Around the League / Regular Season Thread (Upstairs Version)

[RC_Drunkford]

This is hilarious. Joker is a genius.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sGY_tcuzTs

[ambchang]

OKC would win the next two-three in a row but would have absolutely no way to keep that roster together after that and would be tapped out of assets. Wouldn't be the worst thing for the Spurs tbh.

OKC will flip the non core good player for picks and or young talent to keep that pipeline. Their front office only has to identify the core pieces who can’t be moved (Shia, Chet and maybe J-dub) then rotate pieces around them. Like the jordan, Pippen, grant/rodman core or the duncan, manu, Parker core.

[spursparker9]

This is hilarious. Joker is a genius.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sGY_tcuzTs

That is CP3, Draymond, Rondo's level

:rollin But still kudos to Ant and Rudy being light hearted enough to acknowledge this. Some players would deny other players' greatness.

Ant's reaction is so real :lol He definitely has the charisma to be face of league over Tatum, Luka and SGA

[ace3g]

Apparently, Embiid shoved a reporter tonight.

[LeBowen]

And Mitchell knocked out the Bucks.
Another L, even with both stars playing well.

[Dejounte]

Wow 7-0 record for the cavs who have two non shooting players in the starting lineup

[CGD]

And Mitchell knocked out the Bucks.
Another L, even with both stars playing well.

That situation is getting spicy. Can definitely see the pressure building to move one of Dame or Middleton if they keep this up.

[spursgu]

Milwaukee's karma for how they did Coach Bud. Bud/Jrue for Rivers/Dame is not gonna do it.

[lefty]

Milwaukee's karma for how they did Coach Bud. Bud/Jrue for Rivers/Dame is not gonna do it.
:lol amd Darvin Ham is am assistant coach

[ambchang]

Apparently, Embiid shoved a reporter tonight.

The reporter referenced embiids dead brother and son, and also questioned embiid desire to play and staying in shape.

Embiid took issue with both.

Tried to read the article but it’s behind a pay wall.

[ambchang]

Wow 7-0 record for the cavs who have two non shooting players in the starting lineup

They are a decent team but I think it’s a mirage. They will end up 3rd to 5th in the east.

[Mr. Body]

H town is going to be fascinating to watch. They were getting destroyed by a Curry-less Warriors team then stormed back sitting Jalen Green and Sengun.

FVV is possibly starting to fall off. Green's efficiency is trending back to bad. Sengun is a bad fit. The comeback was lead by Tari Eason, Aaron Holiday, some good play by JSJ.

I think the comeback was a bit of a mirage. Classic game where a team gets their foot off the pedal. It was a no contest before then. Cam Whitmore is not playing a ton likely due to BBIQ issues and Sheppard hasn't found the floor a ton either.

[CGD]

Man watching Garland, I wish the Spurs would have gone harder for him this past summer when he was in all those rumors.

[CGD]

H town is going to be fascinating to watch. They were getting destroyed by a Curry-less Warriors team then stormed back sitting Jalen Green and Sengun.

FVV is possibly starting to fall off. Green's efficiency is trending back to bad. Sengun is a bad fit. The comeback was lead by Tari Eason, Aaron Holiday, some good play by JSJ.

I think the comeback was a bit of a mirage. Classic game where a team gets their foot off the pedal. It was a no contest before then. Cam Whitmore is not playing a ton likely due to BBIQ issues and Sheppard hasn't found the floor a ton either.

I think they’re the team that can make the huge Giannis offer. They have the right combination of young players and picks. They’re right there with OKC.

[exstatic]

I think they’re the team that can make the huge Giannis offer. They have the right combination of young players and picks. They’re right there with OKC.

I think OKC has the edge, because they have young talent AND picks. Houston still has some pick debt to clear up.

[CGD]

I think OKC has the edge, because they have young talent AND picks. Houston still has some pick debt to clear up.

Agree, if they decide to go for it. Feels like they want to see what they have with this core for a 1-2 years, or at least until they have to really pay people. The writing is kinda on the wall in Houston.

[LeBowen]

I think OKC has the edge, because they have young talent AND picks. Houston still has some pick debt to clear up.

The issue with trading for an MVP-level player is that most often you're left with nothing and it becomes somewhat of a lateral move.
Spurs could trade for Giannis, but then we'd have very few picks left and would have to rebuild the entire supporting cast.

OKC can just offer Williams+salary+6 FRPs and they'd be the best team in the league without even needing to bring in anyone else.
No other team can do it.

Anyhow, I don't think Giannis gets traded before the next summer, who knows what might happen by then.

[exstatic]

The issue with trading for an MVP-level player is that most often you're left with nothing and it becomes somewhat of a lateral move.
Spurs could trade for Giannis, but then we'd have very few picks left and would have to rebuild the entire supporting cast.

OKC can just offer Williams+salary+6 FRPs and they'd be the best team in the league without even needing to bring in anyone else.
No other team can do it.

Anyhow, I don't think Giannis gets traded before the next summer, who knows what might happen by then.

If I’m Milwaukee, I would ABSOLUTELY insist that Cason Wallace be included along with JWill. I’d even forgo a pick or pick and swap for it. He’s a really good defender, and shot 42% from 3 as a rookie. It would be like being given a mulligan on the stupid, shitty Jrue trade.

[spursparker9]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i19h-aO8KtU&pp=ygUUdGhpbmtpbmcgYmFza2V0YmFsbCA%3D

[Mr. Body]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i19h-aO8KtU&pp=ygUUdGhpbmtpbmcgYmFza2V0YmFsbCA%3D

Jerkin' it to OKC again?

[DAF86]

H town is going to be fascinating to watch. They were getting destroyed by a Curry-less Warriors team then stormed back sitting Jalen Green and Sengun.

FVV is possibly starting to fall off. Green's efficiency is trending back to bad. Sengun is a bad fit. The comeback was lead by Tari Eason, Aaron Holiday, some good play by JSJ.

I think the comeback was a bit of a mirage. Classic game where a team gets their foot off the pedal. It was a no contest before then. Cam Whitmore is not playing a ton likely due to BBIQ issues and Sheppard hasn't found the floor a ton either.

They simply suck. A bunch of mid flawed players and they paid them all. I would be depressed as fuck if I were a Rockets fan, tbh. :lol

[Strategic]

OKC already looking like the best team in the league. Why would they blow it up for Giannis?

[Mr. Body]

They simply suck. A bunch of mid flawed players and they paid them all. I would be depressed as fuck if I were a Rockets fan, tbh. :lol

I was trying to think of what package Milwaukee would want.

Sengun requires a certain kind of play. May work better in the EC. He has talent, but maybe a ceiling. And then those future Brooklyn picks.

I'm not sure who I'd really want from their roster. There are some good pieces, but each is flawed.

Jabari Smith Jr is still only 21, but is sort of the same player he was coming in and may be looking for a big payday. It's hard to envision him becoming a centerpiece.

Amen Thompson is a year older but only a second year player. If he can't shoot, and I don't think he will, he needs to be really good at everything else.

Jalen Green is also only 22, but he's trending back toward inefficient both in hitting shots and taking the right ones, and is a poor defender.

Tari Eason is a good energy/bench guy who is physical and defensive, but can he scale up to larger minutes?

Cam Whitmore's minutes have dropped in half and he has not been good at all, a sign of a limited skillset that the league has already figured out.

Reed Sheppard, I fear is too small and slow to be effective, cannot create space with poor handles and so is more of an opportunistic scorer (i.e. teams forget about him).

It's rough, to be honest, and it's great to see. They've been playing great defense generally under Udoka and when things work, it's great, but I feel like there are real chemistry issues here both game- and personality-wise. The next 15-20 games will be really interesting to see. If FVV really is declining and they have to depend on Green to stir the offense when not Sengun, it's hard to know what they are going to do.

[Mr. Body]

OKC already looking like the best team in the league. Why would they blow it up for Giannis?

They got beaten really badly by Dallas in the playoffs. The overall record didn't really show it, but they were pretty much crushed. They beat a bad and hurt Pelicans team and then got knocked around by a very physical Mavs team. I don't think that means they need to hit the trade button, but they could consider it.

[exstatic]

They simply suck. A bunch of mid flawed players and they paid them all. I would be depressed as fuck if I were a Rockets fan, tbh. :lol

They bought veterans one a season too soon. Their 2024 pick was 12, and went to OKC, but it was top 10 protected. Wouldn’t have taken much to save it. They got lucky as fuck that the BKN pick jumped 6 spots to #3.

[exstatic]

They got beaten really badly by Dallas in the playoffs. The overall record didn't really show it, but they were pretty much crushed. They beat a bad and hurt Pelicans team and then got knocked around by a very physical Mavs team. I don't think that means they need to hit the trade button, but they could consider it.
They addressed that, though, with Caruso covering Giddey’s weaknesses and Hartenstein to bolster the boards, where they got murdered by Dallas's front line.

[RC_Drunkford]

The West looks pretty mediocre at the start of the season. OKC, Mavs, Suns, Grizzlies and Wolves should be the top 5. After them you got the washed up Lakers and Warriors, Denver who only got 4 real players and are heavily dependent on Jamal Murray playing at an All-Star level, NOLA, Sacramento with empty stat Kings Sabonis and DeRozan and the Rockets.

I think we got a good chance to make some noise in that range, since none of these teams look scary. The Clippers, Blazers and Jazz should be at the bottom of the standings.

[R. DeMurre]

Wow 7-0 record for the cavs who have two non shooting players in the starting lineup

Are you calling Mobley a non-shooter? I think that was true earlier in his career, but he shot 37% last year from three on limited attempts, and is shooting over 41% on slightly higher volume this season. Still not a high volume shooter, but definitely evolving in a positive sense.

[LeBowen]

They addressed that, though, with Caruso covering Giddey’s weaknesses and Hartenstein to bolster the boards, where they got murdered by Dallas's front line.

