DreamTheaterForums.org Dream Theater Fan Site
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: KevShmev on July 12, 2019, 07:29:30 AM
-
Old thread here: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=52575.0
Let's do this.
Westbrook to the Rockets!! That team will be a fun train wreck to watch.
-
Westbrook to the Rockets!! That team will be a fun train wreck to watch.
Oh yes. I know they are friends and all of that, but I can't think of any other player that is as much of a ball hog as those 2 are. The NBA should be a lot of fun this season
-
Free agency was interesting and full of surprises. Next season should be lots of fun since we have so many teams trying to figure things out. It might be the first time in NBA history the finals Team are not favorite to make the finals again? I don’t know!
-
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/coach-k-on-why-the-pelicans-shouldn-t-have-played-zion-williamson-in-the-summer-league/ar-AAEf3YE?li=BBnbfcL
Coach K:
"No, I thought really he never should've played just because he's been on this circuit of awards, the ESPYs, everything. I don't think he's in the playing shape or the mental shape to play."
Are you fucking kidding me? He's the goddamn #1 pick. Time for basketball, douche. Fuck Zion!
I have watched 80% of all Celtics games over the last 5 years, and have maintained a pretty good general knowledge of the league. It's because my youngest son loves the NBA and it's been a bonding experience.
But there's a reason Basketball is a distant 4th on my Sports List.
-
Free agency was interesting and full of surprises. Next season should be lots of fun since we have so many teams trying to figure things out. It might be the first time in NBA history the finals Team are not favorite to make the finals again? I don’t know!
I'm guessing 1998-1999 is the last time the defending champs (the Bulls) were not a favorite win the title that year (because Jordan had retired the second of three times).
-
Lebron's Cavs were favorites to win at the beginning of the '17 Season?
I think this could be the first time I remember that neither finalists are favorites to return to the Finals. Dubs might have a chance to get there - certainly a better chance than the Raps as things stand now.
-
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/sources-anthony-davis-wearing-lebrons-no-23-with-lakers-on-hold/ar-AAEfd9O?li=BBnba9I
So Nike decides this??
-
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/sources-anthony-davis-wearing-lebrons-no-23-with-lakers-on-hold/ar-AAEfd9O?li=BBnba9I
So Nike decides this??
Money talks, oh well. It sure does feel weird seeing AD in #3 though.
-
I'm surprised this hasn't been discussed, but I am intrigued as to how involved Duncan will be with the Spurs as an Assistant coach. I know Popovich will make most of the calls, but will Duncan take the throne once Popovich retires?
-
I was surprised that he decided to become an assistant coach. My thinking is that Duncan will balance Pops intensity with his keep it cool approach. I don't know if the throne will be his though, my bet has been on Becky Hammond for a while.
While we are at it, who's gonna play for team USA in China? Seems like everyone is jumping off the boat, even DeRozan. That one surprised me the most considering Pop is leading the team now.
-
The Rockets are officially the white trash trailer park slut who's hellbent on fuckin every kyle in town.
-
Free agency was interesting and full of surprises. Next season should be lots of fun since we have so many teams trying to figure things out. It might be the first time in NBA history the finals Team are not favorite to make the finals again? I don’t know!
I'm guessing 1998-1999 is the last time the defending champs (the Bulls) were not a favorite win the title that year (because Jordan had retired the second of three times).
2012 Dallas Mavericks had no shot of making the Finals, mainly due to letting Tyson Chandler just completely walk for nothing, but also just being a very veteran team aging out of being able to really compete with the likes of the young Thunder.
-
2012 Dallas Mavericks had no shot of making the Finals, mainly due to letting Tyson Chandler just completely walk for nothing, but also just being a very veteran team aging out of being able to really compete with the likes of the young Thunder.
And I guess it is very safe to say the Toronto Raptors won't be back in the Finals in 2020. :hat
Serious question. I wonder how most Raptors fans feel about what had happened this summer. They won a title, but it doesn't look too good for them in the near future. My guess is they'd rather win a title and suck for years to come, then never winning one.
-
They still have a playoff caliber team this year. And with Lowry/Gasol/Ibaka coming off contract next year, there's $90M to spend in Free agency. I don't know anyone in Toronto/Canada who is upset with last years result + future outlook.
-
FINALLY the NBA realized the Knicks should not play on Christmas. I know they didn't play in 2015 but that feels forever ago.
With that said, Lakers - Clippers and Mil - 76ers should be good games.
-
Raps-Celtics too. First time Toronto has played Xmas since '01 :omg:
-
The the full schedule for 19-20 was released.
WHEN DID NBA TICKETS GET SO EXPENSIVE? I know I haven't been to games in a few years but even last season while I was thinking of going you could easily find good NETS/Knicks tickets for under $100, guess ill hope to get lucky through StubHub.
Anyways, some of the first week games look interesting. I know it's just opening night, and PG13 (Is he wearing #13 again?) might not even play but LAL-LAC should be an interesting game.
-
2012 Dallas Mavericks had no shot of making the Finals, mainly due to letting Tyson Chandler just completely walk for nothing, but also just being a very veteran team aging out of being able to really compete with the likes of the young Thunder.
And I guess it is very safe to say the Toronto Raptors won't be back in the Finals in 2020. :hat
Serious question. I wonder how most Raptors fans feel about what had happened this summer. They won a title, but it doesn't look too good for them in the near future. My guess is they'd rather win a title and suck for years to come, then never winning one.
Well, keep in mind that even with Demar, the team was only a fringe contender at best, and often losing in early playoff rounds. As currently constructed, they have the depth and defensive personnel to potentially make the playoffs and then flame out after a round or two, just like they were doing with Demar. I guess I just don't see much basis for the idea that acquiring and losing Kawhi has set them up to suck... Even if they held onto Demar, they'd probably be about where they are now anyway.
I have a group chat going with a half-dozen of my Canadian buddies at all times, and no one cares that Kawhi left. The gave the team a miracle season and otherwise they seem like the same ol' Raps.
-
Oh, man! DeMarcus Cousins suffers torn ACL during workout (http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/demarcus-cousins-suffers-torn-acl-during-workout/ar-AAFR3yV?ocid=ientp).
-
Not that I don't care, but oh well... we (Lakers fans) have been suffering from too many injuries since 2012-13-ish, I don't think I feel too sad over Boogie. It certainly sucks for him though. I hope I am wrong, but it seems like this could be the beginning of the end of his career.
-
He's had a significant amount of injuries in the past 3 years, 2 of them being a torn ACL. I don't think he'll ever be back to his Sacramento/NOLA level. That's a real pity because he was a great player, albeit some of his attitude issues. I hope this time around he does take his time to fully recover.
-
The Lakers sign Howard on Kobe's birthday... talk about respect... :\
-
Lakers have a BIG starting lineup.
-
The Brooklyn Nets have been slowly building a street brand, and they solidified it with the first grey court in NBA history. I love it.
(https://www.nba.com/images/cms/2019-09/nets-new-court.jpg?cw=1045&w=1059&x=0&ch=588&h=669&y=82)
-
Looks nice
-
Nets' new graffiti jersey! :o Would have been better with a graffiti number, but still dope!
(https://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/nets-uniform.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=618&h=410&crop=1)
-
Nets' new graffiti jersey! :o Would have been better with a graffiti number, but still dope!
I agreed, they should have gone a step further. Got to say their new court looks damn cool though.
-
I think Jersey # and names have to followed standard guidelines (font style and size), I might be wrong though.
But the season starts soon, really excited.
Side note: I was at NY Comic Con yesterday and the NBA has a Booth, feels really out of place lol
-
I truly feel bad for those true fans in China... it's too bad their government is such an intolerant beeyatch.
By the way, the NBA Japan game is going on at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama City, or nearly 2 FULL hours away from Tokyo... yet the announcers keep saying from "Tokyo" Japan, lol.
-
Yeah, that thing with China was just a shit-show, though I'm glad Morey came out and said what he said.
-
co-workers talked me into playing fantasy basketball.
I've never done it before, anyone have tips?
-
co-workers talked me into playing fantasy basketball.
I've never done it before, anyone have tips?
Is it for money or just for fun? And is it a season long thing or daily? If it is daily, just familiarize yourself with teams, who is performing at what level and how consistently. If it is for the season, Good luck. It's hard to know how things will play out with injuries and trades.
This China/NBA situation is getting a little intense. Events are getting cancelled, minor protests at games and I dont know the details, but the game between Lakers and Nets yesterday was played "with some restrictions" whatever that means.
-
co-workers talked me into playing fantasy basketball.
I've never done it before, anyone have tips?
Is it for money or just for fun? And is it a season long thing or daily? If it is daily, just familiarize yourself with teams, who is performing at what level and how consistently. If it is for the season, Good luck. It's hard to know how things will play out with injuries and trades.
it's just for fun and for the season. I'm guessing I'll get all set up and probably forget about it after a month. :biggrin:
-
I did one for the season before. I started out pretty good (I had 1st picked, which sucked because you get the 1st pick, but then you have to wait for 22 picks before your next selection) but with injuries and bad trades I ended up losing 10/13 last weeks.
-
By the way, the NBA Japan game is going on at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama City, or nearly 2 FULL hours away from Tokyo... yet the announcers keep saying from "Tokyo" Japan, lol.
Sounds like the "Los Angeles" Angels. ::)
-
The Los Angeles Angels of Texarkana
-
Or the New York Giants and Jets from New Jersey.
-
Prediction for the Timberwolves: 38-44. Towns takes a jump, and Culver is a dark horse candidate for ROY. But the West is too strong to really make a push. I think at best, the team can get just over .500 at 42-39, but even if the ball bounces their way, and everyone is healthy, the West is just too strong for the Wolves, as CURRENTLY constructed, to get up into the top-8.
I wouldn't put a trade for D'Angelo Russell as impossible. Once Klay comes back, what they really need is a SF, not a backcourt player. I could see GS trading D-Lo to the Wolves for Robert Covington (who is an ideal SF for the Dubs, and a great defender with shooting range), one of the young wings the Wolves have (Okogie, most likely, if he plays well), and a lottery protected first rounder. But that assumes that Klay is healthy and playing at the deadline, which is not clear. Could also happen in the offseason.
But overall, I think a .500 season is a good year for my Pups this year. They have implemented a modern offense, but don't have the personnel for it to really take off yet. It's going to take time.
Happy start to the season folks. Wolves tip on Wednesday evening in Brooklyn.
-
I wouldn't put a trade for D'Angelo Russell as impossible. Once Klay comes back, what they really need is a SF, not a backcourt player. I could see GS trading D-Lo to the Wolves for Robert Covington (who is an ideal SF for the Dubs, and a great defender with shooting range), one of the young wings the Wolves have (Okogie, most likely, if he plays well), and a lottery protected first rounder. But that assumes that Klay is healthy and playing at the deadline, which is not clear. Could also happen in the offseason.
That's an interesting take. Hadn't thought of that, but it kinda makes sense.
-
I wouldn't put a trade for D'Angelo Russell as impossible. Once Klay comes back, what they really need is a SF, not a backcourt player. I could see GS trading D-Lo to the Wolves for Robert Covington (who is an ideal SF for the Dubs, and a great defender with shooting range), one of the young wings the Wolves have (Okogie, most likely, if he plays well), and a lottery protected first rounder. But that assumes that Klay is healthy and playing at the deadline, which is not clear. Could also happen in the offseason.
At first glance, it wouldn't work... salaries don't match.
-
time to take the hoofs off and get to work. Fear the Deer.
(https://media.giphy.com/media/Qld1cd6a6QlWw/giphy.gif)
-
I wouldn't put a trade for D'Angelo Russell as impossible. Once Klay comes back, what they really need is a SF, not a backcourt player. I could see GS trading D-Lo to the Wolves for Robert Covington (who is an ideal SF for the Dubs, and a great defender with shooting range), one of the young wings the Wolves have (Okogie, most likely, if he plays well), and a lottery protected first rounder. But that assumes that Klay is healthy and playing at the deadline, which is not clear. Could also happen in the offseason.
At first glance, it wouldn't work... salaries don't match.
They'll have to be creative. The Wolves now employ the guy who invented the ESPN Trade Machine. Covington, pieces, and a pick will work.
Or...
Covington and Teague are roughly 30 million. D.Lo is what, 25 mil? So a five million role player from GS. WOlves throw in a protected first.
Covington gives the Ws the SF they need, Teague is a 6th man backup pg that they could use as well. And his deal is expiring, so he's a rental.
-
Board Man stepped up last night. After that ferocious start by the Lakers, Leonard did what he does. That guy is so damn impressive. Clippers are really deep. They don't even have PG-13 yet, and they're just killer. Patrick Beverley plays with that old school mentality I love.
Raps got the win, but note to Coach Nurse - Norm Powell shouldn't be taking 28 ft. three-pointers to win a game. :lol I mean broken plays happen, but that ball should be in the hands of Lowry, Siakam, or Van Fleet -- in that order. Overall, Raps look solid. I think they'll win 50 games in the east. Probably lose in the second round. Leonard jumping ship isn't going to hurt them in the first 82 games, but without a closer (and none of those guys really feel like one to me) getting through the playoffs will be too much. Particularly with Philly, Milwaukee and Boston in those top three slots.
The Pels looked OK to me. Could be a long season, particularly out west. I see them in the 35-win range, with Zion, who will make the rest of their offense come a lot easier. That kid Alexander-White is Kobe-level trigger happy, but 1-10 really hurt the team. But he looks like he'll be a really good player as he develops.
Wolves in Brooklyn tonight! :metal
-
I did not see them game, but the Clipper's bench looks impressive on paper scoring 60 points vs Lakers bench scoring 19 points. Danny Green had a good game though.
-
Nurse is gonna have to switch gears from 'playoff' coaching. Ain't no way he can get away with only play 8 players on an even SEMI-regular basis. 45 mins (yes, it was an OT game) from both Lowry and VanVleet ain't gonna work. He's gotta start getting real minutes from spots 8-13.
Still a good win, coming off the emotions of the ring and banner ceremony.
-
Board Man stepped up last night. After that ferocious start by the Lakers, Leonard did what he does. That guy is so damn impressive. Clippers are really deep. They don't even have PG-13 yet, and they're just killer. Patrick Beverley plays with that old school mentality I love.
Our second unit really didn't carry the same energy to start the 2nd qtr, and things just went downhill from there. I've to say our overall team performance is still fine though, and we just need a bit more gelling. Don't forget both Kuz and Rondo were out vs the Clippers too. Speaking of the Clippers, they have always been a great defensive minded team, and I was not surprised by their comeback at all. Again, it is still just the first game of the season, and neither team is really in the mid-season form; things should get better and more interesting by Dec. between us two.
-
Raps got the win, but note to Coach Nurse - Norm Powell shouldn't be taking 28 ft. three-pointers to win a game. :lol I mean broken plays happen, but that ball should be in the hands of Lowry, Siakam, or Van Fleet -- in that order. Overall, Raps look solid. I think they'll win 50 games in the east. Probably lose in the second round. Leonard jumping ship isn't going to hurt them in the first 82 games, but without a closer (and none of those guys really feel like one to me) getting through the playoffs will be too much. Particularly with Philly, Milwaukee and Boston in those top three slots.
Can't disagree with anything here. I think they have a chance to get to 50 wins, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Not unless A) Anonuby improves similarly to how Siakim did last year. He doesn't need to win Most Improved, but he has to be a legitimately and consistent threat if Siakim is going to be the #1 guy up front. B) to my last post, they need to be able to count on some kind of meaningful production from the end of the bench. Lastly, they have to avoid injuries - and with 3 of the top 6 being in their 30s, that's not automatic
P.S. It's VanVleet... I made the same mistake consistently in the past. ;)
-
Nurse is gonna have to switch gears from 'playoff' coaching. Ain't no way he can get away with only play 8 players on an even SEMI-regular basis. 45 mins (yes, it was an OT game) from both Lowry and VanVleet ain't gonna work. He's gotta start getting real minutes from spots 8-13.
Still a good win, coming off the emotions of the ring and banner ceremony.
I was really shocked at his short rotation. Agreed. No way that is going to work.
Wait, Fred's last name is VanVLEET? Really? I've been mis-seeing it on his jersey? :lol Christ I'm old. :rollin
-
(https://usathoopshype.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/usatsi_10467841.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
-
:rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
:facepalm: :loser:
-
Board Man stepped up last night. After that ferocious start by the Lakers, Leonard did what he does. That guy is so damn impressive. Clippers are really deep. They don't even have PG-13 yet, and they're just killer. Patrick Beverley plays with that old school mentality I love.
Our second unit really didn't carry the same energy to start the 2nd qtr, and things just went downhill from there. I've to say our overall team performance is still fine though, and we just need a bit more gelling. Don't forget both Kuz and Rondo were out vs the Clippers too. Speaking of the Clippers, they have always been a great defensive minded team, and I was not surprised by their comeback at all. Again, it is still just the first game of the season, and neither team is really in the mid-season form; things should get better and more interesting by Dec. between us two.
I know it's only the first game, but what is worrying to me is that both Lebron and AD disappeared during the 4th quarter, and weren't really impressive during the 3rd either, though that was fine because Green was on fire.
-
I know it's only the first game, but what is worrying to me is that both Lebron and AD disappeared during the 4th quarter, and weren't really impressive during the 3rd either, though that was fine because Green was on fire.
Yeah, Green was on fire and we tied the game at 85 apiece heading into the 4th qtr... I think with LeBron it is a double edged sword. You kind of want him to score, but usually that would mean he dominates the ball too much. What I want to see going forward is that, he be the one to direct traffic in the 4th qtr, let AD does his things; and only takes over and be the closer when needed. I don't want him to take so many 3s either. Him and AD should be off each other more in a high-low kind of setting, and let guys like Green, Bradley, Cook, KCP and/or Caruso do the outside shootings. I also look forward to seeing how Vogel manage Kuz' role within the offense.
-
Dammit, if Kyrie made that last shot my teams would be 3-3 today. Dude still dropped 50.
-
Dammit, if Kyrie made that last shot my teams would be 3-3 today. Dude still dropped 50.
On 33 shots though... sure, I understand he is the only star on the team, but still... meanwhile, Wiggins also attempted 27 shots... geez... :facepalm:
-
Dammit, if Kyrie made that last shot my teams would be 3-3 today. Dude still dropped 50.
On 33 shots though... sure, I understand he is the only star on the team, but still... meanwhile, Wiggins also attempted 27 shots... geez... :facepalm:
Hmm. Wolves had a big lead at the half, and the whole team, aside from Wiggins, was playing incredibly well. They let Kyrie do Kyrie, and stopped everyone else. Second half, the Nets made better adjustments and grabbed a lead, as the Wolves fell back to their old tendencies. Then at the end of the 4th, and OT, they played like they did in the first half, and went out and won that game.
YOu can talk all you want about Kyrie Irving's 50 points on 33 shots.
HOw about this stat line:
36 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks, and 7-11 from 3 pt range (11-22 overall).
Yeah, that's called Karl-Anthony Towns. And he is the most unguardable center/pf in the league, and yes, is better than Anthony Davis. And I'll stand by that. He started this season like he finished the last 20 games last season - dominating anyone he plays. Jordan and Allen, who are strong guys, couldn't contain him at all. and in years past, Jordan had. And Towns shrug him off.
The Timberwolves are on the same level as the Nets...without Durant. Sure, Irving was the best player on the floor last night. But not by much. Not at all. The Wolves crushed the Nets last year, and they beat them last night with a similarly overhauled roster and a new system. I have no doubt the Nets will be an Eastern Conference playoff team with 45-48 wins or so. But the Wolves would be too in the East. And unfortunately, probably will only muster 36-41 wins in a much tougher Western Conference.
As for Wiggins, there's no denying he struggled. But if you watched the game from beginning to end as I did, you would have seen he started cold, shooting threes. Then he continued to shoot, but fell back to midrange, which is what the team had gotten away from. And then in OT, Wiggins manhandled people, driving to the rim, taking off near the foul line and started scoring a ton. Wolves would not have won without Wiggins in OT. No one could guard him going to the rim. And that's the secret to unlocking Wiggins. He has to drive, and drive a lot, because almost no one can stop him getting to the cup. He needs to go inside-out, instead of outside-in. And I think he will as the season progresses. Well, I HOPE he does. 10-27 is ugly. No denying that. And I was not fond of his defense. His lateral foot speed is slow. Which is why Okogie is a better fit in this system. But the Wolves do not win without Wiggins in OT.
Okogie's defense was great, and the pressure he put on Irving was a key factor in Irving cracking on that last play Irving had a great game, but the team that won didn't get lucky -- they played a better game overall. And lets not forget Treveon Graham. I had no idea who he was until the Wolves signed him this offseason. He played HARD last night. 9 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts in 35 minutes may not seem like a lot. But it was the way he played. He was really aggressive, and not afraid to shoot. He and Layman (who also had a nice game) will be an effective role pair.
As for the Nets, Caris LeVert is one of my favorite players in the league. Glad he looked good last night. He quietly put up a hell of a game with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and three steals. And I love Dinwiddie and Allen. I think the Nets will be almost unstoppable once Durant is back next year. I mean...Durant/Irving/LeVert/Dinwiddie/Allen...that is dangerous. Not to mention Harris.
But the bottom line is -- the league has no answer for Karl-Anthony Towns. Particularly when he quarterbacks the offense. A 7 foot center playing point forward at the top of the key for most of the game, sliding from the perimeter to down low based on matchups. He scores from anywhere, and his defense is noticeably improved.
I'm not saying the Wolves will make the playoffs this year. I hope they do. But they don't have enough firepower to do that in the West. At best, they'll be a .500 team. I have them pegged for 36-46, unfortunately. I had them losing to the Nets last night. But they got one I didn't think they would. But what I saw last night was a team that really plays together, and a system that will be very successful.
-
Dammit, if Kyrie made that last shot my teams would be 3-3 today. Dude still dropped 50.
On 33 shots though... sure, I understand he is the only star on the team, but still... meanwhile, Wiggins also attempted 27 shots... geez... :facepalm:
Hmm. Wolves had a big lead at the half, and the whole team, aside from Wiggins, was playing incredibly well. They let Kyrie do Kyrie, and stopped everyone else. Second half, the Nets made better adjustments and grabbed a lead, as the Wolves fell back to their old tendencies. Then at the end of the 4th, and OT, they played like they did in the first half, and went out and won that game.
YOu can talk all you want about Kyrie Irving's 50 points on 33 shots.
HOw about this stat line:
36 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks, and 7-11 from 3 pt range (11-22 overall).
Yeah, that's called Karl-Anthony Towns. And he is the most unguardable center/pf in the league, and yes, is better than Anthony Davis. And I'll stand by that. He started this season like he finished the last 20 games last season - dominating anyone he plays. Jordan and Allen, who are strong guys, couldn't contain him at all. and in years past, Jordan had. And Towns shrug him off.
The Timberwolves are on the same level as the Nets...without Durant. Sure, Irving was the best player on the floor last night. But not by much. Not at all. The Wolves crushed the Nets last year, and they beat them last night with a similarly overhauled roster and a new system. I have no doubt the Nets will be an Eastern Conference playoff team with 45-48 wins or so. But the Wolves would be too in the East. And unfortunately, probably will only muster 36-41 wins in a much tougher Western Conference.
As for Wiggins, there's no denying he struggled. But if you watched the game from beginning to end as I did, you would have seen he started cold, shooting threes. Then he continued to shoot, but fell back to midrange, which is what the team had gotten away from. And then in OT, Wiggins manhandled people, driving to the rim, taking off near the foul line and started scoring a ton. Wolves would not have won without Wiggins in OT. No one could guard him going to the rim. And that's the secret to unlocking Wiggins. He has to drive, and drive a lot, because almost no one can stop him getting to the cup. He needs to go inside-out, instead of outside-in. And I think he will as the season progresses. Well, I HOPE he does. 10-27 is ugly. No denying that. And I was not fond of his defense. His lateral foot speed is slow. Which is why Okogie is a better fit in this system. But the Wolves do not win without Wiggins in OT.
Okogie's defense was great, and the pressure he put on Irving was a key factor in Irving cracking on that last play Irving had a great game, but the team that won didn't get lucky -- they played a better game overall. And lets not forget Treveon Graham. I had no idea who he was until the Wolves signed him this offseason. He played HARD last night. 9 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts in 35 minutes may not seem like a lot. But it was the way he played. He was really aggressive, and not afraid to shoot. He and Layman (who also had a nice game) will be an effective role pair.
As for the Nets, Caris LeVert is one of my favorite players in the league. Glad he looked good last night. He quietly put up a hell of a game with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and three steals. And I love Dinwiddie and Allen. I think the Nets will be almost unstoppable once Durant is back next year. I mean...Durant/Irving/LeVert/Dinwiddie/Allen...that is dangerous. Not to mention Harris.
But the bottom line is -- the league has no answer for Karl-Anthony Towns. Particularly when he quarterbacks the offense. A 7 foot center playing point forward at the top of the key for most of the game, sliding from the perimeter to down low based on matchups. He scores from anywhere, and his defense is noticeably improved.
I'm not saying the Wolves will make the playoffs this year. I hope they do. But they don't have enough firepower to do that in the West. At best, they'll be a .500 team. I have them pegged for 36-46, unfortunately. I had them losing to the Nets last night. But they got one I didn't think they would. But what I saw last night was a team that really plays together, and a system that will be very successful.
The T-Wolves believing in Wiggins is killing them, should have cut bait before signing him to that contract. KAT has no help, just role players surrounding him.
As for the Nets, don't forget the acquisition of Taurean Prince, sneaky good.
-
The T-Wolves believing in Wiggins is killing them, should have cut bait before signing him to that contract. KAT has no help, just role players surrounding him.
As for the Nets, don't forget the acquisition of Taurean Prince, sneaky good.
Here's the thing on that contract that people forget about. He signed it after every single season he improved his scoring and effectiveness. He was a 23 ppg guy and it was looking like he was about to become one of the most dynamic scorers in the league. Once he signed it, they changed to Thibs, and Wiggins' role went from option 1 to option 3, and no plays called for him, and he was all but ignored in the game plan by Thibs. All that talk of "floating?" It happened AFTER Thibs took over. Last night, Wiggins had a bad shooting night, but he didn't float. he was present the whole time and active. He was aggressive. And while I think he should have played inside-out instead of outside-in, that's all part of them gelling under Saunders' new system. And like I said, when the Wolves needed Wigs to do what he does best, he did, and no one could stop him. And without him, the Wolves would be 0-1 today. I agree it is a bad contract, but you can't change it, so I don't dwell on it. They will maximize what he can do.
I do agree that KAT needs star power help. And I do think it's coming. But it won't be until the offseason. Dieng's terrible contract (thanks, Thibs) is a little more palatable for people (note he got 0 playing time last night) and can be moved, and then Teague (if he's not traded at the deadline) comes off the books. That's potentially 35 million to use.
Also agreed on Prince. I liked him on the Hawks a lot. Great scorer.
-
I feel sorry for T-Ski and Bucks fans. It's absolutely ridiculous that the media focuses on Harden/Westbrook, instead of the fact that the Bucks went into Houston and Giannis beat them the hell up. So ridiculous. They want to report on drama more than the game. Same with the Wolves beating Brooklyn on Wednesday -- the story was Kyrie scoring 50. Not that the Wolves won, and Towns dominated.
I know it's a pipe dream, but wouldn't it be nice if credit is given to the teams that win?
-
I feel sorry for T-Ski and Bucks fans. It's absolutely ridiculous that the media focuses on Harden/Westbrook, instead of the fact that the Bucks went into Houston and Giannis beat them the hell up. So ridiculous. They want to report on drama more than the game. Same with the Wolves beating Brooklyn on Wednesday -- the story was Kyrie scoring 50. Not that the Wolves won, and Towns dominated.
I know it's a pipe dream, but wouldn't it be nice if credit is given to the teams that win?
I've been able to stop listening to the national media for years, they're all about "hot takes" and getting clicks. I'll take the wins and be happy.
-
Fun fact: Before yesterday, the last time harden took 12 shots or less on a regular season game was April 10th, 2017.
But on to the topic, if I don’t watch the game, I just check the score and box score without reading headlines. They are usually very misleading to what actually happened in the game.
-
I know it's a pipe dream, but wouldn't it be nice if credit is given to the teams that win?
Not sure I follow you. I'm trying to remember what the word "win" means...
-
Jae Crowdah!!! :metal
-
Not sure about you guys, but I am liking this season's Phoenix Suns. It's too bad Rubio got hurt in game #2 @ Nuggets, or else they could very well gone 3-0 by now. Still, beating the Clippers short-handed is quite impressive. I hope Ayton would wise up and be productive when he comes back though.
-
The Lakers are 2-1 for the first time since during Obama's first term in 2010 :lol
-
Not sure about you guys, but I am liking this season's Phoenix Suns. It's too bad Rubio got hurt in game #2 @ Nuggets, or else they could very well gone 3-0 by now. Still, beating the Clippers short-handed is quite impressive. I hope Ayton would wise up and be productive when he comes back though.
Hmm. Not taking away anything from the Suns at all. They are well coached. Monty Williams is a stud. The Suns will be better this year. Not 45-wins, but I could see them winning 32 games. Which is a significant improvement over last year. Rubio takes Booker off the ball, where Booker is better. The Ayton thing is a real shame. Not sure of the particulars, but sounds like a masking agent to cover up steroid use. Not the kind of guy you want invading your locker room. But I think they'll be fine.
The Lakers are 2-1 for the first time since during Obama's first term in 2010 :lol
:rollin
Seriously!? That's crazy.
Wolves got a win I expected them to get against the Heat at home. But the Heat are surprisingly much better than I thought -- even without Butler playing. The kid Nunn is a legit NBA scorer and filled in the same numbers Butler would have. They are always well coached with Spo. I expected the Wolves to start 2-1, and they are 3-0, so I'll take it.
Loved the maturity of Wiggins last night. Had a great first quarter, floated and was benched in the second quarter. Picked up his play a bit in the third, and then in fourth, he took over the game, sticking to the offensive system. Hit threes, drove to the paint. No long two-pointers. Wonderful maturation by Wigs. And a very wise coaching move by Ryan Saunders to bench his butt in the second, after he started to float. Accountability. It's a thing now in Minnesota. I love their potential.
Of course, the real challenge is coming up. At Philly, At Washington, Home for Milwaukee. I expect the Wolves to go 1-2, with the win in Washington. But that's not a gimme. Beal is struggling shooting, but Hachimura is for real, and Washington is really playing hard.
-
Knicks won a game! :D against a bad team but still counts
-
Knicks won a game! :D against a bad team but still counts
So do the Warriors, after D-Green proclaimed they suck, lol! :lol
-
What a night... First there was a cat fight between KAT and Embiid in Philly. And then crazy Rockets @ Wizards... 159-158 were the final scores, and only in regulation. I thought the Wizards got hosed at the end though
-
And Curry’s broken hand. Hope is able to recover from this. It did not look so terrible but I expect him to be out for a few months.
159-158 on regulation is a crazy amount of points. But good win nonetheless. Westbrook still getting his triple doubles and Harden had a great game.
The fight between KAT and Embiid...don’t understand how it gets to that point for some players and then Embiid seemed so happy and satisfied afterwards as if he wanted that.
-
Good win for the C's without Brown vs. the Bucks.
-
The fight between KAT and Embiid...don’t understand how it gets to that point for some players and then Embiid seemed so happy and satisfied afterwards as if he wanted that.
They have never liked one another - at all. Last night was all about the punk ass bully shit from Embiid. They were jawing, as all competitive stars do when matched up. But then after the refs turned their backs and ran up court, Embiid then pushed KAT (twice) in the face (more like an open-handed push-punch), and then KAT retaliated, leading to the whole thing.
Here's my issue -- I don't begrudge KAT standing up for himself. Embiid is a dirty player (YES, HE. IS.), who likes to run his mouth, and he very purposefully baited KAT. The problem I have is the WAY Towns responded. He should have went toe-to-toe, but kept his arms down, and just jawed right in that ugly bastard's face. And let Embiid pick his hands up. Instead, KAT did what he did. And now, both will probably be suspended, and the Wolves need KAT way more than the Sixers need the ass clown Embiid.
It continued on social media all night, with Embiid calling Towns a "pussy" and Towns responding in-kind.
Again -- I'm not mad that Towns responded. I'm mad that he responded like a 16 year old on the blacktop in a pick-up game, instead of the focal point and leader of an NBA franchise. Jordan never backed down to anyone. He got in everyone's face if they tried to intimidate. But he never raised his hands. Towns made a mistake, even if he was in the right in responding.
Embiid is just a dirty player and an asshole. And I wish the league would do something about him. At least when leaving the court, Embiid's face was bloody after Towns pounded him. While KAT had to deal with Embiid's Aussie sidekick putting him in a sleeper hold. LOL.
So, so stupid. And now my team is probably losing its only star player for at least a couple of games. I heard the league will address it today or tomorrow. Wolves next game is at Washington on Saturday.
-
I just realized something. For the past few years I’ve been saying Draymond Green would be exposed without the help of the warriors core players (curry and Thompson). He’s been pounding his chest and inflating his ego thinking he is so valuable (which for the warriors play, he was).
The next 3 months are either going to expose him aa system player that can’t do anything by himself, or a good player that will make things happen no matter what.
-
Well, you take away the top 3 players on a team and of course one guy can't hold the fort. That's obvious.
-
Is not a matter of him winning games or keeping the team afloat, but more of putting up the same numbers (10-7-7) with the similar efficiency.
