NBA 2022-23 Part 3: Big Buck Hunters

[Kingspoint]

There has been some incredible basketball in this 1st Round.

[Kingspoint]

Bane's missed 4 straight 3-pter's with 2 TO's since the 3-minute mark of the 4th. The looks were all wide open and they were all choke-jobs. Kennard needs to be in there during crunchtime.

- - - Updated - - -

28.7 seconds left down only 5. Lot's of time left. Lot's of time.

[Rojo Rijo]

Dillon Brooks is the epitome of "You're not that guy pal".

Makes me think of that hilarious KG story where he talks about playing against MJ and how he talked trash to Mike and paid for it and he and Isaiah Rider were both on the bench out of breath after MJ took over and he apologized and Rider said "It's all good man, just next time shut your @$$ up". KG said he never talked trash to MJ again.

If you haven't seen that video look it up, it's absolutely hilarious and just another testament to the basketball deity that is Michael Jeffrey Jordan.

[M2]

Memphis needs to look itself in the mirror. It possibly could have landed KD. It definitely could have landed Anunoby or Siakam. It's got the assets to land a prime talent and instead its big move was to get Luke Kennard. I don't know if that was complacency or stupidity, but they are not loaded for the playoffs.

[Kingspoint]

Fox will likely not (Looney took a swipe after the whistle at the ball that Fox was laying up and just a freak accident). It's just a dislocated finger. If Fox wants to play, he may override Management and just wrap that finger up next to the other one. 1000's of times guys have done this and played anyway. It will be tough call, as they can win Game 5 without him. Sacramento has excellent depth. Give the healing process the possibility of two to four to seven days of extra rest, and Sacramento may be better served to have him sit this one out.



While Kings star guard De’Aaron Fox was initially considered doubtful for Wednesday’s game against the Warriors due to a fractured index finger on his left hand, there is internal optimism that Fox will try to play, Sam Amick and Shams Charania of The Athletic report. The medical staff will try to figure out if it’s feasible for Fox to play with the injury, which is on his shooting hand. The Kings have confirmed Fox has an avulsion fracture, Marc Stein tweets.

[Kingspoint]

Memphis needs to look itself in the mirror. It possibly could have landed KD. It definitely could have landed Anunoby or Siakam. It's got the assets to land a prime talent and instead its big move was to get Luke Kennard. I don't know if that was complacency or stupidity, but they are not loaded for the playoffs.

Yeah. I thought they were going to pull the trigger on Anunoby, but TOR's asking price was too high. They have Anunoby rated too highly internally (and Siakam, too, and all of their players, actually). We'll see what Anunoby fetches this Summer. MEM would be better served if Morant would remember that there are other players on the team. Nothing makes those around you worse than to be a ballhog and to only pass the ball when you get bottled up and little time is left on the shotclock.

[M2]

Yeah. I thought they were going to pull the trigger on Anunoby, but TOR's asking price was too high. They have Anunoby rated too highly internally (and Siakam, too, and all of their players, actually). We'll see what Anunoby fetches this Summer. MEM would be better served if Morant would remember that there are other players on the team. Nothing makes those around you worse than to be a ballhog and to only pass the ball when you get bottled up and little time is left on the shotclock.

Though what happens if you give the ball to Dillon Brooks or JJJ? It's not going in the net. And, shockingly, Desmond Bane might not be a quality 2nd option. Would they be better if Ja played less hero ball? Maybe, or maybe they'd dig themselves into a huge holes and the only way out would be Ja playing hero ball.

[Kingspoint]

Though what happens if you give the ball to Dillon Brooks or JJJ? It's not going in the net. And, shockingly, Desmond Bane might not be a quality 2nd option. Would they be better if Ja played less hero ball? Maybe, or maybe they'd dig themselves into a huge holes and the only way out would be Ja playing hero ball.

The situation they are in regarding this is something that should have been addressed during the regular season. Now is not the time, nor will it work. The "possible" solution right now, would be to focus on Defense, run like gazelle's at every opportunity and to crash the Offensive boards. They did that the first half last night. Lakers adjusted to it in the 2nd Half, and then in Overtime, none of it applied as the Grizzlies couldn't keep the Lakers off of the boards, while Morant slowed absolutely everything down to a crawl. The rest of MEM' team completely stopped running on missed shots.

- - - Updated - - -

Joel Embiid‘s status for the second-round series remains unclear as he tries to recover from a sprained LCL in his right knee. “I’m told he’s doing better and he’s moving around better,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said on the NBA Today show (video link) regarding the Sixers’ center. “The swelling has subsided … (but) you’re not going to push it with something like that.”

[M2]

The "possible" solution right now, would be to focus on Defense, run like gazelle's at every opportunity and to crash the Offensive boards.

That's their standard gameplan. They're all hustle and grind. Why they think that's going far in the playoffs is a misconception they need to move past.

[SteelSD]

Thank you, Atlanta.

Use the extra rest, Joel!

[goreds2]

Thank you, Atlanta.

Use the extra rest, Joel!

THIS !

[15fan]

One if by land.

Two if by sea.

Trae if from just inside the center court logo.

(Please please please break out the MLK unis Thursday night…)

[BuckeyeRed27]

Trae is a completely infuriating player, but man that was awesome.

[M2]

I blame Bob Kraft for the Celtics loss. He was sitting courtside while his soccer team (which I went to go see) was playing. His celebrity neediness and faithlessness with his own team cursed the Celtics. Soccer team won though.

[Rojo Rijo]

The Clippers with $86 million on the bench has to be infuriating for Ballmer. If he gets as mad as he does excited I wouldn’t want to be present for that.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The Clippers with $86 million on the bench has to be infuriating for Ballmer. If he gets as mad as he does excited I wouldn’t want to be present for that.

Kawhi has a torn meniscus. Too bad that could have been a really fun series if the Clippers were healthy.

[RedTeamGo!]

Mobley and Mitchell have been absolutely awful this series. I think the Cavs have to start thinking about getting a more physical rebounder/rim protector this offseason. Mitchell is excellent and I think you have to just chalk this up to a bad series for him, but Mobley is crazy skinny and is getting dominated in playoff basketball.

[Mitri]

Mobley and Mitchell have been absolutely awful this series. I think the Cavs have to start thinking about getting a more physical rebounder/rim protector this offseason. Mitchell is excellent and I think you have to just chalk this up to a bad series for him, but Mobley is crazy skinny and is getting dominated in playoff basketball.

As M2 mentioned upthread, the Cavs wings are their true weak spot, not Mobley or Mitchell. Mobley is 21. He needs to put on some weight and learn the footwork to get into position for boards. He should be a really good player, maybe even great, for a long while. Mitchell and Garland are good, though I will take this moment as a Knicks fan to state that Mitchell is overrated in large part for his flailing on the defensive end. He gives up a lot of what he provides offensively, and that seems to come in various spurts. Garland is probably their best overall player. Cavs bench is rather weak for a team that won 51 games.

Cavs were out coached, out-hustled, got beat up physically and were worse in virtually every aspect of this series. I respect the Cavs - they play fairly clean and don’t whine or flop like the rest of the league. But they deserve this for swiping Mitchell and the Knicks are vindicated forevermore in not landing Mitchell.

[M2]

The Knicks absolutely killed the Cavs on the boards. I did not see that coming.

[Revering4Blue]

As M2 mentioned upthread, the Cavs wings are their true weak spot, not Mobley or Mitchell. Mobley is 21. He needs to put on some weight and learn the footwork to get into position for boards. He should be a really good player, maybe even great, for a long while. Mitchell and Garland are good, though I will take this moment as a Knicks fan to state that Mitchell is overrated in large part for his flailing on the defensive end. He gives up a lot of what he provides offensively, and that seems to come in various spurts. Garland is probably their best overall player. Cavs bench is rather weak for a team that won 51 games.

Cavs were out coached, out-hustled, got beat up physically and were worse in virtually every aspect of this series. I respect the Cavs - they play fairly clean and don’t whine or flop like the rest of the league. But they deserve this for swiping Mitchell and the Knicks are vindicated forevermore in not landing Mitchell.

I agree for the most part. But let’s be honest, the Cavs were/are not exactly a loaded team 1 thru 12 roster-wise - even worse after jettisoning Kevin Love - and did well to secure the 4th seed, though, as you mentioned, they were out coached etc..this series.

That said, the front office, IMO, let the coaching staff, fans down in a big way with their inaction at this past trading deadline. They desperately needed a dependable 3rd guard; depending upon Rubio was a fool’s errand. Windler not contributing at all since he entered the league years ago hasn’t helped, either. And, granted they could have done far worse than Okoro on draft day ‘21, but I will shocked beyond belief if Toppin - who I still believe Cleveland should have picked - isn’t the better player when all is said and done. The Cavs’ brass was apparently fixated on fit at the time, and thus, passed on Toppin.


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[M2]

Memphis saved its season for at least one more game. Dillon Brooks (37 min, 3-15, 8 pts, 2 reb, 0 ast, -7) did his best to sabotage them, but 64 from Bane and Ja overcame his malfeasance. Why not give his minutes to Santi Aldama?

[SteelSD]

Jimmy Butler just a nearly impossible shot to send the Miami/Bucks game to OT. Jeez...

And Grayson Allen passes up an open jumper for a chance to extend the game and dribbles out the clock to end the Bucks' season.

[M2]

The Bucks' season ended up in the hands of Grayson Allen. He passed up an open jumper at the foul line and instead dribbled out the clock.

[SteelSD]

I agree for the most part. But let’s be honest, the Cavs were/are not exactly a loaded team 1 thru 12 roster-wise - even worse after jettisoning Kevin Love - and did well to secure the 4th seed, though, as you mentioned, they were out coached etc..this series.

That said, the front office, IMO, let the coaching staff, fans down in a big way with their inaction at this past trading deadline. They desperately needed a dependable 3rd guard; depending upon Rubio was a fool’s errand. Windler not contributing at all since he entered the league years ago hasn’t helped, either. And, granted they could have done far worse than Okoro on draft day ‘21, but I will shocked beyond belief if Toppin - who I still believe Cleveland should have picked - isn’t the better player when all is said and done. The Cavs’ brass was apparently fixated on fit at the time, and thus, passed on Toppin.

Depth was surely an issue, although I think they need a reliable floor-spacing small forward to push LeVert off the bench (where he belongs) rather than a guard, and I can see your logic on Okoro/Toppin. But I'm not really sure that swap would matter much given that neither can really be on the floor with both Mobley and Allen. There just isn't enough offense.