Creation was their biggest issue.
Can't hold it against Williams because it was his first playoff run, but SGA had to do everything.
We'll see how it goes this season, but last season they didn't have enough points in them when actual playoff basketball was played.

[exstatic]

Are you calling Mobley a non-shooter? I think that was true earlier in his career, but he shot 37% last year from three on limited attempts, and is shooting over 41% on slightly higher volume this season. Still not a high volume shooter, but definitely evolving in a positive sense.

And people were writing off a high level player and defender who didn’t develop his shot until season three. Sound familiar?

The interesting thing is that he went from a 66-67% FT shooter to an 89% FT shooter, small sample size, this year. Whoever Cleveland’s shooting coach is, we need to hire them, yesterday.

[Dejounte]

Are you calling Mobley a non-shooter? I think that was true earlier in his career, but he shot 37% last year from three on limited attempts, and is shooting over 41% on slightly higher volume this season. Still not a high volume shooter, but definitely evolving in a positive sense.

He’s as much of a shooter as Okoro is (who averages similar numbers) and nobody is saying Okoro is evolving as a shooter in any sense. Any percentage under 2 attempts should be taken with a grain of salt. The Spurs equivalent here is that if Sochan had positive percentages right now on his sub 2 attempts a game, nobody is going to think he’s a shooter. Everybody would still think that he’s a non shooter because most of his other field goals are taken inside. A shooter’s rep starts from a high number of attempts with percentages to back it up. Evan’s not suddenly going to take his game outside as a shooter because that’s not who he is, therefore, he will not be recognized as a shooter — not now or ever.

[Dejounte]

And people were writing off a high level player and defender who didn’t develop his shot until season three. Sound familiar?

The interesting thing is that he went from a 66-67% FT shooter to an 89% FT shooter, small sample size, this year. Whoever Cleveland’s shooting coach is, we need to hire them, yesterday.

Saying something is “small sample size” and then taking it to heart is backwards. Call it what it is and end it there… don’t pretend to derive any logical conclusion behind it. This is how masses are easily misled— we see it in politics, and it’s rampant here too, from basketball stat enthusiasts who get it wrong from time to time. In your case, ex, a lot.

[CGD]

I was trying to think of what package Milwaukee would want.

Sengun requires a certain kind of play. May work better in the EC. He has talent, but maybe a ceiling. And then those future Brooklyn picks.

I'm not sure who I'd really want from their roster. There are some good pieces, but each is flawed.

Jabari Smith Jr is still only 21, but is sort of the same player he was coming in and may be looking for a big payday. It's hard to envision him becoming a centerpiece.

Amen Thompson is a year older but only a second year player. If he can't shoot, and I don't think he will, he needs to be really good at everything else.

Jalen Green is also only 22, but he's trending back toward inefficient both in hitting shots and taking the right ones, and is a poor defender.

Tari Eason is a good energy/bench guy who is physical and defensive, but can he scale up to larger minutes?

Cam Whitmore's minutes have dropped in half and he has not been good at all, a sign of a limited skillset that the league has already figured out.

Reed Sheppard, I fear is too small and slow to be effective, cannot create space with poor handles and so is more of an opportunistic scorer (i.e. teams forget about him).

It's rough, to be honest, and it's great to see. They've been playing great defense generally under Udoka and when things work, it's great, but I feel like there are real chemistry issues here both game- and personality-wise. The next 15-20 games will be really interesting to see. If FVV really is declining and they have to depend on Green to stir the offense when not Sengun, it's hard to know what they are going to do.

It’s pretty much choose your own adventure, but there is enough there to kick start a very good rebuild in MIL. Personally, for balance, I’d insist on Sheppard, Green, and one of Tari/Jabari. Then as many picks as you can get.

I’d want none of Según.

[Mr. Body]

They addressed that, though, with Caruso covering Giddey’s weaknesses and Hartenstein to bolster the boards, where they got murdered by Dallas's front line.

Caruso just replicates what they already have. That's fine. Hartenstein is the only fix they made to where they were getting demolished, on the boards and inside.

[Mr. Body]

Creation was their biggest issue.
Can't hold it against Williams because it was his first playoff run, but SGA had to do everything.
We'll see how it goes this season, but last season they didn't have enough points in them when actual playoff basketball was played.

This was OKC's other issue. Only SGA could get his own shot, plus he wasn't getting the SGA bullshit calls he normally does. Williams is a really good player but he's not a guy who goes out and gets you points.

[Mr. Body]

It’s pretty much choose your own adventure, but there is enough there to kick start a very good rebuild in MIL. Personally, for balance, I’d insist on Sheppard, Green, and one of Tari/Jabari. Then as many picks as you can get.

I’d want none of Según.

I don't know what I'd do, if Giannis wants to go to Houston. ( believe he has a no-trade clause?)

Tbh I don't see any package here I like. I don't like any of these players much. Jalen Green is a grinning chucker who won't win you games on a consistent, real basis. I don't believe in Sheppard at all, he's filler.

The only player with winning skills is Sengun and he's so problematic. I guess I'd want Sengun and JSJ with Sheppard in there. Then ask for Brooklyn/Houston picks. If I had to make a trade. I wouldn't want Green.

[DAF86]

Damn, we missed the chance to get Cam Johnson last season.

[LeBowen]

Damn, we missed the chance to get Cam Johnson last season.

It's not like he's going anywhere.
It would probably take Collins+2FRPs. No way Spurs pay that price and Nets won't let him go for just one FRP.

[DAF86]

It's not like he's going anywhere.
It would probably take Collins+2FRPs. No way Spurs pay that price and Nets won't let him go for just one FRP.

Not now, they won't. Last season they might have done it. That's why I said we missed the chance.

[LeBowen]

Not now, they won't. Last season they might have done it. That's why I said we missed the chance.

What's the difference between then and now?
I'd argue that they didn't want to make any winning moves in the summer because they weren't sure how the team would fare.
If we're around .500 before the deadline, they might aswell add a piece or two since it will be impossible to tank. Might aswell compete.

[DAF86]

What's the difference between then and now?
I'd argue that they didn't want to make any winning moves in the summer because they weren't sure how the team would fare.
If we're around .500 before the deadline, they might aswell add a piece or two since it will be impossible to tank. Might aswell compete.

The difference is the Nets seem to be competing this season and Cam seems on the verge of transitioning from role player to fringe 3rd option.

[LeBowen]

The difference is the Nets seem to be competing this season and Cam seems on the verge of transitioning from role player to fringe 3rd option.

It's been 6 games.
Right now they're showcasing their best players in hope to generate some more assets.

Cam Johnson, Schroeder, DFS are all available, maybe even Claxton if someone offers enough.
They have no incentive to compete with 2025 draft looking so strong.

[tbdog]

Nets starting 5 are all NBA players. Gravity will win out. They will trade players, injuries happen, and they will be having only 2 or 3 real NBA players on any given night.

[Mr. Body]

Nets are playing above their level and will start stinking. They want to tank anyway.

If anyone offered two FRPs for Cam Johnson they'd push him out the door in a second.

[Strategic]

Spurs don’t tip until 9:30 at the Clips tomorrow night. Gonna have to get a nap tomorrow afternoon. Love retirement

[Dex]

Spurs don’t tip until 9:30 at the Clips tomorrow night. Gonna have to get a nap tomorrow afternoon. Love retirement

I hate 9:30 CT games so much. I used to be able to justify it when the Spurs were winning chips, but lately it's been hard to lose sleep over the games.

Lotta times I'll watch the first half then finish it the next day or whatever. Kills some of the surprise, but I'm old and like my sleep

[exstatic]

I hate 9:30 CT games so much. I used to be able to justify it when the Spurs were winning chips, but lately it's been hard to lose sleep over the games.

Lotta times I'll walk the first half then finish it the next day or whatever. Kills some of the surprise, but I'm old and like my sleep

I don’t even do 8:30 anymore, or maybe just the first half. I’ve set FUBO to record this, and I’ll watch it tomorrow morning.

[Strategic]

I hate 9:30 CT games so much. I used to be able to justify it when the Spurs were winning chips, but lately it's been hard to lose sleep over the games.

Lotta times I'll watch the first half then finish it the next day or whatever. Kills some of the surprise, but I'm old and like my sleep when I was working I needed to get to bed by 8pm. I couldn’t even finish the early games when the Spurs were relevant.

[LeBowen]

I don’t even do 8:30 anymore, or maybe just the first half. I’ve set FUBO to record this, and I’ll watch it tomorrow morning.

League pass is great if you're not watching like.
1h40min full game with TOs cut out and now they even added a ~30-40min version that's perfect for catching up with stuff around the league. They cut irrelevant possessions, free throws etc.
I always hated watching those 10min highlights on youtube without any misses, can't figure out what actually happened.

[spurraider21]

They got beaten really badly by Dallas in the playoffs. The overall record didn't really show it, but they were pretty much crushed. They beat a bad and hurt Pelicans team and then got knocked around by a very physical Mavs team. I don't think that means they need to hit the trade button, but they could consider it.
:lol the brazenness with which you repeat this after having already been corrected on it


Statistically, the Dallas/OKC series was about as close as you can get without going seven games. They were tied 2-2 after four games, and Dallas won game 6 by one point. If you look at the advanced stats, there's a really rare statistical anomaly: both teams finished the series with an identical Offensive Rating and Defensive Rating of 112.3 ORtg/112.3 DRtg, and both teams averaged an identical 106 ppg.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2024-nba-western-conference-semifinals-mavericks-vs-thunder.html

[Dex]

League pass is great if you're not watching like.
1h40min full game with TOs cut out and now they even added a ~30-40min version that's perfect for catching up with stuff around the league. They cut irrelevant possessions, free throws etc.
I always hated watching those 10min highlights on youtube without any misses, can't figure out what actually happened.

What I really hate are the highlight videos that play everything out of order! Completely takes the context out, even on the greatest plays

[Mr. Body]

Tonight in games that interest us:


Atlanta plays Boston and should get roflstomped.

Memphis play Brooklyn. Not important to us, but I'm curious about how these two teams are right now. They're 4-3 and 3-4.

