Around the League / Regular Season Thread (Upstairs Version)

[K...]

So apparently Jaime Jaquez is smashing Spoelstra‘s ex wife

is there a way were we can get spoestra to join us, and we then rebrand as cuck city?

[scott]

True, much better frame for this than what I laid out.
Is it plausible that we see some more FA/trades for solid high-end role players wanting to come here this summer? This is not something the Spurs are used to since the glory days. The tenuous coaching situation might be a wet blanket for some players.

I don't think we'll see it this summer, because the Spurs will be inspired by this late season surge by the Super Friends now that the games don't matter, and will convince themselves that we have all the core pieces we need already.

[Mugen]

is there a way were we can get spoestra to join us, and we then rebrand as cuck city?

:lol

[LeBowen]

28th offense in the league scoring 92 in 3 quarters against the mighty Lakers. :lol

[exstatic]

LOLakers. The only thing that exceeds their suckage is the suckage the media constantly performs on this mid team.

[ginobilized]

Luka's getting his come to Jesus moment. If he really wants to win, conditioning and defense are the next steps in his development. Who better than Lebron for the conditioning aspect? As Pop would say, he needs to get over himself.
I think the finals exposed him and broke his confidence, as did the trade. Offensively, he's an A-plus. Defensively, he gives up at least as much as he creates.
If the Mavs and Lakers face each other in the PO, that would be awesome. Love to see the Lakers bounced early. I am not buying their resurgence for one minute.

Also, Luka looks horrible in a Lakers uniform.

[exstatic]

Luka's getting his come to Jesus moment. If he really wants to win, conditioning and defense are the next steps in his development. Who better than Lebron for the conditioning aspect? As Pop would say, he needs to get over himself.
I think the finals exposed him and broke his confidence, as did the trade. Offensively, he's an A-plus. Defensively, he gives up at least as much as he creates.
If the Mavs and Lakers face each other in the PO, that would be awesome. Love to see the Lakers bounced early. I am not buying their resurgence for one minute.

Also, Luka looks horrible in a Lakers uniform.

What resurgence? They’re 3-7 over their last 10.

[exstatic]

Chicago, punching well above their weight class, knotted at 65 with Denver at the half.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Luka's getting his come to Jesus moment. If he really wants to win, conditioning and defense are the next steps in his development. Who better than Lebron for the conditioning aspect? As Pop would say, he needs to get over himself.
I think the finals exposed him and broke his confidence, as did the trade. Offensively, he's an A-plus. Defensively, he gives up at least as much as he creates.
If the Mavs and Lakers face each other in the PO, that would be awesome. Love to see the Lakers bounced early. I am not buying their resurgence for one minute.

Also, Luka looks horrible in a Lakers uniform.

The Luka bad on defense trope doesn't hold this season. It's a smaller sample because of the large number of missed games but Luka's defense has been near Elite this season. He isnt the reason for the Lakes' poor show. That's because their roster is flawed and LeBron is too old to be a two way player now.

Some tweaking in the off season and the Lakes will be set again. Thanks to Nico Harrison.

[exstatic]

The Luka bad on defense trope doesn't hold this season. It's a smaller sample because of the large number of missed games but Luka's defense has been near Elite this season. He isnt the reason for the Lakes' poor show. That's because their roster is flawed and LeBron is too old to be a two way player now.

Some tweaking in the off season and the Lakes will be set again. Thanks to Nico Harrison.

How are they supposed to do that? ATL owns their FR pick, their best player will be 41 next year, and other than two players,their roster is a disaster.

[exstatic]

Chicago, punching well above their weight class, knotted at 65 with Denver at the half.

Tied at 95 after 3!

[exstatic]

Tied at 95 after 3!

Thanks for busting ass and winning, Bulls. Thanks for resting Jokic, Nuggets.

[Spursfanfromafar]

If the Hawks start to lose a bit now and the Spurs falter against better opposition in the last 10 games and the Bulls/ Blazers continue to scorch the net and the Heat do well enough against bad teams..the Spurs will have a good chance of landing the 8th and 12/13th pick (depending upon how the Mavs/Suns/Kings finish their season). If Toronto wins against the other tanking teams ..there is a chance that Game no 82 for the Raptors and the Spurs will be set up as the ultimate tankathon for the 7th spot. But that depends upon the Spurs losing all their remaining games. Let's see.

[scott]

If the Hawks start to lose a bit now and the Spurs falter against better opposition in the last 10 games and the Bulls/ Blazers continue to scorch the net and the Heat do well enough against bad teams..the Spurs will have a good chance of landing the 8th and 12/13th pick (depending upon how the Mavs/Suns/Kings finish their season). If Toronto wins against the other tanking teams ..there is a chance that Game no 82 for the Raptors and the Spurs will be set up as the ultimate tankathon for the 7th spot. But that depends upon the Spurs losing all their remaining games. Let's see.

8th definitely within reach, but I think TOR sent a clear message yesterday that they will not be out-tanked. We're 6 games ahead of them in the win column, I can't see TOR winning 6 more games if they have any say in it. They learned their lesson from living on the edge last year. They'll leave no doubt with their intentions going forward.

[spurs1990]

LOLakers. The only thing that exceeds their suckage is the suckage the media constantly performs on this mid team.

I was afraid they were looking galvanized but tonight’s loss to Orlando is giving me hope the fake show may yet flame out before hosting another trophy

[Spursfanfromafar]

8th definitely within reach, but I think TOR sent a clear message yesterday that they will not be out-tanked. We're 6 games ahead of them in the win column, I can't see TOR winning 6 more games if they have any say in it. They learned their lesson from living on the edge last year. They'll leave no doubt with their intentions going forward.

Yeah. 8 and 12 seems to be the best possible outcome if all things fall in place.

[exstatic]

If the Hawks start to lose a bit now and the Spurs falter against better opposition in the last 10 games and the Bulls/ Blazers continue to scorch the net and the Heat do well enough against bad teams..the Spurs will have a good chance of landing the 8th and 12/13th pick (depending upon how the Mavs/Suns/Kings finish their season). If Toronto wins against the other tanking teams ..there is a chance that Game no 82 for the Raptors and the Spurs will be set up as the ultimate tankathon for the 7th spot. But that depends upon the Spurs losing all their remaining games. Let's see.

Unless the hawks go into a serious tailspin, the only way into the lottery for them would be to play OUT. it’s not such a far fetched idea, since Orlando was a playoff team last year, and if they beat ATL, well, Chicago is coming on like a freight train.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Nevermind

[cutewizard]

The one real question that I have, and , nobody seems to be asking is this:
Who is the next superstar who demands a trade to the Spurs? Fox may have been only the first domino falling in this previously unimaginable scenario.

............................
And the supplemental question is,

Will they take a pay cut?

[ginobilized]

............................
And the supplemental question is,

Will they take a pay cut?

Probably necessary. I do think that our cache has not been this high in a long time. Probably going to be more the case after next season. It's just a wild card that can be factored into things. I think the Spurs handling of CP3 alone will attract some players who might not have been interested last season. PFs and backup centers, we're talking about you!

[R. DeMurre]

Giddey only played 25 mpg last year, so swapping him out for Caruso and his 19.4 mpg isn't much of a difference, especially considering that those extra minutes have all gone to Cason Wallace, who is still on a rookie contract. Giddey wasn't ever going to start over Shai or Jalen, so I don't think adding a supersub/impact stats guy like Caruso was a bad move at all. Caruso will always do what's asked of him and never complain about shots or usage rate. I don't know the specific situation in that locker room, but a guy who's satisfied being a bench player on a great team might fit more harmoniously than a guy who has visions of being a star.

[exstatic]

:rollin Kerr, doing us a solid by sitting Curry vs. Miami. Heat in the lead!

[ace3g]

https://x.com/MikeAScotto/status/1904693348788559944

[LeBowen]

Three years in a row without one of the two stars in the playoffs.

[spurraider21]

miami looking like they're going to pick up a win against the warriors. 8th spot is our best realistic outcome, with a 26% chance of moving up to top 4. a few weeks ago it seemed like we could climb/fall to 7, but brooklyn has been intensely tanking, and now they're out of reach along with toronto

other than hoping ATL loses in the play-in games, the other thing to look out for is the Kings. they owe ATL a top 12 protected first round pick this year. ideally, this pick doesnt convey, giving the hawks less means to improve going into next season. as it stands, sacto is expected to receive the 14th pick. they are neck and neck with phoenix and dallas (mavs lost today). if they finish behind both squads, they will be in the 12th position, and there will be about a 93% chance the pick does not convey

[baseline bum]

https://x.com/MikeAScotto/status/1904693348788559944

Jesus Christ Milwaukee can't catch a break. Guess they used up their luck when KD's shoe size was one inch too big in Game 7 2021.

[spursistan]

Agreed. Sure it was the Mavericks' decision, but it still should be a cautionary tale. We've seen too many examples of supposed wide open windows that slammed shut far sooner than expected for one reason or another.

The style of play now is already conducive to more injuries and that's before considering Wembanyama's unique body type.

The goal should be to win a championship within' 3 years. Get that and they'll one, always have the bare minimum no matter how the remainder of his era plays out and two, presumably go a ways towards getting him to spend his entire career here.


Which is why all I care about is winning one more. One title is so unbelievably hard if you're not the Lakers and we got spoiled by seeing five from one of the greatest runs in the history of sports. But a lot of that was luck, like everyone being scared to draft Tony and the Spurs hitting the ultimate shot in the dark with Manu, who you could have argued was the greatest draft pick in NBA history until Jokic. You look at how many ridiculously good teams never won one. The Payton & Kemp Sonics. The unbelievable Bibby & Webber Kings. The Durant/Westbrook/Harden/Ibaka Thunder (this one is still the most shocking). The MAGA & Warm Karl Jazz. The Ewing & Mark Jackson Knicks. Nash & Amare's Suns. I really don't want these Spurs to be the next what if should they take title contention for granted just because they have an unbelievable #1 guy.
I am late to this, but in light of the Lillard news, which formally closes the Bucks’ title window and perhaps slam shut the door on Giannis contention days in Milwaukee, this, again, couldn’t be stressed highly enough ..

He won his first Championship at age 26 on the back of 2 straight MVPs and 1 DPOY and looked poised to rule the East, but a spate of horrendously-timed injuries, the supporting cast growing old around him and their inability to get anything out of the draft has resulted in Antetokounmpo’s not even sniffing the Conference Finals since then.

