NBA 2022-23 Part 2: Everyone Scores 50

[M2]

Old thread is due to be closed any minute now. Figured we should have the new up and running. Here's a thumbsucker for people to get us started: If you could re-do the 2022 draft what would your lottery look like?

[KoryMac5]

Old thread is due to be closed any minute now. Figured we should have the new up and running. Here's a thumbsucker for people to get us started: If you could re-do the 2022 draft what would your lottery look like?

I am wondering if the Kings would have taken Mathurin...

I also think Hardy would have possibly slid into the late lottery...he felt 15-20 range...and then went in the 2nd round to Dallas. He didn't shoot well last year with Ignite but his game is at different level now.

[M2]

I am wondering if the Kings would have taken Mathurin...

I also think Hardy would have possibly slid into the late lottery...he felt 15-20 range...and then went in the 2nd round to Dallas. He didn't shoot well last year with Ignite but his game is at different level now.

I'm thinking Mathurin shouldn't have gotten past the Rockets, or maybe not past the Thunder (depending on how much of Chet's skeletal structure you think might be made of balsa wood). Mathurin's going to be a go-to scorer on some very good teams.

[SteelSD]

I am wondering if the Kings would have taken Mathurin...

I also think Hardy would have possibly slid into the late lottery...he felt 15-20 range...and then went in the 2nd round to Dallas. He didn't shoot well last year with Ignite but his game is at different level now.

I'm wondering if players who profile like Hardy (and Tyrese Maxey) might not be an undervalued group on draft day- guys who don't have great size, but can penetrate and finish. If they have a history of being able to shoot free throws, they may profile as players who can build a solid rate beyond the arc. That's a pretty valuable set of skills with upside.

[KoryMac5]

I'm wondering if players who profile like Hardy (and Tyrese Maxey) might not be an undervalued group on draft day- guys who don't have great size, but can penetrate and finish. If they have a history of being able to shoot free throws, they may profile as players who can build a solid rate beyond the arc. That's a pretty valuable set of skills with upside.

Agreed if I am a team that is making the playoffs with limited chances to select out of the 20s I would try and strike gold with the upside of Hardy and Maxey as you can afford to be patient with them.

[Bourgeois Zee]

If you could re-do the 2022 draft what would your lottery look like?

This year has been a disappointment for rookies so far, IMO.

I'd go:

1. Paolo Banchero, ORL
Sure, he's pretty much a one-trick pony, but that trick is tough to come by. I do wonder how much D he'll play in his career.

2. Keegan Murray, OKC
Tell me OKC couldn't use a deadeye shooter who's willing to do the little things as either a PF or SF. The fit is flawless.

3. Jaden Ivey, HOU
The Rockets need a distributor. Ivey was the best of the lot, and they instead focused on yet another scorer.

4. Jabari Smith, SAC
Smith could have added scoring punch, but his shooting hasn't been great. Might need a year or two to get settled.

5. Benedict Mathurn, DET
Surpise of the draft so far, but his numbers have yo-yoed between superstar and nothing. Regardless, he'd be The Man in Detroit right now and could have fit seamlessly with anyone.

6. Jalen Williams IND
An unsung contributor to OKC's rise to adequacy, Williams has had a hand in everything-- double digit points, decent rebounder, solid passer. He hasn't shot well though.

7. Chet Holmgren, POR
The leg injury is so Bowie, it's Walton. You can't Oden this up. Worth the gamble for the superstar potential here.

8. Jalen Duran, NOLA
Physical beast who could play in the middle, run like a gazelle, and gobble up rebounds. A pick and roll beast with Zion.

9. Jeremy Sochan, SAN
This is their guy.

10. AJ Griffin, WAS
Griffin could have played either SG or SF, allowing Kuzma to play PF and Porzingis to play C more often. Would have been a help when Beal went down too.

11. Andrew Nembhard, NYK
Knicks keep the pick and choose a shooter at wing. Nembhard could play with Randle, Quickley, Barrett, or just about anyone else.

12. Walker Kessler, OKC
OKC needs a big guy in the middle. Imagine the easy looks he gets with SGA and Giddey. Imagine the time he could be spending developing. He, SGA, Giddey, and Murray together? Could that team be a playoff contender?

13. Shaedon Sharpe, CHA
On a team going nowhere, Sharpe might be a real find. Feed him to the wolves to see if he sinks or swims. He'd be, IMO, a highlight reel with Ball feeding him alley oops, at any rate.

14. Tari Eason, CLE
Serious athleticism, aggressiveness, and motor might allow him to push for a starting gig at small forward, their one area of need.

[SteelSD]

Missed the first half of the Sixers game, but pulled it up to see Harden grabbing a triple-double with less than a minute gone in the third quarter to help drive the Sixers to a 123-111 win. The game wasn't really as close as the score might suggest, with the Sixers up by 20+ for much of the second half and a lot of the starters got a good amount of rest. No Embiid or P.J. Tucker today. Against the Pistons, who lack any real size, that's a great opportunity to start Harrell. Philly did and he responded with 20 points and 6 boards, with Paul Reed (he's ALIVE!) making the most of his backup time to the tune of 16 points and 12 boards- 8 of them on the offensive glass. Combined 'Trez and B-ball Paul grabbed 11 offensive rebounds, or basically how many total rebounds Tucker gets in a month. Thybulle got 23 minutes and was his usual terror on the defensive side with 5 steals.

[Betterread]

This year has been a disappointment for rookies so far, IMO.

I'd go:

1. Paolo Banchero, ORL
Sure, he's pretty much a one-trick pony, but that trick is tough to come by. I do wonder how much D he'll play in his career.

2. Keegan Murray, OKC
Tell me OKC couldn't use a deadeye shooter who's willing to do the little things as either a PF or SF. The fit is flawless.

3. Jaden Ivey, HOU
The Rockets need a distributor. Ivey was the best of the lot, and they instead focused on yet another scorer.

4. Jabari Smith, SAC
Smith could have added scoring punch, but his shooting hasn't been great. Might need a year or two to get settled.

5. Benedict Mathurn, DET
Surpise of the draft so far, but his numbers have yo-yoed between superstar and nothing. Regardless, he'd be The Man in Detroit right now and could have fit seamlessly with anyone.

6. Jalen Williams IND
An unsung contributor to OKC's rise to adequacy, Williams has had a hand in everything-- double digit points, decent rebounder, solid passer. He hasn't shot well though.

7. Chet Holmgren, POR
The leg injury is so Bowie, it's Walton. You can't Oden this up. Worth the gamble for the superstar potential here.

8. Jalen Duran, NOLA
Physical beast who could play in the middle, run like a gazelle, and gobble up rebounds. A pick and roll beast with Zion.

9. Jeremy Sochan, SAN
This is their guy.

10. AJ Griffin, WAS
Griffin could have played either SG or SF, allowing Kuzma to play PF and Porzingis to play C more often. Would have been a help when Beal went down too.

11. Andrew Nembhard, NYK
Knicks keep the pick and choose a shooter at wing. Nembhard could play with Randle, Quickley, Barrett, or just about anyone else.

12. Walker Kessler, OKC
OKC needs a big guy in the middle. Imagine the easy looks he gets with SGA and Giddey. Imagine the time he could be spending developing. He, SGA, Giddey, and Murray together? Could that team be a playoff contender?

13. Shaedon Sharpe, CHA
On a team going nowhere, Sharpe might be a real find. Feed him to the wolves to see if he sinks or swims. He'd be, IMO, a highlight reel with Ball feeding him alley oops, at any rate.

14. Tari Eason, CLE
Serious athleticism, aggressiveness, and motor might allow him to push for a starting gig at small forward, their one area of need.
Pretty good list. I haven’t seen a lot of these rookies play.
Jalen Duren, not Duran, plays for the Pistons. And Dyson Daniels and Shaedon Sharpe are pretty similiar players with great athleticism but fighting for minutes. I liked Daniels a little better because he defended pretty hard, esp for a rookie.
I liked Jaden Ivey in college, but he didn’t stand out too much when I saw him.
Best rookie I have seen play in Mathurin, but I haven’t seen a lot of the top draft picks.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Pretty good list. I haven’t seen a lot of these rookies play.

I've seen most of these guys multiple times-- though some of them just haven't been given enough time. (That's why Dyson Daniels doesn't make the Hindsight 20/20 draft lottery, but Sharpe does. Sharpe's got a specific role with his team and can show out-- so far, Daniels is the third PG on a team that's fighting for the best record in the league. He's not going to get any minutes that he doesn't throttle. Sharpe, however, will likely be given more and more as the Blazers fall back in the West.)

Banchero's the best rookie by a good bit, but he's pretty much only an offensive player at this point. Mathurin's more well-rounded offensively, but has gone backwards (20 --> 18 --> 15 ppg over his first three months), and his defensive score is 118. (Banchero's is 116, fwiw.) Mathurin's last three games have been (much) better-- perhaps that's part of the learning curve.

[M2]

My lottery re-do would be:

1. Paolo Banchero - Already showing star quality. That's what you want at the top of the draft. I didn't think he was THE guy last summer. Totally wrong on that front. Well done by the Magic in choosing wisely.

2. Bennedict Mathurin - Despite the recent rough patch, Mathurin has obvious three-level scoring skills. He's also got the kind of edge and drive that has me convinced he's going to keep getting better. He's going to be a menace.

3. Chet Holmgren - I have serious questions about his praying mantis frame, but if you ask me who's going to be a star from this class after the first two on this list, Holmgren's as good an answer as anyone. Big risk, big upside.

4. Keegan Murray - Doesn't strike me as having star potential. Might only be a #3 guy on a really good team in the future, but long guys on the wing with a plus game are the hardest thing to find in the NBA. The Kings should cherish him.

5. Shaedon Sharpe - Lacks the minutes of some others, but he's got unreal ability. He can play way above the rim and his shot looks pretty solid. He's got the makings of a go-to scorer, a guy who can create his own shot out of nothing. Too much talent to ignore.

6. Dyson Daniels - Another lower minutes guy, but he already plays pro defense and he's shown the skillset to fill up a box score. He's going to physically dominate guys after his body fills out, sort of Ben Simmons type who can actually shoot a bit.

7. Jalen Duren - I'm skeptical about bigs without a perimeter game or playmaking skills, and Duren has no perimeter game or playmaking skills. However, he is a handful who's forcing his way into the minutes because he's able to bang with grown men.

8. Jaden Ivey - Not impressed with his scoring chops. Seems to have a much lower ceiling that I thought prior to the draft. Yet he can make plays. Could be a PG when he matures. Not many of those in this draft.

9. Jabari Smith - His shot creation skills are bad, bordering on non-existent. Honestly, he's a massive disappointment (thought he was the #1 guy before the draft). He's a willing defender, should do the hard work guarding the perimeter, but his only offense is when his feet are set beyond the arc.

10. A.J. Griffin - I don't have a good reason why I don't have him two slots higher. Looks like a wing who can score and defend. Might end up being the sort of higher quality forward the Hawks really need.

11. Walker Kessler - He tilts the floor. Leads the class in stuff like Win Shares, Net Rating and +/-. He's already pretty elite at defending the rim. Pretty ironic Utah nabbed what looks like a discount Rudy Gobert clone in exchange for Rudy Gobert.

12. Tari Eason - Entirely possible possible he ends up making Jabari Smith expendable. Seems to have a more complete game. Should have a solid career as a combo forward.

13. Andrew Nembhard - Looks like a reliable PG. Could be a Monte Morris sort of player. Takes care of the ball, hits open shots, always hustles. Kind of a poster boy for why four years of college still has its merits.

14. Jalen Williams - His shooting range is not great, but he's really good inside the arc. Probably not a high volume scorer in the future. That said, he's earning minutes because he can play.

[M2]

Memphis, New Orleans and Denver have logged wins tonight. I was asking recently who the top teams in the West are/would be this season and it's starting to look like this is the triumvirate at the top. Dallas and Sacto are lurking a little behind them. Golden State survived without Steph, so maybe they've got a run in them. Yet the top three all look like they've got 50+ win energy.

[Kingspoint]

Memphis, New Orleans and Denver have logged wins tonight. I was asking recently who the top teams in the West are/would be this season and it's starting to look like this is the triumvirate at the top. Dallas and Sacto are lurking a little behind them. Golden State survived without Steph, so maybe they've got a run in them. Yet the top three all look like they've got 50+ win energy.

...and,...

No Morant for Memphis.

No Zion or Ingram for N'Orleans.

Jokic only had to take 5 shots (made them all).

Kings were back to lighting it up on Offense while also playing some Defense.

DAL has a 4-game roadtrip with back-to-back games in LA (Clippers then Lakers) followed by back-to-back games in POR (DAL has beat them 7 in a row, while it's official that Billups has no clue what the hell he's doing...he's the Jeff Saturday of the NBA). Whatever team gets to go against Billups seems to get inspired for a good run that can turn their season in a positive direction or propel it even further if they are already in a positive direction. Billups' team does not put up a fight.

[M2]

Billups definitely isn't the answer for whatever Portland needs. Maybe the next guy can be a Jacque Vaughn kind of improvement.

However, I still question whether Dame and Simons lack fight or if they're just too small a backcourt pairing?

[Kingspoint]

Billups definitely isn't the answer for whatever Portland needs. Maybe the next guy can be a Jacque Vaughn kind of improvement.

However, I still question whether Dame and Simons lack fight or if they're just too small a backcourt pairing?

Simons is the worst Defender in the NBA each of the last two seasons per Darko. He's only average Offensively. Dame, already a bottom-10 Defender, cannot be matched with someone worse than him Defensively. It all starts and ends right there.

[M2]

Simons is the worst Defender in the NBA each of the last two seasons per Darko. He's only average Offensively. Dame, already a bottom-10 Defender, cannot be matched with someone worse than him Defensively. It all starts and ends right there.

So who would you deal? Dame's better, but Simons is younger and maybe he fits in long-term with Sharpe.

[Kingspoint]

So who would you deal? Dame's better, but Simons is younger and maybe he fits in long-term with Sharpe.

You have to get rid of one or the other. Dame is like Votto. Dame decides if he wants to stay or go. The subject will not be brought up. Billups almost went last year because of his rape allegations from the past. He survived the witch-burners and he looks like he's here to stay for the rest of Dame's time here (this year plus three more). Hart could start at the 2, Grant move over to the 3, trade Ant for a 4, and that's a squad that even Chauncey could look like he knows what he's doing. If Payton decides he wants to play, Payton could start at the 2 and Hart come off the bench. That would probably be even better. Chauncey doesn't have to coach a Starting four of Dame/Nurk/Payton/Grant and whoever they could get for Ant and whatever they have to package to get a starting Wing.

[M2]

Phoenix's win last night at Golden State deserves some mention.

First off, Mikal Bridges was the only regular starter available for the Suns. He was out there with Dario Saric, Torrey Craig, Bismack Biyombo and Duane Washington Jr. Bridges threw down a 26-9-5. Damion Lee also came off the bench to score 22 and make the Warriors regret that they ever let him go. I'm just going to drop an "Are they better without Ayton?" into the mix.

On the Golden State side, they just got Steph and Wiggins back and it seems like it's going to take a little bit for them to get their game legs. Yet they should have won against the Suns' B team. This is their 3rd straight home loss, and it's been against Detroit, Orlando and a way underpowered Suns lineup. That's three should-have-been wins squandered. Title contenders generally don't do that.

[Kingspoint]

Phoenix's win last night at Golden State deserves some mention.

First off, Mikal Bridges was the only regular starter available for the Suns. He was out there with Dario Saric, Torrey Craig, Bismack Biyombo and Duane Washington Jr. Bridges threw down a 26-9-5. Damion Lee also came off the bench to score 22 and make the Warriors regret that they ever let him go. I'm just going to drop an "Are they better without Ayton?" into the mix.

On the Golden State side, they just got Steph and Wiggins back and it seems like it's going to take a little bit for them to get their game legs. Yet they should have won against the Suns' B team. This is their 3rd straight home loss, and it's been against Detroit, Orlando and a way underpowered Suns lineup. That's three should-have-been wins squandered. Title contenders generally don't do that.

PHO asked themselves that question all off-season.

[M2]

PHO asked themselves that question all off-season.

Bill Simmons made an interesting point about Ayton in a recent podcast. He said Ayton reminded him of some '80s centers, like Joe Barry Carroll, who posted numbers but if you watched the game they pretty clearly were better at collecting stats than wins. Hassan Whiteside would a more modern example of that archetype.

[M2]

You have to get rid of one or the other. Dame is like Votto. Dame decides if he wants to stay or go. The subject will not be brought up. Billups almost went last year because of his rape allegations from the past. He survived the witch-burners and he looks like he's here to stay for the rest of Dame's time here (this year plus three more). Hart could start at the 2, Grant move over to the 3, trade Ant for a 4, and that's a squad that even Chauncey could look like he knows what he's doing. If Payton decides he wants to play, Payton could start at the 2 and Hart come off the bench. That would probably be even better. Chauncey doesn't have to coach a Starting four of Dame/Nurk/Payton/Grant and whoever they could get for Ant and whatever they have to package to get a starting Wing.

I'd have Sharpe starting on the wing (either as a 3 or a 2). He's got the potential to be special, so I'd have him in the starting 5 next year. Got to cultivate that talent. Could be wrong, but I don't think they can move Simons or Dame until the summer (because of contract extension signings last summer). So that would give Sharpe a full summer of training before he gets thrust into a starting role.

[KoryMac5]

Heat and Cavs are both sniffing around Hardaway Jr...

[M2]

Heat and Cavs are both sniffing around Hardaway Jr...

Would you do...

Hardaway to the Heat for Duncan Robinson and Nikola Jovic?

Hardaway and Bertans to the Cavs for Kevin Love and Isaac Okoro? Frees $26M in cap space for next season ($35M if Okoro doesn't stick).

[Betterread]

Phoenix's win last night at Golden State deserves some mention.

First off, Mikal Bridges was the only regular starter available for the Suns. He was out there with Dario Saric, Torrey Craig, Bismack Biyombo and Duane Washington Jr. Bridges threw down a 26-9-5. Damion Lee also came off the bench to score 22 and make the Warriors regret that they ever let him go. I'm just going to drop an "Are they better without Ayton?" into the mix.

On the Golden State side, they just got Steph and Wiggins back and it seems like it's going to take a little bit for them to get their game legs. Yet they should have won against the Suns' B team. This is their 3rd straight home loss, and it's been against Detroit, Orlando and a way underpowered Suns lineup. That's three should-have-been wins squandered. Title contenders generally don't do that.
I saw large parts of this game. It was a truly pathetic effort from GS. I wouldn’t read a lot into it though. It just looked like GS could not care less about the game. One play stood out for me: Saric drove past Steph on the baseline and drew two more GS defenders before dishing to a wide open Biyimbo for a dunk. Saric absolutely destroyed Steph’s defense, and Steph didn’t care. Saric didn’t trash talk Steph or do anything demonstrative, but if the tables were turned you know Steph would have danced, mocked and bragged all the way to the GS bench. And Steph is only representative of the majority of the league.
This is something I don’t get about NBA trashtalking. So many players get energized by disrespecting other players, but that energy doesn’t apply to playing consistent defense so what is the point?

[BuckeyeRed27]

Would you do...

Hardaway to the Heat for Duncan Robinson and Nikola Jovic?

Hardaway and Bertans to the Cavs for Kevin Love and Isaac Okoro? Frees $26M in cap space for next season ($35M if Okoro doesn't stick).