Utah at Chicago. Should get a win for the Bulls.

NYK come into Houston. Knicks haven't been great, Rockets are a little rocky at the moment.

Charlotte visit a rested T-Wolves team, should be a loss but who knows.


Enjoy. There is no basketball tomorrow.

[scott]

I think OKC has the edge, because they have young talent AND picks. Houston still has some pick debt to clear up.

OKC definitely has the edge if they wanted to go for Giannis, but the thing is that they don’t need Giannis and they probably don’t even really want him.

[exstatic]

OKC definitely has the edge if they wanted to go for Giannis, but the thing is that they don’t need Giannis and they probably don’t even really want him.

I agree. I think they need to let the sauce bubble for a while, and see what they have. It was just a thought exercise.

[mo7888]

OKC definitely has the edge if they wanted to go for Giannis, but the thing is that they don’t need Giannis and they probably don’t even really want him.

It feels like a NY team to me for his next team...

[exstatic]

It feels like a NY team to me for his next team...

Well, Brooklyn is out, due to tanking, and NYK already made their flashy trade.

[mo7888]

Well, Brooklyn is out, due to tanking, and NYK already made their flashy trade.

I think the Knicks find a way...

[spurraider21]

Well, Brooklyn is out, due to tanking, and NYK already made their flashy trade.
mind boggling how much they gave up for Bridges. and he's a very good player, but man, 4 unprotected... in addition to the bucks first round pick which might not even be so bad this year :lol

[exstatic]

I think the Knicks find a way...

How? They have pretty much the exact team they want, with KAT and the Villanova squad. They’re not trading any (more) of them, because they’re all good shooting two way players. It was a massive contortion just to get the KAT trade done, including signing 3 players to their roster, one of which had to be released from his European team, to get the deal even done. Their bag of tricks is just empty.

[exstatic]

mind boggling how much they gave up for Bridges. and he's a very good player, but man, 4 unprotected... in addition to the bucks first round pick which might not even be so bad this year :lol

I’m not sure anyone saw his shooting going over a cliff the way it has.

As an aside, these mega trades are blowing up in a continuous string. Paul George walked away this summer, and the Clippers aren’t even done paying for his trade. This will become more and more the norm until teams stop paying stupid prices for overrated players who won’t put them over the finish line.

One of the best recent trades was Jrue Holiday. Once the dust settled on the original three team trade, Boston picked up a former Champ and at the time 5 times All D player from Portland. It cost them two FRPs.

[lefty]

I’m not sure anyone saw his shooting going over a cliff the way it has.

As an aside, these mega trades are blowing up in a continuous string. Paul George walked away this summer, and the Clippers aren’t even done paying for his trade. This will become more and more the norm until teams stop paying stupid prices for overrated players who won’t put them over the finish line.

One of the best recent trades was Jrue Holiday. Once the dust settled on the original three team trade, Boston picked up a former Champ and at the time 5 times All D player from Portland. It cost them two FRPs.
His shooting is fine now

[mo7888]

How? They have pretty much the exact team they want, with KAT and the Villanova squad. They’re not trading any (more) of them, because they’re all good shooting two way players. It was a massive contortion just to get the KAT trade done, including signing 3 players to their roster, one of which had to be released from his European team, to get the deal even done. Their bag of tricks is just empty.

To get the freak they'll move anything they have to. Probably two of OG, Mikal, and Hart plus picks and a couple other smaller parts. That coupled with some sort of ultimatum from Giannis should make it interesting.

[exstatic]

To get the freak they'll move anything they have to. Probably two of OG, Mikal, and Hart plus picks and a couple other smaller parts. That coupled with some sort of ultimatum from Giannis should make it interesting.

So, Brunson, KAT, And Freak, with no backup or bench? That ain’t even winning the East, let alone a title.

Brunson’s dad works in the FO, and Jalen took a haircut, a big one, specifically to bring in these players. It’s way too early to chuck that, not to mention Jalen being fucking pissed off.

[mo7888]

So, Brunson, KAT, And Freak, with no backup or bench? That ain’t even winning the East, let alone a title.

Brunson’s dad works in the FO, and Jalen took a haircut, a big one, specifically to bring in these players. It’s way too early to chuck that, not to mention Jalen being fucking pissed off.

Ain't winning the East huh? Maybe not, but they'd be closer than they are now imo. You look at things from a certain point of view and conclude they're incontrovertible, but they aren't. If they were Donovan Mitchell would never have resigned with Garland still on the roster. You made that argument over and over. In all honesty, it was a logical argument, the only problem is that it assumes all parties are 'logical'. That rarely happens with the FO egos in most organizations. NY has a long history or being illogical, overpaying, and chasing the Shiney object. There's also already smoke out there re: their interest in Giannis. As for Jalen being pissed... I don't think that's remotely accurate. He took a haircut to put better talent around him and if he thinks Giannis > OG + Hart or Mikal talent wise then he'll be thrilled because his haircut brought a greater return.

[LeBowen]

Ain't winning the East huh? Maybe not, but they'd be closer than they are now imo. You look at things from a certain point of view and conclude they're incontrovertible, but they aren't. If they were Donovan Mitchell would never have resigned with Garland still on the roster. You made that argument over and over. In all honesty, it was a logical argument, the only problem is that it assumes all parties are 'logical'. That rarely happens with the FO egos in most organizations. NY has a long history or being illogical, overpaying, and chasing the Shiney object. There's also already smoke out there re: their interest in Giannis. As for Jalen being pissed... I don't think that's remotely accurate. He took a haircut to put better talent around him and if he thinks Giannis > OG + Hart or Mikal talent wise then he'll be thrilled because his haircut brought a greater return.

All of this is whataboutism because there's no way Giannis gets traded before the next summer unless OKC offers Williams and 7 FRPs or something.

Knicks have nothing to offer that a tanking team would value.
Bridges is 28, Hart is 29 and they have no tradeable FRPs whatsoever.

OKC, Spurs, Utah, Rockets, Nets are the only teams with enough assets.
I doubt Giannis would want to join teams that have nothing going for them unless there are realistic free agency targets to add.
And 2025 free agency class doesn't look great if we talk players that would be a good fit with Giannis.

He's kind of fucked if we talk getting another ring, tbh.
It's OKC or treadmill teams.

[exstatic]

Ain't winning the East huh? Maybe not, but they'd be closer than they are now imo. You look at things from a certain point of view and conclude they're incontrovertible, but they aren't. If they were Donovan Mitchell would never have resigned with Garland still on the roster. You made that argument over and over. In all honesty, it was a logical argument, the only problem is that it assumes all parties are 'logical'. That rarely happens with the FO egos in most organizations. NY has a long history or being illogical, overpaying, and chasing the Shiney object. There's also already smoke out there re: their interest in Giannis. As for Jalen being pissed... I don't think that's remotely accurate. He took a haircut to put better talent around him and if he thinks Giannis > OG + Hart or Mikal talent wise then he'll be thrilled because his haircut brought a greater return.
Donovan re-signed with Cleveland because he realized that there was no longer a path to NY. They had their team.

[mo7888]

Donovan re-signed with Cleveland because he realized that there was no longer a path to NY. They had their team.

Oh... so the landscape changed...and the outcome likewise changed...

Good to know..

[mo7888]

All of this is whataboutism because there's no way Giannis gets traded before the next summer unless OKC offers Williams and 7 FRPs or something.

Knicks have nothing to offer that a tanking team would value.
Bridges is 28, Hart is 29 and they have no tradeable FRPs whatsoever.

OKC, Spurs, Utah, Rockets, Nets are the only teams with enough assets.
I doubt Giannis would want to join teams that have nothing going for them unless there are realistic free agency targets to add.
And 2025 free agency class doesn't look great if we talk players that would be a good fit with Giannis.

He's kind of fucked if we talk getting another ring, tbh.
It's OKC or treadmill teams.

It begs the question: would Milwaukee be a tankingbteam or a team trying to hold on? Obviously, you assume they'd be a tanking team. That would be the smarter move and in that scenario they move Bridges and OG elsewhere for picks.... there are different ways to achieve their goal, no matter what there goal is.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

It begs the question: would Milwaukee be a tankingbteam or a team trying to hold on? Obviously, you assume they'd be a tanking team. That would be the smarter move and in that scenario they move Bridges and OG elsewhere for picks.... there are different ways to achieve their goal, no matter what there goal is.

Milwaukee can't tank, they don't control their picks until 2031. They don't even have a second round pick until then. They're not trading Giannis, and even if he asks out they'd want good players more than picks.

[LeBowen]

https://x.com/shamscharania/status/1853897981033848895

Jokic will have to average like 32/13/10 if they're to stay above .500.
Magic has their 2025 pick, top5 protected. Could be great for them, maybe even late teens.

[spurraider21]

brutal

[mo7888]

Milwaukee can't tank, they don't control their picks until 2031. They don't even have a second round pick until then. They're not trading Giannis, and even if he asks out they'd want good players more than picks.

Good point on their lack of firsts...

[Strategic]

Damn back at it with the Rockets tomorrow night. Bunch of scrubs. Somebody start the thread and we can trash them for the entire day.

[lefty]

https://x.com/haterreport_/status/1853944873411305696

[exstatic]

https://x.com/haterreport_/status/1853944873411305696

:rollin

[cutewizard]

The injuries pile up

And this is just the first month

[cutewizard]

Good question is

Which team is going to win the second Cup crown

Any guesses guys?

[lefty]

:wow Sabonis

[Ice009]

What's the 30-40 minute version, LeBowen? Is that the "all possessions" your referring to on NBALP? I can't remember as I did have NBA LP last season.

[spurraider21]

:lol utah ahead of milwaukee late in the 2nd

[CGD]

Gotta say, the few times I’ve watched them this Chicago team is fun to watch

[onechance87]

:lol utah ahead of milwaukee late in the 2nd

if they lose this game,Doc should be fired right after.Maybe even think about blowing it up by trade deadline if its still bad.

