NBA 2019-20: Who wins the bubble?

[M2]

Before the end of this thread, we should have a champion. Yet, before that, of the eight teams that just got eliminated, who are you most bullish on for next season?

The choices are:

Indiana
Philadelphia
Brooklyn
Orlando
Oklahoma City
Utah
Dallas
Portland

On paper, Brooklyn should be very good, but I suspect it's a soap opera waiting to happen. I like Dallas to figure out how to take the leap forward. That's also because I think they've got the best player in Luka.

[BillDoran]

Before the end of this thread, we should have a champion. Yet, before that, of the eight teams that just got eliminated, who are you most bullish on for next season?

The choices are:

Indiana
Philadelphia
Brooklyn
Orlando
Oklahoma City
Utah
Dallas
Portland

On paper, Brooklyn should be very good, but I suspect it's a soap opera waiting to happen. I like Dallas to figure out how to take the leap forward. That's also because I think they've got the best player in Luka.

That's a tough one. Still lots up in the air for some of these teams.

You'd have to put Brooklyn near the top just on star power alone. I'm very intrigued to see who the Sixers hire. If they bring in the right guy, that's a Eastern favorite. I'm not especially optimistic given the rumors about high-up dysfunction and meddling owners. The sky is the limit for the Mavs. There's no limit to where Luka can take them, especially if they can keep Porzingis healthy.

I don't know that they have the highest ceiling for next year, but I'm probably most intrigued by OKC. Presti's one of the best in the business. I like Billy Donovan a lot. Chris Paul looks like he has more gas in the tank. And they have all the draft capital in the world (they have 10 first round picks in the next five drafts and 15 first round picks over the next seven drafts). Outside of Paul's contract (and Adams to a lesser extent), their salary situation isn't too bad. I love SGA. I like Bazely more than I should. And, most important, Dort is signed for three more seasons at less than $2 million/season!

[Kingspoint]

Before the end of this thread, we should have a champion. Yet, before that, of the eight teams that just got eliminated, who are you most bullish on for next season?

The choices are:

Indiana
Philadelphia
Brooklyn
Orlando
Oklahoma City
Utah
Dallas
Portland

On paper, Brooklyn should be very good, but I suspect it's a soap opera waiting to happen. I like Dallas to figure out how to take the leap forward. That's also because I think they've got the best player in Luka.

Portland, of course. They showed what they could do in the bubble, going 8-2 against in an intense playoff atmosphere in all 10 of those games before running out of bodies from injuries once again. Once healthy, they should get back to where they were tracking before the injuries, winning the Western Conference playoffs and getting back to the Finals.

[M2]

Portland, of course. They showed what they could do in the bubble, going 8-2 against in an intense playoff atmosphere in all 10 of those games before running out of bodies from injuries once again. Once healthy, they should get back to where they were tracking before the injuries, winning the Western Conference playoffs and getting back to the Finals.

They showed they could get steamrolled by the Lakers.

[adkindo]

Dallas without hesitation. Yes I know about Durant returning, and I also know that Kyrie will join him which is why I am not bullish on the Nets. There is a real chance if Luka takes another step, he is the best playing the NBA and so easy to build around.

(btw, I was a guy that had reservations about Luka during his draft...so he has already made me look silly)

[adkindo]

@M2....my reference to Vaughn in the previous thread was when he took over as HC of the Magic after being an end of the bench assistant for the Spurs for less than 2 years. He was not ready back then, and I think it scarred his image which he has had to build back up. I was suggesting I think everyone takes that Magic job if you are Vaughn, but it probably hurt his overall career trajectory to a degree. I think Nash could be walking into a similar situation....with better talent, but still learning on the job...and if it goes bad, it could be a mark on his high image.

[M2]

Dallas without hesitation. Yes I know about Durant returning, and I also know that Kyrie will join him which is why I am not bullish on the Nets. There is a real chance if Luka takes another step, he is the best playing the NBA and so easy to build around.

(btw, I was a guy that had reservations about Luka during his draft...so he has already made me look silly)

I thought Luka should have been #1 with a bullet in that draft and I'm still stunned by how good he is. Dallas should be thinking big.

[Kingspoint]

They showed they could get steamrolled by the Lakers.

They were devastated by injuries going into the series. That was the most lopsided officiating in the history of the NBA. You're blind as a bat and living in la-la-land if you can't see that.

[M2]

They were devastated by injuries going into the series. That was the most lopsided officiating in the history of the NBA. You're blind as a bat and living in la-la-land if you can't see that.

You thought they were going to go undefeated and roll to the NBA title. They got stomped out. Maybe quit while you're behind.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Before the end of this thread, we should have a champion. Yet, before that, of the eight teams that just got eliminated, who are you most bullish on for next season?

The choices are:

Indiana
Philadelphia
Brooklyn
Orlando
Oklahoma City
Utah
Dallas
Portland

On paper, Brooklyn should be very good, but I suspect it's a soap opera waiting to happen. I like Dallas to figure out how to take the leap forward. That's also because I think they've got the best player in Luka.

Hard to not vote Brooklyn assuming Durant is at least 90% of Golden State Durant and he should be.

I’m not sure what Dallas can do to get Luka another piece and without that I’m not sure how they get that much better other than just Luka continuing to improve.

Utah if healthy and adding a MLE guy will be good. They will have to prove they can be more than regular season good and be a playoff contender.

Indiana and OKC kinda seem like they are what they are.

I think Philly is in trouble. They are still a playoff team, but they have a lot of money in Harris and Horford and Simmons and Embiid don’t work.

Orlando and Portland seem like teams that could miss the playoffs next year, particularly Portland with Golden State back in the fold and just how deep the West will be.

[M2]

I’m not sure what Dallas can do to get Luka another piece and without that I’m not sure how they get that much better other than just Luka continuing to improve.

I'm thinking they're in permanent pounce mode, possibly with Porzingis on the table in the right deal. For instance, if the rumors about Sabonis agitating for a deal out of Indiana are true, Dallas would make a ton of sense. If Sacramento suffers brain freeze and gives away Buddy Hield, be in on that. If Houston blows apart and James Harden can be had, get the Beard. I don't know how, but I'm thinking the Mavericks come back next season with their Kill Arthur Dent team.

[M2]

OG Anunoby with a season-saving shot for the Raps. Give Nick Nurse credit because it looks like that's exactly how they drew it up. Ballsy call to put it all in Anunoby's hands.

[adkindo]

Ballsy call to put it all in Anunoby's hands.

it is only called "ballsy" if it goes in....if he misses, there would be many different types of descriptions for the decision :)

[BillDoran]

Utah if healthy and adding a MLE guy will be good. They will have to prove they can be more than regular season good and be a playoff contender.

I like Quin Snyder, but I'm getting a Nate McMillan vibe from him. Holds players accountable, gets defensive buy-in but has a ceiling on what he can achieve. Good regular season teams, never really a threat in the playoffs. It's a solid roster, but unless Donovan Mitchell goes supernova next season, I think it's another first-round exit for them.


Orlando and Portland seem like teams that could miss the playoffs next year, particularly Portland with Golden State back in the fold and just how deep the West will be.

Coming from a Blazers fan, but I'd pretty shocked--assuming good health--they didn't make the playoffs this year. They're not a contender or anything, but I'd put them in the second tier with the Nuggets, Jazz, Mavs and maybe OKC. People forget how decimated they were by injuries this year.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I like Quin Snyder, but I'm getting a Nate McMillan vibe from him. Holds players accountable, gets defensive buy-in but has a ceiling on what he can achieve. Good regular season teams, never really a threat in the playoffs. It's a solid roster, but unless Donovan Mitchell goes supernova next season, I think it's another first-round exit for them.



Coming from a Blazers fan, but I'd pretty shocked--assuming good health--they didn't make the playoffs this year. They're not a contender or anything, but I'd put them in the second tier with the Nuggets, Jazz, Mavs and maybe OKC. People forget how decimated they were by injuries this year.

I just hope Utah gets through the season healthy. I like Quin Snyder a lot, I think he's one of the better coaches in the league. If they have their starting 5 and can add to Clarkson and Ingles off the bench with one more reliable piece, I think they are much more than just a playoff team.

I'm not discounting Portland's injuries this year and obviously having Lillard is huge, but they are pretty weak on the wings without any real way to improve that substantially. I'm not saying Portland will be bad next year, but Golden State is going to be a playoff team, so someone is going to miss out and teams like Phoenix, Memphis and Sacramento are going to be right in that playoff fight too. If I had to choose 2 teams that made the West playoffs this year that aren't going to next year I'd choose Portland and OKC.

[BillDoran]

I just hope Utah gets through the season healthy. I like Quin Snyder a lot, I think he's one of the better coaches in the league. If they have their starting 5 and can add to Clarkson and Ingles off the bench with one more reliable piece, I think they are much more than just a playoff team.

I'm not discounting Portland's injuries this year and obviously having Lillard is huge, but they are pretty weak on the wings without any real way to improve that substantially. I'm not saying Portland will be bad next year, but Golden State is going to be a playoff team, so someone is going to miss out and teams like Phoenix, Memphis and Sacramento are going to be right in that playoff fight too. If I had to choose 2 teams that made the West playoffs this year that aren't going to next year I'd choose Portland and OKC.

You're right, the West is going to be tough next year. It should make for some fun basketball (and offseason as most front offices know standing pat ain't going to cut it).

My concern with the Jazz is where do they get better. Getting Bogdonavic back certainly helps. But if they want to keep Clarkson, they're going to have to PAY him (in what will likely look like a bad contract three years down the road). Conley didn't really help (and he's starting to decline). We know what Gobert is. We more or less know what Mitchell is at this point. Ingles is a nice aging complementary player. I like Royce O'Neal a lot, but he's not a guy that's going to swing a series. Tony Bradley has some promise. They don't have any real money to spend. I don't see how they get off the 5- or 6-seed treadmill. And as consistent as they have been in locking in those spots, the 5/6 seed are going to be extra competitive this year.

Like the team a lot. They're fun to root for, but I just don't see a ton of upside.

[M2]

You're right, the West is going to be tough next year. It should make for some fun basketball (and offseason as most front offices know standing pat ain't going to cut it).

My concern with the Jazz is where do they get better. Getting Bogdonavic back certainly helps. But if they want to keep Clarkson, they're going to have to PAY him (in what will likely look like a bad contract three years down the road). Conley didn't really help (and he's starting to decline). We know what Gobert is. We more or less know what Mitchell is at this point. Ingles is a nice aging complementary player. I like Royce O'Neal a lot, but he's not a guy that's going to swing a series. Tony Bradley has some promise. They don't have any real money to spend. I don't see how they get off the 5- or 6-seed treadmill. And as consistent as they have been in locking in those spots, the 5/6 seed are going to be extra competitive this year.

Like the team a lot. They're fun to root for, but I just don't see a ton of upside.

I think Utah's upside is Mitchell's playoff form carries into the next season and Bogdanovic comes back to score 20+. They still could use a dynamic two-way wing and for Mike Conley to revert to his former self, but they can get more from their top two than they did in the playoffs (one of whom wasn't even there). They probably need to shuffle the supporting case and I suspect Bogdanovic really should be a Ray-Allen-on-the-Celtics 3rd option if they want to make a run at a title.

The Lakers and Clippers will be doing a lot of shuffling around their two-man cores. I suspect the Lakers will strengthen their guard positions while the Clippers may be willing to sign-and-trade Trez for a shooter. Denver just gets better by aging a little bit. I have no idea what's coming down the road with Houston. Anything could happen with that team. Hard to believe OKC doesn't rebuild with Gallinari a free agent and CP3, Schroder and Adams candidates for trades. Dallas will be looking to get Luka more help.

I actually don't put a lot of weight on the Blazers' injuries. Everyone knew Nurkic was going to be out. The four-month season suspension gave him more time to recover. That was probably a better version of Nurk than if the season had just progressed normally. Rodney Hood is a journeyman, and it's almost certainly a lesser version of him coming back from an Achilles tear. Zach Collins is still trying to figure out how to be useful (totally agree he's really a small ball 5 in the Daniel Theis vein). Yet their defense is a fatal flaw. They got outscored and they can't stop anyone on the wings (or the backcourt, but at least there's a scoring tradeoff there). They have to fix that, and I still love your Rondae Hollis-Jefferson suggestion. I'll toss JaMychal Green (would have to trade for him) in there as well.

[dubc47834]

They showed they could get steamrolled by the Lakers.

Every year they figure out a way to lose...they must be still learning how to win!!!

[dubc47834]

They were devastated by injuries going into the series. That was the most lopsided officiating in the history of the NBA. You're blind as a bat and living in la-la-land if you can't see that.

Dude...it's always the officiating with you!!!

[dubc47834]

it is only called "ballsy" if it goes in....if he misses, there would be many different types of descriptions for the decision :)

Doubtful...he has been their best 3 PT shooter in the playoffs. Which is surprising, because at IU shooting wasn't even close to being his strong point!

[BillDoran]

Every year they figure out a way to lose...they must be still learning how to win!!!

To be fair, 29 of 30 teams lose every year.

[M2]

Doubtful...he has been their best 3 PT shooter in the playoffs. Which is surprising, because at IU shooting wasn't even close to being his strong point!

We've gotten some more information on it. Seems like Anunoby was the 3rd option and Jaylen Brown missed the switch option on him. So we probably ought to credit Kyle Lowry for making a perfect pass over Tacko Fall.

[dubc47834]

To be fair, 29 of 30 teams lose every year.

True...but I don't think they have made a Finals appearance tho. If Dame goes his whole career without going to the Finals, he then becomes a whatcouldabeen guy...in my opinion!!!

[M2]

The Bucks just COLLAPSED.

[Stray]

Wow that's some 4th quarter collapse for Milwaukee. Miami up 3-0. This series is over.

[Stray]

4th quarter

Miami: 40
Milwaukee: 13

Yikes.

[Rojo Rijo]

Westbrook is so painful to watch.

[M2]

Old boxing adage: styles make fights. The Rockets have a very tough style for the Lakers. Doesn't mean the Lakers can't bounce back and win the series (or even this game if they get insanely hot), but they're going to need to dig deep to beat Houston.

[Stray]

You look at these Rockets matchups on paper and think that bigs are gonna feast on them, but the ability of PJ Tucker and co to play and defend so much bigger than they are is impressive.

[adkindo]

I think most Lakers fans were concerned if not outright expect the Lakers to lose tonight. A week off....they were going to return with rust. I expect the Lakers to win in 6....Lebron and AD will have to take it to the Rockets defense and be more aggressive in Game 2.