Between the piling examples and cautionary tales and their own early red flag (John Hollinger 2 months ago mentioned no player of Wemby’s height or taller has ever played more than 1000 games in league history), they better realize the futility of trying to recreate the Duncan era of near 2 decades of perpetual excellence/contention—a historical anomaly by any mean.

If things break right for us, all I am asking/expecting is a mini-dynastic run during Wembanyam’s peak years similar to Lebron’s Miami run— a couple of titles to officially catapult us to the rank of 3rrd greatest franchise in NBA history behind the Lakers and the Celtics . Not bad for a small market team, I guess.

[spursistan]

Kings Fans were starting to get giddy thinking they won the Fox trade especially after Wemby got shutdown. Now back to reality: 2-8 in their 10, and a game from missing the play-in entirely..

Even some Spurs fans were whispering that Lavine would have been a better target. In reality, the latter empty stats reputation followed him to Sacramento. And like I said in the other thread, Fox is a superior defender, historically far more durable and is more than 2 years and 9 months younger than Lavine, which is hugely important in terms of timing better with Wemby/Castly in what is shaping up to be the first rough iteration of a Big 3 in the Wembanyama era

[exstatic]

miami looking like they're going to pick up a win against the warriors. 8th spot is our best realistic outcome, with a 26% chance of moving up to top 4. a few weeks ago it seemed like we could climb/fall to 7, but brooklyn has been intensely tanking, and now they're out of reach along with toronto

other than hoping ATL loses in the play-in games, the other thing to look out for is the Kings. they owe ATL a top 12 protected first round pick this year. ideally, this pick doesnt convey, giving the hawks less means to improve going into next season. as it stands, sacto is expected to receive the 14th pick. they are neck and neck with phoenix and dallas (mavs lost today). if they finish behind both squads, they will be in the 12th position, and there will be about a 93% chance the pick does not convey

They’re 1/2 game from keeping the pick. If the choice is #10 in the West, make the play in, and lose because a #10 has never played in, or keeping the damn pick, you keep the pick. They have only one more year after this one, 1-10 protection, and then it becomes 2 seconds. It would be rough justice for ATL to get two seconds after foisting off that shit Charlotte pick on us.

You have to wonder, though, if Sacto would convey the pick just to F us over for fleecing them on the Fox trade…

[LeBowen]

https://x.com/CourtsideBuzzX/status/1904780145778446641

Wright needs to get on the phone and sell our family values to Aldama.
We don't want him to stay with those thugs in Memphis.

[Ice009]

Got darn. Not what I expected there with Aldama. Maybe he could become available. Wow, I wonder what that was about.

The Lillard news has shocked me even more, though. Before Chris Bosh, was there ever any blood clot issues with players. This is very concerning to me.

[exstatic]

Got darn. Not what I expected there with Aldama. Maybe he could become available. Wow, I wonder what that was about.

The Lillard news has shocked me even more, though. Before Chris Bosh, was there ever any blood clot issues with players. This is very concerning to me.
The Lillard one is bad. Bosh also had leg clots, and he was never able to shake them, ending his career.

[baseline bum]

Kings Fans were starting to get giddy thinking they won the Fox trade especially after Wemby got shutdown. Now back to reality: 2-8 in their 10, and a game from missing the play-in entirely..

Even some Spurs fans were whispering that Lavine would have been a better target. In reality, the latter empty stats reputation followed him to Sacramento. And like I said in the other thread, Fox is a superior defender, historically far more durable and is more than 2 years and 9 months younger than Lavine, which is hugely important in terms of timing better with Wemby/Castly in what is shaping up to be the first rough iteration of a Big 3 in the Wembanyama era

Has their schedule picked way up in difficulty or are they starting to tune Christie out like they did Brown?

[itzsoweezee]

Time to cash in those assets for Giannis. Brian, gotta get this done this offseason

[spurraider21]

The Lillard one is bad. Bosh also had leg clots, and he was never able to shake them, ending his career.
we dont know much about lillard's yet. the lower body ones are more common. they also have the capability to become bigger because the vessells are simply larger. i dont think we know about whether he had a PE or anything like that yet.

hope his is isolated as well

[scott]

The wording of the Lillard injury is interesting to me in that it sounds like the Bucks are saying he's week-to-week, not out for the season? Or am I reading too much into it?

[LeBowen]

The wording of the Lillard injury is interesting to me in that it sounds like the Bucks are saying he's week-to-week, not out for the season? Or am I reading too much into it?

I'd say it's just copium to keep the fanbase from going into full doomer mode.
Lillard played his last game 8 days ago, iirc when people with medical knowledge talked about Wemby's injury in here, they said it's a minimum of 3 months on blood thinners, more likely 6.
I don't see how can Lillard take blood thinners for just a month or whatever, doesn't make any sense.

[scott]

I'd say it's just copium to keep the fanbase from going into full doomer mode.
Lillard played his last game 8 days ago, iirc when people with medical knowledge talked about Wemby's injury in here, they said it's a minimum of 3 months on blood thinners, more likely 6.
I don't see how can Lillard take blood thinners for just a month or whatever, doesn't make any sense.

I think it depends on the severity of the clot, tbh, but I'm not a doctor. Could just be copium like you said.

[dn0774]

I'd say it's just copium to keep the fanbase from going into full doomer mode.
Lillard played his last game 8 days ago, iirc when people with medical knowledge talked about Wemby's injury in here, they said it's a minimum of 3 months on blood thinners, more likely 6.
I don't see how can Lillard take blood thinners for just a month or whatever, doesn't make any sense.

Pretty sure its not even up to the Bucks entirely on when he can play. Ausar Thompson had to got through the 'NBA Fitness to Play Panel' before he could even officially return to team activities. The wording of the article at the time iirc suggested the panel wouldn't even consider approving the return of a player with a blood clot instance within 6 months of discovery/treatment beginning. Perhaps circumstances are different for Lilliard but returning this season sounds out of the cards entirely.

[GAustex]

Derrick White is magnificent with Boston

[Ice009]

Derrick White is magnificent with Boston

There was someone mentioning the other day that maybe the Spurs could try and pry Derrick away from Boston if they're looking to avoid that second apron at some point soon. I don't think there is any chance of them letting him go or trading him, do you?

[LeBowen]

There was someone mentioning the other day that maybe the Spurs could try and pry Derrick away from Boston if they're looking to avoid that second apron at some point soon. I don't think there is any chance of them letting him go or trading him, do you?

Derrick is their third most important player and there's no way they'd even consider trading him.
They'll trade either Jrue or Porzingis if they fail this season. Jrue because of his age or KP because of his health and contract that has only one year left.

[Maddog]

Don't have enough information
Oversimplification- but location and cause are very important.
If superficial vein may not even need anticoagulant
If I remember correctly this was a below the knee DVT (or distal DVT). Management of Distal DVTs is less clear in certain circumstances can be treated with observation.

https://www.ccjm.org/content/ccjom/91/4/229/F1.medium.gif

[Ice009]

Derrick is their third most important player and there's no way they'd even consider trading him.
They'll trade either Jrue or Porzingis if they fail this season. Jrue because of his age or KP because of his health and contract that has only one year left.

Yeah, I can't remember who it was. I was going to reply and say that I don't think they'd ever trade him and there is 0% chance of that happening. I don't know where all their guys rank contract wise, so I didn't post a comment.

Also, just want to wish Damien Lillard the best and I hope he can come back 100% from this. I want to see him back. It sucks badly that he is out as I also wanted to see how Milwaukee would do in the playoffs. I thought they had a real good chance at an upset or two.

[R. DeMurre]

Yeah, have to agree on D White, and as much as I love Jrue Holiday, Boston is letting him go before they let Derrick go.

[R. DeMurre]

Before when I looked at Memphis (before LaRavia's trade to the Kings), I thought that both Jake and Santi were good free agent targets but that Jake would be an easier get, being unrestricted. Now I'm starting to hope for both of them. As a pair, they'd be a really solid addition. I think the Spurs still need a #2 guy-- sorry, I don't think Fox is it, though he can be a #3 guy imo-- but the addition of LaRavia and Santi would completely solidify the depth, and put the Spurs in the discussion for a serious playoff run. With LaRavia, it's just a question of convincing him to be a glue guy on a Wemby led team, and I don't think he'd be overly expensive. Aldama <might> require at least a bit of an overpay, so that's the ultimate question: do the Spurs like him enough to overpay him, which I think is plausible, especially if it's a sign and trade situation where they send back something to the Grizzlies. Landing those two would be an incredibly successful off season to me.

[exstatic]

Before when I looked at Memphis (before LaRavia's trade to the Kings), I thought that both Jake and Santi were good free agent targets but that Jake would be an easier get, being unrestricted. Now I'm starting to hope for both of them. As a pair, they'd be a really solid addition. I think the Spurs still need a #2 guy-- sorry, I don't think Fox is it, though he can be a #3 guy imo-- but the addition of LaRavia and Santi would completely solidify the depth, and put the Spurs in the discussion for a serious playoff run. With LaRavia, it's just a question of convincing him to be a glue guy on a Wemby led team, and I don't think he'd be overly expensive. Aldama <might> require at least a bit of an overpay, so that's the ultimate question: do the Spurs like him enough to overpay him, which I think is plausible, especially if it's a sign and trade situation where they send back something to the Grizzlies. Landing those two would be an incredibly successful off season to me.

All NBA is an incredibly high bar, 15 guys out of like 450 players, like 3%. If you make that even once, you’re good enough to be a #2. He was put onto a team built for another guy, and then that other guy was sidelined for the rest of the season. Don’t judge his handful of games played here.

I think if we want LaRavia,he’s pretty possible. Aldama, not so much, being restricted.

[R. DeMurre]

All NBA is an incredibly high bar, 15 guys out of like 450 players, like 3%. If you make that even once, you’re good enough to be a #2. He was put onto a team built for another guy, and then that other guy was sidelined for the rest of the season. Don’t judge his handful of games played here.

I think if we want LaRavia,he’s pretty possible. Aldama, not so much, being restricted.


Julius Randle and Bradley Beal were all NBA too. It's not a definitive guideline. Beal can't even help a team with two other all NBA guys to a .500 record. I'd argue that Third Team all NBA awards are notoriously weighed for offense over actual impact.

[LeBowen]

Nephew is averaging 26/8/4 on 58/52/81 over his last 7 games.
Clippers in 6th with a fairly easy remaining schedule.
I don't think anyone wants to face them in the first round, they're a very good team when everyone's healthy.
And most importantly, well coached.

[Ice009]

Clippers are 8-2 in their last 10 games. Only the Celtics, Thunder and Rockets have had a better run (9-1), and yeah, Kawhi looks to be playing really well. If he can remain healthy, they could go on a run in the playoffs.