-
WARRIORS STARTERS:
November 2, 2018 vs November 2, 2019
Curry, Thompson, Durant, Green, Jones
Bowman, Poole, Robinson III, Paschall, Cayley-Stein.
-
Is not a matter of him winning games or keeping the team afloat, but more of putting up the same numbers (10-7-7) with the similar efficiency.
I don't think D-Green is being exposed, and IMHO he has been being himself most of the time. I mean, when you have no talents around you, there is only so much you can accomplish. It is like you couldn't expect Rodman to lead the 90's Bulls, if both MJ, Pippen were out, and perhaps with only a few G-League level talents
-
The Bucks are who I thought they were. :lol
Wolves hung in for the first half. But without KAT, they were outgunned. I'd like to think with KAT and a solid 25/15/5 effort, we'd have that game down to the wire. But good game by the Bucks. Wolves without KAT is a game the Bucks should win...for now.
-
Speaking of the Bucks, Kawhi Leonard will be sitting out the game vs the Bucks in LA for "load management" reasons. WTF?! This is so early into the season and he has already been sitting out at least twice already?! :tdwn
-
It worked last year, didn't it?
-
Very happy with the C's start. Man 2 years ago I was over the hill getting Kyrie. I never knew one person, with so much talent could be so toxic.
-
It worked last year, didn't it?
All jokes aside, I understand the Clippers have been investing a lot of money into Kawhi, yet he is supposedly fully healthy now. I would hate to be those fans who pay good money in hope of seeing him play in person, only to find out he is sitting out not due to any real injury. :yeahright
-
Very happy with the C's start. Man 2 years ago I was over the hill getting Kyrie. I never knew one person, with so much talent could be so toxic.
You have to be happy with the C's start, but like the Pats, their schedule has been putrid. They're 1-1 against Philly/Milwaukee.
-
It's like you think I think they can win it all.
Kyrie with all his talent was poison. I turned so many games off, didn't bother checking in.
Now, I'm checking in, watching games. I don't know what to expect but I'm enjoying it more.
-
It's like you think I think they can win it all.
No sah. I never said that. I didn't even think that. I'm just saying their schedule has been tit. They've basically played to expectations to this point.
But hell yes, they are way more likeable.
-
It worked last year, didn't it?
All jokes aside, I understand the Clippers have been investing a lot of money into Kawhi, yet he is supposedly fully healthy now. I would hate to be those fans who pay good money in hope of seeing him play in person, only to find out he is sitting out not due to any real injury. :yeahright
I think this is the smarter NBA though. It's a grind to play 82 games, then expect a full playoff run at peak performance. I'm frankly surprised more teams aren't resting their A players more often.
-
Expectations? 5-1? Settle down. With Irving they were going nowhere. He sours everybody around him.
I can't believe I'm typing this but watching last year I know that talent, has mental issues and never take any team to the promised land as the #1.
-
I think this is the smarter NBA though. It's a grind to play 82 games, then expect a full playoff run at peak performance. I'm frankly surprised more teams aren't resting their A players more often.
This early into the season? The Clippers haven't even played 10 full games yet. I understand it is a long season, but players can play less minutes instead of sitting out completely. I think I wouldn't feel that same way if it is after the ASG or in late March or something; but this early into the season? I would feel cheated if I were a fan. Years ago that happened to me back in Phoenix. I was excited to go see T-Mac, and only to find out he would be resting when I got to my seat (remember that was the early 2000's and there were no smart phones like the kind we are using now)... the Magic only come into town once a season, and he was one of my fav players at the time. :facepalm: :natalieportman:
-
He missed 20 games for load mgmt last year. Wouldn't be surprised if it's 12-15 this year, which is 3-4 out of every 20 games. So yeah ... this early into the season doesn't surprise me at all.
-
re: C's - much better vibe it seems (from a distance). There's a calmness to things. It's showing on the court. Tatum has taken a step, Hayward looks comfortable, etc. Kemba's personality likely has a lot to do with it. Kyrie was...too much. As the Nets are discovering. Although I think the Nets will be fine. Kyrie is still a head case, but he's home, and I think that has settled him (not to mention the big contract).
re: Kawhi - this has gotten ridiculous. The problem is, the league won't enforce the rule they put in place. Clearly, Kawhi is fine. And here's the kicker. While they have a back to back today and tomorrow (both at home), they have THREE DAYS OFF after that. You're telling me Kawhi can't play 68 minutes over two consecutive nights? REALLY?! It's absolutely stupid. As much as I respect the quiet manner he conducts himself in, and obviously the all-world talent, it IS him driving this, not the team. And that's just wrong.
I know guys want to do everything they can do to sustain themselves. I get it. The longer they are in the league, and performing at a top level, the longer and more they get paid. It is all money driven. It always is. The science backs the "rest." Look at Lebron. He has played 17 seasons of regular season games and TWO MORE seasons of games worth of playoff basketball. And he's still at the top of his offensive game (although his defense is nowhere near what it once was). He's going to end up playing 20 years in the league. You're going to see that a ton more as time goes on.
Give me guys like Towns, Giannis, guys who stick a middle finger to "load management" and just play. Maybe their minutes have come down a bit, but they PLAY. And take pride in playing. As incredible as Kawhi is, and we know he's clutch, this looks bad, and sets a really bad example. I think the league needs to step in and fine the Clippers. BIG time fine. Ballmer may be a billionaire, but if the league fines him 10 million every time Kawhi does "load mgmt" it'll stop the trend really quickly.
Wolves in Memphis tonight. They have no point guards. :lol I should go suit up. KAT comes back though, my pups are going to tame the Grizz.
-
I disagree on the load management topic. With everything you've said. I'll tell you this - not one single Canadian cares that he missed the 20 games he did. And even if the Raps hadn't gotten the trophy, I doubt anyone would make as big of a stink as you're making. Yes it's about money. And what's the best way for players to get paid - excel in the regular season?? Nope... it's the Larry OB. Full stop. That's what the Clippers are playing for now - not 50 or 60 win seasons. The trophy. HOW they do it is up to them, not the fans.
If/when Giannis and Towns get a big injury, we'll see how much they stick it to load management. If/when they fade down the stretch, we'll see how much they (or the team) stick it to load management.
Winning is about the BIG picture... not individual games.
-
I disagree on the load management topic. With everything you've said. I'll tell you this - not one single Canadian cares that he missed the 20 games he did. And even if the Raps hadn't gotten the trophy, I doubt anyone would make as big of a stink as you're making. Yes it's about money. And what's the best way for players to get paid - excel in the regular season?? Nope... it's the Larry OB. Full stop. That's what the Clippers are playing for now - not 50 or 60 win seasons. The trophy. HOW they do it is up to them, not the fans.
If/when Giannis and Towns get a big injury, we'll see how much they stick it to load management. If/when they fade down the stretch, we'll see how much they (or the team) stick it to load management.
Winning is about the BIG picture... not individual games.
I think you're absolutely wrong. Had the Raptors lost in the second round, the narrative would have absolutely been "with Kawhi missing as much time as he did, did that impact their chemistry on the floor? Was the time off the reason they didn't fulfill expectations?" Take it from an old sportswriter. That WOULD have been covered.
I don't necessarily think what I am saying is making a "big stink" of load management. I just simply don't like the concept, and think this particular stretch for the Clippers (back to back home games, three days off) is really sort of ridiculous that Kawhi can't play two games in two nights. Of course he can. He's choosing not to, IMO, and I think that's selfish.
Yes, you play for the LOB trophy. Absolutely. But so did the thousands of players who came before him, who averaged 40 minutes a night and never missed a game. The players want to "expand their brand" all the time -- well, you don't do that by not playing games as a healthy scratch. What about the kids who show up to see their idols, and they see them healthy and sitting on the sidelines laughing it up? It sends a terrible message. The NBA is VERY aware of it, and that's why they sent that memo out about abusing the whole "rest" thing. But since it is a players' league, they aren't going to lay the hammer down. But they should, IMO.
And I think you and Rap fans need a dose of reality. You've won a title, absolutely BECAUSE OF Kawhi. What he did worked, saving himself for the playoffs. I get it. But you're one or two runs away from being eliminated early in the playoffs, and all the Canadians WOULD care that he missed 20 games for rest had they lost early in the playoffs. As I said, the whole narrative would have been pointed right on the whole "rest" thing with Kawhi, and people would have asked why the team traded Derozen and not advanced any further with Kawhi.
But the Raps gelled, at the right time, and Kawhi, being the superstar he is, carried them home. But one missed shot, one poor run, and the narrative is completely different. And if you're being objective (which lets face it, as a Raps fan who is glowing from a title, you're not), you know I'm right.
-
Yes, you play for the LOB trophy. Absolutely. But so did the thousands of players who came before him, who averaged 40 minutes a night and never missed a game.
Surely you're not suggesting that the game couldn't/doesn't/shouldn't evolve? As much you point to this statement, I have no doubt someone could point to dozens of examples whereby players / teams would've wished for the hindsight to pace themselves, not play while injured, resulting in teams/players that underperformed because of over-exertion.
But the Raps gelled, at the right time, and Kawhi, being the superstar he is, carried them home. But one missed shot, one poor run, and the narrative is completely different. And if you're being objective (which lets face it, as a Raps fan who is glowing from a title, you're not), you know I'm right.
I agree on a lot of what you said, but not the last part. If things had turned out differently, the media may have made the narrative very different, much as you describe. I know I personally (can't speak for 30M other Raps fans) I wouldn't have been terribly stuffed - Ujiri took a big - HUGE - gamble. High risk; high reward. He/we hit the jackpot - and it was ABSOLUTELY was just as expected/likely that he would not have. I doubt the FANS would've been crying boo-hoo and blaming it on Kawhi's 20 missed games. An early exit would've been just more of the same that Raps fans had basically come to expect... simply substituting #10 for #2.
Maybe I'm not being entirely objective, but as a non-Canadian, let's face it, you don't know the mood of the fan base... you know I'm right. :biggrin: :P
I'm not trying to change your mind - clearly I'm not going to. You'll also not change mine, so methinks we'll just have to agree to disagree on the matter.
-
Jingle,
I love going back and forth with you. You GET IT. You don't take it personal, and know I'm not either. Good stuff here. Lemme respond.
Surely you're not suggesting that the game couldn't/doesn't/shouldn't evolve? As much you point to this statement, I have no doubt someone could point to dozens of examples whereby players / teams would've wished for the hindsight to pace themselves, not play while injured, resulting in teams/players that underperformed because of over-exertion.
Absolutely the game is changing. Despite what I said, obviously guys from the 80s touting they averaged 43 per night, played all 82, and then another 20 games in the playoffs -- they lasted like 10-12 years. :lol I am all for sports science. But I also think as a society, people tend to lean on science/stats as a crutch.
I agree on a lot of what you said, but not the last part. If things had turned out differently, the media may have made the narrative very different, much as you describe.
From my experience as a reporter, it would have been one of the first questions I asked Ujiri, Nurse, and Kawhi. I think most reporters would have led with a couple of softballs, and then they would HAVE to ask that, and it would have become the narrative. Trust me.
I know I personally (can't speak for 30M other Raps fans) I wouldn't have been terribly stuffed - Ujiri took a big - HUGE - gamble. High risk; high reward. He/we hit the jackpot - and it was ABSOLUTELY was just as expected/likely that he would not have. I doubt the FANS would've been crying boo-hoo and blaming it on Kawhi's 20 missed games. An early exit would've been just more of the same that Raps fans had basically come to expect... simply substituting #10 for #2.
Maybe I'm not being entirely objective, but as a non-Canadian, let's face it, you don't know the mood of the fan base... you know I'm right. :biggrin: :P
Heh. :) Maybe. I just can't but think that MOST Canadians would have been like "why did we bother trading Derozen" had the Raps been eliminated early. It was a big risk and gamble. It worked -- it got you the ring. And overall, the Raps are in a good spot now, and while they likely won't win the title again, they've got financial flexibility. It worked to almost perfection (Kawhi staying would have been icing on the cake). I get it. But given how beloved DeRozen is, I'm not as confident that fans wouldn't have throw their hands in the air, and felt like the one Raptor who wanted to be there long term got F'd and the result was absolutely the same.
Honest to goodness, I rooted for the Raps in the finals. What a great story, and I was and am, a big fan of DeRozen. I was happy Toronto got its chip.
I'm not trying to change your mind - clearly I'm not going to. You'll also not change mine, so methinks we'll just have to agree to disagree on the matter.
Totally, but it's a good, civil discussion with respect on both sides. A rarity in this day and age. Glad we did it. :metal
-
I'm glad for the conversation too... and shall retort on a couple of points.
I completely agree on your first two points above. No arguement there. Though, I think the analytics/stats are so advanced, it's usually more than a "crutch".
Heh. :) Maybe. I just can't but think that MOST Canadians would have been like "why did we bother trading Derozen" had the Raps been eliminated early.
First, the Raptors were a TORONTO team for the past 25 years. It was ONLY because of the huge success the Kawhi brought that elevated them to *Canada's* team. I don't think that there was too much of a fan base outside of the Toronto area until the 2nd half of last year when the fans could sense something was different.
It was a big risk and gamble. It worked -- it got you the ring. And overall, the Raps are in a good spot now, and while they likely won't win the title again, they've got financial flexibility. It worked to almost perfection (Kawhi staying would have been icing on the cake). I get it. But given how beloved DeRozen is, I'm not as confident that fans wouldn't have throw their hands in the air, and felt like the one Raptor who wanted to be there long term got F'd and the result was absolutely the same.
Believe me, the Raptors fan base was ready to lynch Ujiri when the deal was announced ... and stayed that way for a very long time. I think the fanbase thought it was a TERRIBLE deal, and did even as the season started and for a few months in to it. There was a decent amount of understanding that we had to try and 'sell' Toronto as a place for Kawhi, even though I still think a lot of people weren't sold on him until a few months into the season. Up to that point, I believe it was just a courteous appreciation that was being extended - for a guy who was thought to be selfish and had only played 9 games in the prior 14 months. When people realized that he was in a different league of skill than DDR, as well as understanding who he was as a person, then the fanbase embraced him. Then the country embraced him.
-
Expectations? 5-1? Settle down. .
Huh?
I'm just saying that they are doing what they should be doing.
They are 2-1 against Toronto/Mil/Philly, winning two home games and losing the road game.
No surprises there.
They have beat the worst team in the East (the Knicks) twice and the Cavs, who also suck.
So to me, 5-1 is exactly where they should be honestly.
I'm confused with what you're saying I guess.
-
I feel they will be better than last year. Kyrie was that poisonous. Never thought I'd say that but after seeing last year and all the drama he caused this team has a weight off their shoulders.
-
I just realized something. For the past few years I’ve been saying Draymond Green would be exposed without the help of the warriors core players (curry and Thompson). He’s been pounding his chest and inflating his ego thinking he is so valuable (which for the warriors play, he was).
The next 3 months are either going to expose him aa system player that can’t do anything by himself, or a good player that will make things happen no matter what.
I don't really get that sentiment. He is a player with a specific skill set and value that he brings to the team. In that role, I think he is one of the best. But he absolutely has a role, and that role is specific to having the right pieces around him. I think Azhiu has it right:
Is not a matter of him winning games or keeping the team afloat, but more of putting up the same numbers (10-7-7) with the similar efficiency.
I don't think D-Green is being exposed, and IMHO he has been being himself most of the time. I mean, when you have no talents around you, there is only so much you can accomplish. It is like you couldn't expect Rodman to lead the 90's Bulls, if both MJ, Pippen were out, and perhaps with only a few G-League level talents
Or maybe a more current example that is closer is Patrick Beverly. Beverly is one of the best in the NBA at what he does. But he isn't a scorer. He isn't one that could carry an average or bad team. That isn't his role or his skill set. Put him on a bad or average team, and nobody notices him. But put him on a team with the right pieces, and he takes them to the next level because of what he is able to bring to the table. I'm not sure putting a player on an island by himself exposes anything when that player's skill set is geared toward facilitating and amplifying great play from great players.
-
I just realized something. For the past few years I’ve been saying Draymond Green would be exposed without the help of the warriors core players (curry and Thompson). He’s been pounding his chest and inflating his ego thinking he is so valuable (which for the warriors play, he was).
The next 3 months are either going to expose him aa system player that can’t do anything by himself, or a good player that will make things happen no matter what.
I don't really get that sentiment. He is a player with a specific skill set and value that he brings to the team. In that role, I think he is one of the best. But he absolutely has a role, and that role is specific to having the right pieces around him. I think Azhiu has it right:
Is not a matter of him winning games or keeping the team afloat, but more of putting up the same numbers (10-7-7) with the similar efficiency.
I don't think D-Green is being exposed, and IMHO he has been being himself most of the time. I mean, when you have no talents around you, there is only so much you can accomplish. It is like you couldn't expect Rodman to lead the 90's Bulls, if both MJ, Pippen were out, and perhaps with only a few G-League level talents
Or maybe a more current example that is closer is Patrick Beverly. Beverly is one of the best in the NBA at what he does. But he isn't a scorer. He isn't one that could carry an average or bad team. That isn't his role or his skill set. Put him on a bad or average team, and nobody notices him. But put him on a team with the right pieces, and he takes them to the next level because of what he is able to bring to the table. I'm not sure putting a player on an island by himself exposes anything when that player's skill set is geared toward facilitating and amplifying great play from great players.
One of the rare times that bosk1 and I actually agree on everything. Save this post. :lol
But that leads me to another discussion on Green, and how it relates to "Hall of Fame" players. I've been hearing a lot of talk about who is and who isn't worthy of the Hall of Fame, brought on by Jordan's comments that Steph Curry is NOT a HOFer yet. When he said it, I didn't really think it was a big deal. Steph still has like six or seven years left, and his body of work isn't finished yet. That's how I took Jordan's comments. But most people took it as Jordan slighting Curry (which the media ran with). But it ended up starting some talk on NBA radio about Draymond Green.
You had hosts calling him a HOF player, and fans chiming in that's he's a clear HOFer. I'm sorry, but no, it's not cut and dry. Here's my argument:
For me personally, a HOF player has to be either:
1) transcendent, where he has changed the game by being dominant in a way that was never quite seen before (Wilt, MJ, Magic, etc.)
2) dominant on both ends of the floor for the majority of his career (Garnett, Duncan, etc.)
3) so overwhelmingly dominant in a specific, defined role, that it is a clear no-brainer (Rodman, Mutumbo, etc.)
I think Draymond's candidacy is obviously in #3. He's not a transcendent player, and he's not dominant on both ends of the floor. On the latter, you can argue his passing, but let's just be honest, the moment a good defender gets on him, he can't get rid of the ball fast enough. He's not dominant on the offensive end. So, back to #3...
Is Draymond's defensive presence so dominant, that it lifts him from valuable role player on a championship team, to a Hall of Famer? I'll be very honest. At first I thought no. But I have waffled. I just don't know. I think Draymond's defense is all star level, but he's more of a big annoying gnat. Can he pick up ANY guy on the floor and shut them down? I don't think so. He couldn't guard a smaller player, and he would have trouble (and has) with a guy like Embiid, Towns, Davis (but to be fair, most of the league struggles guarding those three). I honestly just don't know. What do you all think?
-
All-star talent =/= HOF. I can't fathom putting Green in the same class as Rodman/Mutumbo.
To me, HOF means you have a hand in making A) your team better than if you weren't there and/or B) other players better because of your presence/play .... regardless of the sport. Would the Dubs have won 4/5 titles without Green? Maybe not 4... but surely a couple. Maybe I don't have enough exposure to his play, but he just doesn't strike me as having HOF gravitas.
-
Or maybe a more current example that is closer is Patrick Beverly. Beverly is one of the best in the NBA at what he does. But he isn't a scorer. He isn't one that could carry an average or bad team. That isn't his role or his skill set. Put him on a bad or average team, and nobody notices him. But put him on a team with the right pieces, and he takes them to the next level because of what he is able to bring to the table. I'm not sure putting a player on an island by himself exposes anything when that player's skill set is geared toward facilitating and amplifying great play from great players.
That is a good point! I was thinking more on individual stats rather than what he brings to a team beyond numbers, so you are right.
Re: HOF talk. that's where my original point came from. I had conversations with friends and coworkers about him and a few went on to say he is HoF material and could carry a team by himself, which I disagreed. But as Bosk said, he does makes the rest of his team better, and without his defense the Warriors wouldn't be as feared as they were during that 5 year stretch.
-
Yeah, on the HOF stuff, I'm not sure. It's subjective, and I guess I don't have strong feelings one way or the other. If his career ended right now (which I acknowledge is a flawed way of looking at it, but it is what it is), I'd say "no," simply from the standpoint that I don't think he's done quite enough to get it. Once the team is rebuilt, and if he can continue on the same track for a few more years, I'd say yes. Not in terms of being able to carry a team by himself--I'm a fan, but I would strongly disagree with your friends as well on that point--but in terms of his dominant defense and running the offense in a way that makes them such a feared team. And I think that, in a role like that, he has to sustain it longer than, say, someone like Stef. If, hypothetically, Stef's injury turns out to be worse than expected, and he has to suddenly retire without playing another game, I think Stef eventually gets in. His MVP awards, shattering so many different records, sheer offensive numbers and performance, and the intangibles of how [almost] universally liked he is get him there based on what he has already done. For a player like Green, I think he has to sustain what he has done longer to get the nod. But that's just my subjective take.
All-star talent =/= HOF. I can't fathom putting Green in the same class as Rodman/Mutumbo.
I...don't disagree with that.
To me, HOF means you have a hand in making A) your team better than if you weren't there and/or B) other players better because of your presence/play .... regardless of the sport. Would the Dubs have won 4/5 titles without Green? Maybe not 4... but surely a couple. Maybe I don't have enough exposure to his play, but he just doesn't strike me as having HOF gravitas.
I think Green captures both A and B. Just not at a level where he is a lock YET.
But as far as titles, it's a bit tricky because of just how events played out. He was necessary for title #1. Remember that they lost in year 2, when he was ejected for game 5. If that doesn't happen, I think they win that year, and he is a BIG reason why. And I think losing him for 1 game + supports that. It changed the momentum of that entire series. Maybe one argues that, if he was THAT good, then when he returned, they should have been able to put the Cavs away. Maybe that's true. But momentum is a funny thing, and lots of HOF players have lost games/championships when the momentum was moving against them.
Title runs 3-5 are where it gets tricky. And that's because, after losing #2, you get the wildcard of KD being added to the mix. Even with him, I think they lose the 2/3 that they won if they don't have Green. But if they don't lose #2, they likely don't get KD to come over for that next run of 3, and then what happens? Who knows? And what is also interesting is, without Green on the team, I don't think they get KD to come over in the first place.
Bottom line: Without him, I don't think they get to 5 in a row in the first place, much less win 3 of those 5. Maybe 1 or 2 out of 3 or so. But too many variables.
-
Here's the thing with how I view things:
I don't think the Ws win without Steph, Klay, or later, Durant. I DO think, however, that if you slotted in a solid defending, stretch 4 (say someone like Kuzma), I still think the Ws win. Draymond's skill sets and value can be replaced in the lineup, whereas I think you can't replace Steph and Klay (or Durant). That HAS to be a factor for me.
p.s. thought about an example.
Look at the first three-peat of the Bulls. Jordan (Steph) Pippen (Klay) win with Horace Grant. Grant eventually gets replace, and in his stead is Dennis Rodman and Toni Kukoc. Horance Grant is Draymond. A skilled role player who had been an all star. But no one would ever consider him a Hall of Famer. But then, you look at Rodman vs. Green. And realize that Rodman is a HOF, and then you look at Green, and he has won similar amounts of DPOY awards, all star berths, etc. Except instead of just being a defender and rebounding machine like Rodman, Green is a better passer and less effective rebounder and same elite level defender.
If they put Rodman in, and most people thought he deserved it (see my #3 category above), you can't make the argument Green shouldn't be in if Green continues to produce the statistics he has. Based on Rodman, Green should be, if he racks up a couple of more All-Defense selections and DPOY titles.
So Green's HOF candidacy is somewhere between Horace Grant and Dennis Rodman. :lol
-
That's actually quite brilliant.
Though, Steph is no MJ. :lol
-
That's actually quite brilliant.
Though, Steph is no MJ. :lol
Steph is nowhere close. But the way he changed the game, is sort of how Michael changed the game. That was the point I was making. Pound for pound, player compared to player, MJ in his prime vs. Steph in his prime, is no comparison whatsoever. His airness all day, all night, for eternity.
-
For us fogeys, MJ will always be GOAT.
-
Maybe. Maybe not. Different eras, different types of players, so I couldn't really feel like I was doing either player justice to try to compare.
-
And just think, I have seen some (not here, but elsewhere) suggest that Green was more important to the Warriors than Klay Thompson the last five years. :lol :lol :lol :lol
-
A reddit user found a correlation between James Harden’s lack of performance on the road and the quality of strips clubs in that city....
https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/dt0ucg/i_analyzed_james_hardens_performance_in_every_nba/
-
"Oh, so that's why you wanted D'Angelo Russell so bad." :lol
Thank God for Andrew Wiggins. Losing to the Warriors with their current active roster would have been an embarrassment. Worried about Towns though. Jeff Teague was out with sickness (guessing the flu, it has been two straight games), and you could Towns was not feeling well. he wouldn't get in the face of his teammates, and waved everyone off except for some fist bumps. Wolves have a back to back against Denver and Detroit on Sunday/Monday. Need the big fella.
-
Dammit Gordon Hayward breaks his left hand. He's been playing so well so far this year. Finally seemed fully recovered.
-
Seriously Tim. I feel so bad for him.
-
Yeah, that kinda fucking blows. Never want to see that for any player, let alone an A-list talent.
-
I was trying to look it up but didn’t see anything. Did he ever had any major injuries while in Utah?
Hope he recovers quickly.
-
Dammit Gordon Hayward breaks his left hand. He's been playing so well so far this year. Finally seemed fully recovered.
That sucks. The guy was certainly at the top of his game this year after his horrible injury. Sucks. Three month minimum, still a chance to come back this year.
-
Carmelo Anthony is signing with the Blazers for a non-guaranteed contract. This is, IMO, likely his final chance to be playing in the NBA... :hat
-
Good for him, I’m glad he is getting another chance. He better bring his A game though.
-
Good for him, I’m glad he is getting another chance. He better bring his A game though.
I do not expect much from him at all. He left behind not one but TWO great situations in OKC and then Houston, I just don't see him being remotely good in Portland. After all I just expect much from a 35-year-old jump shooter who plays virtually no D :natalieportman:
-
Yeah OKC I think was his greatest opportunity. And I don’t mean his A game as in 2010 Melo. I expect him to get 15 minutes at most maybe averaging 10 points. He just better make those minutes count because with a Non-guarantee contract, I’m sure the Blazers will have no problem cutting him off if it doesn’t work out.
-
If Melo has truly embraced a stretch-4 role, and has made the mental shift from primary option to a role player who gets no plays called for him, it could work well. He's not a defensive liability as a 4. He's a liability as a 3 -- too slow. Although in this era of switching, he could be exploited. I guess we'll find out.
IMO, Melo is a Hall of Famer. I just hope this one last hurrah is worth it, and doesn't further taint his legacy as the stops in OKC and Houston did. Again, "taint his legacy" is my opinion. Obviously, people may differ.
-
I think that Melo will make the Hall of Fame, but I was never a big fan of his, personally. Too many long-range jumpers for my taste, and he didn't bring much to the table outside of scoring. Will be interested to see how he adjusts his game in Portland.
-
IMO, Melo is a Hall of Famer.
He is?
-
IMO, Melo is a Hall of Famer.
He is?
He'll probably make it, with voters citing his gold medals as a big reason why (when you could have put any good NBA player on those teams and they win the gold), but I don't think he should. Remove him from the history of the NBA and nothing changes. Hard to say someone is a Hall of Famer when that is the case.
-
He shouldn't be.
-
Well, the 4 Golds might be a thing. Remember it's the Basketball HOF, NOT the NBA HOF. But he's just not an HOFer in my book.
-
Hard to believe you guys don't look at Melo's stats, and come to the same conclusion. Particularly in an era where stats are more important than winning.
Melo has scored more than 25,500 points in 16+ seasons. An average of 24 ppg. He's been an All-Star selection 12 times. He's been on an All-NBA team seven times. And as you've mentioned, the gold medals. On that alone, his statistical qualifications put him by far and away higher than a ton of people already in the BB HOF.
People forget that just because Carmelo has never won a championship, it doesn't mean that should keep him from the Hall. Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, John Stockton -- all first to come to my mind. All of them, HOFers. And if you look at stats...he's actually on par with all of them.
The difference is, Melo played in a bridge era from those guys, to this new system of no mid-range shots that started five years ago. Melo is a relic in this era. Hopefully, he caps off his career this season with a productive run (losing to the Wolves, of course), and calls it a career. But he's a sure-fire Hall of Famer, and people who don't think so, need to go look at his stats in comparison to others from his era.
-
Stats are more important than winning? Nope, not at all. This ain't baseball. :P
Ewing, Barkley, Malone and Stockton all played in the finals. Carmelo Anthony's stats were so empty that he played six full seasons in NY, won one playoff series, and missed the playoffs in three of them...in the East (which was the weaker conference at the time). His teams made it out of the first round in his entire career twice. TWICE! That is pathetic.
-
Stats are more important than winning? Nope, not at all. This ain't baseball. :P
Ewing, Barkley, Malone and Stockton all played in the finals. Carmelo Anthony's stats were so empty that he played six full seasons in NY, won one playoff series, and missed the playoffs in three of them...in the East (which was the weaker conference at the time). His teams made it out of the first round in his entire career twice. TWICE! That is pathetic.
Penalizing a player whose teams weren't good enough for them to compete in the NBA Finals is wrong. How about Chris Mullin? Never played in an NBA Finals. One of my favorites of all time. Hall of Famer. Another favorite who never played in an NBA Finals - Bernard King. Hall of Famer. Guess who is statistically a better player? Carmelo Anthony.
Look, I don't have a horse in the Melo race. He played for my second favorite and hometown team, The Knicks. But when that trade went down with Denver, I was against it. I wanted to develop the young pieces the Knicks had. Do the rebuild the right way. Unfortunately, Dolan is an ass, and made Donnie Walsh make the deal. That said, to deny the HOF worthiness of Carmelo Anthony just isn't logical.
He's a Hall of Fame player whose career bridge two different eras of the sport, and ultimately, this current era isn't ideal for his type of game. Carmelo is an old school scorer. He's not a stretch-4. He's a traditional scoring SF who was forced his last two years (OKC and Houston) due to age and the era in which he plays, to become a spot up shooter. It's time for Melo to retire, and it has been since the final year with the Knicks.
If people remember, Melo outright refused to play the PF position with the Knicks. Because he knew that his game would suffer. He's not a spacer. He's a ball dominant SF who needs the ball in the mid-range. Once the Knicks and Melo parted, he was forced to adapt -- and he didn't.
He's a relic, but a much worthy Hall of Fame level player. Period.
-
Words are the Lakers and the Warriors are fighting to sign this kid right now! :metal :lol :hefdaddy
http://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1197011528865595392 (http://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1197011528865595392)
-
Luka Doncic is incredible.
That is all.
-
Luka Doncic is incredible.
That is all.
I like to remind everyone in my fantasy league that I drafted him 19th overall. The fools.
-
Luka Doncic is incredible.
That is all.
Luka will become the absolute BEST player in the league in a tear or 2.
-
If Luka gets his body right, and barring injury, he'll be top-20, all-time. Yeah, I'm going there. He is THAT good. You can see he has that special touch on his shot. Ala Jordan, Bird, Curry...you know when it is going in. And if you know hoops But ONLY if he takes Lebron's approach to fitness. Like any 19 or 20 year old, he loves fast food and doesn't eat well. That has to change. But seriously the dude is SPECIAL. He has the whole package...at 20 years old. No weaknesses, other than fitness. Crazy.
After beating the Jazz in Utah the other night, the Jazz got us at home last night. Wolves just didn't have it last night. But at 8-7, they are well ahead of where I thought they'd be after 15 games. Very pleased.
-
Kemba Walker taken off on a stretcher. Fucking scary as shit.
-
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2863971-woj-nba-discussing-shorter-schedule-play-in-postseason-tournament-more
I am all for the conference finals reseeding and play-in tournament... but I am not sure about the in season tournament to create more "championship chances". What are your thoughts?
-
I am fine with conference reseeding and a shorter season (though what's 4 games really going to do except eliminate back to back games?).
Now, Play-in Tournament...I'm not so sure about. I get the appeal of it, but how often do we have an 8 seed advancing to the 2nd round? or even to conference finals? I understand that for the NBA, that would create more "drama" at the end of the regular season where more often than not, the last few games mean nothing to most teams. Play-in tournament would raise the stakes for seeds 7 and 8 that don't have a guarantee spot for the playoffs. This would generate more views for the NBA, fans of those teams seeded 9 or 10 have something to look forward to, and again, more "drama". I understand why they would want to do it, but I would rather do seeds 1-16 than play-in tournament.
-
I'm not sure I understand what is being proposed. Here is what I *DO* understand, hopefully some of you can explain the rest:
1. Shorten the "regular season" to 78 games (does this include the mid-season tournament being talked about?)
2. Once we're down to four teams total, those teams get re-seeded, so 1 plays 4, 2 plays 3 (I think). Anyone know how the re-seeding would be determined?
3. Seeds 9 and 10 at the end of the season are essentially wild card entries who play one another to have to play the eighth seed of the play-in tournament, to determine the final (8th) seed for the playoffs.