Just don’t know what that trade does for the Cavs. Don’t see either guy as a fit.

[M2]

Just don’t know what that trade does for the Cavs. Don’t see either guy as a fit.

Supposedly they're interested in Hardaway (per KoryMac5). For the record, he'd way down my list of wings to acquire. I guess Cleveland could move LeVert for him or Okoro + Osman and scraps. I was sort of approaching it from the Dallas perspective. Like, what could the Mavs get from those teams? For Cleveland I came up with potential cap space because they don't seem like a great trade fit.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Supposedly they're interested in Hardaway (per KoryMac5). For the record, he'd way down my list of wings to acquire. I guess Cleveland could move LeVert for him or Okoro + Osman and scraps. I was sort of approaching it from the Dallas perspective. Like, what could the Mavs get from those teams? For Cleveland I came up with potential cap space because they don't seem like a great trade fit.

Apparently the tire kicking has been around a Lavert swap. But again…what does that do for the Cavs?

[KoryMac5]

Apparently the tire kicking has been around a Lavert swap. But again…what does that do for the Cavs?

I doubt Cleveland would do it just because you end up saddled with THJ for 2 years at 34 million for a floor spacer...if both contracts were expiring than maybe...Lavert doesn't shoot as well but his handles are better so Dallas could combine him with Dinwiddie...Stein was the one who first reported on it.

Fedor also reported it was down to Bogdanovic and THJ...

[BuckeyeRed27]

I doubt Cleveland would do it just because you end up saddled with THJ for 2 years at 34 million for a floor spacer...if both contracts were expiring than maybe...Lavert doesn't shoot as well but his handles are better so Dallas could combine him with Dinwiddie...Stein was the one who first reported on it.

Fedor also reported it was down to Bogdanovic and THJ...

Bogdanovic is perfect, but I think he will be tough to get.
Oubre is an upgrade too.
OG is ideal, but Cavs don’t have the picks to get him.
I just don’t see the point in Hardaway.

I don’t think they want to do Love dirty, but they have to at least consider it for a big money wing.

[Revering4Blue]

Bill Simmons made an interesting point about Ayton in a recent podcast. He said Ayton reminded him of some '80s centers, like Joe Barry Carroll, who posted numbers but if you watched the game they pretty clearly were better at collecting stats than wins. Hassan Whiteside would a more modern example of that archetype.

In his defense, J.B Carroll played for bad to mediocre teams during his career where he had to post high numbers in order for his teams to be somewhat competitive.

A more apt comparison to Ayton and the Suns' situation, IMO, would have been Carroll's Warriors with Carroll. Bernard King (had they resigned him as the should have), Larry Smith with Purvis Short and Sleepy Floyd in the backcourt. That could have actually comprised a contending core.

Having said that, both Carroll and Ayton, as former first overall picks, both have/had the vibe of not close to being bad picks/busts at all, but haven't/didn't exactly exhibit(ed) the all around games/skillsets that their size and wingspans suggest they should have. Ayton doesn't protect the rim as his wingspan suggests he should, while Carroll, even though he was playing next to Larry Smith for most of his career - who rebounded like the ball had money taped to it - often failed to establish himself on the boards. Carroll would in the space of a week score 30 points, grab 10 rebounds and block 4 shots against Kareem and the Lakers. Then, he would get thoroughly outplayed in Cleveland against Mel Turpin.

[M2]

In his defense, J.B Carroll played for bad to mediocre teams during his career where he had to post high numbers in order for his teams to be somewhat competitive.

A more apt comparison to Ayton and the Suns' situation, IMO, would have been Carroll's Warriors with Carroll. Bernard King (had they resigned him as the should have), Larry Smith with Purvis Short and Sleepy Floyd in the backcourt. That could have actually comprised a contending core.

Having said that, both Carroll and Ayton, as former first overall picks, both have/had the vibe of not close to being bad picks/busts at all, but haven't/didn't exactly exhibit(ed) the all around games/skillsets that their size and wingspans suggest they should have. Ayton doesn't protect the rim as his wingspan suggests he should, while Carroll, even though he was playing next to Larry Smith for most of his career - who rebounded like the ball had money taped to it - often failed to establish himself on the boards. Carroll would in the space of a week score 30 points, grab 10 rebounds and block 4 shots against Kareem and the Lakers. Then, he would get thoroughly outplayed in Cleveland against Mel Turpin.

JBC was iconic for the Boston sports press back in the day. The Celtics getting McHale two picks after him was a big part of it, but the argument against him was no matter how many good players you assembled around him you still wouldn't have a good team. Probably wasn't an accident that pretty much the first thing Don Nelson did when he took over Golden State was trade JBC.

[Kingspoint]

I'd have Sharpe starting on the wing (either as a 3 or a 2). He's got the potential to be special, so I'd have him in the starting 5 next year. Got to cultivate that talent. Could be wrong, but I don't think they can move Simons or Dame until the summer (because of contract extension signings last summer). So that would give Sharpe a full summer of training before he gets thrust into a starting role.

They've been forcing Sharpe's minutes since Day 1, basically gauranteeing him 15 minutes per night. That should have him end up at about 1500 minutes on the year as he exceeds that 15 number often (because of blowouts one way or another and some occasional good play where he earns more time). Next season, he's certain to at least match that, even if they make a trade for a SF/PF that gets 35 minutes per night. I'm just hoping they don't include Sharpe in any trade.

[M2]

They've been forcing Sharpe's minutes since Day 1, basically gauranteeing him 15 minutes per night. That should have him end up at about 1500 minutes on the year as he exceeds that 15 number often (because of blowouts one way or another and some occasional good play where he earns more time). Next season, he's certain to at least match that, even if they make a trade for a SF/PF that gets 35 minutes per night. I'm just hoping they don't include Sharpe in any trade.

I assume Sharpe is untouchable. I would think 30+ minutes a night next season would be in order.

[westofyou]

In his defense, J.B Carroll played for bad to mediocre teams during his career where he had to post high numbers in order for his teams to be somewhat competitive.

A more apt comparison to Ayton and the Suns' situation, IMO, would have been Carroll's Warriors with Carroll. Bernard King (had they resigned him as the should have), Larry Smith with Purvis Short and Sleepy Floyd in the backcourt. That could have actually comprised a contending core.

Having said that, both Carroll and Ayton, as former first overall picks, both have/had the vibe of not close to being bad picks/busts at all, but haven't/didn't exactly exhibit(ed) the all around games/skillsets that their size and wingspans suggest they should have. Ayton doesn't protect the rim as his wingspan suggests he should, while Carroll, even though he was playing next to Larry Smith for most of his career - who rebounded like the ball had money taped to it - often failed to establish himself on the boards. Carroll would in the space of a week score 30 points, grab 10 rebounds and block 4 shots against Kareem and the Lakers. Then, he would get thoroughly outplayed in Cleveland against Mel Turpin.

Those were some run and gun Warriors in the 80's never could get a team together that actually was good

[M2]

Got a hot take on the Wolves - they aren't better because Ant's not taking games over. KAT's out and they need Ant to be more of a transcendent talent. Ja's doing it in Memphis. Luka's doing it in Dallas. Zion's kind of doing it in New Orleans. It's a high bar, but if you're asking for a max contract it's a fair bar.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Got a hot take on the Wolves - they aren't better because Ant's not taking games over. KAT's out and they need Ant to be more of a transcendent talent. Ja's doing it in Memphis. Luka's doing it in Dallas. Zion's kind of doing it in New Orleans. It's a high bar, but if you're asking for a max contract it's a fair bar.

They're not any better because, IMO, they traded for and paid a near-max contract to a guy who doesn't deserve it. D'Angelo Russell has been a millstone around the neck of that franchise since they dealt for him. He has yet to put up an offensive rating better than his defensive rating is poor. This season, he's at 116. He's never progressed beyond his Laker days.

The Wolves desperately need a defense-first PG who can also knock down shots. He can then get out of the way of Ant, KAT, and a developing Jaden McDaniels. (And maybe Naz Reid.)

[M2]

They're not any better because, IMO, they traded for and paid a near-max contract to a guy who doesn't deserve it. D'Angelo Russell has been a millstone around the neck of that franchise since they dealt for him. He has yet to put up an offensive rating better than his defensive rating is poor. This season, he's at 116. He's never progressed beyond his Laker days.

The Wolves desperately need a defense-first PG who can also knock down shots. He can then get out of the way of Ant, KAT, and a developing Jaden McDaniels. (And maybe Naz Reid.)

They've made other mistakes, but Dallas has made plenty of mistakes too and they're still humming along thanks to Luka. Ja plays in a starting 5 that features Dillon Brooks, who is not good. New Orleans is succeeding with Brandon Ingram out. Last year Nikola Jokic had to carry a MASH unit. I think this season we're getting a real-time look at how much Devin Booker means to the Suns (who rarely win without him).

One of the defining characteristics of star players is they win games even in bad circumstances. I think Ant has the potential to do that, but it's not happening so far this season. They're playing fine margin basketball and they need Ant to be the guy who swings the margins their way. The Gobert trade has been brutal in terms of him being the wrong fit. Russell's actually been all right. The issue with him is he gives the team a low ceiling, not that he's incapable (and that they pay him a large sum of money). There's enough on that team, even without KAT, for a transcendent player to lead them to the playoffs. What they need is for Ant to transcend.

[Bourgeois Zee]

They've made other mistakes, but Dallas has made plenty of mistakes too and they're still humming along thanks to Luka. Ja plays in a starting 5 that features Dillon Brooks, who is not good. New Orleans is succeeding with Brandon Ingram out. Last year Nikola Jokic had to carry a MASH unit. I think this season we're getting a real-time look at how much Devin Booker means to the Suns (who rarely win without him).

One of the defining characteristics of star players is they win games even in bad circumstances. I think Ant has the potential to do that, but it's not happening so far this season. They're playing fine margin basketball and they need Ant to be the guy who swings the margins their way. The Gobert trade has been brutal in terms of him being the wrong fit. Russell's actually been all right. The issue with him is he gives the team a low ceiling, not that he's incapable (and that they pay him a large sum of money). There's enough on that team, even without KAT, for a transcendent player to lead them to the playoffs. What they need is for Ant to transcend.

Fair. Totally makes sense.

[Fil3232]

I think Ant is on a good trajectory. He’s still only 21 and was 1-B (if you want to call KAT 1-A) on a 46-win team in the West last year as a 20-yr old. Of the guys you mentioned, Ja was fairly comparable as a 21-yr old (Grizz were a 43 win equivalent his 21 yr old season).

Luka is another beast altogether. Super polished and playing high level basketball as a teenager. Ant was on a bad UGA squad for one year after high school. I think Ant will slowly take control in Minny, I expect they’ll move KAT and Russell eventually and turn the team over to him. Not concerned about him yet.

[M2]

I think Ant is on a good trajectory. He’s still only 21 and was 1-B (if you want to call KAT 1-A) on a 46-win team in the West last year as a 20-yr old. Of the guys you mentioned, Ja was fairly comparable as a 21-yr old (Grizz were a 43 win equivalent his 21 yr old season).

Luka is another beast altogether. Super polished and playing high level basketball as a teenager. Ant was on a bad UGA squad for one year after high school. I think Ant will slowly take control in Minny, I expect they’ll move KAT and Russell eventually and turn the team over to him. Not concerned about him yet.

Ant's obviously a good player and, hopefully for everyone who likes watching supremely talented players, he continues on his trajectory to great. Where I'm coming from is the opportunity to be THE guy is upon him. I don't think he deserves condemnation if he doesn't seize it or that the Wolves should move him in that circumstance. He's going to get a max extension. My question is when will he become a guy who can put a franchise on his back? Because that's the thing I want to see happen with the Wolves.

[Kingspoint]

How does Thybulle get a -27 in 11 minutes?

[Betterread]

They're not any better because, IMO, they traded for and paid a near-max contract to a guy who doesn't deserve it. D'Angelo Russell has been a millstone around the neck of that franchise since they dealt for him. He has yet to put up an offensive rating better than his defensive rating is poor. This season, he's at 116. He's never progressed beyond his Laker days.

The Wolves desperately need a defense-first PG who can also knock down shots. He can then get out of the way of Ant, KAT, and a developing Jaden McDaniels. (And maybe Naz Reid.)

This is what I see with Dlo. There is talk of moving him for Lowry (heat are going to have a fire sale soon) or Terry Rozier or Cole Anthony and other parts. Dlo’s mindless defense and careless turn overs are just so glaring.

Ant is currently dinged up (hip) and probably needs a week off.

Naz Reid is going to make more money soon, and I’m happy for him because he has worked hard on his weight, and his footwork. But I still have questions about him as a 30 minute player. He can be very inconsistent, particularly on Defense. I like him a lot more as a a 15 minute a game second unit skilled big man.

[Fil3232]

Ant's obviously a good player and, hopefully for everyone who likes watching supremely talented players, he continues on his trajectory to great. Where I'm coming from is the opportunity to be THE guy is upon him. I don't think he deserves condemnation if he doesn't seize it or that the Wolves should move him in that circumstance. He's going to get a max extension. My question is when will he become a guy who can put a franchise on his back? Because that's the thing I want to see happen with the Wolves.

That’s all very fair, and good questions. Personally, I think it’ll begin to happen as soon as next year. Look at Morant and Tatum—they both hit next levels in that age 22 season. I think Minnesota needs to make it Edwards’ team this offseason, unequivocally, and I believe we’ll start to see him performing as such shortly thereafter.

[SteelSD]

How does Thybulle get a -27 in 11 minutes?

Because he plays defense and the officials wouldn't let anyone on the Sixers do that last night. That caused wonky rotation adjustments and, after the Sixers took the lead in the third quarter, poor player mixes offensively, finishing the quarter in disastrous fashion. Any contact initiated by OKC was instantly called as a foul against Philly. Tyrese Maxey was called for a foul for, literally, nothing more than having his body between SGA and the lane. This happened constantly, regardless of the player. Embiid was able to play only 28 minutes, the Thunder put their Idiots Chucking Threes (TM) into action early, and when they cooled off, they could just drive to the rim with abandon, knowing that if they didn't hit a shot, they'd be given a free pass to the line.

[KoryMac5]

Got a hot take on the Wolves - they aren't better because Ant's not taking games over. KAT's out and they need Ant to be more of a transcendent talent. Ja's doing it in Memphis. Luka's doing it in Dallas. Zion's kind of doing it in New Orleans. It's a high bar, but if you're asking for a max contract it's a fair bar.

The offense of Memphis and Dallas runs through Ja and Luka though, Luka has the highest rate in the NBA and Ja is 4th. Edwards is around 20. Could be Edwards just doesn’t feel confident in his handles yet…he did have a nice run around the end of Dec and into January in regards to scoring.

[Rojo Rijo]

Since Jalen Brunson returned on 1/2/2022 the Knicks have gone 5-1.

In their 1 loss to Milwaukee he took over late and scored 18 pts in the 4Q to keep the Knicks in it until the very end. He scored 15 of the Knicks last 16 points.

His stats over the last 6 games:

33.3 PPG / 6 APG / 5.6 RPG / FG 52% / 3P 50% / FT 80%

He's also a perfect 26/26 from the stripe over his last 3.

This is why I picked him as my choice for MIP.

[Bourgeois Zee]

In his last 10, Josh Giddey's gone 18/8/6 on 49% shooting and 40% from distance.

Overall, he's taken a massive jump as a 20-year-old this season.

He's been good enough to keep defenses honest-- and a great secondary passer behind SGA.

They still need at least a couple more interesting guys, but that OKC team is interesting.

[Kingspoint]

Because he plays defense and the officials wouldn't let anyone on the Sixers do that last night. That caused wonky rotation adjustments and, after the Sixers took the lead in the third quarter, poor player mixes offensively, finishing the quarter in disastrous fashion. Any contact initiated by OKC was instantly called as a foul against Philly. Tyrese Maxey was called for a foul for, literally, nothing more than having his body between SGA and the lane. This happened constantly, regardless of the player. Embiid was able to play only 28 minutes, the Thunder put their Idiots Chucking Threes (TM) into action early, and when they cooled off, they could just drive to the rim with abandon, knowing that if they didn't hit a shot, they'd be given a free pass to the line.

You know there's a rule that you can't have your body between SGA and the lane. It's written somewhere.

[Kingspoint]

Before the CAVS' game, I told my Spouse that I had never seen Dame so dejected as he did coming off the floor in the loss to Orlando. He had already been trying to up his aggressiveness some in the last few games and I mentioned to her that he was going to take at least 14 "3"'s tonight, come out aggessive early and try to win this as best that he can, and that it probably won't matter. It's sad to watch Billups coach this team. It's everyone's fault but his, according to Chauncey. Dame scored 25 in each half, retwisted his ankle badly 2 minutes into the game, and they still had no chance to win that game. They should get swept by DAL these next two games. I don't know of any team they can beat in the league right now. Houston, maybe, where the entire team, except for Jabari Smith and Kenyon Martin, has given up.

[KoryMac5]

Since Jalen Brunson returned on 1/2/2022 the Knicks have gone 5-1.

In their 1 loss to Milwaukee he took over late and scored 18 pts in the 4Q to keep the Knicks in it until the very end. He scored 15 of the Knicks last 16 points.

His stats over the last 6 games:

33.3 PPG / 6 APG / 5.6 RPG / FG 52% / 3P 50% / FT 80%

He's also a perfect 26/26 from the stripe over his last 3.

This is why I picked him as my choice for MIP.

Still blows my mind how Cuban let him get away...probably a bigger mistake than letting Nash walk. Dallas mid way through the year could have offered 4 for 55 and according to his dad they would have jumped on it...

If Dallas signs Brunson they would easily be the faves to get back to the Western Conf Championship...instead Dallas is left scrambling to find someone to pair with Luka.

[M2]

Nikola Vucevic with a 43-12 in a lopsided win over the Warriors. Golden State needs to fix whatever is causing it to be trash on the road. Meanwhile Chicago needs to stop having spare good games and do this more consistently. They're still on my buyers list because they don't hold their 1st round pick this summer. They've got nothing to tank for unless somebody offers a treasure trove for Vuce.

[M2]

Josh Giddey with a 28-9-9 in a win at Brooklyn tonight. The Thunder have now won on the road against the entire Acela corridor.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Today's All-Star contender: Julius Randle
Position: PF

Case for:
PPG 24.1
Rank: 18th (5th among PF)

RPG: 10.4
Rank: 8th (3rd among PF)

A: 3.8
Rank: t-55th (t-8th among PF)

Comment:
Randle's a 'tweener. In the East, Giannis, Durant, Tatum, and Siakam are all deserving, but Giannis is a point forward, Tatum's more of a wing player, and Siakam plays center as much as he plays PF. Randle is the best pure PF of the bunch, but he doesn't shoot well, and his defense is spotty. Not sure if he's got the juice to make a second All-Star team off the bat, though he might make it after a couple of guys beg out due to injury or workload. He went for 42 today, and the Knicks are six games over .500 and the six seed. They'll get somebody in, surely.

What say you, RedsZone? All-Star or no?

[M2]

Randle is an easy yes for me. He's having a fantastic season and he's been the best player on a team that's currently 6th in the East.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Josh Giddey with a 28-9-9 in a win at Brooklyn tonight. The Thunder have now won on the road against the entire Acela corridor.

Giddey's on a mini-tear.

Not sure he's a #2 guy on a playoff team, but he's only 20. Big-time improvement.