[M2]

I think most Lakers fans were concerned if not outright expect the Lakers to lose tonight. A week off....they were going to return with rust. I expect the Lakers to win in 6....Lebron and AD will have to take it to the Rockets defense and be more aggressive in Game 2.

I heard talk (not from you) that Denver had no chance against the Clips last night because L.A. was rested and the Nuggets were gassed from a 7 game series. IMO, what we saw in both cases is the winning teams are able to get the matchups they want against the losing teams. I'm sure adjustments can be made and they need to be. I don't think just playing better fixes it in either case.

[adkindo]

I heard talk (not from you) that Denver had no chance against the Clips last night because L.A. was rested and the Nuggets were gassed from a 7 game series. IMO, what we saw in both cases is the winning teams are able to get the matchups they want against the losing teams. I'm sure adjustments can be made and they need to be. I don't think just playing better fixes it in either case.

I doubt we see Danny Green and Kuzma getting up as many shots in Game #2 if they do not have it early. It felt similar to the Portland game in that the Lakers (at least Lebron) played much of the 2nd half like he was taking notes. I am confident the Lakers will have a fairly different approach in Game #2 beginning with Lebron and AD being more physical/aggressive on offense.

[M2]

I doubt we see Danny Green and Kuzma getting up as many shots in Game #2 if they do not have it early. It felt similar to the Portland game in that the Lakers (at least Lebron) played much of the 2nd half like he was taking notes. I am confident the Lakers will have a fairly different approach in Game #2 beginning with Lebron and AD being more physical/aggressive on offense.

Very different situations. The Lakers had a historically unlucky Game 1 against the Blazers. They clanked their shots at an almost impossible level. That's not what happened tonight. The Rockets straight up beat them. Stretched out the defense, took the Lakers off the dribble, disrupted their offense. Bron and AD generally aren't back-to-the-basket players and Houston's tough to beat off the dribble. It's going to be much more challenging to get their size near the rim against Houston.

[BillDoran]

I doubt we see Danny Green and Kuzma getting up as many shots in Game #2 if they do not have it early. It felt similar to the Portland game in that the Lakers (at least Lebron) played much of the 2nd half like he was taking notes. I am confident the Lakers will have a fairly different approach in Game #2 beginning with Lebron and AD being more physical/aggressive on offense.

It was a six-point game going into the fourth quarter. The Lakers, nor LeBron, forfeited the second half; crazy to suggest they were just "taking notes."

[adkindo]

It was a six-point game going into the fourth quarter. The Lakers, nor LeBron, forfeited the second half; crazy to suggest they were just "taking notes."

I think there is a misunderstanding in my reference....I am not claiming they did not try in the 2nd half, but very similar to the Portland Game #1, they really made no in game adjustments.

[adkindo]

Very different situations. The Lakers had a historically unlucky Game 1 against the Blazers. They clanked their shots at an almost impossible level. That's not what happened tonight. The Rockets straight up beat them. Stretched out the defense, took the Lakers off the dribble, disrupted their offense. Bron and AD generally aren't back-to-the-basket players and Houston's tough to beat off the dribble. It's going to be much more challenging to get their size near the rim against Houston.

If you feel confident in the Rockets, you should visit a casino or online gaming site and make a large wager. You can probably still get good value for a Houston series win. My money will remain on the Lakers with extreme confidence.

[M2]

If you feel confident in the Rockets, you should visit a casino or online gaming site and make a large wager. You can probably still get good value for a Houston series win. My money will remain on the Lakers with extreme confidence.

Gambling is childish. What I think, and have thought since Houston moved Capella and immediately slapped the L.A. in the mouth, is the Rockets are a tough matchup for the Lakers. Who's going to guard Harden? Who's keeping Russ away from the rim? How are they going to cover the perimeter? And on offense who's facilitating Bron and AD?

I don't pretend to know who's going to win this series, but the Lakers are going to be pressed outside their comfort zone in this series. As we saw last night, Houston can get a lot of favorable matchups against them.

[adkindo]

Gambling is childish. What I think, and have thought since Houston moved Capella and immediately slapped the L.A. in the mouth, is the Rockets are a tough matchup for the Lakers. Who's going to guard Harden? Who's keeping Russ away from the rim? How are they going to cover the perimeter? And on offense who's facilitating Bron and AD?

I don't pretend to know who's going to win this series, but the Lakers are going to be pressed outside their comfort zone in this series. As we saw last night, Houston can get a lot of favorable matchups against them.

it is sports, not international relations.....you can be wrong every time, and it really does not matter. Be bold, call your shot....everyone will forget in a week.

[Stray]

Denver need Jokic and Murray to be great to have a chance in this series, that's kinda their entire offense. They were pretty good tonight, but Murray has yet to go off the rails. He's gonna need to for the Nuggets to have a chance to win this series. Probably three times.

[M2]

Denver need Jokic and Murray to be great to have a chance in this series, that's kinda their entire offense. They were pretty good tonight, but Murray has yet to go off the rails. He's gonna need to for the Nuggets to have a chance to win this series. Probably three times.

Seemed like the key for Denver last night was a bunch of guys showed up. They had six guys score double digits. Maybe their model for success against the Clips is everybody eats.

[M2]

Give the Bucks credit, they lost Giannis but staved off elimination. And give Donte DiVincenzo more minutes.

[adkindo]

Give the Bucks credit, they lost Giannis but staved off elimination. And give Donte DiVincenzo more minutes.

have to wonder if they were as happy once they arrived back at the hotel and realize they likely just extended their stay in the bubble....

[adkindo]

have to be honest, I did not expect Houston to make Game #2 nearly this competitive. I expected the Lakers to hit them hard early as they did, but the Rockets quickly closed the gap and kept it close. Not worried, but a little more concerned than I was yesterday.

[Stray]

Tyler Herro being a 20 year old rookie and taking and making big shots down the stretch in the 4th quarter of a playoff game is a thing. Whatever that it is, he's got a lot of it. One thing to make em, it's another thing to be a rookie who wants to take em.

[Stray]

Seemed like the key for Denver last night was a bunch of guys showed up. They had six guys score double digits. Maybe their model for success against the Clips is everybody eats.

Maybe, but I don't think they can depend on winning 3 more games that way. MPJ is their best 3rd option, but still a liability on D so he's getting limited mins. If Denver is gonna make a series of this it's gonna be with Murray and Jokic imo. Their role guys are pretty limited. Especially with Barton out.

[adkindo]

I think Game 3 of the Lakers/Rockets is very big or D'Antoni's legacy in the league. The primary reason that I have always argued that he is not an elite NBA coach is because he has never been able to make adjustments within games or within series. He basically is very very good at implementing a system that fits his talent, and hopes it is enough. He has been kind of like a bullpen closer that throws 101 MPH fastballs, and has a lot of success but when an elite fast ball hitter comes to the plate, he still throws the heater. I think this is why when many of his talented teams seem to roll, then reach a series where they go down in flames. Even in the OKC series, I thought they won because they had the better players by a decent margin, but was out coached by Donovan throughout the series.

Coach Popovich would always drive me crazy because of his amazing in game adjustments. Phil Jackson was excellent with adjustments from game to game within a series. In my opinion it is what separates the good coaches from the elite coaches. In Game 2, the Lakers adjusted and was aggressive in getting to the basket....and were often met with little resistance. If D'Antoni simply continues to play the same strategy without real adjustments, the result will be the same as it has been for previous D'Antoni teams.

[Mutaman]

Tyler Herro being a 20 year old rookie and taking and making big shots down the stretch in the 4th quarter of a playoff game is a thing. Whatever that it is, he's got a lot of it. One thing to make em, it's another thing to be a rookie who wants to take em.

Two years ago Herro was playing for Whitnall High School in a place called Greenfield Wisconsin.

[adkindo]

Celtics make a statement to the Raptors and rest of NBA with tonight's performance

[M2]

Celtics make a statement to the Raptors and rest of NBA with tonight's performance

Boston has more explosive talent. When Jaylen Brown skied over Anunoby and Ibaka for that dunk in the 1st half (https://twitter.com/victhetruth52/status/1303121613072801792) it made a statement. Kemba dished out cooking lessons. Tatum had a C game by his standards but still hit a few ridiculous shots.

Toronto is a great supporting team that's short a superstar. If his Clippers adventure doesn't end with a title or two, Kawhi should regret leaving that organization. There is zero doubt in my mind the Raps win the title this season if he stays. That team is nails. Even when they're getting their butts kicked they're busting their humps. Nothing worked for them tonight, but they kept throwing different stuff at Boston in the hopes something worked. They're going to make the Celtics play at an extremely high level to eliminate them. Their problem is the Celtics can do that.

[M2]

Maybe, but I don't think they can depend on winning 3 more games that way. MPJ is their best 3rd option, but still a liability on D so he's getting limited mins. If Denver is gonna make a series of this it's gonna be with Murray and Jokic imo. Their role guys are pretty limited. Especially with Barton out.

So far tonight, the firm of Porter, Harris and Morris have stepped up.

[M2]

Paul George >> Jamal Murray tonight and the Clippers won. PG13 is kind of their wild card. When he plays his A game, they're a beast.

[Stray]

So far tonight, the firm of Porter, Harris and Morris have stepped up.

I think they can win a couple of games with their role guys stepping up or be competitive in losses, but if Murray can't get it going against this Clip defense this series is over.

[Stray]

Two years ago Herro was playing for Whitnall High School in a place called Greenfield Wisconsin.

I think Jimmy Butler deserves a lotta credit for his confidence. Took him under his wing early on and Herro just kinda became a guy. But yeah, it's insane that this kid plays the way he does. Nobody does that, especially on teams that can legit make the finals. No fear at all and I love it.

[texasdave]

Herro is jacking up 11.5 shots a game in this series, and hitting them at an extremely pedestrian (i.e. piss poor) 34.8% rate. I suppose if you keep slinging the ball at the basket, one or two will eventually find their way home. 34.8% shooting. Yeah, that's what I want on the floor.

[M2]

Herro is jacking up 11.5 shots a game in this series, and hitting them at an extremely pedestrian (i.e. piss poor) 34.8% rate. I suppose if you keep slinging the ball at the basket, one or two will eventually find their way home. 34.8% shooting. Yeah, that's what I want on the floor.

He's actually been really good from 3 (.423 3P%). That's spectacular. He's somehow managed to shoot only 20% inside the arc. So, fire at will from distance. I cut him some slack on the interior scoring. He's a 20-year-old rookie. I'm sure he's getting bodied. Yet he's a lot better than Eric Bledsoe so far.

[SteelSD]

Oh, my...GOD...is TNT's online live channel the worst implementation of anything in the history of the internet. I swear, it's disconnected like 12 times...and that's just during halftime.

I truly hate relatively few things, but this is one of them.

[Mutaman]

Herro is jacking up 11.5 shots a game in this series, and hitting them at an extremely pedestrian (i.e. piss poor) 34.8% rate. I suppose if you keep slinging the ball at the basket, one or two will eventually find their way home. 34.8% shooting. Yeah, that's what I want on the floor.

He played 38 minutes tonight, more than jimmy. So however he's shooting, I suspect its good enough for Riley.

[SteelSD]

Hmn...Billy Donovan and OKC part ways.

Billy Donovan...hmn...did a heck of a job this year...Philly needs a coach...hmn...

[WVRed]

Hmn...Billy Donovan and OKC part ways.

Billy Donovan...hmn...did a heck of a job this year...Philly needs a coach...hmn...

No chance he returns to college is there?

[M2]

Hmn...Billy Donovan and OKC part ways.

Billy Donovan...hmn...did a heck of a job this year...Philly needs a coach...hmn...

I'm not a Donovan fan. Seems like his strength might be getting an underdog team to overachieve. When he had a more stacked team it generally underachieved. Doesn't seem like the guy who's going to take Embiid and Simmons to a new level.

[M2]

This Bucks team has misfired in the playoffs twice. They've got to change it up. Eric Bledsoe has got to go. This also might be the right time to cash in on Brook Lopez. This is another team where I'm like "why didn't you get Kemba?"

[M2]

If you told me LeBron would score 29 in the 1st half tonight and the Lakers would be down three, I'd have told you that was propaganda.

[SteelSD]

I'm not a Donovan fan. Seems like his strength might be getting an underdog team to overachieve. When he had a more stacked team it generally underachieved. Doesn't seem like the guy who's going to take Embiid and Simmons to a new level.

I dunno. He did pretty well with a Westbrook/Durant duo- taking the Warriors to the brink in the conference finals in his first season. But yeah, the Westbrook/George playoff pairing didn't work out, so there's that.

I'm just sort of trying to avoid Tyronn Lue...

[M2]

I dunno. He did pretty well with a Westbrook/Durant duo- taking the Warriors to the brink in the conference finals in his first season. But yeah, the Westbrook/George playoff pairing didn't work out, so there's that.

I'm just sort of trying to avoid Tyronn Lue...

What they need is a modern Chuck Daly. Damned if I know who that is.

[Revering4Blue]

No chance he returns to college is there?

I suspect that he's now an NBA-lifer. The only factor that could possibly change the equation: An elite, open college job within the next two years or so. And the only one that checks that box, and may well open in that time-frame (Kansas), may be sanction-ridden.

[adkindo]

If you told me LeBron would score 29 in the 1st half tonight and the Lakers would be down three, I'd have told you that was propaganda.

and you are an expert in that propaganda stuff, so I believe you. ;)

[Stray]

I like how Rondo pretty much took the entire year off and then shows up like this for the playoffs.

[adkindo]

I suspect that he's now an NBA-lifer. The only factor that could possibly change the equation: An elite, open college job within the next two years or so. And the only one that checks that box, and may well open in that time-frame (Kansas), may be sanction-ridden.

my gut leads me to believe the bucket list college job for Billy D is UK....he went there with Pitino, knows how special that job is, and if I recall, it was his final big recruiting class as Associate Head Coach before leaving for Marshall that won it all in 1996. I think he gets another NBA job soon.

- - - Updated - - -


I like how Rondo pretty much took the entire year off and then shows up like this for the playoffs.

Playoff Rondo strikes....

[M2]

and you are an expert in that propaganda stuff, so I believe you. ;)

Sparks are the true masters of propaganda.


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

[adkindo]

I was not watching closely early in the game because I was watching the Reds game....but I saw no adjustments by the Rockets. Did I miss any major changes in an attempt to slow down Lebron or AD? This has always been the issue with D'Antoni....some suggest it is arrogance, but I am not sure the reason.