4. Playoffs then continue as we know them, until the conference finals?
>>>Doesn't this seem convoluted? Are there any details about what the mid-season tournament actually DOES for playoff chances? This seems like a little much, but I am not understanding it all.
There has to be a simpler way. Just reorganize the schedule like this:
Do away with "conference" and "division."
Every team plays each other twice.
The first half of the season is complete once each team plays against one another once. 29 games.
All Star Break (approx. one week)
The second half of the season is complete once each team plays against one another for a final time. 29 games.
Post Season Break (approx. one week)
The top-20 teams are then ranked by record and tiebreakers (to be determined).
But instead of it being single-elimination, the teams play best-of-three series:
#1 plays #20, #2 plays #19, etc.
In total, you could have a team playing 88 total games if every series went to 3 games. The 10 teams who didn't make the playoffs have played 58 games. So you reduce the total number of games overall for most teams. But then you have some new excitement, and add FOUR teams to the playoff structure overall.
I am sure there are problems with this model, but it would be exciting for sure. And teams are less inclined, I think, to do "Load Management."
-
1. Shorten the "regular season" to 78 games (does this include the mid-season tournament being talked about?)
No, those 78 games do not include the mid-season tournament. While I understand why Silver wants to do that, I don't think it fits the current NBA model.
2. Once we're down to four teams total, those teams get re-seeded, so 1 plays 4, 2 plays 3 (I think). Anyone know how the re-seeding would be determined?
Season record. That way, if the 2 best records during the season were in the west, you could have both teams meet in the finals.
3. Seeds 9 and 10 at the end of the season are essentially wild card entries who play one another to have to play the eighth seed of the play-in tournament, to determine the final (8th) seed for the playoffs.
7 and 8 play a game. The winner goes into the playoffs. Then 9 and 10 play a game and the winner goes against the loser of the other game for that final spot. Not sure if that is what you meant in your post but it seems that way.
Regarding your suggestion of just playing each other team 2 times during the season, that's a lot less games than we have now and that would mean shaving off a ton of money of the TV contracts. The 78 games they are proposing + the mid-season tournament + the additional games to get the 7th and 8th seed probably land the same number of games we have right now.
As far as playoffs seeding, this new thing they will try out might end up leading to a system where the playoffs are not decided by conference but we will need to wait and see what happens there.
-
Thank god the Raps have had a relatively easy schedule while Lowry/Ibaka were injured. At least the B-team is winning against these sub-.500 teams that they're playing. Five of their next nine are against top-of-the-league teams. Should be a good litmus test for them.
-
Thank god the Raps have had a relatively easy schedule while Lowry/Ibaka were injured. At least the B-team is winning against these sub-.500 teams that they're playing. Five of their next nine are against top-of-the-league teams. Should be a good litmus test for them.
I've been impressed with the Raptors. Siakim has shown further growth being a #1 option and handling being doubled. VanVleet (got it right) is making people pay. I still don't see them coming out of the East, but they absolutely could do it. Philly is beatable, as is Milwaukee.
-
The C's have been fighting through adversity. I like that a ton. It's not pretty but is shows what their made of.
-
The 2008-09 season was last time we have gone 15-2 after the first 17 games. Wow! Has it been that long already? :hat
-
Embiid... zero points.
Raps D is pretty good. They've done a great job shutting down superstars - Lebron, Leonard were both held to under 15 points in their games against the Raps.
-
Steven A went nuclear on Embid.
-
Steven A went nuclear on Embid.
Stephen A. is an idiot, but so is Embiid, so they are tailor made for one another.
That said, Embiid can say whatever he wants, but if you're an NBA star and the focal point of the team, unless you leave injured, there's no way you should score ZERO points. That's ridiculous. How does that happen? That's not great defense (I am sure the defense WAS great, but hear me out), that's called lack of effort. Get in the paint and bang -- get to the line. Christ, it's like guys have absolutely forgotten how to be post players. And yes, I realize the game is different. But you have to get into the paint when the outside jumper isn't going.
-
I agree... Being a Top-5 scorer in the league and held to ZERO is not solely about great D - but I'd say the biggest part is the D. The D is strong --> --> throws you off your (already 'off' game) --> play crap --> rinse and repeat. He did have 11 assists I think, so it's not like he was completely useless.
-
jingle -- there is no way that a 7 ft man with the skills of Embiid should be held to ZERO points. We could trot you and me out there, and we'd at least get fouled at some point. :lol
Embiid did not have 11 assists. He had 13 rebounds and two assists. ZERO blocks, ZERO steals. He was completely disengaged, and there's no excuse for that. If I was a Sixers fan, I'd be irate. Without even watching the game, I can tell you that all he did was float on the perimeter, stick his hands up to get rebounds that went his way, and then just shot perimeter stuff (he was 0-4 from three-point land).
I'll admit, I dislike Embiid greatly. Not just the dustups with KAT either. Just the way Embiid carries himself. He's a big punk that needs a punch in the mouth. I really wish (but don't really - lol) KAT would have connected with that swing and knocked the big baby out. Maybe it would have taught him a lesson in humility.
ANYWAY, Wolves 9-8 and play the Spurs in San Antonio tonight. I have this down as a loss, but I hope they find a way to win. The Wolves have a four-game roadtrip coming up that they are probably going to go 1-3 on, so grabbing wins they aren't supposed to get is important. But if KAT and Wigs cancel out Aldridge and Derozen, then its about the supporting casts, and I think its honestly a toss up. We'll see. Looking forward to tonight.
Anyone here go check out G-League action? My fam and I have tickets to two Iowa Wolves G-League games. First one is this weekend. Cheap, lots of guys we've seen play last year (and this year) with the Wolves. Should be fun. We're right behind the Wolves bench. My wife (who is a big hoops fan - our fam is) is terrified I'm going to get us thrown out for coaching from the stands. :rollin She laughs because I call out the plays before the Wolves make them all the time, and I just keep telling her - once a ball coach, always a ball coach. :lol I gotta admit, I really miss it.
-
Losing to Memphis...without Morant...at home. :facepalm:
My Wolves are 7-2 on the road, and 3-7 at home. With some UGLY losses. Played like total ass yesterday. smh.
-
Raps rolling ... looking good against teams above .500 now too. Completely dominated the Jazz yesterday - 40 point halftime lead!?!?! :omg: Sure, they got soft as shit in the 3rd, but it was pretty much a scrimmage in the 2nd half.
Heat, Rockets, 76rs are the next three... then the Clippers just after that. Ought to be a challenging stretch.
-
Heat, Rockets, 76rs are the next three... then the Clippers just after that. Ought to be a challenging stretch.
:o
-
The Knicks just looked....unprepared last night. Wouldn't surprise me if Fizdale was fired today, and to be honest, the whole front office. I don't blame this on Dolan. I dislike Dolan as an owner immensely. But the Knicks just look awful with that roster. Absolutely awful. And it doesn't matter if it was the Bucks. The Knicks simply looked like a junior college team, and that's not acceptable. Wow.
On another note, the Pacers could be legit Eastern Conference contenders once Oladipo is back. That starting lineup (replacing Lamb with Oladipo) is legit. Brogdon was exactly what they needed, and Warren is finally showing he's the player many of us thought he was when he was drafted. Nice to see.
-
If this was a "one of" then I would agree that Dolan should not be to blame. But this is not a "one of". This is how the Knicks have been for way too long. They had KP and he wanted no part of that franchise. They are not able to get a single good free agent because their culture is all wrong. All of that is Dolan's responsibility. Fizdale will probably take the axe even if he doesn't deserve it. This team is very poorly constructed and no coach would be able to make them play much better.
-
The Knicks just looked....unprepared last night. Wouldn't surprise me if Fizdale was fired today, and to be honest, the whole front office. I don't blame this on Dolan. I dislike Dolan as an owner immensely. But the Knicks just look awful with that roster. Absolutely awful. And it doesn't matter if it was the Bucks. The Knicks simply looked like a junior college team, and that's not acceptable. Wow.
On another note, the Pacers could be legit Eastern Conference contenders once Oladipo is back. That starting lineup (replacing Lamb with Oladipo) is legit. Brogdon was exactly what they needed, and Warren is finally showing he's the player many of us thought he was when he was drafted. Nice to see.
Well, it was the 2nd of a B2B on the road in Milwaukee. That's a game they ain't winning. They played the Celts pretty tough the day before, but are just not good enough.
In fact, they have played the Celts pretty tough all three times this year.
Maybe a new coach would help. Hard to tell, but that team is not good enough. Instead of 4-17, maybe they're 6-15?
Oh, and I consider Oladipo the NBA's most underrated player. He changes games.
-
The Knicks just looked....unprepared last night. Wouldn't surprise me if Fizdale was fired today, and to be honest, the whole front office. I don't blame this on Dolan. I dislike Dolan as an owner immensely. But the Knicks just look awful with that roster. Absolutely awful. And it doesn't matter if it was the Bucks. The Knicks simply looked like a junior college team, and that's not acceptable. Wow.
On another note, the Pacers could be legit Eastern Conference contenders once Oladipo is back. That starting lineup (replacing Lamb with Oladipo) is legit. Brogdon was exactly what they needed, and Warren is finally showing he's the player many of us thought he was when he was drafted. Nice to see.
Don't bet on Brogdon's health, he missed a lot of late season games the last two years in Milwaukee and has missed a stretch already this season in Indiana. I for one hope they barely sneak into the playoffs as the Bucks have their 1st round pick next year (lotto protected).
-
Wolves get the Mavs on the second night of a back to back in Dallas.
On paper, I'm thinking the Wolves should get this. If Covington/Okogie hold Luka to 20-8-8, and Towns shuts down Porzingis, I like Wiggins and the rest of the Wolves rotation over that of the Mavs. But we'll see. The Wolves were supposed to beat a Ja-less Memphis team in Minnesota and got their asses handed to them. lol
-
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28222229/rockets-hopeful-nba-acts-james-harden-dunk-not-counted
(excerpt)
The Rockets are hopeful the league office will either award the victory to Houston due to the Rockets outscoring the Spurs in regulation or order that the final 7 minutes, 50 seconds be replayed at a later date, sources said.
:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol
The Rockets continue to be the biggest crybaby organization in pro sports.
-
:lol
There is precedent. I forget the teams, but a few years back, (the Hawks and someone) were forced to replay the last few minutes of a game because of an inaccurate call. My guess is, this is what is going to happen with the Rockets-Spurs. They aren't going to just hand the ROckets the win.
-
Dear lord... how many missed calls have there been in the history of sport - thousands. And certainly any one of them could have or couldn't have affected the outcome. Who's to say that counting that basket wouldn't have *cost* them the victory. Every action/event changes every following action/event.
The Rockets continue to be the biggest crybaby organization in pro sports.
(https://www.bingo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Bingo-Memes-You-Nailed-it.jpg)
-
I get where they are coming from since those 2 points could've made a difference but at the end of the day, they had a 14 point lead with what, 7 mins left? they lost that game.
-
Off night for Luka, who only had 22-7-6.
-
Off night for Luka, who only had 22-7-6.
Wolves should have won that game. They played stupid in the 4th, and let Brunson beat them, and before he was hurt, Powell. Really disappointed. Credit Okogie for disrupting Luka on the perimeter (I think he was 1-7 on threes). He was really active. Oh well, let one they could have won (which I had as an L on the schedule anyway) get away. Hopefully they take OKC in OKC on Friday. I have that one as a W.
-
This is how the Knicks have been for way too long. They had KP and he wanted no part of that franchise. They are not able to get a single good free agent because their culture is all wrong. All of that is Dolan's responsibility. Fizdale will probably take the axe even if he doesn't deserve it. This team is very poorly constructed and no coach would be able to make them play much better.
You called it, he just got fired!
-
The Bucks may never lose again.
Check out Giannis the last 3 games...
25pts | 9reb | 4ast (19 min)
29pts | 15reb | 3ast (21 min)
35pts | 9reb (27 min)
While shooting 8/17 from 3 (47%)
47.8 points and 17.7 rebounds per 36.
-
The Bucks may never lose again.
Check out Giannis the last 3 games...
25pts | 9reb | 4ast (19 min)
29pts | 15reb | 3ast (21 min)
35pts | 9reb (27 min)
While shooting 8/17 from 3 (47%)
47.8 points and 17.7 rebounds per 36.
T-Ski -- it really is incredible the kind of numbers he is putting up in such limited minutes. And his improved three-point shooting is going to be key. If defenses can't sag off of The Freak, then as long as the supporting cast does their job, I don't see Milwaukee having much of a problem getting through the East.
Since you follow the team, what's your sense on Giannis' loyalty to Milwaukee. Do you think he stays?
-
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28222229/rockets-hopeful-nba-acts-james-harden-dunk-not-counted
(excerpt)
The Rockets are hopeful the league office will either award the victory to Houston due to the Rockets outscoring the Spurs in regulation or order that the final 7 minutes, 50 seconds be replayed at a later date, sources said.
:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol
The Rockets continue to be the biggest crybaby organization in pro sports.
They got denied lol
In its ruling, the NBA agreed with the Rockets' contention that referees misapplied the rules. However, commissioner Adam Silver determined that the Rockets had sufficient time to overcome the error "during the remainder of the fourth quarter and two subsequent overtime periods and thus the extraordinary remedy of granting a game protest was not warranted."
-
The Bucks may never lose again.
Check out Giannis the last 3 games...
25pts | 9reb | 4ast (19 min)
29pts | 15reb | 3ast (21 min)
35pts | 9reb (27 min)
While shooting 8/17 from 3 (47%)
47.8 points and 17.7 rebounds per 36.
T-Ski -- it really is incredible the kind of numbers he is putting up in such limited minutes. And his improved three-point shooting is going to be key. If defenses can't sag off of The Freak, then as long as the supporting cast does their job, I don't see Milwaukee having much of a problem getting through the East.
Since you follow the team, what's your sense on Giannis' loyalty to Milwaukee. Do you think he stays?
I think he'll stay. There is a strong sense that he doesn't care for the glitz and glamour of the spotlight and really enjoys playing in the smaller market. He lives and breathes basketball, its seems its the only thing he wants to do. He's said as long as the Bucks continue to show they are willing to win, he will stay and I have yet to witness Giannis go back on his word about anything.
And of course there is this tweet from 2 years ago which obviously means he's staying. ;) https://twitter.com/Giannis_An34/status/883118398695239680
-
And as the countdown to Dec. 15 begins, so does the swell from the Wolves fandom about D'Angelo Russell.
It's not going to happen. But it COULD, and so, yeah. ::)
I just feel like taking a megaphone to Twitter and saying "D'ANGELO RUSSELL IS NOT WALKING THROUGH THAT DOOR."
And even if he did, it's not like he's going to automatically turn the Wolves into a contender. :lol
-
Yup, this is the team the Raptors are - right in the middle of the pack. They will be fine against sub .500 teams, and struggle with plus-.500 teams. They'll finish 5th or 6th in the east, with a 1st round exit. Losers of 4/5, and the one victory was by one point over the Bulls. :-\
-
Yup, this is the team the Raptors are - right in the middle of the pack. They will be fine against sub .500 teams, and struggle with plus-.500 teams. They'll finish 5th or 6th in the east, with a 1st round exit. Losers of 4/5, and the one victory was by one point over the Bulls. :-\
Some guy from Toronto called NBA Radio this morning, and said the Raptors should trade for Wiggins. He suggested starting with Norman Powell (which lets be honest, if the guy knew what he was talking about, he'd know the Wolves are deep at the SG/SF position, so we wouldn't be interested. I tried to call in and throw this (below) out there, but I got to my office, so I hung up after being on wait.
I don't think Toronto and Minnesota really works. I could understand Toronto wanting to bring Wiggins home (particularly since he finally seems to have unlocked his game), but the Raptors really don't have anything we'd want, except salary cap relief. And that starts with Kyle Lowry.
Wiggins (signed through the 2022-2023 season, UFA after that season)
for
Lowry (signed through the 2020-2021 season, UFA after that season)
The Wolves need a PG for sure, but they want to get young, not old like Lowry. All the Lowry deal does is turn into a more palatable contract to trade next season. So the Raptors would have to be willing to sweeten the deal to take the Wolves' second best player. Multiple first round picks, or instead, also include VanVleet, which if I were the Raptors would be an absolute NO (because I think Siakam-Wiggins-VanVleet would be really good together). But unless the Raptors packaged something really good with Lowry, I don't think the Wolves would be interested. Rosas and Ujiri (sorry if I butchered the name) are both extremely smart personnel guys. Neither is going to acquiesce to something that hamstrings the teams, nor should they.
But if the Raps really wanted Wiggins, starting with Wiggins for Lowry and a first rounder, and looking from there...that might be something they'd consider. But the way Wiggins is playing, Toronto would need to be willing to pony up a lot more than just Lowry and the salary cap relief he'd bring.
I do think the Raptors, reluctantly, need to part with Lowry. And looking at Wiggins is a smart move. But the Wolves aren't going to be fleeced. Not any more.
-
FVV and Siakim are the going to be the future cornerstones of the club - no way they are parting with either of them for anything less than an existing or (virtually guaranteed) a-list player. Siakim still has some growing to do in order to be 'the' guy against top-tier defenses, but he's got that in his game. FVV is the successor to Lowry. I think Ujiri will ride this team out for what it is, as the contract expiries line up to free up his money for next and the subsequent season. Maybe they keep Gasol or Ibaka on an inexpensive short-term deal (1-2 years for Gasol; 3 or 4 for Ibaka). FVV is high priority re-signing. Not exactly sure why Lowry was locked up for another year at $30M... perhaps to continue to mentor Fred? Either way, they have options to be able to trade / sign some decent talent. Perhaps the limp along next year, saving up for the 2021 bonanza?
You're right... Ujiri is not going to make a bad deal JUST for the feelz of getting a hometown guy on the roster.
-
My understanding is that the Raptors are saving up for the summer of 2021. That's why they gave Lowry a one-year $30 million extension... Keep him around another year and thank him for his service, which gives you a nice PR boost, but then you can let him go in 2021 and bring someone else in. They're not going to radically improve the team this summer, so they may as well keep the gang around. Trading for Wiggins doesn't make sense since he messes up their cap room in 2021. Someone let me know if I'm wrong on any of those points, but I think that's the gist.
-
TOX - that's what I figured too. You're not wrong.
Jingle - I agree, FVV and Siakim are the cornerstones. It would be ridiculous to trade them. I just laughed hard when some dude thought all it would take was Powell and some parts to get Wiggins, who is having an All Star year, and finally showing why he was chosen #1. I wouldn't blame the Raps for interest in him, but it just doesn't make sense for the Wolves to part with him, unless they get major value in return.
-
I'm with you on all that. Powell is a pretty good depth player, and show the odd flash of brilliance, but he's a 6th man at best.
-
Bucks 18 game win streak comes to an end against the Luka-less Mavs. Big game against the Lakers on Thursday.
-
Giannis puts down 5 three pointers and Bucks controlled the whole game.
Lakers don’t have anything outside of LeBron and AD.
-
Siakim (groin/indefinitely), Powell (separated shoulder/indefinitely); VanVleet (knee/day-to-day); Gasol (hamstring/indefinitely) are all out. FVV should be back within days, but the other three are weeks/months.
Time for the G-League team to show if they're ready for the show.
-
Siakim (groin/indefinitely), Powell (separated shoulder/indefinitely); VanVleet (knee/day-to-day); Gasol (hamstring/indefinitely) are all out. FVV should be back within days, but the other three are weeks/months.
Time for the G-League team to show if they're ready for the show.
Welcome to the world of the Timberwolves. ::) At least your boys have a winning record.
-
Tacko ...5 points in 5 minutes
Kemba….2 points in 30 mintes
:lol
-
Holy fuckin shit. I dunno if the Mavs imploded, or the Raps exploded. Toronto opens the game 18-6; 85-55 for the Mavs with about 3 to go in the 3rd. 110-107 victory for the Raps. :omg: With Ibaka and FVV sitting most of the 4th quarter. :omg:
-
They scored 47 points in the 4th, Insane.
-
They scored 47 points in the 4th, Insane.
From when it was 85-55, they went on a 42-12 run to tie it, and in just over (the final) 15 minutes outscored the Mavs 55-22... with Lowry, a rookie, and 3 undrafted players.
-
The Raptors are the same team they were before Kawhi. They can outscore anyone but they are inconsistent as time.
I hope to catch their game Vs. OKC next week since I'll be in the area.
-
Jordan Clarkson got traded to the Jazz for virtually nothing. I think he could give the Jazz some much needed bench scoring
-
David Stern passes away.
-
RIP Commissioner Stern. The league would not have been so popular globally without you, and there would never be so many teams without you. That CP3 to the Lakers trade would not have been vetoed without you... oh, strike that last one, I know it was due to "basketball reasons"... the point is, as a fan I salute you.
-
The Stern family is not going to get any condolence cards from anyone in the greater Seattle area. I am/was not enough of a fan of the NBA or the Sonics in 2008 to care that much, but I am very aware that he played a significant role in Seattle losing their team, and that many people here still won't forget that.
-
T-Ski -- my Wolves put a scare into your Bucks last night. Honestly, I think the Bucks just took it for granted, given the Wolves were running with half of their G league roster. No Towns, no Wiggins, no Teague. It ended up being a great game. The better team won, but I loved the fight showed by the Wolves. That dunk from Culver on Lopez was great, particularly after the play right before it, Giannis dunked on someone.
-
T-Ski -- my Wolves put a scare into your Bucks last night. Honestly, I think the Bucks just took it for granted, given the Wolves were running with half of their G league roster. No Towns, no Wiggins, no Teague. It ended up being a great game. The better team won, but I loved the fight showed by the Wolves. That dunk from Culver on Lopez was great, particularly after the play right before it, Giannis dunked on someone.
Bucks definitely had it on cruise for most of that game and it almost bit them.
On a side note, it has been an absolute pleasure having the Lopez brothers together this season. Never realized they are such big goofballs off the court (and sometimes on). And if you haven't seen the Bucks pregame wrestling schtick I highly recommend looking it up.
-
IT got tossed 88 seconds into the game for "making contact" with a ref... IMHO, that was a BS call. He might have gotten fouled there and sort of lost his footing before hitting a ref... and he got tossed for that? Geez... :omg: :facepalm: :tdwn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVY4RGllK6c
-
For the action alone, that was weak.... not to mention that ref just stood there as IT was being pressured/double teamed, and made no attempt to get out of the way of the game unfolding. Given how animated this ass-clown was with the ejection, he comes across like he wanted his 15 minutes of fame. The league should suspend HIM for this.
-
WTF??
I would expect the coach to have gotten a bit more animated, no?
-
Jimmy Butler - no matter where he goes, he continues to be an ass. I hope TJ Warren drops 45 on his ass in March. Butler's creaky knees may not hold up until then. :lol
-
I don't care who your team allegiance is to, you have to love the resurrection of Markelle Fultz. After everything this guy has been through, his last few games, including last night's triple-double, have really been nice to see. And credit to the Orlando Magic, who swooped in, and dedicated themselves to giving Fultz the time and opportunity he needed.
Fultz may never be a knockdown 3 pt shooter, but his shot is getting progressively better, and it is nice to see a young man with so much potential overcome adversity like he has.
p.s. Someone please take Wiggins. Please.
-
@Samsara....some buzz the Wolves are going hard after D'Angelo, do you think it'll happen?
-
@Samsara....some buzz the Wolves are going hard after D'Angelo, do you think it'll happen?
There has been buzz since this offseason when they almost had him, but he chose to sign with the Warriors (which was smart business on his part). The Wolves have been hovering since then, and yes, they are going hard. I just don't know what motivation the Warriors have to do it until the offseason. If you're the W's, there really isn't any reason to, and if D'Lo continues his great scoring, he's one of the only reasons Warriors fans have to come watch the team this year.
That said, if the Wolves put the right deal on the table, I'm sure they'll do it. Pretty much it comes down to this:
Timberwolves receive:
D'Angelo Russell - PG
Alec Burks - SG (or equivalent to make the salaries match)
Warriors receive:
Robert Covington - SF/PF
Gorgui Dieng - C
Timberwolves multiple first round picks
>>>>This is pretty much it, and GS probably loves this deal, as it gives them a guy in Robert Covington who is a great defender, solid perimeter shooter, and can guard and play everything from SG to PF if needed. Dieng gives them a starting caliber center whose contract expires at the end of the 2020-2021 season. Where the snag is, is probably how many, and what protections are on the first round picks. I've heard the Wolves offered this deal, with two first round picks, lottery protected. And the Warriors declined. My guess is, it'll take three first round picks, with at least one being fully unprotected, to make the Warriors go for it. The Wolves will have to overpay if they want D'Lo. I think they will, but then they'd have Towns-Russell, and that is a deadly combination (not a great defensive pairing, but we've got some guys who can make up for it).
Sorry about the late reply. Been a bit busy.
-
Hearing that Philly wants Covington back. Would not surprise me if this move was made:
Roco and Layman for Richardson, Scott, and a couple of 2nd rounders.
Gives both teams what they need. For the Sixers, you get Roco back, who is the legit PF with range and lockdown D you need. Layman (who is out with a sprained toe) you can wait on, and he'll be a 3 pt bomb threat for the postseason. Then allows the Sixers to go big or small.
For the Wolves, you get Richardson, who is a SG/SF combo who can shoot 3s and score, which we want (upgrade over what Wiggins is giving you, shooting wise). And Scott is a PF who can shoot 3s. Plus, we get salary help, as while the salaries between the players are just about even, the deals of Richardson and Scott are SHORTER, giving us that flexibility we need next season (Dieng, and Scott would be on expirings, and Richardson would only have one more year).
Win-win. We'll see.
All the dumb Wolves fans clamoring for Ben Simmons have no idea what they are talking about. He's not a fit in our system at all. AT ALL. And the Sixers are not going to part with him. :lol
-
I haven’t been following up with the All-Star voting but I’m surprised with the East starters.
Interesting to see who the reserves will be.
-
Who would you put in and take out?
For the record the starters are:
East
Giannis
Kemba
Siakim
Trae Young
Embiid
West
Labron
Anthony Davis
Doncic
Harden
Kawhi
-
I guess the main surprise for me is Trae Young. I would've picked J. Butler before him. But to be fair, I have not follow up Young's game that much so I did not know he was putting up good stats.
-
Funny enough, I'm fine with the starters, as-is.
Regarding General Soreness, there is the tricky part -- his stats say no, but he's one of the main reasons Miami is where it is. I'm biased because he was a fucking douchebag in Minnesota, and the narrative seems to be now that it wasn't him who overthrew that team, it was Towns and the owner (which is bullshit). So Butler can go fuck himself, and yes, I'd say it to his face (I'd need a step stool, however - lol)
-
RIP Kobe....
-
No word... I simply have no word, speechless...
-
Not sure how those games were played yesterday. Tonight's slate includes my Wolves at home versus the Kings. I get that it is a business, but given the tragic nature of the death, and Kobe's stature in the game, I'm wondering if yesterday and today was the smart thing to do (play on).
-
LAL-LAC game tomorrow night is postponed.
Don’t blame the league for doing this.
-
This is just fan speculation that I've read, but it makes a ton of sense.
Nets trade:
Spencer Dinwiddie (PG)
Caris Levert (SG)
Jarrett Allen (C)
Two (2) First Round Picks
to Timberwolves.
Timberwolves trade Karl-Anthony Towns (C) to Nets.
This makes a whole ton of sense for both teams.
Let me explain the Timberwolves point of view.
By trading KAT for these three players and two first rounders, this is what your starting five would look like:
C - Jarrett Allen - 21 years old - potential to be all defensive team. Great rebounder, shot blocker, interior scorer
PF - Robert Covington - 28 years old - NBA All Defense. 14-7-5 guy.
SF - Andrew Wiggins - 24 years old - 23 PPG
SG - Caris Levert - 25 years old - 14 ppg, great scorer/shooter/defender who has potential to be a 20 ppg guy
PG - Spence Dinwiddie - 26 years old - 22 ppg this year, GREAT defender, can play PG, SG, SF, true floor general and does everything
(remember, Wolves gets two Nets first rounders in this too)
Wolves don't lose any scoring, because the imports make up for it. They lose shooting from the 5 spot, but gain it everywhere else, and improve tremendously on defense. Plus, financially, they rid themselves of the biggest contract in team history for three very manageable deals (both current and if they wanted to resign) and gain the financial flexibility they need. Yes, they lose their All Star Center, but they might import an All Star PG, and two guys that could be all stars in the future. PLUS two first round picks. And they (the Wolves) retain all their young pieces they like on the roster.
The Nets. Wow. They import a two-time All Star Center who is one of the most transcendent players in the game. A 7 foot guy who plays like a guard. Oh...sorta like how Durant plays. And KAT is a local kid, from New Jersey.
C - Karl-Anthony Towns (25 ppg, 12 rpg, 5 apg)
PF - Kevin Durant (25 ppg - 5 - 5)
SF - Taurean Prince (15 ppg)
SG - Joe Harris (12 ppg)
PG - Kyrie Irving (20 ppg/10 apg)
>>>You've essentially created the East Coast version of the Golden State Warriors. Sure, the defense has to improve, but my Lord, talk about a crazy good Big Three. And KAT is young, at 24 years old. So if Durant and Irving retire, or move on at some point, you have a hometown kid sitting there.
I am a HUGE fan of KAT, and love him on my team, but I have to admit, if they were able to make the salaries work (I tried it on the trade machine, you'd need to get a little more creative to make it work), I gotta say, I'd probably be in favor of this.
-
I don't believe that trade works financially.
-
I don't believe that trade works financially.
I put a version of it through the ESPN trade machine:
Dinwiddie
Temple
Levert
Allen
Musa
for
Towns
>>>>That works, according to the Trade Machine. And I assume Brooklyn would be giving up a couple of first round picks.
-
What do you guys think about the new format for the All-Star game?
It looks like for the first 3 quarters, the score will be set to 0-0. For the 4th quarter there won't be a clock, but instead a target score which will be the highest cumulative 3 quarters plus 24 points (to honor Kobe).
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EPjVm81XUAAGHKn?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
-
I think for this year, it's fine, given the Kobe tragedy. But they need to stop with the gimmicks and just get back to a competitive game.
Players are motivated by money. Put a winner take all, $100 million purse on the table. Split evenly between members of the winning team (80 percent to players, 20 percent to coaches). Roll the rock out there, and watch them ball big time. Gimmicks need to end. Show us how good you are.
Speaking of All Star stuff, the snubs are crazy. In order:
1. Bradley Beal - how the fuck does he get left off? Can think of three guys who should be canned off the East squad and replaced with Beal. Unreal.
2. Devin Booker - destroys Donovan Mitchell. So stupid.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns - stats don't lie. He missed 15 games due to a sprained knee and the suspension because of Joel "Crybaby" Embiid, so I get it. But he's way more deserving than some on the West team.
TEAM WINS should not impact who gets on the All Star Team. All three of the above players are CLEARLY all stars. Their teams suck. Even Jordan's Bulls sucked until he got help. Just a travesty to leave those three guys off.
p.s. with Dwight Howard and some past winners doing the Dunk Contest, I want Vince Carter to just say "fuck it" and sign up.
-
In previous years, the All Star Game doesn't get "Competitive" until the 4th quarter (sometimes even late until the 4th quarter), my guess is that this is why they are making each quarter counts, to make it a little more competitive and intense.
I didn't even know Howard entered the Dunk Contest :lol this is gonna be good.
-
Yeah... I hate the gimmicks too. I just want the ASG (in all sports) to somehow be at least mildly competitive, and more than just a scrimmach and display of offensive prowess. Honestly, the Washington Generals play better defense than an ASG team.
-
Another change to the All Star weekend
The NBA is changing the format to this season's 3-point contest at All-Star Saturday by adding a pair of deep shots that will be worth three points apiece, the league announced Tuesday.
That change means each round will now be a total of 27 shots instead of 25, and competitors will now get 70 seconds to finish their shots instead of the customary 60.
The two additional shots will come from 6 feet beyond the 3-point line, between the racks located on the wings and the one at the top of the key. Those shots -- only one from each spot, called the MTN DEW Zone -- will be taken with a special green ball.
-
They drug test the players but do they drug test the people that come up with this stuff?
-
massive 4 team trade with Houston, Minnesota, Atlanta and Denver. will need time to digest this one.
-
Why was Houston so desperate to get rid of Capella?
-
Why was Houston so desperate to get rid of Capella?
I read that the owner wants to stop paying the luxury tax and D'antoni is very comfortable running a small ball lineup for the whole game. Jokic and AD are going to make them pay for that.
-
WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE??
https://www.nba.com/allstar/2020/events/celebrity-game
-
Well Tim, if you look closely, you'll see there is a brief description of who they are right next to their names
-
Well Tim, if you look closely, you'll see there is a brief description of who they are right next to their names
I legitimately laughed out loud at this.
:hifive:
-
(https://media.giphy.com/media/3orif3j4dRfClbz18k/giphy.gif)
-
here's the DLo to Minnesota trade....
Adrian Wojnarowski
@wojespn
Golden State has agreed to trade D'Angelo Russell to Minnesota for a deal that includes Andrew Wiggins, a 2021 protected first-round pick and a 2022 second-round pick, league sources tell ESPN. Warriors will send Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman to Timberwolves too.
-
I don't understand why the Warriors signed up on this. Wiggins is not worth the money they are paying him and getting just 2 draft picks doesn't seem to cut it. They are not saving much cash either since those other 2 guys are on contracts below 2M.
Samsara got what he wanted in the end. We'll see if it's enough for the wolves to go somewhere
-
:hat :hat :hat :hat :hat :hat
All Hail Gersson Rosas. Miracle worker.
