Cohen 8-Ball: Would You Rather...

Josh Cohen’s Analysis: Would you rather see the Magic finish with a respectable record but narrowly miss the playoffs or the Magic endure standard growing pains and have a higher percentage chance of landing a top draft pick? It’s a persistent problem for teams in a rebuild mode. While you want to see a team exceed expectations, you also want them to secure a high draft selection. Preferably, it would be paramount if Orlando finished strong and then defied mathematical odds to still get a high draft choice.

Cohen’s Analysis: Would you rather see the Magic take their chances, not trade J.J. Redick and hope he decides to re-sign in the summer or the Magic opt to attain valuable pieces and assets by the trade deadline out of trepidation he won’t stay anyway? This is an extremely intricate proposition for the Magic, especially if J.J. doesn’t give any indication of his intentions by late February. Perhaps it depends on what is available in any potential trade. For instance, can Orlando obtain unprotected draft picks from a likely lottery team/s and/or a young blossoming talent with All-Star promise?

Cohen’s Analysis: Would you rather the NBA adopt a single-elimination tournament to determine the No. 8 playoff seeds in each conference or the NBA not make any playoff changes? First off, there is no mention or consideration for a new playoff structure. However, I strongly believe the league needs to consider an end-of-season tournament for teams who presently have very little at stake in the second half of the season. Not only would it allow for every team to stay motivated, a NCAA-style bracket would create extraordinary excitement.

Cohen’s Analysis: Would you rather see the Heat fail to win their second straight title or the Lakers not make the playoffs and tear apart their roster? On one hand, Miami losing in the playoffs would generate colossal intrigue because it could lead to LeBron deciding to leave after next season when he could become a free agent. On the other hand, we all know it would be satisfying to see Dwight contend with more drama and ambiguity. It’s very possible both will happen, but if you had to pick one? Hmmm...Lakers.

Cohen’s Analysis: Would you rather the Magic concentrate more on revamping through the draft or the Magic refurbish through trades/free agency? Well, first off, the Magic are in position to improve using all three options. However, if Orlando decides to remain patient and not rush into shattering the current nucleus of talent by making blockbuster trades/signings, another season or two of “renovation” could lead to something spectacular in the draft. Remember, the 2014 NBA Draft will potentially rival the class of 2003 (LeBron’s year). It may be worth waiting a bit longer in hopes of winning a big prize next year.

Cohen’s Analysis: Would you rather see J.J. Redick participate in the Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout or DeQuan Jones in the Sprite Slam Dunk competition? I really think Jones is the most electrifying high-flyer in the league. I also think Redick would be a major attraction in a 3-point contest. Hey league, can they both be involved at All-Star Weekend?

Cohen’s Analysis: Would you rather the Sacramento Kings stay in northern California or relocate to Seattle? This is an extremely sensitive topic, especially because if the Kings did leave Sacramento, it would be heartbreaking for all the loyal supporters and those that rely on an NBA franchise in Sac-Town for their livelihood. Although of course, that happened to Seattle a few years back when the Sonics moved to OKC.

Cohen’s Analysis: Would you rather Phil Jackson return to coaching or Jeff Van Gundy? Perhaps it depends on what team is looking for a head coach. Brooklyn is the most likely spot if either Jackson or JVG wanted to come back. If Jeff returned, his humor would be missed on television. If Phil returned and the Nets were the destination, that could make it more difficult for the competition in the East. I vote for Jackson. It probably creates a more intriguing storyline.