[M2]

Donovan wants the Knicks job, right? That's got to be his grail.

[Stray]

Spo has done an amazing job with this Heat team. He's as good of a coach as there is in the NBA right now.

[KronoRed]

my gut leads me to believe the bucket list college job for Billy D is UK....he went there with Pitino, knows how special that job is, and if I recall, it was his final big recruiting class as Associate Head Coach before leaving for Marshall that won it all in 1996. I think he gets another NBA job soon.


He turned them down twice, I think he's "been there, done that, got 2 rings" with college ball, maybe when he's in 10 years when he's done with the NBA he takes the Providence job.

[M2]

Spo has done an amazing job with this Heat team. He's as good of a coach as there is in the NBA right now.

If I were one of the many teams with a coaching vacancy, I'd check into his assistants. Seems like good organizational DNA.

One off the board guy who interests me as a potential coach is Raja Bell. He worked in the Cavs front office when they won the title, he's got a big basketball brain and he's hard-nosed.

[WVRed]

my gut leads me to believe the bucket list college job for Billy D is UK....he went there with Pitino, knows how special that job is, and if I recall, it was his final big recruiting class as Associate Head Coach before leaving for Marshall that won it all in 1996. I think he gets another NBA job soon.

- - - Updated - - -



Playoff Rondo strikes....

Krono beat me to it but I’ll add I don’t think he would ever come back and never took the job either time it was offered because of the fishbowl that is Kentucky. It’s what ruined Billy Gillespie and the fact you are more than a coach but also a public figure.

He actually left for the NBA I think in large part due to recruiting. Think he got burnt out on it and especially having to go against Calipari as well. I see Indiana and Kansas being possibilities but they kinda fit the fishbowl narrative too.

[Betterread]

Dave Joerger is out there and he has a great B-ball mind. Not an east coast guy, though. Thibs would have been “perfect” for Philly.

[BillDoran]

If I were one of the many teams with a coaching vacancy, I'd check into his assistants. Seems like good organizational DNA.

One off the board guy who interests me as a potential coach is Raja Bell. He worked in the Cavs front office when they won the title, he's got a big basketball brain and he's hard-nosed.

Bell said last week on a podcast that he gets calls every year. Says he has no interest at this time; too much grind required (though a big bag of money can change lots of things). I didn't realize this until I heard the podcast, but apparently he worked in the Cavs front office for a while before going the NBA analyst route. He's super sharp and articulate, and I think he has a bright future in media. Between his money from a dozen years in the NBA and his current gig with The Ringer I wouldn't imagine he'll needneed the money that might force him into coaching. He'll be an interesting guy to follow over the next 5-10 years.

[BillDoran]

Krono beat me to it but I’ll add I don’t think he would ever come back and never took the job either time it was offered because of the fishbowl that is Kentucky. It’s what ruined Billy Gillespie and the fact you are more than a coach but also a public figure.

He actually left for the NBA I think in large part due to recruiting. Think he got burnt out on it and especially having to go against Calipari as well. I see Indiana and Kansas being possibilities but they kinda fit the fishbowl narrative too.

He's somehow only 55-years-old. I wonder if he might dabble in NBA media (or maybe even college). Surely, he's got enough cash to not have to do anything, and I'm not sure why you'd throw yourself into a pressure cooker like Lexington or Lawrence. He's been to the mountain top. He's a hall of fame college coach. And with college ball, a career-tarnishing scandal is always right around the corner.

I thought Donovan was one of the five best coaches in the NBA. I'd be ecstatic to have him replace Stotts as the Blazers coach. I thought Donovan squeezed a lot out of some uneven, transitional OKC rosters. Presti's great, but they've been rebuilding on the fly since Durant departed with mismatched pieces and parts, including trying to build around Westbrook for four seasons. I hope some stable organization gives him 10 years to cook. I think he'd build a championship contender.

[dubc47834]

He's somehow only 55-years-old. I wonder if he might dabble in NBA media (or maybe even college). Surely, he's got enough cash to not have to do anything, and I'm not sure why you'd throw yourself into a pressure cooker like Lexington or Lawrence. He's been to the mountain top. He's a hall of fame college coach. And with college ball, a career-tarnishing scandal is always right around the corner.

I thought Donovan was one of the five best coaches in the NBA. I'd be ecstatic to have him replace Stotts as the Blazers coach. I thought Donovan squeezed a lot out of some uneven, transitional OKC rosters. Presti's great, but they've been rebuilding on the fly since Durant departed with mismatched pieces and parts, including trying to build around Westbrook for four seasons. I hope some stable organization gives him 10 years to cook. I think he'd build a championship contender.

I agree...probably a Top 5 coach in the NBA. From the sounds of it, he still wants to coach. He just didn't want to commit to a rebuild, nor should he have to. I think OKC agreed, which is why the "mutually" agreed to part ways. As an IU guy, I woul dlove to have in at Indiana, I don't know if they'd be willing to let Miller go and eat all that money they are giving him. I think most would agree that Donovan is an upgrade, but the money has to work as well!

[adkindo]

Krono beat me to it but I’ll add I don’t think he would ever come back and never took the job either time it was offered because of the fishbowl that is Kentucky. It’s what ruined Billy Gillespie and the fact you are more than a coach but also a public figure.

He actually left for the NBA I think in large part due to recruiting. Think he got burnt out on it and especially having to go against Calipari as well. I see Indiana and Kansas being possibilities but they kinda fit the fishbowl narrative too.

I honestly do not even recall him being offered UK...I assume it was shortly after his B2B championships @ UF? I was just speculating, and thought understanding how Pitino was kind of "bigger than basketball" while he was there with him, it might be attractive. Honestly, with the caveat that I have not clue what he wants....just do not see him interested in a school like Kansas or Indiana. I saw Providence was mentioned, and while that would be super cool....just do not see them ever being able to pay him. Like everyone else, I assume he will either take a sabbatical (get paid a lot of money in a media gig) or pick the best NBA opportunity. If he does not think the ideal job is out there now, I would advise him to take the former path until it does open....as he can probably be very selective right now. If he does not have success at his next stop, he likely will not be able to be as selective the next time.

[M2]

Can't put Donovan in the top 10, let alone the top 5. In no specific order - Kerr, Pop, Spo, Stevens, Nurse, Bud, Doc, Vogel, D'Antoni and Carlisle all seem like easy picks in front of him. I'd take guys like Casey and Stotts too.

[Revering4Blue]

Dave Joerger is out there and he has a great B-ball mind. Not an east coast guy, though. Thibs would have been “perfect” for Philly.

He may ultimately rub front offices he wrong way, but there's no denying the fact that Joerger's teams consistently outperform their perceived overall roster talent. Which is why he was my first choice to succeed Vogel in Indiana, and why I believe that he'd do well in Indiana should he be chosen to succeed McMillan.

- - - Updated - - -


Can't put Donovan in the top 10, let alone the top 5. In no specific order - Kerr, Pop, Spo, Stevens, Nurse, Bud, Doc, Vogel, D'Antoni and Carlisle all seem like easy picks in front of him. I'd take guys like Casey and Stotts too.

None of the above are available, though, except Donovan.

[WVRed]

I honestly do not even recall him being offered UK...I assume it was shortly after his B2B championships @ UF? I was just speculating, and thought understanding how Pitino was kind of "bigger than basketball" while he was there with him, it might be attractive. Honestly, with the caveat that I have not clue what he wants....just do not see him interested in a school like Kansas or Indiana. I saw Providence was mentioned, and while that would be super cool....just do not see them ever being able to pay him. Like everyone else, I assume he will either take a sabbatical (get paid a lot of money in a media gig) or pick the best NBA opportunity. If he does not think the ideal job is out there now, I would advise him to take the former path until it does open....as he can probably be very selective right now. If he does not have success at his next stop, he likely will not be able to be as selective the next time.

2009:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/news/story?id=402207

2007:

https://www.chron.com/sports/college-basketball-men/article/Donovan-spurns-Kentucky-offer-stays-at-Florida-1672295.php

[Revering4Blue]

I agree...probably a Top 5 coach in the NBA. From the sounds of it, he still wants to coach. He just didn't want to commit to a rebuild, nor should he have to. I think OKC agreed, which is why the "mutually" agreed to part ways. As an IU guy, I woul dlove to have in at Indiana, I don't know if they'd be willing to let Miller go and eat all that money they are giving him. I think most would agree that Donovan is an upgrade, but the money has to work as well!

To be fair, Donavan would be upgrade over most current NCAA coaches, not that I'm dissatisfied with Miller - But that's a topic for another thread. But the bottom-line is that he didn't jump when both the IU and Louisville jobs were open - and make no mistake about it, Donavan could have been just as dominant at either of the aforementioned schools as he could have been at UK or Kansas, no logical argument otherwise.

IU, I know for a fact pursued him heavily and the interest was mutual, but the sticking point wasn't money. Rather, Donovan would have been forced to leave OKC before the '17 Playoffs (wasn't happening), and Sam Presti sold Donovan on a plan of a quick reload to contention, which never materialized.

[BillDoran]

Can't put Donovan in the top 10, let alone the top 5. In no specific order - Kerr, Pop, Spo, Stevens, Nurse, Bud, Doc, Vogel, D'Antoni and Carlisle all seem like easy picks in front of him. I'd take guys like Casey and Stotts too.

Top 5 was probably too strong, but I'd take him over Pop, Vogel and D'Antoni for sure. Probably prefer him over Doc and Carlisle as well. I lost a lot of faith in Stotts this year. I think you'd be crazy to prefer him over Donovan.

Coach preference is a taste thing too. D'Antoni has won a lot, except for when he hasn't, but I'd hate to root for that Rockets offense for 82 games (no offense, texasdave).

[M2]

Top 5 was probably too strong, but I'd take him over Pop, Vogel and D'Antoni for sure. Probably prefer him over Doc and Carlisle as well. I lost a lot of faith in Stotts this year. I think you'd be crazy to prefer him over Donovan.

Coach preference is a taste thing too. D'Antoni has won a lot, except for when he hasn't, but I'd hate to root for that Rockets offense for 82 games (no offense, texasdave).

I'm low on Donovan. Didn't win big with marquee talent. Hasn't been great at unlocking younger players. Just look at what Nate McMillan did with Dipo and Sabonis compared to Donovan. I thought this was his best season, taking a veteran roster and having it grind out close wins. Wouldn't want him for a rebuild or a contender. Maybe he'd be able to wring something out of a team like the Bulls.

[M2]

This 1st quarter of this Celtics-Raptors game in one image:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/22/All_4_One_-_Clank.png

[Revering4Blue]

I'm low on Donovan. Didn't win big with marquee talent. Hasn't been great at unlocking younger players. Just look at what Nate McMillan did with Dipo and Sabonis compared to Donovan. I thought this was his best season, taking a veteran roster and having it grind out close wins. Wouldn't want him for a rebuild or a contender. Maybe he'd be able to wring something out of a team like the Bulls.

Donovan only coached Sabonis (who likely would not fave fit in next to Adams, anyway) and 'Dipo (whose Indy breakout may not have occurred had he not spent the '17 season in OKC, as he credited his time with Westbrook and the coaching environment there as key factors contributing to his rise as an All-Star ) for one season. Playing along, anyway, I'll give you the aforementioned two and raise you Adams -Don't forget, Adams had only two seasons under his belt before Donovan was hired and improved exponentially after that - SGA, Jerami Grant and Nerlens Noel, as young players who improved under Donovan's watch.

Throwing coaching out of the equation for a minute, If we're going to cite a roster construction error by Presti the past two seasons or so, it's the lack of a player (F/C, whatever) capable of simultaneously stretching floor and protecting the rim. IIRC, Grant was the only one fitting the description in the Donovan era since Ibaka was dealt away. Having someone like Myles Turner in Indy, who can do just that, is one of the most overlooked factors contributing to Sabonis's success in Indy. But again, I question whether he would have fit in with Adams in OKC.

[Revering4Blue]

This Bucks team has misfired in the playoffs twice. They've got to change it up. Eric Bledsoe has got to go. This also might be the right time to cash in on Brook Lopez. This is another team where I'm like "why didn't you get Kemba?"

Well, other than traveling back in time with Doc's Delorean to resign Brogdan - injury-prone as he seemed; luxury tax be damned - even if it meant parting with either Hill or Bledsoe, I, too, wouldn't be averse to cashing in on Lopez and playing Giannis the majority of the time as a de facto 5 with, for example, Danillo Galllinari (signed as a FA) at the 4.

[Revering4Blue]

Scuttlebutt regarding the Pacers:

- The decision to dismiss McMillan reportedly originated from the owner following exit player interviews.

- Oladipo and Brogdan reportedly do not get along, with tempers fairing during their playoff series with Miami, leading "Dipo to request a trade.

- The name beginning to gain the most traction in the Pacer's coaching search: Spurs assistant, Becky Hammon, as several Spurs and former Spurs - Pau Gasol, for example - swear by her.

[Revering4Blue]

The case for and against Billy Donovan as Sixers head coach

https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/sixers/billy-donovan-sixers-head-coach-candidate

[M2]

Donovan only coached Sabonis (who likely would not fave fit in next to Adams, anyway) and 'Dipo (whose Indy breakout may not have occurred had he not spent the '17 season in OKC, as he credited his time with Westbrook and the coaching environment there as key factors contributing to his rise as an All-Star ) for one season. Playing along, anyway, I'll give you the aforementioned two and raise you Adams -Don't forget, Adams had only two seasons under his belt before Donovan was hired and improved exponentially after that - SGA, Jerami Grant and Nerlens Noel, as young players who improved under Donovan's watch.

Throwing coaching out of the equation for a minute, If we're going to cite a roster construction error by Presti the past two seasons or so, it's the lack of a player (F/C, whatever) capable of simultaneously stretching floor and protecting the rim. IIRC, Grant was the only one fitting the description in the Donovan era since Ibaka was dealt away. Having someone like Myles Turner in Indy, who can do just that, is one of the most overlooked factors contributing to Sabonis's success in Indy. But again, I question whether he would have fit in with Adams in OKC.

They've definitely had a clunky roster. Presti likes long, athletic guys. Kind of got a Jim Bowden five-tool fixation. Yet I've never gotten the impression Donovan moves the needle.

[M2]

The Raptors are playing like a team that has its season on the line. The Celtics aren't playing a like a team that wants to end their season even more.

[M2]

The Raptors are playing like a team that has its season on the line. The Celtics aren't playing a like a team that wants to end their season even more.

Immediately after I typed this, Boston kicked it up a notch.

