AROUND the NBA:

[Knutsen]

Just out of curiosity, what are you saying to the fans who have season tickets? Come watch us lose. We're going to make sure it happens. I think it's a real problem for ticket buyers.

I agree really of what Kidd did last night. Play newer players. Good idea really. If they lose, no one complains. But I don't think it's a good look just to fail with any intent. I don't want to watch the Mavs trying to be worse than their opponent, especially at mid-season. They're bad enough as is.

Edit: re-reading it's possible we are close to saying the same thing. But I wouldn't be massaging games in the last minute just to make certain I lose. Not now anyway. In my thought process, I'm not focusing on a winning game strategy with my rotations, but that doesn't mean I message the players to intentionally lose games.

I would tell the fans: 
We messed up thanks to Nico. You are our most valuable asset as a fanbase. This season focuses on player development, because we want to win titles in the near future. So come and support our young players and watch our second most important asset Cooper grow - and be part of something truly special from the beginning. 

By the way true support doesn’t depend on regular season wins. But I‘m spoiled coming from Europe, where the greatest supporters are often from the worst teams, that fight against relegation year after year.