[M2]

So far today we've got Jayson Tatum with 51 in a (predictable) win over the Hornets. We don't make enough fun of Charlotte. In the 18 seasons since they were reborn as the Bobcats, they've been to the playoffs 3 times. This will be their 7th straight season finishing out of the playoffs. They have only 4 winning seasons in that 18-year stretch and they haven't won more than 50 during that time. All three of their playoff appearances were quick first round exits. They might be the worst franchise ever.

Golden State won a road game (at Washington, so not exactly a high bar). Steph went off for 41 and Poole had 32.

Cleveland had a big 4th quarter to best the Pelicans. Garland went 30-6-11. Spida only played 22 minutes and wasn't in foul trouble. Did he get injured?

Milwaukee (without Giannis) beat the Pacers behind a 35-4-11 from Jrue Holiday. The Pacers have yet to win without Haliburton.

Toronto went on the road and beat the Knicks at MSG. It's a reminder that no matter what kind of streak the Knicks have been on, they're are always on the cusp of going on a streak in the opposite direction.

Atlanta beat the Heat. AJ Griffin led the team with a +9 off the bench. Really looks like the Hawks got themselves a steal with him.

Ant's been heeding my call to take over and pocket wins of late. The Wolves will surge into a tie for 6th in the West if they can beat the Jazz (though Utah just took a 4-point lead with 84 seconds left). P.S. - The Jazz eked out a 1-point win. That team is a tough night for anyone.

The Lakers play Houston in a bit. I assume L.A. will win that (they're at home, Houston is terrible). However, if they lose it should be a white flag moment.

[texasdave]

Garland scored 30 points and Jarrett Allen added 24 as the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied in the fourth quarter with star Donovan Mitchell injured on the bench and beat the road-weary New Orleans Pelicans 113-103. Mitchell scored 11 points in 22 minutes before sitting out the fourth with what the team called a strained left groin. Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff did not provide any specifics on Mitchell's injury or its severity.

[Betterread]

Today's All-Star contender: Julius Randle
Position: PF

Case for:
PPG 24.1
Rank: 18th (5th among PF)

RPG: 10.4
Rank: 8th (3rd among PF)

A: 3.8
Rank: t-55th (t-8th among PF)

Comment:
Randle's a 'tweener. In the East, Giannis, Durant, Tatum, and Siakam are all deserving, but Giannis is a point forward, Tatum's more of a wing player, and Siakam plays center as much as he plays PF. Randle is the best pure PF of the bunch, but he doesn't shoot well, and his defense is spotty. Not sure if he's got the juice to make a second All-Star team off the bat, though he might make it after a couple of guys beg out due to injury or workload. He went for 42 today, and the Knicks are six games over .500 and the six seed. They'll get somebody in, surely.

What say you, RedsZone? All-Star or no?

No way. His defense is desultory, and without intelligence. Like most UK players, he was a prodigy that never learned key aspects to team play and plays for money and stats. If he wants to win, he should get 25 -30 minutes as a 6th man type on a talent laden team.
If he wants to be #1 or #2, he will never win.

[Bourgeois Zee]

No way. His defense is desultory, and without intelligence. Like most UK players, he was a prodigy that never learned key aspects to team play and plays for money and stats. If he wants to win, he should get 25 -30 minutes as a 6th man type on a talent laden team.
If he wants to be #1 or #2, he will never win.

My goodness, this take is positively scorching. Not only is Randle not an All-Star, he needs to be a 6th man moving forward?

[Betterread]

My goodness, this take is positively scorching. Not only is Randle not an All-Star, he needs to be a 6th man moving forward?

No. Randle is a starter for most teams. But if he wants to win a championship, it won’t be as a #1 or #2, jacking up 20-25 shots a game. KAT is a better shooter, but otherwise a similiar profile. Tell me what former UK player is known for good defense, effective shooing and low turnovers?
But I do think there are A LOT of starters in the NBA that don’t play winning basketball and should give up 5-10 minutes a game to bench guys who could be A LOT more effective and help their teams win.
The reason it doesn’t happen? NBA and NBA refs believe the NBA is a “superstar” league. “Superstars” get privileges (free travels, clumsiness gets rewarded with free throws) other players don’t. If the refereeing were better, the depth of talent in the league would be revealed.

[Kingspoint]

No. Randle is a starter for most teams. But if he wants to win a championship, it won’t be as a #1 or #2, jacking up 20-25 shots a game. KAT is a better shooter, but otherwise a similiar profile. Tell me what former UK player is known for good defense, effective shooing and low turnovers?
But I do think there are A LOT of starters in the NBA that don’t play winning basketball and should give up 5-10 minutes a game to bench guys who could be A LOT more effective and help their teams win.
The reason it doesn’t happen? NBA and NBA refs believe the NBA is a “superstar” league. “Superstars” get privileges (free travels, clumsiness gets rewarded with free throws) other players don’t. If the refereeing were better, the depth of talent in the league would be revealed.

Another good night for Kyle Anderson. Anderson is one of those players who can help you win a playoff series.

When is KAT due back? Can he get back before Gobert gets over re-aggravating his injury?

[Kingspoint]

On C. J. McCollum's podcast (didn't know he had one) Sunday, he mentioned that among players' conversations that Toronto is the team most likely to trade a player before the deadline. He mentioned, while saying specifically that he can't mention a name because of tampering restrictions, that there are some players in Toronto who are complaining/whining, whatever, and that they are the one(s) most likely to be moved over any other player in the league before the trade deadline.

I do believe that with any of the players that McCollum could be referring to, that it will take three teams involved in the deal to get it done because of the difficulty of Toronto's situations with all of their contracts of the players likely to be moved.

[M2]

No. Randle is a starter for most teams. But if he wants to win a championship, it won’t be as a #1 or #2, jacking up 20-25 shots a game. KAT is a better shooter, but otherwise a similiar profile. Tell me what former UK player is known for good defense, effective shooing and low turnovers?
But I do think there are A LOT of starters in the NBA that don’t play winning basketball and should give up 5-10 minutes a game to bench guys who could be A LOT more effective and help their teams win.
The reason it doesn’t happen? NBA and NBA refs believe the NBA is a “superstar” league. “Superstars” get privileges (free travels, clumsiness gets rewarded with free throws) other players don’t. If the refereeing were better, the depth of talent in the league would be revealed.

I'll agree Randle is probably never going to be a lead dog on a championship team. His ceiling looks like it's best player on a mid-level playoff team. However, there is no version of the current Knicks that would be better if Randle was ceding 10 minutes to their bench players. More Cam Reddish isn't helping anyone.

[M2]

I do believe that with any of the players that McCollum could be referring to, that it will take three teams involved in the deal to get it done because of the difficulty of Toronto's situations with all of their contracts of the players likely to be moved.

To get what deal done with who? Toronto can make a pile of different deals if Siakam, VanVleet, Anunoby and Trent Jr. are up for sale. A lot of teams will want those guys.

[Kingspoint]

I'll agree Randle is probably never going to be a lead dog on a championship team. His ceiling looks like it's best player on a mid-level playoff team. However, there is no version of the current Knicks that would be better if Randle was ceding 10 minutes to their bench players. More Cam Reddish isn't helping anyone.

Who would be a good complement to Brunson on the floor while Randle sits? Obviously, a 3-and-D, but with their current roster, I'd give all 10 minutes to Toppin.

- - - Updated - - -


To get what deal done with who? Toronto can make a pile of different deals if Siakam, VanVleet, Anunoby and Trent Jr. are up for sale. A lot of teams will want those guys.

He couldn't get into specifics. He just mentioned that he believes, from what he's heard from players, is that Toronto is the most likely team to move at least one player and blow up their team, and he mentioned as specifically as he could that those players who have been griping for Toronto are the most likely ones to be moved.

Everybody in the world wants Anunoby, but TOR's asking price on him was astronomical to the point that nobody would be stupid enough to make such an offer. TOR has to get realistic when it comes to moving any of their players. While they have good players, they also have contracts that are too high for the ones to be moved, making those players difficult to obtain unless, Toronto gets realistic.

[M2]

Who would be a good complement to Brunson on the floor while Randle sits? Obviously, a 3-and-D, but with their current roster, I'd give all 10 minutes to Toppin.

And you'd lose extra games if you did. Randle keeps the ball moving on that team. Obi is a stopper. The argument for Obi getting more minutes, IMO, is as a 5 in a smaller lineup alongside Randle, who could find Obi around the rim.


He couldn't get into specifics. He just mentioned that he believes, from what he's heard from players, is that Toronto is the most likely team to move at least one player and blow up their team, and he mentioned as specifically as he could that those players who have been griping for Toronto are the most likely ones to be moved.

Everybody in the world wants Anunoby, but TOR's asking price on him was astronomical to the point that nobody would be stupid enough to make such an offer. TOR has to get realistic when it comes to moving any of their players. While they have good players, they also have contracts that are too high for the ones to be moved, making those players difficult to obtain unless, Toronto gets realistic.

Toronto's guys definitely would be at the top of everybody's wish lists. I actually don't think the contracts are that much of an issue. No one's got cap space, but that means everyone has ways to assemble matching contracts. The bigger question is who's got draft picks?

[Betterread]

I'll agree Randle is probably never going to be a lead dog on a championship team. His ceiling looks like it's best player on a mid-level playoff team. However, there is no version of the current Knicks that would be better if Randle was ceding 10 minutes to their bench players. More Cam Reddish isn't helping anyone.

Really good point. Knicks don’t have many big man options. Jericho Sims - maybe? He is a totallly different player, he’s not going to give volume scoring. It seems to be like both Barrett and Randle are volume scoring guys, and that’s one too many to be a top team. Randle is way better than Barrett, incidentally. I would feel kind of bad for Brunson, who is a different level from those two, but his dad pimped him out, when he should have stayed with Dallas where he and Luka were turning that team into something promising.

[Kingspoint]

Really good point. Knicks don’t have many big man options. Jericho Sims - maybe? He is a totallly different player, he’s not going to give volume scoring. It seems to be like both Barrett and Randle are volume scoring guys, and that’s one too many to be a top team. Randle is way better than Barrett, incidentally. I would feel kind of bad for Brunson, who is a different level from those two, but his dad pimped him out, when he should have stayed with Dallas where he and Luka were turning that team into something promising.

Sims would be my second choice after Toppin as Sims could get a lot of dunks via Brunson, while offering rim protection for the Knicks. Doubt if he could play alongside Robinson, though.

[Betterread]

Another good night for Kyle Anderson. Anderson is one of those players who can help you win a playoff series.

When is KAT due back? Can he get back before Gobert gets over re-aggravating his injury?

Minnesota loves slomo. No news on KAT return, which means weeks away at least.

[M2]

Just because we've been talking about the Knicks and the Raptors, seems like RJ Barrett (plus loose change) for Anunoby is a deal waiting to be made.

[KoryMac5]

Just because we've been talking about the Knicks and the Raptors, seems like RJ Barrett (plus loose change) for Anunoby is a deal waiting to be made.

That's an interesting deal...RJ might benefit from a change of scenery but not sure if going home would add more or less pressure for him. I do think the Knicks would love to get from out of his contract...they have been really good about moving guys with bad money deals lately which helped to net Brunson.

[Betterread]

Just because we've been talking about the Knicks and the Raptors, seems like RJ Barrett (plus loose change) for Anunoby is a deal waiting to be made.

Toronto needs creative players and Barrett is (if you squint hard) kind of creative, but Anunoby is more valuable than that. I think Toronto should try to go for Jordan Poole or Cole Anthony. I think Cole Anthony will be highly sought after in this trade deadline. Fultz is playing (kind of) well and Orlando is stupidly trying to force minutes to Suggs rather than Cole.

[M2]

Toronto needs creative players and Barrett is (if you squint hard) kind of creative, but Anunoby is more valuable than that. I think Toronto should try to go for Jordan Poole or Cole Anthony. I think Cole Anthony will be highly sought after in this trade deadline. Fultz is playing (kind of) well and Orlando is stupidly trying to force minutes to Suggs rather than Cole.

For the record, I don't care for Barrett's game, but he has a lot of upside. Theoretically he can score, pass and defend. He's also a hometown kid who's locked up for the next four years. So Toronto could retrench around a young wing who should be popular in their market. If they got Obi with him, that strikes me as a solid haul for Toronto. Rainmaker trade for Siakam, good return for VanVleet, extra assets for Trent Jr. and maybe they're onto something by 2025.

Poole, Wiseman, Moody also would be a solid haul.

I don't like Cole Anthony's game (bad shooter, no length). Also, I think VanVleet is the Raptor who best fits the Magic (Paolo and Franz have got the forward slots manned). Suggs, Harris and a draft pick for VanVleet?

[Kingspoint]

Late game....

LeBron James delivered once again with 48 points (16-for-26 FGs), eight rebounds, nine assists, five 3-pointers and no turnovers in a 140-132 win over Houston on Monday.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Tell me what former UK player is known for good defense, effective shooing and low turnovers?

What players in the league own all three of those attributes? If it takes all three of those attributes to be a superstar, how many superstars are there in the league? One? Two?

If you believe that's what it takes to be a true superstar, Luka doesn't make the grade. (Can't shoot well from outside, plays no defense, and has as many turnovers as anyone in the league.)
LeBron isn't. (Shooting and TOs, if not defense.)
Giannis isn't. (Shooting and TO.)
Neither Embiid nor Harden are. (Shooting and TO for Embiid, TO and defense for Harden.)
Jokic, arguably, isn't either, as he has too many TOs.

Think about what it is you're arguing, man.

As far as UK players who are superstars, there are at least two in the top dozen or so in the game (Booker and AD). Beyond that, quite a few All-Star level guys (KAT, Randle, Maxey, Fox, Adebayo, SGA) are UK alumni, as are a few in that are just below that All-Star level (Herro, Keldon Johnson, Jamal Murray). There are also a bunch of role players too (Jared Vanderbilt, Malik Monk, Wenyen Gabriel, Nick Richards), and a few others about as well. While it's true that none of them are dominant defensively, elite shooters, and keep care of the basketball, you can count on one hand the number of guys who can do that. Maybe.

[M2]

Late game....

LeBron James delivered once again with 48 points (16-for-26 FGs), eight rebounds, nine assists, five 3-pointers and no turnovers in a 140-132 win over Houston on Monday.

I think he might be good at basketball. I didn't see the game, but I got the impression the Rockets might have employed the strategy of turning the game into a track meet to see if they could wear out the Lakers. Unfortunately the guy who couldn't really keep up was Jalen Green.

[Kingspoint]

I think he might be good at basketball. I didn't see the game, but I got the impression the Rockets might have employed the strategy of turning the game into a track meet to see if they could wear out the Lakers. Unfortunately the guy who couldn't really keep up was Jalen Green.

In his first 14 minutes, Jabari Smith had 0 Rebounds, 0 Assists, 0 Steals, 0 Blocks, and I'm not sure if he even scored a point by then.

[Betterread]

What players in the league own all three of those attributes? If it takes all three of those attributes to be a superstar, how many superstars are there in the league? One? Two?

If you believe that's what it takes to be a true superstar, Luka doesn't make the grade. (Can't shoot well from outside, plays no defense, and has as many turnovers as anyone in the league.)
LeBron isn't. (Shooting and TOs, if not defense.)
Giannis isn't. (Shooting and TO.)
Neither Embiid nor Harden are. (Shooting and TO for Embiid, TO and defense for Harden.)
Jokic, arguably, isn't either, as he has too many TOs.

Think about what it is you're arguing, man.

As far as UK players who are superstars, there are at least two in the top dozen or so in the game (Booker and AD). Beyond that, quite a few All-Star level guys (KAT, Randle, Maxey, Fox, Adebayo, SGA) are UK alumni, as are a few in that are just below that All-Star level (Herro, Keldon Johnson, Jamal Murray). There are also a bunch of role players too (Jared Vanderbilt, Malik Monk, Wenyen Gabriel, Nick Richards), and a few others about as well. While it's true that none of them are dominant defensively, elite shooters, and keep care of the basketball, you can count on one hand the number of guys who can do that. Maybe.

Ok. I forgot about some guys who are close to that level from UK - Booker, Davis and Maxey. SGA still has time, but not there right now. Should have thought a little more before making that statement.
LeBron, Giannis, Embiid, Jokic fit the definition. So does Durant and Morant. Doncic and Zion have the offensive package, but fail at the defensive end. Steph and Kyrie have all the skills but they disrespect the game by wasting their talent through lazy, privileged behavior.
Thats six guys. I think superstars should be rare, not a superstar for every team the way the NBA does

[Bourgeois Zee]

Ok. I forgot about some guys who are close to that level from UK - Booker, Davis and Maxey. SGA still has time, but not there right now. Should have thought a little more before making that statement.
LeBron, Giannis, Embiid, Jokic fit the definition. So does Durant and Morant. Doncic and Zion have the offensive package, but fail at the defensive end. Steph and Kyrie have all the skills but they disrespect the game by wasting their talent through lazy, privileged behavior.
Thats six guys. I think superstars should be rare, not a superstar for every team the way the NBA does

Your original premise was that a true superstar had to shoot well, keep care of the basketball, and play great defense.

LeBron's defensive rating is 114. He's shooting 29% from three-point range. He's also averaging 3.2 TO/ game. That's 13th worst in the league.
Giannis is leading the league in turnovers, at 4.0 per game. He's shooting 24.5% from deep.
Embiid's turning the ball over third-most in the league (3.7). His 35% three-point shooting is below average as well (though far better than either Giannis or LeBron and well above average for a center.)
Jokic turns the ball over 12th most in the NBA. Jokic has a 110 defensive rating as well-- #notelite.
Durant is tied for 7th most TO per game-- with Ja Morant. Both also have a defensive rating of 111. Morant's also shooting only 32.6% from deep.

[M2]

In his first 14 minutes, Jabari Smith had 0 Rebounds, 0 Assists, 0 Steals, 0 Blocks, and I'm not sure if he even scored a point by then.

Smith's been very disappointing. He tries hard, but his limitations are pretty glaring.

[SteelSD]

Late in the Bucks 130-122 win over the Raptors, Brooks Lopez was ejected when he stole a headband from Gary Trent Jr. The issue was that Trent was wearing the headband. In the ensuring scuffle, Bobby Portis was seen asking Raptors players to turn their backs so he could punch them. Giannis, who wasn't playing, declined to come off the bench to support his teammates, explaining after the game that he was not interested as there was no ladder involved in the altercation, even though Thanasis offered to get him one when he returned from fetching coffee for the coaching staff.

[SteelSD]

I think Ivica Zubac just airballed a dunk.

[Betterread]

Your original premise was that a true superstar had to shoot well, keep care of the basketball, and play great defense.

LeBron's defensive rating is 114. He's shooting 29% from three-point range. He's also averaging 3.2 TO/ game. That's 13th worst in the league.
Giannis is leading the league in turnovers, at 4.0 per game. He's shooting 24.5% from deep.
Embiid's turning the ball over third-most in the league (3.7). His 35% three-point shooting is below average as well (though far better than either Giannis or LeBron and well above average for a center.)
Jokic turns the ball over 12th most in the NBA. Jokic has a 110 defensive rating as well-- #notelite.
Durant is tied for 7th most TO per game-- with Ja Morant. Both also have a defensive rating of 111. Morant's also shooting only 32.6% from deep.