[Stray]

Heck of a game. Gotta wonder how much these teams will have left for game 7. Four players on each team played over 50 minutes tonight.

[adkindo]

Celtics more talented....Raptors mentally stronger.

[BillDoran]

Donovan only coached Sabonis (who likely would not fave fit in next to Adams, anyway) and 'Dipo (whose Indy breakout may not have occurred had he not spent the '17 season in OKC, as he credited his time with Westbrook and the coaching environment there as key factors contributing to his rise as an All-Star ) for one season. Playing along, anyway, I'll give you the aforementioned two and raise you Adams -Don't forget, Adams had only two seasons under his belt before Donovan was hired and improved exponentially after that - SGA, Jerami Grant and Nerlens Noel, as young players who improved under Donovan's watch.

Throwing coaching out of the equation for a minute, If we're going to cite a roster construction error by Presti the past two seasons or so, it's the lack of a player (F/C, whatever) capable of simultaneously stretching floor and protecting the rim. IIRC, Grant was the only one fitting the description in the Donovan era since Ibaka was dealt away. Having someone like Myles Turner in Indy, who can do just that, is one of the most overlooked factors contributing to Sabonis's success in Indy. But again, I question whether he would have fit in with Adams in OKC.

I think it also bears noting that Donovan kept the team somewhat peaceful during Westbrook's triple-double-chasing. While players seem to like Westbrook as a dude, you can't tell me his no-holds-barred stat-chasing didn't rub some teammates the wrong way. I think Donovan gets some credit for holding the team together, and making the playoffs, in the years where he had no choice but to yield to Westbrook's shenanigans.

I can see arguments for and against Donovan. I like him a lot, and I'll be interested to see where he ends up. I think he had a tougher hand dealt to him in OKC than is typically acknowledged.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Nuggets down 3-1. Got them right where they want them...

[Revering4Blue]

Nuggets down 3-1. Got them right where they want them...

Who's really surprised, though? Granted, the Nuggets were banged up themselves - still are missing Barton, and that's a huge loss - but they had to go the distance to defeat a banged up, out-maned Jazz team. Much like Dallas , Denver can get hot and steal a game or two, but are not skilled enough defensively overall to overcome the loss of offensive firepower and hang with the Clips, Lakers or even an intact Rockets team over a seven game series.

And given that both Dallas and Denver were/are missing key players, I'll argue that, even factoring a decimated Portland team, even as the #1 seed, the Lakers have had a much tougher road to the Finals than the Clips. But them's the breaks.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Who's really surprised, though? Granted, the Nuggets were banged up themselves - still are missing Barton, and that's a huge loss - but they had to go the distance to defeat a banged up, out-maned Jazz team. Much like Dallas , Denver can get hot and steal a game or two, but are not skilled enough defensively overall to overcome the loss of offensive firepower and hang with the Clips, Lakers or even an intact Rockets team over a seven game series.

And given that both Dallas and Denver were/are missing key players, I'll argue that, even factoring a decimated Portland team, even as the #1 seed, the Lakers have had a much tougher road to the Finals than the Clips. But them's the breaks.

Oh I know, I was joking. The Clippers aren't a good match up for Denver, plus they are more talented so, here we are.

Lakers absolutely have a tougher road and Houston will still probably win another game or two in that series.

[texasdave]

Danuel House may miss the rest of the series. He, allegedly, caught a case of the knuckleheads. https://newsopener.com/nba-news/nba-probing-rockets-danuel-house-jr-for-sneaking-female-covid-19-testing-official-in-hotel-room-per-report/

[Kingspoint]

Danuel House may miss the rest of the series. He, allegedly, caught a case of the knuckleheads. https://newsopener.com/nba-news/nba-probing-rockets-danuel-house-jr-for-sneaking-female-covid-19-testing-official-in-hotel-room-per-report/


"Hey, Nurse! Does this feel hot?"

[Kingspoint]

I think it also bears noting that Donovan kept the team somewhat peaceful during Westbrook's triple-double-chasing. While players seem to like Westbrook as a dude, you can't tell me his no-holds-barred stat-chasing didn't rub some teammates the wrong way. I think Donovan gets some credit for holding the team together, and making the playoffs, in the years where he had no choice but to yield to Westbrook's shenanigans.

I can see arguments for and against Donovan. I like him a lot, and I'll be interested to see where he ends up. I think he had a tougher hand dealt to him in OKC than is typically acknowledged.

He certainly deserved Coach-of-the-Year and a 5-yr extension offer. To be offered only two years was a huge insult, and he should leave. He'll get whatever he wants elsewhere.

Dealing with Chris Paul isn't exactly easy.

[Revering4Blue]

Oh I know, I was joking. The Clippers aren't a good match up for Denver, plus they are more talented so, here we are.

Lakers absolutely have a tougher road and Houston will still probably win another game or two in that series.

But you were/are not wrong. The Clips have the Nuggets on the ropes, and it would be in their best interest to finish them off in the next game. As for Denver, if they hope to extend this series, I'm beginning to believe the National narrative of ensuring that Michael Porter Jr. receives more minutes and shots, defense be damned.

[texasdave]

The Capela trade was horrible. He kept the team respectable on the boards and in the middle. Lakers are outrebounding the Rockets 39-17.

[adkindo]

Caruso with the dagger! What in the world was Rondo doing with that And1 play near the end?

[BillDoran]

The Capela trade was horrible. He kept the team respectable on the boards and in the middle. Lakers are outrebounding the Rockets 39-17.

I agree with you. I think Houston was a better team with Capela, but I appreciate the all-in effort. The Rockets weren't winning with or without Capela, might as well roll the dice with something funky.

I also think people underestimate how good the Lakers defense is. I've watched too many Blazers games, but I haven't seen many NBA teams as in sync on defense as they are. The mix it up. They help. They float guys. Everybody buys in. They get their hands on tons of balls. When McGee and Howard are playing, they protect the rim extremely well (Bron and Davis are good alone). It is an impressive defense.

Offensively, they're good as well, and Rondo brings another playmaker. I'm really impressed with the Lakers. I think they're the favorites to win the title (bold, I know).

[adkindo]

I agree with you. I think Houston was a better team with Capela, but I appreciate the all-in effort. The Rockets weren't winning with or without Capela, might as well roll the dice with something funky.

I also think people underestimate how good the Lakers defense is. I've watched too many Blazers games, but I haven't seen many NBA teams as in sync on defense as they are. The mix it up. They help. They float guys. Everybody buys in. They get their hands on tons of balls. When McGee and Howard are playing, they protect the rim extremely well (Bron and Davis are good alone). It is an impressive defense.

Offensively, they're good as well, and Rondo brings another playmaker. I'm really impressed with the Lakers. I think they're the favorites to win the title (bold, I know).

I have mixed thoughts on the Capella trade, but as you said Houston was not winning with Capella on this roster. One thing I take away from the Capella signing in the first place is to never overpay a non-elite Center. I get it, you have to pay Jokic, Towns, Embiid (although I still have doubts a modern team can be built around the center and win), but defensive/rim runners can be had at bargain pricing without a major dropoff in play.

When Lebron just pays attention and gets in the way, the Lakers are an elite defense. They are huge when they go big...and are still big when they go small. The keys to the Clippers and Lakers series will be....(yes, I know it is not official, but it is in my mind)

1. Can the Clippers keep focus....as good as they are, they lose focus often
2. Who will break down mentally.....AD or PG? Lebron and Kawhi are ballers...the supporting casts give effort and are solid, but AD and PG have shown the ability to disappear in big moments, and dominate in big moments.
3. Lakers can't allow the Clippers antics to take them out of their game. Beverley, Harrell, Morris, etc. will annoy and bait guys all night. That is not the Lakers game, so they should avoid playing it.....I am looking at you Rondo!
4. Morris vs. Morris. It is not about who gives their team more because Marcus if a bigger producer in the Clippers offense....but which one can elevate their production above their normal production. Markeiff has actually been better against the Rockets than Marcus has been against Denver.
5. Big or small. Both can play either, but whoever decides is likely in control.
6. Playoff Rondo has a history of "Jekyll and Hyde" from one series to the next....the Lakers will need the Houston series version.
7. Clippers "X" factors. Lakers will have to control Lou Will and Harrell, and not allow them to decide multiple games.
8. Can Vogel counter Doc? Vogel has proven to be a good hire, but this would be his first true test. Against the Blazers, he simply had more talent....against Houston, he did not have to worry about countering after Game #1 because D'Antoni just does not make many adjustments....Doc will be adjusting by the quarter, between games, and during a fast break. If Vogel is not ready to counter with adjustments, the Clippers will exploit a weakness and hang 8-10 points on you in a few minutes....and Doc can roll out an entirely different approach on both sides of the ball from game to game. Vogel can not get caught flat footed throughout the series.

[M2]

The Raptors and Celtics have managed to move the EC into the prime time slot for the first time in these playoffs.

[SteelSD]

Man, did the Clippers just cl-apse in the fourth...

[M2]

Man, did the Clippers just cl-apse in the fourth...

The Nuggets also deserve some credit for refusing to die.

[texasdave]

WTG, knucklehead House. Way to let every single one of your teammates down. Good job.

[M2]

WTG, knucklehead House. Way to let every single one of your teammates down. Good job.

But she said she was authorized.

[Kingspoint]

But she said she was authorized.

She wore gloves.

[texasdave]

How do they administer those COVID-19 tests on the bubble anyway?

[M2]

Boston's playing better and should be way ahead, but Toronto's sticking around. Got to like that if you're the Raptors. That team will smash and grab the win if you let it.

[M2]

That Jaylen Brown dunk is why you grab the rim.

[M2]

Elton Brand needs to start blowing up Masai Ujiri's phone right now and making offers for Kyle Lowry.

[Stray]

Heat in like 5, maybe 6.

[Stray]

Crowder and Jimmy will prolly check Tatum most of the time with the other on Brown. PG edge goes to the Heat right now, Kemba just doesn't look that great. And Bam is gonna have his way.

What bench is being used favors Miami as well cuz Herro is essentially a starter that doesn't start.

[Revering4Blue]

Elton Brand needs to start blowing up Masai Ujiri's phone right now and making offers for Kyle Lowry.Van Fleet is a free agent. Can Ujiri really afford to deal Lowry?

Sent from my SM-T560NU using Tapatalk

[Kingspoint]

Surprise, surprise. Marcus Smart with another defensive gem in the last minute of a close game.

[M2]

Van Fleet is a free agent. Can Ujiri really afford to deal Lowry?

If Vanvleet stays, they've got PG covered. If he goes, they need to rebuild and Lowry has an expiring contract. I have no idea if Philly could make the deal. My assumption is there will be a line of teams seeking Lowry (Dallas, the Clippers, Phoenix, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Orlando, Chicago and New York). But he's from Philly and he's 100% of what the Sixers need.

[adkindo]

If Vanvleet stays, they've got PG covered. If he goes, they need to rebuild and Lowry has an expiring contract. I have no idea if Philly could make the deal. My assumption is there will be a line of teams seeking Lowry (Dallas, the Clippers, Phoenix, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Orlando, Chicago and New York). But he's from Philly and he's 100% of what the Sixers need.

I think there is a decent chance they let Van Fleet walk, and also move Lowry....a lot will depend on if Nurse is up for a rebuild challenge.

[M2]

I think there is a decent chance they let Van Fleet walk, and also move Lowry....a lot will depend on if Nurse is up for a rebuild challenge.

Seems like the lesson from these playoffs is Spicy P and FVV are great supporting players, but not guys who will lead you to a title. They're already paying Siakam like he's a stud and if they do the same for Vanvleet, they're a bit locked in to a mid-tier existence. Their best move might be a sign-and-trade where they pick up younger/cheaper guys and maybe some draft assets.

[Revering4Blue]

If Vanvleet stays, they've got PG covered. If he goes, they need to rebuild and Lowry has an expiring contract. I have no idea if Philly could make the deal. My assumption is there will be a line of teams seeking Lowry (Dallas, the Clippers, Phoenix, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Orlando, Chicago and New York). But he's from Philly and he's 100% of what the Sixers need.That's a much better idea than overpaying for Chris Paul, IMO. And Toronto's going to have a big man void with Ibaka and Gasol headed for free agency. Perhaps a deal centered around Horford, Smith a first and a second would get the ball rolling.

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[Kingspoint]

How's the Greek neighborhood in Toronto?

[dubc47834]

She wore gloves.

His wife hopes he did also!

[Kingspoint]

His wife hopes he did also!

She's used to it.

[Bourgeois Zee]

It'll be interesting to see how Boston defends Miami's dribble handoff between Miami bigs (Bam, Olynyk, Iguodala, and Crowder) and their wings (Robinson, Herro, Dragic, and Butler). Milwaukee was largely able to keep Robinson from killing them, but Butler feasted against lesser defenders. Too, his patience with the ball meant bigs had mismatches pretty much all the time. Those three killed the Bucks.

Boston initiates with a high pick and roll for their wings. Miami had very few answers for that in their last meeting, fwiw. I'm betting Stevens revisits that. It'll help that Butler plays this game, as he's a defensive stopper. I'm not sure who he'll guard-- I'm guessing Brown. But I'd be lying if I wasn't really looking forward to a possible Marcus Smart/ Jimmy Butler alpha male spitting contest.

For Miami, Duncan Robinson has to show out. He was okay against the Pacers, then disappointing against Milwaukee. He struggled against Celtic wings for two games, then played well in their last outing. Iguodala may play a lot in their series if Robinson can't get untracked, and he just doesn't move defenses the way Robinson does. And Herro has little chance to play well in this series, as all of Boston's main defenders for him are clearly better. (Miami's going to have a really interesting choice between Herro and Kendrick Nunn in this series. I think I'd go Nunn first, but Herro may have found something that Spo and the Heat love.)

For Boston, Marcus Smart has to continue to shoot well. He also has to keep care of the basketball-- which is a real problem for him at times. (And may well be a major issue against Miami.) He's a three-position salve for Stevens and can guard anyone in the league. No doubt he can give Butler fits-- if he can stay in the game and not get stupid. (Boston's game-inside-the-game depends on whether Hayward is healthy enough to play. If he's hobbled even a little, Miami will kill him. Can Stevens bench him for Smart?)

[M2]

I suspect the Celtics will be ruthless about going at Herro. Also possible they'll go at Butler and try to get him in foul trouble. If Hayward comes back, that's a lot of offense - not just shooting, but ball movement. On the other end, Bam's going to be tough to contain.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I suspect the Celtics will be ruthless about going at Herro. Also possible they'll go at Butler and try to get him in foul trouble. If Hayward comes back, that's a lot of offense - not just shooting, but ball movement. On the other end, Bam's going to be tough to contain.