Wolves get their PG, get cap space, get picks. Been here less than a year and is making it happen. Very, very pleased.
I'm gonna go soak up these positive vibes for a while.
For GS fans -- you're getting an incredible talent in Wiggins. The trick is getting his motor to run. Some nights he'll look like the best player in the NBA. He can't be stopped going to the rim. Other nights, he'll float and just do nothing. And you'll wonder WTF is up. Great guy, but inconsistent in terms of engagement and effort. For his sake, I'm wishing him total success.
Samsara got what he wanted in the end. We'll see if it's enough for the wolves to go somewhere
A lot more work to be done. But we've got our PG and C. Now its about pieces and maintaining flexibility. I'm not caring about the rest of this season. 32 games left, it's about seeing what parts fit, and the offseason moves. With what the Wolves have done, they have cap space to be players in the offseason.
-
Sam, I literally almost texted you today when I heard the news. Work was an unrelenting bitch today though. I knew you'd be so happy.
-
Well Tim, if you look closely, you'll see there is a brief description of who they are right next to their names
Hah! Still doesn't help. I'm 51, not 101.!! Dammit!
-
Wow. The Pelicans in the time span from 3:54-0:06.1 in the 4th quarter surrendered a 23-4 run and nearly bungled a game where they were up by 23 inside of 4 minutes remaining. They were actually playing scared with a double digit lead with under a minute remaining. That's some poor coaching and even poorer playing.
-
Sam, I literally almost texted you today when I heard the news. Work was an unrelenting bitch today though. I knew you'd be so happy.
Over the moon. I have off today, and have a list of things to do. But at 10 a.m. my time, all the new players have their introductory presser in MPLS, with D Lo as the headliner. So, you know what I'll be doing at 10 a.m. :lol
-
p.s. The Raptors are good. We got a big one at home vs the Clippers the other night. I didn't expect to walk into Toronto and win. But we put up a good fight for three quarters. Wolves are exciting again. Man, this is going to be good.
-
And last night without Gasol and Powell (injury), or Ibaka (sickness). With all the mangames lost, what the Raptors are doing is truly remarkable. Crazy to comprehend that they have a BETTER record as the break than last year - without Kawhi.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EP-TYmDWsAMpuo1?format=png&name=small)
-
And last night without Gasol and Powell (injury), or Ibaka (sickness). With all the mangames lost, what the Raptors are doing is truly remarkable. Crazy to comprehend that they have a BETTER record as the break than last year - without Kawhi.
To be fair, the Wolves have an entirely new roster, so they had their own hurdles. It was an entertaining game, and the Raptors are just damn good. Although the playoffs are a different beast. Can Lowry or Siakam be the closer that Leonard was for you guys? The regular season never tells. The postseason will. We just don't know, which is what makes it exciting.
-
And last night without Gasol and Powell (injury), or Ibaka (sickness). With all the mangames lost, what the Raptors are doing is truly remarkable. Crazy to comprehend that they have a BETTER record as the break than last year - without Kawhi.
To be fair, the Wolves have an entirely new roster, so they had their own hurdles. It was an entertaining game, and the Raptors are just damn good. Although the playoffs are a different beast. Can Lowry or Siakam be the closer that Leonard was for you guys? The regular season never tells. The postseason will. We just don't know, which is what makes it exciting.
No disagreement on anything you said. I'm just saying to be overall #3 in the league with A) expectations entering the season were that they'd be a middle-of-the-pack East team, and B) the 5th most mangames lost in the league - every starter at one point has lost a meaningful number of games - Lowry, FVV, Siakim, Powell and Gasol... as well as a number of their depth players.
And yeah... I still don't think they have it to come out of the east.... maybe not even get past Boston or Philly.
-
Raptors are showing what a mentally tough team they are this season.
-
Raptors are showing what a mentally tough team they are this season.
Totally. As an NBA junkie, I'm really excited to see what they can do in the East playoffs. My head tells me they don't have enough talent to get to the ECF. But talent isn't everything. They are battle-tested and really good. For me, it goes to what I said above...do they have a closer? Can Siakam make yet ANOTHER jump so soon, going from All Star to a true #1 dog in the playoffs? If he can and does, its hard to bet against the Raps. We'll see this spring.
I still think Milwaukee goes all the way to the Finals. If Giannis keeps working on that jumper throughout the season, and you have to guard him beyond the 3 pt arc, the league is in trouble. BIG trouble. LOL.
-
My head tells me they don't have enough talent to get to the ECF.
This isn't meant as a slight against Kawhi, but I don't think that, even with him, that had the talent to be NBA champs last year. But they showed incredible heart, discipline, and drive that, combined with their talent, got them the crown.
-
Seeing it in action, I actually like the extra 3 point shots (Mountain Dew zone).
-
just end the dunk competition already, its a farce.
-
10000000% agreed. I watched a 15-minute "highlight" video of it on youtube and it seemed like 70% of the dunks were dudes jumping "over" people that they didn't even clear but only made it over because they violently teabagged 'em as they lowered their heads so far their necks almost snapped.
It's also pathetic how half of the dunks get 50s now too.
-
Watched a highlight package of the game. Seems as though the players took it more seriously each quarter? The 4th looked like it was actually close to a real basketball game.
-
Watched a highlight package of the game. Seems as though the players took it more seriously each quarter? The 4th looked like it was actually close to a real basketball game.
there was max effort, especially defensively in the 4th, however, it was an abomination of offense to say the least.
-
Watched a highlight package of the game. Seems as though the players took it more seriously each quarter? The 4th looked like it was actually close to a real basketball game.
I watched until almost to the end. The defensive intensity definitely picked up as the game went on.
-
Given that most of you know by now that I'm a hoops junkie, this may seem a surprise, but I didn't watch a second of the All Star game. No interest. I did watch the Futures game on Friday, and the skills/3 pt/dunk content on Saturday, but I wasn't into watching the actual AS game this year. Part of it was that I didn't want the continued coverage of Kobe (honestly, I just don't want to think about it any longer, as it makes me sad), and all the changes to the format had me rolling my eyes. :\
I still say, you throw 100 million out there (from sponsors), roll the ball out, and watch those guys FULLY compete on on offense and defense. Winner take all. Money talks. And then we'd have one hell of a competitive game.
-
The last 6 mins of the 3rd and the entirety of the 4th were really fun to watch.
-
Wasn't this supposed to be some kind of blow out? :angel: ;D ;)
-
Lakers planning to wave Cousins :o to sign markieff Morris
-
Kyrie out for season. Nets fans just waiting for October now when him and KD come back.
-
the post season needs to start, watching the Bucks dominate everyone is becoming boring.
-
Just found out that Wilt Chamberlain won 11 rebounding titles in his 14 seasons and that during those 3 years where he didn't win it (1963-65, 1969-70) he averaged 22.3 rpg. In 1969-70 he had a severe knee injury and missed 70 games causing him to not meet the minimum games played criteria. Otherwise his 18.4 rpg would've topped Elvin Hayes' 16.9 rpg and gotten the title. Sometimes a very small sample size can inflate numbers but this likely wouldn't have happened here since the 18.4 rpg was already a career low (at that point) and he never dropped below 18 rpg for any season during his career. During the 1963-65 stretch, he lost to the clear-cut second best rebounder ever, Bill Russell by 2.40 and 1.16 rpg respectively and was 2nd in the league both years.
It's also pretty funny that his 100 point game may not have been his best one since he "only" had 25 rebounds in that game but in his 78 point game (the all time record at the time of the game and only surpassed since then by his 100 point game and Kobe's 81) he also had 43 rebounds. So, if you look at how much either game bested the other one, you have Wilt's 100 points being 28.2% more points than the 78 point game but the 43 rebounds in the 78 point game is 72% more than the 25 he had in the 100 point game.
-
Raptors setting another franchise record in lambasting the Pacers. Man, at the start of the season, I thought they'd be battling the Pacers for 5th/6th. This team has been impressive.
Tomorrow will be their toughest test though - without Gasol to help defend the paint.
-
Jimmy Butler can shove that right up his smug, arrogant, punk ass.
:lol
What a game. Go Wolves!
D.LO!
-
You know it has been a long year when I'm ecstatic about the Wolves winning two in a row, and back-to-back to boot! Friday night against Orlando...we get that, we're on a legit WINNING STREAK baby! :lol
p.s. all you fantasy hoopers. Buy low on Naz Reid and Malik Beasley. NOW. Trust me.
-
You know it has been a long year when I'm ecstatic about the Wolves winning two in a row, and back-to-back to boot! Friday night against Orlando...we get that, we're on a legit WINNING STREAK baby! :lol
p.s. all you fantasy hoopers. Buy low on Naz Reid and Malik Beasley. NOW. Trust me.
picked up Beasley last week. ;)
-
Wth happened to the OKC-Jazz game?
EDIT: nvm CoronaVirus related.
-
I wonder when they will resume the season
-
That blows. According to this:
https://www.espn.com/nba/
Seems a Jazz player is positive, hence the calling of tonight's game.
-
Bad news bears. Season has been postponed. NHL is probably going to follow suit, right? Dang it all.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ES31ZhTWsAktSjH?format=jpg&name=large)
-
I hope it’s a single case and not multiple.
-
I hope it’s a single case and not multiple.
I'd bet the rest of my pay for the year it's not a single case. How long has Gobert been a carrier? How many games has he played (Raptors just on Monday... so yay Toronto). Oh, and there's also this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeT0dZNmGb4
Karma mother fucker.
-
Yeah, that's fucked.
-
I sincerely hope the league suspends him no less than 20 games. You don't get a free ride in situations of this magnitude.
-
Gobert will be sued up the ass by every person whose recorder he touched or coughed on. Mark my words.
Dude acted like a jackass, and now he's patient zero.
On an up note, the delay in the season means maybe Karl-Anthony Towns will return healthy for the Wolves final 18 games. Not like we're making the playoffs, but hey, I'd love to see the KAT/DLo combo for a quarter of the season.
-
I'd say there's a greater likelihood that the season will not resume at all, vs starting back up in a month.
-
this means the Bucks win the championship, right? :biggrin:
-
Maybe Kyrie and Kevin Durant will be healthy in time for the season to resume :lol
-
If the season ends, will the playoffs still be on? The amount of money the NBA would lose would cripple them next year. And if that is the case, does that mean that Pop's record of 20 years in a row getting to the playoffs stays intact?
-
I'd say there's a greater likelihood that the season will not resume at all, vs starting back up in a month.
I think it all depends on when they actually are cleared to resume. I think the least problematic approach would be to just start playing the games that were supposed to fall on the day they resumed anyway. Something like the following:
1. If it's before the season ends, just play whatever games were scheduled on those days to begin with and resume the normal schedule from then on.
2. If it's during the one week period between when the playoffs were scheduled to start and seven days after that point, maybe try to figure out what's most feasible out of:
a) Rescheduling games to salvage all (up to) seven games of the first round series.
b) Truncating the first round series to best of 5s or 3s depending on how much time is lost.
3. If it's after the first round would've ended, just repeat my solution for that depending on the current round (be it conference semis or conference finals but not necessarily the NBA Finals as I think that needs to be a full series). If any rounds have to be canceled, then whatever teams would've been the lower-seeded teams in that round based on traditional probability are disqualified from which ever round the playoffs start with.
Basically, if the playoffs resume with conference semis, then it's just seeds #1-4 in each conference qualifying for the playoffs. If it's conference finals, then just #1 and 2 from each conference. If it's the NBA Finals, then only the top seed from each conference.
If the season ends, will the playoffs still be on? The amount of money the NBA would lose would cripple them next year. And if that is the case, does that mean that Pop's record of 20 years in a row getting to the playoffs stays intact?
An argument could be made for it but it'd have to be heavily asterisked since they'd have to pick up at least four games on the #8 seed in less than 20 games plus there are three other teams ahead of them aside from #8.
-
If the season ends, will the playoffs still be on? The amount of money the NBA would lose would cripple them next year. And if that is the case, does that mean that Pop's record of 20 years in a row getting to the playoffs stays intact?
Sure.... just like they did with Ripken's streak during the strike. You discount the stoppage.
And, man, Gobert Pyle sure is an axe hat.
-
Kevin Love is donating 100K to cover the salary for the arena’s employees, I hope more players follow.
-
If the season ends, will the playoffs still be on? The amount of money the NBA would lose would cripple them next year. And if that is the case, does that mean that Pop's record of 20 years in a row getting to the playoffs stays intact?
Sure.... just like they did with Ripken's streak during the strike. You discount the stoppage.
And, man, Gobert Pyle sure is an axe hat.
Apples and oranges. Cal never failed to play in any games where he had the opportunity to but the Spurs have failed to have one of the top 8 records in the western conference as of this point in the season. If the NBA ends up eliminating the rest of the season, then they will have been stripped of their chance to break into the top 8 so it's a grey and muddied area but it's 100% not something for which he should be grandfathered in automatically since he had 60+ games to get his team into playoff contention and they didn't do so.
-
And, man, Gobert Pyle sure is an axe hat.
One segment on TSN tonight... a high ranking NBA executive said "Rudy Gobert is the man that saved America".
Look, what he did (touching mics & recorders, and other players possessions) was complete negligence. But ...
Whether it was Gobert or someone else, the fact is that the NBA - a multi-billion dollar organization - completely shut down operations in a matter of minutes from the diagnosis. And now virtually all sports leagues/organizations have followed suit is an incredibly strong indicator of how serious this needs to be taken. At a time when our politicians and governments seem hell bent on cluster skull-fucking the response, the sports world - with Gobert's diagnosis being the catalyst - is providing the shock to our social system to properly address this.
-
Kevin Love is donating 100K to cover the salary for the arena’s employees, I hope more players follow.
Great move!
-
Kevin Love is donating 100K to cover the salary for the arena’s employees, I hope more players follow.
Great move!
Yeah... that's classy as fuck.
-
Good on my former Wolf. That's how it's done. These players have WAY more than enough.
-
Zion Williamson did the same thing too. Hopefully more players will soon too but I'd be even happier to see owners doing it since they have way more money than the players do.
-
Lost in the CoVid shuffle was Vince Carter's probable last game.
Love him or not, Carter's career has been pretty unique and the epitome of self re-invention.
At different times he has been the poster boy for 1) the 2000's new breed of high flyers 2) the 2000's spoiled stars who wanted franchise money, refused franchise responsibility, and broke a franchise's heart 3) morphing from a high usage all star into the quintessential quality minutes role player.
I never liked him, but his career was quite interesting.
-
He played very well for a very long time and, as far as I know, never did anything that was actually bad in the real world plus he holds the record for longest NBA career so I think his positives outweigh his negatives.
-
The sad thing about Vince Carter is that he was a mediocre role player for almost as long as he was a perennial all star. I think he really took a lot away from his "legacy" if that term is appropriate.
Had he retired after the 2013-2014 run with Dallas (making it three full seasons as a sixth man with the team), he would have done himself a big favor. Instead, he kept playing for SIX MORE SEASONS as this very low-minute bench player. My daughter was wondering what the big deal was with Vince Carter (she began watching hoops with my wife and I a few years ago). We had to go back and show her just why he was so amazingly gifted, because all she has seen is this dude loping up the court and chucking 3s coming off the bench.
Sure, he's a Hall of Famer based on his 12 years with the Raptors and Nets. But honestly, when you look at his career averages, they've been so negatively impacted by his morph to a role player, it's pretty sad. Just hanging on, hanging on, cashing that check.
You can't blame him for it, making money is good. But I gotta say, I really wish he would have called it a career after Dallas.
-
Nerds like us that crunch numbers are in the vast minority among NBA fans. The only reason career averages seem like they matter to the average fan is because a lot of NBA TV analysts are old dudes over 40 (I'm 39 so I'm close enough that I'm allowed to call 40 old) so we see a lot of it on TV. The majority of NBA fans are probably in the 12-35 range and will probably put more trust in the glory stories they've heard from fellow NBA players about his dunking and athleticism than they will in his stat lines leveling out. The only people for whom his legacy will be tarnished are the analytical types. Hell, I'm super nerdy with numbers and don't think the final third of his career matters in the big picture. I see a dude who played really well for over a decade and then found a way to keep contributing and was still making NBA rosters in his mid 40s.
I'm not saying his last several years don't count because they obviously do. I'm solely talking legacy which only refers to the way people remember someone, not what they actually did. The way some people remember him will definitely be impacted by his mediocre late-career stats but someone's legacy is basically just the average, if you will, of how all people think of someone once they've concluded the thing upon which their performance is being judged whether it be a career, life itself, or something else.
-
Four Nets players test positive. Were they one of the last few teams that the Jazz played. I know Detroit, Boston, and Raptors were, but can't remember if the Nets were (and too lazy to look it up).
-
Four Nets players test positive. Were they one of the last few teams that the Jazz played. I know Detroit, Boston, and Raptors were, but can't remember if the Nets were (and too lazy to look it up).
Doesn’t look like they played recently, but KD is one of those players.
-
I believe the season is toast.
-
I believe the season is toast.
Anyone who believes otherwise - for any sporting event in the next few months - is fooling themselves.
-
Anyone who believes otherwise - for any sporting event in the next few months - is fooling themselves.
Agreed. I don't think we'll see the NBA or NHL again till next fall, and I wouldn't be surprised if MLB doesn't start until deep into the summer.
-
Anyone who believes otherwise - for any sporting event in the next few months - is fooling themselves.
Agreed. I don't think we'll see the NBA or NHL again till next fall, and I wouldn't be surprised if MLB doesn't start until deep into the summer.
So Bruins get the cup? :lol
I think that's actually the rule.
-
James Dolan tested positive. :|
-
James Dolan tested positive. :|
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DuZLvAqWoAAGZyq.jpg:large)
-
https://youtu.be/8s-XfFrgEOU
-
https://youtu.be/8s-XfFrgEOU
:lol :tup
:angry: :'( For. NY fans.
-
If NBA Players Played Soccer (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IBpHB_fMAeU)
-
You have to hand it to the NBA players. Having a video game tournament a couple weeks ago and now the HORSE contest.
At least it's something.
-
I’ve already decided the season is over. I’m in full draft mode now.
-
K-Town’s mom died of COVID. That really sucks.
-
Yeah, I saw that. She couldn't have been that old.
-
It looks like she was 58.
-
That is NOT old.
-
First 2 episodes of The Last Dance documentary premiere tonight; I'm pumped!!!
-
First 2 episodes of The Last Dance documentary premiere tonight; I'm pumped!!!
So good. For me, all this is doing is proving without a doubt that Lebron is good......but he’s not in Jordan’s zip code.
-
You couldn't pay me to watch The Last Dance, but I was amused to read today that Jordan is still bitter about all of those playoff losses to the Pistons and still hates them. It's been 30 years, maybe it's time to get over it, eh, Mr. alleged GOAT? :P
-
Mr. alleged GOAT?
There is no alleged about it.
-
Wilt would've killed him one on one. There have been some pretty good videos done about how most of the criticisms about Wilt's era are pretty BS when you actually get down to the facts.
-
Who do we think could have given Wilt the toughest game 1v1? A fully engaged Shaq maybe?
-
How can you compare players from different eras?
-
Mr. alleged GOAT?
There is no alleged about it.
I think that there are a lot of different ways to rank the greatest players of all-time. No one player will come out on top every single way. Russell was the greatest winner, Wilt had the biggest stats, Kareem had the best longevity, Jordan had the best peak, and James is the only guy to be right near the top in every area. All five are very reasonable choices, IMO.
-
To me, any conversation of the best players ever has to include both Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
-
To me, any conversation of the best players ever has to include both Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
I agree. And Tim Duncan.
-
Who do we think could have given Wilt the toughest game 1v1? A fully engaged Shaq maybe?
How about the guy that actually did it? Bill Russell.
-
To me, any conversation of the best players ever has to include both Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
Yeah. And Jordan References those two non stop. Always Bird first then Magic. I’m just old school and think all three of those guys are night and day better than Lebron.
-
Who do we think could have given Wilt the toughest game 1v1? A fully engaged Shaq maybe?
How about the guy that actually did it? Bill Russell.
Fair point. I guess I was thinking more of modern players.
-
As for comparing players of different eras, yeah it's somewhat a futile exercise. The best list I have seen, not so much because I agreed with all his choices, but rather all of the extensive research that was put in and then also the scouting reports he produced for every player on his top 40 list, was done by a guy named Ben Taylor a few years back. The player profiles are amazing for the in-depth analysis and video clips, regardless of if you agree with his order.
Explanation of criteria and top 40 list: https://backpicks.com/2017/12/11/the-backpicks-goat-the-40-best-careers-in-nba-history/ (https://backpicks.com/2017/12/11/the-backpicks-goat-the-40-best-careers-in-nba-history/)
Example of player profile: https://backpicks.com/2018/04/12/backpicks-goat-1-kareem-abdul-jabbar/ (https://backpicks.com/2018/04/12/backpicks-goat-1-kareem-abdul-jabbar/)
EDIT: also should add that many of the player profiles surprisingly bring up a lot of weaknesses and so that's really interesting as well. True scouting reports and not just celebratory.
-
Wow, that was a LOT of analysis. I can barely stay focused enough to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
The most amazing thing about Kareem to me... some outlet, maybe ESPN, crap I cannot find it now, did a list of players who had a better career in college than they did in the NBA. #1 on the list? Kareem (or Alcindor, at the time). The arguably best player in NBA history had a better basketball playing career while in college. That is crazy. If someone can find that, or dispute my recollection, please do so.
Kareem also has the best acting performance by a pro athlete in a movie ever. "Tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 40 minutes."
-
As for comparing players of different eras, yeah it's somewhat a futile exercise. The best list I have seen, not so much because I agreed with all his choices, but rather all of the extensive research that was put in and then also the scouting reports he produced for every player on his top 40 list, was done by a guy named Ben Taylor a few years back. The player profiles are amazing for the in-depth analysis and video clips, regardless of if you agree with his order.
Explanation of criteria and top 40 list: https://backpicks.com/2017/12/11/the-backpicks-goat-the-40-best-careers-in-nba-history/ (https://backpicks.com/2017/12/11/the-backpicks-goat-the-40-best-careers-in-nba-history/)
Example of player profile: https://backpicks.com/2018/04/12/backpicks-goat-1-kareem-abdul-jabbar/ (https://backpicks.com/2018/04/12/backpicks-goat-1-kareem-abdul-jabbar/)
EDIT: also should add that many of the player profiles surprisingly bring up a lot of weaknesses and so that's really interesting as well. True scouting reports and not just celebratory.
Interesting stuff, thanks for linking.
I still don't trust these kind of trans-era comparisons much though; they feel (to me) like analysing basketball in a vacuum. Where would Rick Barry rank with a three point line? Wilt competing against more athletic centers? MJ without handchecking and with zones allowed? LeBron against 80's defense? Magic and Larry inside the current positionless systems?
They can help corroborating the eye test, and the eye test in my opinion still says MJ is on top, and it's not very close.
-
Funny you mentioned Larry and Magic in a positionless system. I've watched a ton of classic Celtics games during the lockdown and many against the Lakers, and Larry and Magic played all over the court. Not arguing. Just saying that they were both ahead of their time in that regard.
-
They were light years ahead. And what's just baffling is they were able to dominate the game from every spot while being brutally manhandled in ways the current refs would punish with actual jail time.
-
And that's what has really jumped out at me as well. We were watching a game the other night, and I turned to my son and said this was like a hockey game.
The whistles and the flopping are such turn offs in today's game.
It has also allowed me to relive memories of the Boston Garden.
-
Seems like the usual consensus top 10 nowadays (not necessarily in order) is:
Jordan
James
Bird
Magic
Kareem
Duncan
Russell
Wilt
Bryant
Shaq
Of course there are some who will throw in Oscar Robertson or Hakeem, but those 10 seem to get mentioned by far the most.
Interestingly, Magic Johnson is the only player on that list who didn't win a championship without one of the other players on that list (Kareem was on every Lakers championship team with Magic in the 80's). Not passing judgment on what it means, merely pointing it out.
-
As for comparing players of different eras, yeah it's somewhat a futile exercise. The best list I have seen, not so much because I agreed with all his choices, but rather all of the extensive research that was put in and then also the scouting reports he produced for every player on his top 40 list, was done by a guy named Ben Taylor a few years back. The player profiles are amazing for the in-depth analysis and video clips, regardless of if you agree with his order.
Explanation of criteria and top 40 list: https://backpicks.com/2017/12/11/the-backpicks-goat-the-40-best-careers-in-nba-history/ (https://backpicks.com/2017/12/11/the-backpicks-goat-the-40-best-careers-in-nba-history/)
Example of player profile: https://backpicks.com/2018/04/12/backpicks-goat-1-kareem-abdul-jabbar/ (https://backpicks.com/2018/04/12/backpicks-goat-1-kareem-abdul-jabbar/)
EDIT: also should add that many of the player profiles surprisingly bring up a lot of weaknesses and so that's really interesting as well. True scouting reports and not just celebratory.
This project was so well done that it kind of killed all other lists for me, TBH. It's by far and away the most researched basketball analysis I've ever seen. IIRC, the author just ranked players based on how much championship value they added in their own eras.
-
A well-done project, yes, but Kevin Garnett being 8th is a major WTF. I don't know anyone who would rank Garnett ahead of Bird and Magic all-time.
-
Yeah, and the lack of Isiah Thomas is a bit disconcerting.
-
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/3ohzdFgep8kdJrGpQ4/giphy.gif)
-
:lol
I mean the backstabber, not the backstabbed
-
A well-done project, yes, but Kevin Garnett being 8th is a major WTF. I don't know anyone who would rank Garnett ahead of Bird and Magic all-time.
I don't necessarily agree with it, but the logic behind it all ties together. I think the idea (not that you don't understand the idea, but I'm just speaking aloud) is that [1] situation matters and [2] longevity is really important. Garnett was in about the worst situation ever and had great longevity. Magic was in about the best situation ever and had weak longevity. If you adjust for situation and factor in longevity, while of course incorporating performance and stats, maybe Garnett should be in the top-ten.
Again... Don't know that I agree. But as someone who is willing to rank LeBron ahead of MJ despite their vast differences in accomplishments, I'm not going to fight back too hard against giving KG that same kind of wiggle room. Just my two cents, as always.
-
That was my thought as well, though I don't know if I'd consider Magic's longevity "weak." 12 straight quality years, missing only part of one season due to injury.
-
I don't get the longevity argument. I'm a firm believer in quality > quantity And with Magic, was the situation as good as it was *for* him, or *because* of him (at least in some ways). Could you have put any A-list player from the 80s in that situation, and they perform as well? Conversely, could you put Magic in a mediocre team, and he elevates it to contender-status?
I tend to think Magic's magic was more of his own doing, rather than a product of his situation.
-
Longevity as a parameter is a bit unfair towards guys playing in Chuck Taylors and in favour of those getting cryo-baths :D
-
Really enjoying The Last Dance, great interviews and behind the scene footage.
As far as comparing or claiming who is the GOAT, I agree with the Top 10 someone listed earlier. They're all great and worthy of it.
It's really hard to compare players from different era's.
My take would be how would they fare going one on one against each other. Someone mentioned Jordan would not be able to handle Wilt, I disagree. There's no way Wilt would be able to defend Jordan, maybe block a couple of shots, but Jordan's quickness and athleticism would prevail, including defending Wilt.
Magic and Bird, 2 of the best for sure, but can you see them beating Jordan, Kobe or Lebron one on one ?
The athleticism, overall game and skills of Jordan, Kobe and LeBron are unparalleled in my book. The 3 best in the game, ever.
The GOAT is Jordan IMO. The only negative on him is that it took him some time to learn how to play as a team player.
-
The GOAT is Jordan IMO. The only negative on him is that it took him some time to learn how to play as a team player.
Not really. It just took the Bulls some time to assemble a team around him.
-
My take would be how would they fare going one on one against each other. Someone mentioned Jordan would not be able to handle Wilt, I disagree. There's no way Wilt would be able to defend Jordan, maybe block a couple of shots, but Jordan's quickness and athleticism would prevail, including defending Wilt.
Magic and Bird, 2 of the best for sure, but can you see them beating Jordan, Kobe or Lebron one on one ?
The athleticism, overall game and skills of Jordan, Kobe and LeBron are unparalleled in my book. The 3 best in the game, ever.
Basketball isn't a one-on-one sport though, I don't think it is fair to use a hypothetical one-on-one match-up as a way to rank players. Wilt can't defend Jordan outside, and vice versa down low. But that isn't a reflection of their skills.
-
I think longevity probably hurts Isiah Thomas' all-time ranking, plus he was never really in the top tier of players, but just outside of it (he was never on the level of Bird, Magic, Jordan, Dr J). Not to mention that the way the Pistons played during their best years was very much a team style that was all about winning and no one player putting up crazy numbers, so he didn't have the added benefit of a few crazy statistical seasons that ran parallel to his championships. The fact that he is kind of a smarmy shithead doesn't help either. :lol :lol
-
The GOAT is Jordan IMO. The only negative on him is that it took him some time to learn how to play as a team player.
Not really. It just took the Bulls some time to assemble a team around him.
Agreed, he did not have many good options on those early Bulls teams.
My take would be how would they fare going one on one against each other. Someone mentioned Jordan would not be able to handle Wilt, I disagree. There's no way Wilt would be able to defend Jordan, maybe block a couple of shots, but Jordan's quickness and athleticism would prevail, including defending Wilt.
Magic and Bird, 2 of the best for sure, but can you see them beating Jordan, Kobe or Lebron one on one ?
The athleticism, overall game and skills of Jordan, Kobe and LeBron are unparalleled in my book. The 3 best in the game, ever.
Basketball isn't a one-on-one sport though, I don't think it is fair to use a hypothetical one-on-one match-up as a way to rank players. Wilt can't defend Jordan outside, and vice versa down low. But that isn't a reflection of their skills.
True, it's not a one-on-one game. And, hypothetical one-on-one match ups are hard to quantify.
But, from the words of Magic himself during that era - "There's Michael... then there's the rest of us."
I look at it as who has the best overall game. Jordan, Kobe and Lebron had/have complete games. Total offense, can score inside, outside, great at distributing the ball to teammates, ball handling skills, defense, rebounding... everything.
A lot of other players have all of the skills too, but not at the same level as the 3 mentioned IMO.
-
The GOAT is Jordan IMO. The only negative on him is that it took him some time to learn how to play as a team player.
Not really. It just took the Bulls some time to assemble a team around him.
Agreed, he did not have many good options on those early Bulls teams.
While that is true, once he got good teammates, it took Phil Jackson hammering home the point constantly to Jordan to trust them. I know it's easy to say MJ could have won with any coach, but it's not a coincidence that both Jordan's Bulls and the Shaq/Kobe Lakers went from being contenders that couldn't get over the hump to juggernauts that couldn't be stopped shortly after Jackson arrived in both places.
-
That was my thought as well, though I don't know if I'd consider Magic's longevity "weak." 12 straight quality years, missing only part of one season due to injury.
Yea, not bad at all really. He probably would have played another four or five if not for his medical condition too.
Longevity as a parameter is a bit unfair towards guys playing in Chuck Taylors and in favour of those getting cryo-baths :D
100%. Playing for ten years back in the day is probably as impressive as 13 or 14 years now.
I think longevity probably hurts Isiah Thomas' all-time ranking, plus he was never really in the top tier of players, but just outside of it (he was never on the level of Bird, Magic, Jordan, Dr J). Not to mention that the way the Pistons played during their best years was very much a team style that was all about winning and no one player putting up crazy numbers, so he didn't have the added benefit of a few crazy statistical seasons that ran parallel to his championships. The fact that he is kind of a smarmy shithead doesn't help either. :lol :lol
It's actually kind of impressive how much people hate that guy.
-
The modern advances enabling greater longevity make Kareem stand out even moreso because he didn't have such benefit yet still an unbelievably long and consistently productive career. I guess in fairness, though, it certainly didn't hurt to have Magic on his squad for nearly the last decade of it, either.
-
The modern advances enabling greater longevity make Kareem stand out even moreso because he didn't have such benefit yet still an unbelievably long and consistently productive career. I guess in fairness, though, it certainly didn't hurt to have Magic on his squad for nearly the last decade of it, either.
A phenomenon, truly. I believe winning Finals MVPs 15 seasons apart is a feat we won't be able to see again (we were close with Timmy).
-
I think longevity probably hurts Isiah Thomas' all-time ranking, plus he was never really in the top tier of players, but just outside of it (he was never on the level of Bird, Magic, Jordan, Dr J). Not to mention that the way the Pistons played during their best years was very much a team style that was all about winning and no one player putting up crazy numbers, so he didn't have the added benefit of a few crazy statistical seasons that ran parallel to his championships. The fact that he is kind of a smarmy shithead doesn't help either. :lol :lol
It's actually kind of impressive how much people hate that guy.
In all fairness, Thomas has earned most of that hate. He is the guy who is always smiling and saying something and you just know he is full of shit.
The modern advances enabling greater longevity make Kareem stand out even moreso because he didn't have such benefit yet still an unbelievably long and consistently productive career. I guess in fairness, though, it certainly didn't hurt to have Magic on his squad for nearly the last decade of it, either.
I have long said that Kareem gets shortchanged in GOAT conversations. I think he gets penalized because he has always been kind of an aloof guy; he was hard for a lot of people to like. If he had had the charisma of Magic or the marketing of MJ, he'd be talked about in much greater terms by many.
-
I have long said that Kareem gets shortchanged in GOAT conversations. I think he gets penalized because he has always been kind of an aloof guy; he was hard for a lot of people to like.