My premise was effective shooting - so you don’t have to shoot threes to be an effective shooter - good defense and low turnovers. TOs per game don’t tell the whole story. All turnovers are not the same. Dlo has way less turnovers than Jokic and Morant but he is far more careless with the ball and doesn’t create all the good shots for teammates that the other two create. Jokic and Morant are brilliant with the ball and you know it. They have turnovers because they have the ball all the time. So the stats tell you Dlo has less turnovers, but that tells you nothing.
Giannis and Embiid are Frankenstein Monsters of todays biased refereeing, but I still give them credit for breaking the code on cheating. They are ruthlessly effective shooters and defenders in the NBA as it exists in its current form. Stats cannot capture their dominance, both physical and psychological. Psychological because opponents know they can run you over but you cannot play an equivalent physical defense on them or you will give them free throws.

[M2]

I think Ivica Zubac just airballed a dunk.

He did. It was pretty epic.

- - - Updated - - -

Jokic tonight - 36/12/10, 13-14 from the floor. Daaaaaamn.

[SteelSD]

That was a fun game to watch. After the Clips got back into it with a big third quarter, Philly's defense put the clamps to LA in the fourth, holding them to less than 10 points for most of the quarter and breezing to the win. Harden had a serious off night- taking only six shots and making only one of them, which might be the only game where P.J. Tucker hit more shots (2) than Harden. But while the Clippers' zone was denying Harden drives to the rim, Embiid (41 points) and Tyrese Maxey (22 points, game-high +23) took full advantage. Tobias Harris finished with a super-efficient 20 points (8-12 from the floor) and 5 steals.

For the Clippers, Paul George was back with a minutes restriction (not much of one- he played 29 min), and didn't have much of an impact. And outside of a blistering third quarter, Philly did a great job on Kawhi. Leonard finished with 27 points, but I don't remember him scoring at all in an abyssmal fourth quarter for the Clips.

[M2]

With Philly's win and Brooklyn's loss, the Sixers jumped to 3rd in the East. Teams should have buried them earlier. Though 2-5 are separated by one game.

In the West, with Portland's loss tonight it puts OKC in a tie for 10th. That's blowing my mind.

[Betterread]

He did. It was pretty epic.

- - - Updated - - -

Jokic tonight - 36/12/10, 13-14 from the floor. Daaaaaamn.

And shutdown Nurkic completely. But he had four turnovers, so he sucks per bourgeoisie.

[M2]

Jeremy Sochan with veteran-level ****housery against Markieff Morris - https://twitter.com/RealTomPetrini/status/1615529009668059136. Well done.

[klw]

I think Ivica Zubac just airballed a dunk.

video here
https://twitter.com/TomerAzarly/status/1615557585847062528

[SteelSD]

video here
https://twitter.com/TomerAzarly/status/1615557585847062528

LOL. Yeah, I think the refs missed a foul on 'Trez there on the off-arm. But given Zubac's launch point, I'm convinced he thought he was prime-age Larry Nance Jr. He had a great plan through "jump". After that, the whole thing completely fell apart.

[Bourgeois Zee]

And shutdown Nurkic completely. But he had four turnovers, so he sucks per bourgeoisie.

The criteria were yours. Clearly.

I just pointed out how ridiculous they were.

I can't help it if you continually post garbage, then run away from it when you're called on its ridiculousness.

[KoryMac5]

That Gobert trade is looking like it might be one of the top 5 worst ever NBA trades...especially if Kessler continues to develop.

[Betterread]

The criteria were yours. Clearly.

I just pointed out how ridiculous they were.

I can't help it if you continually post garbage, then run away from it when you're called on its ridiculousness.

It is good for me to be reminded that I should be more careful about drawing quick conclusions without doing more research. I should play less chess and watch more NBA, eh? But as a Timberwolves fan, than is a frustrating leisure activity.

[Boston Red]

That Gobert trade is looking like it might be one of the top 5 worst ever NBA trades...especially if Kessler continues to develop.

As a Utah fan, I beg to differ!

[Betterread]

That Gobert trade is looking like it might be one of the top 5 worst ever NBA trades...especially if Kessler continues to develop.

Agree. Gave up too many draft picks. Twolves should have stayed pat and been happy with staying 6-10 in their conference. That’s where they are now, but with no chance to improve through the draft.

[KoryMac5]

Agree. Gave up too many draft picks. Twolves should have stayed pat and been happy with staying 6-10 in their conference. That’s where they are now, but with no chance to improve through the draft.

Yes I was looking at the list and almost spit out my coffee 4 first rounders and a pick swap is unreal...plus a good young developing Center. Reason 2143 that if you see Danny Ainge on caller ID let it go to VM.

[SteelSD]

That Gobert trade is looking like it might be one of the top 5 worst ever NBA trades...especially if Kessler continues to develop.

From the NFL, the Herschel Walker trade comes to mind. Nevermind the five players the Cowboys got; three of the six draft picks the Vikings sent turned into Emmitt Smith, Russell Maryland, and Darren Woodson.

Hard to justify sending out that kind of haul for a guy whose primary skills are "stand in the lane" and "be tall".

[Betterread]

From the NFL, the Herschel Walker trade comes to mind. Nevermind the five players the Cowboys got; three of the six draft picks the Vikings sent turned into Emmitt Smith, Russell Maryland, and Darren Woodson.

Hard to justify sending out that kind of haul for a guy whose primary skills are "stand in the lane" and "be tall".

While agreeing it’s a bad trade, I don’t know how people can say it’s one of the worst trades ever. For a trade to be considered one of the worst ever it must involve the winning team to get the best player. In the example given here, that’s Emmit Smith. So even if the trade was Herschel for one draft pick or two, Emmit was the key guy and it would have been lopsided.
So in the Gobert trade, we have to see who the Jazz get with their picks. And that player or players have to be better than Gobert. Right now, Gobert is still the best player of the ones currently involved. So it way too early to say it’s one of the worst trades ever.

For the Twolves, worst trade I can think of was Brandon Roy for Randy Foye.
For the NBA, SuperSonics trading Scottie Pippin to the Bulls for nothing, GS trading Vince carter for Antwan Jamison, OKC trading harden for Kevin Martin and Steven Adams, Celtics trading Joe Johnson for nothing to Phoenix, and GS trading Tim Hardaway for nothing to Miami.
Whe I say nothing in these examples, I am summarizing the post trade production of the players categorized in that way. The players I categorize that way were not 30 minute a game players (starters or key bench players).

[Betterread]

As a Utah fan, I beg to differ!

Good win the other night v the Twolves. I like hard working young players like Kessler and seeing them succeed.

[M2]

Agree. Gave up too many draft picks. Twolves should have stayed pat and been happy with staying 6-10 in their conference. That’s where they are now, but with no chance to improve through the draft.

And they'll possibly be staring a KAT trade in the face this summer, not because they want to or should move him, but because they can't move Gobert. If they do that, they need a huge score.

[KoryMac5]

Good win the other night v the Twolves. I like hard working young players like Kessler and seeing them succeed.

This to me is why it is one of the worst trades in recent memory...you had to throw in Kessler who is basically a younger cheaper version of Gobert...plus all the firsts they had to give up and a pick swap to top it off. That's an unreal amount for Gobert. Roy for Foye was bad but this is franchise altering.

Minnesota is not going to get any talent through the draft unless they strike gold in the 2nd round...or hit on a FA which they have not shown a propensity to do.

[M2]

While agreeing it’s a bad trade, I don’t know how people can say it’s one of the worst trades ever. For a trade to be considered one of the worst ever it must involve the winning team to get the best player. In the example given here, that’s Emmit Smith. So even if the trade was Herschel for one draft pick or two, Emmit was the key guy and it would have been lopsided.
So in the Gobert trade, we have to see who the Jazz get with their picks. And that player or players have to be better than Gobert. Right now, Gobert is still the best player of the ones currently involved. So it way too early to say it’s one of the worst trades ever.

For the Twolves, worst trade I can think of was Brandon Roy for Randy Foye.
For the NBA, SuperSonics trading Scottie Pippin to the Bulls for nothing, GS trading Vince carter for Antwan Jamison, OKC trading harden for Kevin Martin and Steven Adams, Celtics trading Joe Johnson for nothing to Phoenix, and GS trading Tim Hardaway for nothing to Miami.
Whe I say nothing in these examples, I am summarizing the post trade production of the players categorized in that way. The players I categorize that way were not 30 minute a game players (starters or key bench players).

It's the cap hit and the four 1st round picks that make it so brutal, on top of Gobert being a terrible fit with the All-NBA center they already had.

[Chip R]

Late in the Bucks 130-122 win over the Raptors, Brooks Lopez was ejected when he stole a headband from Gary Trent Jr. The issue was that Trent was wearing the headband. In the ensuring scuffle, Bobby Portis was seen asking Raptors players to turn their backs so he could punch them. Giannis, who wasn't playing, declined to come off the bench to support his teammates, explaining after the game that he was not interested as there was no ladder involved in the altercation, even though Thanasis offered to get him one when he returned from fetching coffee for the coaching staff.

Never change, NBA.

[Betterread]

Minnesota is not going to get any talent through the draft unless they strike gold in the 2nd round...or hit on a FA which they have not shown a propensity to do.

Actually they have shown a propensity for finding rotation players in the late first, second rounds and FA. Just in the last three years, Naz Reid and Jordan McLaughlin are FAs, Jaylen Nowell is a 2nd rounder, Jaden McDaniels is a first round #28 pick.

[SteelSD]

Actually they have shown a propensity for finding rotation players in the late first, second rounds and FA. Just in the last three years, Naz Reid and Jordan McLaughlin are FAs, Jaylen Nowell is a 2nd rounder, Jaden McDaniels is a first round #28 pick.

Here's what Minnesota has, starting with the 2023 draft:

2023- 1 Second Rounder (from NYY)
2024- 1 First Round pick (MIN)
2025- 0 Picks
2026- 1 First Round pick (lesser of MIN/UT), 1 Second Rounder (lesser of MIA, IND, or SAS)
2027- 0 Picks
2028- 1 First Round pick (MIN), 1 Second Rounder (MIN)
2029- 0 First Round picks (unless it falls in top 5), 1 Second Rounder (MIN)

That's a probable total of 3 first rounders (potential for 4, but only if they stink in 2028-29), and 4 second round picks over the next seven NBA drafts, combined. And to add insult to injury, the T-Wolves won't be able to trade any of those first rounders as teams aren't allowed to trade their own first round picks in consecutive years.

Gobert was clearly their all-in move- something they thought would put them over the top. Unfortunately, Gobert ain't the Gobert they traded for and honestly, he probably never was.

[M2]

Now 3rd place in the West - the Sacramento Kings.

Miami is 7-3 over their last 10. Jimmy Butler makes a difference. Who knew? I still think they're 6th best in the East, but they're looking much better. And Brooklyn may fall to them fast.

OKC is now 9th in the West and surging.

Atlanta's got some good vibes flowing with four straight wins. If they're going to be good from here on out, the East is pretty loaded.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The Cavs Grizzlies game last night was super fun, despite mitchell not playing.

The NBA would probably send Tim Donaghy to ref the eastern conference finals before they let those teams matchup in the NBA Finals, but that would be an incredible series.

[KoryMac5]

Actually they have shown a propensity for finding rotation players in the late first, second rounds and FA. Just in the last three years, Naz Reid and Jordan McLaughlin are FAs, Jaylen Nowell is a 2nd rounder, Jaden McDaniels is a first round #28 pick.

Naz Reid has some talent...however word on the street is they don't plan to resign him...McLaughlin and Nowell are roster fillers and the type of player you accumulate when you give up all those picks...there role players at best.

That's the other issue with dealing for Gobert is his contract is an anchor on your flexibility.

[Betterread]

Naz Reid has some talent...however word on the street is they don't plan to resign him...McLaughlin and Nowell are roster fillers and the type of player you accumulate when you give up all those picks...there role players at best.

That's the other issue with dealing for Gobert is his contract is an anchor on your flexibility.

Please stop talking about things you don’t know about. McLaughlin is a really good backup PG. The wolves are really hurt by his injuries keeping him from playing much this year. If you like TJ O Connell or Tyus Jones, he is comparable.
In last years playoffs, in about 16 minutes per game, he averaged 70% shooting/ 57% 3pt and he pushed Dlo to bench in fourth quarters in a few games.

[KoryMac5]

Please stop talking about things you don’t know about. McLaughlin is a really good backup PG. The wolves are really hurt by his injuries keeping him from playing much this year. If you like TJ O Connell or Tyus Jones, he is comparable.
In last years playoffs, in about 16 minutes per game, he averaged 70% shooting/ 57% 3pt and he pushed Dlo to bench in fourth quarters in a few games.

Not sure why people start discussions like this...I don't see the need.

McLaughlin is a try hard maximum effort role player...but still a role player...who averages 4 and 3 per game...can they replicate this over the next 5-7 years to bring in the same talent a first round pick could...doubtful.

Reasoning: Statistically its easier to hit on first round picks that will produce meaningful minutes than it is to find a FA after the draft...

I will take my chances with Ainge drafting first rounder after first rounder, after first round, after first rounder than Minny's FO being able to hit on 2nd round picks and college FA's any day.

The trade is a bad one and was universally panned by most members of the media...so I stand by my original statement it might end up being one of the top 5 worst trades in NBA history.

[KoryMac5]

Wood out for Dallas fractured thumb will be reevaluated in a week. Huge blow.

[M2]

Wood out for Dallas fractured thumb will be reevaluated in a week. Huge blow.

This is going to severely hamper his hitchhiking.

[Kingspoint]

Wood out for Dallas fractured thumb will be reevaluated in a week. Huge blow.

Ouch! That brings DAL down to the 2nd and 3rd tier in the West fighting for 5th-13th.

[M2]

Boston's put daylight (4.5 games) between them and everybody else in the East.

Phoenix beat Brooklyn in a battle of spiraling teams.

And it looks like Joel Embiid (32 pts, +12) devoured Yusuf Nurkic (4 pts, - 13). Also, was DeAnthony Melton the architect of Dame's 6-21 night?

[texasdave]

How did he manage this feat? PJ Tucker had 0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist in 18 minutes of playing time. That all percolated into a team-high +14. His superhero power must be getting the hell out of the way.

[SteelSD]

And it looks like Joel Embiid (32 pts, +12) devoured Yusuf Nurkic (4 pts, - 13). Also, was DeAnthony Melton the architect of Dame's 6-21 night?

Both Melton and Thybulle were menaces in the first half.


How did he manage this feat? PJ Tucker had 0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist in 18 minutes of playing time. That all percolated into a team-high +14. His superhero power must be getting the hell out of the way.

That's pretty much it. Don't bother the rest of the players while they're playing 4-on-5 offensively, hope they have a big first half, and then hit the bench while Georges Niang or Tyrese Maxey finishes the game for you. I'm not even sure what player archetype he can effectively guard anymore.

[Chip R]

This is going to severely hamper his hitchhiking.

He's got two of them.

[15fan]

Hawks getting it going, which coincides with most of the rotation being healthy. Smoked the Knicks in the 4th quarter tonight. Young and Murray combined for 56/18. It’s as if having an All-Star PG on the floor for all 48 minutes every night is a good thing.

[Revering4Blue]

For the Twolves, worst trade I can think of was Brandon Roy for Randy Foye.
For the NBA, SuperSonics trading Scottie Pippin to the Bulls for nothing, GS trading Vince carter for Antwan Jamison, OKC trading harden for Kevin Martin and Steven Adams, Celtics trading Joe Johnson for nothing to Phoenix, and GS trading Tim Hardaway for nothing to Miami.
Whe I say nothing in these examples, I am summarizing the post trade production of the players categorized in that way. The players I categorize that way were not 30 minute a game players (starters or key bench players).

While I wholeheartedly agree with your main points and certain examples supporting said points:

- I wouldn't refer to Antawn Jamison as nothing, as he was beasting with (albiet) bad Warriors late 90's/early aughts teams. OTTOMH, he was really the only post Don Nelson 90's first rounder to distinguish himself.

After trading away Webber and Seikaly, they spent years chasing big men, passing on Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady in favor of Todd Fuller and Adonal Foyle. Ouch!

That post-Nelson Hardaway to Miami deal ranks right up there with Washington dealing away Webber to Sacto as the absolute worst 90's non-draft day trade. It was Hardaway AND Chris Gatling for Kevin Willis and Bimbo Coles. The Warriors should have at least demanded a future first and second round picks from Miami. The immediate successor to Nelson in the Front Office - Dave Twardzik, IIRC, was utterly clueless.

- Given the contributions of Rodney Rogers and Tony Delk (the return from Phoenix in the Joe Johnson deal), who were both instrumental during the Celtics run to the '02 Conference Finals, I view that '02 deal as a Live Now-Pay Later deal, similar to the Reds dealing B.J Ryan for Juan Guzman. Dealing away Billups halfway through his rookie year for nothing - Nice job, Pitino - was far worse. The fact that two additional teams, including the T-Wolves, gave up on Billups before he emerged into a certain future Hall-of-Famer doesn't change that.

- Seattle made their own bed with the Pippen trade (with Olden Polynice as the principle return) by dealing Jack Sikma to the Bucks. They felt they needed another big after losing in the Conference Finals to the nigh unbeatable '87 Lakers. They kept chasing big men until they struck gold with Shawn Kemp.

An '88 team with Sikma, Chambers, McDaniel, Ellis, Pippen, McKey, McMillen and Threatt would have been sick.

[M2]

Russell Westbrook had a night. He dropped 29 and generally outplayed Ja Morant in a comeback win for the Lakers.

Cleveland and New Orleans are both stumbling slightly at the moment. I'm rooting for both to get themselves right, but learning how to finish strong is a muscle young teams need to develop.

Though Sacramento is developing that muscle it won tonight behind 29-14 from Keegan Murray and 18-14-14 from Domantas Sabonis. The longest playoff drought in NBA history may be coming to an end.

[Revering4Blue]

Naz Reid has some talent...however word on the street is they don't plan to resign him...McLaughlin and Nowell are roster fillers and the type of player you accumulate when you give up all those picks...there role players at best.

That's the other issue with dealing for Gobert is his contract is an anchor on your flexibility.

I suspect the ‘Wolves will make every attempt to resign Reid if he isn’t dealt at the February deadline. They just may be outbid given their cap situation.

And he can’t really play alongside either Townes or Gobert..He has a negative +|- rating in either case, but a positive rating when on the court without either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[UKFlounder]

Shannon Sharpe maybe should just stay jibe next time

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35493029/grizzlies-get-heated-ex-nfl-star-shannon-sharpe-half

[Boston Red]

Bayless takes all the heat so that you generally don't notice that Sharpe's an idiot, too. But Skip wasn't there last night.

[adkindo]

Shannon Sharpe maybe should just stay jibe next time

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35493029/grizzlies-get-heated-ex-nfl-star-shannon-sharpe-half

I am not the biggest Sharpe fan, but Dillon Brooks is not being honest. I do not know exactly what Sharpe said to him initially, but Sharpe's claim that he told him he was too small to guard James sounds reasonable......but Brooks clearly did not respond with the simple "he missed the shot". Also, Sharpe may be 54 years old, but I am confident that Brooks, Ja and Tee Morant would....or at least should want no part of him physically.

[SteelSD]

Without Embiid and Harden, Philly came back from 21 points down and outlasted every single attempt by the officals to give the game back to the Kings- including a nonsense call that handed Harrison Barnes 3 free throws with 2.9 seconds left. Thank goodness the ball don't lie, so Barnes missed the first of his three gifts and the final intentional miss landed in Tyrese Maxey's hands while the clock ran out. That was fitting as Maxey deserved the game ball for going off for about half of his game-high 32 points in a decisive 38-point third quarter blitz while enduring muggings that were called as fouls only for Sacramento. That finishes a 5-0 road trip, got some needed rest for both Embiid and Harden, and the win pushed them into sole possession of 2nd place in the East.