[spurraider21]

pulling for Dallas, Miami, Chicago, Portland to win today

[spurraider21]

hawks were up double figures early. led by as many as 13 in the first quarter

miami has absolutely blitzed them ever since. outscored them 38-23 in the 2nd, so far have outscored them 19-5 in the third. heat up by 19 :lol

[spurraider21]

dallas got the win :tu

atlanta has gotten the lead down to single digits, miami up 8 with 9 minutes to go

[scott]

IND puts up 162 on WAS :lol

[LeBowen]

IND puts up 162 on WAS :lol

They started to dribble it out with 2 minutes left. :lol
Embarrassing.

[spurraider21]

Miami holding on against Atl :tu

up 10 with under 40 seconds to go

not so much about ATL losing, more so about Miami winning. we will sneak ahead of them in lotto after today. also risacher with a shit game is nice for ROY

[scott]

Miami holding on against Atl :tu

up 10 with under 40 seconds to go

not so much about ATL losing, more so about Miami winning. we will sneak ahead of them in lotto after today. also risacher with a shit game is nice for ROY

I know you were rooting for a DAL win, but I actually would have preferred ORL to win that game, as it would have pushed them ahead of ATL for home court in the first play-in game.

[itzsoweezee]

Bulls - Lakers the game of the year. Holy shit

[ace3g]

https://x.com/ESPNBET/status/1905450767391048069

[Mr. Body]

Another trade Presti fucked up.

[exstatic]

Clippers are 8-2 in their last 10 games. Only the Celtics, Thunder and Rockets have had a better run (9-1), and yeah, Kawhi looks to be playing really well. If he can remain healthy, they could go on a run in the playoffs.

They can’t go on a run, because he can’t take games off in the playoffs. By the second round,he’ll be laboring to run up and down the floor.

[scott]

pulling for Dallas, Miami, Chicago, Portland to win today

Did you put in a parlay? Just need the Blazers, though it's not looking good.

[spursistan]

Did you put in a parlay? Just need the Blazers, though it's not looking good.
Spurs should blatantly tank the @ Portland game coming up in 10 days. 8th place in pre- lottery draft could be decided there. We will lose organically the rest of our games bar the season finale vs Toronto who likely won't catch either Brooklyn or Philly anyway so we will be able to out-tank them too without threatening to jump them for 7th (too far behind)..

[scott]

Spurs should blatantly tank the @ Portland game coming up in 10 days. 8th place in pre- lottery draft could be decided there. We will lose organically the rest of our games bar the season finale vs Toronto who likely won't catch either Brooklyn or Philly anyway so we will be able to out-tank them too without threatening to jump them for 7th (too far behind)..

If we had a chance of catching TOR for 7th in the last game of the season, I'm confident TOR would miss their flight :lol

[RC_Drunkford]

Nephew is averaging 26/8/4 on 58/52/81 over his last 7 games.
Clippers in 6th with a fairly easy remaining schedule.
I don't think anyone wants to face them in the first round, they're a very good team when everyone's healthy.
And most importantly, well coached.

that is until Kawhi sits in the middle of a playoff series cause he doesn't want to play anymore :lol

[spurraider21]

Did you put in a parlay? Just need the Blazers, though it's not looking good.
i dont sportsbook at all

[spurraider21]

I know you were rooting for a DAL win, but I actually would have preferred ORL to win that game, as it would have pushed them ahead of ATL for home court in the first play-in game.
yeah i wanted dallas to keep them ahead of sacto. i dont want the kings pick to convey to ATL

[spurs1990]

Bulls - Lakers the game of the year. Holy shit

Ending of the year no doubt. LA gets beat the at buzzer for years nothing more gratifying for haters club.
Ideally LA stays at 4th or 5th seed and gets knocked out in the WCF by Nikola and crew.

[Gibbz]

Ending of the year no doubt. LA gets beat the at buzzer for years nothing more gratifying for haters club.
Ideally LA stays at 4th or 5th seed and gets knocked out in the WCF by Nikola and crew.

Lakers are so reliant on Luka being a consistent shooter--pretty much the exact opposite of the solid Mavs team. They have no chance in the playoffs.

[exstatic]

Ending of the year no doubt. LA gets beat the at buzzer for years nothing more gratifying for haters club.
Ideally LA stays at 4th or 5th seed and gets knocked out in the WCF by Nikola and crew.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=awSra656t_E&pp=ygUSZ2lkZGV5IGdhbWUgd2lubmVy

[Bill_Brasky]

So, uh....Taylor Jenkins was fired? What's that about?

[Leetonidas]

What the fuck did Memphis just fire Jenkins for??

Bring him in for an interview

[Robz4000]

Oh shit, get on the phone now BWrong!

[Ice009]

So, uh....Taylor Jenkins was fired? What's that about?

Are you serious? WTF?

Crazy stuff going down in the past couple of pages.

Loved the Giddy shot and as per usual, Lebron walks off. I assume he didn't stick around as usual and left the court right away.

Also, spurs1990, you really think the Lakers will make the WCF? Why are people expecting them to get that far? If they finish 5th or 6th, they could get bounced in the first round.

[Mugen]

Curious what the behind the scenes stuff with Jenkins was all about. No way you're firing a coach this close to the playoffs.

This plus, the Bane / Aldama dust up the other day, and Morant being injured most of the time makes me think Memphis might be doing a soft reset soon tbh.

[Ice009]

Does that mean Tuomas is getting promoted to head coach? If so, that kind of sucks as he was my preference if getting one of the Memphis coaches.

[stnick2261]

Does Iisalo or La Roche take over as Grizzlies interim coach?

[spurraider21]

:lol

1905693984514773382

[LeBowen]

Some teams will always be awful, no matter what. There's just no escaping it.

[stnick2261]

:lol

1905693984514773382

Vassell & Keldon work (money-wise)

[lefty]

Curious what the behind the scenes stuff with Jenkins was all about. No way you're firing a coach this close to the playoffs.

This plus, the Bane / Aldama dust up the other day, and Morant being injured most of the time makes me think Memphis might be doing a soft reset soon tbh.

yep

[spurs1990]

Are you serious? WTF?

Crazy stuff going down in the past couple of pages.

Loved the Giddy shot and as per usual, Lebron walks off. I assume he didn't stick around as usual and left the court right away.

Also, spurs1990, you really think the Lakers will make the WCF? Why are people expecting them to get that far? If they finish 5th or 6th, they could get bounced in the first round.

Personally those up and down wars from 2001-2008 still weight heavy in how I view LA.
My take is I want to see them alive for as long as possible because they're the most interesting group, and seeing them lose is a gift in itself, especially with James on board.

Imagine James losing his 7th Finals this year. I respect the heck out of James and his desire to actually show up for games (ahem Leonard, Embid, Davis et all).
It's going to be a loss whenever he hangs it up because he's a lightning rod for the rest of league's fans and imo most interesting player in the game bar none.

As for LA's odds - I believe they have the chops to go deep based on Doncic and James (and now Reeves) offensive wherewithall, combined with the league being quite pleased as long as they're alive.

I'm all in for Jokic and Denver to win it this year, and if they can face one another in the WCF, a 3rd straight knock out would be the move.
Otherwise either Boston or Cleveland beating them in the Finals, and both should win against LA, is another interesting plotline.

TL;DR - keeping LA relevant is most interesting while San Antonio rebounds.

[LeBowen]

Looks like KD broke Ant's face.
Elbow, blood, left the game.

[exstatic]

Looks like KD broke Ant's face.
Elbow, blood, left the game.

KD, playing the long game on that Ant trash talk in the playoffs last year.

[fafo]

Does Iisalo or La Roche take over as Grizzlies interim coach?
According to the Shams article it'll be Iisalo, and he reports LaRoche was fired as well.

[stnick2261]

According to the Shams article it'll be Iisalo, and he reports LaRoche was fired as well.

Ok, seems they are locking up Iisalo. Bring Jenkins and La Roche… and bring over Tiago Splitter who took over in Paris

[pad300]

If we had a chance of catching TOR for 7th in the last game of the season, I'm confident TOR would miss their flight :lol

That's OK, we can have a team dinner the night before with a dodgy lasagna (https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/lasagnegate-tottenham-arsenal-food-poisoning-24061126)...

[LeBowen]

Kings are sinking without a trace, down 15 at the half in Orlando.
Will be 3-9 over the last 12 if they don't turn this one around.

[scott]

Good. We need ORL to jump past ATL if they can

[baseline bum]

Yeah, have to agree on D White, and as much as I love Jrue Holiday, Boston is letting him go before they let Derrick go.

Yeah White's on such a good contract, no way in hell they're letting him go. Only costs about 70% of what the Knicks are paying Anunoby for a similar defensive stopper role and give me DWhite over OG any day, especially factoring in health. Through Jrue might be hard to move on his deal that goes through 27-28.

[baseline bum]

:lol

1905693984514773382

Still can't believe BWright managed to hold onto that unprotected 2031 swap he got for taking Unc for free. That is going to be one seriously good gift.

[dn0774]

Saw Devin Carter went out of the game with a shoulder injury. Wonder if it was the same shoulder he had surgery on last year.

[exstatic]

Good. We need ORL to jump past ATL if they can

It also helps if Sacto completely crashes and keeps their pick, denying ATL help in their rebuild.

[poopbox]

Ja Morant hasn't really added anything to his game since his rookie year. If he isn't just jumping over defenders it looks pretty grim when he has the ball. Dudes has missed multiple wide open players for 3 in this lakers game.

[spurraider21]

Go Portland, Go Suns!

[LeBowen]

A fight broke out in Minnesota, Pistons really trying to revive the spirit of their franchise.
https://streamable.com/df51ff


Seven total ejections in Wolves-Pistons game post scuff: Donte Divincenzo, Naz Reid, and Pablo Prigioni for Wolves. Stewart, Sasser, Holland, and Bickerstaff for Pistons

Prigioni. :lol

https://x.com/WzrdRaph/status/1906496254021902390

[lefty]

Another trade Presti fucked up.

Nah good for Giddy but it was a good trade

[scott]

A fight broke out in Minnesota, Pistons really trying to revive the spirit of their franchise.
https://streamable.com/df51ff



Prigioni. :lol

https://x.com/WzrdRaph/status/1906496254021902390

This dude in the stands thinking his two outstretched arms are going to make a difference in saving Donte Divincenzo's face

[mystargtr34]

This dude in the stands thinking his two outstretched arms are going to make a difference in saving Donte Divincenzo's face

Yeah that was cringe I was hoping one of the pistons players dragged him over the chairs and said if you wanna be a part of it let’s go lol.