I think this is going to be a key offseason for the Mobley/Allen pairing- especially Mobley. It's critical that the guy develop a reliable outside shot and/or something resembling post moves, depending on how they plan to utilize him. Right now he's a tweener. I've said this before and the Knicks series just reinforced it- Mobley's offensive value is too similar to that of Jarrett Allen; limited to clean-up duty. The problem is that's only effective if you're not getting dusted on the boards by the likes of Mitchell-freakin-Robinson, and the playoffs aren't an environment that tends to reward players for simply being tall. And as rough a series as it was for Mobley, at least he has youth and inexperience as an excuse. Jarrett Allen has neither. He has two jobs- rebound and protect the rim. Yet the guy averaged less than 5 boards per game and blocked exactly 2 shots total over the last three games of the series.

On Windler- all I've got for that is that if you're going to draft a Sauce Castillo in the first round, at least Cleveland did it with the 26th pick rather than the 8th?

[SteelSD]

Memphis saved its season for at least one more game. Dillon Brooks (37 min, 3-15, 8 pts, 2 reb, 0 ast, -7) did his best to sabotage them, but 64 from Bane and Ja overcame his malfeasance. Why not give his minutes to Santi Aldama?

When they see their routine isn't working, sometimes I think agitators simply try to make up for that by doing to much offensively to somehow "prove" they're well rounded. Dillon Brooks has nothing more to offer than agitating. He's tragic on the offensive side of the court. It baffles me that the coaching staff allows him to average 6 threes per game, much less gives him the green light to take 10 of them tonight. At least Draymond Green can pass and understands his own offensive limitations, so he doesn't chuck up bad shot after bad shot. Brooks has no second skill and clearly, based on his mouth, posesses little to no self-awareness.

[Kingspoint]

That's their standard gameplan. They're all hustle and grind. Why they think that's going far in the playoffs is a misconception they need to move past.

They're no different than the Knicks. That's exactly what the Knicks are. MEM got away from that all of Game 3 and to close out Game 4. You have to know your identity and stick with that. Trying to be something different doesn't work. That goes for teams and individuals.

[Kingspoint]

The cheap front office of the Blazers finally decided to invest in a G-League team. They're going to play their Home games just two blocks from our house (the University of Portland's basketball gymnasium, The Chiles Center). That'll be cool.

Seems like the timing will coincide with them trading Dame for multiple picks. They'll need somewhere for all of the young talent to play at. This Summer will be their last opportunity to make an impactual move that helps Lillard immediately in 2023-24. Should they not be able to pull the right deal off, they'll have to switch gears either during this Summer or during next year's trade deadline, or the following Summer if they play next season out with what gets added this Summer. Chauncey is still the Head Coach, so they are likely looking at another lottery pick next year making the decision for Dame to say, "OK, get it done" next January 1st.

It's highly unlikely that Dame will be wearing a Blazer uniform in 2024-25.

[goreds2]

Thursday, April 27, 2023

2 Boston
@
7 Atlanta

8:30 pm
TNT
State Farm Arena

[M2]

They're no different than the Knicks. That's exactly what the Knicks are. MEM got away from that all of Game 3 and to close out Game 4. You have to know your identity and stick with that. Trying to be something different doesn't work. That goes for teams and individuals.

The Knicks move the ball better, but they're not as athletic. Knicks vs. Miami is going to be fascinating because both are try-hard teams.

In Memphis' case, they're in a dogfight with a pretty bad Lakers team. And it's because they don't space well and they've got only two guys who can create their own shot (though maybe Aldama can a bit). Brooks' offensive rating in the series is an 81 (115 D rating). He's killing them. He is endangering their season, and they better figure that out fast. Yet, even if they get through this series, I expect whoever's waiting for them in the next series to beat them. For instance, Golden State skilled them off the court last season and there's no reason to expect a different outcome this time around. Sacramento can do the same.

[M2]

The cheap front office of the Blazers finally decided to invest in a G-League team. They're going to play their Home games just two blocks from our house (the University of Portland's basketball gymnasium, The Chiles Center). That'll be cool.

Seems like the timing will coincide with them trading Dame for multiple picks. They'll need somewhere for all of the young talent to play at. This Summer will be their last opportunity to make an impactual move that helps Lillard immediately in 2023-24. Should they not be able to pull the right deal off, they'll have to switch gears either during this Summer or during next year's trade deadline, or the following Summer if they play next season out with what gets added this Summer. Chauncey is still the Head Coach, so they are likely looking at another lottery pick next year making the decision for Dame to say, "OK, get it done" next January 1st.

It's highly unlikely that Dame will be wearing a Blazer uniform in 2024-25.

I've got to believe Herro and Robinson plus picks is going to be on the table this summer. Miami needs another killer alongside Jimmy Butler and Dame's a perfect fit.

[Chip R]

I blame Bob Kraft for the Celtics loss. He was sitting courtside while his soccer team (which I went to go see) was playing. His celebrity neediness and faithlessness with his own team cursed the Celtics. Soccer team won though.

They really have no killer instinct. Several times this year they have had big leads on opponents and either blew the leads and lost or just hung on to win. They had an 8 point lead at halftime and going into the 4th. Double digit lead early in the 4th and just urinated it away. This was at home with one of ATL's best players suspended. If this goes 7, I could see ATL taking the series.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Mobley and Mitchell have been absolutely awful this series. I think the Cavs have to start thinking about getting a more physical rebounder/rim protector this offseason. Mitchell is excellent and I think you have to just chalk this up to a bad series for him, but Mobley is crazy skinny and is getting dominated in playoff basketball.

The Cavs need to think about how to get Nick Nurse. Mitchell and Mobley are fine.

That series was ridiculous and complete coaching malpractice. You lose a game because of offensive rebounding and defensive hustle, not the freaking series.
They made one adjustment to how they defended Brunson in Game 2 and ran them out the building. The Knicks adjusted back with who was setting screens for Brunson…..and that was it, no more adjustments. I will literally never understand that. The Knicks are an average at best team and the Cavs should have won that series in 5 games. But not letting Mitchell just do this thing and run the offense through Garland because Garland sucked in game 1 and not settling on a defensive rotation is just ridiculous coaching.

And for the players. The fact that someone didn’t put their elbow into Robinsons nose in game 1, let alone at any point in the series is ridiculous. The guy is a one trick pony and you just let him crash the boards and never once knocked him on his butt…it’s the freaking playoffs guys.

[M2]

They really have no killer instinct. Several times this year they have had big leads on opponents and either blew the leads and lost or just hung on to win. They had an 8 point lead at halftime and going into the 4th. Double digit lead early in the 4th and just urinated it away. This was at home with one of ATL's best players suspended. If this goes 7, I could see ATL taking the series.

That was the thing Udoka seemed to fix last season and it's getting more slack as they progress through this season. They really should be able to put the hammer down on the Hawks, which can't guard them.

[M2]

The Cavs need to think about how to get Nick Nurse. Mitchell and Mobley are fine.

That series was ridiculous and complete coaching malpractice. You lose a game because of offensive rebounding and defensive hustle, not the freaking series.
They made one adjustment to how they defended Brunson in Game 2 and ran them out the building. The Knicks adjusted back with who was setting screens for Brunson…..and that was it, no more adjustments. I will literally never understand that. The Knicks are an average at best team and the Cavs should have won that series in 5 games. But not letting Mitchell just do this thing and run the offense through Garland because Garland sucked in game 1 and not settling on a defensive rotation is just ridiculous coaching.

And for the players. The fact that someone didn’t put their elbow into Robinsons nose in game 1, let alone at any point in the series is ridiculous. The guy is a one trick pony and you just let him crash the boards and never once knocked him on his butt…it’s the freaking playoffs guys.

Fully endorsed on the Nurse point.

[Mutaman]

Bucks are too old and can't play 4 quarters w/o running out of gas.

[Mitri]

The Cavs need to think about how to get Nick Nurse. Mitchell and Mobley are fine.

That series was ridiculous and complete coaching malpractice. You lose a game because of offensive rebounding and defensive hustle, not the freaking series.
They made one adjustment to how they defended Brunson in Game 2 and ran them out the building. The Knicks adjusted back with who was setting screens for Brunson…..and that was it, no more adjustments. I will literally never understand that. The Knicks are an average at best team and the Cavs should have won that series in 5 games.

LOL. Cavs were a paper tiger. Knicks were clearly the better team (they didn’t just “want it more”). Not sure how you could see otherwise unless you are an absolute homer for the Cavs. I know it stings to admit that your team wasn’t quite ready to hoop with big boys, but that’s what happened.

[westofyou]

LOL. Cavs were a paper tiger. Knicks were clearly the better team (they didn’t just “want it more”). Not sure how you could see otherwise unless you are an absolute homer for the Cavs. I know it stings to admit that your team wasn’t quite ready to hoop with big boys, but that’s what happened.

If you look at this picture and read Mitri's post it's a better experience

https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u_aLycEh9z0/Sh4E0fXuv3I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/txYTXjyvEGQ/s320/riff-raff+copy.jpg

[BuckeyeRed27]

LOL. Cavs were a paper tiger. Knicks were clearly the better team (they didn’t just “want it more”). Not sure how you could see otherwise unless you are an absolute homer for the Cavs. I know it stings to admit that your team wasn’t quite ready to hoop with big boys, but that’s what happened.

Nah. The Knicks aren’t the better team. They were better coached and they did a good job at making life hard on Mitchell and Garland. But even average coaching and the Cavs easily win that series. The Knicks didn’t do anything particularly well outside of offensive rebounds and lane clogging defense. They scored about 100 points a game. You should basically get swept if you do that, yet they won in 5.

JB fell in love with the Game 2 plan, but that’s not how the playoffs work. You have to keep adjusting. I’m assuming that Thibs literally couldn’t believe it when Garland came out last night defending Brunson. Zero adjustments. The Cavs were the best defense in the league this season and went away from most of those principles so they could send midcourt traps at Brunson? About 75% of the offensive rebounds the Knicks got came from defensive sets where they blitzed Brunson. When Okoro or Levert guarded him straight up, basically no offensive rebounds and a similar offensive efficiency but without the second chances. And yet he just kept doing it. Just nonsense coaching. I’ve like JB and think he has done a good job developing a young team, but he reached his limit. Coaches like players can get better and learn, but there was nothing in that series that gave any confidence that he will.

And stop with the homer crap and just talk hoops. I’m an Utah Jazz fan and live in Cleveland so I follow the Cavs. Mostly I just like basketball.

