The Process was ~10 years ago, and only now are they coming to the conclusion that tanking is existential to the product. Itโs comical, but predictable. One look at the NBA league office and team ownership tells you the sport itself is not the priority.
They are too busy squeezing every dollar out of gambling partnerships and forcing fans to juggle multiple subscriptions just to watch games.
The game, the competition, the integrity all come second. They would rather chase the latest cultural flashpoint than protect the on-court product.
My strong guess is the cutoff of poorer Americans from free NFL telecasts has done more to damage social equality (and community) than all the billionaire-creation of the 21st century. The billionaires spend $, cocoon themselves with 100 ft. hedges. Doesn't directly affect millions of citizens' lives the way this does.
@Knights_Theory@MikeDSykes I do think it points to the Wizards having the courage of their convictions on the young talent they draft - developing them and not trading them while they are on the upswing.