I suspect Herro won't play much. And if their plan is to go at Butler, that's a good deal for Miami. He's a defensive stopper.

On another note, the Lakers pretty much destroyed the Rockets. Small ball worked for a series against another three-guard team and for a game against LA, but the longer a good team played against them, the more it was exposed as a system that just could not work. It'll be fascinating to see what Morey tries next.

[M2]

I suspect Herro won't play much. And if their plan is to go at Butler, that's a good deal for Miami. He's a defensive stopper.

On another note, the Lakers pretty much destroyed the Rockets. Small ball worked for a series against another three-guard team and for a game against LA, but the longer a good team played against them, the more it was exposed as a system that just could not work. It'll be fascinating to see what Morey tries next.

Butler also gets hotheaded. I think he's great and underrated, but it is possible the Jay-Jays can take him. They went at Siakam and left him for slag. Butler's a much tougher nut to crack (though Siakam owns a ring), but most series come down to whose stars beat the other guys' stars.

It's been a good postseason for small ball. Boston and Miami play smaller lineups. What did Houston in wasn't L.A.'s size, it was their speed. They killed the Rockets on the break. McGee and Howard barely played. Essentially, the Lakers were the better small team. Vogel deserves some credit for the tactical shift, because it really seemed to mess with the Rockets' heads. To what adkindo said, the Lakers had a Plan B and Houston couldn't adjust to it.

[adkindo]

D'Antoni tells Rockets he is not returning.

[M2]

D'Antoni tells Rockets he is not returning.

Won't be unemployed for long. Got a feeling he'll make the short drive over to New Orleans.

[M2]

The Clippers have choked away another massive lead in the 2nd half. If they don't grind out this win, they are going to have a gorilla on their back for game 7.

[Stray]

Nuggets have outscored the Clippers by 29 in the 2nd half. Yikes.

[adkindo]

just too much sports....did not even realize this game was on...much less completed! Clippers playing with fire going deep into another series.

[Revering4Blue]

Who's really surprised, though? Granted, the Nuggets were banged up themselves - still are missing Barton, and that's a huge loss - but they had to go the distance to defeat a banged up, out-maned Jazz team. Much like Dallas , Denver can get hot and steal a game or two, but are not skilled enough defensively overall to overcome the loss of offensive firepower and hang with the Clips, Lakers or even an intact Rockets team over a seven game series.

And given that both Dallas and Denver were/are missing key players, I'll argue that, even factoring a decimated Portland team, even as the #1 seed, the Lakers have had a much tougher road to the Finals than the Clips. But them's the breaks.

This post has aged well. :redface:

The Nuggets cannot possibly steal this series from the (apparently) overrated, over-hyped Clips, can they?

[Kingspoint]

This post has aged well. :redface:

The Nuggets cannot possibly steal this series from the (apparently) overrated, over-hyped Clips, can they?

Who would have thunk that their (LAL) best quality is their Defense?

[Revering4Blue]

Won't be unemployed for long. Got a feeling he'll make the short drive over to New Orleans.

Good. I don't particularly want him in Indy or Philly, not that I believe for a second that the latter would even consider him. The Pels's roster, as it stands today, seems much better suited for his system, anyway.

[Kingspoint]

Won't be unemployed for long. Got a feeling he'll make the short drive over to New Orleans.

...or Donovan will make the short drive to New Orleans.

[Revering4Blue]

Who would have thunk that their (LAL) best quality is their Defense?

That doesn't really surprise me. His Pacers' teams improved greatly in that regard from the Jim O'Brien-coached era - A low bar, I know. And contrary to popular belief, Vogel had never before coached a team as talented as this Lakers team. Not in Indy - though, a healthy Danny Granger in '13 and '14 would have assuredly changed that calculus - and certainly not in Orlando.

[Kingspoint]

That doesn't really surprise me. His Pacers' teams improved greatly in that regard from the Jim O'Brien-coached era - A low bar, I know. And contrary to popular belief, Vogel had never before coached a team as talented as this Lakers team. Not in Indy - though, a healthy Danny Granger in '13 and '14 would have assuredly changed that calculus - and certainly not in Orlando.

There's always the bonus that when you are a player on a team with probably the two best players on the planet, then your job becomes easily identifiable....play your heart out on Defense.

[adkindo]

Won't be unemployed for long. Got a feeling he'll make the short drive over to New Orleans.

I personally think that would be a terrible fit.

[Bourgeois Zee]

It's been a good postseason for small ball. Boston and Miami play smaller lineups. What did Houston in wasn't L.A.'s size, it was their speed. They killed the Rockets on the break. McGee and Howard barely played. Essentially, the Lakers were the better small team. Vogel deserves some credit for the tactical shift, because it really seemed to mess with the Rockets' heads. To what adkindo said, the Lakers had a Plan B and Houston couldn't adjust to it.

Just an FYI: The Lakers didn't go small. They were smaller, sure. But AD is 6'11". LeBron is 6'10. Kuzma is 6'9", Green and KCP are 6'6" and 6'5". Rondo's shorter, at 6'1", but his wingspan is 6'9".

That's absolutely huge across the entire team.

And make no mistake, that size mattered. The Lakers dominated the boards, to the tune of a 25% offensive rebounding percentage and 64 rebounds over the course of a five-game series. It also showed in AD and the Lakers shooting nearly 70% from inside 10 feet and 51% overall. It is true that the Lakers didn't play Howard or McGee more than mop-up minutes, but they're big without them.

Houston's gambit-- jettison all post play and post players-- was proven not to work. (For at least one playoff.) As I said when they made the deal for Covington, I don't think it will ever be tenable over a series of playoff games. There are far too many teams who can throw height at you like the Lakers (and Boston and Miami and the Clippers and Dallas, et al) who will dominate so thoroughly that Houston would have to play out of its mind from the perimeter to stay competitive.

- - - Updated - - -


Who would have thunk that their (LAL) best quality is their Defense?

With Vogel as coach?

That's a pretty easy assumption.

(Assuming buy-in.)

[Revering4Blue]

There's always the bonus that when you are a player on a team with probably the two best players on the planet, then your job becomes easily identifiable....play your heart out on Defense.While I don't necessarily disagree, let's not forget that Mike D'Antoni extracted as much defensively from his Houston team as possible post Capella It's often been parroted, but never proven, that individual defense as an NBA player = desire. Then again, NBA history is loaded with players that couldn't and/or wouldn't guard a fencepost, who suddenly became stoppers. Johnny Newman, for one.

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[Revering4Blue]

I personally think that would be a terrible fit.I dunno.....Zion at the 5 and Ingram at the 4 with enough options at 3, 2 and 1.

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[M2]

...or Donovan will make the short drive to New Orleans.

What would he bring to the table for them? Like, what would he improve on that team?


I personally think that would be a terrible fit.

They're an up tempo offensive team.

Mind you, I think the optimal pick for the Pels would be a younger coach who'd have as much to prove as the players on the team.

[Bourgeois Zee]

The Clippers have choked away another massive lead in the 2nd half. If they don't grind out this win, they are going to have a gorilla on their back for game 7.

If Murray gets hot, he can irrational confidence The Nugs into the conference finals nearly by himself. He flat-out abused Paul George multiple times on offense in the first quarter and second half. But the key to this comeback is that the Clips just have no answer for Jokic. He's the poster boy for why you don't need to go small. I love Denver's pistol and weak-side overload package with Jokic and Murray on the weak side together. Their mindmeld on whether to dribble hand-off, pick and roll, pick and pop, or back cut is just *chef's kiss* spectacular.

I don't get Doc's defensive and substitution patterns. Murray got hot, and Doc's answer was to put Landry Shamet, then Lou Williams on him. What?! George can't do it either, not when Murray has a head of steam. (Notice that the Clippers did a little of that James Harden double-team the Lakers have been so successful with. Look for that to continue, especially if Porter's not in the game.) Kawhi needs to play Murray all the time. (He picked his pocket a couple of time today when the Clippers were dominant, then Doc took him off Murray inexplicably.)

[M2]

I don't particularly want him in Indy or Philly, not that I believe for a second that the latter would even consider him.

I suspect Philly might be more interested in their coach's name value than anything else.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I dunno.....Zion at the 5 and Ingram at the 4 with enough options at 3, 2 and 1.

The issue with a team like that is that big teams would feast inside. Zion's big-bodied enough (an understatement) to bang, but he's still young and inexperienced. (And as a result, easily taken advantage of.) IMO, they need a Dwayne Dedmon/ Brook Lopez type who can shoot the three and defend the other team's best big without complaint. Let Zion cook on posts and as a part-time offense initiator at the PF position.

Personally, I'd deal Ingram.

Who'd say no to a Reddick/ Ingram (sign and trade) for Bledsoe/ B. Lopez/ Ilyasova deal? Milwaukee would have to throw in their first rounder in 2022 protected top three, perhaps, to make it work.

Or perhaps Ingram to Miami for Adebayo, straight up?

[Revering4Blue]

The issue with a team like that is that big teams would feast inside. Zion's big-bodied enough (an understatement) to bang, but he's still young and inexperienced. (And as a result, easily taken advantage of.) IMO, they need a Dwayne Dedmon/ Brook Lopez type who can shoot the three and defend the other team's best big without complaint. Let Zion cook on posts and as a part-time offense initiator at the PF position.
With Favors a UFA, that's true.

Long-term, I like Jaxson Hayes, and wouldn't be surprised if he eventually develops a three, but wouldn't be surprised if they pursue Gasol or Ibaka.


Personally, I'd deal Ingram.

Who'd say no to a Reddick/ Ingram (sign and trade) for Bledsoe/ B. Lopez/ Ilyasova deal? Milwaukee would have to throw in their first rounder in 2022 protected top three, perhaps, to make it work.

Or perhaps Ingram to Miami for Adebayo, straight up?

I could be wrong, but I believe that free agents cannot be combined with other teammates in a sign-and-trade situation. And with bigs capable of adeptly defending the pick-and-roll amounting to gold, just as bigs capable of stretching the floor and protecting the rim, I cannot envision Miami seriously entertaining the idea of dealing Adebayo for Ingram or virtually anyone/any realistic package.

[Kingspoint]

One thing DEN has shown throughout the playoffs is that they know where their strengths are at the end of games...Jokic and Murray.

[M2]

If the Nuggets win their next game against the Clippers, does that qualify as the biggest win in franchise history?

[Bourgeois Zee]

If the Nuggets win their next game against the Clippers, does that qualify as the biggest win in franchise history?

Beating the Sonics with Dikembe Moutumbo and company in 1994 is a big moment, but yeah, this may beat it.

For as consistently good as Denver has always been, they've really never been great.

[M2]

Beating the Sonics with Dikembe Moutumbo and company in 1994 is a big moment, but yeah, this may beat it.

For as consistently good as Denver has always been, they've really never been great.

That Sonics series is their most iconic moment, largely because of the post-game celebration. Yet I'd be tempted to go with the Game 7 win over the Bucks in 1978 to reach the conference finals, just because it felt like the franchise and David Thompson might have fully arrived in that moment.

[M2]

Oh, and we ought to start entertaining the possibility that James Harden could be on the move this offseason.

[Kingspoint]

Oh, and we ought to start entertaining the possibility that James Harden could be on the move this offseason.

Adding Covington to the squad and probably getting Tucker back would make one want to stay, along with Westbrook's changed game that fits more into a team concept. There's lots of reasons not to move and even more to stay.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Oh, and we ought to start entertaining the possibility that James Harden could be on the move this offseason.

With a relatively poor owner who's taking it on the chin financially right now, yeah. That's a possibility.

I'm not sure dealing a superstar is ever the right move, however. And Harden is arguably the most important (and valuable) player in the league right now.

New York could offer Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Wayne Ellington, and Kevin Knox for Russell Westbrook. If you're Houston, do you do it? Does New York?

[M2]

With a relatively poor owner who's taking it on the chin financially right now, yeah. That's a possibility.

I'm not sure dealing a superstar is ever the right move, however. And Harden is arguably the most important (and valuable) player in the league right now.

New York could offer Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Wayne Ellington, and Kevin Knox for Russell Westbrook. If you're Houston, do you do it? Does New York?

Oh, I don't think they should move him. But, like you mentioned, Fertitta may be making desperation moves. Might hinge on whether Morey is staying. I'm trying to think about whether the Bucks could put together a package where Middleton stays with them. Philadelphia has multiple comparable salaries.

That Knicks deal might work (minus Ellington), but I'm thinking the Knicks move for LaMelo. They can ball up their draft pick with Knox (and maybe Dennis Smith and Frankie Smokes) to land him. They also can shave ~$40M off their payroll by not picking up contracts and go after some shooters like Joe Harris.

[Kingspoint]

Oh, I don't think they should move him. But, like you mentioned, Fertitta may be making desperation moves. Might hinge on whether Morey is staying. I'm trying to think about whether the Bucks could put together a package where Middleton stays with them. Philadelphia has multiple comparable salaries.

That Knicks deal might work (minus Ellington), but I'm thinking the Knicks move for LaMelo. They can ball up their draft pick with Knox (and maybe Dennis Smith and Frankie Smokes) to land him. They also can shave ~$40M off their payroll by not picking up contracts and go after some shooters like Joe Harris.

COVID-19 shutdowns are making the uber-rich adjust their thinking about paying out money. NBA has said that game attendance is 40% of revenue, and that's 100% out of the owners' pocketbooks as the players have guaranteed contracts.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Oh, I don't think they should move him. But, like you mentioned, Fertitta may be making desperation moves. Might hinge on whether Morey is staying. I'm trying to think about whether the Bucks could put together a package where Middleton stays with them. Philadelphia has multiple comparable salaries.

That Knicks deal might work (minus Ellington), but I'm thinking the Knicks move for LaMelo. They can ball up their draft pick with Knox (and maybe Dennis Smith and Frankie Smokes) to land him. They also can shave ~$40M off their payroll by not picking up contracts and go after some shooters like Joe Harris.

I tried to make the Rockets/ Bucks deal work and can't.

Philly might make it, but they'd have to give up Simmons or Embiid and Thybulle, and I don't think they'd be willing to gamble that big.

Boston is an intriguing choice, but Harden goes against the Stevens' ethos of sharing the ball. (And would irritate every other star still on that team, I suspect.)