[Mitri]

Knicks went 6-2 vs. Cavs this season. Not sure if that’s a big enough sample for you but it is for me.

They embarrassed the Cavs in the playoffs. Let me know if you disagree.

How on Earth are the Cavs better? Which metric should we use? They may have better “top end talent” but even that should be questioned at this point.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Knicks went 6-2 vs. Cavs this season. Not sure if that’s a big enough sample for you but it is for me.

They embarrassed the Cavs in the playoffs. Let me know if you disagree.

How on Earth are the Cavs better? Which metric should we use? They may have better “top end talent” but even that should be questioned at this point.

They only played 1 game in the regular season with their actual lineups and the Cavs won it, but it was early. Actually the game they played a couple weeks before the end of the season should have been instructive to JB. Okoro didn’t play (I don’t think Allen did either) but Brunson went off that game and it was painfully obvious that the guards can’t guard him you are gonna need to use Okoro…and he didn’t do it all that much. Just baffling.

I’m not sure where in my posts I would disagree with the Cavs being embarrassed. If you have more talent and lose to a team that did absolutely nothing special other than play hard, well that’s embarrassing.

Im really not trying to take away anything from the Knicks. They went out and did their thing. It’s just annoying because that shouldn’t be good enough to win a playoff series. You watch any of these playoff series and all the teams make a lot of adjustments and throw different looks at each other game to game. JB was like nahhh it’ll work eventually and now the next game isn’t for 5 months. Just ridiculous.

[M2]

Bickerstaff definitely seemed to be the poster boy for the Mike Tyson theory that everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.

[Mitri]

If you have more talent and lose to a team that did absolutely nothing special other than play hard, well that’s embarrassing.

Im really not trying to take away anything from the Knicks.

Ok, man. These two sentences back to back are LOL. Now you're embarrassing yourself.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Ok, man. These two sentences back to back are LOL. Now you're embarrassing yourself.

Ok man. Congrats on the win. Try to stop being every annoying Knicks fan now ok.

[westofyou]

Let's all remember that the Knicks are at 50 years plus for a championship, one of the cities that fostered the growth of basketball in

That's a hungry as hell fanbase

[M2]

The Celtics should be furious with themselves that series lasted longer than four games and that each game didn't end with Payton Pritchard dribbling out the clock. You could see it at the end of tonight's game that Boston had the ability to dominate. Atlanta needs major roster surgery and the Celtics let them hang around.

Maybe they were trying budget their energy, though how much did you save if you played two extra games? Anyway, with the Bucks gone, the Celtics theoretically have the inside path to the title. But their toughest opponent is waiting in round 2, and it got some extra rest because it took care of business when it had a mismatch. This series deserves finals intensity. Going to be interesting to see how long it takes both teams to get there.

[Kingspoint]

Knicks have been one of the best Defensive Teams in the NBA all season long. That improved a ton when they added Josh Hart and they kept getting better at it as the season went along. That works even better in the playoffs. Their Head Coach has been outstanding all season. He's really got everyone playing their roles well.

There was no surprise that they beat the Cavs. The surprise was that the Cavs weren't ready for the NBA playoffs. They will next year. It's just an extremely young team.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Knicks have been one of the best Defensive Teams in the NBA all season long. That improved a ton when they added Josh Hart and they kept getting better at it as the season went along. That works even better in the playoffs. Their Head Coach has been outstanding all season. He's really got everyone playing their roles well.

There was no surprise that they beat the Cavs. The surprise was that the Cavs weren't ready for the NBA playoffs. They will next year. It's just an extremely young team.

That’s not exactly true. While Hart was a great pick up and makes a difference, the Knicks are kind of a middle of the pack defensive team. Only Atlanta allows more points per game from the East playoff teams. They were a bottom 5 team in turnovers. They are a good rebounding team.

The Cavs sure made them look like the 85 Bears though.

- - - Updated - - -


The Celtics should be furious with themselves that series lasted longer than four games and that each game didn't end with Payton Pritchard dribbling out the clock. You could see it at the end of tonight's game that Boston had the ability to dominate. Atlanta needs major roster surgery and the Celtics let them hang around.

Maybe they were trying budget their energy, though how much did you save if you played two extra games? Anyway, with the Bucks gone, the Celtics theoretically have the inside path to the title. But their toughest opponent is waiting in round 2, and it got some extra rest because it took care of business when it had a mismatch. This series deserves finals intensity. Going to be interesting to see how long it takes both teams to get there.

Philly Boston sure feels like the Finals and letting Embiid get extra rest might bite Boston.

Feel like Boston is suffering from novice coaching mistakes. Thats an area that Doc should feast…but Doc hasn’t always killed it there.

[goreds2]

Friday, April 28, 2023

3 Sacramento
6 Golden St.
8:00 pm
ESPN
Chase Center


2 Memphis
7 L.A. Lakers
10:30 pm
ESPN
Crypto.com Arena

[Kingspoint]

That’s not exactly true. While Hart was a great pick up and makes a difference, the Knicks are kind of a middle of the pack defensive team. Only Atlanta allows more points per game from the East playoff teams. They were a bottom 5 team in turnovers. They are a good rebounding team.

The Cavs sure made them look like the 85 Bears though.

- - - Updated - - -



Philly Boston sure feels like the Finals and letting Embiid get extra rest might bite Boston.

Feel like Boston is suffering from novice coaching mistakes. Thats an area that Doc should feast…but Doc hasn’t always killed it there.

Points per game has never been a defensive metric that anyone pays any attention to.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Points per game has never been a defensive metric that anyone pays any attention to.

That’s certainly an opinion.

[M2]

I asked for one thing in the Kings-Warriors series - seven games. And they have delivered.

[Kingspoint]

In an elimination/close out game on the road in San Francisco...


Malik Monk +21
Derek Fox +20
Keegan Murray +19
Kevin Huerter +14
Domantas Sabonis +11
Trey Lyles +9


Klay Thompson -28
Kevin Looney -19
Steph Curry -16
Jordan Poole -14
Draymond Green -13
Gary Payton II -8


And, the refs were in the Warriors' Corner...

10 more Free Throw attempts for Golden State despite Sacramento being the much more aggressive team all night long (18-11 Off Reb advantage, 18-9 Fast Break Point advantage and 44-36 Points-in-the-Paint advantage).

- - - Updated - - -


I asked for one thing in the Kings-Warriors series - seven games. And they have delivered.

You said you don't care how they got there.

Should be a good one.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I asked for one thing in the Kings-Warriors series - seven games. And they have delivered.

What on earth happened to Poole?

[M2]

Points per game has never been a defensive metric that anyone pays any attention to.

Then how do you feel about them ranking 19th in D rating?

[Mutaman]

Brother of Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer died in car accident during playoff series vs. Heat

https://theathletic.com/4467285/2023/04/28/mike-budenholzer-brother-died/?source=twitterhq

[SteelSD]

What on earth happened to Poole?

He thought he was going to be another Curry, but before the season Draymond punched the Stephhing out of him?

That's all I got.

[SteelSD]

I think Dillion Brooks should totally continue running his mouth. Keep talking about the Memphis "dynasty". Keep trash-talking Hall-of-Famers. That seemed to work really well for the Grizz', eh?

Yeah, they were missing Steven Adams, but I'm not sure that would have helped any. In the end, Memphis got handled- and in a convincing manner- by D'Angelo Russell, old LeBron, two-thirds of AD, and the weird kid from Stranger Things.

[BuckeyeRed27]

He thought he was going to be another Curry, but before the season Draymond punched the Stephhing out of him?

That's all I got.

I’m not discounting maybe a weird team dynamic shot his confidence, but he isn’t anywhere close to what he was. It’s weird.

[M2]

I’m not discounting maybe a weird team dynamic shot his confidence, but he isn’t anywhere close to what he was. It’s weird.

I'm guessing his head got way too big and the punch was the result of it being obvious inside the Warriors camp.

[M2]

If Jamal Murray is going to be better than Devin Booker, this is going to be a short series.

[M2]

The Warriors came out to play. Steph dropped 50. Kevon Looney gets my vote for series MVP with yet another 20+ rebound effort.

The Kings hopefully learn a few things from this (play better defense, take better shots, marshal your emotions better). Looking forward to them adding depth this summer.

[SteelSD]

Boston 1st quarter- 17 of 20 from the floor. Due to no Embiid, they're getting constant drives to the rim. Sixers aren't playing poorly, but there's nothing they can do about it.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Honestly incredible job by philly just keeping contact here. This is an incredible offensive performance from Boston.

[SteelSD]

I have no idea how Philly is only down by three right now. Well, that's not true. James Harden has 21 and De'Anthony Melton is 5-for-5 from deep for 17 points. Still won't matter if Boston keeps shooting 74% from the field. I mean, really???

[RedTeamGo!]

I have no idea how Philly is only down by three right now. Well, that's not true. James Harden has 21 and De'Anthony Melton is 5-for-5 from deep for 17 points. Still won't matter if Boston keeps shooting 74% from the field. I mean, really???

I thought the 74% was hyperbole, but wow, it’s not. How in the world is this a 3 point game??

[BuckeyeRed27]

I thought the 74% was hyperbole, but wow, it’s not. How in the world is this a 3 point game??

They were above 80 about half way through the 2nd and finally missed a few and Philly went on a run.

[RedTeamGo!]

This is the difference between college bball and pro bball to me. In NBA it’s surprising when shooters miss jump shots, in college it’s surprising when they make them. Also, obviously NBA is just way faster.

[goreds2]

76ers playing tough without Embiid. Tie game in third quarter. Glad Atlanta took Boston to 6 games.

[SteelSD]

This is the difference between college bball and pro bball to me. In NBA it’s surprising when shooters miss jump shots, in college it’s surprising when they make them. Also, obviously NBA is just way faster.

Yup. It's insane. Back in the long-ago-time when I was in high school, we were on the road for a game and we showed up early. Watched the other team's 6'5" All-State forward hit shot after shot after shot after shot warming up by himself. From everywhere on the court. It was almost demoralizing how good he was.

He couldn't cut it in Division II college ball.

And now the Sixers lead. Part of me wonders if they're just formulating a previously-unattempted way of losing to the Celtics.

[SteelSD]

And now Maxey is heading to the locker room with a knee issue.

Good god.

Edit: Ok, he's on the bike, so who knows.

[RedTeamGo!]

Yup. It's insane. Back in the long-ago-time when I was in high school, we were on the road for a game and we showed up early. Watched the other team's 6'5" All-State forward hit shot after shot after shot after shot warming up by himself. From everywhere on the court. It was almost demoralizing how good he was.

