The Agony of Defeat Leads to the Thrill of Victory

While looking for the latest column by Josh Bagriansky in Score Atlanta, a local sports magazine, I bumped into a column by Tad Arapoglou called "History Says Dream Won't Struggle Forever". He gives several examples of teams that ran into terrible years or horrible luck that managed to turn it around in a positive way just a short time later.

(The magazine is available here. Go down to "Latest Issue" and click. Bagriansky is at page 11, Arapoglou is at page 22.)


1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers

Ignominy: Started year 0-15. Finished with 9-73 record, worst in NBA history.
Three years later: Went 46-36. Won divisional championship following two years.

1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ignominy: Went 0-14 first year. Started 0-12 following year.
Three years later: Reached NFC championship game.

1988 Baltimore Orioles

Ignominy: Started season 0-21.
Next year: Led AL East for most of season. Finished 87-75, two games short of making playoffs.

2003 Detroit Shock

Ignominy: Started season 0-13.
Next year: You have to ask?