[couchman]

It’s wild that the Spurs and Hawks have identical 4-5 records but we are near the bottom in the West while Atlanta is in playoff position. The East sucks so bad so far that maybe Charlotte and Chicago convey their picks?

[exstatic]

It’s wild that the Spurs and Hawks have identical 4-5 records but we are near the bottom in the West while Atlanta is in playoff position. The East sucks so bad so far that maybe Charlotte and Chicago convey their picks?

Even with awful starts, I expect both Milwaukee and Philly to make the playoffs. The likely fallers are ATL and CHA.

[Mr. Body]

Even with awful starts, I expect both Milwaukee and Philly to make the playoffs. The likely fallers are ATL and CHA.

I wonder. I think Philly's season is about done already. I don't know about the Bucks.

Atlanta unfortunately looks fairly good. Mediocre, which is enough. They get Detroit tonight which will be worth a look. Detroit is getting after teams a little bit.

[Mugen]

:lol No one is getting written off less than 10 games into the season. Especially in the East.

Philly as shitty as they've been are only 2 games out of the 6th spot.

All these mediocre teams (as long as they own their '25 pick) will start tanking HARD in a few months tbh. This draft class is too damn good.

[Mr. Body]

:lol No one is getting written off less than 10 games into the season. Especially in the East.

Philly as shitty as they've been are only 2 games out of the 6th spot.

All these mediocre teams (as long as they own their '25 pick) will start tanking HARD in a few months tbh. This draft class is too damn good.

Man, Maxey just went down. I doubt we see Embiid much this year. If an old and often injured Paul George can get a bad team winning games, then fine. I don't see it. They're going to be limping along into mid-December and pack it in.

[scott]

Man, Maxey just went down. I doubt we see Embiid much this year. If an old and often injured Paul George can get a bad team winning games, then fine. I don't see it. They're going to be limping along into mid-December and pack it in.

If that's the case, I wonder if PHI even looks to move George at the deadline (assuming they are allowed to)

[LeBowen]

If that's the case, I wonder if PHI even looks to move George at the deadline (assuming they are allowed to)

They can't even tank. Their pick is top6 protected, no way they get all the way to the bottom.

[LeBowen]

Cavs looking legit, Warriors got ran over, down 41 at the half. :)

[timtonymanu]

Good. Fuck the Warriors!

[Pauleta14]

Halliburton really conned Indiana into giving him the max... :lmao

He looks worse since the ASG break than he looked impressive before. He's just a 1/2 season wonder

[Pauleta14]

Trae almost got ATL a win giving their 1st lead 8sec from the end

Cunningham saved the day nice layup for the lead + block at the buzzer

[exstatic]

Atlanta loses, and Charlotte wins, and they trade places like 10 pick apart, because the East isn’t much better than the gleague.

[onechance87]

brandon boston jr with a good game 26 points for new orleans.Should of gave him a two way contract.But we cut him instead.Cause we cant
scout talent with our stupid front office.

[exstatic]

brandon boston jr with a good game 26 points for new orleans.Should of gave him a two way contract.But we cut him instead.Cause we cant
scout talent with our stupid front office.

The team that actually expended a draft pick for him cut him. Are you going to go haunt their board and call their GM stupid, too? The level of talent needed to even make the NBA is unbelievable,but within that stratum, there are fucking scrubs, and BB is one of them. When guys are put into situations in the short term due to injuries,and are NOT game planned for, they often have surprising bursts of productivity. KBD once scored 30 points for us against the Lakers, and was not re-signed. Are you going to cry over that, too?

[LeBowen]

https://x.com/shamscharania/status/1855325720438010044

If I was in charge, I'd trade him for 2 FRPs, tbh.
Just get rid before you have to attachs picks just to get his contract off the books.

[Mr. Body]

Just pack it in Zion. You've never been healthy. Not even in college.

[scott]

Zion has played in 48% of NOPs games since being drafted, and has missed every single playoff game (10).

They should definitely trade while they can.

[Mr. Body]

Zion has played in 48% of NOPs games since being drafted, and has missed every single playoff game (10).

They should definitely trade while they can.

This is like when Ben Shapiro said that people worried that their houses on the coast of Florida would soon be permanently underwater should just sell their houses.

[LeBowen]

This is like when Ben Shapiro said that people worried that their houses on the coast of Florida would soon be permanently underwater should just sell their houses.

Tbh, in both cases, there's always a buyer dumb enough to go for it.
If shit hits the fan in Milwaukee, Pelicans will definitely make a call.
They're in an identical situations to ours with the Hawks. They have Bucks' 2025 and 207 FRPs, 2026 swap.

Zion, Herb, 2025 MIL, 2027 MIL, 2026 swap, 2025 NOLA, 2028 swap, 2029 NOLA, 2030 swap, 2031 NOLA. (can't trade 2027 due to a swap with the Hawks)
That would be 5 FRPs, 4 swaps and if Bucks decide to tank, Herb can surely get them at least one more FRP and swap.

DJ, Hawkins, Alvarado, Ingram, Murphy III still on the roster. They'd just need a legit big and to get rid of CJ's contract in order to extend Ingram.

[lefty20]

Nets beating the Cavs at home, wow, didn't see it coming

They play freely and have scorers all over the place

Someone (RC_Drunkford?) made fun of me when I said earlier this season that, Wemby aside, I envy their roster. I haven't changed my mind...

They have everything we miss

Makes sense. Cuz it didn't happen.

[Pauleta14]

Makes sense. Cuz it didn't happen.

I deleted my post less than a min after posting it. congrats, you're super quick

[lefty20]

I deleted my post less than a min after posting it. congrats, you're super quick

Doesn't change the fact that you were so eager to dunk on some other poster that you literally read the scoreboard wrong, then created an entire narrative around it and confidently posted it.

Like Pop says, don't skip any steps.

[Pauleta14]

Doesn't change the fact that you were so eager to dunk on some other poster that you literally read the scoreboard wrong, then created an entire narrative around it and confidently posted it.

Like Pop says, don't skip any steps.

WFT are you talking about? Are u drunk or something? :lol

The point was just that the Nets have nice players I wish we had and overall a better roster (minus Wemby) than the Spurs.

Chill

[Pauleta14]

The Bucks are the ones that'll end up with Cooper Flagg at this pace :lol

[LeBowen]

The Bucks are the ones that'll end up with Cooper Flagg at this pace :lol

Their upcoming games are really easy, it's false hope time. They'll probably go 8-2 against tanking teams.

Pacers look really good, outplayed the Knicks.

[Robz4000]

RIP Chet

[lefty20]

Got some good match-ups on tonight, lead by Dubs v Thunder and Mavs v Nuggets.

[lefty20]

RIP Chet

Just tuned into the game.

What happened? He get injured?

[Raven]

chet looked in a lot of pain, wouldn't surprise me if he broke his hip

[Robz4000]

Just tuned into the game.

What happened? He get injured?

Fell on his leg and couldn't put any weight on it. Had to be carried to the locker room.

[Strategic]

Fell on his leg and couldn't put any weight on it. Had to be carried to the locker room.. Wow and just like that

[heyheymymy]

Damn hate to hear that even if I’m not really a Chet fan

[Mugen]

Looked like a bad hip bruise tbh. Still painful but not a season ender.

[heyheymymy]

https://streamable.com/pkdud0

[TDomination]

Ouch, that was a hard fall. But He’ll be alright.

[lefty20]

https://streamable.com/pkdud0

Oof! Hopefully just a bruise and no structural damage to the hip.

[Pauleta14]

Their upcoming games are really easy, it's false hope time. They'll probably go 8-2 against tanking teams.

Pacers look really good, outplayed the Knicks.

Yeah I was joking

Pacers and Halliburton looked bad a week ago, I'll wait one more month to have a idea on tue levels.

I'm a bit stunned by the weakness of the Eastern conf tbh, I thought they'd be much better.

The 5th in East would be 12th in the West...

[Pauleta14]

RIP Chet

Fuck

I thought u meant he was posterised.

Looks like the hip but he can't put pressure on his right leg

[Pauleta14]

Just tuned into the game.

What happened? He get injured?

https://x.com/CourtsideBuzzX/status/1855778735267430628

[Mr. Body]

Chet is built like a broomstick golem.

[mystargtr34]

Surprised Chet didn’t take a chunk out of the hardwood with his skeleton ass landing on it like that

[spursparker9]

Bad fall for Chet. It seems like his usual jump trying to contest vertically but the momentum of Wiggins' upper body just knock into him and fall awkwardly.

Get well soon but the OKC really need to be nerf.

[Mr. Body]

Spoelstra is a goddamn genius.

[Strategic]

Chet banged up. Good time to call Presti and offer Collins for a dude.

[lefty20]

1855857971743346889

[Robz4000]

God damn

[CorrectCrusader]

Not great news for the league. He's a great player and fun to watch! He's also wembys son

[z0sa]

1855857971743346889

8-10 weeks indicates a serious fracture tbh. Iliac fractures are essentially broken hip "lite". He'll survive and shouldn't see any long term problems, unless there's nerve damage (ilium has multiple bone processes/markers for nerves going to the lower appendicular skeleton). During the recovery period, chances are it'll be a pain in the ass for him to do anything basketball related (considering they're forecasting 8-10 weeks). Your trunk and upper appendages weigh pretty heavily on the two coxal bones, the iliac being basically about 50+% of the total mass of your pelvic skeletal bones.

[lefty20]

8-10 weeks indicates a serious fracture tbh. Iliac fractures are essentially broken hip "lite". He'll survive and shouldn't see any long term problems, unless there's nerve damage (ilium has multiple bone processes/markers for nerves going to the lower appendicular skeleton). During the recovery period, chances are it'll be a pain in the ass for him to do anything basketball related (considering they're forecasting 8-10 weeks). Your trunk and upper appendages weigh pretty heavily on the two coxal bones, the iliac being basically about 50+% of the total mass of your pelvic skeletal bones.