Tobias Harris (who wasn't allowed to play, eventually "fouling out"...right...), finished with 17 points and 6 dimes, while both 'Trez (who comined with Paul Reed for 9 of the Sixers 16 offensive boards) and the Minibus also put in 17 each. Shake Milton (who had a dumb DUMB turnover late), led the team in assists with 7 and contributed 15 points to the cause. De'Anthony Melton picked up his offense a bit, with an efficient 14 points on 8 shots, plus two key free throw makes late, and was his usual disruptive self (3 steals) defensively. P.J. Tucker again did nothing, finishing with a team low -14 in 19 minutes.

Speaking of efficent, Dontas Sabonis was 7-of-10 from the floor and posted 10 assists. But with Embiid out, I thought the Kings would really focus on feeding him the ball, especially when playing with any of the bench unit. When he had it, he really didn't see any double teams. Yet, Sactown decided that they'd rather play a perimeter game. That worked early, but wouldn't hold- even though Harrison Barnes was hot (6-for-9) from deep- 5-for-5 before missing- leading to a 27-point outing.

The Sixers now travel back to Philly to face the Nets on Wednesday.

[Kingspoint]

From NBC Sports w/ NBC Sports' comments:

Jonathan Isaac (left knee injury recovery) is expected to be made available for Monday's matchup with Boston. The last time Isaac suited up for the Orlando Magic, their starting lineup was Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, D.J. Augustin, Evan Fournier and James Ennis. Yes, it's been that long. Isaac contributes across the board when he's at full strength, but it's been too long to know exactly how he'll play when he's back. His minutes will be incredibly limited, likely for the rest of the season, but it'll be good to see him back on the court. Depending on how he plays (and if he stays healthy) he could be a top-100 pick next season.

SOURCE: Khobi Price on Twitter

Jan 22, 2023, 12:54 PM ET

[Kingspoint]

Sixers are looking Championesque.

- - - Updated - - -


Sixers are looking Championesque.

Championesque:

Having/or showing the qualities of a champion or hero.
Sick, nasty, legit, or awesome.

Whoah dude! The way you just owned that kid was straight up championesque!

Dan- "Man...The way that guy dunked over Shaq's head was the bomb!"

Bob- "Ya, I'dd say it was pretty championesque."

by Funshine23 December 15, 2010

[Betterread]

Nets just beat GS (in Cali) when they were down 98-110 with five minutes left (and no KD). Final was 120-116. Steph went 0-3 in that timeframe and got totally outplayed by Kyrie. Kyrie defended Steph but Klay defended Kyrie. Klay had no chance guarding Kyrie. Really wonder what’s up with Steph. Second game I have seen recently where he is clearly not a difference maker. His perimeter defending skills are bad right now.

[Boston Red]

The Blazers outscored the Lakers 45-13 in the second quarter and still managed to lose the game. 75-42 Lakers in the second half.

[M2]

Anybody have Thomas Bryant on their bingo card for tonight? He posted a 31-14 in a furious comeback win against the Blazers.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The Blazers outscored the Lakers 45-13 in the second quarter and still managed to lose the game. 75-42 Lakers in the second half.

It really is wild how good Lebron still is.

[KoryMac5]

Rui Hachimura to the Lakers for Nunn and picks (2nd rounders)

[M2]

Rui Hachimura to the Lakers for Nunn and picks (2nd rounders)

I don't get why DC didn't play him more (defense I suppose), though I wonder if he's staying in L.A. or moving in another deal.

[M2]

One writer's all-star selections - https://www.theringer.com/nba/2023/1/23/23566720/nba-all-star-picks-voting-east-west-conference. My one change would be I'd swap out JJJ for Ant. KD and Tyrese Halliburton also probably won't be able to play, so I'd swap in Jrue Holliday and Jalen Brunson for them.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Rui Hachimura to the Lakers for Nunn and picks (2nd rounders)

Good deal for both squads, IMO.

Hachimura wasn't getting any clock in DC. He might be a solid option as a second-unit guy with either AD or LeBron. Of course, he might well be the PF between them too-- with LeBron moving to the wing. (Must be nice to still be a Swiss Army knife player at age 38.)

[SteelSD]

One writer's all-star selections - https://www.theringer.com/nba/2023/1/23/23566720/nba-all-star-picks-voting-east-west-conference. My one change would be I'd swap out JJJ for Ant. KD and Tyrese Halliburton also probably won't be able to play, so I'd swap in Jrue Holliday and Jalen Brunson for them.

I'd also send Trae Young home and insert NBA Assists leader James Harden if we don't care about total games (and it's clear that the article's writer doesn't <See: Williamson, Zion>). Or, if games played volume matters, then Dejounte Murray should get that slot as it's pretty clear that Young isn't even the best guard on his own team.

[Rojo Rijo]

Jonathan Isaac looked really really good tonight in what was his first NBA game in like 940 days.

10 pts 3 rebs 1 asst 2 stls on 4-7 shooting, 2-3 from 3 in 10 minutes. The highlights are even better than the stats.

and we beat Boston....again. We're 18-29 but 3-1 against the team with the best record in the NBA.

[Kingspoint]

Jonathan Isaac looked really really good tonight in what was his first NBA game in like 940 days.

10 pts 3 rebs 1 asst 2 stls on 4-7 shooting, 2-3 from 3 in 10 minutes. The highlights are even better than the stats.

and we beat Boston....again. We're 18-29 but 3-1 against the team with the best record in the NBA.

I'm glad you commented about Isaac, because I noticed how effective he was,...and that Cole Anthony became more effective being paired with him.

- - - Updated - - -

Tony Eason's first start tonight (alongside Kenyon Martin, Jr. instead of Jabari Smith and Kevin Porter, Jr) was spectacular.

[M2]

Tony Eason's first start tonight (alongside Kenyon Martin, Jr. instead of Jabari Smith and Kevin Porter, Jr) was spectacular.

Tari Eason. Tony Eason was a crappy QB who once lucked his way into a Super Bowl (only to be eradicated by the Bears).

[Betterread]

I'm glad you commented about Isaac, because I noticed how effective he was,...and that Cole Anthony became more effective being paired with him.

- - - Updated - - -

Tony Eason's first start tonight (alongside Kenyon Martin, Jr. instead of Jabari Smith and Kevin Porter, Jr) was spectacular.
Tari Eason, not Tony, had 11pts 9 rbs in 26 minutes. Good. not spectacular.

[Fil3232]

Ja and Adams aren’t playing tonight as the Kings are dismantling the rest of the Grizz. 21 3-pt FGs and counting, Sabonis another triple-double, Trey Lyles (!) with 24 pts.

The Golden1 Center in Sacramento is fabulous basketball environment. The sport is better when they’re hosting playoff games.

[KoryMac5]

Pacers and Suns both offered on Rui Hachimura

[Rojo Rijo]

I'm glad you commented about Isaac, because I noticed how effective he was,...and that Cole Anthony became more effective being paired with him.

I was extremely surprised at how well he looked.

[Rojo Rijo]

Have no idea what's going to happen with Orlando heading into the trade deadline - February 9th. We currently are 5th in tankathon/reverse standings. We also own the rights to Chicagos 1st rd pick unless it lands in the top 4. The problem is the team has gotten healthy and now arguably has too much young talent and not enough minutes to go around.

Paolo Banchero - 2022 #1 overall pick
Caleb Houstan - 2022 #32 overall pick
Jalen Suggs - 2021 #5 overall pick
Franz Wagner - 2021 #8 overall pick
Cole Anthony - 2020 #15 overall pick
RJ Hampton - 2020 #24 overall pick
Chuma Okeke - 2019 #16 overall pick
Bol Bol - 2019 #44 overall pick
Mohammed Bamba - 2018 #6 overall pick
Wendell Carter - 2018 #7 overall pick
Markelle Fultz - 2017 #1 overall pick
Jonathan Isaac - 2017 #6 overall pick

I think moving Ross and Harris should be no brainers. Harris is averaging 42.6% on 3.6 3PA per game. Ross is averaging 38.1% on 3.8 3PA per game. Playoff teams are always looking for shooting. Ross is on an expiring 11.5 million deal and Harris is on a 13 million dollar deal with 13 million not fully guaranteed for next year.

I think a trade with the Lakers would be a no brainer but it would need to include at least on of their 1sts - 2026 or later, unprotected for it to work because they dont have any real assets other than that.

[Rojo Rijo]

Trade idea

Lakers receive - Terrence Ross, Gary Harris, Jae Crowder, Mortiz Wagner, Suns 2023 2nd
Suns receive - Mohammed Bamba, Cole Anthony
Magic receive - Russell Westbrook, Bismack Biyombo, Rights to swap 2025 1sts with Lakers, Lakers unprotected 2026 1st, Suns 2024 top 4 protected 1st, Suns 2026 top 8 protected 1st

For Lakers - gives them immediate injection of shooting. They could start Harris and then have Ross with the 2nd unit. Crowder and Wagner provide even more depth. All 4 guys are not guaranteed beyond this year.
For Suns - Bamba is a massive upgrade over Biyombo and would allow Suns to run two towers if needed. Anthony provides much needed shooting/scoring to the second unit.
For Magic - Clears some room for minutes for others and provides more draft capital in the future for other moves. Westbrook would never put on a Magic jersey.
Jalen Suggs sees more time with Cole Anthony gone and Bol Bol sees much needed time with Bamba gone.

Orlando 2023/2024:
G - Fultz/Suggs/RJ
G - Wagner/Suggs/RJ
F - Isaac/Wagner/Houstan
F - Banchero/Bol/Okeke
C - Carter/Bol
*Then add two potential lottery picks

Lakers 2023
G - Schroeder/Beverly
G - Harris/Ross
F - Lebron/Walker/Crowder
F - Davis/Hachimura/Crowder
C - Bryant/Wagner

Suns 2023
G - Paul/Payne/Anthony
G - Booker/Anthony/Shamet
F - Bridges/Craig/Lee
F - Johnson/Craig
C - Ayton/Bamba

[BuckeyeRed27]

Lakers say no to that.

They have 2 first rounders and that’s all the ammo they have and I don’t see that being where they want to use one of those.

[Rojo Rijo]

Lakers say no to that.

They have 2 first rounders and that’s all the ammo they have and I don’t see that being where they want to use one of those.

I don't disagree in that it would be their approach but if they refuse to part with either of those picks they are essentially telling LeBron they arent focused on competing in 2023. Then they get one shot in 23/24 with enough cap room to sign what they need before LeBron is gone in 24/25 to wherever Bronny ends up. If they were smart they'd use those picks to go and find the outside shooting that could actually give them a chance in the playoffs.

After Lebron leaves they will have plenty of cap space but who will they be able to attract? While AD is a superstar he's turning into Kawhi Leonard 2.0 with being habitually injured.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I don't disagree in that it would be their approach but if they refuse to part with either of those picks they are essentially telling LeBron they arent focused on competing in 2023. Then they get one shot in 23/24 with enough cap room to sign what they need before LeBron is gone in 24/25 to wherever Bronny ends up. If they were smart they'd use those picks to go and find the outside shooting that could actually give them a chance in the playoffs.

Yeah I think they will trade them, but they can probably get more bang by pairing them together. If they want to do it this year Derozan and Caruso maybe?

[M2]

Have no idea what's going to happen with Orlando heading into the trade deadline - February 9th. We currently are 5th in tankathon/reverse standings. We also own the rights to Chicagos 1st rd pick unless it lands in the top 4. The problem is the team has gotten healthy and now arguably has too much young talent and not enough minutes to go around.

Paolo Banchero - 2022 #1 overall pick
Caleb Houstan - 2022 #32 overall pick
Jalen Suggs - 2021 #5 overall pick
Franz Wagner - 2021 #8 overall pick
Cole Anthony - 2020 #15 overall pick
RJ Hampton - 2020 #24 overall pick
Chuma Okeke - 2019 #16 overall pick
Bol Bol - 2019 #44 overall pick
Mohammed Bamba - 2018 #6 overall pick
Wendell Carter - 2018 #7 overall pick
Markelle Fultz - 2017 #1 overall pick
Jonathan Isaac - 2017 #6 overall pick

I think moving Ross and Harris should be no brainers. Harris is averaging 42.6% on 3.6 3PA per game. Ross is averaging 38.1% on 3.8 3PA per game. Playoff teams are always looking for shooting. Ross is on an expiring 11.5 million deal and Harris is on a 13 million dollar deal with 13 million not fully guaranteed for next year.

I think a trade with the Lakers would be a no brainer but it would need to include at least on of their 1sts - 2026 or later, unprotected for it to work because they dont have any real assets other than that.

Moving Ross and Harris makes sense, though I wouldn't expect to get a whole lot for them. I think the more interesting trade is for Orlando to go into buyer mode and get themselves a guard (with Ross/Harris/Bamba as potential salary ballast).

Side note: the Lakers can only trade their 1st round picks after 2027 (New Orleans has the option of either their 2024 or 2025 pick).

[M2]

Yeah I think they will trade them, but they can probably get more bang by pairing them together. If they want to do it this year Derozan and Caruso maybe?

I don't think Chicago's selling unless they get an unprotected 1st this year. They don't own their own pick, they're even with the Hawks in the loss column and they're trending up. With LaVine back in form, they might as well take a swing.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I don't think Chicago's selling unless they get an unprotected 1st this year. They don't own their own pick, they're even with the Hawks in the loss column and they're trending up. With LaVine back in form, they might as well take a swing.

Maybe. Chicago, Toronto and Atlanta are all in same boat and I have no clue what they are gonna do.

[Rojo Rijo]

Moving Ross and Harris makes sense, though I wouldn't expect to get a whole lot for them. I think the more interesting trade is for Orlando to go into buyer mode and get themselves a guard (with Ross/Harris/Bamba as potential salary ballast).

Side note: the Lakers can only trade their 1st round picks after 2027 (New Orleans has the option of either their 2024 or 2025 pick).

Thats right, I forgot New Orleans can choose between 2024 and 2025. I'd love for Orlando to go obtain a real shooting guard to pair with Fultz just not sure who we could get. My wish would be Beal but I know that's not happening.

[M2]

Maybe. Chicago, Toronto and Atlanta are all in same boat and I have no clue what they are gonna do.

Toronto's the one out of that group that I think definitely should sell. They probably can get huge returns for their guys. Side note: imagine what OKC could give for Siakam?

[Kingspoint]

Tari Eason. Tony Eason was a crappy QB who once lucked his way into a Super Bowl (only to be eradicated by the Bears).

Thanks. That's funny. :)

[Kingspoint]

Tari Eason, not Tony, had 11pts 9 rbs in 26 minutes. Good. not spectacular.

Since it was against Minnesota, you have to take it with a grain of salt, I suppose.

What do you think, texasdave? Did you watch it?

[M2]

Thats right, I forgot New Orleans can choose between 2024 and 2025. I'd love for Orlando to go obtain a real shooting guard to pair with Fultz just not sure who we could get. My wish would be Beal but I know that's not happening.

I would not assume Beal is untouchable. I don't think he'd be my first choice (there's this Damian Lillard guy if they want to take a BIG swing), but Orlando has plenty of pieces to make a deal with the 2023 Chicago 1st rounder and the 2025 Denver 1st.

[Kingspoint]

I would not assume Beal is untouchable. I don't think he'd be my first choice (there's this Damian Lillard guy if they want to take a BIG swing), but Orlando has plenty of pieces to make a deal with the 2023 Chicago 1st rounder and the 2025 Denver 1st.

Dame got pissed after the Laker game when a reporter brought up again his commitment to staying in Portland. Dame demanded everyone understand that he's not going anywhere.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Toronto's the one out of that group that I think definitely should sell. They probably can get huge returns for their guys. Side note: imagine what OKC could give for Siakam?

SGA, Giddy and Siakam…that could be fun and weird.

- - - Updated - - -


Dame got pissed after the Laker game when a reporter brought up again his commitment to staying in Portland. Dame demanded everyone understand that he's not going anywhere.

If Dame wants to help Portland he should go somewhere.

[Kingspoint]

SGA, Giddy and Siakam…that could be fun and weird.

- - - Updated - - -



If Dame wants to help Portland he should go somewhere.

His contract is heading to the ridiculous amount. He may be not be tradable. The best thing for both Dame and Portland would be to trade Simons.

[M2]

Dame got pissed after the Laker game when a reporter brought up again his commitment to staying in Portland. Dame demanded everyone understand that he's not going anywhere.

He can say that, but the Blazers are on the outside of the play-in and they've been healthy. If you're running Portland right now, you've got to be thinking it's time to reach for the dynamite. This year's draft is loaded with forwards. For argument's sake let's say Portland makes this deal:

Dame to Orlando for Terence Ross, Gary Harris, Mo Bamba, Jalen Suggs, Orlando's 1st in 2023 (unprotected), Chicago's 1st in 2023 and Denver's 1st in 2025.

I'm guessing you'd want to haggle the names coming over, but the money works out on that deal. Then Portland gets 3 1sts in this draft (which is loaded) and its own pick is probably going to have decent odds of landing in the top 4. It picks up $28 million in cap space next year. Bamba is actually a bit of a Net Rating sleeper. He's a serious rim protector and his 3-point shooting is legit. Suggs still has a long way to go, but he's improved a lot this year and he's the sort of physical/ball distributing guard you'd ideally want next to Simons.

Then add in what you get for Nurk, Grant and Hart (either at the deadline or in summer/sign-and-trade deals). Suddenly you're young with assets and cap space, with Simons and Sharpe (who's got a superstar ceiling) as big-time scoring threats moving forward. Isn't that a better place to be that 13th in the West and no clear path to success?

What move would make them a contending team? They currently can't trade a 1st round pick until 2030 b/c they've got 1-14 protections stretching through 2028 on a pick the Bulls hold. So they'd basically have to spin their current pieces into better pieces.

[Kingspoint]

League sources continue to state to Kevin O'Connor that the Raptors aren't being realistic about their return for Anunoby and Siakam (just as they weren't before the draft this Summer), and that Trent and VanVleet are the most likely to be moved.

Kevin O'Connor stated that Mo Bamba is readily available.

[Kingspoint]

Chris Haynes, as tuned in as anybody, especially the Blazers, states that Portland is desperately trying to upgrade their roster to make a run for the playoffs this season. They won't go over the luxury tax, something they are only about $4K under right now, so any move has to keep that in mind. The reason for that is because of Lillard's future salary, mainly, as there's nothing Portland can do about going over the tax next season and then going over the tax again the following season, putting them in jeopardy of going into the double-luxury tax mode (3 of any 4 years over the tax places you there). They actually will acrue $17M in shared returns by staying under this season from those teams who are paying the over. That $17M will help offset future tax liabilities. Hart makes $12M this season and is the likeliest to be moved even though Hart is in the 94-percentile in the On Court/Off Court Net Rating for Wing players. Portland needs another big. Little's recent return and his positive play since his return shows one of the things Portland has been missing (Little missed 21 games)...strength in the front court. As I've said for 12 months now, they could really use Richaun Holmes. Ideally, someone better, and the Blazers are literally exploring every possibility and turning over every rock. One of the problems, though, is that it's Bert Kolde, Paul Allen's lifelong buddy, who has been given a tremendous amount of power in the decision-making process in Portland, even before Paul Allen died, and much more since he did. Kolde's desire to win is huge, and he has Joe Cronin to bounce things off of, but the rumors are that Bob Whitsitt is probably the closest advisor to Bert Kolde as they were friends when Whitsitt was here and when Whitsitt was involved in Seattle with the Seahawks and was all part of that Vulcan Group. You think it's complicated with REDS' Ownership? It's unbelievably complicated with the Blazers. The common thread is that neither Ownership group cares one bit about the fans.

