lakers for executing the trade for Luka Dončić, acknowledging it as a non-traditional move that capitalized on relationships and trust within the league. He notes that the Lakers committed to the deal without a prior commitment from Dončić, a luxury that has not always worked in their favor, citing the Dwight Howard situation as an example.

"but i think i mean number one you do have to give them credit for pulling off the luka trade even if it's not a conventional move by the analytically the analytically focused genius like there is a currency in having relationships and being able to capitalize on your trust run league which polinka did and also that they didn't do the oh what what are we going to do where we don't have a commitment from luka we can't make the deal there la they decided they could do that now they have that luxury but it's not like that never has come back to bite the lakers in the past it did with dwight howard when they couldn't extend him so and they got luka to sign on the dotted line i think they actually had a pretty good off season"

John credits the Los Angeles Lakers for executing the trade for Luka Dončić, acknowledging it as a non-traditional move that capitalized on relationships and trust within the league. He notes that the Lakers committed to the deal without a prior commitment from Dončić, a luxury that has not always worked in their favor, citing the Dwight Howard situation as an example.

"i mean the biggest thing that's hurting them right now is kind of they they still are licking their wounds from previous mistakes the back end of the roster is still really bad and just because they've been so hamstrung the last couple years really since that westbrook trade for that i mean that one really set them back um and in terms of draft picks in terms of cap in terms of everything and even even finding austin reaves under the couch i mean it's still you still look at their depth picture is pretty bad true yeah and they don't other than him and and they also had this falling out with the younger buss brothers who actually deserve some credit it would seem with their operation they got frozen out and and they haven't had you know dalton connect is actually one of the i mean we talked about the 24 draft not having stars but there i i would say i still have hope for probably 25 of the 30 players in that first round and one of them i don't is connect"

John explains that the Lakers are still recovering from past errors, particularly the Russell Westbrook trade, which significantly hampered their draft picks and salary cap flexibility. He points out that despite finding players like Austin Reaves, the team's overall depth remains a significant issue, compounded by a strained relationship with the younger Buss brothers who contributed positively to the organization.

"but i think i would have them one spot above charlotte at least i would say and yeah yeah it's just been such a weird ride for them with janis that they just we haven't seen them in any other kind of mode and but i do think they're improving at capella university learning the right skills could make a difference that's why our business programs teach you relevant skills you can take from the course room to the workplace a different future is closer than you think with capella university learn more at capella edu fordsen said we make game day entertaining elevated and effortless whether you've ordered catering platters ahead from your local deli or create your own spread premium deli meats and cheeses you're sure to impress your guests with the very best fan favorites like oven gold turkey paired with our classic vermont cheddar are sure to score big game winning flavor in every bite fordsen committed to craft since 1905"

John suggests placing the Milwaukee Bucks one spot above Charlotte, attributing this to the unique circumstances surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo's tenure, which has prevented the team from operating in a different mode. He believes the Bucks are improving, referencing Capella University's business programs as an analogy for acquiring relevant skills for workplace success.

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • "Return of the Jedi" - Mentioned in relation to an April Fool's episode.

Articles & Papers

  • "Hollinger & Duncan NBA Show - NBA Basketball Podcast" (Podcast) - Mentioned as the name of the podcast.