Seems like a painful injury for even normal everyday things, let alone professional ball player things.

8-10 week wait for just for a return to action plan. Seems like we aint gonna see him on the court again till after the ASB, and I'd say that's being optimistic.

[z0sa]

Seems like a painful injury for even normal everyday things, let alone professional ball player things.

8-10 week wait for just for a return to action plan. Seems like we aint gonna see him on the court again till after the ASB, and I'd say that's being optimistic.

In my experience, 8-10 weeks would indeed be a short span of time to recover, and there's far more dangerous items (like blood clots) which could be at play. That said, I've learned never to underestimate the power of youth. :lol

[cutewizard]

Hope he recovers.....

[cutewizard]

Sad news coz he was Ballin....

Even though he is Wemby's rival, we wish him well.....

[exstatic]

Seems like a painful injury for even normal everyday things, let alone professional ball player things.

8-10 week wait for just for a return to action plan. Seems like we aint gonna see him on the court again till after the ASB, and I'd say that's being optimistic.

Yeah, 10 weeks from today is like the 20th of January…for them to tell us the plan. Looks like essentially the second missed season of his first three.

[Mr. Body]

Yikes, that could affect him long term.

I'd expect him out for this entire season. OKC has no playable centers right now.

[cutewizard]

Yikes, that could affect him long term.

I'd expect him out for this entire season. OKC has no playable centers right now.

We offer Collins??

[cutewizard]

Lady Luck denying OKC the NBA title

[LeBowen]

Feels bad for Chet, but that's the DPOY decided right there, tbh.

Also, Jokic is a top10 player ever, I don't care what anyone says. Get that man another legit star so he can win a couple more rings.

[Rosewood]

Really sucks, I like watching Chet play and he had a fantastic start. 8-10 weeks is brutal.

[Ice009]

I feel bad for the guy. When I first saw the video, I didn't think it was anything that serious. I thought he'd be back in a week or so. I hope it heals OK and nothing that can affect him going forward.

[mystargtr34]

Jokic has a chance to go down as 3rd in the GOAT debate after MJ and Lebron if he gets 3 rings and continues this statistical dominance until he’s 33-34.

[Mr. Body]

Really sucks, I like watching Chet play and he had a fantastic start. 8-10 weeks is brutal.

It's 8-10 weeks before they have an idea how long it will be.

[CGD]

That sucks! Chet was playing so well.

In general I don’t recall so many injuries to big players this early in a season. It’s a shame

[LeBowen]

https://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/injuries.fcgi

Current injury list is kind of ridiculous, some teams barely have enough players for a decent rotation.

[Strategic]

I really like Chet’s bbiq. He doesn’t seem to have Vic’s fluidity but his determination to get in the lane makes his game strong, but it always looks risky. Hope he can recover completely.

[spursparker9]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KDz96E3JDw

Doc say Chet actually is lucky that he did not suffer additional wrist or elbow fracture due to the fall. Also his lack of muscle might made the injury worst.

Nonetheless, speedy recovery to Chet. He seems like a humble dude and play the right way.

[Pauleta14]

Let's hope there's no complications, I like the dude's tbh, his old school/stoic mentality. The league needs players like him

[ginobilized]

Down goes Holmgren.....

Is this era of pace, space and tres causing these types of injuries? Off the top of my head, it seems like players rotating to cover the basket are getting injured a lot.

Sorry for Chet, that sucks for him and OKC.

[exstatic]

Ironic that people said Wemby would have injury issues when he was drafted a year after Chet, and will pass him in games played early next month.

[Mr. Body]

Ironic that people said Wemby would have injury issues when he was drafted a year after Chet, and will pass him in games played early next month.

Goddamn man let's not count our chickens.

I don't know Chet's prep routine but Vic's is pretty famous already. As for gameplay, Chet seems to go up for full-body contact blocks more than Wemby, who uses his extraordinary length. When Vic's making blocks he's not often making a ton of body contact, which bodes well.

[Pauleta14]

Down goes Holmgren.....

Is this era of pace, space and tres causing these types of injuries? Off the top of my head, it seems like players rotating to cover the basket are getting injured a lot.

Sorry for Chet, that sucks for him and OKC.

Imo mostly (bad) luck, but there's a trend with poster dunks that is maybe no stranger to this ecatombe, the spacing creates a lot of opportunities.

[Pauleta14]

Goddamn man let's not count our chickens.

I don't know Chet's prep routine but Vic's is pretty famous already. As for gameplay, Chet seems to go up for full-body contact blocks more than Wemby, who uses his extraordinary length. When Vic's making blocks he's not often making a ton of body contact, which bodes well.

Good point.

[RC_Drunkford]

Jokic has a chance to go down as 3rd in the GOAT debate after MJ and Lebron if he gets 3 rings and continues this statistical dominance until he’s 33-34.

definitely not. He’s not even top 10 right now and 3 rings wouldn’t make him surpass Timmy

[Mugen]

Sucks for Chet tbh.

Hip injuries are no joke especially for athletes. Hope it doesn't come affect him long term career wise, I like the kid's game tbh.

[John B]

Ironic that people said Wemby would have injury issues when he was drafted a year after Chet, and will pass him in games played early next month.

But these types of injuries with that body type, Porzingis’, is what Spurs would caution Wemby on his development. People are out there to test Wemby every time, and Wemby before has that tendency to jump on fakes.

[scott]

Hope this is just a minor set back for Chet in the grand scheme of things. Chet v. Wemby is the rivalry for the next decade I want to see play out even though it will naturally result in some disappointments from time to time for us Spurs fans (like all rivalries do)

[LeBowen]

Hope this is just a minor set back for Chet in the grand scheme of things. Chet v. Wemby is the rivalry for the next decade I want to see play out even though it will naturally result in some disappointments from time to time for us Spurs fans (like all rivalries do)

Chet vs Wemby can be a rivalry only if OKC has a way better team.
Comparing the two of them would be similar to those dumb narratives mainstream media tried to push when Suns were contending about how Stoudemire caught up with Duncan and that they're on the same level.

[scott]

Chet vs Wemby can be a rivalry only if OKC has a way better team.
Comparing the two of them would be similar to those dumb narratives mainstream media tried to push when Suns were contending about how Stoudemire caught up with Duncan and that they're on the same level.

I'll just say, I don't think Wemby has earned this assumption quite yet.

[LeBowen]

I'll just say, I don't think Wemby has earned this assumption quite yet.

He was clearly a tier above last season, I'm not going to take it away from him based on a handful of games.
Chet has no self-creation, he'll never be a first option on a contender.
(in before you say Wemby doesn't, either)

[scott]

He was clearly a tier above last season, I'm not going to take it away from him based on a handful of games.
Chet has no self-creation, he'll never be a first option on a contender.
(in before you say Wemby doesn't, either)

Yes, Wemby is a better individual player but I don't think he's SO MUCH better than Chet to say that the only way these two can have a rivalry is for OKC to be a way better team. In fact it won't be much of a rivalry at all if they are contenders and we're perennial losers.

I expect some great battles between these two for years to come. Hopefully our team improves to the level where they aren't just individual battles and these two are competing at the top of the standings. I'd compare it more to the Duncan-Dirk rivalry, where Duncan is clearly the superior player (and thankfully we were usually the superior team).

[LeBowen]

Yes, Wemby is a better individual player but I don't think he's SO MUCH better than Chet to say that the only way these two can have a rivalry is for OKC to be a way better team. In fact it won't be much of a rivalry at all if they are contenders and we're perennial losers.

Replace current Chet with current Wemby and OKC gets better, easily.
The only thing Chet has over him is 3pt shooting, but 3pts he takes are way higher quality shots.
Agreed that it won't be a rivalry if PATFO don't get over themselves.


I expect some great battles between these two for years to come. Hopefully our team improves to the level where they aren't just individual battles and these two are competing at the top of the standings. I'd compare it more to the Duncan-Dirk rivalry, where Duncan is clearly the superior player (and thankfully we were usually the superior team).

Dirk and KG were MVPs, deservedly so.
Do you think Chet can win an MVP? To me it doesn't look like he even has AD's ceiling and AD was never on Dirk/KG level just because of that lack of self-creation.

[Mugen]

OKC coaching, development, and FO is so much better than the current Spurs iteration.

Give Wemby all that and there wouldn't even be a discussion on who the superior player is between him and Chet tbh.

[exstatic]

OKC coaching, development, and FO is so much better than the current Spurs iteration.

Give Wemby all that and there wouldn't even be a discussion on who the superior player is between him and Chet tbh.

Chet is like option 3 on that team. Swap the two, and Wemby gets a ring last year. That’s how much better Chet’s support system is.

[scott]

Replace current Chet with current Wemby and OKC gets better, easily.
The only thing Chet has over him is 3pt shooting, but 3pts he takes are way higher quality shots.
Agreed that it won't be a rivalry if PATFO don't get over themselves.



Dirk and KG were MVPs, deservedly so.
Do you think Chet can win an MVP? To me it doesn't look like he even has AD's ceiling and AD was never on Dirk/KG level just because of that lack of self-creation.

What are you even arguing about man? I want to see those two go at each other for years to come. Why does this require putting down Chet, lol

[LeBowen]

What are you even arguing about man? I want to see those two go at each other for years to come. Why does this require putting down Chet, lol

I just dislike rivalry narratives when one player is clearly better than the other.
I'm not putting down Chet, he'll be an all-nba player, I just don't think he's got "regular" MVP level potential, while Wemby is obviously projected to win a handful MVPs.

When media creates those narratives, it's usually a disservice to the worse player and they eventually get underrated because they're compared against someone they couldn't have competed against.
Kind of how Barkley and Malone got lost in history just because they were up against MJ.

[scott]

I just dislike rivalry narratives when one player is clearly better than the other.
I'm not putting down Chet, he'll be an all-nba player, I just don't think he's got "regular" MVP level potential, while Wemby is obviously projected to win a handful MVPs.