He was always very cerebral, and a little surly (according to some, anyway). I've read how that essentially cost him any chance at an NBA coaching job over the years.
-
Kareem should definitely be in the conversation.
The interesting thing about him (to me, anyway) is that he was even better in college than as a pro. I mean, they changed the rules of the game because of him.
-
The interesting thing about him (to me, anyway) is that he was even better in college than as a pro.
It isn't just you, I posted earlier I've read articles about that very thing. To think that as a freshman, he couldn't play varsity due to NCAA rules. So he played on the Freshman team, which went on to beat the UCLA varsity team in an intersquad game, considered one of the best in the nation*.
I mean, they changed the rules of the game because of him.
Indeed, and those changes made him a better player.
*I can't find a reference for that but I am positive I read about it at some point.
-
And yet it's interesting that there were guys who had Kareem's number. And it wasn't the guys you would think
He *NEVER* gets mentioned in conversation these days, because he was a nobody. But the Sonics had a backup center named Dennis Awtrey. And in the Sonics championship season of 78-79, he only had one job. Stop Kareem Abdul Jabbar. And that was the only thing he did. At one point in the playoff series, Kareem got so frustrated that he could not do anything when Awtrey was on him, that he just stopped and threw the ball at him. I was too young to understand exactly what he was doing, but somehow Dennis had done his homework and figured out exactly what his pattern was and knew how to get in his head and turn him into less of a factor.
But as to Kareem's overall career there can be no doubt. He was a phenomenal player.
-
And yet it's interesting that there were guys who had Kareem's number. And it wasn't the guys you would think
He *NEVER* gets mentioned in conversation these days, because he was a nobody. But the Sonics had a backup center named Dennis Awtrey. And in the Sonics championship season of 78-79, he only had one job. Stop Kareem Abdul Jabbar. And that was the only thing he did. At one point in the playoff series, Kareem got so frustrated that he could not do anything when Awtrey was on him, that he just stopped and threw the ball at him. I was too young to understand exactly what he was doing, but somehow Dennis had done his homework and figured out exactly what his pattern was and knew how to get in his head and turn him into less of a factor.
But as to Kareem's overall career there can be no doubt. He was a phenomenal player.
He broke a hand punching .... Kent Benson (otherwise only memorable for the MIL-DET trade that later brought Lanier to the Bucks) in the noggin.
A guy he hated playing was Cowens who, although at a considerable size disadvantage, used to draw him far from the hoop and punish him from mid range.
-
I just did a little bit more research and discovered something about Dennis Awtrey I didn't know. He played for the Bulls in about 74, and I guess at that time he sucker punched Kareem on national TV. So I didn't even know until this very day that when the Sonics faced the Lakers on their championship run, Kareem and Dennis already had a history.
-
A guy he hated playing was Cowens who, although at a considerable size disadvantage, used to draw him far from the hoop and punish him from mid range.
I once saw Dave Cowens at the beach, somewhere around '93 near Cape Cod. :D
-
Was he cabbing?
-
Was he cabbing?
I don't know what cabbing is. :lol
He was walking.
-
:D
I heard he once spent half a season retired from hoops in order to drive a cab around Beantown
-
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=he-VxfjhZt0
Interested to see where this goes
-
Episode 3 of Season 7 Game of Zones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CStaxpRvKds
A lot of good one line jokes and references.
-
What did people think about The Last Dance? I thought it was really enjoyable as a piece of entertainment, but perhaps a bit dubious as a historical documentary.
-
What did people think about The Last Dance? I thought it was really enjoyable as a piece of entertainment, but perhaps a bit dubious as a historical documentary.
I dug it. And thought it left no question that MJ is on a different tier than Kobe and Lebron. You can 'argue' it all you want for the fun of it.....but it's not even close.
-
Love it. I only wish it came out while Jerry Krause was still able to put his 2 cents in. That would have made an interesting show even more interesting.
-
What did people think about The Last Dance? I thought it was really enjoyable as a piece of entertainment, but perhaps a bit dubious as a historical documentary.
I dug it. And thought it left no question that MJ is on a different tier than Kobe and Lebron. You can 'argue' it all you want for the fun of it.....but it's not even close.
In my opinion, it depends what is meant by "different tier". I tend to agree that they cannot match him in terms of cultural influence or what is generally considered to comprise a player's "legacy", but in some other ways, LeBron in particular has arguments.
I think it's also worth mentioning that not only did Jordan have the final sign-off on the documentary, but his production company was involved in its creation as well. If Jordan came off as clearly a tier above everyone else, that was probably his intention. I'm hesitant to let a ten-part Jordan documentary sway my opinion when there is no ten-part Russell documentary, no ten-part Kareem documentary, etc. to compare it to.
-
I didn't watch a single second of The Last Dance, but I have heard a lot of chatter about it, and find it funny, but not surprising, that many others in the story, aside from Jordan, supposedly didn't come off well at times in it. Jordan obviously made damn sure that he came off great (or as well as an a-hole who loved to bully anyone and everyone can come off), while making others look not so great. I will say this: he obviously cares a lot about his legacy as the supposed GOAT.
-
I didn't watch a single second of The Last Dance, but I have heard a lot of chatter about it, and find it funny, but not surprising, that many others in the story, aside from Jordan, supposedly didn't come off well at times in it. Jordan obviously made damn sure that he came off great (or as well as an a-hole who loved to bully anyone and everyone can come off), while making others look not so great. I will say this: he obviously cares a lot about his legacy as the supposed GOAT.
Yeah, I didn't watch any of it either. It was a Jordan production anyway right? or something like that.
-
I didn't watch a single second of The Last Dance, but I have heard a lot of chatter about it, and find it funny, but not surprising, that many others in the story, aside from Jordan, supposedly didn't come off well at times in it. Jordan obviously made damn sure that he came off great (or as well as an a-hole who loved to bully anyone and everyone can come off), while making others look not so great. I will say this: he obviously cares a lot about his legacy as the supposed GOAT.
I saw a video yesterday where someone asked Magic Johnson if Michael Jordan considers himself to be the GOAT (I guess people just assume that Magic has special insight into Jordan's mind). Johnson was like "No, he wouldn't say that." And my first thought was... Maybe he would never outright say it, but he did basically release a ten-part documentary to try and prove it to people. :lol
-
“In my prime I could have handled Michael Jordan. Of course, he would be only 12 years old.” -- Jerry Sloan
RIP, Jerry. You giant, lovable, ass-hole. I'll miss you.
-
I didn't watch a single second of The Last Dance, but I have heard a lot of chatter about it, and find it funny, but not surprising, that many others in the story, aside from Jordan, supposedly didn't come off well at times in it. Jordan obviously made damn sure that he came off great (or as well as an a-hole who loved to bully anyone and everyone can come off), while making others look not so great. I will say this: he obviously cares a lot about his legacy as the supposed GOAT.
I saw a video yesterday where someone asked Magic Johnson if Michael Jordan considers himself to be the GOAT (I guess people just assume that Magic has special insight into Jordan's mind). Johnson was like "No, he wouldn't say that." And my first thought was... Maybe he would never outright say it, but he did basically release a ten-part documentary to try and prove it to people. :lol
ESPN was behind the documentary. BUT...Jordan stipulate that he got to see and respond to everyone who participated comments. But he didn't come off smelling like peaches either. He did come off as a dick and a tough teammate to be around and honestly you can see from the video shown from back then the dude was an arrogant a$$hole. But just like my opinion when it comes to Tiger Woods and how big a dick he was when he was dominating. ....I don't really care. I enjoy watching those guys dominate and crush their opponents...and that's what they did.
-
“In my prime I could have handled Michael Jordan. Of course, he would be only 12 years old.” -- Jerry Sloan
RIP, Jerry. You giant, lovable, ass-hole. I'll miss you.
Amen. I'm still bitter about the organization allowing Deron Williams to have his way.
-
TLD is definitely a mythmaking exercise but I'm fine wtih that. Some of that stuff is funny really, like, you're trying to get us to buy that someone poisonned your pizza MJ? Come on now :lol But he gets to do it on his own terms and I respect that. It was incredibly well put together and entertaining.
-
“In my prime I could have handled Michael Jordan. Of course, he would be only 12 years old.” -- Jerry Sloan
RIP, Jerry. You giant, lovable, ass-hole. I'll miss you.
Amen. I'm still bitter about the organization allowing Deron Williams to have his way.
:heart
Mrs. P still won't watch a Jazz game because of this very issue. I won't watch the NBA because of the 2011 lockout. I sold my season tickets and have never looked back.
-
What was the deal with Deron Williams?
-
What was the deal with Deron Williams?
What was his problem? Who knows, spoiled superstar, maybe? You'd have to ask him.
-
What was the deal with Deron Williams?
He clashed with Sloan (broken plays, freelancing on offense, etc.) and - alllegedly - forced the property to a "him or me" situation.
-
What was the deal with Deron Williams?
What was his problem? Who knows, spoiled superstar, maybe? You'd have to ask him.
I'm asking you because I don't know anything about the situation so I was just wondering what you were talking about.
Did they trade him. I'm not sure if I barely heard of him. Of course I wasn't paying attention to the NBA much at that point.
-
NBA just about ready to get back to it. All teams within 4 games of the 8th seed plus those already clinched to start July 31st in Orlando. That’ll make 22 teams total.
Go Bucks!
-
Go Bulls! Go into the off-season and fire Boylen!
-
NBA bubble has been in effect for less than a week and already two players have broken the no leave policy. We aren’t going to have sports any time soon.
-
Young men think they are invincible.
-
Didn't seem like either one was real malicious.
-
Didn't seem like either one was real malicious.
That’s the problem. They think it’ll be no big deal, when it could possibly turn into a huge deal.
-
Didn't seem like either one was real malicious.
That’s the problem. They think it’ll be no big deal, when it could possibly turn into a huge deal.
I meant I got the feeling they weren't being dicks about it.
-
The playoffs are about to start and no one‘s commented since July?
I’m liking the way my Blazers are looking right now. The Covid break just gave extra time for Nurkic to heal up and he looks fantastic. I think we are poised to surprise some people.
-
Bucks look like an average team down in the bubble. Hopefully they get it together against the Magic in the first round.
-
Bucks look like an average team down in the bubble. Hopefully they get it together against the Magic in the first round.
The Bucks have nothing to worry about. They really had nothing to play for in the first set of games.
-
I wasn’t expecting the Nets to go full throttle when they didn’t have anything to play for. And the Blazers looked nervous tonight. But we did manage to squeak it out. I think we will look better against the Grizzlies on Saturday
-
What does everyone think of the new format? I’m enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would.
Baseball was trying to just do it with empty seats and then I heard rumors that they were selling cardboard cut outs so the peoples faces could be in the stands. The NBA took it one step further with this virtual fan thing where I guess fans can get their pictures up on the LED boards that are on the sidelines. That and the crowd noise at least just makes it seem not quite so empty.
-
The Nets look good even without KD and Kyrie. They're really building for the future. The bubble format is fine for inside sports. But baseball stadiums are more scenic and visual, so I'm glad they can do that.
-
The Nets look good even without KD and Kyrie. They're really building for the future. The bubble format is fine for inside sports. But baseball stadiums are more scenic and visual, so I'm glad they can do that.
Too bad they drew the Raptors. Holy shit do they look solid. For a team that was predicted (even by me) at the beginning of the season - some even suggesting the might not make the playoffs - they sure look fucking dominant. Nurse has to be COTY.
-
I was talking with a really good friend this morning we were both commenting on how much we are enjoying the current format. He compared it to when he and his buddies were kids and they just went and played at the gym. No parents, no scouts, no cheering crowds, and it just made you focus on the game. We are probably seeing the most pure basketball we’ve ever seen in the history of the NBA.
NO ONE has a “sixth man” for this playoff run. It’s only going to be about who plays better. I’m going to have more fun watching these playoffs than I have in a very long time. I hate to think that this almost made the game better, but in some ways I think it did.
-
The play in game is fantastic so far. Very physical play and the officials are not getting overly involved.
-
I wish more people would’ve been watching that game. That was one of the funnest games I’ve seen in a long time. Very old school physical. Hard fought game. Congratulations to the Blazers. I think we have a good chance against the Lakers.
-
NBA refs making sure the Clips get all the help they need by tossing Porzingis last night.
-
I didn't see the first technical he got, but the second one looked to me like the right call from the refs based on the current state of the NBA. To me that should not warrant anything more than a call to chill out, but in recent times the NBA has been trying to get rid of all "violence".
-
Bucks look like an average team down in the bubble. Hopefully they get it together against the Magic in the first round.
Down 0-1. This hasn’t been the same team since the restart
-
Bucks look like an average team down in the bubble. Hopefully they get it together against the Magic in the first round.
Down 0-1. This hasn’t been the same team since the restart
This is unbelievable. How does a team that played so dominant, now look so ordinary?
-
Their defense has disappeared. Also, Buddenholzer is once again showing that he's not great at coaching in the playoffs. He's the guy you hire to develop your team and once it's playoff ready you hire a guy that can manage an already established team
-
Is it my imagination, or is the officiating better without the crowd?
-
Is it my imagination, or is the officiating better without the crowd?
It’s your imagination.
-
Is it my imagination, or is the officiating better without the crowd?
It’s your imagination.
After that phantom call on Nurkic, I tend to agree. But on the whole, I like that they seem to be letting them play. I see a lot of very good no calls in the several games that I’ve seen.
-
I’ve never seen a sports thread this dead during the playoffs.
This is the most fun I’ve had watching the playoffs in a long time. I will restate what I said the other day. There’s been one or two phantom calls, but for the most part I feel like they really are just letting them play. Lots of no calls that I agree with on both sides of the ball.
-
And I’m not advocating for the permanent loss of the crowd, but I definitely feel like not having the crowd makes it a better game on the court. It’s always neutral ground, and the officiating has no outside pressure.
-
I’ve never seen a sports thread this dead during the playoffs.
It's just such a different vibe watching in an empty gymnasium. Same with the NHL.
-
I’ve never seen a sports thread this dead during the playoffs.
It's just such a different vibe watching in an empty gymnasium. Same with the NHL.
It is different, but I really like it.
EDIT - and I might add, at least the NHL thread is active. People are commenting on the games. I don’t see any of that here.
-
Well, the first round doesn't typically doesn't produce competitive games. Plus, with so many of them in the afternoon - I missed both Raptors games already. And Game 3 tomorrow is a 1pm start. >:(
-
I feel better about things.....for now.
-
I feel better about things.....for now.
That game 1 was an anomaly. He Bucka will roll over the Magic for the next 3 games.
-
C's looked dominant. It's Toronto and Bucks when we see if they can hang.
-
C's looked dominant. It's Toronto and Bucks when we see if they can hang.
That's cute that you think the Cs might be playing the Bucks. :biggrin:
This first round in the East is going to be meaningless. Just warmup for the Heat/Bucks and Raps/Cs in round 2. 76rs losing Simmons was a death blow. The West seems to be a little more competitive.
-
I'm just saying those are the 2 teams I worry about in the east.
-
Holy fuck the Raptors bitch-slapped the Nets. Granted, it's the Nets, but 100 point from the bench!?!?! Hopefully Lowry's injury isn't serious... though, I do think FVV can carry the team, and their depth is off the charts. This ought to be a fantastic series.
-
GO MAVERICKS!!
-
Luka is a generational talent. The league is in great hands with him as their big young star. I can't wait to see what comes next!
-
You know, after winning game one, I honestly believed that the Blazers would make a better series of it. But spotting them 15 before scoring your first bucket, and then giving up 80 in the first half is just embarrassing.
We may or may not have what it takes to go toe to toe with the Lakers, but we are certainly a better team than this.
-
Yea that Raps sweep was no surprise, but the Nets will get KD and KI next season!
Heat sweep Indy! I'm scared of the Bucks though.
Hornets hint at getting a new look next season, maybe more pinstripes.
-
The Nets have a bright future, that’s for sure.
My hope is Lowry comes back for game 3.
-
Bucks not taking the court in protest of the shooting in Kenosha, WI.
Update: Bucks forfeit game in protest.
-
Bucks not taking the court in protest of the shooting in Kenosha, WI.
Update: Bucks forfeit game in protest.
Strong chance both Cs and Raps are going to as well.
I commend them... the issue is bigger than basketball; bigger than pro sports. And being the team based in WI, hopefully that organization can pressure some lawmakers to doing something.
-
A few athletes not playing their sportsball game won't pressure anyone in to doing anything. City hall responds to one thing. Dollars. Just like the rest of us.
If social activism is their new bag and they quit their professional careers to do that, I'd admire them more than boycotting a game and wearing a slogan on their uniform. Cancel the season, cancel the Association. Life will go on fine without it.
-
I most certainly think that the NBA, ESPN/TNT, and all of the sports' sponsors have the clout to make something happen. I commend the players for this... all the lip service in interviews, jersey lettering, floor space, and banners hanging in the gymnasium clearly isn't doing enough. Adam Silver and the NBA were the tipping point for the WORLD to start taking drastic actions against the spread of COVID. Maybe they can be the same for BLM.
-
A few athletes not playing their sportsball game won't pressure anyone in to doing anything. City hall responds to one thing. Dollars. Just like the rest of us.
If social activism is their new bag and they quit their professional careers to do that, I'd admire them more than boycotting a game and wearing a slogan on their uniform. Cancel the season, cancel the Association. Life will go on fine without it.
Problem is, life isn’t fine for a lot of people as it stands today.
-
I most certainly think that the NBA, ESPN/TNT, and all of the sports' sponsors have the clout to make something happen. I commend the players for this... all the lip service in interviews, jersey lettering, floor space, and banners hanging in the gymnasium clearly isn't doing enough. Adam Silver and the NBA were the tipping point for the WORLD to start taking drastic actions against the spread of COVID. Maybe they can be the same for BLM.
I don't know......TV viewership is down 40% for the NBA's bubble. I totally get the need to make something happen but to not show up for a game and just forfeit can't be a 'good' thing for the NBA. They've taken a stance as a whole and as a whole that stance has hurt them financially. Money is what it's all about in pro sports and it won't take the owners and league long to change their tune if they're consistently losing money.
-
I most certainly think that the NBA, ESPN/TNT, and all of the sports' sponsors have the clout to make something happen. I commend the players for this... all the lip service in interviews, jersey lettering, floor space, and banners hanging in the gymnasium clearly isn't doing enough. Adam Silver and the NBA were the tipping point for the WORLD to start taking drastic actions against the spread of COVID. Maybe they can be the same for BLM.
I don't know......TV viewership is down 40% for the NBA's bubble. I totally get the need to make something happen but to not show up for a game and just forfeit can't be a 'good' thing for the NBA. They've taken a stance as a whole and as a whole that stance has hurt them financially. Money is what it's all about in pro sports and it won't take the owners and league long to change their tune if they're consistently losing money.
If they continue to do this. I see many viewers dropping out and tuning out of NBA completely, if they already aren't.
-
Again... maybe this is just the start of something bigger. I mean, what are the players supposed to do? Just shrug their shoulders and play on? They've chosen this hill to die on, and they seem committed to it. Again, I commend their effort to be 'all-in', and their support for the cause to be more than just lip service, jersey letters, and banners.
Good for them.
Guess I'm the only one that sees it that way.
-
Again... maybe this is just the start of something bigger. I mean, what are the players supposed to do? Just shrug their shoulders and play on? They've chosen this hill to die on, and they seem committed to it. Again, I commend their effort to be 'all-in', and their support for the cause to be more than just lip service, jersey letters, and banners.
Good for them.
Guess I'm the only one that sees it that way.
No, you're not. You have to respect it.
I don't know......TV viewership is down 40% for the NBA's bubble. I totally get the need to make something happen but to not show up for a game and just forfeit can't be a 'good' thing for the NBA. They've taken a stance as a whole and as a whole that stance has hurt them financially. Money is what it's all about in pro sports and it won't take the owners and league long to change their tune if they're consistently losing money.
I think this year is already a write off. No owner or league will change their tune anytime soon. They have no choice but to support the players right now.
Do you really attribute their "stance" to their ratings? Is that what people are citing as the reason?
-
A few athletes not playing their sportsball game won't pressure anyone in to doing anything. City hall responds to one thing. Dollars. Just like the rest of us.
Well, the NBA, MLB, NFL are all big revenue generators. If all the leagues take a stance, which seems to be the case, then lawmakers will start doing something. Businesses and sponsors will start putting pressure on them, not to mention that if these leagues don't make money states lose lots of tax income. So yeah, I'm pretty sure cancelling games will have an effect.
-
I most certainly think that the NBA, ESPN/TNT, and all of the sports' sponsors have the clout to make something happen. I commend the players for this... all the lip service in interviews, jersey lettering, floor space, and banners hanging in the gymnasium clearly isn't doing enough. Adam Silver and the NBA were the tipping point for the WORLD to start taking drastic actions against the spread of COVID. Maybe they can be the same for BLM.
I don't know......TV viewership is down 40% for the NBA's bubble. I totally get the need to make something happen but to not show up for a game and just forfeit can't be a 'good' thing for the NBA. They've taken a stance as a whole and as a whole that stance has hurt them financially. Money is what it's all about in pro sports and it won't take the owners and league long to change their tune if they're consistently losing money.
If they continue to do this. I see many viewers dropping out and tuning out of NBA completely, if they already aren't.
I quit watching the NBA years ago because of the attitude of players and the lack of team in a team sport. This, right here, will actually start making me watch and support the NBA again. But, then I'm just one person.
-
A few athletes not playing their sportsball game won't pressure anyone in to doing anything. City hall responds to one thing. Dollars. Just like the rest of us.
Well, the NBA, MLB, NFL are all big revenue generators. If all the leagues take a stance, which seems to be the case, then lawmakers will start doing something. Businesses and sponsors will start putting pressure on them, not to mention that if these leagues don't make money states lose lots of tax income. So yeah, I'm pretty sure cancelling games will have an effect.
Agreed. The point is also that this move isn't to solve things by next Tuesday. This will take years if not decade's worth of effort. I think the NBA players are just trying to see if *this* can be the spark in the powder keg to start initiate real actions for real change. It's not about what happens to the NBA ratings today, tomorrow, or for the rest of the playoffs. It's about getting the league, and owners, and sponsors, and advertisers, and anyone/thing connected to the league to take more action. As Fred VanVleet said "I know it's not that simple. But, at the end of the day if we're gonna sit here and talk about making change, then at some point we're gonna have to put our nuts on the line and actually put something up to lose, rather than just money or visibility."
-
Butler drops 40 as the Heat beat the Bucks! :metal :metal :metal
-
These two east games are gonna be tight. I predict bob will go 7
-
Love that we have two game 7s already - Utah v. Denver and now OKC v. Houston. The OKC game last night was brutal, but Chris Paul came up huge down the stretch. Utah and Denver. Man, the Spider-Murray show has been spectacular.
-
Tonight will tell me how far the C's will go. Even if they lose I expect a great game from Toronto tonight and I want the C's to respond to that playoff pressure.
-
Tonight will tell me how far the C's will go. Even if they lose I expect a great game from Toronto tonight and I want the C's to respond to that playoff pressure.
The Raps will bounce back. They difference in Game 1 was 3-point shooting. Boston was 17/39 (44%); Toronto was 10/40 (25%). Celtics are normally a 36% 3P shooting team; Raps 37%. If they both shoot closer to their average, Cs lose up to 9 points, and the Raps gain as much as 15. Much closer than the 112-94 final score would suggest. Raps were getting good/open looks, so it's not like it was the D that was holding them to 25% 3P shooting - The Raps simply did not have confidence from beyond the arc, and that can/will change.
-
The Bucks game looked just like the last 3 against the Raptors last playoff. Not happy to see them not learning from their past.
-
I have a question, and keep in mind that I am not really a fan of the NBA.
Last night, my kid was watching the Houston v. Oklahoma City game. At the very end, the OK player sunk 2 free throws to give OK a 4 point lead with 3.x seconds left. At that point, even I knew that the ball was going to James Harden and that he would shoot a 3-pointer and attempt to get fouled in the process. The OK defender was playing very closed, and I was more than a little surprised that a foul didn't get called. Of course, he missed the shot, so it wouldn't have mattered much, but here's my question:
Why weren't the OK defenders all standing in the back court or in the front court along the half-court line? At most, the five OK players should have been standing flat-footed at the 3-point line with their arms straight up and not moving at all. In other words, why were they doing things that could have resulted in a foul being called if Harden had made the shot?
-
I have a question, and keep in mind that I am not really a fan of the NBA.
Last night, my kid was watching the Houston v. Oklahoma City game. At the very end, the OK player sunk 2 free throws to give OK a 4 point lead with 3.x seconds left. At that point, even I knew that the ball was going to James Harden and that he would shoot a 3-pointer and attempt to get fouled in the process. The OK defender was playing very closed, and I was more than a little surprised that a foul didn't get called. Of course, he missed the shot, so it wouldn't have mattered much, but here's my question:
Why weren't the OK defenders all standing in the back court or in the front court along the half-court line? At most, the five OK players should have been standing flat-footed at the 3-point line with their arms straight up and not moving at all. In other words, why were they doing things that could have resulted in a foul being called if Harden had made the shot?
I just watched the replay, and it was a bad strategy by OKC, IMO. Because Harden missed and was not fouled, people aren't really talking about it (people usually don't worry about the process if the result was good, even if the process was bad). So I think your observation is totally legitimate, and Dort (the OKC player who jumped at Harden) probably got chewed out a bit once he went back to the locker room. :lol
-
I have a question, and keep in mind that I am not really a fan of the NBA.
Last night, my kid was watching the Houston v. Oklahoma City game. At the very end, the OK player sunk 2 free throws to give OK a 4 point lead with 3.x seconds left. At that point, even I knew that the ball was going to James Harden and that he would shoot a 3-pointer and attempt to get fouled in the process. The OK defender was playing very closed, and I was more than a little surprised that a foul didn't get called. Of course, he missed the shot, so it wouldn't have mattered much, but here's my question:
Why weren't the OK defenders all standing in the back court or in the front court along the half-court line? At most, the five OK players should have been standing flat-footed at the 3-point line with their arms straight up and not moving at all. In other words, why were they doing things that could have resulted in a foul being called if Harden had made the shot?
I just watched the replay, and it was a bad strategy by OKC, IMO. Because Harden missed and was not fouled, people aren't really talking about it (people usually don't worry about the process if the result was good, even if the process was bad). So I think your observation is totally legitimate, and Dort (the OKC player who jumped at Harden) probably got chewed out a bit once he went back to the locker room. :lol
Thanks.
I seem to remember something like this happening a few years back where the defender played aggressive defense and the offensive player hit a 3-pointer and the free throw to tie or win the game.
-
Hot Damn!! What a win for the C's!!
-
That Nuggets Jazz game was awesome! What a crazy final 20 seconds!!!
-
Hot Damn!! What a win for the C's!!
Yeah, that was a tight one. Smart and Walker being invisible for 3 quarters, then lighting it up in the 4th saved the day. Raps shooting bricks from 3 again. :facepalm:
The Raps need to bring their “A” game pronto.
-
Bucks are done.
Coach Bud can’t adjust worth a shit in the playoffs.
Two wasted years of the best Bucks team since Kareem was in town.
-
Those were two awful fouls calls at the end of the game. At least they cancelled each other out.
-
Another 10 round battle between Toronto and Boston tonight. 95/95 with 4 minutes to go.
-
Holy crap! What a hell of a win for the Raptors. I thought we had it.
-
Holy crap! What a hell of a win for the Raptors. I thought we had it.
Amazing finish.
-
Holy crap! What a hell of a win for the Raptors. I thought we had it.
So did the rest of the world. Jingle.son walked away after the games leading bucket by Thies. I stayed, and lost my shit!! apparently, Some twitter handles had already announced the 103-101 loss.
Raptors again played like as for most of the game, but managed a W. they HAVE to get their shit together or it will be meaningless.
-
I thought it was funny when Lowry fouled Wannamaker with his testicle. :lol
-
I thought it was funny when Lowry fouled Wannamaker with his testicle. :lol
That was a terrible replay non-call. So was the flagrant earlier on Thies. Suspect officiating on those two replay challenges.
-
Bucks start the 4th up 12......lose by 15.
I can’t even.
-
Bucks start the 4th up 12......lose by 15.
I can’t even.
That was an unbelievable quarter by both teams. 40-13 :omg:. Jimmy Buckets alone had more points than the Bucks. He is proving to be a legit superstar.
-
Bucks win but most likely lose Giannis for what could be many games.
-
I'm not sure I've seen a more pathetic attempt to play ball than the Raptors put forth. 11 points in the 1st!? 35 for the half, while giving up 37 in 2Q?? This is what happens when you run a 7-player rotation. They're mentally and physically gassed. And now Ibaka's status is unknown.
-
I'm not sure I've seen a more pathetic attempt to play ball than the Raptors put forth. 11 points in the 1st!? 35 for the half, while giving up 37 in 2Q?? This is what happens when you run a 7-player rotation. They're mentally and physically gassed. And now Ibaka's status is unknown.
I ultimately think that the Raptors are more of a regular season team than a playoff team at this point. And there's no shame in that. But they definitely have that feel of "They will win 50+ games every year because they have good players and a great coach, but in the playoffs, they don't quite have the horses." I'm not saying they can't win this series, but I don't know how much they have left in the tank.
-
I'm not sure I've seen a more pathetic attempt to play ball than the Raptors put forth. 11 points in the 1st!? 35 for the half, while giving up 37 in 2Q?? This is what happens when you run a 7-player rotation. They're mentally and physically gassed. And now Ibaka's status is unknown.
I ultimately think that the Raptors are more of a regular season team than a playoff team at this point. And there's no shame in that. But they definitely have that feel of "They will win 50+ games every year because they have good players and a great coach, but in the playoffs, they don't quite have the horses." I'm not saying they can't win this series, but I don't know how much they have left in the tank.
You could be right, but I still feel the limited bench use is what's killing them. I mean, last year they looked like they were squeaking by on just an 8-man rotation. Nurse is playing the same guys, without Kawhi. How he expects to get the same outcome is baffling. Their strength in the regular season was their bench depth. Now, he's not playing any of those players. FFS, the bench got 100 points in Game 4 vs the Nets. ok, ok... it was the Nets, but they still made the plays and shots.
-
My Bucks are done. Team Just wasn’t the same when the season restarted. I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to shake up the roster a bit after this.
I will now root for Denver for I care not for any of the other teams still playing.
-
My Bucks are done. Team Just wasn’t the same when the season restarted. I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to shake up the roster a bit after this.
Pretty sure the Raps are going to join them tonight. They've been manhandled by the Celtics, and just haven't adapted at all - which is very odd for Nurse's coaching ability.
-
My Bucks are done. Team Just wasn’t the same when the season restarted. I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to shake up the roster a bit after this.
I will now root for Denver for I care not for any of the other teams still playing.
I feel bad for you guys. You ran into the worst combination of bad luck as a fan base - Giannis injury, bad matchup, and cheap ownership (not resigning MB).
-
My Bucks are done. Team Just wasn’t the same when the season restarted. I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to shake up the roster a bit after this.
I will now root for Denver for I care not for any of the other teams still playing.
I feel bad for you guys. You ran into the worst combination of bad luck as a fan base - Giannis injury, bad matchup, and cheap ownership (not resigning MB).
Brogdon didn’t want to be in Milwaukee. There were underlying issues outside of basketball that contributed to this decision. Add In his injury history, the Bucks made the right decision in letting him go, especially for the contract he currently has.
-
My Bucks are done. Team Just wasn’t the same when the season restarted. I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to shake up the roster a bit after this.
Pretty sure the Raps are going to join them tonight. They've been manhandled by the Celtics, and just haven't adapted at all - which is very odd for Nurse's coaching ability.
What's going on with Ibaka tonight?
-
My Bucks are done. Team Just wasn’t the same when the season restarted. I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to shake up the roster a bit after this.
Pretty sure the Raps are going to join them tonight. They've been manhandled by the Celtics, and just haven't adapted at all - which is very odd for Nurse's coaching ability.
What's going on with Ibaka tonight?
Sumthin with his ankle. I didn't watch the last 1.5 quarters of the game, so I don't know if it happened in-game, or outside of it. Apparently he was seen in a 'boot' yesterday.
-
HEAT BEAT THE BUCKS!!! WOOOOOOOO!!! :metal :metal :metal
Lakers/Clippers WCF would be interesting.
-
The way they are playing right now, I think a Celts/Heat ECF is going to be more interesting than a Bucks/Raptors would have been anyway.
-
Double OT for C's/Raptors.
(https://i.postimg.cc/d0Y4n0mk/b42e4263595c40ba3cbc1787b89f1f0a.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
-
The refs have sucked big time.
-
Yeah, terrible playoff officiating.
-
This game is sick!
-
Holy shit.
-
Lowry is a beast!
-
With 5 fouls for a long time! Game 7. Chad not looking at his phone. Lol.
-
With 5 fouls for a long time! Game 7. Chad not looking at his phone. Lol.
No, I was not - was watching on about a 10-minute delay, so I didn't want to be spoiled.
Agree that the refereeing sucked - missed an elbow that cut Lowry, but then the flagrant foul on Tatum (I think) later was complete horse-shit. Then there was another point where they called 4 fouls in the span of about 5 seconds.
Lowry... yeah, he took 4Q and OT to another level, as did Powell - the former making some INCREDIBLY ballsy steals while holding 5 fouls.
This game is sick!
Best game of the series so far. Thank god the Raps 3-pt shooting came alive, because at one point they were -15 in the differential (points). Both teams ended up making 19 three's, on virtually the same shooting %. Raps could've had it put away if not for their FT misses though - 3 that were late in Q4.
