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Thread: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

  1. #16
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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    Word is, the Cavs are thinking hard-core about dealing Kevin Love.

    Who'd say no to the following?

    Milwaukee trades C Greg Monroe and C/PF John Henson to the Cavs for Kevin Love and Iman Shumpert.

    Love fits the Bucks like a glove, as Giannis could play the one-in, four-out umbrella offense with Love, Middleton, Maker, and Brogdon. Defensively, they should be truly outstanding capable of switching one through four. (Love would become a small ball center.) Shumpert's trade ballast to make the contracts work, but could be a decent bench defender.

    Cleveland gets its centers for the foreseeable future. Henson can protect the rim and shoot from mid-range. Monroe can pass well and anchor a second unit. More importantly, this allows the Cavs to push James to PF permanently.


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  3. #17
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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    Quote Originally Posted by Kingspoint View Post
    Because it's not about the easy route to the Finals. There won't be an easy route any more as Boston proved they can take the #1 seed with an incomplete roster.. Cleveland doesn't have rising youngsters. They are already $20M+ over the cap for the next two seasons. They won't improve.

    That's not the type of Challenge LeBron is looking for. If Cleveland fans say anything bad about him for leaving again after what he did for them, they don't deserve him. LeBron will go West to the Clippers and he doesn't need control and West will be an advisor, while LeBron will be an advisor. Balmer knows how to handle powerful decision-makers. Doc is gone. That's the only way West would agree to be an advisor there.
    Lebron isn't motivated by challenges, he's motivated by titles and being the best. He has a far better chance of playing for a title and winning them in Cleveland than whatever situation the Clippers or Lakers might be able to slap together.

    Boston got the 1 seed because the Cavs took 4 months off and then flipped the switch because they could and they are that much better than the rest of the East. They could have won 65 games if they wanted to, but why waste the energy.

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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    Quote Originally Posted by Bourgeois Zee View Post
    Word is, the Cavs are thinking hard-core about dealing Kevin Love.

    Who'd say no to the following?

    Milwaukee trades C Greg Monroe and C/PF John Henson to the Cavs for Kevin Love and Iman Shumpert.

    Love fits the Bucks like a glove, as Giannis could play the one-in, four-out umbrella offense with Love, Middleton, Maker, and Brogdon. Defensively, they should be truly outstanding capable of switching one through four. (Love would become a small ball center.) Shumpert's trade ballast to make the contracts work, but could be a decent bench defender.

    Cleveland gets its centers for the foreseeable future. Henson can protect the rim and shoot from mid-range. Monroe can pass well and anchor a second unit. More importantly, this allows the Cavs to push James to PF permanently.
    Monroe can opt and become a UFA this offseason (17'), though. I'd like it better from Cleveland's side were they able to move TT, whom you cannot play with Monroe or Henson. TT and Smith are where they've wasted money/resources. Love is essentially wasted in Cleveland form the standpoint if utilization, but isn't indefensibly overpaid like TT or Smith. I'm still baffled as to why Henson only logged 6 total minutes against Toronto in the Playoffs.

    From what I've gathered from Cavs fans on other forums, while the fans are logical and believe that Love -- as their most realistic trading chip -- should be dealt for roster balance, Gilbert likely doesn't view it that way, as he doesn't want to get stuck with only Irving and several role players should LeBron bolt in '18.
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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    Quote Originally Posted by BuckeyeRed27 View Post
    Lebron isn't motivated by challenges, he's motivated by titles and being the best. He has a far better chance of playing for a title and winning them in Cleveland than whatever situation the Clippers or Lakers might be able to slap together.

    Boston got the 1 seed because the Cavs took 4 months off and then flipped the switch because they could and they are that much better than the rest of the East. They could have won 65 games if they wanted to, but why waste the energy.
    I'll agree with this with one obvious caveat, which Kingspoint already mentioned: The difficulty in reshaping the Cavs roster for balance reasons. If the Cavs choose to return with the same core, they're going to have a tough time assembling a bench that can actually produce.

    In short, other East teams are in position with flexibility to improve exponentially, so expecting another Cavs cakewalk through the East with essentially the same Cavs team as last season is Fool's Gold, IMO. Heck, their 1st round games against the 8th-seeded Pacers all came down to the wire, and with a healthy Al Jefferson, the Pacers could have easily stolen two games there, and that was only the First Round,

    As you noted, the West is obviously going to be loaded, and I wouldn't put much stock into the young Lakers morphing into a juggernaut in '18-'19', with or without LeBron. The Clips are in disarray now, and may lose CP3 and Griffin. And, should they retain Griffin with CP3, as I noted earlier, the same issues would occur with LeBron and Griffin on the floor together as with LeBron and Love, only worse because Griffin cannot stretch the floor as Love can.
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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    Quote Originally Posted by BuckeyeRed27 View Post
    Lebron isn't motivated by challenges, he's motivated by titles and being the best. He has a far better chance of playing for a title and winning them in Cleveland than whatever situation the Clippers or Lakers might be able to slap together.