He couldn't cut it in Division II college ball.

And now the Sixers lead. Part of me wonders if they're just formulating a previously-unattempted way of losing to the Celtics.

Ha, yep, I’ve seen that quite a few times. However, I remember when I was a senior in HS we had a really good team and this tiny freshman showed up and word started spreading how good of a shooter he was. He made varsity on a team loaded with college talent, including BJ Raymond (Xavier) and Zach Hillesland (Notre Dame) as well as a power forward that went on to play 10 years for the Miami Dolphins. Anyways, this tiny little kid shows up and just completely starts taking over the Toledo city league. He was always so skinny, undersized, and frankly shy he didn’t get much attention and ended up going to U of Dayton. Anyways, we could tell he was a special shooter when he was 14 and ended up being this guy: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Roberts_(basketball)

Funny, though, 2nd best player the city of Toledo ever produced (Jimmy Jackson being #1) and he only carved out a 5-6 year nba career.

[RedTeamGo!]

I went to the bathroom expecting that to be reversed and called offensive foul. What was the explanation for why it was a blocking foul? Was Smart moving?

[goreds2]

Harden 45 points… so far!

[SteelSD]

I went to the bathroom expecting that to be reversed and called offensive foul. What was the explanation for why it was a blocking foul? Was Smart moving?

Yes. He was not in legal guarding position.

- - - Updated - - -

OMG. That's...unfamiliar...

[BuckeyeRed27]

Wow. Great job Philly.

[RedTeamGo!]

Holy smokes what a shot by Harden

[goreds2]

Philly steals one in Boston! James Harden reminded me of Andrew Toney vs Boston in 1982 Eastern Conference finals.

[SteelSD]

Paul Reed was taking flak in the first half from plenty of Sixers fans, but finished with a 10-point/13-board (4 offensive) double-double and was completely clutch down the stretch.

And after said first half, despite Harden's strong start, if someone would have told me that he'd end up outplaying Jason Tatum, I'd have called them insane.

What a game.

Get well soon, Joel.

[Revering4Blue]

RedTeamGo,

While we are on the subject of Toledo High School hoops stars, Toledo’s Macomber High produced Ohio State PG Kelvin Ransey, who was a top 10 pick in 1980. He was a solid NBA player, but suddenly retired in 1986 to become a minister.

I’m certain several Redzoners who frequent this thread remember him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[M2]

James Harden earned his whole damn paycheck tonight.

[goreds2]

RedTeamGo,

While we are on the subject of Toledo High School hoops stars, Toledo’s Macomber High produced Ohio State PG Kelvin Ransey, who was a top 10 pick in 1980. He was a solid NBA player, but suddenly retired in 1986 to become a minister.

I’m certain several Redzoners who frequent this thread remember him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Kelvin Ransey is my all time favorite Buckeye basketball player. He was great on the losing teams his first year or two and stayed great when they started to win with Herb Williams and Co.

[RedTeamGo!]

RedTeamGo,

While we are on the subject of Toledo High School hoops stars, Toledo’s Macomber High produced Ohio State PG Kelvin Ransey, who was a top 10 pick in 1980. He was a solid NBA player, but suddenly retired in 1986 to become a minister.

I’m certain several Redzoners who frequent this thread remember him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That’s def before my time and I do not know who that is, will have to look him up, thanks!

[westofyou]

RedTeamGo,

While we are on the subject of Toledo High School hoops stars, Toledo’s Macomber High produced Ohio State PG Kelvin Ransey, who was a top 10 pick in 1980. He was a solid NBA player, but suddenly retired in 1986 to become a minister.

I’m certain several Redzoners who frequent this thread remember him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

One of my best friends in HS played at Summit Country Day with Dexter Bailey during that era, who went to Xavier and never popped like he did in HS, but he was the best player in the city for a time

[M2]

There was a play in the 4th quarter of the Nuggets-Suns game where on offensive rebound caromed straight into De'Andre Ayton's hands and he was one step away from the rim. Yet it was like someone handed him a bomb. He wanted nothing to do with that clear look at the rim and he looked around frantically for someone to take the ball from him. He found Booker, who then dribbled around a couple of guys and hit a tough shot, but Ayton is in the sunken place.

[Chip R]

Get well soon, Joel.

Why? Evidently they don't need him to beat the Celtics on the road. :rolleyes: If I were them, I'd keep him out of Game 2 as well.

I think it's unfair the NBA has made the Celtics play two teams in this series: The Sixers and themselves.

[SteelSD]

There was a play in the 4th quarter of the Nuggets-Suns game where on offensive rebound caromed straight into De'Andre Ayton's hands and he was one step away from the rim. Yet it was like someone handed him a bomb. He wanted nothing to do with that clear look at the rim and he looked around frantically for someone to take the ball from him. He found Booker, who then dribbled around a couple of guys and hit a tough shot, but Ayton is in the sunken place.

While he's down there, he should say hello to Ben Simmons.

[SteelSD]

Why? Evidently they don't need him to beat the Celtics on the road. :rolleyes: If I were them, I'd keep him out of Game 2 as well.

I think it's unfair the NBA has made the Celtics play two teams in this series: The Sixers and themselves.

The Sixers may not have a choice. Embiid supposedly has a grade 2 sprain. Those normally can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to heal. And while I would prefer that the Celtics continue to sleep on the weird goodness that is Paul Reed, and want Harden to continue his foray into his younger years, and hope that De'Anthony Melton keeps channeling his inner-Steph, the reality is that it'll be pretty rough to get hit in the teeth like the Sixers did in the first half and keep getting up from it.

[Rojo Rijo]

Memphis has reportedly informed Dillon Brooks (who is a FA) that he will not be brought back under any circumstances.

Can't remember ever seeing a player headed for FA be told leave and dont come back.

[SteelSD]

Memphis has reportedly informed Dillon Brooks (who is a FA) that he will not be brought back under any circumstances.

Can't remember ever seeing a player headed for FA be told leave and dont come back.

Not only that, but they did so after conferencing in LeBron and Klay.

Ok...I don't know if that happened, but it's what I choose to believe...

[Mitri]

No Butler for the Heat tonight. I don't care who's not playing for the Knicks (Randle, Brunson?), it's a must-win game.

Edit: Brunson and Randle are both starting LOL.

[SteelSD]

And...finally...

Joel Embiid named 2022-23 NBA MVP

https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/1653540828093063168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1653540828093063168%7Ctwgr% 5Ed7855b83630456fef2c76d817c6f885bec727ed6%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.libertyballers.com%2F202 3%2F5%2F2%2F23707960%2Fjoel-embiid-2022-23-nba-mvp-sixers-nikola-jokic-giannis-antetokounmpo

[Mitri]

Embiid deserved it. Happy for him, he's a great player. I never thought he'd stay healthy enough to do it.

[RedTeamGo!]

Why even have replay?

[RedTeamGo!]

Oh my that ball very obviously hit the rim. Wow.

[Mitri]

Oh my that ball very obviously hit the rim. Wow.

True, but it wouldn't have mattered. Knicks were winning this one.

Still, I'm not super hopeful about them pulling this off. It took a full-strength team to beat the Heat, at home, sans-Butler.

One of the young guards (Grimes/Quickley) needs to get going and Randle needs to know when to just play decoy.

[M2]

Memphis has reportedly informed Dillon Brooks (who is a FA) that he will not be brought back under any circumstances.

Can't remember ever seeing a player headed for FA be told leave and dont come back.

That's a sensible call by the Grizz. Yet what makes no sense is why they didn't upgrade his sorry ass at the trade deadline or why they threw 28 minutes a game at him in the playoffs. Like, Brooks being trash was obvious long before today.

[M2]

True, but it wouldn't have mattered. Knicks were winning this one.

Still, I'm not super hopeful about them pulling this off. It took a full-strength team to beat the Heat, at home, sans-Butler.

One of the young guards (Grimes/Quickley) needs to get going and Randle needs to know when to just play decoy.

I think Quickley's the one who needs to activate. He's their bench ace. Takes a lot of pressure off their starting unit when he's putting up points.

[RedTeamGo!]

True, but it wouldn't have mattered. Knicks were winning this one.

Still, I'm not super hopeful about them pulling this off. It took a full-strength team to beat the Heat, at home, sans-Butler.

One of the young guards (Grimes/Quickley) needs to get going and Randle needs to know when to just play decoy.

I mean it was 2 points wiped off the board and possession given to the Knicks in a tight game with a couple minutes left.

How in the world did that not matter?

[Rojo Rijo]

2 for 5 on my preseason award predictions.

MVP - Embiid - Got right
ROY Banchero - Got right

MIP - Guessed Brunson. Markkanen won
DPOY - Guessed Gobert. JJJ won
6th man - Guessed Poole. Brogdon won

[Mitri]

I mean it was 2 points wiped off the board and possession given to the Knicks in a tight game with a couple minutes left.

How in the world did that not matter?

Because the Knicks were going to find a way to win this game. Also, possession wouldn’t have mattered. It would have been 2 points and Knicks ball or no call and Knicks ball.

Game was still too close for my tastes. Randle should should not be handling the ball late in the game unless he grabs a board or spotting up for a 3. Even Brunson gave a possession away late. Their inexperience in the playoffs is showing vs a Spoelstra led team of vets.

[Puffy]

Because the Knicks were going to find a way to win this game. Also, possession wouldn’t have mattered. It would have been 2 points and Knicks ball or no call and Knicks ball.

Game was still too close for my tastes. Randle should should not be handling the ball late in the game unless he grabs a board or spotting up for a 3. Even Brunson gave a possession away late. Their inexperience in the playoffs is showing vs a Spoelstra led team of vets.

Yes, way too close for my tastes too. And I agree with M2 - it's Quickly who needs to step up. Kid was lighting things up for last month of season and playoffs start and, all of a sudden, he is practically invisible. We need that spark

[M2]

Yes, way too close for my tastes too. And I agree with M2 - it's Quickly who needs to step up. Kid was lighting things up for last month of season and playoffs start and, all of a sudden, he is practically invisible. We need that spark

Or do you need that Starks?

https://backinthegame.hss.edu/backend/wp-content/uploads/story/14262/GettyImages-463131558-853x1024.jpg

[texasdave]

Or do you need that Starks?

https://backinthegame.hss.edu/backend/wp-content/uploads/story/14262/GettyImages-463131558-853x1024.jpg

This post reminds me of a Joni Mitchell album: Court and Starks. :laugh:

PS - John Starks was one of the grittiest players that I have ever witnessed.

