It’s one thing to field a good NBA team. It’s quite another to field a contending one. 

The difference is vast. Every year, there are plenty of solid teams with a real chance to win games.

By contrast, you can count the number of teams with a real chance to win the championship on one hand. 

You probably won’t need all five fingers, either. If a team doesn’t have a chance at the title, it’s normally obvious. For example, look at the New York Knicks. 

For that matter, look at the Indiana Pacers. Both of these teams are in the NBA’s middle class. The question facing both is whether to try to move towards contention or rebuild. 

Here’s a deal that has them heading in opposite directions.