    Boston got the 1 seed because the Cavs took 4 months off and then flipped the switch because they could and they are that much better than the rest of the East. They could have won 65 games if they wanted to, but why waste the energy.
    Not buying any of that.
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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    Quote Originally Posted by Revering4Blue View Post
    I'll agree with this with one obvious caveat, which Kingspoint already mentioned: The difficulty in reshaping the Cavs roster for balance reasons. If the Cavs choose to return with the same core, they're going to have a tough time assembling a bench that can actually produce.

    In short, other East teams are in position with flexibility to improve exponentially, so expecting another Cavs cakewalk through the East with essentially the same Cavs team as last season is Fool's Gold, IMO. Heck, their 1st round games against the 8th-seeded Pacers all came down to the wire, and with a healthy Al Jefferson, the Pacers could have easily stolen two games there, and that was only the First Round,

    As you noted, the West is obviously going to be loaded, and I wouldn't put much stock into the young Lakers morphing into a juggernaut in '18-'19', with or without LeBron. The Clips are in disarray now, and may lose CP3 and Griffin. And, should they retain Griffin with CP3, as I noted earlier, the same issues would occur with LeBron and Griffin on the floor together as with LeBron and Love, only worse because Griffin cannot stretch the floor as Love can.
    But they don't have to revamp their roster. They can keep their roster exactly as it is right now and they will play in the NBA Finals for the next 2 years barring injury. The argument for revamping is some foregone conclusion that the Warriors are going to be exactly what they are right now and the Cavs can't compete with them, and I don't believe either of those things.

    There are other teams in the East that can get better and be more competitive, but they cannot beat the Cavs in a 7 game series. If the expectation is the Cavs have to go 12-0 to get the Finals, well that is crazy.

    The only appeal of LA, is that it is LA (I live here, it's lovely). But for basketball reasons, there is zero reason to make that move.

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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

    President Magic Johnson "is in love" with Markelle Fultz and may try to move up to No. 1 possibly with Julius Randle included in a trade, according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express.

    The top pick looks to be on the block and it sounds like the Lakers and 76ers could get involved in a bidding war. The Lakers have said Brandon Ingram is really the only untouchable player, so unloading Randle is a possibility. The Celtics are expected to go after a power forward in free agency, so someone like Randle may change things. He's having a productive offseason and has lost some weight this summer.

    Source: Draft Express on Twitter


    The 76ers are waiting on medical information on Markelle Fultz, but they're deep into talks on acquiring Boston's No. 1 overall pick, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.

    Get your popcorn ready. This report comes on the heels of ESPN saying the 76ers are going after the top pick, so this one is picking up steam in a hurry. Woj adds that the trade talks are far enough along that Fultz could be on his way to Philly for a meeting on Saturday. Obviously a move to Philly would be great for Fultz's fantasy value compared to value in Boston.

    Source: Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter


    The Sixers and Celtics are in serious talks on a trade involving the No. 1 overall pick, according to ESPN's Marc Stein and Zach Lowe.

    Trust the process. According to the report, the 76ers would likely be looking to deal away more picks and not players like Jahlil Okafor. The Celtics are working out more players this week, which does coincide they could look move back in the draft. The 76ers have the ammo to move up from No. 3, so it wouldn't be a total shock to see them pull off a trade. General manager Danny Ainge has said teams have called about the No. 1 pick, as well.

    Source: Marc Stein on Twitter


    Josh Jackson's workout in Los Angeles "did not go well at all," according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express.

    The report adds he brought high energy, but struggled with his shooting and handle. It sounds like the Celtics do like Josh Jackson, which may be part of the motivation to trade back with the 76ers. Jackson does have some off-court concerns and he was suspended at Kansas last season. He is still a near lock to go in the top five.

    Source: Draft Express on Twitter


    The Celtics have scheduled a pre-draft meeting with Dennis Smith Jr.

    He's been going through plenty of workouts, including sessions with the Knicks, Lakers, Magic and Wolves. The Celtics almost certainly won't be taking Smith Jr. with their top pick, but it's interesting to see they're going to work him out. Smith Jr. is expected to go in the later part of the lottery.

    Source: ESPN.com
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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    I could see Lebron staying in Cleveland if Carmelo comes to play for the Cavs...if not I could easily see him heading out to LA which would be a nightmare scenario for the NBA.
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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

    Both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics will make a bid for Blake Griffin, according to the Los Angeles Times.

    It's a logical move for both teams. Griffin played his college ball in Oklahoma, and it has long been rumored that OKC would love to pair him with Russell Westbrook. The Celtics finished last season with the best record in the Eastern Conference and have cap space to offer a max contract to an attractive free agent.