[SteelSD]

Apparently, the Sixers are trying to win an NBA game by shooting 8% from three. We'll see how that works, but my best guess is "Not very well".

[SteelSD]

Well, can't say that was a fun game. Figured that Philly couldn't possibly shoot worse in the third quarter. I was wrong. They reminded me of those B-ball shooting games at carnivals where the rim is just a bit too small for the basketball to actually go through.

[goreds2]

Isn’t slam dunk champ Mac
McClung on the 76ers playoff roster?

If so, would of been nice to see him in the final minutes.

[Mutaman]

They reminded me of those B-ball shooting games at carnivals where the rim is just a bit too small for the basketball to actually go through.

Reminds me of the great Frasier episode where Niles hits the half court shot at the Sonics game.

Martin Crane: "I know I always told you boys that sports aren't important... but they are! "

[M2]

So far this Boston-Philly series has all the intensity of a mid-season, out-of-conference meeting between two HS teams. Golden State and the Lakers has instant grit in their series.

[SteelSD]

I did not know this...during the game they said that the last 14 teams who won a game one as a road team went on to lose game two.

That seems mildly crazy.

[Kingspoint]

I did not know this...during the game they said that the last 14 teams who won a game one as a road team went on to lose game two.

That seems mildly crazy.

That's why they always say, "If you're going to steal one on the road, the most likely is Game 1".

[Chip R]

And...finally...

Joel Embiid named 2022-23 NBA MVP

https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/1653540828093063168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1653540828093063168%7Ctwgr% 5Ed7855b83630456fef2c76d817c6f885bec727ed6%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.libertyballers.com%2F202 3%2F5%2F2%2F23707960%2Fjoel-embiid-2022-23-nba-mvp-sixers-nikola-jokic-giannis-antetokounmpo

Good for him. Not taking a single thing away from him but besides his play, I think the reason he won was because it was his turn. The last few years Giannis and Jokic have traded off winning MVPs. Embiid has been left out in the cold despite playing as well as the other two. The voters just didn't want to keep giving it to the same guy every year. We've seen this in other sports. Mike Trout should have won more MVPs than he has but they don't want him winning it every year. Roger Clemens probably should have won more Cy Youngs than he did and Barry Bonds more MVPs. Michael Jordan should have won it a few more times too.

[UKFlounder]

Bucks fire Budenholzer

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/37424110/sources-bucks-fire-coach-mike-budenholzer-early-exit

[SteelSD]

Good for him. Not taking a single thing away from him but besides his play, I think the reason he won was because it was his turn. The last few years Giannis and Jokic have traded off winning MVPs. Embiid has been left out in the cold despite playing as well as the other two. The voters just didn't want to keep giving it to the same guy every year. We've seen this in other sports. Mike Trout should have won more MVPs than he has but they don't want him winning it every year. Roger Clemens probably should have won more Cy Youngs than he did and Barry Bonds more MVPs. Michael Jordan should have won it a few more times too.

I can appreciate that perspective, Chip. I have a bit of a different take. I think it was a combination of things, including that voters could no longer blissfully ignore that Jokic is an absolute sieve defensively. And the now-infamous Denver-vs-San Antonio Jokic defensive slug compilation that made the rounds on Twitter threw that directly in the face of guys like Zach Lowe and others who sheltered behind an array of junky, clunky, and bunky advanced defensive metrics. In general, metrics are good. But team sports like basketball muddy the analytical waters, so there's also needs to be a smell test when it comes to defensive play. And after a good number of voters simply put clothespins on their noses for two-plus years, it simply could no longer be ignored that Jokic stinks to high heaven on that end of the court.

But mainly, Embiid was so good for so long that he finally ran voters out of dumb, goalpost-shifting excuses. Yeah, it might have been Embiid's "turn", but it was also his time, and really has been for at least two years now.

[M2]

Bucks fire Budenholzer

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/37424110/sources-bucks-fire-coach-mike-budenholzer-early-exit

He only won 69.3% of his games there, and only one title. Had to be done.

[M2]

Wow, this is the first time the Lakers and Warriors have met in the playoffs since 1991.

[westofyou]

Wow, this is the first time the Lakers and Warriors have met in the playoffs since 1991.

I liked that Warrior team. Mullen, Hardaway Richmond and Sarunaus

[Mutaman]

He only won 69.3% of his games there, and only one title. Had to be done.

Feel the same way i did when Dusty was let go: It was time for a change. Can't imagine this move was made without major input from Giannis. Hope it works out better than the Baker termination did.

[Revering4Blue]

I liked that Warrior team. Mullen, Hardaway Richmond and Sarunaus

And another example of a Don Nelson coached team featuring unconventional lineups way ahead of the times. That type of lineup would kill it today. But in those days, it was only a matter of time until you would get sand kicked in your face without quality big men.

Entertaining team, though. They were a blast to watch in the Run TMC days.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Chip R]

He only won 69.3% of his games there, and only one title. Had to be done.

I'm hoping Nick Nurse gets that job. They'll not only have a guy from my alma mater coaching them but playing for them as well (AJ Green.)

[M2]

Feel the same way i did when Dusty was let go: It was time for a change. Can't imagine this move was made without major input from Giannis. Hope it works out better than the Baker termination did.

I'll agree with the last sentence. My take on the rest is the Bud years is they look like they're going to be a golden age for that franchise. I feel like not just Dusty, but Lou and Sparky have taught me there's rarely something better waiting on the other side of a wildly successful coach.

Per what Chip said, Nurse seems like the obvious choice. Yet that's a very big set of boots to fill.

[Chip R]

I'll agree with the last sentence. My take on the rest is the Bud years is they look like they're going to be a golden age for that franchise. I feel like not just Dusty, but Lou and Sparky have taught me there's rarely something better waiting on the other side of a wildly successful coach.

Per what Chip said, Nurse seems like the obvious choice. Yet that's a very big set of boots to fill.

Nurse was fired himself just a couple of years after winning it all. It's a "what have you done for me lately" business. Although I think Bud's in game management in the Miami series left something to be desired and may have been the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back.

[M2]

Nurse was fired himself just a couple of years after winning it all. It's a "what have you done for me lately" business. Although I think Bud's in game management in the Miami series left something to be desired and may have been the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back.

I get that, but shuffling away from a wildly successful coach is a move that rarely works. For any mistakes that were made (Giannis on Butler should have happened) there are also structural roster issues they need to address (they need a better 2nd guard and a wing scorer off the bench). I suspect everybody taking accountability and pulling together would have been more effective than a reactive move.

[SteelSD]

First quarter recap...

Sixers lead by one. Celtics engaged in ICT plan again. Scott Foster is awful. Joel Embiid has two blocks. Marcus Smart has five flops.

[SteelSD]

The officials just screwed the Sixers. De'Anthony Melton got a three off in time, but the officials called a shot clock violation while the shot was in flight; stopping the game clock at 4.3 seconds. Al Hoford then hit a three just before halftime that wouldn't have been possible had the clock kept running correctly on the previous play.

That's not the only idiocy perpetrated by these inept officals, but so far, it's the worst example.

[SteelSD]

Pretty rough to have to play 5-on-8 basketball against Boston, but if Harden keeps throwing up shooting displays like the last two games, this one is over in five. Doc with some inexplicable moves tonight- benching the length of Jalen McDaniels in the second half when P.J. Tucker absolutely couldn't keep up with Tatum was a big issue. Even playing on a bad knee and wearing a brace, Embiid was great. But Maxey and Harden combining to hit only 7 of 30 shots spells doom against pretty much anyone.

[Kingspoint]

May 6th, 2023 at 9:49pm CST by Arthur Hill

Sixers players didn’t hold back at today’s film session as they reviewed their Game 3 loss to the Celtics, writes Tim Bontemps of ESPN. There was plenty to critique as Philadelphia fell by double digits and watched home court advantage slip away. The Sixers will have to regroup for Sunday to avoid heading back to Boston with a 3-1 deficit.

“I think the biggest thing was today that we were real with each other, and that’s good,” Tyrese Maxey said. “Family has to be real with each other. Family has to express themselves. They have to express the emotions that they’re feeling and you have to get that off your chest. And I think we’ve done a great job of that all year.” Bontemps states that Maxey shot for the entire hour that reporters were present Saturday as he tries to regain his rhythm following a 4-for-16 performance Friday night. His drills included shooting over taller defenders in the lane. “(Coach Doc Rivers) was on me,” Maxey said. “He said he felt like I started the third quarter with confidence, and then he said he felt like after I missed a shot or two, then my confidence stopped, and I stopped being aggressive and then started trying to press the issue. I just got to be confident throughout the entire game, and keep being aggressive.”

There’s more from Philadelphia:

Rivers tried to get his team back in the right frame of mind following a disappointing outing, Bontemps adds. There have already been a couple of momentum swings in the series, and the long-time coach knows that more are possible. “This is part of going through a playoff grind,” he said. “It’s emotional terrorism at times, and you have to deal with it. You have to be able to handle it. Or you lose. … I thought, after watching the film, we were in a much better place than before. The Sixers’ perimeter defense is being exploited in a series that Boston could easily be leading 3-0, observes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Pompey states that De’Anthony Melton, P.J. Tucker and Georges Niang have done fine, but the Celtics are taking advantage of Philadelphia’s other defenders and are especially targeting James Harden. Pompey notes that Harden’s best playoff games have come in the series openers when he had time to rest, but he hasn’t been nearly as effective otherwise. Joel Embiid played 39 minutes in his second game since returning from a sprained knee, but he told Rivers he felt great on Saturday, Pompey tweets. Even so, Embiid is listed as questionable on the Sixers’ injury report for Game 4.

[SteelSD]

Good Harden showed up today, hitting the Sixers game-winner with 18 seconds left in OT, covering for a blown 15-point second half lead. Harden finished with 42 points, 9 assists, and 8 boards while Embiid pitched in 34 points and 13 boards. While the game was marred by a terrible offensive showing by Philly in the final quarter, the OT period officiating- which had been decent most of the game- almost resulted in a 3-1 series lead for Boston. A terrible call on a Marcus Smart moving flop cost Embiid an and-one bucket with about a minute and a half left, and was followed by a no-call on an obvious Jason Tatum push-off that occurred right in front of the official as Tatum cleared space for a three. The final insult was when the pack of zebras lost track of the game clock when Marcus Smart failed to get a shot off at the end of OT, initially called it a game-winning made three until it was correctly overturned upon review.

