What is the 'flip' strategy in the NBA?

The 'flip' strategy involves teams deliberately tanking to secure high draft picks while simultaneously acquiring star players to engineer a rapid turnaround for the following season.

Which NBA teams are using the 'flip' strategy?

Teams like the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, and Indiana Pacers are noted for employing or considering the 'flip' strategy.

What are the risks associated with the 'flip' strategy?

Risks include the uncertain injury timelines of newly acquired star players, as seen with Trae Young and Anthony Davis, and potential league scrutiny over non-competitive seasons.

Home / Sports / NBA Draft Lottery: The Flip Strategy Shakes Up Teams

NBA Draft Lottery: The Flip Strategy Shakes Up Teams

9 Feb

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Summary

Teams employ 'the flip' strategy, tanking for high draft picks while acquiring stars.
Kon Knueppel's rookie season is one of the best in league history.
Injuries to newly acquired stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis create uncertainty.

NBA Draft Lottery: The Flip Strategy Shakes Up Teams

The NBA is witnessing a strategic shift as teams increasingly employ 'the flip' – a tactic combining deliberate tanking for high draft picks with the acquisition of established stars. This hybrid approach aims to engineer a swift transition from rebuilding to contention.

This strategy aims to secure top draft talent while hedging against a lost season. Teams like the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz, who drafted Ace Bailey and Tre Johnson respectively, are leaders in this trend. They have acquired stars such as Trae Young and Anthony Davis, and Jaren Jackson Jr., respectively, to accelerate their competitive timeline.

However, this strategy faces challenges, as highlighted by the recent injuries to Trae Young and Anthony Davis, with uncertain return timelines. The Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers are also mentioned as teams potentially adopting similar strategies, leveraging cap space and star player returns.