The NBA has seen a number of roster-related bombshells that have changed the fates of multiple teams since 2020. From the blunders in Charlotte to the catastrophes in Chicago, teams and localities have erred seriously. These mistakes have resulted in them hamstringing their immediate success and long-term potential. This piece explores the top blunders committed by each of the 30 NBA franchises. It details the ways these pierce decisions created their present day inequitable position and fostered their future optimistic potential.
Charlotte Hornets and the Hayward Contract
Everyone knows the Charlotte Hornets made a stylish blunder when they signed Gordon Hayward. In 2020, they gave him a four-year, $120 million contract. The move sent shockwaves through the league, as it allowed them to shore up their roster and take a big swing in free agency. It soon became clear that this investment was not going to produce the outcomes sought.
Hayward’s contract was a serious red flag. It beat all the contracts agreed upon by other notable free agents such as Paul George and Fred VanVleet, despite the fact that neither of them changed clubs for additional funds. Despite the hope that Hayward would elevate the franchise, his injury history and inconsistent performance have left the Hornets struggling to compete effectively in the Eastern Conference.
Even with this painful decision, the Hornets are still stuck in the noodle of mediocrity, judging the management’s wisdom but the fans are wondering. Investing in Hayward hasn’t produced the playoff runs everybody had dreamed of. This decision marks one of the most egregious federal miscalculations.
Utah Jazz’s Missed Trade Opportunities
The Utah Jazz had plenty of their own kryptonite to deal with, but none was more prevalent than Lauri Markkanen. The franchise’s most grievous error was not trading him at a time when his value has never been higher. Markkanen emerged this past season as a true stretch four with superstar potential. Yet, the Jazz were reluctant to make the necessary trades that would’ve helped round out their lot roster.
As a direct product of this uncertainty, the Jazz now find themselves in 15th place in the Western Conference. The team’s management has come under fire for not making bold moves to turn their fortunes around. Though they can’t trade him now, the failure to recognize this opportunity was a major blunder that might have set the terms for the team’s future.
With the Jazz now regarded as cellar dwellers, fans are left wondering what could have been if management had acted decisively. The failure to act in mission-critical moments has led to a much-deteriorated roster. Now, it can’t even remotely compete at a high level.
Spurs and the Draft Debacle
The San Antonio Spurs made headlines when they selected Joshua Primo with the 12th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Many at the time considered this a big risk, but it has since been called their biggest blunder of all time. With a disappointing performance on the field thus far, fans and analysts alike are scratching their heads at why exactly that was the best pick made.
Looking back, the Spurs definitely should have gone after some of the players that have shown greater potential than their first few seasons in the league. As exciting as drafting Primo is, it is a reminder of the franchise’s challenge to rebuild. They are failing, flailing to find their cadence – in desperation just as much as with joy.
Additionally, this blunder fits a larger trend of decisions that has put the Spurs in a tough spot. They are deeply committed to cultivating young talent. Simultaneously, they have to deal with the consequences of previous draft picks that have all gone wrong.
Coaching Changes for Pistons and Pacers
The Detroit Pistons’ choice to hire Monty Williams as head coach has drawn criticism, particularly after a disastrous season where they recorded a franchise-worst 14-68 record. That translated into an unprecedented 28-game losing streak. While Williams was a much-needed stabilizing presence and strong leader, the club surprisingly regressed further, crumbling under the weight of injury and misfortune.
Likewise, consider the Indiana Pacers who were losing their grip on ground under Nate Bjorkgren’s short stint as head coach. What was a five-month disaster mode of a coaching performance is now regarded as one of the worst coaching tenures in NBA history. His tenure saw a team poorly marred by inconsistency and lack of direction, resulting in yet another coaching change just a year later.
Both franchises find themselves at important turning points in their respective evolutions. To avoid continuing downward trajectory and find a path toward stability and growth, they need to reassess their competitive leadership position and strategic approach to the future.
Lakers’ Championship Hangover
The Los Angeles Lakers were all smiles after winning it all with LeBron James and Anthony Davis guiding them to a championship in 2020. After their championship run, they committed a whole bunch of cardinal sins. They lost a pair of key 3-and-D role players that had been pivotal to their success. This loss considerably weakened their overall roster and further affected their deal in other seasons to compete.
The Lakers’ inability to achieve depth has exposed them when matched up with league’s other top teams. Despite their attempts to produce a competitive slate, these efforts have missed the mark. Now, they are being forced to answer difficult questions about how they should construct their roster moving forward.
As they look ahead, the Lakers must learn from their past mistakes and focus on rebuilding around their star players while ensuring they retain essential role players who complement their strengths.
Bulls’ Trade Misjudgments
The Chicago Bulls were one of the biggest stories of the 2020 NBA season when they made their move to trade for Nikola Vucevic. He had a reputation as a smart player who could take the Green Bay playbook to the next level. This decision has been one of their costliest blunders. Instead of doubling down and committing to a full escape of Chicago long-term, the Bulls took a middle-of-the-pack approach. This decision may considerably reduce their prospects for success moving forward.
Unfortunately, this approach has prevented them from taking any meaningful steps towards playoff relevance. The Bulls have smartly avoided this process multiple times, refusing to decide against moving forward with their talent and taking a step back to fully rebuild. As they navigate their current roster situation, they must reconsider their approach and decide whether to commit fully to rebuilding or continue chasing short-term gains.
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