    Source: Los Angeles Times
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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    Quote Originally Posted by BuckeyeRed27 View Post
    But they don't have to revamp their roster. They can keep their roster exactly as it is right now and they will play in the NBA Finals for the next 2 years barring injury. The argument for revamping is some foregone conclusion that the Warriors are going to be exactly what they are right now and the Cavs can't compete with them, and I don't believe either of those things.

    There are other teams in the East that can get better and be more competitive, but they cannot beat the Cavs in a 7 game series. If the expectation is the Cavs have to go 12-0 to get the Finals, well that is crazy.

    The only appeal of LA, is that it is LA (I live here, it's lovely). But for basketball reasons, there is zero reason to make that move.
    Exactly the same roster with a 56 year old Richard Jefferson as their most consistent bench player? Really?

    The proof is in the pudding that whenever LeBron rests, they get killed and that MUST be addressed, as he's logging way too many minutes. How is that addressed without revamping the roster? Simple answer: it doesn't get addressed. Now, I suppose Lue could start Shumpert with Smith accepting a role as 6th man, as well as the youngsters Felder, Osman and Taveras assuming prominent roles. And, they could buy their way into the second round in this deep draft, as well as Lue actually re-acquainting himself with the fact that substantially paid Channing Frye is still a member of the Cavs bench, but they're all too iffy of propositions to take to the bank.

    Forget about defeating the Warriors for a minute, the argument for not revamping is based upon some forgone conclusion that the Celtics, Wizards et al are going to be exactly (or very close) to what they are right now.

    Even if they strike out with Hayward, Boston will improve via attrition (Fultz -- unless Ainge plays with fire by passing on him, Zizic -- rim protection, Yabusele and Nader, for example.) Plus, Ainge could nab another rim-protector (let's be honest, even with IT sidelined, lack of rim-protection was the deciding series factor) with his early second rounder or sign one via free agency.

    Washington, too -- with a bench, weak as it was, still considerably stronger than Cleveland's (damning with faint praise, I know) -- could make the jump, as well. Whomever Irving guards (Wall or Beal) will absolutely torch him. Ignore, Milwaukee at your own risk, too.

    Or, the status quo can resume, along with the hope that each and every team that you play on the road to the Finals --- and, to be fair, the Warriors also benefited greatly from this --- is missing a key player or two and hope that your Eastern Rivals don't improve exponentially either from within and (or) new elements.
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  12. #26
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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    Quote Originally Posted by Kingspoint View Post
    From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

    President Magic Johnson "is in love" with Markelle Fultz and may try to move up to No. 1 possibly with Julius Randle included in a trade, according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express.

    The top pick looks to be on the block and it sounds like the Lakers and 76ers could get involved in a bidding war. The Lakers have said Brandon Ingram is really the only untouchable player, so unloading Randle is a possibility. The Celtics are expected to go after a power forward in free agency, so someone like Randle may change things. He's having a productive offseason and has lost some weight this summer.

    Source: Draft Express on Twitter


    The 76ers are waiting on medical information on Markelle Fultz, but they're deep into talks on acquiring Boston's No. 1 overall pick, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.

    Get your popcorn ready. This report comes on the heels of ESPN saying the 76ers are going after the top pick, so this one is picking up steam in a hurry. Woj adds that the trade talks are far enough along that Fultz could be on his way to Philly for a meeting on Saturday. Obviously a move to Philly would be great for Fultz's fantasy value compared to value in Boston.

    Source: Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter


    The Sixers and Celtics are in serious talks on a trade involving the No. 1 overall pick, according to ESPN's Marc Stein and Zach Lowe.


    Trust the process. According to the report, the 76ers would likely be looking to deal away more picks and not players like Jahlil Okafor. The Celtics are working out more players this week, which does coincide they could look move back in the draft. The 76ers have the ammo to move up from No. 3, so it wouldn't be a total shock to see them pull off a trade. General manager Danny Ainge has said teams have called about the No. 1 pick, as well.

    Source: Marc Stein on Twitter


    Josh Jackson's workout in Los Angeles "did not go well at all," according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express.

    The report adds he brought high energy, but struggled with his shooting and handle. It sounds like the Celtics do like Josh Jackson, which may be part of the motivation to trade back with the 76ers. Jackson does have some off-court concerns and he was suspended at Kansas last season. He is still a near lock to go in the top five.

    Source: Draft Express on Twitter


    The Celtics have scheduled a pre-draft meeting with Dennis Smith Jr.

    He's been going through plenty of workouts, including sessions with the Knicks, Lakers, Magic and Wolves. The Celtics almost certainly won't be taking Smith Jr. with their top pick, but it's interesting to see they're going to work him out. Smith Jr. is expected to go in the later part of the lottery.