Next game is back at Boston, where Philly needs the best versions of both Embiid and Harden to show up, but even more so need the supporting cast to take a significant step forward.

[goreds2]

Whew, just watched the 76ers game via DVR. What an ending! Will take Hardin for the win, Alex.

[M2]

Philly and Boston became a series today. Feels like both teams are finally all-in.

[Kingspoint]

I can't believe the blatant Offensive foul they were three feet from and staring at when Tatum backed away from it and hit a three that could have resulted in a loss for the Sixers.

In the other game, Phoenix doesn't hit a bucket the final three minutes of the game, but they do hit eight free throws to win.

[goreds2]

Tonight:

5 New York
8 Miami
7:30 pm
TNT
Kaseya Center



6 Golden St.
7 L.A. Lakers
10:00 pm
TNT
Crypto

[Kingspoint]

The EuroLeague has reached an agreement to have its games streamed on ESPN 3, according to BasketNews. The rights deal will cover the remainder of this year’s playoffs and all of the 2023/24 season. “I am delighted that all U.S. basketball fans will have the possibility to watch all EuroLeague games on ESPN platform,” said Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Euroleague Basketball marketing and communication senior director. “Globalization is a cornerstone for sports market growth in general and basketball in particular. We are confident that all U.S. basketball fans will appreciate the diversity of our stories and the experience that the EuroLeague delivers during the whole season.”

[Kingspoint]

NBA Announces All-Rookie Teams

May 8th, 2023 at 1:12pm CST by Rory Maher

Rookie of the Year winner Paolo Banchero was a unanimous choice for the 2022/23 All-Rookie First Team, the NBA announced today (via Twitter). Players receive two points for a First Team vote and one point for a Second Team vote, and Banchero received the maximum possible 200 points.

Here’s the full five-man squad, listed in order of their total points received via voters:

Magic forward Banchero (200)
Thunder guard/forward Jalen Williams (199)
Jazz center Walker Kessler (195)
Kings forward Keegan Murray (185)
Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (170)


The All-Rookie Second Team was announced as well, with a couple of teammates headlining the group (Twitter link).

Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (142)
Pistons center Jalen Duren (85)
Rockets forward Jabari Smith (72)
Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (66)
Rockets forward Tari Eason (47)


In my (the writer's) opinion, the most surprising omission from the All-Rookie Second Team was Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, who received 46 points. Nembhard was actually listed on one more ballot than Eason, but Eason received two First Team votes versus Nembhard’s zero, giving him a narrow edge. That’s not to say Eason (or anyone else) was undeserving — he had a strong season as a tenacious offensive rebounder and defender. I just thought Nembhard should have been honored because he started the majority of the season for a competitive Indiana team and was frequently tasked with guarding the opposing teams’ best player, as Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files notes (via Twitter). According to the NBA (Twitter link), others receiving votes included Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (36), Hawks wing AJ Griffin (26), Nuggets forward Christian Braun, Thunder center Jaylin Williams (seven), Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy (four), Spurs guard Malaki Branham (three), Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels (two), Hornets center Mark Williams (two) and Bucks wing MarJon Beauchamp (one).

In case you missed it, more NBA awards will be coming later this week. The All-Defensive teams will be announced on Tuesday, followed by All-NBA on Wednesday and the Teammate of the Year award on Thursday.

[Kingspoint]

One of the central figures in what many believe was a fixing of the lottery results by the NBA years ago (one of the many times the NBA likely fixed the lottery results), has passed away.

Nick Gilbert, son of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, dies at 26

ESPN News Services May 7, 2023, 11:26 AM ET

Nick Gilbert, familiar to NBA fans as the Cleveland Cavaliers' representative at the draft lottery, died Saturday from a genetic condition. He was 26. The son of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and wife Jennifer, Nick had a lifelong battle with neurofibromatosis (NF1), which causes noncancerous tumors to grow on the brain, spinal cord and skin. There is no cure. His death was announced by the Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield, Michigan. The Gilberts live in Michigan. "Nick was a light and inspiration to so many throughout his 26 years of life," the Cavaliers said in a statement Sunday. "Whether taking on his signature role as the Cavs' good luck charm during several NBA Draft Lotteries or using his voice to advocate in the fight against NF, Nick's unrelenting spirit has been a driving force behind our organization."

Dan Gilbert is the founder and chairman of Rocket Companies and has owned the Cavaliers since 2005. He frequently sent Nick to the NBA draft lottery to sit in the Cavaliers' chair, and he brought good luck to the team. With Nick, wearing his typical bow tie, in the seat, the Cavs twice got the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery. In 2011, they used it on Kyrie Irving. Two years later, they picked Anthony Bennett. "Nick inspired people everywhere with his bravery and brought joy to everyone he met," wrote Mike Duggan, the mayor of Detroit, on Twitter. "All of Detroit has the Gilbert family in our prayers today."

In 2017, the Gilberts launched a foundation that, according to the Detroit News, has funded more than $18 million in research grants toward finding a cure for Type 1 neurofibromatosis. Last season, as the younger Gilbert underwent multiple surgeries, the Cavaliers joined with the Gilberts' foundation and the Children's Tumor Foundation to start the Bow Tie campaign to raise money for and awareness of neurofibromatosis. The Cavaliers dedicated the recently concluded season to Nick and others affected by the condition. The team wore bow tie emblems on their warmups to honor him and raise awareness for the disease. Nick's funeral will be held Tuesday at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[goreds2]

Tonight:

3 Philadelphia
2 Boston
7:30 pm
TNT
TD Garden


4 Phoenix
1 Denver
10:00 pm
TNT
Ball Arena

[BuckeyeRed27]

Getting pretty quiet in Boston

[Rojo Rijo]

Getting pretty quiet in Boston

Brown up to 9-16. Last time I checked he was 7-11 while Tatum was 10-25.

Should be an interesting summer as Brown has 1 year left before he's a UFA.

[M2]

Getting pretty quiet in Boston

The only thing the Celtics have going for them at the moment is Doc Rivers has dropped 6 series in his coaching career with a 3-2 or 3-1 lead. Meanwhile, one more win for the Sixers and you've seriously got to think they could get that 40-year-old gorilla off their back.

[SteelSD]

Coming off a 42-point effort, James Harden took 8 shots tonight and only two three pointers...officially. But he also got to the line 10 times, hitting 8 free throws, to put up an efficient 17 points. That was enough, given that the supporting cast of Tobias Harris (16 points/11 boards) and Tyrese Maxey (30 points, 6-for-12 from deep) came to play. And there was a special guest appearance by Danuel House, who was an energetic shot in the arm; leading the bench with 10 points and 5 boards in 15 minutes, and playing really good defense. Now, Coach Rivers needs to remember- you can have EITHER House or Niang on the floor, not BOTH. Ever. Luckily, he realized that after halftime. One other change that helped was that while Sixers defenders were getting shoved and hooked all over the place, they shook it off almost immediately, and kept pressuring the Celtics on offense. At this point, I think they just realize they're not going to get the calls, so they need to outplay them.

Joel Embiid, playing without the knee brace, was great again with 33 points, 7 boards, and 4 blocks- one on a signature-moment chase down of Jalen Brown. Embiid still doesn't look completely back, but it was enough. One adjustment was to put him on the block more often that previous games, which worked pretty well.

The Celtics shot poorly. Sixers fans' best friend, Al Hoford, put up a horrid 0-for-7 zero-point night while being consistently abused on the post and switches. Jayson Tatum put up 36 points, but man...11-for-27 shooting, including 3-for-11 from distance. Jalen Brown clearly outplayed Tatum, but ended up with only 16 shots on the night, hitting 9 (3-for-6 from three) for a much more efficient 24 points. With the exception of Marcus Smart flopping himself to the free throw line multiple times, no one else showed up.

But man, that was the scariest 21 point lead I've ever seen with 5 minutes left in the fourth. The series now shifts back to Philly on Friday. Let's see if grabbing back home court pays off.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The only thing the Celtics have going for them at the moment is Doc Rivers has dropped 6 series in his coaching career with a 3-2 or 3-1 lead. Meanwhile, one more win for the Sixers and you've seriously got to think they could get that 40-year-old gorilla off their back.

I’ve thought this series was the Finals for a while, although I’m not fully ready to count out Denver.

Doc is a better coach than Mazulla and that’s been a large part of this series.

[Kingspoint]

76ers got this MVP guy...+21 in the 37 minutes he was on the floor and -9 in the 11 minutes he wasn't.

- - - Updated - - -


I’ve thought this series was the Finals for a while, although I’m not fully ready to count out Denver.

Doc is a better coach than Mazulla and that’s been a large part of this series.

The East has to go through Miami. They're the best team in the NBA at the moment.

There's not a better Coach than Spoelstra right now.

[BuckeyeRed27]

76ers got this MVP guy...+21 in the 37 minutes he was on the floor and -9 in the 11 minutes he wasn't.

- - - Updated - - -



The East has to go through Miami. They're the best team in the NBA at the moment.

Miami is losing in 4 or 5 to either of these teams. That series is barely watchable compared to the other 3.

[Kingspoint]

Miami is losing in 4 or 5 to either of these teams. That series is barely watchable compared to the other 3.

MIA will beat either of them and represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.

[Chip R]

There's not a better Coach than Spoelstra right now.

Remember back in his first season with the Big 3 they didn't start off so well and everyone thought it was just a matter of time before he got fired?

[BuckeyeRed27]

MIA will beat either of them and represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.

I respect what Miami is doing and Spo is probably the best coach in the league. But anyone that is starting and playing legit minutes with Gabe Vincent, Kevin Love and Max Strus isn’t sticking around long against Philly or Boston. I’ll give them a game because of Spo and a Jimmy Supernova game.

[M2]

Ran into a few people in Celtics shock today. They were not happy with the team putting on the dog last night. Though I reminded them the other team has this year's MVP and a former MVP on its roster while the Celtics current number zero MVPs. So maybe part of it is the other team is really good.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Ran into a few people in Celtics shock today. They were not happy with the team putting on the dog last night. Though I reminded them the other team has this year's MVP and a former MVP on its roster while the Celtics current number zero MVPs. So maybe part of it is the other team is really good.

Philly is good, but Boston is better. They don’t make adjustments and are getting murdered from a coaching standpoint.

[M2]

Philly is good, but Boston is better. They don’t make adjustments and are getting murdered from a coaching standpoint.

Last season it seemed like Udoka forced the Celtics to start making better decisions. Bad/no instincts were killing them in 2021. I expected them to revert earlier this season, but it seems like they're slowly devolving back to my-turn-your-turn and hero ball.