When media creates those narratives, it's usually a disservice to the worse player and they eventually get underrated because they're compared against someone they couldn't have competed against.
Kind of how Barkley and Malone got lost in history just because they were up against MJ.

That's just kind of the way it goes though. If you had a way of putting a numerical value on player stature, and then plotted out the values of every player, it would be an exponential curve.

Here is where we are both on the same page... PAFTO needs to get over themselves :lol

Just for fun I googled "Best players on bad nba teams" and this came up: https://hoopshype.com/lists/greatest-nba-players-ever-on-very-very-bad-teams/ - Wemby listed second on "The greatest NBA players ever on very, very bad teams" :lol

[Mr. Body]

There's a discussion on realgm about who is frontrunning DPOY. Argues that it should be Chet, then mentions that 11 of the top 13 players in the defensive metrics are OKC players.

Like... how does that make sense?

It's a hard award to give. But when a player is clearly within a system with very high defenders, doesn't that make his impact less impressive? Thunder funnel a lot of things into him and he cleans up a lot of stuff, but doesn't that overrate him?

[Leetonidas]

There's a discussion on realgm about who is frontrunning DPOY. Argues that it should be Chet, then mentions that 11 of the top 13 players in the defensive metrics are OKC players.

Like... how does that make sense?

It's a hard award to give. But when a player is clearly within a system with very high defenders, doesn't that make his impact less impressive? Thunder funnel a lot of things into him and he cleans up a lot of stuff, but doesn't that overrate him?

Victor is trouncing everyone else in that poll though so at least most people seem to grasp that Chet, while a great defender in his own right, is clearly benefitting playing next to a bunch of other A+ defenders when all Wemby has is...56 year old Chris Paul and an injured Sochan :lol

[scott]

Always going to be a natural bias towards players on good teams for individual awards, right or wrong.

I don't watch enough games of other teams to compare, but just the way Wemby impacts the opposing offense when they come into his vicinity is GOAT level. And now he's putting up multiple 5+ block games... will be a fun chase to finish the season at over 4 bpg (where he sits today before the Kings game).

He's also top 10 in Deflections/Game which is not normally a big man stat. Wemby and Jokic are the only bigs in the top 10 so far this year.

Wemby is far and away above everyone else in Stocks at 5.3. Dyson Daniels is #2 at 4.11 and then Chet is #3 at 3.4. Wemby also has multiple double digit Stock games so far this year... just insane.

Of course these are all counting stats, but you can see it the way he impact the game, and the Spurs are actually a decent defensive team this year, #11 in DRTG... but considerably behind OKC @ #1. We'll see what happens to their D without Chet.

[Mr. Body]

Admittedly I don't watch the Thunder, they don't interest me, but there's so many times a player will go into the lane near Wemby and change his mind. The times he can get blocks seem to be players forgetting what they're doing and actually trying him. The league is ridiculous in how players can still score over him at times, but often they know there's no chance.

[Manu20]

Admittedly I don't watch the Thunder, they don't interest me, but there's so many times a player will go into the lane near Wemby and change his mind. The times he can get blocks seem to be players forgetting what they're doing and actually trying him. The league is ridiculous in how players can still score over him at times, but often they know there's no chance.

If deterrents per game was an actual stat, Wemby would lead the league by a wide wide wide margin :lol

[z0sa]

Vs Jazz when Wemby blocked it, fell out of bounds, then got back up, got back into the play in a nick of time and and blocked another shot to save the play yet again, he won DPOY in my heart already :lol

[The Truth #6]

With Chet out, if OKC defense is still elite and doesn't worsen, I imagine that could take away from Chet's DPOY argument.

[exstatic]

With Chet out, if OKC defense is still elite and doesn't worsen, I imagine that could take away from Chet's DPOY argument.

He’s not going to make 65 games played.

[Pauleta14]

Nets keep being surpising, they're really deep with always 5-6 players in dble digits

Weren't they supposed to go for Flagg?

[objective]

Listened to the most recent Big Red Bus podcast, episode 187, it's a bulls show. There's a lengthy segment on Buzelis who's been up and down to the G-league.

Around the 22:30 mark it starts. The 2 hosts, having just attended a bulls game together, really went in hard in roasting Buzelis.

Called him the worst player on the roster, emphasizing how bad that is on this roster, with fringe NBA players kicking his ass. Refer to his game using words like "abomination" and tore into his pregame work as goofing off and not being serious. Pregame prep, "a total embarrassment" compared to the vets pregame routines. Given a High probability of being a bust, can't shoot, can't defend. Getting outplayed by every other scrub on the roster. Doesn't deserve NBA minutes.

Ouch

[exstatic]

Listened to the most recent Big Red Bus podcast, episode 187, it's a bulls show. There's a lengthy segment on Buzelis who's been up and down to the G-league.

Around the 22:30 mark it starts. The 2 hosts, having just attended a bulls game together, really went in hard in roasting Buzelis.

Called him the worst player on the roster, emphasizing how bad that is on this roster, with fringe NBA players kicking his ass. Refer to his game using words like "abomination" and tore into his pregame work as goofing off and not being serious. Pregame prep, "a total embarrassment" compared to the vets pregame routines. Given a High probability of being a bust, can't shoot, can't defend. Getting outplayed by every other scrub on the roster. Doesn't deserve NBA minutes.

Ouch

There’s a reason that the Ignite is no more. The best player ever to come out of the Ignite is Jalen Green, and he’s just a show pony version of Lonnie Walker.

[LeBowen]

There’s a reason that the Ignite is no more. The best player ever to come out of the Ignite is Jalen Green, and he’s just a show pony version of Lonnie Walker.

Holland not doing much better.
4 assists, 7 turnovers, 4-26 from 3PT in 158 minutes played.

[Mr. Body]

Listened to the most recent Big Red Bus podcast, episode 187, it's a bulls show. There's a lengthy segment on Buzelis who's been up and down to the G-league.

Around the 22:30 mark it starts. The 2 hosts, having just attended a bulls game together, really went in hard in roasting Buzelis.

Called him the worst player on the roster, emphasizing how bad that is on this roster, with fringe NBA players kicking his ass. Refer to his game using words like "abomination" and tore into his pregame work as goofing off and not being serious. Pregame prep, "a total embarrassment" compared to the vets pregame routines. Given a High probability of being a bust, can't shoot, can't defend. Getting outplayed by every other scrub on the roster. Doesn't deserve NBA minutes.

Ouch

I remember him calling out Risacher before the draft process and calling him out for not wanting to meet face to face or something. The weirdest, goofiest thing. He comes off like an arrogant, naive adolescent.

The few times I've seen him - and I've watched decent portions of Bulls games, which shows how rare he is - he has little impact. Cannot shoot whatsoever.

[Mr. Body]

Holland not doing much better.
4 assists, 7 turnovers, 4-26 from 3PT in 158 minutes played.

Holland at least has projectable defensive skills and I think can be a good slasher. He's taking way too many threes - he's awful - and the team already has his skillset, non-shooting defensive disruptor, made worse when Ausar comes back.

[LeBowen]

Holland at least has projectable defensive skills and I think can be a good slasher. He's taking way too many threes - he's awful - and the team already has his skillset, non-shooting defensive disruptor, made worse when Ausar comes back.

That's why I listed assists. Non-shooters need to be good playmakers, there's no more place in the game for slashers who can't do much else.
Ignite was such a monumental failure, idk how dumb these kids and agents were to join that team after seeing how their players kept failing in the NBA.

[Bruno]

BTW, there has been 49 games this season between and ECF and a WCF team:
East has won 15 of these games.
West has won 34 of these games.

That's brutal.

[Mugen]

1856380522773225952

Pelicans dropping left and right tbh

[Robz4000]

1856380522773225952

Pelicans dropping left and right tbh

Dark horse candidate for Flagg tbh.

[Mr. Body]

Pels might have a lost season. They're looking at Milwaukee's draft pick outright, though, so things look good.

[Mugen]

Still very early in the season but how I'm seeing the West playoff race shake out tbh:

Very Likely to Make Playoffs (1-6 seed):
OKC, Phoenix, Golden State, Denver, Minnesota, and Dallas

Very Likely to Make Play-In (7-10 seed)
Lakers, Memphis

Play-In Contention (9,10 Seed)
Rockets, Clippers, Kings, Spurs, and Pelicans

Lottery Bound
Blazers, Jazz

I could see the Pelis dropping off if they can't get healthy by year end. If the Spurs get healthy and continue to get better, I don't think the Rockets/Clippers/Kings are that much better than them tbh.

[LeBowen]

Looks about right.
I'd dare to say that we're better than all those play-in contention teams if everyone can get healthy. Not counting nephew, he won't get healthy.
We played two even games with Rockets without Devin and Tre.

Pelicans should really look to get rid of Zion while he still has some value. Same for Ingram.
If they can't actually compete, might aswell get another young player onboard, their wings are already looking good, that Missi kid could develop into a solid big.

I rate Grizzlies higher than Lakers and GSW if they can get healthy.

[Mr. Body]

I think the Clippers and Kings may be better than the Lakers, who should trail off. Last year they won the stupid in-season tournament and people thought they were a contender. Davis is playing at a high level and LeBron is carrying, but things even out.

[Pauleta14]

Listened to the most recent Big Red Bus podcast, episode 187, it's a bulls show. There's a lengthy segment on Buzelis who's been up and down to the G-league.

Around the 22:30 mark it starts. The 2 hosts, having just attended a bulls game together, really went in hard in roasting Buzelis.

Called him the worst player on the roster, emphasizing how bad that is on this roster, with fringe NBA players kicking his ass. Refer to his game using words like "abomination" and tore into his pregame work as goofing off and not being serious. Pregame prep, "a total embarrassment" compared to the vets pregame routines. Given a High probability of being a bust, can't shoot, can't defend. Getting outplayed by every other scrub on the roster. Doesn't deserve NBA minutes.

Ouch

Thx for that post mate!