    Source: ESPN.com
    If Colangelo can maneuver to #1 to grab Fultz without including Embiid, Simmons or the Lakers unprotected pick next year, he should do so without thinking about it. If it's a bidding war between L.A and Philly, L.A stands little, if any, chance.
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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    Quote Originally Posted by Revering4Blue View Post
    If Colangelo can maneuver to #1 to grab Fultz without including Embiid, Simmons or the Lakers unprotected pick next year, he should do so without thinking about it. If it's a bidding war between L.A and Philly, L.A stands little, if any, chance.
    Huh. I wondered if this was a more likely scenario for Philly rather than a move down, although I'd have a hard time myself turning down something like the 5th and 10th picks if the Kings offered them up. Boston is flush in guards and Philly desperately needs a scorer while being loaded with projected high draft picks over the next couple years. Marc Stein and Zach Lowe appear pretty convinced that the pick Celtics/Sixers trade is going down and that Fultz may be headed to Philly for a meet rather than a 2nd Celtics workout.

    Simmons/Embiid/Saric/Fultz/Covington? Okey-dokey.
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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    Quote Originally Posted by SteelSD View Post
    Huh. I wondered if this was a more likely scenario for Philly rather than a move down, although I'd have a hard time myself turning down something like the 5th and 10th picks if the Kings offered them up. Boston is flush in guards and Philly desperately needs a scorer while being loaded with projected high draft picks over the next couple years. Marc Stein and Zach Lowe appear pretty convinced that the pick Celtics/Sixers trade is going down and that Fultz may be headed to Philly for a meet rather than a 2nd Celtics workout.

    Simmons/Embiid/Saric/Fultz/Covington? Okey-dokey.
    There are many players with really high ceilings projected to go within the Top Ten, but, IMHO, Fultz and Malik Monk are the most equipped to heavily contribute from day one, as most of the others have holes in their games, namely shooting. If we're confining this discussion to players projected to possibly go 1st, Fultz is about as much of a "can't miss" guard as John Wall, and has been compared with a better-defending James Harden.

    Thanks (again) to Sam Hinkie, with the future picks in tow, along with, hopefully, Fultz, the 76ers can realistically (health-permitting) think about reaching the Playoffs without concern about perpetual treadmill status.

    As for Boston's angle, well, this is interesting. Finally-- including this Celtics/76ers rumor -- we have something worthwhile to discuss rumor-wise, rather than what LeBron may or may not do in '18.

    NBA Rumors: Celtics Eyeing First-Round Picks To Trade For Jimmy Butler? by Ricky Doyle on Fri, Jun 16, 2017 at 7:03PM

    What’s Danny Ainge’s end game? That’s the question Boston Celtics fans are asking after trade rumors involving the No. 1 overall pick in next week’s NBA draft began to swirl Friday, and one scenario floated has the C’s seeking to acquire additional first-round picks as a precursor to then trading for Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler. The madness started when reports surfaced stating the Celtics were in serious trade talks with the Philadelphia 76ers about the No. 1 pick. Boston reportedly would acquire a package headlined by the No. 3 pick that Philadelphia owns — the Los Angeles Lakers own the No. 2 pick — and additional draft picks.

    Read more at: http://nesn.com/2017/06/nba-rumors-c...-jimmy-butler/
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  15. #29
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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    Quote Originally Posted by Kingspoint View Post
    The Sixers and Celtics are in serious talks on a trade involving the No. 1 overall pick, according to ESPN's Marc Stein and Zach Lowe.

    Trust the process. According to the report, the 76ers would likely be looking to deal away more picks and not players like Jahlil Okafor.
    First, good luck finding someone who'd trade much value for Okafor. That guy seems like the demon seed of Joe Barry Carroll.

    Second, Philly does have the Lakers' 1st round pick next year and Sacto's in 2019.

    Third, still got to figure a Covington or a Saric would need to be in there.
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    Re: 2017-18 NBA Season..."Closing the gap on the Warriors"

    Quote Originally Posted by Revering4Blue View Post
    There are many players with really high ceilings projected to go within the Top Ten, but, IMHO, Fultz and Malik Monk are the most equipped to heavily contribute from day one, as most of the others have holes in their games, namely shooting. If we're confining this discussion to players projected to possibly go 1st, Fultz is about as much of a "can't miss" guard as John Wall, and has been compared with a better-defending James Harden.

    Thanks (again) to Sam Hinkie, with the future picks in tow, along with, hopefully, Fultz, the 76ers can realistically (health-permitting) think about reaching the Playoffs without concern about perpetual treadmill status.

    As for Boston's angle, well, this is interesting. Finally-- including this Celtics/76ers rumor -- we have something worthwhile to discuss rumor-wise, rather than what LeBron may or may not do in '18.
    This is funny...go here and tell me who's missing from the Celtics official site draft profile series:

    http://www.nba.com/celtics/Draft

    Hmn...
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