[djohn2oo8]

78 points in a half is insane lol

[mystargtr34]

Rockets looking good djohn. Think they can get the 2 seed but they have a tough stretch to finish with multiple games against LA/Den/Thunder/Warriors/Clips.

Any teams you want to play in round 1 and any teams you are hoping to avoid?

[djohn2oo8]

Rockets looking good djohn. Think they can get the 2 seed but they have a tough stretch to finish with multiple games against LA/Den/Thunder/Warriors/Clips.

Any teams you want to play in round 1 and any teams you are hoping to avoid?
Ehhh, partially don’t want to play GS because Butler does give them a different element and we had not beaten them in a series in the playoffs before. Then again, any experience they can gain this year, Ime will use it to see who stays and goes next year. So we find out what we need. It’s rolling with house money if they can get the 2nd seed.

[djohn2oo8]

Also nice to beat the shit out of the Suns so they have no hope about rebuilding around Booker

[mystargtr34]

Also nice to beat the shit out of the Suns so they have no hope about rebuilding around Booker

If I’m the Rockets I’m taking both Durant and Booker as package deal.

Booker + Durant (~$107M salaries)

FVV + Jalen Green + Jabari + Brooks + Suns 3 FRPs (~$110M)

Not sure about the apron rules or if Suns can aggregate contracts. You could add Jocks $8m salary and get back depth from Suns such as Royce, Dunn etc.

Might be easier to just go for Booker and keep FVV but is replacing 23yo Jalen Green with 29yo Booker and giving up 3 picks and other assets going to elevate you to contender. I’m not sure.

[mystargtr34]

Or maybe it’s just Durant they want. I’d only give back 2 of the picks if that’s the case. FVV + Jock salaries would be close to matching.

[Ice009]

Looks like Jalen Green outplayed Booker last night. Not sure I'd want to give up a ton for Booker or Durant if I were the Rockets.

[LeBowen]

KD out for at least a week.
At this point Suns should tank, hope they move into top4 and offer Booker for their pick, one young player and salary filler.
Then also get rid of KD.

There's no other way out from their situation.

[Ice009]

What is KD's injury? This is probably the main reason I'd be weary of getting KD. He seems to be out or have injuries at the wrong times. With Brooklyn, I really thought they could go far if he wasn't injured or carrying an injury. It did them in.

[LeBowen]

What is KD's injury? This is probably the main reason I'd be weary of getting KD. He seems to be out or have injuries at the wrong times. With Brooklyn, I really thought they could go far if he wasn't injured or carrying an injury. It did them in.

https://streamable.com/xorcjw

Stepped on Smith's foot, rolled his ankle.

[Ice009]

Darn, Sometimes he's also been pretty unlucky and gotten injuries that like one that aren't due to him being injury prone or anything like that.

[spurraider21]

sacramento is sucking badly but phoenix sucking worse is keeping them afloat, making it increasingly likely that the sacto pick will convey to ATL, unfortunately

[baseline bum]

Not sure about the apron rules or if Suns can aggregate contracts.

Nope, can only trade their players one at a time.

[ginobilized]

With the weirdness in MEM and the perennial dysfunction in NOLA, I could see a JA/Zion swap.
I'm seeing the potential for a lot of star player movement this offseason. Something might land in our laps as a 3rd team ala Barnes.

[scott]

With the weirdness in MEM and the perennial dysfunction in NOLA, I could see a JA/Zion swap.
I'm seeing the potential for a lot of star player movement this offseason. Something might land in our laps as a 3rd team ala Barnes.

Inject Brian Wright somehow landing TMIII or Herb for free straight into my veins

[baseline bum]

Inject Brian Wright somehow landing TMIII or Herb for free straight into my veins

Then Mitch turning him into Vassell

[ginobilized]

Inject Brian Wright somehow landing TMIII or Herb for free straight into my veins

I'd take a hit off that, too!

[spurraider21]

Portland with a small lead over ATL, hopefully they can win that one

otherwise, PHX hanging around with Milwaukee. hopefully they can pull a rabbit out of the hat.

[spurraider21]

Suns were up 61-60. now trail 79-65

[exstatic]

Portland with a small lead over ATL, hopefully they can win that one

otherwise, PHX hanging around with Milwaukee. hopefully they can pull a rabbit out of the hat.

Portland expands the lead to 13. Chicago up 14.

[LeBowen]

Curry just had one of his signature performances, Grizzlies got destroyed.

Will be 1-7 in their last 8 with this L and just one tanking team left to play. They'll probably drop down to the play-in.

Meanwhile in Atlanta...
https://streamable.com/elgx2w
https://streamable.com/cgesfg

[spurraider21]

westbrook with one of the most hilarious one man choke jobs i can recall

[twodeep]

While the East is so bad they have the top 10 teams locked in the other five eliminated so now it is about jocking for final positions

[spursistan]

Great night for the draft odds..We should secure that 8th place by losing to Portland in few days.

Still think Orlando & Miami are capable of knocking out Atlanta in the play-in..

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

That Westbrook blunder was epic. He made at least three horrible mistakes in the span of 10 seconds.

[KobesAchilles]

Jokic is just the greatest offensive player I’ve ever seen in my life. There’s literally nothing he can’t do. It’s amazing to watch. And for Denver to fail him like this as an organization is just sad. I’d love for him to go to Boston. Just a big FU to the league bc it’s insane how bad his teammates let him down.

[onechance87]

Matas buzelis would of been perfect next to castle and wemby.Hes been looking very good lately.Hopefully we can someone like
him in this draft.

[exstatic]

Jokic is just the greatest offensive player I’ve ever seen in my life. There’s literally nothing he can’t do. It’s amazing to watch. And for Denver to fail him like this as an organization is just sad. I’d love for him to go to Boston. Just a big FU to the league bc it’s insane how bad his teammates let him down.

Their major fuckup was the MPJ contract. You can get a guy who stands in the corner and shoots 3 balls for less than $40M a year. Imagine if they could have used that on a $20m deal and two $10M deals. Their roster would look a lot better now.

[spurraider21]

Their major fuckup was the MPJ contract. You can get a guy who stands in the corner and shoots 3 balls for less than $40M a year. Imagine if they could have used that on a $20m deal and two $10M deals. Their roster would look a lot better now.
less than 13% of MPJ's 3pt attempts come from the corner. most of his FGA are 2 pointers. by comparison, something like 54.5% of HB's 3pt attempts are from the corner, and a majority of his FGA are 3's

he stresses the defense from all over the place, part of why jokic gets room to operate.

[lefty]

Jokic is just the greatest offensive player I’ve ever seen in my life. There’s literally nothing he can’t do. It’s amazing to watch. And for Denver to fail him like this as an organization is just sad. I’d love for him to go to Boston. Just a big FU to the league bc it’s insane how bad his teammates let him down.

He really is the offensive GOAT
More enjoyable to watch than Jordan/Kobe archetype

[exstatic]

less than 13% of MPJ's 3pt attempts come from the corner. most of his FGA are 2 pointers. by comparison, something like 54.5% of HB's 3pt attempts are from the corner, and a majority of his FGA are 3's

he stresses the defense from all over the place, part of why jokic gets room to operate.

They still could have gotten a guy like Harrison Barnes, who shoots 42% from 3 and overall 50% for half of the cost. The problem with winning the title is that everyone overpays and poaches your guys. You’ve gotta not throw too much in any one non-All Star direction,and I also include Jamal Murray in that discussion.

[Ice009]

Jokic is just the greatest offensive player I’ve ever seen in my life. There’s literally nothing he can’t do. It’s amazing to watch. And for Denver to fail him like this as an organization is just sad. I’d love for him to go to Boston. Just a big FU to the league bc it’s insane how bad his teammates let him down.


Does anyone remember what TD said about him in that interview with Raja Bell after he retired? I know TD said the Joker's his favourite player to watch, but I can't remember what else he said about him. Seems that TD was really onto how good he is early on.

I can't believe I haven't watched him much in this 3-4 year stretch (mostly highlights and box scores). Even a good friend of mine who's been a Lakers/Kobe fan for 20 years (and also a Lebron fan on the side before he got to the Lakers) had watched him quite a bit and rated him as the best player as far back as 3-4 years ago (might have been before he won it that he was telling me he thinks Jokic is the best player in the NBA). I didn't pay much attention at the time as all the Kawhi shit and the Spurs not stripping it down and rebuilding killed it for me with Demar, Bryn and those teams, and I stopped watching NBA for a few years there. I'd just watch the ocassional game and have a look at the scores, and come read here at Spurstalk, but not watch many of the games - I did really like Derrick and Dejounte, though, but Pop never played them together, which I couldn't handle so I didn't watch much of that group. I really liked Derrick and thought he was really good player when he played for the Spurs, but I was always disappointed with what looked like his own confidence in himself and his game (It came off to me in his missed threes). The Denver game 3 in the playoffs was the game that showed me he has got it, but he wasn't able to replicate those games with any consistency until he got to Boston. Might have been in part because of Pop not starting him and continuing to bring him off the bench, and also, he did have some injury/foot issues when he was with the Spurs, plus I don't think he was ever really a number 1 or 2 option, but the potential to be a great number 3. Most here knew that.

I started consistently watching the Spurs again when they traded DeMar and got rid of some of those other guys who I won't mention. I wanted to see the young guys build up and the Spurs potentially get some great players in the draft. In a way, even though I wanted them to do it earlier, it turns out waiting was the best choice as I didn't know anything about Victor until a French Spurs fan or two (or maybe it wasn't a French Spurs fans - I don't remember) started that thread here about a young Victor saying we need to do everything we can to tank for him. Whoever those guys were, they were right.

Growing up in the TD era, I mostly only watched the Spurs. I hardly watched any other teams as I thought they all sucked compared to the Spurs. I thought the Spurs' style of play with TD, Manu, TP and all the other guys (too many to mention - but I will mention some of my favourites - Bruce Bowen early on, Boris, Fabricio, Brent Barry, freaking Kawhi :( etc.), was the best basketball when they were at their best.