[M2]

League sources continue to state to Kevin O'Connor that the Raptors aren't being realistic about their return for Anunoby and Siakam (just as they weren't before the draft this Summer), and that Trent and VanVleet are the most likely to be moved.

Kevin O'Connor stated that Mo Bamba is readily available.

I'd apply Ben Simmons Theory to Siakam and Anunoby. It's not realistic until it's realistic. Almost everybody needs high-end forwards. In Siakam's case, I just mentioned OKC, which I don't think can make an offer until Kemba Walker comes off its books this summer. Yet when that happens, it's got cap space, more 1st round picks than it can fit on a roster and a slew of young guys already in house. If you're Masai Ujiri, I assume you're making regular lunch dates with Sam Presti.

And no one's trading a better forward than Anunoby before the deadline. Put him on any contending roster and that team gets better. Toronto should be asking a lot.

Bamba's potentially good value for whoever snags him.

[Kingspoint]

He can say that, but the Blazers are on the outside of the play-in and they've been healthy. If you're running Portland right now, you've got to be thinking it's time to reach for the dynamite. This year's draft is loaded with forwards. For argument's sake let's say Portland makes this deal:

Dame to Orlando for Terence Ross, Gary Harris, Mo Bamba, Jalen Suggs, Orlando's 1st in 2023 (unprotected), Chicago's 1st in 2023 and Denver's 1st in 2025.

I'm guessing you'd want to haggle the names coming over, but the money works out on that deal. Then Portland gets 3 1sts in this draft (which is loaded) and its own pick is probably going to have decent odds of landing in the top 4. It picks up $28 million in cap space next year. Bamba is actually a bit of a Net Rating sleeper. He's a serious rim protector and his 3-point shooting is legit. Suggs still has a long way to go, but he's improved a lot this year and he's the sort of physical/ball distributing guard you'd ideally want next to Simons.

Then add in what you get for Nurk, Grant and Hart (either at the deadline or in summer/sign-and-trade deals). Suddenly you're young with assets and cap space, with Simons and Sharpe (who's got a superstar ceiling) as big-time scoring threats moving forward. Isn't that a better place to be that 13th in the West and no clear path to success?

What move would make them a contending team? They currently can't trade a 1st round pick until 2030 b/c they've got 1-14 protections stretching through 2028 on a pick the Bulls hold. So they'd basically have to spin their current pieces into better pieces.

The Blazers have been unhealthy for the entire season from Day 1 of training camp up until now. They have been missing Winslow for a month, they didn't have Dame for a while, Nurk has missed time, Eubanks has missed time, while both of them have been playing through injuries all season long. Little was recovering from his abdominal surgery when he initially played before missing 21 games for a hip fracture. Nassir stated that he was not recovered from the abdominal surgery, something he had done four or five months before Payton had his done. Payton is still injured with a sprained ankle and he'll be recovering from his abdominal surgery over the rest of the season, and just now has gotten to the court. They haven't been healthy for a single game all season long. Right now is the closest they've been and over the next month we'll see what effect the return of Little and Payton and Winslow will have on the team, plus the addition of whatever move they make at the trade deadline. The first half of the season has just been a warmup about lineups and seeing who can work well with each other on the floor. The biggest issue is Chauncey Billups' inexperience as a Head Coach. It takes most Head Coaches two teams and failures before they progress to average, good or great, and all of those Head Coaches spent a decade as an Assistant first. Billups probably has a couple of years at the earliest to go before he's average. Can only hope some lights start to come on for him....like using Simons less. If Ownership traded for a wing that starts along with Nurk and Grant, then Payton could force minutes away from Simons, if he's still on the team.

A Starting Lineup of Grant-Nurk-Little-Payton-Dame is as good as any Starting 5 in the NBA. Simons makes is one of the worst.

[M2]

Chris Haynes, as tuned in as anybody, especially the Blazers, states that Portland is desperately trying to upgrade their roster to make a run for the playoffs this season. They won't go over the luxury tax, something they are only about $4K under right now, so any move has to keep that in mind. The reason for that is because of Lillard's future salary, mainly, as there's nothing Portland can do about going over the tax next season and then going over the tax again the following season, putting them in jeopardy of going into the double-luxury tax mode (3 of any 4 years over the tax places you there). They actually will acrue $17M in shared returns by staying under this season from those teams who are paying the over. That $17M will help offset future tax liabilities. Hart makes $12M this season and is the likeliest to be moved even though Hart is in the 94-percentile in the On Court/Off Court Net Rating for Wing players. Portland needs another big. Little's recent return and his positive play since his return shows one of the things Portland has been missing (Little missed 21 games)...strength in the front court. As I've said for 12 months now, they could really use Richaun Holmes. Ideally, someone better, and the Blazers are literally exploring every possibility and turning over every rock. One of the problems, though, is that it's Bert Kolde, Paul Allen's lifelong buddy, who has been given a tremendous amount of power in the decision-making process in Portland, even before Paul Allen died, and much more since he did. Kolde's desire to win is huge, and he has Joe Cronin to bounce things off of, but the rumors are that Bob Whitsitt is probably the closest advisor to Bert Kolde as they were friends when Whitsitt was here and when Whitsitt was involved in Seattle with the Seahawks and was all part of that Vulcan Group. You think it's complicated with REDS' Ownership? It's unbelievably complicated with the Blazers. The common thread is that neither Ownership group cares one bit about the fans.

Richaun Holmes isn't turning Portland from a lottery team into a contender. So I'll re-ask my previous question: what move would make them a contending team?

Looks like there's one guy on selling team that maybe would do trick - Lauri Markkanen. And I'm not confident Ainge would make that trade. Simons would be the necessary return, but Portland can't move the draft picks he'd want. What you posted there is Portland's plan is to try to draw three cards for a straight. That's a bad plan.

[Kingspoint]

Richaun Holmes isn't turning Portland from a lottery team into a contender. So I'll re-ask my previous question: what move would make them a contending team?


Being healthy for the first time all season would be a good start.

Nothing will ever make them a contending team...they could have Kawhi and George on the Wings,...as long as Simons starts alongside Dame and is on the floor to finish games. The Lakers ran the same play 42 times to come from 25 down and crush Portland. Iso Dame or Ant Defensively and drive to the basket. It's a play that's unstoppable that every team in the league can make. You can hide one bad Defender, but you can't hide two.

They'd love to trade for Vanderbilt, I suppose, while Anunoby would be the #1 choice, but the asking price on Anunoby continues to be too high.

Getting Payton, Little and Winslow at 20+ minutes per game would make them Championship-caliber right now. Addition by subtraction would make it fewer minutes for Sharpe and Simons and Hart and Grant and Dame. Fewer minutes for Hart and Dame and Grant would make them more effective. Any fewer minutes for Simons and Sharpe makes the team significantly better. For the first time all season, significant minutes for Watford, Greg Brown, Jabari Walker and Keon Johnson are gone.

Holmes would make a huge difference for when Grant, Nurk and Eubanks get into foul trouble. Vanderbilt would be perfect for that situation as he's a much better player.

Health is the most important thing right now until we see who the Blazers trade for.

They face Vanderbilt and Utah tomorrow night. I'll be going to the game.

[Kingspoint]

Three cards to a straight is about the right odds because of Billups, Billups feelings about 3-Guard lineups, Billups' feelings about Simons and the Blazers' trustees and their apparent feelings about Simons.

But, there is not a single fan here in Portland who doesn't understand that the problem on the court starts and ends with Simons Starting alongside Dame, Hart Starting as a Wing, and Billups' being inexperienced as a Head Coach.

At least Billups said about a week ago or so that the team should improve as he's gotten more experience as a Head Coach. There isn't anything Billups doesn't know. His knowledge is off the chart, but being a Head Coach is a separate skill unto itself. Ask Jason Kidd. Ask Bill Russell.

[M2]

The Blazers have been unhealthy for the entire season from Day 1 of training camp up until now. They have been missing Winslow for a month, they didn't have Dame for a while, Nurk has missed time, Eubanks has missed time, while both of them have been playing through injuries all season long. Little was recovering from his abdominal surgery when he initially played before missing 21 games for a hip fracture. Nassir stated that he was not recovered from the abdominal surgery, something he had done four or five months before Payton had his done. Payton is still injured with a sprained ankle and he'll be recovering from his abdominal surgery over the rest of the season, and just now has gotten to the court. They haven't been healthy for a single game all season long. Right now is the closest they've been and over the next month we'll see what effect the return of Little and Payton and Winslow will have on the team, plus the addition of whatever move they make at the trade deadline. The first half of the season has just been a warmup about lineups and seeing who can work well with each other on the floor. The biggest issue is Chauncey Billups' inexperience as a Head Coach. It takes most Head Coaches two teams and failures before they progress to average, good or great, and all of those Head Coaches spent a decade as an Assistant first. Billups probably has a couple of years at the earliest to go before he's average. Can only hope some lights start to come on for him....like using Simons less. If Ownership traded for a wing that starts along with Nurk and Grant, then Payton could force minutes away from Simons, if he's still on the team.

A Starting Lineup of Grant-Nurk-Little-Payton-Dame is as good as any Starting 5 in the NBA. Simons makes is one of the worst.

Winslow, Eubanks and Little are bench players. They will not change the direction of your team and they are not big losses when they miss a little time. Every team has people in and out of their lineup. Portland has four starting players who've made more than 40 starts. Memphis has two (and neither one is name Ja or Desmond). If you want to add up the cumulative starts of Portland's starting 5, they're going to rank near the top of the league.

Yet they're in the lottery, fighting to improve up to the play-in bracket. They are not a serious contender. They do not have some sort of game-changing player who's been missing time. At least the Lakers can dream on AD and the Wolves can dream on KAT. We are at the point where your record is basically who you are. Unless you can tell me the Simons trade that changes everything, it sounds like their front office is planning a new round of malpractice.

[M2]

Being healthy for the first time all season would be a good start.

Nothing will ever make them a contending team...they could have Kawhi and George on the Wings,...as long as Simons starts alongside Dame and is on the floor to finish games. The Lakers ran the same play 42 times to come from 25 down and crush Portland. Iso Dame or Ant Defensively and drive to the basket. It's a play that's unstoppable that every team in the league can make. You can hide one bad Defender, but you can't hide two.

I agree on the Dame + Simons problem. Always thought it would be a problem, which really makes me question the brain trust running that team. It was pretty obvious. And also agree Billups needs to go. Yet expecting a new coach to come in and reshape the team while the FO moves Simons for a massive upgrade (while being unable to move a single 1st round pick) strikes me as unrealistic.

And that keeps bringing me back to this: if you don't have a direct path to contention, but you do have two young players with big-time scoring skills/potential, then why aren't you rebuilding around them?


They'd love to trade for Vanderbilt, I suppose, while Anunoby would be the #1 choice, but the asking price on Anunoby continues to be too high.

I would assume their inability to move 1st round picks completely takes them out of any Anunoby sweepstakes. I still think the Knicks (RJ, Obi and 2 of their excess 1sts) should be the team with the inside track for him.


Getting Payton, Little and Winslow at 20+ minutes per game would make them Championship-caliber right now. Addition by subtraction would make it fewer minutes for Sharpe and Simons and Hart and Grant and Dame. Fewer minutes for Hart and Dame and Grant would make them more effective. Any fewer minutes for Simons and Sharpe makes the team significantly better. For the first time all season, significant minutes for Watford, Greg Brown, Jabari Walker and Keon Johnson are gone.

I'm guessing that if anybody else tried to applying that sort of shell game logic to another team, you'd instantly spot it as wishful thinking.


Holmes would make a huge difference for when Grant, Nurk and Eubanks get into foul trouble. Vanderbilt would be perfect for that situation as he's a much better player.

Holmes is a backup C in a league where centers mean less than they ever have. And, while I like Vanderbilt as an additive player in a starting 5, he's also not changing a team's whole direction (good Net Rating, not-so-good +/-). He's not tilting the floor. Plus, he's super affordable, so Utah would need something super affordable and super tantalizing to move him. In other words, unless you want to trade Shaedon Sharpe for him, banish the thought.

[Kingspoint]

Winslow, Eubanks and Little are bench players. They will not change the direction of your team and they are not big losses when they miss a little time. Every team has people in and out of their lineup. Portland has four starting players who've made more than 40 starts. Memphis has two (and neither one is name Ja or Desmond). If you want to add up the cumulative starts of Portland's starting 5, they're going to rank near the top of the league.

Yet they're in the lottery, fighting to improve up to the play-in bracket. They are not a serious contender. They do not have some sort of game-changing player who's been missing time. At least the Lakers can dream on AD and the Wolves can dream on KAT. We are at the point where your record is basically who you are. Unless you can tell me the Simons trade that changes everything, it sounds like their front office is planning a new round of malpractice.

You know nothing about the Blazers and never have known anything about them, yet you continue to act like you do. You don't even have common knowledge about the Blazers and you never have. Stop already in making your bad assumptions on what you think you know about them.

Little, Winslow and Payton are rotation players. Your question is about Championship. In a Championship, every rotation player is as important as a Starter. You can't win without them. Warriors don't win last season without Payton. Nobody with half a brain questions that.

You are right in questioning the brain trust of the Blazers. Seriously,....who in their right mind can point to an actuall fact that supports the theory that two extremely bad defenders can take 75% of your Guard minutes and that could lead to a Championship.

[Kingspoint]

A. D. and Ingram both return tonight. Buck lost Portis for a while. Kings sign Josh Jackson to their G-League Affiliate.

[M2]

You know nothing about the Blazers and never have known anything about them, yet you continue to act like you do. You don't even have common knowledge about the Blazers and you never have. Stop already in making your bad assumptions on what you think you know about them.

Little, Winslow and Payton are rotation players. Your question is about Championship. In a Championship, every rotation player is as important as a Starter. You can't win without them. Warriors don't win last season without Payton. Nobody with half a brain questions that.

You are right in questioning the brain trust of the Blazers. Seriously,....who in their right mind can point to an actuall fact that supports the theory that two extremely bad defenders can take 75% of your Guard minutes and that could lead to a Championship.

No one's been wrong about the Blazers more consistently than you. Not that long ago you were insisting the Blazers would be a top three team in the West team with championship aspirations.

And their bench health is not the difference between where they are and serious contention. They have only one player who ranks in the top 50 in the league in +/-. That's Dame, and he ranks #48. Denver has three guys in the top 5. That's a rather large gap. They're not keeping up with the elite starting 5's in the league (despite having equivalent or better health), and you've yet to offer up an idea for how they're going to change that.

Give me a plan that's better than admitting it's time for a rebuild.

[Bourgeois Zee]

In a Championship, every rotation player is as important as a Starter. You can't win without them. Warriors don't win last season without Payton. Nobody with half a brain questions that.

Just... no.

[M2]

Just... no.

If only there were multiple ways to measure the overall contribution made by various players to winning and losing.

[Bourgeois Zee]

If only there were multiple ways to measure the overall contribution made by various players to winning and losing.

I can't imagine anyone typing out that sentence, thinking they'd made a good point.

The logical leap it requires is... a lot.

KCP was not as important as LeBron.
Donte DiVincenzo was not as important as Jrue Holiday.
Otto Porter was not as important as Andrew Wiggins.

[Boston Red]

Michael Jordan never wins that title without Rodney McCray in '93.

[M2]

Michael Jordan never wins that title without Rodney McCray in '93.

Everyone knows Franklin Edwards was THE man on the 1983 Sixers.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Only those with more than half a brain argue: Jerry Sichting or LeBron James?

[M2]

Buddy Hield is now tied for 31st on the all-time list for 3-pointers. Might have it all to himself by the end of tonight's game. Excellent chance he hunts down Kemba Walker and Steve Nash to take the 29th slot before the end of the year. Teams looking for shooting before the deadline could do a lot worse than Hield.

[15fan]

According to the gametracker, Trae Young and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander combined for 19 points in the final 42 seconds of the first half. 10 for SGA and 9 for TY. Thunder and Hawks at 77-77 at half.

[Bourgeois Zee]

The Hawks and OKC are tied at 77. At the half. Atlanta scored 39 then 38 points. OKC went for 43 in the first quarter, then 34 in the 2nd.

There's an outside chance both teams break 150.

That'd be epic.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The Hawks and OKC are tied at 77. At the half. Atlanta scored 39 then 38 points. OKC went for 43 in the first quarter, then 34 in the 2nd.

There's an outside chance both teams break 150.

That'd be epic.

Philly Brooklyn ended up being a higher scoring game by 1 point.

[M2]

Memphis is at Golden State tonight. If the Dubs truly still have the "on" switch, I suggest they start reaching for it now. They're in the middle of a playoff scrum that's got slots 4-13 in the West within 4 games of each other. Yet Memphis is legit good, and that's the sort of team Golden State has to start demonstrating that it can beat. Tonight would be a good time to start. Also, if they keep spinning their wheels, then maybe they're just a team that's going to spin its wheels.

[Kingspoint]

Well I picked a great game to go to tonight.

Dame not only scored 60 points for the 4th time in his career tying Michael Jordan for 3rd place on the All-time list of 60+ pt games (Kobe with 6 and Wilt with many), but Dame's effort was the most efficient display of shooting in all of NBA history for anyone who ever put up 29 or more attempts in a game. His eFG% of 87.9 set a new record for that many attempts. His 87.9 eFG% tonight was also the highest percentage of anyone in the NBA this season in a game where at least 10 shots were attempted.

His ISO effort tonight was also the best in the NBA, creating 22 ISO shots for himself tonight with a 2.0 pts per ISO result.

His Off-the-Dribble eFG% of 82.0 tonight was also the best in the NBA this season.

He was great Defensively, too, with 3 steals, contested shots....he pulled down 7 Rebounds and dished out 8 Assists.

With three minutes to go and a chance for a career high with one more basket, he didn't...wasn't interested, as he shrugged off his teammates waiving them to go run something else, content with the 60. Chauncey pulled him over with a minute to go while Simons was at the free throw line and said, "Dame, what are you doing? I'm leaving you in so you can get your career high. Get another bucket." So, he took one more, missed it, and Drew slammed it back through for another exclamation bucket. Dame is very humble and truly didn't care. Very interesting on a night where they had shown Melo's only 60-pt effort of his career on NBATV earlier.

Lillard is incredible so often that it comes as another day at the office when he plays like this. He was totally exhausted by the time the 3rd Quarter was over and he had 50 at that point. His best basket of the night, they didn't count,...a flying one-handed slam, where he was fouled and went to the line and sank free throws instead.

Simons tried to give the game away with 8 bad plays in a row over the stretch of 3 minutes of the 4th, but UTA couldn't take advantage of Simons' mistakes.

Hart, the Blazers' #1 Trade Chip, hurt his hamstring and didn't play the 2nd Half. Little started in his place, and this opens up a great opportunity for the team to get bigger at the Wings if Little is given the Start over Sharpe when we face Toronto. Sharpe is from Toronto, so Chauncey may choose to go that route, but with Anunoby as the Wing he'll have to go against, Little would be the much better choice, and deserves to get that opportunity as Naz has been playing very well since his return a few games ago.

