Ryan,
Once again … I agree with your take on this situation.
IMO, the playoffs are where it’s at … for both (i) NBA players, coaches, executives & teams AS WELL AS (ii) political leaders.
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Additional food for thought …
Question 1
What are the 3 most important skills to have as an elite level NBA player?
Answer 1
(1) Concentration.
(2) Accurate Decison-making Ability [ ... with and without the ball, on Defense, on Offense & when Rebounding the Ball].
(3) Competitive Greatness …
i.e. what John Wooden refers to as,
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Being at your best when your best is needed, and a Real love of a hard battle.
… which truly only comes to pass in the Playoffs.