I've been saying it all summer and Buzelis was the player I really didn't want. His frat boy attitude all over the medias was a massive red flag for a guy coming off of a terrible season exposing countless flaws and lazy attitudes, lack of competitiveness, terrible shooting etc

[Pauleta14]

BTW, there has been 49 games this season between and ECF and a WCF team:
East has won 15 of these games.
West has won 34 of these games.

That's brutal.

Only 2 teams in the East above 50% :lmao

[Mr. Body]

Cody Williams has also been awful, but is getting playing time. He's too weak and slow to get much done and his shooting is really bad, supposedly a strong suit. Of course it's very early for these guys.

[Mugen]

I think the Clippers and Kings may be better than the Lakers, who should trail off. Last year they won the stupid in-season tournament and people thought they were a contender. Davis is playing at a high level and LeBron is carrying, but things even out.

The Lakers if healthy are better than both of those teams tbh. The "if healthy" is a valid concern given Bron's age and AD's durability history and their bench being absolute shit. But Norm Powell's insane start seems flukeish to me and the Kings not being able to shoot the 3 ball (nor defend it) is gonna be a major hurdle throughout the season.

[exstatic]

Looks about right.
I'd dare to say that we're better than all those play-in contention teams if everyone can get healthy. Not counting nephew, he won't get healthy.
We played two even games with Rockets without Devin and Tre.

Pelicans should really look to get rid of Zion while he still has some value. Same for Ingram.
If they can't actually compete, might aswell get another young player onboard, their wings are already looking good, that Missi kid could develop into a solid big.

I rate Grizzlies higher than Lakers and GSW if they can get healthy.

Because of his contract numbers, he really has no value around the league, other than his now mostly unguaranteed deal to use as a possible salary dump. I watched one of the most popular Pels podcasts, and they suggest that N.O. simply waive him next summer, and move on. He’s at 48% of possible career games played, and that number will drop every additional game he misses. His body is too large for the amount of athleticism he possesses, and playing the way he does, he will always be injured. The thinking is that he could be done for the year.

I can see two possible paths to continuing his NBA career. He can become a 6th man, playing limited minutes (25?), or he can do something like what Manu did to prolong his career, becoming a below the rim player. Maybe develop into something like Zach Randolph was, a big body just moving people around in the paint.

[Mr. Body]

The Lakers if healthy are better than both of those teams tbh. The "if healthy" is a valid concern given Bron's age and AD's durability history and their bench being absolute shit. But Norm Powell's insane start seems flukeish to me and the Kings not being able to shoot the 3 ball (nor defend it) is gonna be a major hurdle throughout the season.

I'm not sure I agree, but we'll see. Clips are well coached and Norm Powell is coming along. They can't outslug the best teams, but they can stay with them. The Kings are still figuring out their pieces but should be better than their record. The Lakers still have a trash roster outside three or four players and I think that will catch up to them.

[spurraider21]

I would have expected Holland, Cody, Sarr to be raw but figured Buzelis had means to be at least a role player with his defense

[LeBowen]

The Lakers if healthy are better than both of those teams tbh. The "if healthy" is a valid concern given Bron's age and AD's durability history and their bench being absolute shit. But Norm Powell's insane start seems flukeish to me and the Kings not being able to shoot the 3 ball (nor defend it) is gonna be a major hurdle throughout the season.

Lakers have no depth whatsoever. It's not even about health because if they're to make the playoffs, they'll have to run Lebron and AD into the ground.
Reaves is good, Hachimura is decent, others are just garbage.
Gabe Vincent is literally stealing paychecks. 3ppg in 18mpg.
Redick hates D'Lo and my guess would be that he's desperately tryin to get rid of him.

I can't see them make it out of the first round unless they get at least two more good players.


Because of his contract numbers, he really has no value around the league, other than his now mostly unguaranteed deal to use as a possible salary dump. I watched one of the most popular Pels podcasts, and they suggest that N.O. simply waive him next summer, and move on. He’s at 48% of possible career games played, and that number will drop every additional game he misses. His body is too large for the amount of athleticism he possesses, and playing the way he does, he will always be injured. The thinking is that he could be done for the year.

I can see two possible paths to continuing his NBA career. He can become a 6th man, playing limited minutes (25?), or he can do something like what Manu did to prolong his career, becoming a below the rim player. Maybe develop into something like Zach Randolph was, a big body just moving people around in the paint.

Pels-Bucks situation is the same as ours with Hawks.
If Giannis asks out, they should offer Zion+Herb, 2 Bucks picks and a swap back, with 4 more own picks and swaps. It would be their only chance to ever be relevant.
And it would kind of make sense for Giannis.
DJ/Hawkins/Murphy/Giannis would just need a solid big to be competitive. Can trade Ingram for one.

[Mugen]

Lakers have no depth whatsoever. It's not even about health because if they're to make the playoffs, they'll have to run Lebron and AD into the ground.
Reaves is good, Hachimura is decent, others are just garbage.
Gabe Vincent is literally stealing paychecks. 3ppg in 18mpg.
Redick hates D'Lo and my guess would be that he's desperately tryin to get rid of him.

I can't see them make it out of the first round unless they get at least two more good players.

I don't disagree with most of that tbh. But I still think they're better than the Clippers and Kings if they stay healthy.

They'll probably end up trading DLo in some BS trade with one of their feeder teams that ends up improving their depth tbh.

[Mugen]

I would have expected Holland, Cody, Sarr to be raw but figured Buzelis had means to be at least a role player with his defense

I had Holland, Cody, and Buz all outside of my top 10 heading into last year's draft. I'd be shocked if any of them ever becomes a decent starter in this league.

Then again, it sounds like most of the Hornets fanbase f'n hates Saluan already :lol

[exstatic]

I would have expected Holland, Cody, Sarr to be raw but figured Buzelis had means to be at least a role player with his defense

Apparently, he has none.

[LeBowen]

I don't disagree with most of that tbh. But I still think they're better than the Clippers and Kings if they stay healthy.

They'll probably end up trading DLo in some BS trade with one of their feeder teams that ends up improving their depth tbh.

I think they got their first win against Kings in a while. AD is now 1-13 gainst Sabonis.
Clippers without nephew aren't a threat.

I just can't see the Lakers winning a series against Denver, Mavs, Timberwolves or OKC. Or even the Suns.
As much as I hate them and want their current treadmill to keep going, it's kind of sad how the entire franchise is a hostage of that egomaniac.
But he sells tickets, so I guess it's fine.

[Strategic]

Pistons trying to look relevant.

[Obstructed_View]

I'm wondering when I started hating Paul George. Seems like I used to like him. Now I see his face and I find myself rooting for him to fail.

[CorrectCrusader]

Detroit and Hawks games were a joy to watch.

[timtonymanu]

I'm wondering when I started hating Paul George. Seems like I used to like him. Now I see his face and I find myself rooting for him to fail.

Just when he was a clipper tbh. Otherwise I find him harmless. He’s too injury prone to be hated on.

[onechance87]

charlotte loses and looks bad,atl wins and looks good.Today a bad day.

[R. DeMurre]

I never trusted anything about Buzelis or Holland... Critics joked about the competition level that Amen and Ausar faced the year before-- and that was justified-- but at least they did what they were supposed to do and went 21-1 on the year. Holland & Buzelis led Ignite to a record of 2-32 with a net rating of -15.7... they were getting obliterated by even the worst G League teams.

[timtonymanu]

Twolves dropping a game to the guest team in the West

20131 baby!

[timtonymanu]

:lol Mavs having the same record as the Spurs

[spurraider21]

Then again, it sounds like most of the Hornets fanbase f'n hates Saluan already :lol
Preseason honeymoon over?

[cutewizard]

Jokic is incredible....

Deserves top twenty consideration all time

[RC_Drunkford]

Spurs at #1 Zollins at #3


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wiVDzke0Es

[LeBowen]

Preseason honeymoon over?

I wonder how many picks happen just because teams think certain other team picking behind them rates a player.
Did they take Salaun because they thought Spurs rated him?

Night of upsets.
Spo's brainfart against Detroit.
Hawks stole a game in Boston.
Jazz beats Suns.
Blazers somehow win against Minnesota, not sure what happened there.

[Obstructed_View]

Just when he was a clipper tbh. Otherwise I find him harmless. He’s too injury prone to be hated on.
Yeah I have no respect for him as a competitor. He's KD without the talent. :lol

[Mr. Body]

Either the Wolves are in trouble or Portland is a hard matchup for them. Clingan was a bit of a beast and Sharpe was too much for them to handle. Lost to them back to back.

[exstatic]

Either the Wolves are in trouble or Portland is a hard matchup for them. Clingan was a bit of a beast and Sharpe was too much for them to handle. Lost to them back to back.

I don’t think their defense is as good as it was.

[Mr. Body]

I don’t think their defense is as good as it was.

No, which is weird because KAT isn't a great defender. It doesn't seem like they can punch out teams anymore and there are chemistry issues. Not a surprise given that Edwards is a child with no leadership skills and no one else on the team has anything to help. Maybe last year they just overachieved.

[LeBowen]

No, which is weird because KAT isn't a great defender. It doesn't seem like they can punch out teams anymore and there are chemistry issues. Not a surprise given that Edwards is a child with no leadership skills and no one else on the team has anything to help. Maybe last year they just overachieved.

KAT was a surprisingly good defender at PF, better than Randle.
Their biggest issue is that Conley looks washed and there's noone else to control the pace. Edwards and Randle are chuckers.

[onechance87]

Knicks and timberwolves screwed each other with the trade:)

[Mugen]

No, which is weird because KAT isn't a great defender. It doesn't seem like they can punch out teams anymore and there are chemistry issues. Not a surprise given that Edwards is a child with no leadership skills and no one else on the team has anything to help. Maybe last year they just overachieved.

Kat as a massive 4 with Gobert behind him is a much better defensive frontcourt than trash ass Randle tbh.

The Wolves have their first deep playoff run in decades and their FO rewards their fanbase by blowing up the team :lol

[Mr. Body]

Kat as a massive 4 with Gobert behind him is a much better defensive frontcourt than trash ass Randle tbh.

