Warriors facing a dilemma heading into NBA postseason

They will likely travel to either Los Angeles or Portland to start the play-in games on Wednesday, April 15 in the ninth-place game. The question is: Are two play-in games and a playoff series versus the top seed in the Western Conference more valuable to the organization than a top-11 pick in next year's draft?

The chances of the Warriors winning two play-in games on the road, then winning a first-round series against a top seed and getting a top-four pick are similar: slim to none. 

The organization is truly between a rock and a hard place. The Warriors have been a gold-standard franchise during their dynastic run. Though tanking is in full effect in the NBA, the franchise believes it diminishes the game, according to forward Draymond Green.

With three minutes left in the Warriors' game versus the Sacramento Kings on April 7, Kings head coach Doug Christie told Kings forward Doug McDermott to internally foul Seth Curry, a career 86% free throw shooter, when they were over the foul limit. 

By intentionally fouling Curry, it appeared to be a not-so-subtle gesture that Sacramento was not willing or wanting to be competitive and win a one-point game in the fourth quarter. The NBA, though, found no foul play in what Sacramento did against Golden State, per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania.

The NBA is in the business of entertainment, and intentionally losing games diminishes the product as a whole. The reality of the situation, though, in the NBA is that losing games and being one of the worst teams in the league will potentially land teams a top pick for the draft. 

By intentionally losing games, teams are in a more advantageous position to gain a top pick, which is wrong. Teams who try to win games in the regular season should be rewarded for competing instead of those that are intentionally trying to lose games. 

The Warriors' dilemma is difficult to address, but they will always try to compete to the best of their ability and try to win every game they play in because that's what is best for the team and the Association as a whole.

Golden State and other play-in teams should put their best foot forward and compete to the best of their ability in any game because it is the morally just and right thing to do in their situation. By teams competing, fans get a better product, and the game and the Association as a whole keep its credibility and integrity. 

When interest surrounding the league increases, then the NBA as a whole will become more profitable, which is a win-win-win situation for all parties involved.