Doug Smith, who I respect, unlike some RR citizens, made a comment in his blog where he disagreed to a suggestion about changing the ping pong ball distribution. "...And since the draft is arguably the smallest part of building a successful team, I don’t know that anything has to change." http://thestar.blogs.com/raptors/
Just wondered about peoples perception of that. As I recall, in the past he has pointed to the continuing success of some franchises as an indication that good management and team culture are more important (good teams get crappy picks, but continue to be good). good coaches tend to have good results from teams that play hard and properly.
Given how picking up a super-star in the draft will generally improve team results the very next season. And two good picks in a row definitely move you out of lottery territory, hard to argue with him. Just wondered about others thoughts.
I think that Bryco's "Hit the ground running" mantra for next season supports Doug's assertion. They had a bad year, got a good pick, managed to get a little relief by not having their pick play for them this year so they get a bonus good pick this spring, and then it's all about management making the right moves, and coach creating the right culture as they grow together over the next two - three years.
Just wondered about peoples perception of that. As I recall, in the past he has pointed to the continuing success of some franchises as an indication that good management and team culture are more important (good teams get crappy picks, but continue to be good). good coaches tend to have good results from teams that play hard and properly.
Given how picking up a super-star in the draft will generally improve team results the very next season. And two good picks in a row definitely move you out of lottery territory, hard to argue with him. Just wondered about others thoughts.
I think that Bryco's "Hit the ground running" mantra for next season supports Doug's assertion. They had a bad year, got a good pick, managed to get a little relief by not having their pick play for them this year so they get a bonus good pick this spring, and then it's all about management making the right moves, and coach creating the right culture as they grow together over the next two - three years.
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