Here's one that's way, way out there:

Houston deal James Harden and Daniel House to Minnesota for the RFA rights to Juan Hernangomez, the RFA rights to Malik Beasley, the TWolves' number one pick, and James Johnson. If the Rockets really want to game the system, they could sign both Beasley and Hernangomez to big one-year contracts and allow them to be UFA next season.

[M2]

I tried to make the Rockets/ Bucks deal work and can't.

I think the only way to make it work is with Middleton in there. Middleton, Bledsoe and some draft assets for Harden and Covington?


Philly might make it, but they'd have to give up Simmons or Embiid and Thybulle, and I don't think they'd be willing to gamble that big.

Embiid and Richardson works from a money standpoint. I think I do that if I'm the Sixers.


Boston is an intriguing choice, but Harden goes against the Stevens' ethos of sharing the ball. (And would irritate every other star still on that team, I suspect.)

I never say never with Ainge, but Harden doesn't seem like a stylistic fit.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Embiid and Richardson works from a money standpoint. I think I do that if I'm the Sixers.


This would be an incredibly fascinating trade. I'd do it as Philly, and I'd probably do it as Houston.

We have a couple of fans with a more vested interest out there-- what do you guys say?

Would you do it, texasdave? Would you, SD?

[Revering4Blue]

If the Nuggets win their next game against the Clippers, does that qualify as the biggest win in franchise history?

Considering the hype surrounding the possible LA vs. LA WCF, I'd say yes, to say nothing of the fact that Barton's loss weakens the Nuggets bench. Also, every time the Nuggets have either reached the Finals (ABA '76) or conference finals ('78, '85 and '09), they've done so as either a 1 seed ('76) or 2 seed, as opposed to a schizophrenic #3.

[Revering4Blue]

That Sonics series is their most iconic moment, largely because of the post-game celebration. Yet I'd be tempted to go with the Game 7 win over the Bucks in 1978 to reach the conference finals, just because it felt like the franchise and David Thompson might have fully arrived in that moment.

I agree. That '78 team had Bobby Jones, too. And most have forgotten that the '78 Bucks were a very solid team, and this was two seasons before they traded for Bob Lanier. A healthy, drug-free David Thompson could have made a major difference to early-to-mid '80's Nuggets teams

[Revering4Blue]

Oh, I don't think they should move him. But, like you mentioned, Fertitta may be making desperation moves. Might hinge on whether Morey is staying. I'm trying to think about whether the Bucks could put together a package where Middleton stays with them. Philadelphia has multiple comparable salaries.

That Knicks deal might work (minus Ellington), but I'm thinking the Knicks move for LaMelo. They can ball up their draft pick with Knox (and maybe Dennis Smith and Frankie Smokes) to land him. They also can shave ~$40M off their payroll by not picking up contracts and go after some shooters like Joe Harris.

I suspect Charlotte would accept that proposed deal in a heartbeat.

[Revering4Blue]

I think the only way to make it work is with Middleton in there. Middleton, Bledsoe and some draft assets for Harden and Covington?

Harden, Covington and Mbah a Moute for Middleton, Bledsoe, Robin Lopez, DiVenzenzo and Indiana's '20 1st?

[Bourgeois Zee]

Harden, Covington and Mbah a Moute for Middleton, Bledsoe, Robin Lopez, DiVenzenzo and Indiana's '20 1st?

If Houston's looking to ease their financial burden, why would they agree to get worse while also adding two guys signed long-term?

Why not stick with Harden?

[Bourgeois Zee]

Miami and Boston knotted up at the half. Both teams are fun to watch and smart.

Miami's killing Boston with back cuts, while Boston is winning off the bounce.

[Revering4Blue]

If Houston's looking to ease their financial burden, why would they agree to get worse while also adding two guys signed long-term?

Why not stick with Harden?I'm not necessarily advocating for ANY deal for Houston involving Harden. But the hypothetical deal that I posted would provide a more balanced roster. And the Westbrook deal is basically untradeable, unless, perhaps, New York jumps in. Westbrook to the Knicks seems like such a Dolan-led deal.

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[Bourgeois Zee]

I'm not necessarily advocating for ANY deal for Houston involving Harden. But the hypothetical deal that I posted would provide a more balanced roster, and the Westbrook deal is basically untradeable. But, along the lines of what you previously posted, Westbrook to New York seems like such a Dolan-led deal.

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Yeah, I get it. I'm just assuming Houston only deals Harden to save serious cash, not to compete with a more balanced roster that costs the same for as many years. I suspect Morey will keep Covington and Harden, with everyone else on the block.

(I would be shocked if Daniel House is back in Houston.)

[texasdave]

This would be an incredibly fascinating trade. I'd do it as Philly, and I'd probably do it as Houston.

We have a couple of fans with a more vested interest out there-- what do you guys say?

Would you do it, texasdave? Would you, SD?

I would sign off on that proposed post haste. But, WWMD? What Would Morey Do? It was reported that he will be back next season. Is he gonna live and die with extreme small ball? I hope not. I do not believe that will work. Someone has to protect the rim, and grab some boards. They had the prototype center for that. Capela can defend, board and get double digit points with a minimum of shots. That being said, who will be the next Rockets coach. Rumor has it that Jeff Van Gundy and Tyrone Lue are the frontrunners. I'd really want Shake Milton and something else instead of Richardson.

But sign me up for Embiid for Harden being the main pieces. And, I love James Harden.

[Bourgeois Zee]

But sign me up for Embiid for Harden being the main pieces. And, I love James Harden.

That'd solve Philly's issues pretty much completely, fwiw. Simmons could play a post-up point power forward and secondary ball handler/ offense initiator. Harden would play point. Harris could guard PF, while Horford could play center. Thybulle and Milton at the 2G to supply defense. Everybody shoots but Simmons-- and he can handle. They have rebounding and defense enough without Embiid too.

Meanwhile, Houston gets Embiid as their bell weather with Westbrook playing the Robin role. (That pick and roll could be lethal.) Surround them with Covington, Richardson (who I still think has something to prove), and Tucker, and that's still a really good team who could well be a bigger problem in the playoffs.

[M2]

That'd solve Philly's issues pretty much completely, fwiw. Simmons could play a post-up point power forward and secondary ball handler/ offense initiator. Harden would play point. Harris could guard PF, while Horford could play center. Thybulle and Milton at the 2G to supply defense. Everybody shoots but Simmons-- and he can handle. They have rebounding and defense enough without Embiid too.

Meanwhile, Houston gets Embiid as their bell weather with Westbrook playing the Robin role. (That pick and roll could be lethal.) Surround them with Covington, Richardson (who I still think has something to prove), and Tucker, and that's still a really good team who could well be a bigger problem in the playoffs.

I'm just waiting for Steel or GoReds' approval so we can wire it to the league.

[texasdave]

I hate the last-second strategy that a number of teams employ, standing out at half-court and settling for a long three. Is that the best play that Boston can come up with? That play rarely works.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Marcus Smart with a massive flop that's rewarded by the refs. Game goes to overtime which suits me just fine as a basketball fan.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Wow. That was a great game. Bam made perhaps the best defensive play of the season.

Some notes:

- Tyler Herro had a monster game. Nearly messed around and got a triple double. Boston will have to be cognizant of his passing ability. They were not ready tonight. He rebounded well too. More than that, the moment was not too big for him. Kid's gonna be special, perhaps as early as next season.

- Jimmy Butler is a man's man. I'd have doubled him were I Brad Stevens, just to get the ball out of his hands. I'm sure the next time, Stevens will.

- Marcus Smart is a man's man, but he did almost all of his damage offensively. Which is a sentence I never thought I'd ever type. Nearly every guy he defended was able to get around him fairly easily. Both Herro and Dragic (his two primary responsibilities) shot fairly well.

- Goran Dragic ate up whomever guarded him. I'm not sure how, though. He's a step slower than everyone else on the court, and he still gets it done. The Heat needed every one of those plays. I'm not sure if he can continue to be this good. If he's not, Miami will need others to help. Who could that be?

- Neither Kemba nor Jaylen Brown had particularly good games. I suspect they'll both be much better in the next game. Part of that, however, is Miami's defense. Dragic and Butler (and, shockingly, Herro) were able to funnel them to Adebayo, who played like a superman on the defensive side of the ball.

- Duncan Robinson cannot play in this series unless he can play a modicum of defense. He was really, really bad.

- Boston really needs someone off their bench to provide some minutes of help.

[Betterread]

BAM! And the Celtics are eliminated. What a block.

[SteelSD]

I'm just waiting for Steel or GoReds' approval so we can wire it to the league.

Yah. Everyone does understand that Embiid and Westbrook hate each other, right?

[Bourgeois Zee]

Yah. Everyone does understand that Embiid and Westbrook hate each other, right?

Does anyone like Westbrook?

(Or Embiid, for that matter.)

[Betterread]

I like Westbrook, mostly.

[SteelSD]

Does anyone like Westbrook?

(Or Embiid, for that matter.)

This is not an issue of simply not liking one another. This is way deeper than that. Like, to the point where if you put them on the same team, Joel might pick up Flagrant 2's trying to block Westbrook's shots when Russell drives to the hoop.

[Stray]

Murray is having one of those games...

[Kingspoint]

...and that was just Game 1 of BOS/MIA.

[Kingspoint]

Considering the hype surrounding the possible LA vs. LA WCF, I'd say yes, to say nothing of the fact that Barton's loss weakens the Nuggets bench. Also, every time the Nuggets have either reached the Finals (ABA '76) or conference finals ('78, '85 and '09), they've done so as either a 1 seed ('76) or 2 seed, as opposed to a schizophrenic #3.

Barton was usually a 4th Quarter, high-minute player on this team, too, because he doesn't feel pressure. They would have him to add to Murray and Jokic during the last five minutes of games, making a huge difference.

[M2]

Yah. Everyone does understand that Embiid and Westbrook hate each other, right?

Seems like a feature rather than a bug. It's practically a buddy cop movie.

- - - Updated - - -

Do the Clippers know they're in an elimination game?

[Kingspoint]

Seems like a feature rather than a bug. It's practically a buddy cop movie.

- - - Updated - - -

Do the Clippers know they're in an elimination game?

They made their run with Beverly and Green on the floor together in the first half. That scenario is about to present itself again.

[Mutaman]

''Miami's Tyler Herro was one assist shy of a triple-double -- finishing with 12 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. He would have been the second-youngest player in the last 40 years to have a postseason triple-double, one day older than Magic Johnson was when he got his first.''

[M2]

They made their run with Beverly and Green on the floor together in the first half. That scenario is about to present itself again.

JaMychal Green is a seriously underrated player. He'd look good on your team.

[RedTeamGo!]

Jokic is so fun to watch. What a player.

[Kingspoint]

"BYE-BYE, Paul George!!!"

[M2]

Nuggets down 3-1. Got them right where they want them...

And we thought BR27 was just being funny when he typed this.

[Stray]

Man the Clips just totally collapsed in this series.

[Kingspoint]

"BYE-BYE, Patrick Beverly!!!"

[Stray]

Jokic is so fun to watch. What a player.

His stat line in this game is absurd

[M2]

Paul George is laying bricks at a prodigious rate. Playoff P may be the funniest self-given nickname in sports history.

[RedTeamGo!]

Omg that pass was crazy haha

[Kingspoint]

The Greg Norman Clippers.

[Betterread]

—Jamal Murray outplayed Paul George.
—Mike Malone outcoached Doc Rivers.
The Lakers are going to destroy the Nuggets.

[adkindo]

NBA offices have to be livid....the Lakers/Clippers series was expected to give them a ratings bounce back. Now they are probably hoping for the old Lakers/Celtics Finals....

[M2]

Now they are probably hoping for the old Lakers/Celtics Finals....

Now? That's been their dream scenario from the moment they stepped into the bubble.

[adkindo]

Now? That's been their dream scenario from the moment they stepped into the bubble.

I do not think so....I think they wanted Lakers/Bucks....Lebron and Giannis. It was seen as the Kobe/Lebron they never got. The Lakers and Celtics means very little to fans under 35 years old....even in 2008 and 2010 it did not have that old rivalry feeling it had through the 80's.

[M2]

I do not think so....I think they wanted Lakers/Bucks....Lebron and Giannis. It was seen as the Kobe/Lebron they never got. The Lakers and Celtics means very little to fans under 35 years old....even in 2008 and 2010 it did not have that old rivalry feeling it had through the 80's.

They had the Bucks in the noon playoff slot. I'm sure they'd have been perfectly happy with that matchup, but I doubt anything beats Lakers-Celtics in terms of viewership.

[Kingspoint]

—Jamal Murray outplayed Paul George.
—Mike Malone outcoached Doc Rivers.
The Lakers are going to destroy the Nuggets.

Nuggets Guards are far superior to the Lakers. That will balance it out. It's not like HOU where they had no big men, or POR where they had no Wing Defenders. DEN can stay with them.

[Stray]

So I guess the key to the WCF is for Denver to go down 3-1.

[Stray]

Also, Bam's block tonight is one of the greatest defensive game winners ever. One of those plays that looked great live and just kept getting better the more slow mos you saw. Herro was fantastic as well. Didn't really have his shot going, but he's kinda like Bam and Jimmy, he just fills up stat sheets.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Nuggets down 3-1. Got them right where they want them...

I knew it

[Stray]

My ideal finals would be Heat vs. Nuggets. Love the fearlessness and guts both teams play with. I don't think Denver will beat the Lakers, but I'd be happy if they did.

[texasdave]

Doc Rivers is so overrated as a coach. Style over substance. He talks a better game than he coaches.

And, while I am on my Hater Tour. Kawhi Leonard. :lol::lol::lol: Paul George. :lol::lol::lol: How did that hairball taste, fellas? Game Seven and they come up microscopic, going 10-38. That goes nicely with that combined +/- of -41.

[adkindo]

I read there are only 13 teams in NBA history that have lost a series after being up 3-1, and Doc Rivers has coached 3 (Magic, 2x Clippers) of them! Also, he has lost 6 playoff series after being ahead 3-2 including the 2010 Finals.

[M2]

I read there are only 13 teams in NBA history that have lost a series after being up 3-1, and Doc Rivers has coached 3 (Magic, 2x Clippers) of them! Also, he has lost 6 playoff series after being ahead 3-2 including the 2010 Finals.

Maybe he's a best-of-five guy.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Laker v. Nuggets is going to be fun.

Jokic has more than held his own inside. (I fully expect LA to go big, and play Howard and McGee against him first, but AD will play there as well.) Millsap and Grant can use brawn against AD-- or at least can try. That's a massive mismatch in favor of the Lakers. LeBron vs. Porter is a nice game-within-a-game. The kid's going to learn a lot, at least. Denver may have to use Millsap and Grant together and relegate Porter to a second unit, where he matches fairly well with Kuzma or Morris. Rondo and Murray has all the feels to it-- Murray can be shaky with the ball, and Rondo has great hands. Green and KCP are ready there as well.