Early on, I was also critical of Jokic's defense as I always prefer all-nba level defense as that is what I've grown up with at the big man spot (D-Rob, TD), and it's also one of the main reasons why I love Victor. Joker is a superior offensive player. Victor has a chance to get the gap closer as far as scoring goes compared to D-Rob or TD could get in that area, but overall, offensively, it's going to be very, very tough, for anyone to match what Jokic is doing, as like you've said, he's now pretty much cemented himself as one of the greatest offensive players in NBA history. I won't say he's the best, as the rules a different in this era and you just can't compare and see how he'd do in the era of the great centers (90s/early 2000s). D-Rob would dominate in this era too, and I wonder how TD would fare with his unstoppable post game. Shaq too (Hakeem - forgot to mention him too). I just don't know about their shooting and if they could have improved it enough (apart from Shaq, I think the others could have). I think all these guys could maybe score more than Jokic in this era with these rules, but I don't know if that is enough to put them above Jokic even if they were to average more points per game.

It's pretty fucked up having to watch him battle it out with Russell Westbrook's questionable decision making. Years ago I loved how hard Westbrook played, but his decision making put me off him as a player a long time ago (If he could just ever play smarter, he would have been one of the all time greats). For the KD pitch in 2016, if I were ther/part of it, I would have brought a brick into the meeting with me and thrown it on the table and said "Hey, if you want to build a house and play with questionable decision making, stay in Oklahoma, but if you want to play with a smart team and players that will look to make the right basketball play, that will get you the ball when it's the right play or you're hot, come to the Spurs."

As for the Nuggets, I do also think jamal Murray is a really darn good player, so I just hope both he and MPJ are healthy to at least give Jokic a shot in the playoffs, as this would be pretty sad seeing this greatness wasted.

[lefty]

Does anyone remember what TD said about him in that interview with Raja Bell after he retired? I know TD said the Joker's his favourite player to watch, but I can't remember what else he said about him. Seems that TD was really onto how good he is early on..

Not surprising, since Duncan’s idol is Magic Johnson, an unselfish star who was a great passer

[Ice009]

Not surprising, since Duncan’s idol is Magic Johnson, an unselfish star who was a great passer

Good point, that is probably one of the main reasons Jokic's play drew TD in. I always forget Magic was TD's favourite.
I'll have to try and find the interview (I think it was from 2017?) and see if he said anything else about him as it was pretty early on in Joker's career, so TD must of seen something special back then. Personally, I did not think Jokic would be this good. I thought he was a good player that played a fun brand of basketball, but I never thought he'd be MVP level/all-time level good back then.

[KobesAchilles]

I started out as an NBA fan. I became a Spurs fan bc of Robinson the person more so than the player. I guess he lived around me back in the 90s and I met him a few times at outings. Dude was shopping for a Black Power Ranger for his son and asked me what my favorite one was and I just stood there star struck like an idiot lol.

Anyways I grew up just watching basketball. I was a huge nba fan and could name every player in the league at one point in my life (pre- expansion). And my nba fandom never really died down. Even with the epic battles against Shaq and Kobe or Dirk or the TD vs Garnett debates, I just loved hoops. AI and Tmac were my favorite players. And then eventually Ginobili. So I’ve always watched the NBA. But recently I’ve had a hard time watching the nba or really even caring about the league as a whole. At first I thought it was just bc the Spurs suck but nah it’s just this whole 3 point chuck fest of a league that I hate watching it.

And it doesn’t help my local team is the Rockets and that’s all they do :lol And the players seem more like whiney bitches to me than the players of yesteryear (and yes I’m aware of the irony of me bitching about it) and that is a turn off. Like I hate when an athlete whines about the media. Chuck does have it right. The majority of the time the media talks the players up but when they say one bad thing then the players just whine and whine about it. And the load management doesn’t help either and then I feel like more and more players just don’t have the same passion for the game. Like with AI, I really felt like he would’ve rather die than not play ball. Same with Kobe or TD or Dirk. But nowadays you just have guys like Zion and Embiid, Simmons, and Kawhi who just don’t really care if they play or not. Tim tore his MCL in 2000. Can you imagine Pop going to TD and saying ok Tim we are going to sit you out every second game of a back to back. Tim would’ve laughed in his face. Or Simmons being afraid to play basketball. Like what bullshit is that?

Anyways, Joker has brought me back to basketball. Him, Vic, and some other young stars like Luka and Ant. Some teams also like the Knicks and the Thunder. But think Joker as the best player in the world is starting to shift the nba to the right place again. Having “player empowerment” LBJ ruined the league for me and nowadays when you have a no nonsense just have lunch pail guy like Joker winning all the MVPs and a championship, it’s going to force the Americans to focus again on ball instead of all the other bullshit.

[spurraider21]

Wish list today:

Wizards beating Kings
Nuggets beating Spurs
Miami beating Boston
Dallas beating Atlanta

[exstatic]

Wish list today:

Wizards beating Kings very unlikely
Nuggets beating Spurs likely
Miami beating Boston unlikely
Dallas beating Atlanta toss up

[LeBowen]

Shams:

Damian Lillard is doing some light workouts right now. He is hopeful to get cleared in the next week, week and a half to go full go contact and then resume basketball. With blood clots, usually it is an extended absence, months-long absence, but I’m told his treatment started early. They identified kind of what it was, they started him on treatment, then they finally got the diagnosis back. My understanding is doctors are encouraged by where it is at. They see that that blood clot is actually lowering, it is decreasing, it is diminishing.

Interesting, let's hope Wemby's situation is similar.

[spurraider21]

wizards were up 11 with 2 minutes to go in the first half. closer game now, but thers a chance

[Ice009]

I started out as an NBA fan. I became a Spurs fan bc of Robinson the person more so than the player. I guess he lived around me back in the 90s and I met him a few times at outings. Dude was shopping for a Black Power Ranger for his son and asked me what my favorite one was and I just stood there star struck like an idiot lol.

Anyways I grew up just watching basketball. I was a huge nba fan and could name every player in the league at one point in my life (pre- expansion). And my nba fandom never really died down. Even with the epic battles against Shaq and Kobe or Dirk or the TD vs Garnett debates, I just loved hoops. AI and Tmac were my favorite players. And then eventually Ginobili. So I’ve always watched the NBA. But recently I’ve had a hard time watching the nba or really even caring about the league as a whole. At first I thought it was just bc the Spurs suck but nah it’s just this whole 3 point chuck fest of a league that I hate watching it.

And it doesn’t help my local team is the Rockets and that’s all they do :lol And the players seem more like whiney bitches to me than the players of yesteryear (and yes I’m aware of the irony of me bitching about it) and that is a turn off. Like I hate when an athlete whines about the media. Chuck does have it right. The majority of the time the media talks the players up but when they say one bad thing then the players just whine and whine about it. And the load management doesn’t help either and then I feel like more and more players just don’t have the same passion for the game. Like with AI, I really felt like he would’ve rather die than not play ball. Same with Kobe or TD or Dirk. But nowadays you just have guys like Zion and Embiid, Simmons, and Kawhi who just don’t really care if they play or not. Tim tore his MCL in 2000. Can you imagine Pop going to TD and saying ok Tim we are going to sit you out every second game of a back to back. Tim would’ve laughed in his face. Or Simmons being afraid to play basketball. Like what bullshit is that?

Anyways, Joker has brought me back to basketball. Him, Vic, and some other young stars like Luka and Ant. Some teams also like the Knicks and the Thunder. But think Joker as the best player in the world is starting to shift the nba to the right place again. Having “player empowerment” LBJ ruined the league for me and nowadays when you have a no nonsense just have lunch pail guy like Joker winning all the MVPs and a championship, it’s going to force the Americans to focus again on ball instead of all the other bullshit.



Somewhat similar to me with Robinson. I first saw a Spurs Vs Magic game when I was a kid and the Spurs won the game. I think both D-Rob and Shaq had over 40 points each. Maybe I would have become a Magic and Shaq fan if they won the game ;) (maybe not as I also liked D-Rob because of his high character). We only had 2 NBA games a week here then so I had to watch a lot more teams (didn't get a choice to watch Spurs games). We had ESPN that only had two games a week and then 3 or 4 during the playoffs. I was never able to watch all Spurs games until around 2007/08 season when NBA League Pass was first available here. I was a fan of players such as D-Rob, Reggie Miller, Glen Rice, Larry Johnson (Dell Curry too since I was a fan of that Hornets team), Allan Houston, Grant Hill, Latrell Sprewell, Shawn Kemp & Gary Payton in those very early days. Probably, some of my favourite players were around this time, but I was too young and don't remember them that clearly. It was mostly highlight videos I watched and video games I got to know them through.

I then actually started hearing about AI and became a huge fan just before he came into the league (It seemed like basketball was everything to him and I loved his attacking attitude on the court and his attitude off the court too as it was a change of pace to what I was used to), and then the following year, the Spurs won the lottery and drafted TD (Can't remember how far prior, but I'd read about TD some time before the draft lottery and I was shocked and super excited when the Spurs won the lottery), and TD won me over not too long after in his rookie season, and he became my favourite player ahead of AI (AI was by far my favourite player the year before). I also liked VC for a few years there too when he was with the Raptors. T-Mac, I was also a fan of on the Raptors and Magic. I was a fan of all these guys up until about 2003, but it was TD & AI from about 1997 to 2003, and then it was TD and Manu from there on out as my favourite players until Kawhi was drafted and worked his ass off to become a great player (still mad at Kawhi). I also did like the young version of D-Wade his first few seasons, but stopped following him after 2006 as I felt they took the Spurs' Championship that year.

I also liked other big men during that era such as Chris Webber (I liked that Kings team and thought they were a fun team in general with Peja, Bobby Jackson, Doug Christie, Mike Bibby, Vlade etc.), KG, Dirk, Jermain O'neal, but I could never truly become a fan of theirs as they were TD's main competitors/rivals. I really wanted J O'neal the year he was a free agent. I even entertained C-Webb to the Spurs, but I didn't want to kick D-Rob to the curb for it to happen. Kobe, I never became much of a fan of as I just liked AI much, much more. I sort of started liking Kobe after he retired and the competition was over. It was very interesting that Pop tried to get him that one off-season as I really loved Manu and was a bit torn that if the Spurs got Kobe, Manu would be gone. In a way, I am kind of glad Kobe turned Pop down (I still don't know if the Spurs would have won more rings with him than with Manu). The ride was super, super fun with Manu, though, and Manu is a legendary person and player. I also liked Gilbert Arenas for a little while there too (I thought he was awesome for a 3-4 year stretch there). I really wanted to the Spurs to try and get him when he left Goldenstate to pair up with TP. Can't remember at the time if they could have afford him, or if it would have cost them someone else, or if they even wanted him?

Looking back, there was quite a few players I liked back then. I agree with you, though. I thought it was because the Spurs sucked that I didn't follow as closely after Kawhi screwed the Spurs over, but the fact that I didn't watch other teams, I think it's the current game that didn't draw me in as I would have still watched other teams for sure if it was late 90s/2000s rules. I always loved defense, so I really don't love this 3 point shooting style of play. I also used to know every player in the league up to a certain point, but if you asked me now, I'd probably only be able to name less than 50% of players in the NBA.

