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The NBA has a problem with prioritizing talent over availability. Teams are often obsessed with retaining their star players and keeping them happy, losing sight of the ultimate goal of winning. The Miami Heat's playoff run in 2023 serves as a prime example of this issue. They had a team comprised of undrafted and buyout players who made it to the Finals, beating top-seeded teams. The Heat's success showcased that the perception of talent is not always objective.
Undrafted players like Gabe Vincent and Max Strus played crucial roles in the Finals, despite not being household names. Their salaries were significantly lower than star players like Bradley Beal, yet they performed exceptionally well. The Heat's ability to maximize the potential of their roster demonstrated what can be achieved when players have something to prove.
Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry exemplified the dedication and sacrifice required to win. Lowry's gritty play in the Finals, despite sometimes resorting to rough tactics, was necessary for the team's success. It is speculated that Butler played through injury during the playoffs, which impacted his performance. The Miami Heat and their coach, Eric Spoelstra, should be commended for their achievements, and other general managers should learn from their approach.
Moving on to the Phoenix Suns, their recent acquisition of Bradley Beal raises concerns. Beal's high salary surpasses that of established stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. With three players who believe they deserve priority on the team, conflicts of interest are likely to arise. This situation resembles what happened with the Brooklyn Nets, where individual talent overshadowed a sense of teamwork. Moreover, the Suns' payroll will be significantly constrained, leaving little room to sign or retain role players.
Teams often make the mistake of signing players based on their peak performance without considering their overall availability and consistency. Supermax contracts are frequently given to players who may not justify such large investments when evaluated objectively. This leads to financial constraints and hampers a team's ability to build a balanced roster. Players like Damian Lillard and Beal should reflect on whether their contracts hinder their team's progress.
The example of Jalen Brown and his potential supermax contract with the Boston Celtics highlights the impracticality of such deals. While Brown is a great player, he is not among the best in the league and cannot command a supermax contract. The Celtics may choose to trade him to a team that can offer him that contract while avoiding the financial burden.
Zion Williamson's situation with the New Orleans Pelicans is also problematic. Despite being considered a top player, his availability is severely limited due to injuries. The organization should prioritize cohesiveness and trust among the team, potentially considering trading Zion for a player who is committed to the team and can contribute consistently.
In conclusion, the NBA's emphasis on talent over availability poses challenges for teams. The focus should shift towards building balanced rosters and prioritizing teamwork. Deluding oneself or others, as exemplified by the comments of Pat Beverley and Karl-Anthony Towns, hinders progress and creates a distorted reality. It is essential for teams to evaluate players holistically and ensure their contracts align with their overall contributions.
24 июл 2024