I hope Friday's is gonna be just as amazing - with the same outcome ;)
-
I hope not! LOL What I like about these 2 teams is the ability for shake of a bad game. They are both mentally tough teams.
-
When your team isn't in them (and my team really never is - lol), you gotta love game 7 if you're a basketball junkie. Can't wait for Friday night's tilt between the Raps and Cs. Go Raps!
If the Celtics lose, I wonder if Danny blows it up, starting with Brad Stevens. I like Stevens and think he's a good coach. But as everyone in this thread knows, coaches are always the first to be axed. Should be interesting.
I feel like despite being defending champs, because of the loss of Leonard, the Raps have overachieved. They have proven they are a great team, and Van Vleet has really steadily improved. Such a fun team to watch. Being a native New Yorker, Boston can suck it. So go Raptors!
p.s. really interested to see what my Wolves do with the #1 pick. Honestly, I think trading for Booker isn't going to happen. I could see them importing Oladipo, who fits their game (and can defend). I can also see them trading with the Nets for Levert (who happens to be one of my all time favorite players and can also defend). But I don't see either being good enough to part with the #1 pick.
Assets and the 17, sure. But the #1 pick either needs to be made by the Wolves, or they need to part with it for a superstar. But I don't think that will work. Having three 30-million per year players in Minneapolis just isn't going to be sustainable. So my guess is, they acquire Levert, for probably the 17 and some other pieces, and draft James Wiseman.
Hear me out -- Ball and Minnesota is a non-starter. He can't shoot, he can't defend. Doesn't fit us at all. Edwards makes no sense with all the wings we have (remember, Malik Beasley is going to be resigned, and he averaged 20 ppg for us this year, and he is a defender). So the next logical selection, talent AND fit wise, is Wiseman. You could put him at the 5, moves Towns to the 4, and man, you've got a great pairing. it also frees up Towns to destroy other 4s.
I really want Devin Booker. But honestly, I just don't think it happens. I'd love for Lavine to return. But it won't happen. But Levert, man, talk about a guy who carried the Nets on his back. I love his game, love his moxie. Hope we score him and make the right pick at #1.
-
Stevens just got an extension in August this year so I don't think he is going anywhere.
-
Stevens just got an extension in August this year so I don't think he is going anywhere.
Didn't realize that (I don't follow Celtics contracts too closely). If that's the case, if the Celtics do end up losing to the Raptors, I'm really curious to the changes that may be coming.
-
Young team growing. Missing a top notch player. (Hayward)
I think they are fine. That being said I would be disappointing if we lost.
-
Young team growing. Missing a top notch player. (Hayward)
I think they are fine. That being said I would be disappointing if we lost.
I disagree. I think the Celtics rotation is plenty grown and used to the pressure of playoff basketball. While they are young in age, they aren't in terms of experience at this point. I do agree they miss Gordon Hayward's steady perimeter shot and willingness to pass the ball. he is a key cog.
To me, without Hayward, you couldn't ask for a more even series. Game 7 is going to be incredible. But if the Cs do lose, it's not like the Raptors are some shit team. They are the defending champs for a reason. And while Leonard was their horse, he wouldn't have made it without Lowry, Siakam and Van Vleet either. Like I said, great matchup, should be a ton of fun tomorrow night. Looking forward to it.
-
By young I'm talking about 2 of your 3 best players in their 1st contracts. Tatum is only in his 3rd season and Brown in his 4th. In the rotation this playoffs is a rookie(Williams) ect.
-
The only difference between this years Raptors, and the champs last year is Anunoby swapped in for Green, and NO Kawhi. They have definitely overachieved, running essentially a u-man rotation. Boston should’ve wiped them out by now. The Raps didn’t deserve the Game 3 win, and arguably Boston shat the bed in Game 4... then again, the Raps DEFINITELY shat the bed in game 5.
Friday goan b gud
-
Sometimes a gritty team pulls it off like the B's in 2011 and the Blues last year. I hope not to add Toronto to that list. Lol
-
Sometimes a gritty team pulls it off like the B's in 2011 and the Blues last year. I hope not to add Toronto to that list. Lol
At least you didn’t reference the 2013 Bruins!
:lol
:sadpanda:
:censored
-
Up until the final 2 minutes of G6 of the '13 Finals, that series was some of the best hockey I've ever watched.
-
Chad.
:censored :censored :censored :censored
-
James Harden is a fraud.
-
Young team growing. Missing a top notch player. (Hayward)
I think they are fine. That being said I would be disappointing if we lost.
I agree. With the league being as open as it is, I don't think you want to blow up a team that is already close to being a championship contender. Ultimately, I think that the Celtics are one move away. Can they turn GH into something? Can they turn JB into something? I'm not saying you pull the trigger, but I have a feeling that Danny Ainge will have something up his sleeve.
-
Young team growing. Missing a top notch player. (Hayward)
I think they are fine. That being said I would be disappointing if we lost.
I agree. With the league being as open as it is, I don't think you want to blow up a team that is already close to being a championship contender. Ultimately, I think that the Celtics are one move away. Can they turn GH into something? Can they turn JB into something? I'm not saying you pull the trigger, but I have a feeling that Danny Ainge will have something up his sleeve.
Not sure what their cap situation is, but could they pull off bringing in AD? Haven't they wanted him forever? Sure, LAL can pay him more, but I haven't heard anyone press AD lately on him staying with the Lakers or not. I ASSUME he will, particularly for the cash, but you never know.
AD makes them better for sure. Is Hayward's deal up? If so, you have that money, could slide AD into the 4, and Tatum down to the 3.
Again, I'm not fully up-to-speed on the C's situation.
-
Hayward is in his 3rd year of a 4 year deal.
Brown signed a 4 year/115 million in Oct 2019
Tatum free agent 2021
-
Hayward is in his 3rd year of a 4 year deal.
Brown signed a 4 year/115 million in Oct 2019
Tatum free agent 2021
Ah, so what they have, they are still going to have, particularly if they want to retain Tatum (and they should).
-
They defiantly will with Tatum. Though that's 3 max contracts. Hard to bring in another. Not sure they can unless one wants to take less than market.
-
Why in the hell is the Clippers/Nugs game on early and the C's/Raps on at 9? isn't the backwards. Why put the Western teams early and the East teams late? WTF??
-
This game seven is streaky! Both teams.
-
Kemba has lost his confidence in his shot.
-
I've lost confidence in his shot.
-
It's hurting the C's because he's a liability on D if his offense isn't chipping in.
-
Down in the mud, dirty, ugly hard fought win.
-
This game seven is streaky! Both teams.
No shit, right. Lots of big runs by both teams.
Well, the truth is the better team won - the game and the series. Raps didn't deserve even to get to game 7. Lots of areas to point at where they came up short. Tatum showed why he can/is/will be 'the guy'. Siakim, the exact opposite. He was a disaster this series, culminating in a weak-ass performance last night. In a word though ... turnovers. -13 on the scoresheet in that category - Siakim leading the way with 5). The Boston defence was incredible, but the Raps just didn't take care of the ball. Way too much sloppiness and mental breakdowns. I also look at Nurse... he rode the same 7 guys way too hard. In fact, you can't even say it was a 7-man rotation is was more like a 2-man rotation (Gasol/Ibaka) for the centre-spot, and a 5-man rotation for the rest of the floor. That's just way too many minutes for 5 guys to share.
To modify a quote by Indiana Jones ... "Boston. Why'd it have to be Boston?"
Nonetheless, congrats to them, they performed; the Raptors didn't. Tatum and Smart were fantastic. I can't point to anyone on the Raps that was fantastic.
-
Yep, watching the last few games like all of you, it is pretty apparent that the Celtics are the better team. But man, the Raps fought HARD. Van Vleet tried to put them on his back, but it wasn't enough. Still though, the Raps and their fans should be proud. When you lose arguably the best player in the game after you win the title, just the fact they got in the playoffs and made noise, and never quit on Nick Nurse, says something about all the players, Nurse, and the organization. Really solid.
Siakam has issues. I know he is a player that has overachieved in his career and worked really hard to be a good player. He needs to really work hard this offseason. He lost confidence in himself, and it was really, really obvious. He'll get back on track.
As for the Celtics...as a native Long Islander who hates all things Boston sports, and a diehard Minnesota Timberwolves fan, it pains me to say this, but I'm rooting hard for the Celtics. JIMMY BUTLER MUST NOT GO TO THE NBA FINALS. I don't care what it takes, Tonya Harding the SOAB, but he needs to lose. :lol :lol
The guy needs a good slap in the face, and I really hope the Celtics can pull it off.
Also -- the Clippers need to put the Nuggets away. The Wolves and Nuggets are "rivals" and while I respect their organization, no way could I stomach them getting further in the playoffs. ha ha ha.
-
Yeah, I doubt the nuggets win tonight. I think it will be a close game but the clippers will win (we will see though).
I am hoping for a Lakers - Celtics finals. Should be fun and interesting.
-
ABB .... anyone but Boston. Toronto teams have been snake-bit by them in too many game 7s in the last 10 years (4 now). I hate them. All. Especially because all 4 sports have enjoyed lots of success over he last 20 years.
Fuck Boston sports teams.
-
I still love you Chad.
-
I still love you Chad.
I got nothing against the people or the city. I love Boston. I have many friends from Boston. I will even love people who love their teams.
But fuck their teams. In the bumhole ... with a splintered broomstick.
-
We are spoiled. But, I was on the other side 2 decades ago.
-
Go Nuggets!
-
Well look at that, I was wrong lol
-
It wouldn't surprise me if Denver pulled it off. They are a really deep team, skilled, and have a great coach.
That said, fuck Denver, come on Clippers!
Signed,
Every Timberwolves Fan (all like 10 of us)
-
Wow, Tatum was awful in this game.
-
One hell of a block to win this game for the Heat.
-
Never go up 14 in the 4th against the Heat, they always win.
-
Jokic and Murray are playing out of their minds
-
That block was absolutely sick. I'm not sure which is more impressive, that one, or LBJ's in the finals a few years back. Naturally, the latter was more impactful (ie, they won the Larry OB as a result), but just watching it last night.... :omg: :hefdaddy
And yeah... helluva choke job by Doc and the Clips. 3-straight games with double-digit leads, and big leads in the 2nd half, only to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
-
As a Timberwolves fan, I hate the Nuggets. Deeply. But greatness is greatness. Joker & Murray are just unbelievable. I'm not sure if they can sustain this in another series, but wow.
-
Heat still on fire!!! :metal :metal :metal
-
Jason Tatum might be the most overrated player in the league. He's just not there yet. He has been putrid at the end of these games. He lacks the ability to see the court at crunch time. Smart open in the post on that final shot from the North End of Boston at the end of regulation. And Bam's block was amazing of course, but Tatum, WTF? Are you the only guy on the court that didn't see him?
-
Tim, that's a weak take. That move by Tatum is a strong, aggressive move that you want a scorer to take. The Heat defender made an incredible defensive play.
Now it you want to rant on Tatum's 3 point shot at the end of regulation, then you've got a point.
-
That's not a weak take. He was awful late in games against Toronto too. Getting stripped late.
And it's only a strong move if he makes it. Apparently it wasn't as strong as Bam's move...
-
I’m with King in this. Tatum makes that dunk 99 times out of 100. The block was beyond exceptional, with a good amount of luck too.
Tatum has been the best or 2nd best player on the team. Walker is who deserves to be ragged on more. He was pretty bad in more than one game in the series with the Raps.
-
Nah, I'm with Tim on this one. Part of becoming a great player is to know the abilities of your opponent. Tatum made the wrong play. He knew Bam was going to challenge him. Tatum probably just felt he could stuff it through.
There's a fine line between confidence in your abilities and ego. All the great ones figure that out, but it takes a few years. Jordan comes to mind immediately. I'm not putting Tatum on Mt. Rushmore with Jordan, I'm just saying even Jordan went through that stage.
Tatum is one of the most talented players in the league. And at some point in the next three or four years, will be a serious MVP candidate. But he made the wrong move trying to stuff it through with an elite shot blocking menace right near him.
I do agree with Jingle that Walker needs to be better though. He sort of fell apart.
-
All great points Brian, but here's how I see it. Tatum was already in motion, and committed to going at the basket. He was in the air before Bam was. Also, to suggest he had an outlet in Smart in the corner is a stretch - especially (see gif below) because trying to pass to Smart is likely a turnover - he's covered ffs. Tatum isn't an elite passer, so that risk was way higher in trying to make a pass vs going at the rim as hard as he did. And Bam came in from outside the key, so it was an exceptional play on his part. Who knows if the Boston play was drawn up as Tatum going to the rim as option A, and outlet as option B, or the other way around. Maybe the onus falls on Stevens as to how the play was to be executed.
(https://media1.tenor.com/images/1e45687f1ff7c08ae2412ab7129ed94b/tenor.gif?itemid=18469759)
(https://img.yqqlm.com/index/index/getInterUrl?uicrIvZQ=baef24201b8a6275e7246faff42f5b3a)
Either way, it was an exceptional block, and Tatum makes that basket more times than he's stopped.
Tatum's line is hardly indicative of "over-ratedness" - 30/14/5; 41% shooting (33% 3P; 100% FT). Even if that final play was legit a bad one on his part, I don't see how that leads to the conclusion he's over-rated.
-
I want my go to guy to have that attitude that he can score anywhere, at will. I will take him getting blocked at the rim over a 28 foot bomb that misses when you have time to make a move. That block was Superman like. One handed block with Tatum's momentum is out of this world.
Walker is what's been hurting the C's. He's lost his fastball. Miami are ok with him shooting outside right now.
-
All I know is that he was 0-3 in his chances at the end of Reg, the Bam block, and the final shot of OT.
He’s obviously not ready for this moment. That’s OK. Let’s just not put the cart before the horse on him. That’s all I’m saying.
-
I think the majority of TV annalists are calling him on the cusp of superstardom. He's close. He's only 22.
-
All I know is that he was 0-3 in his chances at the end of Reg, the Bam block, and the final shot of OT.
He’s obviously not ready for this moment. That’s OK. Let’s just not put the cart before the horse on him. That’s all I’m saying.
He misses 1 FT, they don't go to OT
He shoots 40% from the field, they don't go to OT
Bottom line, he shouldn't be remembered for what he didn't do, ffs... he's the primary reason they had the lead (that they blew). Dude is only what, 22? Is he a definitive "Elite" (ie, Top 5) baller... maybe not yet. Maybe not Top 10. But a case could be definitely made that there are only 10 players 'better' than him in the league. Just remember, Leonard got bounced 2 days ago. Tatum was the primary reason they beat the Raps.
-
I had Tatum on my fantasy team and traded him, that’s how much I dislike Tatum.
-
I had Tatum on my fantasy team and traded him, that’s how much I dislike Tatum.
Because of his play or because you are a Bucks fan?
-
Jingle,
Love the video shots. Good move. Can't deny that Tatum made up his mind to go to the hoop before Bam was in the air. But he knew Bam was going to try and get up and block his shot if he went to the cup. He knows he's there, and that's Bam's job. So when Tatum made the call to get to the tin, he knew Bam would be in the vicinity. Excellent play by Bam, but Tatum, if you look closely, sees him coming right at him and tries to shove it down hard -- typically what I would support as a coach. But in that moment, in that split second (we are splitting hairs here for sure), had he just went with a lighter move and got the ball higher off the glass, he would have scored, or it could have been goaltending. To me, that's the difference between a young baller with ego, and a young baller who has matured enough and can instinctively feel out plays.
For the record though -- *I* do not call Tatum overrated. I like Tatum - A LOT. I think he is Carmelo Anthony 2.0 who can actually be a plus-defender because of his length and quickness. But right now, he's still a young player who has a bunch of playoff experience. I thought he may blossom in these playoff games. But as Tim explained, he's coming up short. So did Jordan (not comparing the two as players, just in maturity) when he was a young player in his first few seasons. Tatum's time will come. He has it. You can see it. It's just not yet. And that's okay. I think Ainge knows and sees it too. He has to keep Brown and Tatum together. Those two...man. They are going to be tough to handle.
As for Kemba, that's a tough one. He's got to be better. And he knows it. He let them down.
-
I had Tatum on my fantasy team and traded him, that’s how much I dislike Tatum.
Because of his play or because you are a Bucks fan?
Mostly because of his play. I was sick of all the 8-22’s he was putting up (missed shots are -1 points in our league).
Let the record state I lost the trade as all I got back was Danilo Gallinari, who was averaging more fantasy points at the time, but started missing games with injuries/rest.
-
I'm glad I don't play games. I couldn't watch games without obsessing over that.
-
I think the majority of TV annalists are calling him on the cusp of superstardom. He's close. He's only 22.
They say close. I say not there yet.
Besides, isn’t an annalist an ass doctor anyway?
And in typing that sentence I had to twice override my autocorrect for that word. Is your phone so confused that it just accepted it? :lol
-
@J-Boy
Tatum was the reason the Celts won the series against the Raptors? I thought Siakim was the reason. ;D
-
I think the majority of TV annalists are calling him on the cusp of superstardom. He's close. He's only 22.
They say close. I say not there yet.
Besides, isn’t an annalist an ass doctor anyway?
And in typing that sentence I had to twice override my autocorrect for that word. Is your phone so confused that it just accepted it? :lol
I can even confuse AI. :lol
-
@J-Boy
Tatum was the reason the Celts won the series against the Raptors? I thought Siakim was the reason. ;D
With this thought process it's Walker's fault for the C's loss. :lol
-
@J-Boy
Tatum was the reason the Celts won the series against the Raptors? I thought Siakim was the reason. ;D
Boy, I'm trying to be nice to your team, and you go and pull a Kev! tsk tsk.
But yes, you are more right than I was.
@ Brian... great point - "had he just went with a lighter move and got the ball higher off the glass, he would have scored, or it could have been goaltending. To me, that's the difference between a young baller with ego, and a young baller who has matured enough and can instinctively feel out plays." It would still need to be a God-tier touch to go off the glass at the speed and angle that Tatum was coming in with. Coulda-shoulda-woulda. Maybe it was an ego move, I still think it was the highest percentage chance to get the bucket once the decision was made to put Tatum 1:1 with Butler.
-
I'm glad I don't play games. I couldn't watch games without obsessing over that.
It was my first fantasy league of any kind in more than 10 years. I quit playing for this exact reason, I was paying so much to individual stats I wasn’t enjoying the games anymore.
-
Chad, has anything come out on Siakim? A Boston media member last week mentioned that he may have had something going on in his personal life. It seemed like informed speculation.
-
Another putrid 3rd quarter for the Celtics.
-
C's seem so confused with the zone defense. Kudos to the Heat who have used it twice to turn the tide.
-
The Celtics are just getting flat outplayed. It's as simple as that.
-
THE ONE TIME I need the Celtics to play well and beat someone, and I get this. :lol
Thanks Boston. :tdwn
The Celtics don't look good. I shut it off pretty quickly last night (I can't stomach Jimmy Butler), but seems I didn't miss much. The Mrs. told me there was some blowup inside and outside the C's locker room with Marcus Smart storming off or something. It doesn't look good for the Cs. Gonna make me have to root for the crap ass Shit nuggets or the Lakers. *puke*
-
Chad, has anything come out on Siakim? A Boston media member last week mentioned that he may have had something going on in his personal life. It seemed like informed speculation.
Absolutely nothing in the local media here.
Loved the Heat win last night - only watched the final 2 mins, and the highlight package. I expect the Celtics to bounce back and tie the series. Like the last series, I think this still goes 6 or 7.
-
Tatum finally shows up for the Conference Finals.
-
I was at my buddy's camp so I couldn't watch the game. Still saw that a double digit lead was down to 5 at the end of the 4th quarter.
-
I was at my buddy's camp so I couldn't watch the game. Still saw that a double digit lead was down to 5 at the end of the 4th quarter.
Yeah, almost gagged another one away, but they played much better.
-
Tatum ZERO FUCKING POINTS in the first half tonight!
-
Not sure if the Celtics realize but if the opponent takes a shot and misses, it's OK to grab the ball...
-
Very disappointed in the C's. The lightbulb went on too late to win this game.
-
Very disappointed in the C's. The lightbulb went on too late to win this game.
It was the best of Tatums; it was the worst of Tatums. A tale of two Tatum's if you will.
-
Very disappointed in the C's. The lightbulb went on too late to win this game.
It was the best of Tatums; it was the worst of Tatums. A tale of two Tatum's if you will.
Absolutely. though, the whole team seemed to be in a funk on both sides of the ball.
-
Very disappointed in the C's. The lightbulb went on too late to win this game.
It was the best of Tatums; it was the worst of Tatums. A tale of two Tatum's if you will.
I know Tatum is young, but I feel he’ll be this type of player his whole career. I just don’t see him being a superstar.
-
HEEEEEEAAATT!!!! :metal :metal :metal :metal Against my local Lakers! I'm gonna wear my Heat gear proudly.
Of course, the Heat has to play the Lakers in a finals in a bubble when I can't see them live. >:(
-
Didn't get a chance to watch the game, but it warmed my heart to see the Celtics get eliminated.
Still luv ya Tim/Joe. Just hate your teams.
-
LOL. The one thing that you could count on the C's was their defense. They seemed to lose the intensity defensively which is a credit to the Heat.
-
LOL. The one thing that you could count on the C's was their defense. They seemed to lose the intensity defensively which is a credit to the Heat.
They started losing their cool.....again...late in the game.
Miami's good, man.
-
Lakers 4-0 :metal
-
Heat ain't dead yet!!!
-
I only caught the last 1/2 of the 4th, but man alive, Jimmy was on fire!
-
Yea it doesn't look good for the Heat now.
-
Miami looks good for the next few seasons, as long as injuries don’t get in the way and they keep the main players.
It’s been a hell of a year, but the Lakers deserve this.
-
:corn
-
Heat still alive!!! Butler with another triple double and 47 minutes!!! :metal :metal :metal :metal
-
Heat still alive!!! Butler with another triple double and 47 minutes!!! :metal :metal :metal :metal
I skipped out on the game last night. Danny Green... oh my. :lol What a brick that last shot was.
-
LeBron refusing to take the last shot again is so on point.
-
Looking bad for the Heat. Down 28 at the half.
-
Ya know they’re in trouble when Danny Green is splashing 3s
-
Ya know you're in trouble when the team goes back to the hotel to pack during halftime.
-
It's done.
-
One bad quarter kills the whole game. :'( Still a kick ass squad that could have won it all.
-
It sucks that the Heat had injuries steal from them the chance to complete one of the most miraculous title runs in big 4 sports history but at the very least the main beneficiary of it was Lebron James who had to deal with being on the other end of that to an even worse extent in 2015 when Kevin Love was injured before the finals even started and Kyrie was gone permanently after game 1 yet LBJ still somehow led the Cavs to a 2-1 lead before losing in 6.
I really hope he gets 6 titles as well cuz I'm so tired of MJ fanboys and I'll love laughing at them when they sound like morons saying "6-0 in the finals bruh!" as though it's somehow better that MJ's 7th through 12th best seasons ended before the finals as opposed to losing in them.
-
It sucks that the Heat had injuries steal from them the chance to complete one of the most miraculous title runs in big 4 sports history but at the very least the main beneficiary of it was Lebron James who had to deal with being on the other end of that to an even worse extent in 2015 when Kevin Love was injured before the finals even started and Kyrie was gone permanently after game 1 yet LBJ still somehow led the Cavs to a 2-1 lead before losing in 6.
I really hope he gets 6 titles as well cuz I'm so tired of MJ fanboys and I'll love laughing at them when they sound like morons saying "6-0 in the finals bruh!" as though it's somehow better that MJ's 7th through 12th best seasons ended before the finals as opposed to losing in them.
Jordan was amazing, but if he never retired, the chances of him never losing in the Finals are close to zero. The 94-95 Rockets, 99 Spurs, and 00-02 Lakers all would have been very tough matchups for the Bulls. Even though I doubt he cared at the time, him retiring twice ended up helping him from a legacy perspective, IMO.
-
I agree with you, but for different reasons. I think they could've handled the Rockets. Come '99, if the Bulls had pulled of 7 straight, the drive/fire would likely be dwindling, and the Duncan/Admiral combo would've been next to impossible... same with the Shaq/Kobe tandem. Father time would've caught up to the Bulls key players by then - including MJ himself.
-
I think 4 or 5 in a row was the absolute most you could've expected from the Bulls no matter who was on their team or facing them in the finals. As y'all already stated, the break in the middle of the 3peats rejuventated them. Obviously Phil and Pippen less than MJ since he actually got time away from the game in something far less physically demanding.
But for Phil, he got a nice reality check of what it's like to be in danger of never winning another title by having that setback in '94. He was a damn good coach but if he never gets MJ back then who knows if he wins another title at any point prior to when the Lakers hired him into that dream setup of having Shaq and Kobe at his disposal. Then, do the Lakers hire him in '99 if he isn't one year removed from a second 3peat? Maybe there were other coaches equally (or more) attractive for the position if he's then 6 years separated from his most recent title. Hell, maybe he ends up leaving the Bulls in '95 or '96 after 2 or 3 straight title-less seasons without MJ and is coaching somewhere else, in a front office position, broadcasting, or in some kind of soft retirement for a while waiting to see what he wants to do next.
For Pippen, he got the opportunity run the team on his own which in the long run probably took some of the edge off of any feelings of being stuck in MJ's shadow he may have had.
Had they just continued to win number 4 and possibly 5, I could see Phil maybe retiring earlier or moving on to another challenge. He's got that new age mentality and doesn't seem to be of the typical dick measuring mindset that typical players and coaches are so I think the boredom of feeling like every year is a foregone conclusion may have made him lose interest. And yes, this contradicts what I said earlier about him getting a reality check and possibly never winning another title but the difference is that if he were to feel like he were going out on his own terms it'd be a little different and that doesn't happen with MJ being the first to get out and Phil losing in the '94 EC semifinals.
-
Nets throwback jersey for next season.
(https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PGTMQglJ8R1iPcyhvHyi5A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtoPTY2Ng--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/sny_articles_235/414e85f7b50a3ed892b97edf6803dc0e)
-
Fuck, that's N I C E.
-
NBA off season about to get nuts. Draft next week and free agency a couple of days after and now reports Westbrook wants out of Houston.
Should be a fun couple of weeks.
-
Not a Lakers fan, but it was cool seeing LeBron win a 4th ring.
We'll see if they can make a 2020-2021 season work. With COVID out of control at the moment, seems almost impossible, but there is a lot of money to be lost if they do not play.
-
Not a Lakers fan, but it was cool seeing LeBron win a 4th ring.
We'll see if they can make a 2020-2021 season work. With COVID out of control at the moment, seems almost impossible, but there is a lot of money to be lost if they do not play.
Paradoxically, there's also a lot of money to be lost if they *do* play (without ticket revenue). Really can't see how they (or the NHL) can play in front of fans given indoor venues.
-
Not sure there are any Thunder fans on here, but man, Presti is a genius. Although he fumbled by shipping off Harden years ago, I don't think he's made one bad trade since. The first round pick, salary relief, and haul of various complimentary players he got for Chris Paul was another master stroke. Really impressed.
The Suns get their floor general so Booker can be who Booker is -- a scoring machine. Phoenix, if Paul stays healthy (and given he played 70 games last year, I think he will), is going to be a tough team to beat next year. Wow.
Expecting my Timberwolves to either trade the #1 pick, or just draft Edwards. They won't bring Ball to Minny, nor Wiseman. I think they'd prefer to bring in a veteran third scoring option at SG. But if the right trade doesn't happen, I think they'll be comfortable drafting Edwards, who should bring some great scoring and energy to the team, and be the team's third offensive option.
Ultimately, I think a three-team trade of Houston-Brooklyn-Minnesota is the way to go, somehow. The Wolves want Caris Levert (who is one of my favorite players in the league). I can see a situation (without running the numbers) where Houston trades Westbrook to Brooklyn for Levert, Allen, and some other pieces, and some of that is flipped to Minnesota for the #1, along with some future pick(s).
Can't wait for the draft, but the trade of Chris Paul was exciting.
-
I'm curious to see what it'll look like in the 2021 playoffs if we can get a matchup between the possibly recovered Warriors and the now-gelled and reigning champ Lakers.
-
Bucks completely overpaid to acquire Jrue Holiday.
I don’t know in what world Holiday is three 1st round picks better than Eric Bledsoe and George Hill.
-
Bucks completely overpaid to acquire Jrue Holiday.
I don’t know in what world Holiday is three 1st round picks better than Eric Bledsoe and George Hill.
I agree that they overpaid, but Holiday runs miles around both Bledsoe and Hill. He is a floor general who can generate plays for himself and others and is quite good on defense as well. The Bucks needed someone who could take the ball out of Giannis' hands and actually run plays. The starting lineup for the next year looks great with him and Bogdanovic, though I don't know what they will have left on the bench.
-
Bucks completely overpaid to acquire Jrue Holiday.
I don’t know in what world Holiday is three 1st round picks better than Eric Bledsoe and George Hill.
Well, they weren't paying for JUST Holiday. They were paying to convince Giannis to stay. It's the message "we're going to do everything to give you the best team" so he signs the supermax (I think he's eligible, right?) with them.
For Holiday alone, yeah, that's too much. But for the Bucks' situation, I get it.
Being a fan of a small market team myself, I'm not sure how Milwaukee is going to afford to keep everyone though. I didn't look up their cap numbers, but it seems to me that they are going to be cap busted the moment Giannis signs. I just don't think it's feasible to have three top-tier salary players and still have a really good roster. Not for teams like Milwaukee and Minnesota.
The Wolves flirted (pre-Disney Bubble) with thinking about adding Devin Booker. But in retrospect, it was smart they didn't try (obviously he's no longer available). I just don't think they can afford three max deals and still field a roster that can win consistently. They simply don't make enough money to justify paying the repeater tax over and over again from going over the cap. And no one is going to choose to come play with DLo and KAT for the minimum. Neither will they do it for Giannis. You have to win first before you have that Lebron or KD pull.
I think the key for the smaller market teams is to get two max guys, and then stockpile assets, draft wisely, and see if you can develop young talent you can control for a while (hoops fans, remember the names Naz Reid and Jordan McLaughlin). Here's hoping my Wolves do something great tonight.
I'm so on the fence now regarding Ball and Edwards. I hate what I am reading about Edwards. And I just don't LIKE Ball.
-
The Bucks are definitely all in right now, and yes, they don’t make this trade without the knowledge Giannis is signing long term.
They have to know Jrue is willing to extend because if he bails on them after this season (has a player option for 21-22) they’ve put themselves in a really bad spot even with Giannis in tow. If/when Jrue extends they will have very little in terms of cap space so it’ll be vets looking for a ring on the minimum to play with this core.
Excited for the draft, I usually have some friends over and make a night of it as I’m that big of a dork, but alas, Covid ruins another thing.
-
Official season start date is Dec. 22
-
Very pleased with the Timberwolves draft.
Edwards was the right choice. Fingers crossed he won't be Wiggins pt. 2. But as a 6-5, 230 lbs., bruiser who can score on anyone, he's exactly the scoring machine we need as a third option. And his defensive promise will be great.
Getting Rubio for our 17th pick rights a wrong. Rubio could never shoot, but he's better now, and a ball wizard as every Wolves fan knows. He has a great rapport with Coach Saunders and KAT, and will be a great backup to DLo if he gets injured. They can also play together, which will be valuable in Saunders' system.
I don't know much about Leandro Balmoro, but word is he's a ball handling wizard and great defensive wing. At 6-7, he's tall and versatile. I think that's great value at pick 23 that should blossom into a rotation player.
Jaden McDaniels is a project at pick 28. But he's a 6-10 forward who is going to put on weight (he's only listed at 200 lbs). He can already handle the ball well, which is a trend you see with the Timberwolves right now. Saunders loves multiple ballhandlers on the floor. But if his frame fills out, we could have a really versatile F in the years to come.
Overall, I give the TWolves draft (including the trade to re-acquire Rubio), an A-/B+ grade. We added great ball handlers and passers, got our third scoring option, and slightly improved our defensive ability. All pluses. On the downside, the team has no real power forwards. Rumor is, James Johnson is going to OKC in the Rubio deal, to make the salaries match. We literally have no other PFs on the roster except Naz Reid (a budding PF/C combination that is essentially KAT's backup and almost a complete copy of his skill set at Center).
So we haven't addressed our very big need at the 4. And we still need to get better shooting and defense.
Rumor has it we're looking at bringing Lauri Markkanen home. Stupid Thibs, when he made the Butler trade, traded that pick and Lavine to the Bulls for Butler. Well, Markkanen is a 7-ft power forward who has range for days. Would be great next to KAT. But I've heard nothing but a rumor at this point.
So we need to address the Power Forward position.
Final Grade - somewhere between A-/B+
-
I don't know much about Leandro Balmoro, but word is he's a ball handling wizard and great defensive wing. At 6-7, he's tall and versatile. I think that's great value at pick 23 that should blossom into a rotation player.
He still needs a little development, specially on the physical side, but he is a fantastic prospect. I've read that you guys will let him stay at least one more year in Barcelona which should be great for him.
-
I don't know much about Leandro Balmoro, but word is he's a ball handling wizard and great defensive wing. At 6-7, he's tall and versatile. I think that's great value at pick 23 that should blossom into a rotation player.
He still needs a little development, specially on the physical side, but he is a fantastic prospect. I've read that you guys will let him stay at least one more year in Barcelona which should be great for him.