[spurraider21]

Wish list today:

Wizards beating Kings
Nuggets beating Spurs
Miami beating Boston
Dallas beating Atlanta
Miami up 14 at the half, Wizards up 8 with 3 minutes to go in the 3rd :wow

[Ice009]

Shams:


Interesting, let's hope Wemby's situation is similar.

Do you have a link for that? How is he even able to entertain coming back so soon? How long would he have been getting treatment for? What do they mean his treatment started early? Was this like a month ago or 6 weeks ago, or what?

[exstatic]

Do you have a link for that? How is he even able to entertain coming back so soon? How long would he have been getting treatment for? What do they mean his treatment started early? Was this like a month ago or 6 weeks ago, or what?

I think I read that the NBA won’t clear anyone for return from blood clot issues until 6 months have elapsed. This strikes me as both grossly irresponsible and a playoff ticket sales scam.

[spurraider21]

wizards melting down and derozan dominating these last few minutes. kings only down 2

wizards had been up 12 with about 4 and a half to go

edit: dagger 3 by JT Thor :lol... 25 minutes played and that was his first bucket

[spurraider21]

right now Kings are projected to land the 13th pick (assuming they dont advance in the play-in). this is important because they owe the Hawks their pick, but it is top 12 protected (huerter trade). if it conveys, it just gives the hawks another cheap avenue to improve, thereby hurting the value of their 2026 and 2027 picks they owe us.

if the Kings wind up in the 12th position, there is a more than 93% chance that they will keep their pick. from the 13th position they currently sit in, there is a more than 95% chance the pick goes the Atlanta. so we really need them to slide up one spot.

the two teams that the kings could potentially leap ahead are Phoenix and Miami. Miami is currently up 15 against boston with 5 minutes to go. assuming Miami holds on, the standings will look like this

9 - Portland: 33-43
10 - Chicago: 34-42
11 - Miami: 35-41
12 - Phoenix: 35-41
13 - Kings: 36-40

unfortunately phoenix is collapsing as poorly as anybody. the kings last game of the season also comes against phoenix. so miami (and chicago) continuing to rack up wins is huge

[exstatic]

I thought Boston sat guys tonight, but they just stunk on ice. All of their regulars played regular minutes.

[baseline bum]

Curry just had one of his signature performances, Grizzlies got destroyed.

Will be 1-7 in their last 8 with this L and just one tanking team left to play. They'll probably drop down to the play-in.

Meanwhile in Atlanta...
https://streamable.com/elgx2w
https://streamable.com/cgesfg

Impressive, but this was still the GOAT timeout competition:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsnSyWSKFw8

[LeBowen]

Impressive, but this was still the GOAT timeout competition:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsnSyWSKFw8

Can't beat this one:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIjFiUswEi0

[rascal]

Impressive, but this was still the GOAT timeout competition:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsnSyWSKFw8

That looked fake.

A fan at the Hawk game slipped on the floor playing one of their games and looked to tear his acl. He'll probably sue the Hawks because the floor looked to be wet.

Teams are going to stop these games.

[baseline bum]

Can't beat this one:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIjFiUswEi0

Thanks for the fap material but no way that's funnier than Laker fan talking cocky and then tearing his achilles.

[mystargtr34]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH8Zqi3JomQ/?igsh=NmNiN3Rjcmgyb2lo

Can someone embed this lol

[scott]

Wish list today:

Wizards beating Kings
Nuggets beating Spurs
Miami beating Boston
Dallas beating Atlanta

Another almost perfect parlay for you. I hope exstatic doesn't bet on sports :lol (not a diss, I don't bet on sports for this exact reason)

[exstatic]

Another almost perfect parlay for you. I hope exstatic doesn't bet on sports :lol (not a diss, I don't bet on sports for this exact reason)

Glad to be wrong on almost all of these, because it broke our way almost across the board.

[spurraider21]

Another almost perfect parlay for you. I hope exstatic (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=20) doesn't bet on sports :lol (not a diss, I don't bet on sports for this exact reason)
Btw i don’t bet either.

these wish lists are for ideal spurs outcomes not because i have money on them

[spurraider21]

today's wish list:

Orlando beating Washington
Portland beating Toronto
Miami beating Memphis
Lakers beating Warriors

[mystargtr34]

today's wish list:

Orlando beating Washington
Portland beating Toronto
Miami beating Memphis
Lakers beating Warriors

Seconded.

I am really hoping for a lakers warriors or nuggets warriors first round. That would be great basketball for a first round. Plus I wanna see the warriors sent packing early.

[spurraider21]

Seconded.

I am really hoping for a lakers warriors or nuggets warriors first round. That would be great basketball for a first round. Plus I wanna see the warriors sent packing early.
real reason we want the lakers to win is that the hawks get their FRP. the more the lakers win, the worse that pick becomes

[Ice009]

I was going to ask the other day why some people were wanting the Lakers to win.
What about Sacramento? Who has their picks?

[Splits]

I was going to ask the other day why some people were wanting the Lakers to win.
What about Sacramento? Who has their picks?

SAC pick goes to ATL top-12 protected, currently at 13, meaning the pick would transfer if the season ended today

[Ice009]

SAC pick goes to ATL top-12 protected, currently at 13, meaning the pick would transfer if the season ended today

OK, got it. So we want SAC to lose so Atlanta don't get the pick, right?

[exstatic]

OK, got it. So we want SAC to lose so Atlanta don't get the pick, right?

The ironic thing is that ATL may do it themselves if they drop back into the lottery. They could push Sacramento up from 13 to 12.

[Splits]

OK, got it. So we want SAC to lose so Atlanta don't get the pick, right?

yep

[Splits]

Morant buzzer beater sinks the Heat

[spurraider21]

Morant buzzer beater sinks the Heat
Brutal

[Ice009]

Crap. Really wanted Miami to win that one.

Oh welll.

WTF, Giannis running a little bit of point 35p, 17r, 20a with Lillard out? Monster assist game from Giannis. Monster game in general.

[BatManu20]

1907998041878958378

[poopbox]

1907998041878958378

Their coaching staff is probably better than the main rosters is tbh

[rjv]

hey, we're in the playoffs!

[ace3g]

https://x.com/DickLipe/status/1908325110957682949

[spurraider21]

well after the kings lost to the wizards i was hoping they'd just free-fall, but they did take care of the hornets

[mystargtr34]

well after the kings lost to the wizards i was hoping they'd just free-fall, but they did take care of the hornets

The Kings suck but they aren’t stupid they will definitely want to keep that top 12 protected pick and will act accordingly imo.

Phoenix losing has some positives as it means the Kings can also lose and keep the 10th playin spot while hopefully the Heat and Bulls get a better record which would push the Kings into the top 12 draft position.

The kings could also just go 2023 Dallas Mavericks and tank themselves out of the playin spot if it means keeping their pick. If they were smart they would.

[mystargtr34]

Bradley Beal 0-7 and 1 point in 30 minutes. $50million 😂

[rascal]

edit

[exstatic]

well after the kings lost to the wizards i was hoping they'd just free-fall, but they did take care of the hornets

Sacto finishes with 4 challenging games out of 5. The wildcard is do some teams rest guys if their position is set or nearly set.

[rascal]

Boston and OK City I'm calling for the finals. They look like the best teams.

Not impressed with how Cleveland struggled with the Spurs in both games.

[Ice009]

Yeah, very true. Not a great sign for Cleveland struggling to beat this depleted Spurs team twice, but the Spurs did play very hard both games.

That's not the reason I'm a bit iffy on them, though. I think I read they've lost 4 games in a row twice this season. That's not really a good sign if you're looking to be a Championship level team, especially with the record they have, they're definitely aiming for the Championship. You want to bounce back from loses no matter what if you're serious about winning it all. You want to show people you won't go down easy. You want to show mental toughness. Losing 4 in a row twice IMO makes it seem like they're beatable. You really want to bounce back after 1-2 loses in a row. I don't know the circumstances of those 4 game losing streaks (if they were missing players/players were injured).
Having said that, I think the Spurs did have a losing streak in 2014 (can't remember how many in a row), so it doesn't mean they can't win.

[ginobilized]

I predict that OKC chokes in the 2nd round or Conference Finals. Playoffs are a whole other beast. Houston might be a tough match for the Thunder if they are in the same side of the bracket.
In the East, Boston and Cleveland should be in the Conference Finals. Probably Boston advancing, but, Cleveland has a shot.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Dallas traded this guy :lol

[CGD]

I predict that OKC chokes in the 2nd round or Conference Finals. Playoffs are a whole other beast. Houston might be a tough match for the Thunder if they are in the same side of the bracket.
In the East, Boston and Cleveland should be in the Conference Finals. Probably Boston advancing, but, Cleveland has a shot.

It would be incredibly frustrating for it not to be an OKC-BOS finals. I really don’t like how Boston plays, but those are clear cut the best teams.

[Ice009]

Darn, just had a look based on BGSF's comment, saw the Lakers smashed OKC in OKC. Was OKC resting players/trying to win the game?

[exstatic]

Darn, just had a look based on BGSF's comment, saw the Lakers smashed OKC in OKC. Was OKC resting players/trying to win the game?

They played everyone. Sometimes, you just lay an egg.

[Ice009]

They played everyone. Sometimes, you just lay an egg.

Yeah, 100% understandable. I just don't want the Lakers going on a playoff run is all. Beating OKC might give them more confidence than they should have. I also always wanted to be a Luka fan, but he ended up in Dallas and now the Lakers. Two teams I can ever see myself going for due to the rivalries.

I don't normally watch European basketball at all, but the year of his draft, I did look at some of his games prior to the draft. Was hoping that the Spurs could trade Kawhi to whatever team to try and draft him that year. Just looks like I'll never be Luka fan now that he's with the Lakers.

[Mr. Body]

OKC depends on what James Harden used to do when he was relevant - foul baiting, foul baiting, foul baiting. With Hartenstein they're less susceptible to getting bossed around than they were last year but their offense still largely depends on SGA getting calls. Those often dry up in the POs.

[LeBowen]

OKC depends on what James Harden used to do when he was relevant - foul baiting, foul baiting, foul baiting. With Hartenstein they're less susceptible to getting bossed around than they were last year but their offense still largely depends on SGA getting calls. Those often dry up in the POs.

SGA was fine today, much like in last year's playoffs.
Their issue is that Williams disappears way too often for someoene who's supposed to be the second option on a top contender.