The Wolves have their first deep playoff run in decades and their FO rewards their fanbase by blowing up the team :lol

They had to move KAT due to cap issues. There was really no choice.

[exstatic]

They had to move KAT due to cap issues. There was really no choice.

Second apron strikes again.

[LeBowen]

They had to move KAT due to cap issues. There was really no choice.

They should've kept him for one more year to see if last season was a fluke.
Just getting rid of his salary next year with a bad return is more or less the same as taking Randle's expiring contract.
DiVincenzo is a solid player, but overrated.

And it looks like trading for Dillingham wasn't the best choice.
Even with Conley sitting, he played only 9 minutes last night and took 2 shots.
I guess some franchises will always be garbage no matter what.

[exstatic]

They should've kept him for one more year to see if last season was a fluke.
Just getting rid of his salary next year with a bad return is more or less the same as taking Randle's expiring contract.
DiVincenzo is a solid player, but overrated.

And it looks like trading for Dillingham wasn't the best choice.
Even with Conley sitting, he played only 9 minutes last night and took 2 shots.
I guess some franchises will always be garbage no matter what.

Waiting a year still would require return salary, and that would necessitate a second year in the second apron, dangerously close to having their pick frozen from trading and sent to the end of the 2033 draft.

[Mugen]

They had to move KAT due to cap issues. There was really no choice.

They gave recent, fat extensions to McDaniels and Gobert. They effectively chose keeping Naz Reid over KAT.

So they could have kept KAT and moved on from some of those other guys, so they did have a choice tbh.

[exstatic]

They gave recent, fat extensions to McDaniels and Gobert. They effectively chose keeping Naz Reid over KAT.

So they could have kept KAT and moved on from some of those other guys, so they did have a choice tbh.

So, gut your bench and rotation for a soft ass bitch?

[LeBowen]

We were discussing Naz Reid scenarios in the summer and it was obvious that they won't be able to keep everyone.
As Mugen says, I expected them to get rid of McDaniels, but they choose KAT.
McDaniels looks like he's regressing and is becoming another negative contract.


Waiting a year still would require return salary

Randle has a player option for next year. If he continues playing like this, noone is offering him more than $30M he's due and he'll probably exercise that option.
Right now they're at $175M for next season if Randle takes that option and Naz doesn't. NAW will obviously walk.

[exstatic]

We were discussing Naz Reid scenarios in the summer and it was obvious that they won't be able to keep everyone.
As Mugen says, I expected them to get rid of McDaniels, but they choose KAT.
McDaniels looks like he's regressing and is becoming another negative contract.



Randle has a player option for next year. If he continues playing like this, noone is offering him more than $30M he's due and he'll probably exercise that option.
Right now they're at $175M for next season if Randle takes that option and Naz doesn't. NAW will obviously walk.

Players are slower than teams to figure out the new “normal”. Randle’s agent will probably counsel him to play the option year, but the reality is the agent works for the player. He could easily be foolish enough to opt out. Seen it happen before.

[LeBowen]

Players are slower than teams to figure out the new “normal”. Randle’s agent will probably counsel him to play the option year, but the reality is the agent works for the player. He could easily be foolish enough to opt out. Seen it happen before.

Anything can happen, but TWolves were too quick to make that trade because the possibility of Randle exercising that option is too high and then they're fucked.
Then they'd need to get rid of both Randle and Conley, with McDaniels also being overpaid and Naz probably walks unless they overpay him since one of the tanking teams surely will. Kind of reminds me of Jerami Grant situation.

[Mugen]

So, gut your bench and rotation for a soft ass bitch?

Just pointing out that trading KAT wasn't their only choice. They had other options. Still TBD on how their decision shakes out.

Also I don't know if trading KAT for Randle is much of an upgrade in the softness department :lol

[exstatic]

Just pointing out that trading KAT wasn't their only choice. They had other options. Still TBD on how their decision shakes out.

Also I don't know if trading KAT for Randle is much of an upgrade in the softness department :lol

Trades aren’t always about player value, but point taken.

[Seventyniner]

I guess some franchises will always be garbage no matter what.

Exactly the kind of team you want to hold long-term options on.

[Mugen]

:lmao Mavs

[lefty20]

1857278015991951635

:lol

[spursgu]

:lol Mavs and that fluky run to the finals.

They won't do shit again this year.

[lefty]

Wow :lol

[Pauleta14]

Can't believe some Spurs fans dream to get Luka

[lefty]

Kinda reminds me of Westbrook’s defensive blunder when Parker hit that game winner. vs OKC :lol

[Obstructed_View]

Way to go, fatty.

[LeBowen]

Can't believe some Spurs fans dream to get Luka

Tbh, that was a couple of years ago when people still had hope he'll get into shape and change attitude on the floor.
Jokic made a massive leap after the bubble. He got bullied by Lakers' bigs and realized he needs to be in better shape. Been shitting on the entire league ever since.
Luka's conditioning was a joke in the finals, but it looks like he doesn't really care about it since he showed up out of shape yet again.

It's hillarious watching Mavs' fanbase starting to come to their senses and criticize his lack of work ethic.

[RC_Drunkford]

good analysis on volume 3-point shooting in the NBA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFmJY0aTMg8

[ambchang]

I would make the argument that the leagues yields from 2 and 3 Pters aren’t because of the 3 opening everything up, but because travelling calls and moving screen calls (or lack thereof) is tilting the balance heavily towards offence. The league stumbled upon the formula due to the warriors and then continued to loosen the rules to allow a sickening amount of offence. Now the game is becoming unbearably one dimensional with no mid range games and limited low post games. Entire play books are around high pick and rolls, baseline screens and in and outs. It’s becoming a bland and predictable game.

[Pauleta14]

Tbh, that was a couple of years ago when people still had hope he'll get into shape and change attitude on the floor.
Jokic made a massive leap after the bubble. He got bullied by Lakers' bigs and realized he needs to be in better shape. Been shitting on the entire league ever since.
Luka's conditioning was a joke in the finals, but it looks like he doesn't really care about it since he showed up out of shape yet again.

It's hilarious watching Mavs' fanbase starting to come to their senses and criticize his lack of work ethic.

It's not just his conditioning, this one just highlights his character and work ethic.

As individually talented he is, he's the type of heliocentric player that is so un-Spurs like that I never understood why so many dreamt of him.

If we had to draw a profile of the type of superstar we need to avoid it'd be Luka is so many aspects.

To play devil's advocate, there's a possibility that the Mavs could be the reason he became that way, I never heard anything when he was in Europe about his work ethic or attitudes, imo Mavs tried to much too look good and made him stat padd offensively since he arrived, never sending any message on his duties for the team on the defensive end and on sharing the ball.

This is the weakest era in NBA history guys... :lol

[Pauleta14]

good analysis on volume 3-point shooting in the NBA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFmJY0aTMg8

I think the 3pts shooting is just one aspect and I'd put it in the correlation more than the causation box.

The real causation is the defence, the NBA made it possible for too many players to play in the league. We have a guy playing for Austin who scored 50pts... off the bench (:lol) last season who couldn't find a team ffs...

Basketball like any team sport has always been 1st and foremost a defensive game, they tried to make it an offensive game. It worked short term but now ppl see the absurdity.

Lastly in american culture, entertainment is key, it's the only reason a sport can be develpped and networks pay for it, the pb is that Sports are consequence of entertainment, when in the rest of the world it's the exact opposite (also why it's less developed tbh)

Bring back defense and fans will come back

edit/ thx for sharing tho

[Pauleta14]

Whatever the Warriors have done, the Spurs did it before.

It pisses me off so much that the average fans and medias deny the Spurs the fact that they're the ones that changed the game.

Kerr took the blueprints

[Mr. Body]

I would make the argument that the leagues yields from 2 and 3 Pters aren’t because of the 3 opening everything up, but because travelling calls and moving screen calls (or lack thereof) is tilting the balance heavily towards offence. The league stumbled upon the formula due to the warriors and then continued to loosen the rules to allow a sickening amount of offence. Now the game is becoming unbearably one dimensional with no mid range games and limited low post games. Entire play books are around high pick and rolls, baseline screens and in and outs. It’s becoming a bland and predictable game.

Bingo, imo. Everyone talks about how shooting can't be cranked back, that everyone's just a great shooter. For some reason they can't talk about how the rule set has been completely changed to create this situation.

Yes, teams sign great shooters, but they thrive because of what offenses can do and defenses cannot. Moving screens were a huge key for the Warriors team, but they should be illegal. Once you set a screen, the defender needs to have the ability to navigate. If the screener deliberately 'rolls' into the defender, that's an offensive foul. But it's allowed.

Offensive players are allowed to travel all over the place. Step-backs, side-steps that Harden and others inaugurated are travels. You cannot be at a standstill and then suddenly walk four feet away and shoot. That's literally a travel.

Now, we're starting to get offensive shooters landing into the space of defenders and getting calls. Castle got whistled when he landed well inside the three point on a contest and the shooter landed into him.

Not to mention how you're generally not allowed to touch players with the ball in certain movements.

So, it's gone really crazy. Offensive players are allowed to do a lot of stuff to their great advantage that should be violations. It's amazing how difficult it is, and that's not even discussing the sorts of physical contact that defenses could do -- normal basketball plays -- in previous eras.

[Mr. Body]

Whatever the Warriors have done, the Spurs did it before.

It pisses me off so much that the average fans and medias deny the Spurs the fact that they're the ones that changed the game.

Kerr took the blueprints

Literally false.

[Mr. Body]

I watched some of the possessions down the stretch in UTA-DAL. I have no idea what Doncic was doing in the last defensive possession. Clarkson (I think) zipped a pass to his guy standing behind him, as he was standing there turned away, who was right under the basket. I literally have no idea what he was doing.

[Pauleta14]

Literally false.

Kerr literally admitted it

[lefty]

Another one, what a lazy fatty acid


https://x.com/kawhi_ring/status/1857277198505312700