The Otago Nuggets were both until Mark Dickel helped turn the franchise around with his energy on the court and work ethic off it.
His decision to sign with the beleaguered franchise in 2012 gave it some much-needed credibility and helped spark a resurgence. With Dickel on board, quality players such as BJ Anthony had the confidence to shift south and give the Nuggets - a team with a firmly entrenched culture of losing - a chance.
The team's profile grew, which gave the Nuggets more leverage with sponsors. And when the wins starting stacking up, the crowds came back with a vengeance.
The Nuggets have been one of the hottest shows in the city this year, and this season has been their finest since the mid 1990s. They won eight consecutive games to start the campaign and have made the playoffs for the first time since 1997.
Of course, there has also been a late-season slump. The Nuggets have lost three straight and will be keen to produce a much-improved performance in their last round-robin game, against the Taranaki Mountain Airs in New Plymouth tonight.
The finals are in Napier next weekend and a title would be a fitting way for Dickel to finish. Not that he has any immediate plans to retire but he is coming to the end of what has been a distinguished playing career.
''I'm well aware my playing career is rapidly coming to an end,'' Dickel said.
''My long-term plan is to go back to America and coach at university. I've never made a secret of that.
''That is pretty much what I've wanted to do my whole life, but I'm enjoying my time here and I'm not in any hurry.''
The 36-year-old former Tall Blacks point guard made his debut for the Nuggets in 1993 as a 16-year-old. He was named rookie of the year and was always destined for greater things.
He went to college and forged an impressive record for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He led the NCAA in assists in 1999-2000 but was overlooked in the 2000 NBA draft after he was injured during a pick-up game and was unable to attend some pre-draft camps.
While he fell off the radar at the top level in the United States, he has enjoyed a fine career playing in different leagues in Europe and for the Tall Blacks.
He was part of the wonderful New Zealand team that finished fourth at the world championships in Indianapolis in 2002.
Dickel spent most of his professional career playing in Europe for 10 months out of every year, with his family - wife Ashley and sons Jalen, Madden and Boston - based in Las Vegas.
Dunedin has been a welcome change of pace.
''It is good to be home and it feels like home again after a couple of years. You get spoiled living in other places with the weather but you get used to it.
''Over here, it is not as fast-paced. Everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere but over here it is just a little bit different.''
The youngest Dickel, Boston, has just joined his two brothers at Mornington School.
While a move to the United States seems likely to be part of the family's future, Dickel plans to round out his playing career in a Nuggets singlet, and that might keep him in the city for another year.
He has the option of extending his playing contract next year and is also enjoying his role with Basketball Otago as the director of development.
''As far as my playing career goes, I'm only interested in playing for the Nuggets.
''Obviously, my focus is more on coaching and I'm really enjoying the coaching I'm doing. I've really grown to love the kids a lot and it is very difficult for me to even think about doing anything other than staying here and working with them.''
Although Dickel thinks more like a coach these days, he is still focused on helping the Nuggets win that elusive title.
''We've given ourselves a chance to win a championship this year and that is what it is all about,'' Dickel said.
''Ideally, going into the playoffs we wouldn't be having a little dip, but we have a chance to get back and get on the upswing again and get ready for the playoffs.''
Nuggets v Mountain Airs
New Plymouth, tonight, 7pm
Otago Nuggets: Antoine Tisby, BJ Anthony, Akeem Wright, Riki Buckrell, Mark Dickel (captain), Hayden Allen, Brendon Polyblank, James Ross, Matt Trueman, Derek Albertson.
Taranaki Mountain Airs: Kenny Gabriel, Jack Leasure, Aaron Bailey-Nowell, Brad Anderson, Link Abrams, Ethan Rusbatch, Sid Adams, Eli Paurini, Dane Brooks, Andrew Green, Ben Crombie.