If he disappoints in the playoffs again, I could see them moving him for an upgrade.

[Mr. Body]

SGA was fine today, much like in last year's playoffs.
Their issue is that Williams disappears way too often for someoene who's supposed to be the second option on a top contender.

If he disappoints in the playoffs again, I could see them moving him for an upgrade.

Yeah, that's right, I agree. Their offense is heavily SGA and not much else. To me Williams is a bit of a fake star.

[LeBowen]

Yeah, that's right, I agree. Their offense is heavily SGA and not much else. To me Williams is a bit of a fake star.

I think SGA is terrifyingly consistent.
Even with no FTs he scored 26 on 12-23 and had 9 assists with just 1 turnover, can't ask for more.

I think they expected Chet to take over as the second option from Williams, but that injury derailed him.
If they don't make the WCF, no chance Williams gets a rookie max extension this summer.

It's too early for hot takes, but I expect a summer with a lot of big trades, very few teams are happy with what they have and even those that are like Celtics need to avoid second apron.

[mystargtr34]

Sengun usually plays like a pussy against Draymond let’s see if that changes tonight.

[K...]

Ill put this here but could they deport wemby?

Can we be sure in a scenario where either wemby, pop, or silver say something, or rival troll fans gin up.a lie, what stops it? As of now its pro palestine comments but could standing up for france or china piss off the wrong person? What if the players union gets uppity?

This isn't political but a serious problem with foreign stars in the great again america. Maybe we should trade him while there's still time.

[heyheymymy]

Or if trump attacks Greenland and France backs Denmark and trump wants to Brittany Griner our Wemby like Russia did and jail him as a bargaining hostage to force France to capitulate. Victor at the very least would flee the country but could be apprehended and enforced disappearanced. It would be very disruptive to Spurs basketball.

[ambchang]

Just treat SGAs free throws like the Canadian tariffs. 24 pts on FGs, 8 on FTs. A little over 30%. Or is it a little under 35%? Not sure what the tariffs are now.

[Mr. Body]

Ill put this here but could they deport wemby?

Can we be sure in a scenario where either wemby, pop, or silver say something, or rival troll fans gin up.a lie, what stops it? As of now its pro palestine comments but could standing up for france or china piss off the wrong person? What if the players union gets uppity?

This isn't political but a serious problem with foreign stars in the great again america. Maybe we should trade him while there's still time.

If Trump survives and maintains power, we're essentially a Banana Republic. May have Iranian vibes or Soviet vibes, depending (control of women, censorship and persecution of dissenters). But overall Trump and his gang will make people pay tribute in form of 'donations' in order to be free about their lives and business.

So... if we keep going, people will disappear without a trace, government will be owned by Elon Musk and other oligarchs, and anyone who wants to be free from harassment will have to pay protection money to the head mobster.

No, this is not make believe. There's a serious risk that this is where we're heading.

[quentin_compson]

Right now, OKC average the the fourth least free throws among all 30 NBA teams: https://www.teamrankings.com/nba/stat/free-throws-attempted-per-game
And that is as a team that doesn't attempt a crazy amount of threes per game, either.
Sure, SGA is shooting quite a number of FTs, but he also gets into the lane and to the basket all the time, so it should hardly be a surprise. So claiming that the Thunder mostly rely on foul baiting just shows complete and utter cluelessness.

[spurraider21]

kings down 10 at the half to detroit. their remaining games come against denver, clippers, suns.

current picture below. as a reminder, kings pick to hawks is top 12 protected. right now the most likely path for that pick to not convey is for sacto to fall behind dallas and chicago. miami is currently leading against the sixers as well. and phoenix has been falling apart, has a tough schedule left, but having that last game against sacto still makes them at least a little relevant

chicago continuing to play well also leaves open the possibility of atlanta falling to the lower bracket of the play-in, which maximizes the chance of that pick becoming a lotto pick for us. bulls remaining schedule is somewhat favorable. cavs will likely be a loss, but tey also play the floundering heat, and the tanking wizards and sixers. unfortunately, miami's choke job against milwuakee and the buzzer beating loss to memphis makes them a lot less likely to have an impact in the standings

https://i.gyazo.com/5f9e376e2b1619e5976663a50cc31c6a.png

[mystargtr34]

I think the Kings are watching the Suns closely.

Once the Suns hit 45 losses (tomorrow against Warriors will be 44 and then the Thunder next game willl be 45) the kings are secured in the playin. They will then tank their last 2 or 3 games and hope an East team overtakes them and knocks them back to 12. Bulls or Heat are the two teams who can do it.

[spurraider21]

kings have now pulled ahead

lavine opened the 4th with 3 consecutive 3 pointers

[mystargtr34]

If the kings win tonight then they only need a Suns loss tomorrow to the Warriors to secure their play in spot.

Hopefully they are smart enough to then lose their last 3 games and get their pick. Will need the Bulls to get to 40 wins in that case.

[spurraider21]

they're not going to secure a play in spot and then begin tanking. if they wanted to tank, they'd tank. if they want to make the play-in and try to make a run, they wouldnt suddenly start resting players and kill their momentum

kings now up 10 with 2 minutes ago. lavine and derozan just going nuclear. combined 30/53 from the field. lavine is 8/11 from 3. sabonis with 19/15/10. their stars showed up big

hawks are gonna get the pick. if i had to mock a pick to them right now it would be Sorber or possibly Jase Richardson (im not high on him, but i could see them wanting a good scoring bench guard)

silver lining to kings winning is they are close to pulling ahead of ATL in the standings which beneifts the pick we're getting back

[scott]

they're not going to secure a play in spot and then begin tanking. if they wanted to tank, they'd tank. if they want to make the play-in and try to make a run, they wouldnt suddenly start resting players and kill their momentum

kings now up 10 with 2 minutes ago. lavine and derozan just going nuclear. combined 30/53 from the field. lavine is 8/11 from 3. sabonis with 19/15/10. their stars showed up big

hawks are gonna get the pick. if i had to mock a pick to them right now it would be Sorber or possibly Jase Richardson (im not high on him, but i could see them wanting a good scoring bench guard)

silver lining to kings winning is they are close to pulling ahead of ATL in the standings which beneifts the pick we're getting back

It would be quite fucking annoying if after this entire season, ATL ended up with a better pick via SAC than their own going to us.

[spurraider21]

It would be quite fucking annoying if after this entire season, ATL ended up with a better pick via SAC than their own going to us.
And they take Fleming one pick before we are up

[onechance87]

No wonder fox wanted out of that team.Aim for the play in with a bad team and lose then lose ur pick as well.
Everybody knows kings aint doing shit in the playoffs if they get in which i doubt happens.

[mystargtr34]

No wonder fox wanted out of that team.Aim for the play in with a bad team and lose then lose ur pick as well.
Everybody knows kings aint doing shit in the playoffs if they get in which i doubt happens.

Yea it’s basically malpractice what they’re doing.

[quentin_compson]

Well, it would be even more silly to go for win-now players like DeRozan, LaVine and Valanciunas and then deciding to tank. I think it's pretty clear that the Kings just want to make the playoffs and will deem achieving this a successful season - how good a strategy this is, especially mid-term to long-term, is highly debatable, of course.

[onechance87]

Well, it would be even more silly to go for win-now players like DeRozan, LaVine and Valanciunas and then deciding to tank. I think it's pretty clear that the Kings just want to make the playoffs and will deem achieving this a successful season - how good a strategy this is, especially mid-term to long-term, is highly debatable, of course.

They need a pg desperately.And there is a chance fears or jaku can fall to them if they keep there pick.Everybody knows they made the wrong
choice with demar and lavine no matter if they make playoffs.Guess will see how it plays out.

[exstatic]

Well, it would be even more silly to go for win-now players like DeRozan, LaVine and Valanciunas and then deciding to tank. I think it's pretty clear that the Kings just want to make the playoffs and will deem achieving this a successful season - how good a strategy this is, especially mid-term to long-term, is highly debatable, of course.

They could have threaded the needle like we did during the DeJounte All Star selection season and made the play in and have a credible pick. It just seems dumb not to save a pick that was easily saved.

[Ice009]

If the Kings make the play-in, which seems highly likely, and they get knocked out, can they still keep their pick?

The one I really don't like is Phoenix missing the playoffs and Houston getting their pick. If the Suns finish 11th, what range is Houston's pick likely to be?

[LeBowen]

If the Kings make the play-in, which seems highly likely, and they get knocked out, can they still keep their pick?

Play-in teams that don't get into the playoffs go back to the lottery, but their pick is top12 protected and Eastern teams that get eliminated will probably have a worse record, meaning Kings and whoever else gets eliminated in the West will get 13th and 14th best odds. Very low chance of moving up from those.

As already said, Kings should've lost a couple more games to stay behind Eastern 9th/10th seed while still making the play-in.

[BatManu20]

Clown throws a tantrum cause he can't re-sell jersey on eBay now*

1909629521495548070

[rascal]

edit

[rascal]

Clown throws a tantrum cause he can't re-sell jersey on eBay now*

1909629521495548070

Dave should have picked it up and signed it and gave it to someone else.

[BatManu20]

Nuggets fire Mike Malone. Damn.

1909659704017428654

[Seventyniner]

Nuggets fire Mike Malone. Damn.

Is this a thing now? Fire a currently underperforming coach in a "what have you done for me lately?" move just before the playoffs?

The Spurs might have some great choices for HC candidates if Pop is willing to step down.

[tonight...you]

C'mon Riley... get mad at Spoelstra!

[spurraider21]

because of course

1909678217192947789

[Ice009]

Wow. That's f#@king crazy. I wonder how lightly protected they are?

[spurraider21]

Wow. That's f#@king crazy. I wonder how lightly protected they are?
just looked it up. its a little convoluted

they are owed 2 separate first rounders from Denver, though the years are TBD

1) in 2027 they are owed a top 5 protected pick. if it doesnt convey, it becomes top 5 protected in 2028. then again top 5 protected in 2029. if it doesnt convey by then, it just becomes a 2nd rounder

2) then they are owed an additional pick from Denver that will either be 2029, or 2030. has to be 2 years after the earlier pick conveys. in 2029 it would be top 5 protected. in 2030 it would also be top 5 protected. it for whatever reason, it does not convey by 2030, it becomes a 2030 second rounder

[TD 21]

As much as I hate to admit it, the Warriors (it's amazing what having an All-NBA player fall in your lap for 25 cents on the dollar will do for you) and Clippers are the second and third best teams in the West.