The Lakers are clearly superior at two spots, and the Nugs are clearly superior at two spots. The wing shooter (Harris and Morris vs. KCP and Green) may end up deciding this series.) I expect LeBron and AD to dominate, especially at the defensive end.

[adkindo]

I assume the Lakers will go back to starting a traditional 5 if Milsap is out there, but I can see AD matched up with Jokic and McGee/Howard with Milsap. Probably better with Lebron matched up against Milsap, but doubt he wants to take the banging early in the game. I really do not think it needs to be overthought....these games come down to the stars and Lebron/AD are simply a more dominant tandem than Jokic/Murray is September 2020. The series does set up for a potential X Factor matchup off the bench between Kuzma and Porter Jr., but I can't see it moving the needle on more than a game.

Lakers in 5.

[M2]

One of the things that's standing out in these playoffs is the importance of a sweet passing big. Jokic, Adebayo and LeBron (who's a big and a wing) are a load to handle. They change the point of attack, giving their teams options others don't have.

[Bourgeois Zee]

One of the things that's standing out in these playoffs is the importance of a sweet passing big. Jokic, Adebayo and LeBron (who's a big and a wing) are a load to handle. They change the point of attack, giving their teams options others don't have.

You may need to add AD to that list as well. His assist percentage over the playoffs this year is 20% or so. That's in line with many PGs (though a step behind Jokic, LeBron, and Adebayo).

[BillDoran]

One of the things that's standing out in these playoffs is the importance of a sweet passing big. Jokic, Adebayo and LeBron (who's a big and a wing) are a load to handle. They change the point of attack, giving their teams options others don't have.

Right on. Being able to comfortably hold the ball at the free throw line, with no big man below, and survey the floor really meshes well with the space-forward direction of the NBA. And I like it. I love creative passing, and Jokic is a joy to watch.

Nurkic has a really similar skill, though not nearly as good, as Jokic in surveying and distributing.

[Kingspoint]

(September 16, 2020) – Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has been named to the All-NBA Second Team, the NBA announced today.

Lillard averaged career highs of 30.0 points (46.3% FG, 40.1% 3-PT, 88.8% FT) and 8.0 assists to go with 4.3 rebounds, 1.06 steals and 37.5 minutes in 66 games (all starts) during the 2019-20 season. He set franchise records for scoring average (30.0 ppg) and three-pointers made (270) while his field goal percentage and three-point percentage were both career bests. Among league leaders, Lillard finished the season ranked second in total points (1,978), third in scoring average, fifth in assists per game, first in minutes per game, tied for third in three-pointers made, fourth in free throws made (460), 10th in free throw percentage and 26th in three-point percentage.

“Damian being recognized once again in the post season awards as one of the elite players in the NBA is a testament to the consistent level of excellence that has made him our franchise cornerstone,” said Trail Blazers president of basketball operations Neil Olshey. “As challenging as this season was and as many obstacles as the team faced, Damian’s leadership, work ethic and commitment to winning never wavered, resulting in the best season of his career.”

This award marks the fifth career All-NBA honor for Lillard, who was named All-NBA First Team in 2017-18, Second Team in 2015-16 and 2018-19, and Third Team in 2013-14. He is the first player in Trail Blazers history to be named to an All-NBA team five times.

Lillard was selected as an NBA All-Star for the fifth time in his career this season and was named NBA Western Conference Player of the Week in consecutive weeks on Jan. 27 and Feb. 3 after averaging 48.8 points (54.8% FG), 57.0% 3-PT, 92.3% FT), 10.2 rebounds and 7.2 assists in a six-game span. On August 15, Lillard was named KIA NBA Player of the Seeding Games after averaging 37.6 points and 9.6 assists while leading the Trail Blazers to a 6-2 record and their seventh straight Western Conference Playoffs appearance. With three games of at least 60 points this season, including a franchise-record 61 points against Golden State on Jan. 20 and Dallas on Aug. 11, Lillard joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only two players in NBA history with at least three games of 60-plus points in a single season.

The All-NBA teams were selected by a global panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters. Voting for the All-NBA teams was conducted based on regular-season games played through March 11. The seeding games, which were played July 30 – Aug. 14 as part of the 2019-20 season restart, did not count toward voting.



So, 4 voters left Lillard off of all three teams. Didn't know Skip Bayless had three friends.

- - - Updated - - -

All-NBA First Team


Guard: James Harden, Rockets (474)

Guard: Luka Doncic, Mavericks (416)

Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks (500)

Forward: LeBron James, Lakers (500)

Center: Anthony Davis, Lakers (455)


All-NBA Second Team


Guard: Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers (284)

Guard: Chris Paul, Thunder (199)

Forward: Kawhi Leonard, Clippers (371)

Forward: Pascal Siakam, Raptors (168)

Center: Nikola Jokic, Nuggets (311)


All-NBA Third Team


Guard: Ben Simmons, Sixers (61)

Guard: Russell Westbrook, Rockets (56)

Forward: Jayson Tatum, Celtics (153)

Forward: Jimmy Butler, Heat (147)

Center: Rudy Gobert, Jazz (110)

[Kingspoint]

Lillard and C.J. having some Twitter fun at Paul George and Patrick Beverly's expense:

https://www.blazersedge.com/2020/9/15/21439257/damian-lillard-cj-mccollum-react-twitter-blazers-clippers-series-nuggets

Couple of 'em:

From C.J.: My last tweet before I finish this glass. They did vote they ain’t wanna play no more. . . But I didn’t think they was gonna go out like that
8:34 PM · Sep 15, 2020 (https://twitter.com/CJMcCollum/status/1306073845342691330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1306073845342691330%7Ctwgr% 5Eshare_2&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blazersedge.com%2F2020%2 F9%2F15%2F21439257%2Fdamian-lillard-cj-mccollum-react-twitter-blazers-clippers-series-nuggets)


From Dame: @patbev21 (https://twitter.com/patbev21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed %7Ctwterm%5E1306073698512769024%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blazersedge.com%2F2020%2 F9%2F15%2F21439257%2Fdamian-lillard-cj-mccollum-react-twitter-blazers-clippers-series-nuggets) I guess I should extend this Cancun invite since I haven’t made my arrangements yet

8:33 PM · Sep 15, 2020 (https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard/status/1306073698512769024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1306073698512769024%7Ctwgr% 5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blazersedge.com%2F2020%2 F9%2F15%2F21439257%2Fdamian-lillard-cj-mccollum-react-twitter-blazers-clippers-series-nuggets)




(https://help.twitter.com/en/twitter-for-websites-ads-info-and-privacy)



(https://twitter.com/intent/like?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ct wterm%5E1306073698512769024%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blazersedge.com%2F2020%2 F9%2F15%2F21439257%2Fdamian-lillard-cj-mccollum-react-twitter-blazers-clippers-series-nuggets&tweet_id=1306073698512769024)

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Derrick Favors is rumored to have interest in returning to Utah as a free agent, according to Jazz beat reporter Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune. Favors didn't quite work out with the Pelicans, but he did reportedly enjoy his time in Utah and is considering a return. The Jazz could offer him the mid-level exception, but they may not want to give him all of it, so he could be asked to take a discount if he returns to the Jazz. In terms of fantasy hoops, he's proven that he can provide top-100 value while only earning minutes in the mid-20s in Quin Snyder's system, so he'd be on the radar as a potential late-round target as a member of the Jazz.

SOURCE: Andy Larsen on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The NBA has "locked in" November 18th for the 2020 Draft according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. That date “remains subject to change as circumstances warrant,” according to the NBA. We don't have a start date for the 2020-21 season yet, but we know it won't happen before Christmas. We're also waiting for the salary cap and for the NBA to decide whether or not the full 82 games will be played.

SOURCE: Adrian Wojnarowski

[Revering4Blue]

(September 16, 2020) – Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has been named to the All-NBA Second Team, the NBA announced today.

Lillard averaged career highs of 30.0 points (46.3% FG, 40.1% 3-PT, 88.8% FT) and 8.0 assists to go with 4.3 rebounds, 1.06 steals and 37.5 minutes in 66 games (all starts) during the 2019-20 season. He set franchise records for scoring average (30.0 ppg) and three-pointers made (270) while his field goal percentage and three-point percentage were both career bests. Among league leaders, Lillard finished the season ranked second in total points (1,978), third in scoring average, fifth in assists per game, first in minutes per game, tied for third in three-pointers made, fourth in free throws made (460), 10th in free throw percentage and 26th in three-point percentage.

“Damian being recognized once again in the post season awards as one of the elite players in the NBA is a testament to the consistent level of excellence that has made him our franchise cornerstone,” said Trail Blazers president of basketball operations Neil Olshey. “As challenging as this season was and as many obstacles as the team faced, Damian’s leadership, work ethic and commitment to winning never wavered, resulting in the best season of his career.”

This award marks the fifth career All-NBA honor for Lillard, who was named All-NBA First Team in 2017-18, Second Team in 2015-16 and 2018-19, and Third Team in 2013-14. He is the first player in Trail Blazers history to be named to an All-NBA team five times.

Lillard was selected as an NBA All-Star for the fifth time in his career this season and was named NBA Western Conference Player of the Week in consecutive weeks on Jan. 27 and Feb. 3 after averaging 48.8 points (54.8% FG), 57.0% 3-PT, 92.3% FT), 10.2 rebounds and 7.2 assists in a six-game span. On August 15, Lillard was named KIA NBA Player of the Seeding Games after averaging 37.6 points and 9.6 assists while leading the Trail Blazers to a 6-2 record and their seventh straight Western Conference Playoffs appearance. With three games of at least 60 points this season, including a franchise-record 61 points against Golden State on Jan. 20 and Dallas on Aug. 11, Lillard joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only two players in NBA history with at least three games of 60-plus points in a single season.

The All-NBA teams were selected by a global panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters. Voting for the All-NBA teams was conducted based on regular-season games played through March 11. The seeding games, which were played July 30 – Aug. 14 as part of the 2019-20 season restart, did not count toward voting.



So, 4 voters left Lillard off of all three teams. Didn't know Skip Bayless had three friends.

- - - Updated - - -

All-NBA First Team


Guard: James Harden, Rockets (474)

Guard: Luka Doncic, Mavericks (416)

Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks (500)

Forward: LeBron James, Lakers (500)

Center: Anthony Davis, Lakers (455)


All-NBA Second Team


Guard: Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers (284)

Guard: Chris Paul, Thunder (199)

Forward: Kawhi Leonard, Clippers (371)

Forward: Pascal Siakam, Raptors (168)

Center: Nikola Jokic, Nuggets (311)


All-NBA Third Team


Guard: Ben Simmons, Sixers (61)

Guard: Russell Westbrook, Rockets (56)

Forward: Jayson Tatum, Celtics (153)

Forward: Jimmy Butler, Heat (147)

Center: Rudy Gobert, Jazz (110)

No Bradley Beal?

[Revering4Blue]

I read there are only 13 teams in NBA history that have lost a series after being up 3-1, and Doc Rivers has coached 3 (Magic, 2x Clippers) of them! Also, he has lost 6 playoff series after being ahead 3-2 including the 2010 Finals.

Lipstick on a pig situation, I know..But the 2003 loss as coach of the Magic and 2010 game 7 Finals loss both elicit 'meh' responses from me, as the '03 Magic were an 8th seed and the '10 game 7 loss to the Lakers occurred without a sidelined Kendrick Perkins. But, yeah, game 7s aren't exactly Doc's specialty.

The following one-liner originated from another site, so I will not take credit (or blame) for it: Kawhi should have remained with the Nurse instead of trusting the Doc. :D

[Revering4Blue]

The Clips collapse exposed, among other issues, an overlooked, fatal roster flaw: All other remaining playoff teams ( and several eliminated teams) have multiple players at their disposal capable of actually running/initiating an offense at high playoff levels, while the Clips arguably have none.

What's more, the Clips traded Mo Harkness, a 1st rounder, a future 1st pick swap (no likely to convey, though) and a future second for Marcus Morris in his walk year, and a player kinda superfluous with the their existing roster, instead of dealing for a true lead guard.

That's on their ballyhooed front office, and Doc's no longer a factor there.

[Kingspoint]

No Bradley Beal?

Lillard was the only player on the three teams who's team had a losing record in the regular season. That means something and probably is why he didn't garner more 1st Team votes and was left off of four ballots altogether. Sure it had a lot to do with Beal not getting on the 3rd Team.

[adkindo]

Lipstick on a pig situation, I know..But the 2003 loss as coach of the Magic and 2010 game 7 Finals loss both elicit 'meh' responses from me, as the '03 Magic were an 8th seed and the '10 game 7 loss to the Lakers occurred without a sidelined Kendrick Perkins. But, yeah, game 7s aren't exactly Doc's specialty.

The following one-liner originated from another site, so I will not take credit (or blame) for it: Kawhi should have remained with the Nurse instead of trusting the Doc. :D

come on...I am so over the Kendrick Perkins excuse...he played in three games in that series and recorded 10 points and 15 rebounds but Doc has created a legend that would make people believe the entire offense ran through Perkins. Lakers win with or without Perkins in that series.....dude was barely relevant.

[Revering4Blue]

come on...I am so over the Kendrick Perkins excuse...he played in three games in that series and recorded 10 points and 15 rebounds but Doc has created a legend that would make people believe the entire offense ran through Perkins. Lakers win with or without Perkins in that series.....dude was barely relevant.

Oh, I'm not suggesting that the Celtics would have definitely prevailed with a healthy Perkins, I'm just willing to cut him (Doc) a little slack on that one, as their interior defense was weakened without him, although it didn't really seem to matter during the, IIRC, ugly brick-fest of game 7.

Likewise, it always amazes me that Celtics fans and Lakers haters everywhere continue to gloss over the fact that the '08 Lakers reached the finals with a sidelined Andrew Bynum.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Westbrook instead of Beal is the most egregious of the omissions, but I can live with that. (This is not to say I agree with the All-NBA 3rd team at all. But those picks are defensible.)

With Durant, Thompson, and Curry healthy next season plus a healthy Williamson, the NBA could well argue it's at its talent zenith.