[klw]

As a fan of the Celtics and Warriors, I am starting to be intrigued by the prospect of a Nuggets Sixers final. It would be interesting to see that battle.

[M2]

As a fan of the Celtics and Warriors, I am starting to be intrigued by the prospect of a Nuggets Sixers final. It would be interesting to see that battle.

Jokic vs. Embiid would be kind of amazing.

[goreds2]

76ers have not been in the East Finals since Iverson. Let’s get it done tonight!

[M2]

Jayson Tatum just rose from the dead.

[SteelSD]

Absolute choke job by the Sixers tonight. Embarrassing. Had they even produced a mediocre field goal percentage, they win the game going away. Instead, they spent the last 6 minutes of the game hitting no shots, while putting up a total of 11 points in the fourth quarter.

I don't see any way Philly wins a game 7 in Boston. If they lose (again), I will not miss Rivers when he's appropriately canned.

[goreds2]

I don't see any way Philly wins a game 7 in Boston. If they lose (again), I will not miss Rivers when he's appropriately canned.

Calling Andrew Toney now.

[M2]

Calling Andrew Toney now.

There was a point tonight where I wondered if Tyrese Maxey might be the new Strangler. He was right on the cusp of it.

[M2]

Absolute choke job by the Sixers tonight. Embarrassing. Had they even produced a mediocre field goal percentage, they win the game going away. Instead, they spent the last 6 minutes of the game hitting no shots, while putting up a total of 11 points in the fourth quarter.

I don't see any way Philly wins a game 7 in Boston. If they lose (again), I will not miss Rivers when he's appropriately canned.

I think if there's one thing I've learned from this series, even this game, is what just happened has no bearing on what's going to happen next. Seems like every minute both of these teams are born anew, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. I want to say it's going to tight and intense, but I know less than Jon Snow.

[M2]

Denver is killing Phoenix. Best team I've seen so far this postseason.

[goreds2]

No game time announced yet for Sunday’s 76ers / Celtics game. Must be waiting on the Lakers / Warriors outcome tonight.

[goreds2]

No game time announced yet for Sunday’s 76ers / Celtics game. Must be waiting on the Lakers / Warriors outcome tonight.

3:30pm est. on ABC.

[M2]

The Warriors gave LeBron James three chances to finish them off, and he got them on the 2nd try. He went 30-9-9 last night on 10-14 shooting. He'd been 44-95 in the five games before that. LeBron can't bring it every night like in his prime, but he can find it at least once if you give him multiple shots at a close-out game.

For the Warriors, Klay (3-18) and Wiggins (2-8) put on the dog. Warriors can't win when they're getting almost nothing from their primary wings. It's going to be really interesting to see what they do this winter. Do they keep Steph-Klay-Dray intact and give them more help, or do they break up their iconic core? I feel like this is the first summer where that could really be on the table. I also feel like Klay could be the one who gets moved.

[Revering4Blue]

The Warriors gave LeBron James three chances to finish them off, and he got them on the 2nd try. He went 30-9-9 last night on 10-14 shooting. He'd been 44-95 in the five games before that. LeBron can't bring it every night like in his prime, but he can find it at least once if you give him multiple shots at a close-out game.

For the Warriors, Klay (3-18) and Wiggins (2-8) put on the dog. Warriors can't win when they're getting almost nothing from their primary wings. It's going to be really interesting to see what they do this winter. Do they keep Steph-Klay-Dray intact and give them more help, or do they break up their iconic core? I feel like this is the first summer where that could really be on the table. I also feel like Klay could be the one who gets moved.

FWIW, a poster on another board suggested the Warriors ether A)Trade for Gobert (but how?). B)GP2, Kuminga and Moody for Myles Turner. How does that help Indy?

In any case, rim protection is a must. If they decide to basically run it back, they'll have to fill the need via the draft -- 7' 1" Dereck Lively will likely be there when they pick -- or via MLE, someone like Nerlens Noel. They should have pounced on him once the Pistons bought his contract out.

[RedTeamGo!]

Warriors “dynasty” is over. Not sure if it would have been a dynasty without KD randomly joining them and the Cavs getting decimated by injuries in 2015.

Either way, Klay looked washed last night. Poole sucks.

[texasdave]

Why did Golden State give up on James Wiseman?

[Mitri]

Denver is killing Phoenix. Best team I've seen so far this postseason.

I watched the first half of that clincher, Jokic is just such a force. Incredible instincts and finesse for a big, he may be unstoppable this year.

[Revering4Blue]

Why did Golden State give up on James Wiseman?

He didn’t fit into their timeline. They couldn’t *afford* to grant him the minutes he needed to develop.

It still doesn’t explain their early 80’s Pacers/80’s Clippers level of buffoonery: Dealing away Wiseman AND five second round picks while only receiving GP2 in return. Both Detroit and Portland are laughing all the way to the bank.

Between the aforementioned idiocy and the Poole extension, Bob Myers has clearly lost it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Revering4Blue]

The Suns part ways with Monty Williams and are eying Ty Lue.

*shaking head*


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Kingspoint]

Dream #1:

Fire Chauncey Billups.

Hire Monty Williams.

- - - Updated - - -


I watched the first half of that clincher, Jokic is just such a force. Incredible instincts and finesse for a big, he may be unstoppable this year.

This version of Porter gives them the dimension they've never had with Jokic.

[M2]

The Suns part ways with Monty Williams and are eying Ty Lue.

*shaking head*

Lue's impressed me with the Clippers. That's a Schrödinger's cat roster if ever there was one. I don't know how you're supposed to build consistency when your key players are constantly injured. That said, firing Monty Williams after all the chaos the Suns have been through this year (and that roster is super thin) is all kinds of rash. Someone top team is going to pounce on him. Where he lands might revolve around who loses today's Philly-Boston game.

[Mitri]

I would love to see the Knicks move on from Thibs and hire Monty.

[goreds2]

If the 76ers win today, the home team would be 2-5 in this series. I wonder if this would be a record.

[KoryMac5]

Ja suspended by the Grizzlies again while the league investigates another of his IG Live posts...(flashing a gun again).

[SteelSD]

Jesus. Scott Foster. Of course.

[SteelSD]

Sixers nine point lead. Then stupidity. Utter stupidity. Lead erased. Now a three-point halftime deficit. James Harden. Awful. Again. No Sixers fan will be disappointed if he heads off to Houston if his second half is like his first. Philly already got the "Jason Tatum" awful game and choked it away. Tatum is not awful today.

[SteelSD]

Well, it's over. 6 points through 8 minutes in the third quarter. Bye Harden. Bye Glenn Rivers.

10 points. They scored 10 points. I didn't think it could get worse than the fourth quarter of game 6. I was wrong.

[M2]

I would love to see the Knicks move on from Thibs and hire Monty.

Here's a trade idea that just popped into my head - the Warriors move Klay and Ryan Rollins (to make the salaries work) to the Knicks for Julius Randle and Evan Fournier. The Knicks get a perimeter sniper and wing defender with a championship pedigree, the Warriors get a younger, versatile big who can score and distribute.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Well that’s a bummer, looked like this might be a classic game 7. But that was an avalanche from Boston.

[Rdirtypirates]

If I was a 76ers fan I would be embarrassed to watch Embiid do this year after year.

[M2]

Whatever Joe Mazz said at halftime, inscribe it on marble an put it up along the Greenway.

[SteelSD]

If I was a 76ers fan I would be embarrassed to watch Embiid do this year after year.

Well, it's good that you're not a Sixers fan then, because I'm quite sure you have more than enough reasons to be embarrassed already.

[SteelSD]

Whatever Joe Mazz said at halftime, inscribe it on marble an put it up along the Greenway.

"Step on the court. The Sixers will miss all their shots. They don't run an offense. LET'S GO!!", is all he really needed to say.

[M2]

"Step on the court. The Sixers will miss all their shots. They don't run an offense. LET'S GO!!", is all he really needed to say.

It is not inconceivable he said something to that effect. Or, "Doc Rivers is busy screwing their heads sideways right now. So here's SpongeBob singing 'Sweet Victory'."

[M2]

The only thing the Celtics have going for them at the moment is Doc Rivers has dropped 6 series in his coaching career with a 3-2 or 3-1 lead. Meanwhile, one more win for the Sixers and you've seriously got to think they could get that 40-year-old gorilla off their back.

All Doc Rivers asks is the NBA switch to best-of-5 series.

[Rdirtypirates]

Joel embiid at the press conference “ it is a good step.” Also adding him and James can’t do it alone. He is almost 30 and has never made it out of the second round. Instead of blaming others, he needs to look in the mirror. He is probably the worst so called superstar of this generation.

[M2]

Joel embiid at the press conference “ it is a good step.” Also adding him and James can’t do it alone. He is almost 30 and has never made it out of the second round. Instead of blaming others, he needs to look in the mirror. He is probably the worst so called superstar of this generation.

He's a classic center, which means other guys need to run the offense and deliver on the perimeter. Boston bet if they took away Embiid as best they can (and they can take him away better than most) that the rest of the team couldn't beat them. Turned out to be a good plan.

[RedTeamGo!]

It’s pretty silly Embiid won MVP over Jokic

[SteelSD]

He's a classic center, which other guys need to run the offense and deliver on the perimeter. Boston bet if they took away Embiid as best they can (and they can take him away better than most) that the rest of the team couldn't beat them. Turned out to be a good plan.

It was exacerbated by the fact that the Sixers play inside-out rather than outside-in. When they don't make their threes, that just further emboldens Boston to collapse on Embiid when he has the ball- double and triple teams were constant. Hell, Robert Williams wasn't even guarding anyone the entire game.

Oh, and I'm sure you know- Rdirt isn't here to talk basketball. He has absolutely no interest in the NBA. His sole purpose is to attempt to troll. It's the only reason he suddenly showed up in the thread.

[M2]

Was thinking through the Sixers roster. I assume Morey will swing big and I'm not taking it as a given James Harden is leaving town. Philly has its 2029 and 2031 1st round picks it can deal. It has Toby Harris' $39 million to balance out contract space. The real question is whether they're willing to put Maxey on the table. He's going to be the price if a superstar like Doncic becomes available. If they think Maxey is going to take the next step, then a 3-and-D guy would be the way to go. But Morey's M.O. is to go after the best guy on the market. So if that's Markkanen or Beal or LaVine, expect the Sixers to be in the mix.

