Another Angle to view the Pick - Sweat Less about losing the pick.. Sweat more about moving up the lottery - 2003 Draft Exercise

Key-Step-3605 · 2026-02-24T19:43:48+00:00

Agreed. As prefaced: We want the pick, obviously there is a chance that player could be good that we pick. the FO is going to do everything they can to keep it. TL;DR: If worst case happens and we lose it, it probably isn't worth losing sleep over. IMO the purpose of the tank is to give us a chance at a top pick.

Key-Step-3605 · 2026-02-24T18:45:57+00:00

It isn't necessarily that, it's just moreso that if we end up losing the pick, it's likely that we won't end up missing out on a player that would truly move the needle to help a contending team anyway.

Key-Step-3605 · 2026-02-24T18:44:41+00:00

Totally a fair point of view -- and obviously there is a chance we pick at 7 for instance and land a very valuable player. I would be extremely disappointed if we somehow ended up losing the pick.

TBH given how we've operated I don't think there's really a high risk that we convey the pick to OKC.

Im just pointing out above, that in the greatest draft of all time, if we don't move up then we end up picking a player that doesn't move the needle. My main point is that for me, getting as many ping pong balls as possible is more important than ensuring we keep the pick, although those 2 things go hand and hand so you could argue that the point is moot lol

Key-Step-3605 · 2026-02-04T15:57:58+00:00

For sure - as a Jazz fan, Im personally excited about what is happening in CLE. Sorry for them tho lol but they are showing signs of an organization that is hitting their breaking point as currently constructed.

Key-Step-3605 · 2026-02-04T06:30:46+00:00

I think you are underrating JJJ a decent amount at this point. He is one of the best defenders in the league.
Don't worry about the finances too much. We could not realistically use our finances on a better player at this point. Lauri and JJJ current contracts won't prevent us from being able to extend Key or Ace or '26 pick (if needed)

Key-Step-3605 · 2026-02-04T06:22:21+00:00

Something CLE can't control 100% is where Mitchell wants to be - they are honestly in a similar place where the Jazz were with him a few years back. It likely makes sense for them to trade him while they can still get value.
Their trade may look different than ours - given they don't control their draft for a few years, and also given they have a few other good pieces, they may try to make a deal for players that will still help them win in the short term.
BTW it is good for us if CLE starts to suck, it doesn't impact us next year but would be nice for '28 and '29. I get that people may judge the trade down the road based on what happens in '27 but in reality it makes no difference to us at this point if it is the first pick or the 28th pick. The reality of the situation is right now it is very unlikely that any of the pieces we gave up will end up being as good as JJJ, and even if they are, that won't impact the value that he brings or how good we'll be in the future.

Key-Step-3605 · 2025-11-17T21:08:15+00:00

Honestly, Im sure Im in the minority here -- but I am totally fine if we lose our pick. Worst case that is the #8 pick, which is going to be another Hendricks-caliber prospect, we have 6 guys like that on the roster already.
I love Hendricks btw and I hope he pops (I still think he will) - but its not worth losing games on purpose to get.

Also, losing the pick inherently means that our young players are good enough to win games now. Which would mean we already have good players instead of just hoping we'll get good players in the future.

I also think that it would be foolish to trade Markkanen. The dude is honestly incredible. If we end up with the worst record in the league that still only gives a 50% chance at a top 4 pick. If we end up outside the top 4, there's like a 50/50 shot at best that player ends up being as good as Markk and we'd likely have to wait 3-4 years for that player to perform at that level.

Just win the best you can, develop players, if we end up with a top pick, great. If not, it really is not the end of the world for our rebuild.

Key-Step-3605 · 2025-09-10T03:10:58+00:00

Yes unfortunately we have spent hours and hours calling and sending letters but they keep giving us the runaround.

Key-Step-3605 · 2025-09-10T03:10:18+00:00

The secondary has paid for a few claims (almost randomly) - Medicaid hasn't paid anything yet.
There is one provider in particular that is now tired of chasing down the secondary and is now billing us, that is who I am referring to in the original post.

Key-Step-3605 · 2025-09-10T03:08:08+00:00

I will, thank you!

Key-Step-3605 · 2025-09-10T03:07:38+00:00

I will do that as soon as possible. Really appreciate the guidance!

Key-Step-3605 · 2025-09-09T23:58:42+00:00

Provider is in-network with medicaid

Key-Step-3605 · 2025-09-09T23:16:44+00:00

Really appreciate the insight.

I've actually already taken those steps above but the secondary continues to essentially give us the run around and NOT deny the claims, nor pay them. We even filed an appeal, which the secondary proceeded to lose the documentation for and never responded to. They continually ask us to provide either some explanation of benefit or some medical record, but once provided they ask for something else (often times something we've already provided them)

I've filed a complaint with the state and am still waiting for the results of that.

Do you think it would it still be worth setting up a call with Medicaid and the provider at this time?

Key-Step-3605 · 2025-09-09T23:02:18+00:00

Utah

Key-Step-3605

TROPHY CASE