[Bourgeois Zee]

This is Jamal Murray's fourth season in the league. In year's past, he would have been a rookie this year, leaving Kentucky after his senior year. He'd have played three of those years with Karl-Anthony Towns and Devin Booker, fwiw. The Wildcat team would have been in fine shape, however, as Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro would still be on that Kentucky squad (along with Malik Monk, De'Aaron Fox, and many others).

Duke, meanwhile, would have just finished Zion's second season with a senior Tatum, RJ Barrett, and about 15 other wings.

I find that fascinating.

[texasdave]

Westbrook instead of Beal is the most egregious of the omissions.

Nonsense. You have to play both sides of the court. Bradley Beal is in the running for the worst defender in the league.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2876876-exposing-nbas-worst-defender-at-every-position#:~:text=Defensive%20Score%3A%202.0&text=The%20good%20news%20for%20Beal,one%20team%20i n%20NBA%20history.

[Rojo Rijo]

Beal is undoubtedly the most snubbed player of this generation. First the AS snub now this? Averaged 25/5/5 last season and then 30/6/4 this season. First NBA player in history to average 30+ ppg and 6+ apg and not make an All NBA team.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Nonsense. You have to play both sides of the court. Bradley Beal is in the running for the worst defender in the league.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2876876-exposing-nbas-worst-defender-at-every-position#:~:text=Defensive%20Score%3A%202.0&text=The%20good%20news%20for%20Beal,one%20team%20i n%20NBA%20history.

Westbrook's defensive rating-- 109.

He also let a 117-year-old Rajon Rondo dominate him in the playoffs. (Offensive rating: 90; Defensive rating 114 vs. Rondo's offensive rating: 119; Defensive rating: 106.) I realize the playoffs don't count in these determinations, but that left a bad taste for a would-be third-team All-NBA guy.

[texasdave]

Westbrook's defensive rating-- 109.

He also let a 117-year-old Rajon Rondo dominate him in the playoffs. (Offensive rating: 90; Defensive rating 114 vs. Rondo's offensive rating: 119; Defensive rating: 106.) I realize the playoffs don't count in these determinations, but that left a bad taste for a would-be third-team All-NBA guy.

You said it yourself. The playoffs don't count. Why would you bring them up? Seems pointless. If someone wants to try to make a case for Beal over Westbrook. Fine. But, the selection of Westbrook over Beal certainly wasn't egregrious. Words matter.

[Bourgeois Zee]

You said it yourself. The playoffs don't count. Why would you bring them up? Seems pointless. If someone wants to try to make a case for Beal over Westbrook. Fine. But, the selection of Westbrook over Beal certainly wasn't egregrious. Words matter.

Beal had by far the better offensive season. Against double and triple teams, he carried the load of the entire team.

Westbrook benefited from playing with the most valuable player in the league (and its most dangerous shooter/ playmaker/ offensive weapon). He still found a way to not play defense and to turn the ball over 4.5 times per game.

I suspect every NBA GM would prefer Beal to Westbrook in terms of value to the team-- and the seasons they had. It was a poor decision that rewarded counting stats rather than an understanding of the game and the players' roles within it.

[M2]

I can't get too worked up over 3rd team All-NBA. Random thought on Russ, I think he is tradeable. There's a number of teams that need help at the point. There's also a number of PGs who might be available. So it's not a given shoppers will land on Russ, but I do expect them to kick his tires. The thing he brings with him is expectation. Russ plays hard and his teams make the playoffs. If you're looking to establish a more hard-nosed culture to an underwhelming team, he can provide the appropriate kick in the backside. Two teams that strike me as potential fits:

Chicago - Otto Porter and Tomas Satoransky for Russ

The money works out. The Bulls get speed on the break (Zach LaViine, Coby White, Russ) with some shooting (Lauri Markkanen) and a versatile young big (Wendell Carter). They've also got Thad Young still kicking around and the #4 pick in the upcoming draft. It's actually a pretty decent collection of weapons to put around Russ, if you can get them to play with some urgency. On the Houston end, they can gamble on Porter being healthy enough to provide some length and defense. Satoransky is a solid rotation guy. Mainly it gives them more options to collect guys around Harden moving forward.

Orlando - Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier and A-Farouq Aminu for Russ and Danuel House

The Magic are capped out and don't look likely to leap over any of the seven teams in front of them. Even worse, any one of the Wizards, Horncats, Bulls and Hawks could sprint past them. Fournier's coming off his best season and probably is only going to exercise his contract option because of the dicey economy. They've got to give his money to Jonathan Isaac the following season) and they've seemingly wanted rid of him for year. Gordon is coming off a disaster of a season. Aminu signed a contract they almost instantly regretted. Yet those are all pieces the Rockets might be able to leverage around Harden. Russ would give the Magic a much higher end guard to feed Vuce and Isaac (seems like some appealing pick-and-roll options). Terrence Ross probably starts instead of coming off the bench. And we know House enjoys his time in Orlando.

[Kingspoint]

I can't get too worked up over 3rd team All-NBA. Random thought on Russ, I think he is tradeable. There's a number of teams that need help at the point. There's also a number of PGs who might be available. So it's not a given shoppers will land on Russ, but I do expect them to kick his tires. The thing he brings with him is expectation. Russ plays hard and his teams make the playoffs. If you're looking to establish a more hard-nosed culture to an underwhelming team, he can provide the appropriate kick in the backside. Two teams that strike me as potential fits:

Chicago - Otto Porter and Tomas Satoransky for Russ

The money works out. The Bulls get speed on the break (Zach LaViine, Coby White, Russ) with some shooting (Lauri Markkanen) and a versatile young big (Wendell Carter). They've also got Thad Young still kicking around and the #4 pick in the upcoming draft. It's actually a pretty decent collection of weapons to put around Russ, if you can get them to play with some urgency. On the Houston end, they can gamble on Porter being healthy enough to provide some length and defense. Satoransky is a solid rotation guy. Mainly it gives them more options to collect guys around Harden moving forward.

Orlando - Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier and A-Farouq Aminu for Russ and Danuel House

The Magic are capped out and don't look likely to leap over any of the seven teams in front of them. Even worse, any one of the Wizards, Horncats, Bulls and Hawks could sprint past them. Fournier's coming off his best season and probably is only going to exercise his contract option because of the dicey economy. They've got to give his money to Jonathan Isaac the following season) and they've seemingly wanted rid of him for year. Gordon is coming off a disaster of a season. Aminu signed a contract they almost instantly regretted. Yet those are all pieces the Rockets might be able to leverage around Harden. Russ would give the Magic a much higher end guard to feed Vuce and Isaac (seems like some appealing pick-and-roll options). Terrence Ross probably starts instead of coming off the bench. And we know House enjoys his time in Orlando.

First team I thought of was Chicago for Russ. Think that's a win-win for both teams.

[M2]

Jimmy Butler has been so money.

(Goran Dragic too)

[Bourgeois Zee]

Jimmy Butler has been so money.

(Goran Dragic too)

And Bam.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I can't come up with a reason why Brad Stevens didn't play Enes Kanter more. 4-4 from the floor, 6 rebounds, and +7 in only 11 minutes.

Theis played 32 minutes and was, at best, a nonfactor.

Boston needs a guy to rebound, throw his body around, and pick up the garbage, but Stevens doesn't want to play him.

[Kingspoint]

It may be 2-0 Miami, but this series will be tied before it's over.

These are two great teams with two great Coaches who are both excellent at making adjustments...probably the two best in the league the last several years.

[Bourgeois Zee]

It may be 2-0 Miami, but this series will be tied before it's over.

Maybe.

Both games were the C's to lose. And they did.

Similar to the Clippers, Boston seems to be the more talented team but is having issues producing. Tatum made multiple bone-headed moves last night when he couldn't afford to make any. Brown struggled for the second game in a row. Kemba was better, but also had several head-scratching moments. Smart, even though he's playing as well as he has his entire career, came back to earth slightly.

Much of the issue, IMO, is laid at the feet of Stevens. His late-game offensive sets are putrid. (12 seconds of dribbling in place before a hero ball shot from either long two or deep three range? I could design that play.) Not having Hayward has limited his substitution patterns, I'm sure, but Theis can't handle Bam when he's rolling, so he turns to untested rookie Grant Williams-- who's the same size as Theis and offers pretty much the same athletic package? (I suspect this is the limitation of the small-ball center, btw. If you're being overpowered in the pain-- and Boston is-- you need a bruiser to put a stop to that.)

Part of it is Miami's offense and how well its parts fit together and are just basketball smart. Adebayo might be a high basketball IQ second-teamer, but he's the third smartest guy on that team. Both Dragic and Butler are genius level basketball smart. (This, IMO, is where Miami's "culture" destroys the rest of the league, save perhaps the Lakers, who boast two all-timer Basketball Genius guys in Rondo and LeBron. It might also be the hidden tool we, as fans, dismiss or ignore. It's so often the key to success in a league where everyone has 99.99% athleticism.)

Spo's offensive sets are beautiful to watch, but the players flow freely within those sets and play smart. Duncan Robinson sprinting to a new area to catch and shoot threes, knowing Dragic will find him? Adebayo seeing a back-cut and waiting for the defender to commit so that he can pass to the open corner three? Herro recognizing the mismatch on Bam so that he can lob to the rim off the dribble drive? Butler's defensive stance, fundamentals, and realization that he can disrupt Walker's/ Brown's/ Tatum's drives with a denial then having the presence of mind to flick away the lob? That's basketball porn right there. Even newbie Jae Crowder (another smart player) understands not just his own responsibilities, but everyone else's.

So far this series, Spo's coaching rings around Stevens, IMO. He's pushing the right buttons, and his players are responding over and over again.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I remain interested in how Denver and LA will stack their lineups in their series, and I've come to the conclusion that it might behoove Malone to go super big with Plumlee and Jokic together in the frontcourt.

That allows Jokic to guard Howard or McGee (and easier cover than AD) and hack on AD with Plumlee, hoping to wear him out with physicality. This, in turn, allows Grant and Millsap to tag off on LeBron (run like hell and hope to tire him out) and Murray to guard the weakest of Green, KCP, or Rondo, with Harris on the better scorer (and occasionally on James?). Most importantly, it allows both of his stars to essentially rest a bit on defense.

Vogel will counter with Kuzma in a big lineup, but Malone can move Porter in at that point, and put him on the Kuz. (Which works in Denver's favor, IMO.)

Vogel could also go small.

I'm pretty sure he wants AD on Jokic as much as possible. That would require a "small ball" lineup of all 6'11" guys with wingspans that stretch across a street from white line to white line. (AD on Joker, LeBron as a Swiss Army knife bodying Porter, and Morris/ Kuzma defending Millsap/ Grant/ Plumlee.) This would mean KCP and Green can take turns on Murray, forming yet another superior defensive front for the Blue Arrow to fire against. (Seriously, has any scorer had to do more against so many than Murray this series?)

I don't think this is a great series for Playoff Rondo to go nuts. He might play when Malone goes to his bench for Craig or Morris. His minutes against Murray should probably be limited. (That said, Rondo as a help defender on Harris might be a smart way to bother Jokic and/or Murray.)

What would you guys do?

[M2]

I tend toward the best plan being getting your best players the most minutes. I know coaches are trying to exploit matchups, but can your best 5 take their best 5? For Denver, if guys like Milsap, Grant and Harris can be a handful, the Lakers are going to be stretched. L.A. probably needs Kuzma and Green to make the Nuggets pay for over attention to Bron and AD.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I tend toward the best plan being getting your best players the most minutes. I know coaches are trying to exploit matchups, but can your best 5 take their best 5? For Denver, if guys like Milsap, Grant and Harris can be a handful, the Lakers are going to be stretched. L.A. probably needs Kuzma and Green to make the Nuggets pay for over attention to Bron and AD.

The issue is that, at this point in the playoff game, my best five largely depends on the matchups.

Rondo ate Westbrook's lunch in the last series. I'm not sure he's the Laker's seventh or eighth best player against Murray and the Nugs.

Dwight Howard could well be a key figure in this series, and he was a mop-up guy against Houston.

[M2]

The issue is that, at this point in the playoff game, my best five largely depends on the matchups.

Rondo ate Westbrook's lunch in the last series. I'm not sure he's the Laker's seventh or eighth best player against Murray and the Nugs.

Dwight Howard could well be a key figure in this series, and he was a mop-up guy against Houston.

I find it hard to believe Howard or McGee are on the floor at crunch time. Rondo is probably the biggest wild card for the Lakers, with Porter being that guy for the Nuggets (he might be able to torch Kuzma).

[Bourgeois Zee]

I find it hard to believe Howard or McGee are on the floor at crunch time. Rondo is probably the biggest wild card for the Lakers, with Porter being that guy for the Nuggets (he might be able to torch Kuzma).

I'm not sure about Howard, M2.

Davis has positively owned Jokic when they've gone head to head over their careers, (https://stathead.com/tiny/305nQ) true. But Jokic is uniquely difficult to guard, and the Lakers have multiple options. In a reserve role from this season only, Howard's per minute numbers against Jokic and company are exceptional. Double figure scoring on a very high percentage with great per minute rebounding numbers and huge free throw numbers. (He didn't hit them, but it does indicate he causes problems when he plays.) Play him 25 - 30 minutes, and he's likely to give you a double-double and, more importantly wear Jokic out by taking him inside and banging on him all game.

This also allows Davis to play Grant/ Millsap/ Porter and be a defensive safety on a wing (with LeBron at the other wing) and negate Denver's rebounding wings (Porter and Grant, typically). It also alleviates some concern about Laker guards, who can then focus 18 fouls and manic energy on chasing Murray all over the court. It also limits Rondo's minutes. (I suspect he'll be a net minus in this series.)

[Kingspoint]

Marcus Smart was yelling/motivating his teammates in the lockerroom after the loss to be accountable for their actions.

I'm going to guess that Marcus Smart is not the most "diplomatic" type of motivator.

Jaelyn Brown got his feelings ruffled, didn't want his teammates to listen to Smart's rant, or whatever, and took exception and told him to settle down.

Smart took it up a notch and they got into a scuffle before teammates broke it up.


Smart accomplished what he went after....got everyone to pay attention to what's happening.

Celtics will win the next two games.

[Kingspoint]

Howard's a dirty player who can bother whoever he goes against, including put a lot of physical pain on others. His six fouls that he uses make a mark even if his Defense is on the atrocious side of things.

- - - Updated - - -

Milsap needs to retire. Grant should be playing 40 minutes.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Howard's a dirty player who can bother whoever he goes against, including put a lot of physical pain on others. His six fouls that he uses make a mark even if his Defense is on the atrocious side of things.

Howard's defensive rating-- 103-- ranks third on the Lakers' team.