I was at Petrie's 51 vs HOU back in 1973, 50 years ago. But, I saw Petrie hotter than that hitting 19 in a 1st Quarter (he ended up with 44 in that one, I believe, and that was also in '73, maybe early '74). That 51 was 19 buckets, if I remember, but I don't remember the attempts. Dame was 21-29 tonight, 9-15 from Deep with several 28-34 feet that went in. He took a 40-footer heat check after sinking a couple from 32+, but it didn't go in.

Heck of a game. Went with the Step-Daughter, Father-in-Law and a friend of his. They also went Monday to the franchise-record 119 points after 3 quarters against San Antonio. I stayed home for that one and didn't use the ticket, but I wanted to see what they could do against a team that will at least try to play some type of Defense. UTA's not playing great Defense right now, but it's much better than San Antonio, a team that doesn't play any at all...even less than Portland.

One game at a time. Try to play 4 Quarters well against TOR on Saturday. TOR did a number against the Kings in Sacramento tonight dominating points in the paint 58-42, so TOR seems to have gotten themselves straightened out. With all of that talent of TOR around the paint, Little's size over Hart's is going to be a huge asset to give POR a chance to hold off the Raptors Saturday Night. Big games will be needed from Grant, Nurk and Eubanks, along with Little. The team really needs Winslow to get back and join the front court for games like this.

[klw]

Well I picked a great game to go to tonight.

Dame not only scored 60 points for the 4th time in his career tying Michael Jordan for 3rd place on the All-time list of 60+ pt games (Kobe with 6 and Wilt with many), but Dame's effort was the most efficient display of shooting in all of NBA history for anyone who ever put up 29 or more attempts in a game. His eFG% of 87.9 set a new record for that many attempts. His 87.9 eFG% tonight was also the highest percentage of anyone in the NBA this season in a game where at least 10 shots were attempted.

His ISO effort tonight was also the best in the NBA, creating 22 ISO shots for himself tonight with a 2.0 pts per ISO result.

His Off-the-Dribble eFG% of 82.0 tonight was also the best in the NBA this season.

He was great Defensively, too, with 3 steals, contested shots....he pulled down 7 Rebounds and dished out 8 Assists.

With three minutes to go and a chance for a career high with one more basket, he didn't...wasn't interested, as he shrugged off his teammates waiving them to go run something else, content with the 60. Chauncey pulled him over with a minute to go while Simons was at the free throw line and said, "Dame, what are you doing? I'm leaving you in so you can get your career high. Get another bucket." So, he took one more, missed it, and Drew slammed it back through for another exclamation bucket. Dame is very humble and truly didn't care. Very interesting on a night where they had shown Melo's only 60-pt effort of his career on NBATV earlier.

Lillard is incredible so often that it comes as another day at the office when he plays like this. He was totally exhausted by the time the 3rd Quarter was over and he had 50 at that point. His best basket of the night, they didn't count,...a flying one-handed slam, where he was fouled and went to the line and sank free throws instead.

Simons tried to give the game away with 8 bad plays in a row over the stretch of 3 minutes of the 4th, but UTA couldn't take advantage of Simons' mistakes.

Hart, the Blazers' #1 Trade Chip, hurt his hamstring and didn't play the 2nd Half. Little started in his place, and this opens up a great opportunity for the team to get bigger at the Wings if Little is given the Start over Sharpe when we face Toronto. Sharpe is from Toronto, so Chauncey may choose to go that route, but with Anunoby as the Wing he'll have to go against, Little would be the much better choice, and deserves to get that opportunity as Naz has been playing very well since his return a few games ago.

I was at Petrie's 51 vs HOU back in 1973, 50 years ago. But, I saw Petrie hotter than that hitting 19 in a 1st Quarter (he ended up with 44 in that one, I believe, and that was also in '73, maybe early '74). That 51 was 19 buckets, if I remember, but I don't remember the attempts. Dame was 21-29 tonight, 9-15 from Deep with several 28-34 feet that went in. He took a 40-footer heat check after sinking a couple from 32+, but it didn't go in.

Heck of a game. Went with the Step-Daughter, Father-in-Law and a friend of his. They also went Monday to the franchise-record 119 points after 3 quarters against San Antonio. I stayed home for that one and didn't use the ticket, but I wanted to see what they could do against a team that will at least try to play some type of Defense. UTA's not playing great Defense right now, but it's much better than San Antonio, a team that doesn't play any at all...even less than Portland.

One game at a time. Try to play 4 Quarters well against TOR on Saturday. TOR did a number against the Kings in Sacramento tonight dominating points in the paint 58-42, so TOR seems to have gotten themselves straightened out. With all of that talent of TOR around the paint, Little's size over Hart's is going to be a huge asset to give POR a chance to hold off the Raptors Saturday Night. Big games will be needed from Grant, Nurk and Eubanks, along with Little. The team really needs Winslow to get back and join the front court for games like this.

Glad you got to see this. It must have been fun to have been in the building for it. One to remember for you.

[M2]

The Bucks just dropped 85 on the Pacers in the 1st half of their game.

[Mutaman]

The Bucks just dropped 85 on the Pacers in the 1st half of their game.

Khris Middleton will be far and away the most important addition of the trading deadline (if he can stay healthy).

[Bourgeois Zee]

Khris Middleton will be far and away the most important addition of the trading deadline (if he can stay healthy).

Bold take.

Booker might object to that, but your take is defensible, for sure.

What other stars might tilt the balance of power?

[SteelSD]

I've completely had it with NBA officiating. Nicola Jokic has fouled Joel Embiid at least four times in the first quarter, and the officals won't make the calls.

[KoryMac5]

I've completely had it with NBA officiating. Nicola Jokic has fouled Joel Embiid at least four times in the first quarter, and the officals won't make the calls.

Always amazes me that bigs just don’t seem to get foul calls…Shaq would get hammered underneath and never get the whistle.

[SteelSD]

Always amazes me that bigs just don’t seem to get foul calls…Shaq would get hammered underneath and never get the whistle.

Not going to matter if Denver keeps hitting two thirds of their shots, but that game changes big time had Jokic rightly had to sit for much of the first half. I dunno' if it's just the Jokic narrative (sort of like the undeserved credit he gets for "hand-off" assists when screening) in play or just the "doofus" factor, where big immobile guys don't seem to rack up fouls on more athletic players, but it's maddening.

Speaking of maddening...P.J. Tucker and Montrezl Harrell on the floor at the same time. What the holy hell is that???

[adkindo]

Always amazes me that bigs just don’t seem to get foul calls…Shaq would get hammered underneath and never get the whistle.

always thought that was a "business decision" by the NBA....because they literally would have had to call fouls on 90% of the possessions during the early and prime part of his career. It would have damaged the aesthetic game they were marketing that focused on the athletic guards/wings like Penny, Kobe, TMac, Wade, etc....

[SteelSD]

Well, I have to hand it to P.J. Tucker. Hit an important tip shot for his one bucket and, inexplicably, shut down Jokic in the fourth quarter.

Joel Embiid- 47 points, 18 boards, 5 assists. Credited his team with the win in the post-game interview. Everyone just saw that best Center in the NBA, and he wasn't playing for the Denver Nuggets.

[M2]

I adjust for NBA officiating by paying zero attention to NBA officiating. They call what they call. Sometimes I disagree, but then I forget it instantly. Soccer taught me that. There's any number of things that could or could not be called. I'm whatever when it comes to refs. Much easier said than done, though, when it's your favorite team.

Anyway, looks like Embiid persevered given his 47-18 line. Big win for the Sixers.

[Revering4Blue]

always thought that was a "business decision" by the NBA....because they literally would have had to call fouls on 90% of the possessions during the early and prime part of his career. It would have damaged the aesthetic game they were marketing that focused on the athletic guards/wings like Penny, Kobe, TMac, Wade, etc....

Interesting take. And I agree with it. Anyway, it didn’t seem to work as scoring per team fell below 100 points beginning with the ‘95-‘96 season until the ‘15 season, save for, oddly enough, the final two years of the aughts.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[SteelSD]

I adjust for NBA officiating by paying zero attention to NBA officiating. They call what they call. Sometimes I disagree, but then I forget it instantly. Soccer taught me that. There's any number of things that could or could not be called. I'm whatever when it comes to refs. Much easier than done, though, when it's your favorite team.

Y'know, when it comes to perimeter players, I really don't pay that much attention. Maxey gets mugged on half his drives to the hoop with no calls, for example. All I ask is that it be called evenly, which is pretty much all the players and coaches want. But when it comes to post players, flagrant "reputation" non-calls and slanted officiating both ruin that aspect of the game for me, while also funneling the game out to more play from distance (yawn), which frankly, I think the NBA has already over-rewarded.

And being that it was Jokic, I probably had/have a bit of a chip on my own shoulder as a fan, given that the ABC announcers were gushing over Jokic the entire first half without acknowledging that Embiid had legitimately nearly fouled him out in the first quarter. I was thoroughly amazed when Hubie Brown actually stated- after Embiid went over 40 points and 15-odd boards- that he had clearly outplayed Jokic. Nearly spit out my soda that a member of that broadcast crew (including the Jokic halftime love-fest) would acknowlege something that was crystal clear much, much earlier in the game.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate Jokic, but some of his results are dramatically augmented by the system (plethora of screen-and-turn hand-offs, constant back-cuts). And as we saw today, his defense stinks.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEmcRuHUjiM&ab_channel=NBASwishHoopsKE

That's sub-Mason Plumlee garbage.

[Betterread]

Y'know, when it comes to perimeter players, I really don't pay that much attention. Maxey gets mugged on half his drives to the hoop with no calls, for example. All I ask is that it be called evenly, which is pretty much all the players and coaches want. But when it comes to post players, flagrant "reputation" non-calls and slanted officiating both ruin that aspect of the game for me, while also funneling the game out to more play from distance (yawn), which frankly, I think the NBA has already over-rewarded.

And being that it was Jokic, I probably had/have a bit of a chip on my own shoulder as a fan, given that the ABC announcers were gushing over Jokic the entire first half without acknowledging that Embiid had legitimately nearly fouled him out in the first quarter. I was thoroughly amazed when Hubie Brown actually stated- after Embiid went over 40 points and 15-odd boards- that he had clearly outplayed Jokic. Nearly spit out my soda that a member of that broadcast crew (including the Jokic halftime love-fest) would acknowlege something that was crystal clear much, much earlier in the game.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate Jokic, but some of his results are dramatically augmented by the system (plethora of screen-and-turn hand-offs, constant back-cuts). And as we saw today, his defense stinks.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEmcRuHUjiM&ab_channel=NBASwishHoopsKE

That's sub-Mason Plumlee garbage.

Stop. Just Stop. You are not the most aggrieved. Tatum just hacked LBJ on a last second drive - no foul. Right after they refs gave Boston a game tying free throw. A Clear foul. NBA gifts Boston on ABC.

[SteelSD]

Stop. Just Stop. You are not the most aggrieved. Tatum just hacked LBJ on a last second drive - no foul. Right after they refs gave Boston a game tying free throw. A Clear foul. NBA gifts Boston on ABC.

I just want to know where Pat Bev got the camera he walked out to show the official.

[Betterread]

Yes. lakers lose. But the man love the announcers have for Jaylen brown is nauseating. Brown usually doesn’t guard the top opponent. Smart does. But Smart was out tonight. So Brown guarded LBJ. Well. You know sort of.
Brown, Spyda Mitchell, Deaaron Fox are all really good guys.
But they are puffed up “superstars”. Puffed up by the NBA who gives them tremendous free throw gifts. They are not two way players. Great scorers, but not complete players.

[M2]

Yes. lakers lose. But the man love the announcers have for Jaylen brown is nauseating. Brown usually doesn’t guard the top opponent. Smart does. But Smart was out tonight. So Brown guarded LBJ. Well. You know sort of.
Brown, Spyda Mitchell, Deaaron Fox are all really good guys.
But they are puffed up “superstars”. Puffed up by the NBA who gives them tremendous free throw gifts. They are not two way players. Great scorers, but not complete players.

The Celtics switch so much that nobody really guards the other team's top guy. Smart does a lot of his best work playing off-ball and either jumping in the passing lane or blitzing.

As for Brown, I dig watching him. He gets after it on defense. Scores at a pretty elite level (and not because he's living at the line). He's probably making an All-NBA team this season (2nd or 3rd). He buried the Lakers in OT tonight.

[M2]

Stop. Just Stop. You are not the most aggrieved. Tatum just hacked LBJ on a last second drive - no foul. Right after they refs gave Boston a game tying free throw. A Clear foul. NBA gifts Boston on ABC.

I've now watched that play a few times. It's one of those where the refs could have called a foul or maybe LeBron just could have finished through contact. IMO, it was a fair non-call. Make the guy win the game. He could have. He didn't.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I've now watched that play a few times. It's one of those where the refs could have called a foul or maybe LeBron just could have finished through contact. IMO, it was a fair non-call. Make the guy win the game. He could have. He didn't.

Nah. You gotta call that foul no matter what. Tatum literally slapped his shooting arm down as he was shooting the lay-up.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9yjtFFXuB4

That was as obvious a bad a call as there has been in the game for a while. Costly, for the Lakers too.

[Betterread]

Saw the Sacramento Kings play the Twolves last night. Twolves won by shooting threes at 46% to Sacto’s 27%. They worked hard to close out shooters.
Sacramento has really improved from last year. Bringing in Huerter and Murray, who are strong shooters was very smart. Fox was unstoppable at times (in 4th Q, if he sees daylight in the lane, he can get to the hoop FAST and he seems to have long arms for a PG because he can easily extend the ball out and away from defenders). Sabonis was impressive as well. Quick as well as strong.
Their bench didn’t help them to much, outside of Davion Mitchell (I really like his game. Excellent on ball defender) and Malik Monk (not a fan, but he is a dangerous scorer).

[Betterread]

I've now watched that play a few times. It's one of those where the refs could have called a foul or maybe LeBron just could have finished through contact. IMO, it was a fair non-call. Make the guy win the game. He could have. He didn't.
I hear you and agree with your view that in end of game situations, don’t make a foul call if there is only slight contact with the shooter but the shooter can still attempt his shot the way he intended.
But in this case, Tatum restricts LBJ’s shooting motion by contacting the inside of his shooting arm, causing LBJ to not have enough oomph to get the ball over the rim. So he was illegally prevented from shooting the ball the way he intended.

[M2]

Nah. You gotta call that foul no matter what. Tatum literally slapped his shooting arm down as he was shooting the lay-up.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9yjtFFXuB4

That was as obviouslu bad a call as there has been in the game for a while. Costly, for the Lakers too.

I disagree. I suspect it didn't get called because LeBron's arm remains extended. My take is, at the end of a game, the refs are within their rights if they demand you finish a winning shot in traffic. I get calling the foul too, but I don't think they have to.

[M2]

I hear you and agree with your view that in end of game situations, don’t make a foul call if there is only slight contact with the shooter but the shooter can still attempt his shot the way he intended.
But in this case, Tatum restricts LBJ’s shooting motion by contacting the inside of his shooting arm, causing LBJ to not have enough oomph to get the ball over the rim. So he was illegally prevented from shooting the ball the way he intended.

I think it's open to judgment. For instance, I'm not sure LeBron was in a great position to finish a floating layup with his off hand and I'm thinking a lot of players would turn that into an and-1. And if the ref's not sure, then I get swallowing the whistle.

[M2]

Saw the Sacramento Kings play the Twolves last night. Twolves won by shooting threes at 46% to Sacto’s 27%. They worked hard to close out shooters.
Sacramento has really improved from last year. Bringing in Huerter and Murray, who are strong shooters was very smart. Fox was unstoppable at times (in 4th Q, if he sees daylight in the lane, he can get to the hoop FAST and he seems to have long arms for a PG because he can easily extend the ball out and away from defenders). Sabonis was impressive as well. Quick as well as strong.
Their bench didn’t help them to much, outside of Davion Mitchell (I really like his game. Excellent on ball defender) and Malik Monk (not a fan, but he is a dangerous scorer).

I assume you're pretty thrilled with Ant during this recent run. He's really stepping up.

[Betterread]

I assume you're pretty thrilled with Ant during this recent run. He's really stepping up.

Yes, he keeps improving. His defense and rebounding are part of the improvement. But it’s humbling, because he seems mostly unstoppable but he’s only 18th in scoring. Guys like Brown, Tatum, SGA, Morant, Durant, Mitchell, etc., put up bigger numbers consistently.

[M2]

Yes, he keeps improving. His defense and rebounding are part of the improvement. But it’s humbling, because he seems mostly unstoppable but he’s only 18th in scoring. Guys like Brown, Tatum, SGA, Morant, Durant, Mitchell, etc., put up bigger numbers consistently.

Think about how spoiled we are that a guy who scores 24.7 per night is only 18th in scoring. Though Ant is up to 26.9 in 2023 while the Wolves have gone 11-4. Most importantly, it seems like he's demanding the ball when it's time to close out the game.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I disagree. I suspect it didn't get called because LeBron's arm remains extended. My take is, at the end of a game, the refs are within their rights if they demand you finish a winning shot in traffic. I get calling the foul too, but I don't think they have to.

They gotta call that. That is just whacking a guys arm, Tatum isn’t even playing defense.

[Bourgeois Zee]

They gotta call that. That is just whacking a guys arm, Tatum isn’t even playing defense.

Yeah, it's clear that Tatum's play affected LeBron's scoring chance. That's clearly a foul. There's no grey area there.

It was a horrid no call that likely cost LA the victory.

[Betterread]

I think they blew the call, but the referee’s union admitting that mistake publicly just because it was LA or LBJ is nauseating. Either do this for every blown call (which might be nearly impossible) or don’t do it all.

[M2]

The Pelicans are sliding, on their way to a eight straight losses and 3-11 since Zion went down. They're now in the play-in bracket (by percentage points).

P.S. Giannis dropped 50 in the game, going 20-26.

[Betterread]

The Pelicans are sliding, on their way to a eight straight losses and 3-11 since Zion went down. They're now in the play-in bracket (by percentage points).

P.S. Giannis dropped 50 in the game, going 20-26.

The NBA western conference is drunk this year. As in 8 Long Island iced teas in two hours drunk.

[Mutaman]

P.S. Giannis dropped 50 in the game, going 20-26.

Two brothers combine for 50 points on 27 shots between them.

[M2]

The NBA western conference is drunk this year. As in 8 Long Island iced teas in two hours drunk.

The spread from 3-13 is 5 games. I'm wondering if anyone can achieve escape velocity before the ASG.

[Chip R]

I think they blew the call, but the referee’s union admitting that mistake publicly just because it was LA or LBJ is nauseating. Either do this for every blown call (which might be nearly impossible) or don’t do it all.

Only for the Lakers. Never seen refs publicly admit they blew a call much less apologize for it.

[Betterread]

Joel Embiid should start for the East in the all star game. He is not just one of the top five players in the East, he is the top player.
The NBA needs to fix that by the time of the game. If not, what is the point of the game, if you can’t recognize the most dominating player in the league the first half of the season?

[M2]

Joel Embiid should start for the East in the all star game. He is not just one of the top five players in the East, he is the top player.
The NBA needs to fix that by the time of the game. If not, what is the point of the game, if you can’t recognize the most dominating player in the league the first half of the season?

I assume the easy fix is Durant is out with an injury and Embiid takes his place.

[Kingspoint]

Myles Turner trade rumors can be put to bed.

The core is set at Haliburton (Carlisle said last week,..."Guess is shows just how important this guy is to the team when we lose seven in a row without him"), Mathurin and Turner. $30M per season until '24-'25. Pretty good commitment as they recognize two windows. One that can win now and one that can win after this contract, which frees up $30M in 2025-'26. Pretty good plan, I think.

