Can a team be fully assessed when everyone is on an expiring contract?

[Wurider05]

I was just wondering how you guys feel about the future potential of this team when everyone is playing for a new contract. Can a team or coach really be measured under circumstances?

[benhillboy]

Probably not. My simple evaluation is we have a pretty good guard combo, very good front court combo, pretty good auxiliary players (Korver top-notch), and an ever-improving coach. All things staying constant, we're a fourth seed and given the expectations the season will be a rousing success. It'll be much easier to evaluate after the deadline though. I like Rudy and all, but he ain't helping us rebound too tough, especially in the offensive end. That's out glaring weakness.

[Randy]

Coud work both ways - guys with expiring contracts might try harder than normal, but they might also want to boost their own numbers at the expense of team play. But, that doesn't seem to be happening. Instead, these guys have a lot of chemistry and are willing to share the ball. In the end, playing for a good team probably helps a player look better for his next contract than would otherwise be the case.