I'm glad you're familiar with him. Good to hear someone else who knows ball thinks he's promising. I agree, another year with Barcelona will help him gain strength for sure. Plus, with no G-League likely this year (which is where I thought they may send him), it makes sense to let him play another year with Barcelona.
-
The trade/no trade of Bogdan Bogdanovic is the most bizarre thing ever and is so Milwaukee Bucks.
-
Yay! VanVleet is a Raptor for four more years.
-
Heat, Nets and Hornets are all doing a decent job. Should be an interesting east!
-
Nets are gonna have helluva talented team, that’s for sure. Can they gel tho??
-
Nets are gonna have helluva talented team, that’s for sure. Can they gel tho??
Why, who'd they get?
-
C's just signed Tristian Tompson.
-
Yay, now we gotta look at the Kardashians courtside. :facepalm:
-
C's just signed Tristian Tompson.
And Jeff Teague. An upgrade over Brad Wannamaker.
-
I was just going to point this out. Rumor has it Hayward trade to Charlotte can still happen.
-
Nets are gonna have helluva talented team, that’s for sure. Can they gel tho??
Why, who'd they get?
Nothing new, just stating the obvious.
-
Tim, you do know the 2 players that are healthy for them this year? Chad is right. Can they put it together minus egos?
-
$30M a year for Hayward is awful.
Come back in two years and tell me I’m wrong.
-
C's just signed Tristian Tompson.
And Jeff Teague. An upgrade over Brad Wannamaker.
Negative. Have you watched Teague the last few years? He went from an All Star PG four or five years back with the Hawks, to a PG who literally over-dribbles and then drives into traffic instead of passing to open guys for shots. I was a huge fan of the Wolves bringing in Teague. And then I watched him play every game. :facepalm:
Teague is exactly what you DON'T WANT if you want an offense predicated on ball movement.
-
$30M a year for Hayward is awful.
Come back in two years and tell me I’m wrong.
Agreed. Although as the market showed, everyone wants shooting. Smart financial move on Hayward's part. Surprised he got 30/year. I figured he'd decline his 34 mil option, and then get a three year deal for 60. I was off on that for sure.
-
C's just signed Tristian Tompson.
And Jeff Teague. An upgrade over Brad Wannamaker.
Negative. Have you watched Teague the last few years? He went from an All Star PG four or five years back with the Hawks, to a PG who literally over-dribbles and then drives into traffic instead of passing to open guys for shots. I was a huge fan of the Wolves bringing in Teague. And then I watched him play every game. :facepalm:
Teague is exactly what you DON'T WANT if you want an offense predicated on ball movement.
They needed a vet backup when they sit the starters for a bit. No big minutes for him.
-
C's just signed Tristian Tompson.
And Jeff Teague. An upgrade over Brad Wannamaker.
Negative. Have you watched Teague the last few years? He went from an All Star PG four or five years back with the Hawks, to a PG who literally over-dribbles and then drives into traffic instead of passing to open guys for shots. I was a huge fan of the Wolves bringing in Teague. And then I watched him play every game. :facepalm:
Ok, then it's be my turn this year. ;D
Wanamaker was a fine player but he really didn't add anything to this team.
-
Tim,
https://larrybrownsports.com/basketball/karl-anthony-towns-frustrated-jeff-teague/527672
Teague is the blur in the middle of two defenders, with Towns continuing to clap his hands for the ball as Teague drove into the double-team. Pretty much sums Teague up.
-
I can't open it for some reason on this ancient laptop I'm using, but I get it. We'll see what happens.
Teague will likely be laying second unit, where Wanamaker really had no impact on the game.
-
AD has finally agreed to a 5-year $190M max deal
Meanwhile, I think the RW for Wall trade is a do nothing trade. Neither team really get better, but it was sort of necessary since both players are so unhappy with their $hit-uation. :\
-
Yep on AD. A formality. Not sure if all the details of that contract are public yet, but I'd be curious to know when the "out" for him is in the contract. I am going to guess the same time as LBJ. I know LBJ just signed a two-year extension, but all these guys have outs built in.
I actually like the Westbrook-Wall trade for both teams. Washington gets Westbrook, a future Hall of Famer who will make a dynamic pair with Beal, and reunites Westbrook with Coach Brooks. Beal, for the first time in two years, won't have to shoulder the entire load, and that Wizards team is better than most people think. I can see them as the 5 seed in the East, and one that could very easily advance in the playoffs. And all it cost them was a former All Star PG who has been out of basketball due to injury for two years, and a first round pick. Smart move by the Wizards.
Houston gets back the shorter supermax deal and guaranteed money (which is all you can hope for on those supermax things -- get the one that has the least years left on it) and a former all star PG in Wall who is now fully healthy and has something to prove. If he has a great comeback year (and I think he will - 18 ppg, 9apg), he becomes more tradeable after this season as a rental to a team. AND Houston grabs another first round pick, which is needed after they traded a lot of their picks.
Win-win, as far as I can see.
-
The Russ/Wall trade is a wash. The contracts are equally bad, the pick Houston gets is very minor compensation in case Wall isn’t able to perform post injury. It’s nothing more than a change of scenery move.
-
Yep on AD. A formality. Not sure if all the details of that contract are public yet, but I'd be curious to know when the "out" for him is in the contract. I am going to guess the same time as LBJ. I know LBJ just signed a two-year extension, but all these guys have outs built-in.
"Davis’ deal includes an early termination clause prior to the fifth year"
Source: https://www.nba.com/news/anthony-davis-to-re-sign-with-lakers-on-5-year-deal
-
While we are on AD and LeBron... LeBron is going to give up #23 for AD, and he will wear #6 going forward.
-
This way he gets two numbers retired by the Lakers just like Kobe.....
And I see Kyrie wasted no time being a douche on media day. Good luck Nets! :lol
-
Not exactly. When AD came to the Lakers before last season LeBron had planned on giving him #23 and going back to #6 (which he wore in MIA) but Nike wouldn't allow it for business reasons. Not a Kobe thing initially, but whatever the case his numbers going to be retired wherever he plays, I guess? :hat
-
Lebron should just wear a different number every game, get them all retired, and troll the teams he plays for by making them have to resort to using letters, hieroglyphs, or some other system of characters to "number" their jerseys.
-
Not exactly. When AD came to the Lakers before last season LeBron had planned on giving him #23 and going back to #6 (which he wore in MIA) but Nike wouldn't allow it for business reasons. Not a Kobe thing initially, but whatever the case his numbers going to be retired wherever he plays, I guess? :hat
I meant to modify my response last night. My son mentioned that Miami had retired #23. That was stupid in itself, retiring Michael Jordan's number.
-
And I see Kyrie wasted no time being a douche on media day. Good luck Nets! :lol
He's a nimrod. Still can't believe Durant hitched his wagon to Kyrie for the next x-numbers of years in Brooklyn.
-
Not exactly. When AD came to the Lakers before last season LeBron had planned on giving him #23 and going back to #6 (which he wore in MIA) but Nike wouldn't allow it for business reasons.
Not at all unreasonable that a shoe company has that much pull.
-
Pre-season starts tonight. With Trea, Bigdanovic, Capela, Gallinari and Rondo, the Hwaks should be fun to watch. They absolutely sucked last year, I think they won't get any worse even if they try, right? Lol.
Also, I checked out the Knicks game just as Obi Toppin started to get hot. Good for NY, and I hope he does well there.
-
Giannis. Supermax.
God bless the Milwaukee Bucks.
-
Glad he's staying.
How many here want to see Brooklyn implode? I want Kyrie to take all the blame.
-
How many here want to see Brooklyn implode? I want Kyrie to take all the blame.
I have to be honest, Brooklyn imploding and all the drama in Houston with Harden is getting me more excited than the season itself. I'm sure Kyrie will take much of the blame if that experiment goes wrong, but the front office will get some of the blame for sure.
-
How many here want to see Brooklyn implode? I want Kyrie to take all the blame.
I have to be honest, Brooklyn imploding and all the drama in Houston with Harden is getting me more excited than the season itself. I'm sure Kyrie will take much of the blame if that experiment goes wrong, but the front office will get some of the blame for sure.
Seeing him getting fined for not talking to the media and hearing him on the podcast made my mind go back to him and how he torpedoed the C's in his 2 years here.
-
Glad he's staying.
How many here want to see Brooklyn implode? I want Kyrie to take all the blame.
As long as Jarrett Allen gets a double double every game for my fantasy team, they can do whatever they like.
-
Giannis. Supermax.
God bless the Milwaukee Bucks.
It's great to see a small market team get a massive win like this. I hope that they can break through this year and make the Finals or even win it all.
-
I applaud Giannis for not trying to join a super-team. Rare to see these days. $50M per year helped too I'm sure, but others have turned that down.
-
Giannis. Supermax.
God bless the Milwaukee Bucks.
It's great to see a small market team get a massive win like this. I hope that they can break through this year and make the Finals or even win it all.
Speaking of small market teams' perpetual struggle to re-sign elite players, I wonder who Zion Williamson is gonna sign with when his contract expires. After Baron Davis, Chris Paul, and Anthony Davis, I don't even question it anymore, I anticipate it.
-
Ingram just re-signed to a max deal, and I believe that's a good start. No need being some negative, man.
-
The supermax was created to allow the small market teams to retain their stars and I believe Giannis is only the third player to sign one. Guess it’s not working like they thought it would..
-
Nets look damn good tonight against the Celtics.
The Celts have been blown off the court in their two preseason games against Philly and the Nets.
-
Meanwhile, I know it is just the pre-season, but what a beat down by the Knicks tonight. And I didn't know a Thibodeau coached team could or would run, lol! :biggrin:
-
NBA kicks off tonight, and tomorrow the Bucks begin their championship run.
May your favorite team vie for second best.
-
NBA kicks off tonight, and tomorrow the Bucks begin their championship run.
May your favorite team vie for second best.
Haha, that's cute. :P :P
-
NBA kicks off tonight, and tomorrow the Bucks begin their championship run.
May your favorite team vie for second best.
Didn't they fold like a bath towel in the ECF semis?
-
BTW, my team is the Pelicans and they'll probably win like 15 fewer games than the Bucks.
-
NBA kicks off tonight, and tomorrow the Bucks begin their championship run.
May your favorite team vie for second best.
Didn't they fold like a bath towel in the ECF semis?
That was LAST season. 😉
-
Harden might have gone to a strip club, and the NBA is investigating it. If he did go, he violates the COVID protocol. I think in that case he deserves to be suspended without pay. Is he turning himself into a locker room cancer? :tdwn
-
I don't know why, but I decided to watch the Wizards @ 76ers of all games... watching Danny Green keeps playing like trash is satisfying... oh, and after being down big, the Wiz had gone on a 31-8 run is fun to watch too :lol
-
People are already putting the Nets in the finals after ONE GAME. Slow down, y'all.
-
I mean, what else can you do after just one game? Be rational and say "They played a very good game but we still have ~70 to go so let's not prognosticate for a few months."? I agree with you that it's too early to predict that ANY team will make the finals but American sports is all about empty hype so it's just unavoidable.
-
Tatum bailed out the C's last night with that crazy shot.
-
Tatum bailed out the C's last night with that crazy shot.
Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.
-
Tatum bailed out the C's last night with that crazy shot.
Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.
Got to have both in a long season.
-
I couldn't help it, so I went check out Mavs @ Clippers to try to find out what happened, except for Kawhi sitting out... geez, to sum it up, pretty much the entire Clippers played like they didn't care. The Clips routinely ignored reading the D and threw lazy passes. On D, I couldn't tell if they were playing zone or man-to-man. All I know is the Mavs always have one or multiple guys open. One "defensive" play in the 2nd qtr was horrible! The Clips turned the ball over, the Mavs player with the ball was already down the other end about to make the lay-in, and only then 4 Clips players made it down that side of the court... glad I ain't a Clippers fan :lol
-
Callin it now. Atlanta Hawks will make the Eastern Conference Finals.
My Wolves are in trouble. Losing KAT to a dislocated wrist has really shown how weak we are on the front line. Naz Reid is great as his replacement, but outside of Naz (who is pretty good, and you fantasy ballers who are thin at center should pick him up), no one on the roster really can rebound, not counting Ed Davis, who for some reason doesn't seem to be getting a lot of time. Two consecutive blowouts to the Lakers and Clippers hurt. And the Wizards, in Minnesota tomorrow...Beal and Westbrook -- tough to handle.
On an up side, Anthony Edwards is the real deal. He has that scoring knack, swag, and can do it all on the court. He's not Lebron, obviously, but he's very similar in terms of skill set -- a better shooter than Lebron at Lebron's age, although Lebron is a superior passer and rebounder. But we got a good one with that #1 pick...
-
Callin it now. Atlanta Hawks will make the Eastern Conference Finals.
:lol so I guess that Knicks @ Hawks game earlier was a ECF preview? :lol speaking of the Knicks, they are for real :lol they are above .500 in January for the first time since the last ice age :lol
-
Raptors are a hot mess. Methinks the loss of Ibaka was a much bigger blow than anyone expected, Siakim continues to regress, and (in his mid-30s) it's not like Lowry is getting better every year.
-
Raptors are a hot mess. Methinks the loss of Ibaka was a much bigger blow than anyone expected, Siakim continues to regress, and (in his mid-30s) it's not like Lowry is getting better every year.
I read that the Raptors had the best record in the NBA from 2016-2020 (or something like that). Pretty incredible run, but when you list all the players they've lost over the last few years, it's pretty staggering. Kawhi, Green, Ibaka, Gasol... I have enough faith in Lowry and Nurse that I think they can turn it around and make the playoffs, but I'm not sure if anything beyond that is practical anymore. :'(
-
Raptors are a hot mess. Methinks the loss of Ibaka was a much bigger blow than anyone expected, Siakim continues to regress, and (in his mid-30s) it's not like Lowry is getting better every year.
I read that the Raptors had the best record in the NBA from 2016-2020 (or something like that). Pretty incredible run, but when you list all the players they've lost over the last few years, it's pretty staggering. Kawhi, Green, Ibaka, Gasol... I have enough faith in Lowry and Nurse that I think they can turn it around and make the playoffs, but I'm not sure if anything beyond that is practical anymore. :'(
Given the competition in the East, I they'd better turn it around fast, or they'll struggle to get to the playoffs. I know it's only 6-7 games in, but man alive... 6 slots are all but guaranteed to the Bucks, 76rs, Celtics, Heat, Nets, and Pacers. It remains to be seen, but potentially the Knicks, Magic, Hawks could be contending.
I even said to jingle.son yesterday, they might not make the playoffs.
-
Celtics and 76ers with positive tests on players, be interesting to see how this works out. I believe teams need at least 8 available players for games. If contract tracing eliminates multiple players could very easily cancel multiple games. Not as easy to make up games in the NBA as it is in the NFL.
-
Kyrie. What a poison pill. Glad he is not on the C's.
-
Kyrie. What a poison pill. Glad he is not on the C's.
He is a nimrod of the highest order.
-
Celtics and 76ers with positive tests on players, be interesting to see how this works out. I believe teams need at least 8 available players for games. If contract tracing eliminates multiple players could very easily cancel multiple games. Not as easy to make up games in the NBA as it is in the NFL.
I wouldn't be too worried about this. I guess the league had anticipated this long ago, thus making it a 72-game season; so it would be easier to adjust. I bet they believe games could be canceled, they can accept a small number of games being canceled and still finish the season relatively intact. A minimum of 50 games are needed to determine who gets into the playoffs or what not.
-
Unsurprisingly, Tampa is now cancelling fan participation. How and why they thought it was an acceptable risk in the first place confounds me.
-
3 games postponed in 3 days and things look like they may unravel.
In other news, I’m dominating my fantasy league at the moment as I have on of the few healthy teams in the league. :tup
-
Harden traded to the Nets. Thread title updated.
-
What a cluster #$&@.
-
What a blockbuster, here is the breakdown...
Rockets: Victor Oladipo, Dante Exum, Rodions Kurucs, 3 BKN first-rounders (22, 24, 26), 1 MIL first (22, unprotected), 4 BKN 1st round swaps (21, 23, 25, 27)
Nets: James Harden
Pacers: Caris LeVert, 2nd-rounder
Cavs: Jarrett Allen, Taurean Prince
-
That's approaching the Herschel Walker trade in terms of confusion.
-
Now trade Kyrie for Westbrook and you have the big 3 from OKC together again.
-
Brooklyn either just got scary good or is a ticking timebomb waiting to implode. Only time will tell... :corn:
-
Brooklyn either just got scary good or is a ticking timebomb waiting to implode. Only time will tell... :corn:
My prediction is ticking timebomb. Harden is just plain poison. :tdwn
-
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2926819-biggest-winners-and-losers-from-nets-rockets-james-harden-trade (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2926819-biggest-winners-and-losers-from-nets-rockets-james-harden-trade)
Pretty fair analysis and I have nothing to add, except for I hate the idea of giving a quitter like Harden what he wanted... in a perfect world, he should have been shipped to some place like Utah, Minnesota or Toronto, and let him rot there until he retires...
-
I'm more upset that the Nets lose Allen than I am happy for getting Harden. He was one of my favorites.
Kyrie better be quarantined for several days when he's ready to come back.
-
I'm more upset that the Nets lose Allen than I am happy for getting Harden. He was one of my favorites.
Kyrie better be quarantined for several days when he's ready to come back.
Allen was killing it for my fantasy team, now he’s behind Drummond.....bye bye fantasy score.
-
Feel really bad for Allen among all involved. He goes from playing for a potential title contender with major PT, to now buried on the bench in Cleveland?! Poor guy.
-
So Karl Anthony Towns tests positive for Covid..
Scary shit after his mother died at 59, and he lost 6 other family members.
-
Nuggets are my team. Finally starting to play better after a very slow start.
They lost some key guys from their run in the bubble, and adjusting to those replacements. Also, Jamal Murray not playing close to "bubblelike".....not that anyone expects 50 point games all season. I think if he can get 100% healthy and dialed in....they will be fine.
Jokic playing at MVP level. Doubt if he will ever win that award in relatively small market Denver, but we are so glad he plays for Nuggets. I do think the Clippers and Jazz series comebacks did give he and Murray more mainstream credibility.
Speaking of the Jazz. Are they legit? Or just "in the pocket" right now?
-
Fred Van Vleet with 54 to break the franchise record. Hopefully the Raps have their shit together, though they’ve got a bit of a hole to dig themselves out of.
I hadn’t been following the standings. What the hell is with the Heat!?!?
-
Fred Van Vleet with 54 to break the franchise record. Hopefully the Raps have their shit together, though they’ve got a bit of a hole to dig themselves out of.
I hadn’t been following the standings. What the hell is with the Heat!?!?
They had several covid 19 cases and played a lot of games with a severly depleted roster. They should be back to their old selves soon enough.
-
Fred Van Vleet with 54 to break the franchise record. Hopefully the Raps have their shit together, though they’ve got a bit of a hole to dig themselves out of.
I hadn’t been following the standings. What the hell is with the Heat!?!?
They had several covid 19 cases and played a lot of games with a severly depleted roster. They should be back to their old selves soon enough.
Ahhh...
-
'twas a good week for the Raps. Leapfrogged Boston in the standings, and that's always a good thing. Too bad they started the year in such a funk. Team seems to be gelling, and they're finding out which of their bench players can fill the 6-9 spots. Powell is a bonafide starter now.
-
Hell yeah, All-Star Zach LaVine! Turns out coaching is important
-
All-Star game tonight, yet no excitement over it at all :)
I was trying to look it up but are we still getting the Dunk Contest at the half time?
-
Embiid and Simmons out of the All-Star game due to contract tracing.
Everyone knew this was a dumb idea, but you know, gotta get that tv money.
-
Looks like they are doing all the events, just back to back. Unless they have an strict schedule, I'm expecting the game to be delayed because of the events before it. Still not sure how they are going to squeeze in the dunk contest at the Half time.
Embiid and Simmons out of the All-Star game due to contract tracing.
Everyone knew this was a dumb idea, but you know, gotta get that tv money.
Sucks for Embiid and Simmons. Looks like their personal barber tested positive.
-
Anyone else chuckling at Patrick Ewing throwing a fit over some guards at MSG not knowing who he is? If you have to ask, "Don't they know who I am?", they probably don't. :lol :lol
-
Anyone else chuckling at Patrick Ewing throwing a fit over some guards at MSG not knowing who he is? If you have to ask, "Don't they know who I am?", they probably don't. :lol :lol
Yes, very funny rant. Of course, we know how Dolan handles former Knick players! :rollin
-
The Celtics are due for a major shakeup. And I don't mean just the players.
-
The Celtics are due for a major shakeup. And I don't mean just the players.
The youth wanted to run thr ship but they are no leaders.
-
Trade deadline is very entertaining so far.
-
Surprised Lowry didn't move.
-
I am very happy with the moves my Nuggets made (some double entendre if you read that another way!). Hoping Gordon can help them compete with the Jazz, Clippers, Suns and mortally wounded Lakers come playoff time in the West.
-
Miami and the Nuggets made some good moves, and so sis the Bulls. It will be interesting to see how those new guys fit the current situation of those teams.
We still have the buyout market ahead so there will be some more movements. This second half should be quite interesting.
-
If healthy, I can't see many teams challenging Brooklyn for the title. As someone from NY, who has been to plenty of Nets games since they moved to the city in 2012, I welcome a championship if they get there.
On the other hand, I don't like Harden and hope he doesn't win a championship :biggrin:
-
The Celtics are a cluster fuck.
-
That second half was fucked.
-
The Celtics are a cluster fuck.
I haven't been watching their games but based on the results things look ugly. What is going on with them on the court? Are things not flowing the way they did in previous years?
-
The Celtics are a cluster fuck.
I haven't been watching their games but based on the results things look ugly. What is going on with them on the court? Are things not flowing the way they did in previous years?
The 2 young stars are carrying the team but they can't close the 4th quarters. They leave everyone else open and no one can hit a shot when it's crunch time. The need a true 3rd scorer.
-
The Celtics are a cluster fuck.
Raptors: Hold my beer.
I feel bad for Lowry that they couldn't pull off a deal to send him to a contender.
-
Tatum isn’t good enough to carry a team, it’s possible he gets there but I personally don’t see it. Ainge has been to stingy in trying to add pieces and now they’re starting to tread water.
Raps got their championship and lost too many pieces since. I doubt Lowry was going to get much in return as an expiring so I assume Ujiri had a set return in mind and no one offered what he wanted.
-
Raps got their championship and lost too many pieces since. I doubt Lowry was going to get much in return as an expiring so I assume Ujiri had a set return in mind and no one offered what he wanted.
Rumours were the Heat or 76rs. He would've been a good as a rental to either, but for different reasons. I highly doubt he'll sign with the Raps again, so the only return the team will get is the final games this season. Even if they make the play in, they aren't going anywhere. I'm not so concerned about the 'return' on a trade, but it would've been nice to see him have another chance somewhere, cuz he ain't gettin it here
-
The Celtics are a cluster fuck.
I haven't been watching their games but based on the results things look ugly. What is going on with them on the court? Are things not flowing the way they did in previous years?
The 2 young stars are carrying the team but they can't close the 4th quarters. They leave everyone else open and no one can hit a shot when it's crunch time. The need a true 3rd scorer.
Gordon Hayward? :lol
-
He felt cursed here. Didn't he?
-
Didn't Kyrie throw him that lob in Cleveland? Fuck Kyrie! :lol
-
Kyrie is mentally unstable
-
Hayward is physically unstable. :lol
Texting hockey, posting basketball! :lol :lol
-
We are wickid pissa.
-
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/I2BDf-JDUIk/maxresdefault.jpg)
-
That asshole. Lol
-
Lowry would have been perfect in Philly -- and would have given them enough on both ends of the court to *possibly* hang with the Nets. Now Brooklyn just looks unbeatable, assuming Durant comes back healthy.
-
It'll be a great look for the NBA when the giant asshole known as Kevin Durant comes back and wins the title months after his offensive comments in a Twitter DM fight with a 3rd rate actor who was talking a little smack to him. He is easily in the conversation for most unlikable superstar in team sports since I've been born (when taking homerism and hating players cause they are on rivals out of it, which is hard to do for many).
-
I suspect it won't get covered by the media a lot today, and if it does it will largely be excused, but LeBron's tweet yesterday (that he later deleted) was awful, and I would imagine he lost a lot of fans after that. And even more people will tune out of watching the NBA.
-
I suspect it won't get covered by the media a lot today, and if it does it will largely be excused, but LeBron's tweet yesterday (that he later deleted) was awful, and I would imagine he lost a lot of fans after that. And even more people will tune out of watching the NBA.
The divide is so wide right now it's scary. Social media can be instant gratification for a lot of news but people need to get all the facts and give it time before posting something that serious. He could be construed as saying get that cop ect.
Though Kev, I don't think we would hear a big outcry like we would with say, Brett Farve if he said it. Maybe I'm wrong but i think people are afraid to call him out.
-
I suspect it won't get covered by the media a lot today, and if it does it will largely be excused, but LeBron's tweet yesterday (that he later deleted) was awful, and I would imagine he lost a lot of fans after that. And even more people will tune out of watching the NBA.
The divide is so wide right now it's scary. Social media can be instant gratification for a lot of news but people need to get all the facts and give it time before posting something that serious. He could be construed as saying get that cop ect.
Though Kev, I don't think we would hear a big outcry like we would with say, Brett Farve if he said it. Maybe I'm wrong but i think people are afraid to call him out.
Yep, and this is why I said the other day in the chat thread that I had no hope for things getting better despite the Chauvin verdict. It's not even two days and people are already off the rails in both directions about anything and everything. No one is happy about anything. And we have politicians and the media continuing to play the divide and conquer game, while dopes like LeBron fire up his 50 million followers with inane tweets. We are so f'd as a society.
-
I suspect it won't get covered by the media a lot today, and if it does it will largely be excused, but LeBron's tweet yesterday (that he later deleted) was awful, and I would imagine he lost a lot of fans after that. And even more people will tune out of watching the NBA.
Yup. Apparently the cop should be held accountable for saving a girl's life.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/lebron-james-explains-deleted-tweet-about-police-shooting-of-ma-khia-bryant/ar-BB1fVJFQ?li=BBnbcA1
-
Disgraceful. Took a quick glance on YT to see if a few notable shows talked about it today on the major sports cable channels. Was not talked about on PTI (shocking) or The Herd (but Colin rarely talks about stuff like that on his show, even if he does a bit more than he used to), but was on Around the Horn (where LeBron was basically given a pass), First Take (did not watch it as I cannot take listening to Screaming A or Max Kellerman, but saw it was a topic) and Speak for Yourself. I thought the Speak for Yourself segment was very good:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hda7hpmeUGc
-
Isn't it sad that all those shows decided to stay away from this subject? Both sides need to reign it in but it looks like the media will not address it.
Extremism is killing this country.
-
Tonight is the last game the Miami Heat will play in their Vice uniform series. :'( I'm so depressed over it, I loved it so much. But they say the next city jersey will be even better.
-
caught the games yesterday, Tatum had a monster game to lock in the Celtics, just not sure how far they will get.
Lakers - GSW game should be fun today.
-
Awesome clutch shot by LeBron James. I don't like the guy nearly as much after his inane tweet last month, but dude is just a beast on the basketball court.
-
Was really hoping the Knicks could pull the win, but at the end of the day I think they were lucky to keep the game so close. I don't understand what they were going for with some of those plays.
-
Nuggets-Blazers Game 2 was a bit chippy. Very physical, a few technicals/flagrant fouls, and lots of yelling at refs and each other. Definitely had more of a true playoff atmosphere. Lillard and Jokic both showed why they are at the top of the heap. But unlike Game 1, the other starters and bench players for the Nuggets played much better. Putting Aaron Gordon on Lillard in the second half had some impact on his production (after torching the Nuggets in esp. the second quarter)....though I'm not sure that's a game long/series long solution.
-
I’m hoping the Bucks have learned form the last two post seasons and so far, so good.
-
Most NBA seasons, the playoffs start and you can point to three or four teams and say, "One of those teams will win the title," and you will almost always be right. That does not appear to be the case this season. Even the season-long Vegas favorites have major problems (Lakers - James not healthy, Anthony Davis was hurt and having his worst season; Nets - suck on defense and the three main stars have not played much together).
-
A local writer today asked if Jayson Tatum is the next Carmelo Anthony?
Boy what a shit storm on Twitter from that story.
-
I predicted a 120-80 loss. It was 130 to 108.
Close enough lol.
Is there anyone on the Celtics roster that is actually pissed? Their coaching staff? Front office? crickets...I thought so..
-
2 years ago Kyrie said that he never heard anything racist the 2 years he was in Boston.
Now his 1st game with fans in the stands he lobs that bomb. So was he lying 2 years ago or trying to change the narrative of the fans for the next game?
-
A local writer today asked if Jayson Tatum is the next Carmelo Anthony?
Boy what a shit storm on Twitter from that story.
Oh, so Tatum is going to be a prolific scorer who can't do anything else and never wins anything notable in the NBA? Bummer.
-
I love how wide open the playoffs are this year, although I hate that injuries will likely have a significant impact on quite a few teams. I'm genuinely curious to see how the Nets hold up. They're healthy now, but during the regular season they couldn't go more than a week without some kind of issue.
-
A local writer today asked if Jayson Tatum is the next Carmelo Anthony?
Boy what a shit storm on Twitter from that story.
Oh, so Tatum is going to be a prolific scorer who can't do anything else and never wins anything notable in the NBA? Bummer.
I know you would. :lol
-
Well poop, Bucks just lost Donte Divencenzo for the rest of the playoffs.
-
NBA officiating needs an overhaul.
-
Bucks sweep.
Bring on the Nets.
-
Bucks sweep.
Bring on the Nets.
I hope they cut them down.....in a figuratively speaking, double-entendre fashion of course.
-
The Celtics are pussies. Fuck Jason Tatum.
-
Danny is the issue. He built this soft team.
-
Let’s Go Nets!
-
Let’s Go Nets!
Yessir! :metal :metal :metal
-
Let’s Go Nets!
Let’s Go Nets!
Yessir! :metal :metal :metal
:\
What a performance by Dame last night. That guy is a beast and doesn't get enough recognition for what he does.
-
It's hard to like Kyrie. What he did during his time in Boston, what he did before heading to Boston. What he said when the bottle was thrown at him. He poured gasoline over an issue, that while extremely important, had nothing to do with an individual 21 year old white knucklehead. his actions while here, him ducking out the 1st game back in Boston, how he left here is why there is hate for Kyrie, not because of his skin color.
I do get following a team in your area. I just don't like him personally.
There's my rant. End/
-
Ainge is out.
Stevens is the new head of B-ball ops.
Celts looking for a new coach.
WOW!!
-
Ainge is out.
Stevens is the new head of B-ball ops.
Celts looking for a new coach.
WOW!!
Not shocked with how the team responded this year.
-
Agreed. The Celtics need some changes on the court as well as off it. I like that Stevens remains there but in a different role. The players probably need to hear a different voice, but he already knows the team and what they need in order to get better. Rumors are that they are looking at Jason Kidd and Lloyd Pierce as potential replacements. Not sure that is the right way to go.
-
I'm not sure about Stevens as the GM. He's never been in that position before. Getting kids to play on your college team is not the same as a GM. Now a head coach is interesting. Are they looking for a players coach or one that more ridged like Belichick style. Interesting to talk about.
-
Oh yeah....as a Nuggets fan I appreciate the transition to honor Jokic. I have seen almost every game he's played, and he's amazing. He's not just the best passing big man in the game....he might be the best passer at any position. And he's stepped up his scoring prowess big time this season. So much more prone to asserting himself in that area.....whereas before he was just comfortable passing the ball. I remember several games where he only had one basket.....and he didn't care as long as his team won.
Just not a high flyer, so he's not going to have the same appeal on Sportscenter.
That said, WOW.....another guy on that list of underappreciated is Damian Lillard. What an INCREDIBLE performance he put on last night. You can watch the highlights....but really you would have had to see it as it was happening to appreciate the context of just how amazing. :o
-
Oh yeah....as a Nuggets fan I appreciate the transition to honor Jokic. I have seen almost every game he's played, and he's amazing. He's not just the best passing big man in the game....he might be the best passer at any position. And he's stepped up his scoring prowess big time this season. So much more prone to asserting himself in that area.....whereas before he was just comfortable passing the ball. I remember several games where he only had one basket.....and he didn't care as long as his team won.
Just not a high flyer, so he's not going to have the same appeal on Sportscenter.
I don't watch much these days, but my older brother does, and raves about Jokic constantly, so I figured it was time for a thread title update. :coolio
-
Well at least the Knicks got 1 playoff win
-
Jokic gonna be the least heralded MVP we've had in a while.
Also: Georgia born and bred my whole life so I'm loving Trae Young's stone-cold villain performance at MSG. Philly will wreck the Hawks overall next series, but I'm really interested to watch Ben Simmons defending Ice Trae.
-
Well at least the Knicks got 1 playoff win
I called this when all of the Knicks fans on social media were being salty about the other local teams wishing both them and the Nets luck in the playoffs, saying that the Knicks are the only New York basketball team that matters. The Knicks have a bright future but they weren’t quite ready for the big time yet this year. With that said, six of the nine NYC Metro area teams are either playoff contenders or trending up (sorry Jets, Giants, and Devils), so it’s a good time to be a New York sports fan.
-
Uh, yea, what was that about "Brooklyn Sucks"? :lol :loser:
-
Crazy fact:
With the Lakers now eliminated, this year's finals will be the first since 1990 to not have one of the following:
MJ
Hakeem
Shaq
Kobe
Duncan
LeBron
Steph
-
:o :omg:
Another fun fact: besides Dallas, west teams that are left have never won a championship. And from the east, the last time it was 1983 (Phi)
-
Watching the Bucks forget how to play basketball against the Nets is mind boggling.