[Betterread]

Myles Turner trade rumors can be put to bed.

The core is set at Haliburton (Carlisle said last week,..."Guess is shows just how important this guy is to the team when we lose seven in a row without him"), Mathurin and Turner. $30M per season until '24-'25. Pretty good commitment as they recognize two windows. One that can win now and one that can win after this contract, which frees up $30M in 2025-'26. Pretty good plan, I think.
I’d rather have Jaren Jackson, who outplayed Turner Sunday night. J3 is quickly becoming a dominant defensive force.

[Kingspoint]

I’d rather have Jaren Jackson, who outplayed Turner Sunday night. J3 is quickly becoming a dominant defensive force.

One day he'll have a full season.

[Betterread]

One day he'll have a full season.

That’s his biggest flaw. He also commits too many fouls which cuts his minutes.

[Kingspoint]

That’s his biggest flaw. He also commits too many fouls which cuts his minutes.

I think that comes from his abridged seasons. Fix the health issues and the foul issues will improve.

[Kingspoint]

Myles Turner trade rumors can be put to bed.

The core is set at Haliburton (Carlisle said last week,..."Guess is shows just how important this guy is to the team when we lose seven in a row without him"), Mathurin and Turner. $30M per season until '24-'25. Pretty good commitment as they recognize two windows. One that can win now and one that can win after this contract, which frees up $30M in 2025-'26. Pretty good plan, I think.

In case anyone has any doubts...

January 30th, 2023 at 5:18pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Pacers didn’t extend Myles Turner in order to trade him, coach Rick Carlisle told Marc Stein (Twitter link) and other media members.

“Yes, he’s off the trade block,” Carlisle said.

There were some questions initially whether the extension, which Turner signed on Monday, would still allow Indiana to deal the big man. While it turns out that Turner is trade eligible, Carlisle’s comment made it clear that’s not going to happen.

President of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard reiterated that Turner will be staying put, Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star tweets.

“One of the things we’ve always believed in is we sign a player to sign a player. We don’t sign a player to trade a player. … We signed Myles to be here,” he said.

As for how Indiana will approach the trade deadline and this offseason, Pritchard spoke in vague terms, Dopirak adds in a separate tweet. Pritchard likes the way the team has progressed and grown but adds they’ll be opportunistic if the right offer comes along.

[M2]

JJJ should get better at avoiding fouls with age, but I suspect he'll always be foul-prone. Seems like it's baked into his game.

[SteelSD]

Yuck. That was letdown game. After a terrible start, the Magic simply outhustled Philly, who seemed to want to rest on their 20-point 2nd quarter lead. The Magic finished with a 28-14 gap in fast break points, a 15-8 lead in offensive boards, and the Sixers threw the ball away to the tune of 18 turnovers. The Magic did a really good job closing out on threes all game long, and the Sixers simply seemed to run out of gas in the second half; maybe a hangover from an emotional Denver win. The Magic also seem to be one of those teams with the kind of length that gives Philly a bit of a problem. Embiid finished with a line of 30-11-5, but got little help besides Matisse Thybulle- who put up 10 points and 2 steals in only 11 minutes. Thybulle needed to suck up some of P.J. Tucker's 28 minutes of nothing-to-not-much play, but nope.

Good win by Orlando. Philly will see 'em again Wednesday, and really need to soak up a couple of wins before starting a rough stretch against NY (twice), Boston, and Cleveland- and then facing Memphis, Boston, a home-at-home versus Miami, Dallas and Milwaukee. After that, Indiana, Minnesota, and Portland aren't pushovers.

[Kingspoint]

3:57 left in the game and the Kings are up by 1 over Minnesota 93-92. Sacramento is 6-26 from "3" at this point.

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Congratulations to Damian Lillard on once again getting the Western Conference Player-of-the-Week Award. It's annual for him to receive this in January, doing it for about the 5th time in 7 seasons (and, probably more closer to 10 times during January over his career).

[Kingspoint]

Yuck. That was letdown game. After a terrible start, the Magic simply outhustled Philly, who seemed to want to rest on their 20-point 2nd quarter lead. The Magic finished with a 28-14 gap in fast break points, a 15-8 lead in offensive boards, and the Sixers threw the ball away to the tune of 18 turnovers. The Magic did a really good job closing out on threes all game long, and the Sixers simply seemed to run out of gas in the second half; maybe a hangover from an emotional Denver win. The Magic also seem to be one of those teams with the kind of length that gives Philly a bit of a problem. Embiid finished with a line of 30-11-5, but got little help besides Matisse Thybulle- who put up 10 points and 2 steals in only 11 minutes. Thybulle needed to suck up some of P.J. Tucker's 28 minutes of nothing-to-not-much play, but nope.

Good win by Orlando. Philly will see 'em again Wednesday, and really need to soak up a couple of wins before starting a rough stretch against NY (twice), Boston, and Cleveland- and then facing Memphis, Boston, a home-at-home versus Miami, Dallas and Milwaukee. After that, Indiana, Minnesota, and Portland aren't pushovers.

ORL has been playing much better. Nothing surpises me about them at the moment. It's not a negative on Philly. At this point in the season, it's much more about mental toughness than it is on anything as everyone is hurt physically by now and super tired. This is the time of year when teams that are going to suck give up, doing nothing but counting the days to the All-Star break. Kudos to Orlando for not being one of those teams.

[Kingspoint]

3:57 left in the game and the Kings are up by 1 over Minnesota 93-92. Sacramento is 6-26 from "3" at this point.



Good clutch shot by McDaniels with 13 seconds left (assist from Edwards) with a 27-footer to tie the game. Fox missed a medium-range shot to win it. Overtime.

It was a Keegan Murray Offensive Rebound that led to a kickout for a 3-pointer w/ 1:48 left by Fox that gave SAC a 1-pt lead, and he almost tipped in a game-winnner at the buzzer. It's nice to see Murray in the game the last five minutes as he hasn't been allowed to be in that situation as often as he should have been so far this year. He's just way too smart not to be on the floor the last five minutes of a Half or a game. He almost always makes the right play, and every person on every play has multiple correct plays they should be making that so few players accomplish on a regular basis. Murray shares Sabonis' (and Haliburton, who Sabonis was traded for) basketball IQ.

[M2]

Phoenix and Golden State both seem to be stirring to life a bit. Phoenix beat the Raptors tonight, which isn't that hard to do this season, but it does make them 7-4 over their last eleven. And that coincides with Mikal Bridges stepping up on offense. He's scored 20+ in eight of those games, averaging 21.8 ppg during that streak. He's also dishing 5 assists per game. When Devin Booker went down, the Suns turned to Ayton and that did not go well. Bridges has stepped up as a somewhat dependable #1 option.

Golden State won on the road (4th time in their last 6 on the road) against OKC, which has been no joke this season. And Steph seems to be back tonight, going 38-8-12, +17 with an .800 eFG%. The Warriors are now 5th in the West, 4th in the loss column.

[Kingspoint]

Myles Turner trade rumors can be put to bed.

The core is set at Haliburton (Carlisle said last week,..."Guess is shows just how important this guy is to the team when we lose seven in a row without him"), Mathurin and Turner. $30M per season until '24-'25. Pretty good commitment as they recognize two windows. One that can win now and one that can win after this contract, which frees up $30M in 2025-'26. Pretty good plan, I think.

Turner celebrated his new contract by delivering a game-worst -18 plus/minus tonight in their 12-pt loss at MEM. The team was a +6 the 21 minutes Turner was off the floor. They continue to badly miss Haliburton. Isaiah Jackson had all of those 21 minutes, and consequently was a +6 on the night.

The new contract builds in 2-1/2 more years of time for Isaiah Jackson to blossom into a better player than Myles Turner will ever be, while for 2-1/2 years giving Indiana a chance to strike gold and, at the least, get a few years of playoff experience for Isaiah Jackson, Haliburton and Mathurin. Turner is solid, and generally, offers a lot of rim protection, something needed in the playoffs.

[KoryMac5]

Puzzled by Detroit's Asst Coach's decision to talk trash with Doncic...

Result

53 pts in 36 mins...on an ankle that may be 80%

He chose poorly.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Jokic goes for 26/18/15. No one seems to notice. Pretty much par for the Nugget course, right there. That team seems to be ahead of just about everyone right now.

Sacramento keeps hanging around, winning most of the game they should and occasionally stealing ones they shouldn't. Can't decide if that's good coaching or luck.

Memphis is really, really good, but to me, they're missing something. I'd like to see them make a big move of some sort.

Meanwhile, NOLA continues to slip, showing the value of Zion and the need for the Pelicans to do something at the trading deadline.

Milwaukee's gotten hot (five in a row after Giannis's return).

Miami is two ahead of the Knicks for the 6th seed. That seems just about right. They might be ahead of Cleveland when fully healthy.

Tanking season is upon us. (Or at least soon will be.) No team may be better set up to lose and lose big than San Antonio. Time for the Spurs to deal Poeltl. And Richardson. And Dougie McBuckets. And maybe even Keldon Johnson. And just about everyone else who has any value. They might be the only team who has cap room left. They also have some intriguing talent that just hasn't fit together. I'd want to keep Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, but they're not deal-breakers. The goal is Victor Wembanyama.

[M2]

something[/I]. I'd like to see them make a big move of some sort.

They need to upgrade Dillon Brooks. I understand he's been central to the crew that's emerged the past two seasons, but empirically-speaking he's not very good at basketball. If you put OG Anunoby in his slot, that becomes a very dangerous team.

Quick note on the Clippers: they're also gaining form (having both Kawhi and PG really helps). I saw a mock trade that had Fred VanVleet heading their way and that would make a lot of sense for them. That's one team that needs to be all-in on winning now.

[Kingspoint]

I see the power rankings agree with me that the ORL loss shouldn't have had any effect on the 76er's as they are at the very top of the rankings.

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Pelicans have emerged as a real contender in the Ananoby sweepstakes. They are loaded with quality 1st Round picks and trade assets. I think it gets done.

[M2]

Pelicans have emerged as a real contender in the Ananoby sweepstakes. They are loaded with quality 1st Round picks and trade assets. I think it gets done.

He makes a ton of sense for that team too. To be fair, he makes a ton of sense just about everywhere. Though their recent slide might make them a little cautious. I'd put them in the same bucket as the Knicks. They have the assets to make the deal and Anunoby would make them better. Yet I wouldn't be opening space in the trophy case in either of those two cases. Memphis and maybe Phoenix (with Booker healthy) are the two teams are the two teams where I think he might make them very serious contenders.

[Kingspoint]

He makes a ton of sense for that team too. To be fair, he makes a ton of sense just about everywhere. Though their recent slide might make them a little cautious. I'd put them in the same bucket as the Knicks. They have the assets to make the deal and Anunoby would make them better. Yet I wouldn't be opening space in the trophy case in either of those two cases. Memphis and maybe Phoenix (with Booker healthy) are the two teams are the two teams where I think he might make them very serious contenders.

I see it as a long-term move for the Pelicans.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Anunoby is, IMO, likely going to be the queen of this year's deadline ball.

He is, IMO, a top-10 SF in the league and makes sense for literally every team in the NBA.

If I'm OKC, I'm willing to give up Lugentz Dort and two picks.

That may be the deal to beat.

[Revering4Blue]

In case anyone has any doubts...

January 30th, 2023 at 5:18pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Pacers didn’t extend Myles Turner in order to trade him, coach Rick Carlisle told Marc Stein (Twitter link) and other media members.

“Yes, he’s off the trade block,” Carlisle said.

There were some questions initially whether the extension, which Turner signed on Monday, would still allow Indiana to deal the big man. While it turns out that Turner is trade eligible, Carlisle’s comment made it clear that’s not going to happen.

President of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard reiterated that Turner will be staying put, Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star tweets.

“One of the things we’ve always believed in is we sign a player to sign a player. We don’t sign a player to trade a player. … We signed Myles to be here,” he said.

As for how Indiana will approach the trade deadline and this offseason, Pritchard spoke in vague terms, Dopirak adds in a separate tweet. Pritchard likes the way the team has progressed and grown but adds they’ll be opportunistic if the right offer comes along.

When your ceiling is a first round casualty (IF you make it that far), any plan that doesn’t result in more minutes for I. Jackson is a poor, shortsighted one.

Note: I am not shooting the messenger.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Kingspoint]

When your ceiling is a first round casualty (IF you make it that far), any plan that doesn’t result in more minutes for I. Jackson is a poor, shortsighted one.

Note: I am not shooting the messenger.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I was thinking it was insurance for Isaiah Jackson, letting Jackson bloom properly, while setting him up to be the Starter in 2025-26, and a 28-minute rotational player in 2024-25. Big guys always take longer to blossom.

[Kingspoint]

What a great win for Portland tonight.

They lose Nurk 2 minutes into the game to a leg injury.

They are down 17-5 to halfway through the first.

They lose Grant to a concussion protocol at Halftime.

Simons leaves early in the 3rd w/ 4 fouls.

Dame has a 7-pt play, he hits a 75-footer at the end of the 3rd that just missed the shotclock, and the Blazers get a huge monkey off their back ending an 8-game road losing streak, and they do it against a very good Memphis team. Chauncey went with 4 Guards most of the 2nd Half, a combination of Dame, Payton, Sharpe, Ant and Hart. Watford played significant minutes and did very well. He hasn't this season. Little isn't as aggessive as he needs to be and Chauncey removed him for it. Little has hit about 55% from "3" since his return on about 2.5 attempts per game.

Eubanks was very good tonight. Their Defense was much better tonight than their 28th-ranked Defense over the last 2 weeks (#1 ranked Offense thanks to Dame). Wins they have had lately have been fools gold because of their lack of Defense, simply riding the hot stretch of Lillard during this time. Tonight's game was different, though, and shows some hope.

Outstanding game tonight on both ends of the floor.

[Kingspoint]

Tari Eason has 12 Offensive Rebounds in 19 minutes with 3 minutes to play vs OKC in a tight game.

What great picks of Sengun and Eason for the Rockets.

[SteelSD]

Geez. Orlando. Young, healthy, and with a great deal of length threw another scare into Philly after taking the W on Monday. Again, the Magic were solid on closeouts before the Sixers broke through in the second half, but continued to frustrate Philly to the tune of 18 turnovers. Orlando used their size again to take the offensive rebounding battle and put up nine more shots. Had they been any better at all from deep (6-38, 15.8%), the Magic would have taken another one from the Sixers.

Interesting plan for Orlando. They appear to be using "Toronto" methodology- going with a lot of length across the court while relying on their size to occupy passing lanes, close out on three-point shooters, and frustrate opponents into turnovers- turning them into easy transition points. Really good energy and with a few more reliable shooters, it might pay off.

[Kingspoint]

Wow! Curry missed a wide-open 15-footer and uncharacteristically left 5 seconds on the clock in a tie game. Now MIN has a chance to win it.

Go T-Wolves!!!

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Minnesota needs a Point Guard.

- - - Updated - - -


Geez. Orlando. Young, healthy, and with a great deal of length threw another scare into Philly after taking the W on Monday. Again, the Magic were solid on closeouts before the Sixers broke through in the second half, but continued to frustrate Philly to the tune of 18 turnovers. Orlando used their size again to take the offensive rebounding battle and put up nine more shots. Had they been any better at all from deep (6-38, 15.8%), the Magic would have taken another one from the Sixers.

Interesting plan for Orlando. They appear to be using "Toronto" methodology- going with a lot of length across the court while relying on their size to occupy passing lanes, close out on three-point shooters, and frustrate opponents into turnovers- turning them into easy transition points. Really good energy and with a few more reliable shooters, it might pay off.

No Jonathan Isaac tonight, either. Banchero shot them out of victory.

[Kingspoint]

That should be a foul on Poole. His arms came down and did not stay straight up. Instead a foul was called on MIN. Not right. And, then Russell is out of the game five seconds later on another foul. I actually think it's a good thing. Russell's decisions at the end of regulation weren't good.

[Kingspoint]

Need Edwards to take over this game the last 1:43.

He did.

And, then Naz Reid with the OMG! to finish it.

Super night from Naz Reid. I can't believe MIN is thinking of trading Reid.

[Betterread]

Need Edwards to take over this game the last 1:43.

He did.

And, then Naz Reid with the OMG! to finish it.

Super night from Naz Reid. I can't believe MIN is thinking of trading Reid.

Yeah, Naz’s finish was bodacious. Wish he had made the two open threes he missed before that dunk. He’s going to be a free agent next year and he will demand and get a big multi year offer. Twolves probably won’t be able to afford him.
The Twolves played like crap, but I guess you don’t need to be your best to beat the champs on the road this year. They whined about the officiating all game even though I thought they got a lot of soft calls. Ant did a lot of whining also. It was Fface Malloy.

[Revering4Blue]

I was thinking it was insurance for Isaiah Jackson, letting Jackson bloom properly, while setting him up to be the Starter in 2025-26, and a 28-minute rotational player in 2024-25. Big guys always take longer to blossom.

Oh, I don’t really have an issue with the Turner extension, especially since it’s only for two years. It’s just frustrating to see Jackson receiving more than token minutes only when Smith, who has been largely a disappointment this season, is sidelined. Ditto for Goga, who only plays when Turner is out, and barely sees the floor.

I suspect they’ll also force-feed Theis minutes once he his healthy as they’re trying to win now. And again, their ceiling - unless they outbid everyone for Anunoby, which is possible - is winning the play-in tournament for the right to be flicked away in the first round. In any case, I will posit more minutes for Jackson, with his ability to switch out and guard on the perimeter, which none of their other bigs can do, should be playing more if the objective is to win now.


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[Betterread]

Need Edwards to take over this game the last 1:43.

He did.

And, then Naz Reid with the OMG! to finish it.

Super night from Naz Reid. I can't believe MIN is thinking of trading Reid.

Yeah, Naz’s finish was bodacious. Wish he had made the two open threes he missed before that dunk. He’s going to be a free agent next year and he will demand and get a big multi year offer. Twolves probably won’t be able to afford him.
The Twolves played like crap, but I guess you don’t need to be your best to beat the champs on the road this year.
GS had 71 pts in the first half and 39 in the second.

[Kingspoint]

Oh, I don’t really have an issue with the Turner extension, especially since it’s only for two years. It’s just frustrating to see Jackson receiving more than token minutes only when Smith, who has been largely a disappointment this season, is sidelined. Ditto for Goga, who only plays when Turner is out, and barely sees the floor.

I suspect they’ll also force-feed Theis minutes once he his healthy as they’re trying to win now. And again, their ceiling - unless they outbid everyone for Anunoby, which is possible - is winning the play-in tournament for the right to be flicked away in the first round. In any case, I will posit more minutes for Jackson, with his ability to switch out and guard on the perimeter, which none of their other bigs can do, should be playing more if the objective is to win now.


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I understand Theis is ready to play in the next game and that Indiana has no interest in trading him (in other words, they won't play him to showcase him like the Rockets have with Eric Gordon the last few games). Is that true?

Stotts learned almost everything he knows from Carlisle. Stotts has always insisted that if you jack up enough "3"'s you can win a game. Does Carlisle go that route? (noticed that MIN, different subject, got up 50 tonight without Gobert in the lineup...as SteelSD mentioned, ORL couldn't hit a brick wall and continued to take them, missing 32 of 38)

What type of style does Carlisle (and Pritchard, and I assume they are on the same page) want this team to play?