People

  • Aaron Nesmith - Mentioned as part of the New Balance Hoops roster.
  • Austin Reaves - Mentioned as a player found by the Lakers.
  • Bobby Portis - Mentioned as a player the Bucks have a fetish for.
  • Bobby Webster - Mentioned as continuing the Raptors' path after Masai Ujiri.
  • Booker - Mentioned in relation to a contract extension.
  • Brad Stevens - Mentioned in relation to an April Fool's episode where he returned to coach in college.
  • Brandon Miller - Mentioned as a player inherited by the Charlotte Hornets.
  • Brodie - Mentioned in relation to a hypothetical trade scenario.
  • Bryson Graham - Mentioned as being in Atlanta's front office and previously with New Orleans.
  • Cam Brink - Mentioned as raising the bar for women's basketball and part of the New Balance Hoops roster.
  • Charles Lee - Mentioned as the coach of the Charlotte Hornets with a good pedigree.
  • Cooper Flagg - Mentioned as the newest NBA draft pick for New Balance Hoops.
  • Cody Williams - Mentioned in relation to a game where he scored 36 points.
  • Dalton Connect - Mentioned as a player the Lakers have hope for and a potential draft pick.
  • Danny Ainge - Mentioned as having a great track record and being with Utah.
  • Dario Saric - Mentioned in relation to a trade with Jonas Valanciunas.
  • David Griffin - Mentioned as being fired by the Pelicans and previously with New Orleans.
  • De'Aaron Fox - Mentioned in relation to a trade and being unhappy with the Kings.
  • Denny - Mentioned as having done an April Fool's episode in 2021.
  • Devin Booker - Mentioned in relation to a contract extension and being in his prime.
  • Donovan Mitchell - Mentioned in relation to Utah trading him.
  • Duren - Mentioned as a player the Suns have found.
  • Dwight Howard - Mentioned in relation to the Lakers being unable to extend him.
  • Gale Benson - Mentioned as hearing of Joe Dumars before.
  • George Hill - Mentioned as a signing by Scott Perry.
  • Giddey - Mentioned in relation to a trade involving Caruso.
  • Gor's - Mentioned in relation to Detroit's factor.
  • Goran Dragic - Mentioned as showing himself to be a pretty good coach.
  • Grant - Mentioned in relation to Portland trading him.
  • Grimes - Mentioned in relation to a trade for Hardaway.
  • Hardaway - Mentioned in relation to a trade for Grimes.
  • Harden - Mentioned in relation to a hypothetical trade scenario.
  • Herb Jones - Mentioned as a player the Pelicans are not interested in moving.
  • Ishbia - Mentioned as being directly involved in the Malawach pick and calling basketball shots.
  • Jalen Green - Mentioned as a player the Suns acquired and so far not producing.
  • Jalen Suggs - Mentioned as a player the Magic have.
  • Jaren Jackson Jr. - Mentioned as a player the Grizzlies have.
  • Jaylen Brown - Mentioned in relation to being pushed out.
  • Jeremy Lamb - Mentioned as no longer being in the Kings' front office.
  • Jody Allen - Mentioned as being in charge of the Blazers and causing uncertainty.
  • Joe Dumars - Mentioned as being enabled by Troy Weaver and having been heard of by Gail Benson.
  • John - Mentioned as a host of the podcast.
  • Jordan Goodwin - Mentioned as a player the Suns have found.
  • Jordan Ott - Mentioned as a good hire for the Phoenix Suns.
  • Jrue Holiday - Mentioned in relation to Portland's trade and trading him to Boston.
  • Julius Randle - Mentioned as a player the Knicks have.
  • Kawhi Leonard - Mentioned in relation to the Clippers potentially losing draft picks.
  • Kevin Durant - Mentioned in relation to the Suns trading him and getting nothing in return.
  • Kevin Porter Jr. - Mentioned as an inspired trade acquisition for the Bucks.
  • Kuzma - Mentioned in relation to the Bucks.
  • Lamelo Ball - Mentioned as being inherited by the Charlotte Hornets.
  • Langdon - Mentioned as having left the Pelicans' front office.
  • LeBron - Mentioned in relation to the Lakers and his situation.
  • Luka Doncic - Mentioned in relation to a trade and the Lakers' previous mistakes.
  • Malawach - Mentioned as a pick the Suns were hoping for.
  • Mark Cuban - Mentioned as part of the Mavericks' front office and having a seminal event that could cause change.
  • Mark Williams - Mentioned in relation to a trade with the Suns and Charlotte.
  • Mark Walter - Mentioned as coming into the Lakers and stepping up with analytics.
  • Masai Ujiri - Mentioned in relation to the Raptors and his contract.
  • Matisse Thybulle - Mentioned as a total waste of time acquisition for Portland.
  • Michael Finley - Mentioned as part of the Mavericks' front office.
  • Mike Brown - Mentioned as coaching the Knicks and being happy about his current situation.
  • Murray Baile - Mentioned as a pick the Raptors have.
  • Nate - Mentioned as a host of the podcast.
  • Nico Harrison - Mentioned as having a smart demeanor and being the former GM of the Mavericks.
  • O.B.I.A. - Mentioned as a brilliant move by Portland.
  • O.G. Anunoby - Mentioned in relation to the Raptors moving on from him.
  • Pascal Siakam - Mentioned in relation to the Raptors swapping him for Ingram.
  • Patty Mills - Mentioned in relation to a hypothetical trade scenario.
  • Patrick Beverley - Mentioned in relation to a hypothetical trade scenario.
  • Patrick Patrick - Mentioned in relation to a hypothetical trade scenario.
  • Patrick Williams - Mentioned in relation to a $90 million contract.
  • Paul George - Mentioned in relation to the Clippers.
  • Pelicans - Mentioned in relation to their ownership and organization.
  • P.J. Washington - Mentioned in relation to a trade by the Charlotte Hornets.
  • Poeltl - Mentioned in relation to the Raptors extending him.
  • Porter Jr. - Mentioned in relation to the Bucks.
  • Rambai - Mentioned in relation to the Lakers' insular power structure.
  • Richard - Mentioned in relation to the Suns.
  • Rob Pelinka - Mentioned as having gotten better at GMing for the Lakers.
  • Robert Covington - Mentioned in relation to a hypothetical trade scenario.
  • Rui Hachimura - Mentioned in relation to the Lakers.
  • Ryan Nemhard - Mentioned as being acquired by the Mavericks.
  • Ryan Rollins - Mentioned as a fantastic acquisition for the Bucks.
  • Sabonis - Mentioned in relation to the Kings.
  • Salomon - Mentioned as a horrible pick by the Charlotte Hornets.
  • Scott Perry - Mentioned as having a vision for the Kings and being hired.
  • Scottie Barnes - Mentioned as potentially being worth his max contract.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Mentioned as being acquired by the Spurs and looking solid.
  • Sharpe - Mentioned in relation to the Blazers.
  • Suns - Mentioned in relation to their organization.
  • Tari Eason - Mentioned as a player the Rockets have.
  • Tatum - Mentioned in relation to the Celtics.
  • Trey Murphy - Mentioned as a player the Pelicans are not interested in moving.
  • Turner - Mentioned in relation to the Bucks' deal.
  • Tyrese Maxey - Mentioned as part of the New Balance Hoops roster.
  • Vlade Divac - Mentioned in relation to Scott Perry and the Kings.
  • Vucevic - Mentioned in relation to a trade for Carter and Wagner.
  • Wemby - Mentioned in relation to the Spurs and their potential to win without him.
  • Westbrook - Mentioned in relation to a trade that set the Lakers back.
  • Zach LaVine - Mentioned as part of the New Balance Hoops roster.
  • Zion - Mentioned in relation to the Pelicans.