Three straight years of disappointment for Milwaukee, I’m expecting wholesale changes this off season.
-
Nuggets blow a 10 point lead mid way through the third quarter.....and end up getting blown out. :facepalm:
-
Jokic won the MVP
-
Jokic won the MVP
Which is awesome and SO richly deserved. However, I think if you asked him RIGHT NOW whether he would trade that award in for a championship......he wouldn't hesitate saying yes.
I will double down on that and say.....if they lose this series to Phoenix, this award will seem anticlimactic.
-
So basically there is no point in watching the rest of these playoffs (not that I have watched much anyway, why would I watch this when hockey is on?). as the Nets should coast to the title. I mean, they are missing James Harden, who is in the opinion of most a top 5 player or so, and they are still destroying Milwaukee. What a joke.
-
That's a statement on Milwaukee.
-
That's a statement on Milwaukee.
Nope. That is a statement on their management. This league is won on super teams. Go over the last 10 plus years. Giannis needs help.
-
That's a statement on Milwaukee.
Nope. That is a statement on their management. This league is won on super teams. Go over the ksst 10 plus years. Giannis needs help.
No way. Giannis has no sac. He's a taller Tatum.
-
No one superstar wins a championship in this league. Hell, Bird needed other to win.
You need a superstar. But you also need others. Ask Jordan.
-
Giannis is awesome. It's just hard to dominate and win deep in the playoffs when you are not a shooter and without a legit number 2 star. It is now a shooters league.
-
The new thread title hurts deeply.
-
A couple of observations from Bucks v. Nets:
1. The Bucks should be ashamed of themselves. I know the players are playing hard. But if you cancel out Irving/Durant with Giannis/Middleton (obviously edge to Nets), the key is the Bucks bench. And the bench is just not producing. Both teams are essentially eight-man rotations right now. And the three guys coming off the Nets bench (Shamet, James, Claxton) are simply taking Portis, Forbes and Connaughton to task. NO WAY do the Bucks have a chance if they don't win the bench.
2. Shooting slumps happen. But Middleton is in a tough spot. Giannis, however, is 2-10 from the line. YOU CAN'T SHOOT 2-10 from the charity stripe. I mean, yeah, Shaq did it, but that was a different era. Giannis has to not only get to the line at least 10 times PER GAME (aka, just drive, if you get hit, you get hit, bust through the double teams), he has to convert 7-10 at a minimum.
3. Credit the Nets defense. A lot of effort being exerted on that end, and it is frustrating the Bucks.
>>>>I am not sure how the Bucks climb out of a 2-0 hole against this team and win the series. I fully expect the Bucks to win tonight. But Giannis is going to have to drive and get fouled and they need to slow the pace. Old school will get the Bucks out of this. But they need to drive, sacrifice their bodies, get fouled, and get to the line. Defense, free throw shooting, etc.
Hope they can do it.
-
Like Hack a Shaq.....it's going to be Hack a Tokounmpo. It's tough when your greatest asset on the floor is also your greatest liability. Essentially it means you have to count on scoring several more baskets from the field....than you might normally.....just to make up for it. Not a good formula for a championship.
-
Bucks were hyped up from playing at home, and the Nets missed a lot of shots in game 3. Nets still got this.
-
Anybody but the Nets, please.
-
Bucks tie it up at 2 apiece!
I don’t care if Harden and Kyrie are hurt either so save it.
-
I couldn't watch the Suns/Nuggets game last night, but I did check out the highlights this morning. I'm sorry, but Jokic's swipe was aggressive, but it was a basketball play, he was going for the ball. Basketball refs are not as bad as MLB umpires, but they really need to be better.
As for Bucks/Nets, while I am rooting for the Bucks, the Nets are clearly the better team. Giannis' inability to shoot and struggles at the line is a liability that the Bucks got lucky with the last two games. If Kyrie Irving doesn't play (and anyone who has suffered that kind of ankle turn on the basketball court knows how painful it is, particularly in the days following it), I think the Bucks can get get past the Nets who have Durant and then spare parts or in the case of Griffin, guys way past their prime. But there's no way the Bucks, with Giannis' issues, get past the Sixers or Hawks.
It's pretty "easy" to "corral" Giannis. He'll still score, but you can push him toward his weak areas getting to the rim, and the Nets, not to mention Giannis himself (which is a confidence problem) know Giannis is absolutely no threat from the perimeter. I know that yesterday, Van Gundy was wondering aloud why Giannis continues to shoot. I understand why - his coaches probably told him if he's open, to take it, because if he hits a few in a row, the Nets will have to step out and guard him. (Not sure why Van Gundy didn't say that.) The thing is, the shooting woes look to be in Giannis' head now.
If Kyrie is out the rest of the series, I see the Bucks winning. I see them winning now if Kyrie is only say 70 percent and on the floor. But they are going to have a hard time against the Hawks or the Sixers.
I'm rooting for them though. I hate the Nets (and Irving/Harden are two of my most disliked players in the league) and would like to see Milwaukee and Giannis win. I'm just not confident that it's going to happen. (Sorry, T-ski.)
-
Anybody see Big Baby's tweet about Kyrie? LOL
-
He must have deleted it. What did he say now?
-
He must have deleted it. What did he say now?
He did delete it. He should have left it up. LOL
https://www.audacy.com/weei/sports/celtics/big-baby-says-kyries-injury-was-karma-for-stomping-on-lucky
-
And Brian, use your phone to open the link. Do not try and read anything from that website on your computer! It's impossible with all of the popups.
-
And Brian, use your phone to open the link. Do not try and read anything from that website on your computer! It's impossible with all of the popups.
That's weird. I don't have any popups on mine and I'm on a computer. You have to click on the adds which I never do.
-
I can't read anything on the EEI website. It's awful. I always have to use my phone.
-
I can't read anything on the EEI website. It's awful. I always have to use my phone.
I never had that issue.
-
I can't read anything on the EEI website. It's awful. I always have to use my phone.
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adblock-%E2%80%94-best-ad-blocker/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom
This ad blocker is free, and will make your browsing experience so much better. (once installed, it might ask for a donation, but you don't have to, just close the page).
-
I can't read anything on the EEI website. It's awful. I always have to use my phone.
I never had that issue.
Yeah, but I'm not as cool as you. :lol
I can't read anything on the EEI website. It's awful. I always have to use my phone.
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adblock-%E2%80%94-best-ad-blocker/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom
This ad blocker is free, and will make your browsing experience so much better. (once installed, it might ask for a donation, but you don't have to, just close the page).
Thanks V. I'm good though. I have this site on my phone anyway and it's fine. It's the only site I have an issue with.
-
I couldn't watch the Suns/Nuggets game last night, but I did check out the highlights this morning. I'm sorry, but Jokic's swipe was aggressive, but it was a basketball play, he was going for the ball. Basketball refs are not as bad as MLB umpires, but they really need to be better.
As for Bucks/Nets, while I am rooting for the Bucks, the Nets are clearly the better team. Giannis' inability to shoot and struggles at the line is a liability that the Bucks got lucky with the last two games. If Kyrie Irving doesn't play (and anyone who has suffered that kind of ankle turn on the basketball court knows how painful it is, particularly in the days following it), I think the Bucks can get get past the Nets who have Durant and then spare parts or in the case of Griffin, guys way past their prime. But there's no way the Bucks, with Giannis' issues, get past the Sixers or Hawks.
It's pretty "easy" to "corral" Giannis. He'll still score, but you can push him toward his weak areas getting to the rim, and the Nets, not to mention Giannis himself (which is a confidence problem) know Giannis is absolutely no threat from the perimeter. I know that yesterday, Van Gundy was wondering aloud why Giannis continues to shoot. I understand why - his coaches probably told him if he's open, to take it, because if he hits a few in a row, the Nets will have to step out and guard him. (Not sure why Van Gundy didn't say that.) The thing is, the shooting woes look to be in Giannis' head now.
If Kyrie is out the rest of the series, I see the Bucks winning. I see them winning now if Kyrie is only say 70 percent and on the floor. But they are going to have a hard time against the Hawks or the Sixers.
I'm rooting for them though. I hate the Nets (and Irving/Harden are two of my most disliked players in the league) and would like to see Milwaukee and Giannis win. I'm just not confident that it's going to happen. (Sorry, T-ski.)
Every Bucks fan was flabbergasted at what they were doing offensively in the first two games. It was not the Bucks offense we saw against the Heat. All ISO ball, which is not what they do best, or second best or third best. Us Bucks fans have had enough of Budenholzer and fully expect him gone if they don’t win it all.
Giannis has a poor bbiq and it has showed up big time against the Nets. He isn’t playing to his strengths at all, which again kind of goes back to coaching. The Nets interior defense is abysmal and the Bucks refuse to take advantage of it. I’m saying this not as a homer, but the Bucks should legit be ahead in this series 3-1. They did everything wrong for almost three games and dug themselves a hole they shouldn’t have been in. If Budenholzer doesn’t screw it up, the Bucks should win the next two games quite handily.
-
Two of the Big 3 are down. Now we shook. Nets fans are already giving up. ::)
-
Bucks tie it up at 2 apiece!
I don’t care if Harden and Kyrie are hurt either so save it.
And you shouldn't. I doubt anyone is going to feel sorry for the Nets. It would be an embarrassment to the league if they won the championship, given how little their stars have played together this season. In a team sport, even in a sport like basketball where the most talented guys usually rise to the top, playing good team ball should still count for something.
-
Every Bucks fan was flabbergasted at what they were doing offensively in the first two games. It was not the Bucks offense we saw against the Heat. All ISO ball, which is not what they do best, or second best or third best. Us Bucks fans have had enough of Budenholzer and fully expect him gone if they don’t win it all.
Giannis has a poor bbiq and it has showed up big time against the Nets. He isn’t playing to his strengths at all, which again kind of goes back to coaching. The Nets interior defense is abysmal and the Bucks refuse to take advantage of it. I’m saying this not as a homer, but the Bucks should legit be ahead in this series 3-1. They did everything wrong for almost three games and dug themselves a hole they shouldn’t have been in. If Budenholzer doesn’t screw it up, the Bucks should win the next two games quite handily.
Not having followed the Bucks all season, now that you explain that, it makes total sense why they are struggling. It was all ISO ball, which looking at the roster, confused the hell out of me. I am rooting for your team. Honestly, I hope it ends up Bucks vs. Hawks. I can't stand either the Nets or the Sixers, so I'm all for Bucks-Hawks. Fingers crossed.
-
It would be an embarrassment to the league if they won the championship, given how little their stars have played together this season.
When the star players get injured, the rest of the TEAM has to step up. To win a championship with star players injured is really earning it.
-
It would be an embarrassment to the league if they won the championship, given how little their stars have played together this season.
When the star players get injured, the rest of the TEAM has to step up. To win a championship with star players injured is really earning it.
What would be fucking awesome, and real karma, would be for the Nets to go all the way, with Kyrie on the sidelines. Just like in Boston when the kids took them to the Conference Finals, and he was pissed.
-
Anyone watching the game tonight? WTF is Harden even doing out there tonight? :lol
And I'm sorry. I have always loved Brooks Lopez. Blake Griffin is going all out tonight.
-
Anyone watching the game tonight? WTF is Harden even doing out there tonight? :lol
And I'm sorry. I have always loved Brooks Lopez. Blake Griffin is going all out tonight.
I watched the third quarter while the wife was in the shower. Brooklyn really seemed to turn things around. It’s going to be a photo finish I think.
-
She took a long shower. :lol
-
Anyone watching the game tonight? WTF is Harden even doing out there tonight? :lol
And I'm sorry. I have always loved Brooks Lopez. Blake Griffin is going all out tonight.
I watched the third quarter while the wife was in the shower. Brooklyn really seemed to turn things around. It’s going to be a photo finish I think.
The only way to watch sports and enjoy. lol
-
She took a long shower. :lol
Well, not ALL of it. :rollin
-
The Bucks are just too stupid to win.
-
The Bucks are just too stupid to win.
Understatement of the year.
-
I only saw the last few minutes, but why is Giannis doing fadeaways when guarded by a gimpy Harden on whom he has like a six inch height advantage? :facepalm: :facepalm: :lol :lol
-
What a missed opportunity.
-
The Nets really turned it around at the end there to steal a win. Back to Milwaukee where hopefully they can close the Bucks out. After years of watching hockey, I don’t know if my heart can handle a game seven. Also, Kevin Durant earned legend status in Brooklyn with that performance.
-
Durant is still a monster douche, but that was an awesome performance.
Milwaukee looks like a poorly coached team.
Also, Kawhi is now hurt (AGAIN!), and Chris Paul might miss all or most of the WCF due to COVID. Oof.
-
The Nets really turned it around at the end there to steal a win. Back to Milwaukee where hopefully they can close the Bucks out. After years of watching hockey, I don’t know if my heart can handle a game seven. Also, Kevin Durant earned legend status in Brooklyn with that performance.
NO offense to Nets fans, but They didn't win, the Bucks lost. Kenny Smith spent his halftime analysis showing all of the easy buckets they gave up to try and force a three. He showed the really poor offence. And Giannis and his 30 something points...he's fucking soft.
-
I honestly think Giannis was afraid to take it to the hoop late because his free throw shooting isn't great and he didn't want to get fouled and have to make them at the line.
Assuming what I heard is true, Durant was double teamed 0 times last night. WTF? How is "let anyone but Durant beat us" not your game plan going into that game? That is insanity.
-
Now try being a fan of the Bucks.
Been brutal the last three post seasons.
-
Man, at halftime I thought the Nets had no shot. Amazing. With Harden and Harris barely making shots and Kyrie out, KD's gonna have to do it again to win the series.
-
I honestly think Giannis was afraid to take it to the hoop late because his free throw shooting isn't great and he didn't want to get fouled and have to make them at the line.
Assuming what I heard is true, Durant was double teamed 0 times last night. WTF? How is "let anyone but Durant beat us" not your game plan going into that game? That is insanity.
How is "let's not go right at Harden with his gimpy leg" also not your game plan?
-
I don't get it. I mean, I get that players everywhere now wanna be Steph Curry and jack up 3's all day, but it's just not smart basketball to just jack them up at will when your opponent has weaknesses and is depleted and is ripe for the taking. It's like they went out of their way to piss the game away.
-
Philly making sure the Bucks have company as championship frauds.
-
I don't think Buddenholzer is a playoffs coach. He is great at getting teams there, but when things start getting complicated his teams just melt down. It happened with his Hawks teams and it's been happening these past few seasons with the Bucks. It's a real shame, but some coaches, as well as players, just don't have it in them.
Philly making sure the Bucks have company as championship frauds.
I honestly can't believe they lost that game. It seems Brooklyn has a clear pathway to the championship now given how everyone else is just failing miserably.
-
I don't think Buddenholzer is a playoffs coach. He is great at getting teams there, but when things start getting complicated his teams just melt down. It happened with his Hawks teams and it's been happening these past few seasons with the Bucks. It's a real shame, but some coaches, as well as players, just don't have it in them.
Philly making sure the Bucks have company as championship frauds.
I honestly can't believe they lost that game. It seems Brooklyn has a clear pathway to the championship now given how everyone else is just failing miserably.
Don't do that. Don’t give me hope.
-
Bucks control the entire game and it’s on to Game 7.
-
Celts traded Kemba and their 2021 first round pick to OKC for Al Horford and Moses Brown.
-
Celts traded Kemba and their 2021 first round pick to OKC for Al Horford and Moses Brown.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SNP11rv7/IMG-20210618-105237.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://bettafishcaretaker.com/lifespan)
-
:rollin
-
Celts traded Kemba and their 2021 first round pick to OKC for Al Horford and Moses Brown.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SNP11rv7/IMG-20210618-105237.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://bettafishcaretaker.com/lifespan)
:lol :hefdaddy
-
Celts traded Kemba and their 2021 first round pick to OKC for Al Horford and Moses Brown.
I don't understsnd this, unless something else is in the works. IF Horford retires, then the Celtics get cap relief. But that's a steep price to pay for cap relief...and Horford could simply keep playing. What am I missing here?
-
They are saving a bit of cap space, something around 7M I think. And there's probably more in the pipeline, this is just the first move.
Have we talked about how Dallas seems to be imploding? First Donnie Nelson, then Carslile. There are rumors that Luka is not happy and is thinking of going elsewhere. The news today is that Dirk is joining the organization as an advisor so maybe there's something good in all of this
-
Over 2 years they save 20 million. Plus there was a sense of lack of leadership. I think that's more important than his play honestly. C's played Hero ball towards the end of the season. They forgot how to pass.
-
Hearing Carlisle to Milwaukee is pretty much a sure thing if the Bucks don’t win it all.
-
I honestly can't believe they lost that game. It seems Brooklyn has a clear pathway to the championship now given how everyone else is just failing miserably.
Nah I wouldn't be too sure of that. KD and Green are basically their only scorers now. They basically had no lead in game 6. I'm not getting my hopes up.
-
Hearing Carlisle to Milwaukee is pretty much a sure thing if the Bucks don’t win it all.
Now that would be a great move
-
Maybe it's just me, but there seems to be a lot of missed/wrong calls
-
Durant stepping up like he should. Money shot.
-
Bucks shit the bed on that 2nd to last possession in regulation. Who catches the inbounds pass with 2 seconds on the shot clock and looks to pass?? :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
-
AIRBALL!! HAHA KYRIE!!!
-
Durant with an air ball at the end to basically lose the game. That is poetic justice.
-
I feel bad for Durant. Played his ass off. I could wish anything worse for Kyrie. He is a disease.
-
I feel bad for Durant. Played his ass off. I could wish anything worse for Kyrie. He is a disease.
Let's see if the sports media holds Durant to the same standard that certain others top stars are. Certain other stars would get crushed if they had a great game, but threw up an air ball at the end of a Game 7. Will Durant get crushed, too, or will he get a pass? Let's see.
-
Hell of a game, hell of a series. Probably would have been different if the Nets had more than 1.5-2 of their big 3 available for the series, but you've got to stay healthy to make it through the playoffs and that goes doubly so if you go all in on a couple of superstars.
-
His play the last 2 games will give him a pass. His numbers were ungodly. Not on him. On that point guard not playing.
-
So basically, the Nets went all in two years ago by signing Durant and Irving and have one playoff series win to show for it since. :lol :lol
-
What Kyrie did to the C's makes me enjoy these last 2 years. Kev, the joy reading what you posted will overtake Father's Day tomorrow. lol
-
Not even the refs could take this one away.
Bucks 2nd and 3rd best players went 14-46 and they still won.
Great game. Great series.
LETS WIN THE WHOLE DAMN THING!
-
There was a lot of sloppy play on both sides. The FG shooting in OT was horrendous by both teams. But congrats to the Bucks.
-
So basically, the Nets went all in two years ago by signing Durant and Irving and have one playoff series win to show for it since. :lol :lol
It's beautiful isn't it?
WTF was Lopez thinking there with that inbound with 8 secs left in regulation?
-
WTF was Lopez thinking there with that inbound with 8 secs left in regulation?
I gotta imagine that it was pretty difficult for Lopez to think there given how far his head was up his ass.
-
It was 2 seconds left, but I think he wasn't expecting to get the ball and panicked. He knew he couldn't make that shot and forgot the time clock
He redeemed himself with that block on KD though!
-
KD carried that whole team on his back with two awesome games. His foot was on the line at the end of the 4th and was too tired on that OT shot. Just a couple of near misses.
This crash is on Nash. He played Harris so much who was throwing up enough bricks to build a building, meanwhile half his team is sitting on the bench. Props for getting this far for a first time coach, but you got some hard lessons to learn.
Hopefully they can get some free agents who can support the big 3 and not have to rely only on those three to win.
This is why I don't believe the hype until the finals. Anything can happen, ain't no guarantees.
-
KD carried that whole team on his back with two awesome games. His foot was on the line at the end of the 4th and was too tired on that OT shot. Just a couple of near misses.
This crash is on Nash. He played Harris so much who was throwing up enough bricks to build a building, meanwhile half his team is sitting on the bench. Props for getting this far for a first time coach, but you got some hard lessons to learn.
Hopefully they can get some free agents who can support the big 3 and not have to rely only on those three to win.
This is why I don't believe the hype until the finals. Anything can happen, ain't no guarantees.
But isn't this the winning forumula for the NBA? You need 2-3 guys you can count on, and 4-5 supporting cast. I mean, that's how the Raptors won 2 years ago - they basically had a 7-man rotation, with Powell coming in occasionally as the 7.5th man (avg'g just 16 mpg)
-
I feel bad for Durant. Played his ass off. I could wish anything worse for Kyrie. He is a disease.
Let's see if the sports media holds Durant to the same standard that certain others top stars are. Certain other stars would get crushed if they had a great game, but threw up an air ball at the end of a Game 7. Will Durant get crushed, too, or will he get a pass? Let's see.
I'm sure that the sports media will say something stupid, but even as someone who generally dislikes Durant as a player (and also feels that he can be ridiculous as a person too), my respect level for him has increased tenfold. To have a series like that after a devastating Achilles injury... Props to him.
-
I feel bad for Durant. Played his ass off. I could wish anything worse for Kyrie. He is a disease.
Let's see if the sports media holds Durant to the same standard that certain others top stars are. Certain other stars would get crushed if they had a great game, but threw up an air ball at the end of a Game 7. Will Durant get crushed, too, or will he get a pass? Let's see.
I'm sure that the sports media will say something stupid, but even as someone who generally dislikes Durant as a player (and also feels that he can be ridiculous as a person too), my respect level for him has increased tenfold. To have a series like that after a devastating Achilles injury... Props to him.
Hmmm, I have an opposite view. He seems like, by most accounts, not a good person (I will leave it at that), but he is a helluva player. One of the best scorers the NBA has ever seen. It's just too bad he's such an unlikable guy.
-
I know he is an uptight asshole but he did put his money where his mouth was on the court. I felt bad for him that way. Off the court, and his burner twitter accounts can fly a kite. LOL
-
Exciting finish last night if you just saw the highlights.
If you were watching in real time, like I was after flipping it over from hockey, it was tedious and brutal. The last 9.2 seconds of the game literally took 19 minutes in real time to complete.
-
Exciting finish last night if you just saw the highlights.
If you were watching in real time, like I was after flipping it over from hockey, it was tedious and brutal. The last 9.2 seconds of the game literally took 19 minutes in real time to complete.
Exciting and ridiculous. I went to bed and saw it was a 1 point game with 10 seconds to go so I turned on the tv, which the wife didn’t seem to happy about, it was 10:50pm. My wife incorrectly complained it would take ten minutes to finish the game because “I know how this works”, it ended up being twenty minutes. She was asleep when the game ended.
Also, go Bucks.
-
I think the Bucks will beat the Hawks, but health permitting, I think the Suns take it all. They are kicking ass and get Chris Paul back in Game 3. I have never been a fan of Paul, but I guess it will be fitting if he finally ends up winning a ring. He is arguably a top 5 all-time PG.
-
Coach Budenholzer is the ruiner of dreams.
-
Coach Budenholzer is the ruiner of dreams.
He hasn't impressed me based on what I have seen, but that play he came up with down 1 with not much time left seemed good, until the guy with the wide open 3 threw up an air ball. Sometimes, the players just don't make the shots.
-
Anybody read about the jay Williams Tweet? :lol
-
Anybody read about the jay Williams Tweet? :lol
Looks like he got the playbook about how to get out of a really stupid tweet...blame imaginary hackers!! :lol :lol
-
Anybody read about the jay Williams Tweet? :lol
Looks like he got the playbook about how to get out of a really stupid tweet...blame imaginary hackers!! :lol :lol
That is so fucking weak.
He couldn't have just said something along the lines of shooting from the hip relying on an old city's reputation? And then simply apologize for getting it wrong? WTF is so wrong about doing that?
-
He couldn't have just said something along the lines of shooting from the hip relying on an old city's reputation? And then simply apologize for getting it wrong? WTF is so wrong about doing that?
People on the internet hate to admit when they are wrong.
Which is why you will never admit that Power Windows and Promised Land both rule.
:corn :corn
-
And if I ever do admit it, then you'll know my account was hacked. :lol
-
And if I ever do admit it, then you'll know my account was hacked. :lol
Exactly.
I put that on a tee for you. :lol :lol
-
(https://wp.usatodaysports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2015/08/sandler-gif.gif)
-
:lol
The hacked answer is soooo lame.
-
Bucks took out some frustration in game 2 and Atlanta seemed to give up knowing they already stole game 1.
Bucks clearly have the better team, just need to not be lackadaisical for stretches to allow the Hawks any hope.
-
Giannis may have blew out his knee.
Poop.
-
That was ugly. At least he's walking. I'd expect him to be back next game.
-
That was ugly. At least he's walking. I'd expect him to be back next game.
Even if it is lucky enough to be a sprain, he’d still be out for multiple weeks.
-
Do the Suns even get credit for a championship if they beat the Bucks in the finals with no Giannis?
They beat the Lakers when LBJ was still hurt and Davis missed the last three games.
They beat the Nuggets who were missing Jamal Murray.
They would have beaten the Clippers who were missing Kawhi Leonard.
The would have beaten the Bucks who were missing Giannis.
Yes, you can only play who is in front of you, but, my goodness, what an incredible string of luck that will have been.
-
A Championship is a championship. You should know better than anyone that hell yes it counts.
-
Oh, I know, I am just saying, what an unprecedented amount of luck that will have been. Figures that that is probably what it will take for that assface otherwise known as Chris Paul to win a championship. :lol :lol
-
Oh, I know, I am just saying, what an unprecedented amount of luck that will have been. Figures that that is probably what it will take for that assface otherwise known as Chris Paul to win a championship. :lol :lol
Or Pat Maroon.
Seldom does the best team in hockey actually win the Cup. The exception would be Tampa.
-
Pat Maroon is a god on skates. :biggrin:
-
He is a fucking POS.
-
And yet you like Brad Marchand.
Ain't being a homer fun sometimes? :P :P
-
Love you Kev!
(https://larrybrownsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/brad-marchand-lick.jpg)
-
Do the Suns even get credit for a championship if they beat the Bucks in the finals with no Giannis?
Or…..you know….the Hawks? :angel:
-
No structural damage to Giannis’ knee, thank God.
Most likely out the rest of the post season though.
-
Most likely out the rest of the post season though.
Is that what they're saying?
-
Most likely out the rest of the post season though.
Is that what they're saying?
Yes.
-
This should make the Celtics feel even more shame.
-
I have to admit that I’m really kind of rooting for the Hawks at this point. Remember that Nate McMillan was a key element to the Sonics 90s winning years. I was not even aware he had taken over as an intern coach until the Hawks made the postseason. Then everybody started saying that they actually had the best record in the NBA from the time of his takeover forward. Granted, that it’s a very small sample size, but I still think it’s really cool that Nate has the kids all fired up and playing over their heads.
Like someone once said, it’s not about your record, it’s about when you get hot.
-
Bucks Vs. Suns, interesting finals.
Middleton had a great 3rd quarter to put the Bucks ahead for good.
-
Hoping Giannis miraculously recovers in time to play and be close to 10o% for the Finals. Will definitely root for them, since I can't in good conscience for a team with Chris Paul.
-
LETS GO!!!!!!!!
-
Giannis may be available for game 1. I hope they are 1000% sure because if that knee goes boom they’ll never hear the end of it.
-
Flopper 1, Freak 0
Phoenix got some friendly whistles in the first half and the Bucks had a bad third quarter. At least Giannis didn’t seem to bothered by his knee. I’m still terrified that knee will go boom, but I’ve got to trust those involved in making the decisions.
On to game 2.
-
Great to see Giannis not only looking healthy but also looking like a completely unstoppable force of nature. This series is shaping up to be very interesting!
-
USA Basketball
With Jason Tatum...0-2
Without Jason Tatum...1-0
:rollin
-
Exciting Game 4. Booker went off but Giannis had an incredible block to help the Bucks tie it up.
Best of 3 now, can anyone win on the road?
-
Exciting Game 4. Booker went off but Giannis had an incredible block to help the Bucks tie it up.
Best of 3 now, can anyone win on the road?
I watched the last 10 minutes or so. Good ending. I don't really follow basketball and have no real reason to prefer either team, but I'm pulling for the Bucks, so I certainly hope they can get a road win whenever the next game is.
-
His FT shooting is a travesty, but otherwise Giannis is just ridiculously good. Bucks on the verge of taking the title.
-
I am ready.
Bucks in 6.
-
LOL Suns! I stopped following basketball when the Suns went to the finals with Chicago 28 years ago and lost in game 7. This time they go up 2-0 and drop 3 straight games. They don't deserve to win the championship.
-
Hoping the Bucks win tonight and bring a title back to Milwaukee. :coolio :coolio
-
You guys, I am teary eyed.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS, NBA CHAMPS!
-
I watched the last half of 4Q. Impressive performance to hold them off. Giannis is indeed a freak. What a performance.
Congrats T-Ski. I know the feeling. Savour it.
-
Giannis was a beast last night. Middleton and Holiday had great games too.
Fucking Crowder missed two WIDE OPEN threes in the fourth quarter.
Congrats Bucks!
-
You guys, I am teary eyed.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS, NBA CHAMPS!
Congrats!!
Epic performance by Giannis. :eek :eek :eek
-
Congrats to Giannis and the Bucks!
-
Fucking Crowder missed two WIDE OPEN threes in the fourth quarter.
Yeah, there was one late that would've made it what... a 5 point game with about 3 to go? They never got closer than 6 after that.
-
His (Giannis) performance made especially remarkable by two things in particular:
- He not only was 16-25 from the field in a closeout game, but was 17-19 from the free throw line! This, in spite of his recent struggles and liability as a "hack a tokounmpo" in other games.....and the road game "countdown". His ability to focus through that, and then come up with a close to 90% percentage is a HUGE tribute to his mental toughness.....as well as commitment to improving.
- When you saw his knee being bent back like that just 3 weeks ago....and to lead his team the way he did against the favored Suns....is absolutely remarkable. A testament to the pliability of youth to be sure.....but primarily to his will and character.
He was also a big factor in their 4 wins with PASSING. He was reading the double team before it materialized, and then finding (the right) guys quickly to not allow the Suns to rotate back. Once again.....HUGE!
Finally, I love his laying down the gauntlet to other teams/players that have gone the (or are going to) "join/form a superteam" route. You absolutely get to crow about how you did it with your original team when you have such a great performance. All hail the Freak :hefdaddy. He's already a two time MVP in the league, now a Finals MVP. And now he will never have to think about being a Karl Malone, John Stockton, or Charles Barkley (elite players without a championship). He and his team have the ring, and my sense is.....he's not done.
-
I'm not a huge fan of basketball, but I found an interesting bit of trivia last night. Under David Stern's tenure as commissioner, from 1984-2014, 8 teams combined to win the championships, with Dallas being the only team that didn't win multiple titles. Since Adam Silver took over in 2014, 5 different teams have won an NBA title, and 4 of those teams were either first time champions (Cleveland and Toronto) or teams that haven't won a championship since the 70's (Milwaukee and Golden State).
-
I'm not a huge fan of basketball, but I found an interesting bit of trivia last night. Under David Stern's tenure as commissioner, from 1984-2014, 8 teams combined to win the championships, with Dallas being the only team that didn't win multiple titles. Since Adam Silver took over in 2014, 5 different teams have won an NBA title, and 4 of those teams were either first time champions (Cleveland and Toronto) or teams that haven't won a championship since the 70's (Milwaukee and Golden State).
There's a bit of discussion about that in this thread: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=56450.0
-
Finally, I love his laying down the gauntlet to other teams/players that have gone the (or are going to) "join/form a superteam" route. You absolutely get to crow about how you did it with your original team when you have such a great performance. All hail the Freak :hefdaddy. He's already a two time MVP in the league, now a Finals MVP. And now he will never have to think about being a Karl Malone, John Stockton, or Charles Barkley (elite players without a championship). He and his team have the ring, and my sense is.....he's not done.
Not sure if I think they will be a "one and done" championship team or not. The East isn't as tough as the West to get through, so that helps future roads to the finals.
-
Giannis “stole” the Finals and MVP trophies and went to Chik-fil-a to order a 50 piece nugget and it was glorious.
https://youtu.be/NPLAXPD50DQ
-
Giannis “stole” the Finals and MVP trophies and went to Chik-fil-a to order a 50 piece nugget and it was glorious.
https://youtu.be/NPLAXPD50DQ
That's actually really cool :lol
-
Giannis “stole” the Finals and MVP trophies and went to Chik-fil-a to order a 50 piece nugget and it was glorious.
https://youtu.be/NPLAXPD50DQ
Half Sprite/half lemonade? Blech!
-
So apparently Vin Diesel was driving the bus during the championship parade. Holy fuck was that guy haulin ass. What a drag for the fans. Hope nobody blinked!
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/championship-parade-or-not-driver-of-milwaukee-bucks-bus-has-a-schedule-to-keep/ar-AAMrI0Z
-
This is beautiful…
https://twitter.com/nba/status/1418669748942872579?s=21
-
That's cool. He seems like a really genuine, humble guy, which is rare for someone in his position. I hope he never loses that.
-
NBA, trying to get back to their normal schedule, has their draft tonight and free agency starts Monday August 2nd.
Could be a wild few days.
-
Is it time for a new thread? I haven't been following the off season and just saw Westbrook is on the Lakers now? That might be good to take some load off of Lebron, but I expect that it won't work. We shall see