02-06-2026, 01:06 AM
(02-05-2026, 04:12 PM)mvossman Wrote: If they get to 10 then they have to give up an unprotected first in the future. As somebody mentioned, that protection is probably for Clippers. Indy will likely continue to tank for 1-4.
Its riskier for them to do that, because if any of the 5-14 teams move up, they move down. In fact, its more likely they lose the pick if they go for a top 1-4 (52%) vs. going for 10.
10 is guaranteed safe (100%) with small upside (14% at top 4). vs. if they tank for 1-4, they have a 52% chance at keeping the pick at all.
Obviously this is really simple math and in actuality the percentages are a little bit different. But the sentiment is the same. They should flat out try and win games now and give up the unprotected pick in 2031. Mostly because if they keep this lotto pick, they have a very good core still with Hali+Siakam+Lotto pick+Nembhard+Zubac. That unprotected pick may be in the mid teens at the worst.
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