I haven't lost any confidence in the Thunder winning it, but if they don't for any reason (like the offense malfunctioning in the non Gilgeous-Alexander minutes) other than injury, they have no one to blame but themselves because they could have put it out of reach with their unprecedented assets.

[spursistan]

Think if OKC fumble it after this historic regular season (ie. not reaching the Finals at a minimum), they should seriously ponder making a move for Giannis. Jalen Williams + a boatload premium draft picks is likely the baseline of the offer.
By now, everyone, not least Presti, should know that title windows these days are restricted to only 4-5 years of contention when it used to span 8-10 years in previous era (The Duncan Spurs being a historical anomaly lasting 15 plus years at the top)

[TD 21]

Think if OKC fumble it after this historic regular season (ie. not reaching the Finals at a minimum), they should seriously ponder making a move for Giannis. Jalen Williams + a boatload premium draft picks is likely the baseline of the offer.
By now, everyone, not least Presti, should know that title windows these days are restricted to only 4-5 years of contention when it used to span 8-10 years in previous era (The Duncan Spurs being a historical anomaly lasting 15 plus years at the top)

Between the Bucks constantly acquiescing to Antetokounmpo and Lillard's blood clots once again likely rendering them less than whole in the playoffs (they're not contenders either way, but still), I'm skeptical the former will want out.

I also don't think the Thunder need to do something seismic, just find the middle ground between that and chalking it up to gaining experience and relying on a healthy Topic/Mitchell providing more shot creation in the non Gilgeous-Alexander minutes.

[spurraider21]

today's wish list

Magic over Hawks
Bulls over Cavs
Suns over Warriors
Clippers over Spurs

[spurraider21]

Ah bulls resting Giddey and white.

with heat/wizards/sixers left on their schedule maybe they felt they might as well not waste effort trying to beat the cavs, rest up and take care of the last 3. with that said theyre down 11 in the 3rd, its not over.

also hawks/magic game is pretty close. 5 point game haflway through the 3rd

[onechance87]

Ah bulls resting Giddey and white.

wtf....Cant take bulls serious.East is wide open.Other then boston,Everybody is trash in the east.Got a chance to
get home court for the play in and they do this wtf.

[spurraider21]

jaylen wells dieded

[spurraider21]

Think if OKC fumble it after this historic regular season (ie. not reaching the Finals at a minimum), they should seriously ponder making a move for Giannis. Jalen Williams + a boatload premium draft picks is likely the baseline of the offer.
By now, everyone, not least Presti, should know that title windows these days are restricted to only 4-5 years of contention when it used to span 8-10 years in previous era (The Duncan Spurs being a historical anomaly lasting 15 plus years at the top)
yeah i dno exactly how big, but OKC will have to do something if they dont advance past round 2 this year. yes they have a boatload of future picks to keep them going... yes they have some great cheap contracts in Wiggins and Joe... but they are getting into the thick of SGA's prime. he will turn 27 this summer, which isnt old yet but he has an expected 3-4 prime years after that. doesnt mean he'll have a huge sharp drop at or around 32, but you want your window do be during his prime, not after it.

[spurraider21]

bulls made it interesting a bit there but cavs pulled away

[BatManu20]

Nasty spill. Was carted back into the locker room.

1909769315647459634

[spurraider21]

1909771588557586559

[spurraider21]

looks like orlando is pulling away from ATL. so even with bulls predictably dropping to the Cavs, they still are only a game behind ATL. miami only a game behind as well.

all 3 have very easy remaining schedules though

hawks last 3 games: nets, sixers, magic
bulls last 3 games: heat, wizards, sixers
heat laws 3 games: bulls, pelicans, wizards

not sure which of bulls/heat have better tiebreakers against ATL for the purposes of pushing them down to the 9 seed tho

[Ice009]

Darn. I hope Jaylen Wells is OK. That was nasty. The injuries seem scary if he landed on his head and neck. I really hope he's alright.

[baseline bum]

today's wish list

Fuck Angie Dickinson
Magic over Hawks
Bulls over Cavs
Suns over Warriors
Clippers over Spurs

fify

[spurraider21]

kings recent win streak including back to back wins against the Cavs and Pistons have effectively gauranteed that their pick will convey to ATL, sadly

lavine has just gone bonkers last couple of games, scoring 37 and 43 on combined 31/49 shooting in those 2 games

[exstatic]

Does anyone think that Sacto is winning on purpose in order to convey the pick to ATL so that they improve, and their future picks may be worse? We did just steal their franchise player…

[mystargtr34]

looks like orlando is pulling away from ATL. so even with bulls predictably dropping to the Cavs, they still are only a game behind ATL. miami only a game behind as well.

all 3 have very easy remaining schedules though

hawks last 3 games: nets, sixers, magic
bulls last 3 games: heat, wizards, sixers
heat laws 3 games: bulls, pelicans, wizards

not sure which of bulls/heat have better tiebreakers against ATL for the purposes of pushing them down to the 9 seed tho

Need a Heat win vs Bulls tomorrow.

Heat own the tiebreaker over Hawks via beyter division record.

Hawks own the tiebreaker over Bulls due to better conference record.

Basically need Heat to win out and have the Hawks lose one more game against either Nets, Sixers or Magic, then the Hawks will drop to 9.

Unfortunately I think the Magic may rest players in the final game against the Hawks if they have secured the 7 spot.

[spurraider21]

fify
some people are so far behidn in a race that they actually believe they're leading

[spurraider21]

Does anyone think that Sacto is winning on purpose in order to convey the pick to ATL so that they improve, and their future picks may be worse? We did just steal their franchise player…
no

[scott]

Huge dub for ORL over ATL. Just need PHX, CHI and MIA to give some extra shits to close out the season... #10 for ATL isn't completely out of the question, but #12 looking more like best case scenario.

[Mr. Body]

Does anyone think that Sacto is winning on purpose in order to convey the pick to ATL so that they improve, and their future picks may be worse? We did just steal their franchise player…

Sabonis?

[CGD]

Fun OKC-Lakers game.

[ginobilized]

I hope Memphis and Denver meet in the first round with 2 interim coaches.

Thank you ORL!

[CGD]

Huge dub for ORL over ATL. Just need PHX, CHI and MIA to give some extra shits to close out the season... #10 for ATL isn't completely out of the question, but #12 looking more like best case scenario.

MIA and CHI play each other, and then each have two cupcakes to end the season. Possible (likely?) one goes 3-0 to hold pressure on the Hawks. Unfortunately, other than another Orlando game, Hawks also have two bunnies to end the season.

[Mr. Body]

Huge dub for ORL over ATL. Just need PHX, CHI and MIA to give some extra shits to close out the season... #10 for ATL isn't completely out of the question, but #12 looking more like best case scenario.

PHX is dunzo.

[djohn2oo8]

Well, Rockets clinch the 2 seed

[Ice009]

Good to see Thunder smash the Lakers in the 4th quarter. Haven't watch the game, so I don't know if both teams were going all out, but Thunder needed to send a message.

[baseline bum]

some people are so far behidn in a race that they actually believe they're leading

Keep your eye on the tiger, man!

[exstatic]

no

What else makes sense? It’s flat dumb to fight this late in the season instead of rolling over to collect that top 12 pick.

[spurraider21]

Keep your eye on the tiger, man!
METEOR

[spurraider21]

What else makes sense? It’s flat dumb to fight this late in the season instead of rolling over to collect that top 12 pick.
inconsistent teams are inconsistent. sometimes lavine disappears. sometimes he pops off.

i dont think derozan/sabonis/lavine are out there winning or losing games on purpose. theyre trying to win.

[Ice009]

I just saw Luka was ejected while the game was still in balance, so it's not a legit OKC win like I thought :(. Darn, means the Lakers confidence against OKC probably isn't shaken due to not seeing how the game would have went with their best player out there.

[spurraider21]

upon popular request, today's wish list:

Orlando over Boston (keep orlando ahead of ATL)
Dallas over Lukers (standings against both Sacto and ATL)
Miami over Chicago (they're tied... but Miami has a h2h tiebreaker over ATL, so they are the preferred winners to konck ATL to the lower play-in bracket)
Portland over Utah (help us clinch the 8 spot)
Nuggets over Kings (i think we're boned with the kings pick, but if theres any hope, they gotta lose)
Warriors over Spurs (help clinch the 8 spot)

[Sugus]

upon popular request, today's wish list:

Orlando over Boston (keep orlando ahead of ATL)
Dallas over Lukers (standings against both Sacto and ATL)
Miami over Chicago (they're tied... but Miami has a h2h tiebreaker over ATL, so they are the preferred winners to konck ATL to the lower play-in bracket)
Portland over Utah (help us clinch the 8 spot)
Nuggets over Kings (i think we're boned with the kings pick, but if theres any hope, they gotta lose)
Warriors over Spurs (help clinch the 8 spot)

I appreciate these man, keep it up, thanks!

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

upon popular request, today's wish list:

Orlando over Boston (keep orlando ahead of ATL)
Dallas over Lukers (standings against both Sacto and ATL)
Miami over Chicago (they're tied... but Miami has a h2h tiebreaker over ATL, so they are the preferred winners to konck ATL to the lower play-in bracket)
Portland over Utah (help us clinch the 8 spot)
Nuggets over Kings (i think we're boned with the kings pick, but if theres any hope, they gotta lose)
Warriors over Spurs (help clinch the 8 spot)

Why do you have Miami holding the tie breaker? They split their games, neither team is a division winner(although Atlanta still have a chance) and Atlanta have a better conference record.

As for the results, I disagree with some - I want a Sacramento win so they’d have a better record than Atlanta. Also Spurs over Warriors because we’re pretty much locked in 8th anyway and fuck the Warriors as well.

[spurraider21]

Why do you have Miami holding the tie breaker? They split their games, neither team is a division winner(although Atlanta still have a chance) and Atlanta have a better conference record.
i took this guys word for it


Need a Heat win vs Bulls tomorrow.

Heat own the tiebreaker over Hawks via beyter division record.

Hawks own the tiebreaker over Bulls due to better conference record.

Basically need Heat to win out and have the Hawks lose one more game against either Nets, Sixers or Magic, then the Hawks will drop to 9.

Unfortunately I think the Magic may rest players in the final game against the Hawks if they have secured the 7 spot.


As for the results, I disagree with some - I want a Sacramento win so they’d have a better record than Atlanta. Also Spurs over Warriors because we’re pretty much locked in 8th anyway and fuck the Warriors as well.
yeah this is fair. may be too much of a pipe dream for the sacto pick to not convey, so possibly better just to ensure they stay above ATL. could see that one either way