The MLS version of the process clearly is just shitting it up until the league steps in and finds a new owner because they’re so embarrassed.
Well, it could be argued that the Union are doing their version of The Process(tm) but given the fact that it hasn't been proven their academy kids can play AND the fact that they actually just give draft picks away for guys who never see the field (Hello Charlie Davies and Adam Najem) shows that they are less like the 76ers and more like the Cleveland Browns.
While The Process™ belongs to the Sixers, the Union can claim the title of The Processed™ Processed things are never as good as their whole counterparts, and are always cheaper than the real deal.
The process was about collecting players and picks as assets. The Union have no assets and the way the league is constructed, you really can't stockpile and sell, trade, etc. Don't make me link the Hinkie manifesto
Well.....teams can and have stockpiled Garber Bucks (various forms of Allocation Money). It's one of the ways Orlando reshaped their roster this season and how Chicago transformed their roster a year ago. The Union have tried this, and failed at it since their inception. I'm not impressed by the Union spending more money this year. It's like that old Chris Rock skit, people want credit for "shit they're supposed to do."— Kevin Kinkead (@Kevin_Kinkead) May 10, 2018 994632375970639872 is not a valid tweet id 994631390187552769 is not a valid tweet id
The guy's right. All of the quotes and reporting I've heard since ZOLO tells me that a lot of the players were brought to the Union by agents rather than directly scouted by our nonexistent scouting network. Not having a scouting network doesn't give us an excuse. I've heard about Vermes and his big board countless times where they have targets 5 deep in every position that actually fit their system. The point about looking at WhoScored, WyScout, InStat, and even Football Manger can help you make a more informed decision than being approached by agents and looking at their highlight tapes.
That's the thing, the Union could have unlimited money and still be terrible. They're a poorly run team, and it has both everything and nothing to do with money.
Which was the original point...there is more than one way to the top and "stockpiling picks" is only helpful if you can make good picks and build a good team. Saying "we meant to do that" when you come in last will buy you some time but eventually you have to produce more than simply qualifying for the playoffs. And no matter what sport, the idea that you just grab some good players and then claim your right as the best implies nobody else has a better plan or can assemble a better team. The competition is working as well, they are drafting people too and assembling their own teams. That might mean something that doesn't work out, like Gerrard, but it might mean they go find some 5'4" Italian striker. Or their GM and coach might just be better, and with lesser picks they still beat you. Presuming more money would win MLS or more draft picks automatically win the NBA flies in the face of what sports are about. Sure, we've seen big money teams be successful, but there are a lot of big money teams who come in places 2-6 as well. Ask Arsenal and Chelsea if big money assures consistent success. And don't get me started on the ability to stay good...lots of teams win one championship. A well run organization is consistently good and can adapt to changing landscapes.