Organizations & Institutions

  • Atlanta Hawks - Mentioned in relation to their front office and a trade.
  • Boston Celtics - Mentioned in relation to trading Jrue Holiday to them.
  • Brooklyn Nets - Mentioned as continuing a gentle decline.
  • Charlotte Hornets - Mentioned as a rebuilding team with good draft picks.
  • Chicago Bulls - Mentioned as having no vision and poor scouting acumen.
  • Cleveland Cavaliers - Mentioned as a solid group.
  • Dallas Mavericks - Mentioned as having a shocking change in direction.
  • Detroit Pistons - Mentioned as a riser in the rankings.
  • Golden State Warriors - Mentioned as potentially being overrated.
  • Houston Rockets - Mentioned as a big riser in the rankings.
  • Indiana Pacers - Mentioned as an underrated organization.
  • LA Lakers - Mentioned in relation to an ownership change and staffing up.
  • Memphis Grizzlies - Mentioned as sliding down in the rankings.
  • Miami Heat - Mentioned in relation to "Heat Culture."
  • Milwaukee Bucks - Mentioned as having been able to do some stuff and willing to spend into the tax.
  • Minnesota Timberwolves - Mentioned as a riser due to the departure of Glen Taylor.
  • New Balance Hoops - Mentioned as changing the game with a roster built for the future.
  • New Orleans Pelicans - Mentioned as a joke organization and a big faller in the rankings.
  • New York Knicks - Mentioned as a solid group.
  • Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) - Mentioned as the easiest to rank and number one.
  • Orlando Magic - Mentioned as slowly rising.
  • Philadelphia 76ers (Philly) - Mentioned as having the potential to be anywhere from five to twenty and underrated.
  • Phoenix Suns - Mentioned as having a good last six months but a rough long-term picture.
  • Portland Trail Blazers - Mentioned as "Portland West" and having

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