[SteelSD]

Was thinking through the Sixers roster. I assume Morey will swing big and I'm not taking it as a given James Harden is leaving town. Philly has its 2029 and 2031 1st round picks it can deal. It has Toby Harris' $39 million to balance out contract space. The real question is whether they're willing to put Maxey on the table. He's going to be the price if a superstar like Doncic becomes available. If they think Maxey is going to take the next step, then a 3-and-D guy would be the way to go. But Morey's M.O. is to go after the best guy on the market. So if that's Markkanen or Beal or LaVine, expect the Sixers to be in the mix.

The best I can hope for is that if Harden stays, hopefully they can swing a sign-and-trade with him. That will leave them needing someone at the point, and while Doncic is a nice dream, I'm wondering if Morant is wearing out his welcome in Memphis?

[Rdirtypirates]

He's a classic center, which means other guys need to run the offense and deliver on the perimeter. Boston bet if they took away Embiid as best they can (and they can take him away better than most) that the rest of the team couldn't beat them. Turned out to be a good plan.

Which just goes to show in todays NBA a dominant center can be game planned against pretty easily when a team is lacking shooters and a true number two. Harden had a few amazing games, but his superstar days are long gone. They have tried so many pieces around Embiid, at some point you have to think the player and philosophy are part of the problem.

[M2]

Which just goes to show in todays NBA a dominant center can be game planned against pretty easily when a team is lacking shooters and a true number two. Harden had a few amazing games, but his superstar days are long gone. They have tried so many pieces around Embiid, at some point you have to think the player and philosophy are part of the problem.

That first part isn't news to anyone. It's a pace and space league. The Sixers have stumbled around adding shooters and a reliable #2. Jimmy Butler was the guy, but Jimmy knew better than to tie himself to Ben Simmons. Anyway, Embiid scored 25.3 ppg in this series even with the Celtics throwing three guys at him whenever he touched the ball. Of all of Philly's problems, Embiid wasn't one of them.

[BuckeyeRed27]

That first part isn't news to anyone. It's a pace and space league. The Sixers have stumbled around adding shooters and a reliable #2. Jimmy Butler was the guy, but Jimmy knew better than to tie himself to Ben Simmons. Anyway, Embiid scored 25.3 ppg in this series even with the Celtics throwing three guys at him whenever he touched the ball. Of all of Philly's problems, Embiid wasn't one of them.

Yeah what are we talking about here? Embiid was solid to great this entire series on top of the fact he came back very quickly from a tough knee injury and wasn’t 100%.

Philly is good, Boston was a little better. That was very likely the NBA Finals. Not sure we have to make this some huge indictment on Embiid.

And if they trade Maxey that’s insane.

[M2]

And if they trade Maxey that’s insane.

He seems like he can be the #2, but he's got to get there next season.

[Rdirtypirates]

That first part isn't news to anyone. It's a pace and space league. The Sixers have stumbled around adding shooters and a reliable #2. Jimmy Butler was the guy, but Jimmy knew better than to tie himself to Ben Simmons. Anyway, Embiid scored 25.3 ppg in this series even with the Celtics throwing three guys at him whenever he touched the ball. Of all of Philly's problems, Embiid wasn't one of them.
I don’t see how you can watch this series and not blame him. The first part seems to be news to the sixers because this is every year. As for the Jimmy Butler thing he didn’t want to leave. Embiid said the decision was Simmons over him. There is even video of Butler yelling you chose Harris over me, falsely. So yes, it is Phillys scheme and decision making that makes them constant losers in the playoffs.Also, Embiid isn’t that guy. That much is obvious, but it is excuse after excuse for the guy. He flat out quit, and people say he played good.

[Rdirtypirates]

Yeah what are we talking about here? Embiid was solid to great this entire series on top of the fact he came back very quickly from a tough knee injury and wasn’t 100%.

Philly is good, Boston was a little better. That was very likely the NBA Finals. Not sure we have to make this some huge indictment on Embiid.

And if they trade Maxey that’s insane.

Philly was up3-2 so, let’s not act like Embiid didn’t help choke the series away. Boston played horrible game six and sizers still gave it away. Short sample , but they were2-0 without him including winning game one. In game seven he shot 5-18 and was pjaying weak on the boards like he had all series.How a superstar can play like that and you call it good baffles me. I also watched him give up. They will never win with building around Embiid. That would seem obvious.

[M2]

I don’t see how you can watch this series and not blame him. The first part seems to be news to the sixers because this is every year. As for the Jimmy Butler thing he didn’t want to leave. Embiid said the decision was Simmons over him. There is even video of Butler yelling you chose Harris over me, falsely. So yes, it is Phillys scheme and decision making that makes them constant losers in the playoffs.Also, Embiid isn’t that guy. That much is obvious, but it is excuse after excuse for the guy. He flat out quit, and people say he played good.

I don't know how you could watch this series and think Embiid is the guy to blame unless you've got an irrational dislike of Embiid. He played his tail off (he was still chasing Celtics on the perimeter even after Game 7 was out of reach) and was the best player on his team. Boston's defense was literally designed to strangle off Embiid as best they could and count on the rest of the team to clang their shots.

[M2]

Philly was up3-2 so, let’s not act like Embiid didn’t help choke the series away. Boston played horrible game six and sizers still gave it away. Short sample , but they were2-0 without him including winning game one. In game seven he shot 5-18 and was pjaying weak on the boards like he had all series.How a superstar can play like that and you call it good baffles me. I also watched him give up. They will never win with building around Embiid. That would seem obvious.

Boston didn't shoot well in Game 6, but they played killer defense. And Embiid wasn't rebounding because he was getting sucked out to the perimeter on defense (by design because the Celtics weren't keeping anyone near the basket for Embiid to guard). Philly could have gone to a zone or kept Embiid hovering near the basket the way Boston does with the Time Lord, but they don't have the defenders to challenge on the wings if they do that and Boston has too many shooters.

And Embiid was going 1v3 the whole game, which was forcing him into tough shots and keeping him off the offensive glass. He did pass out of it repeatedly and his teammates didn't hit their shots. If they had, then Boston would have had to dismantle the wall in front of Embiid. All of this was pretty apparent during the game. And it's not a state secret Philly has never put high quality shooting around Embiid.

Also, I'll mention the same thing I was saying to Boston fans after they were shellshocked by going down 3-2: maybe recognize the other team is really good at basketball. When the Celtics tighten the clamps on defense and move the ball on offense, they're evil. If they play like that against the remaining teams in the playoffs, they should win fairly comfortably.

[KoryMac5]

"Step on the court. The Sixers will miss all their shots. They don't run an offense. LET'S GO!!", is all he really needed to say.

They talked about this last night on NBA TV Sixers are a one dimensional team they only run high screen pick and roll and over a 7 game series if that's all you run elite teams are going to figure it out....

I do think Maxey can help turn that around and Harden walking will benefit his growth and development.

[Mitri]

Here's a trade idea that just popped into my head - the Warriors move Klay and Ryan Rollins (to make the salaries work) to the Knicks for Julius Randle and Evan Fournier. The Knicks get a perimeter sniper and wing defender with a championship pedigree, the Warriors get a younger, versatile big who can score and distribute.

Not sure how I feel about that. If Klay could be extended on a reasonable deal it could work. It would also free up a player like Grimes who could bring in some muscle to replace Randle. Would subbing Anunoby and Klay for Randle and Grimes make the Knicks a contender?

Knicks must trade one of Barrett/Randle. They’re basically slightly different versions of the same player. Trading the older one - Randle - for a wing who fits better - Klay - makes a lot of sense. But more would be needed to really move the needle.

I expect a lot of pieces moving this summer, and the Knicks have plenty of assets to grab one or two.

[M2]

Not sure how I feel about that. If Klay could be extended on a reasonable deal it could work. It would also free up a player like Grimes who could bring in some muscle to replace Randle. Would subbing Anunoby and Klay for Randle and Grimes make the Knicks a contender?

Knicks must trade one of Barrett/Randle. They’re basically slightly different versions of the same player. Trading the older one - Randle - for a wing who fits better - Klay - makes a lot of sense. But more would be needed to really move the needle.

I expect a lot of pieces moving this summer, and the Knicks have plenty of assets to grab one or two.

I'd move RJ, but I've been on that train for years. Still think moving him to Toronto for, probably, Anunoby is the move to make.

[Rdirtypirates]

I don't know how you could watch this series and think Embiid is the guy to blame unless you've got an irrational dislike of Embiid. He played his tail off (he was still chasing Celtics on the perimeter even after Game 7 was out of reach) and was the best player on his team. Boston's defense was literally designed to strangle off Embiid as best they could and count on the rest of the team to clang their shots.

You said it yourself he is their best player, it falls on him. This is a direct quote from him before he decided to throw the team under the bus. “ If you want to call me the best player on the team, every loss and failure falls on me. It’s all on me I will be better.” This isn’t the first year, he chokes every year. They use the same defensive scheme every year. You would think that would give them time or an idea of how to beat it. They were a number 1 seed at hone and your best player scores 15otson28% shooting and you claim he played good. Unreal.
Game seven shooting pct Harris 54% Maxey 42%

[Rdirtypirates]

Boston didn't shoot well in Game 6, but they played killer defense. And Embiid wasn't rebounding because he was getting sucked out to the perimeter on defense (by design because the Celtics weren't keeping anyone near the basket for Embiid to guard). Philly could have gone to a zone or kept Embiid hovering near the basket the way Boston does with the Time Lord, but they don't have the defenders to challenge on the wings if they do that and Boston has too many shooters.

And Embiid was going 1v3 the whole game, which was forcing him into tough shots and keeping him off the offensive glass. He did pass out of it repeatedly and his teammates didn't hit their shots. If they had, then Boston would have had to dismantle the wall in front of Embiid. All of this was pretty apparent during the game. And it's not a state secret Philly has never put high quality shooting around Embiid.

Also, I'll mention the same thing I was saying to Boston fans after they were shellshocked by going down 3-2: maybe recognize the other team is really good at basketball. When the Celtics tighten the clamps on defense and move the ball on offense, they're evil. If they play like that against the remaining teams in the playoffs, they should win fairly comfortably.

No doubt the Celtics are by far the best team and had a good defensive strategy on Embiid, but he didn’t show up either. You claim he was passing out of it , but his teammates weren’t hitting. I can’t remember the exact numbers, but his potential assists vs actual assists werent dramatically different.He just didn’t play good bring the best player on that mess isn’t saying much either.

[Rojo Rijo]

Ja Morant is about to catch a lengthy suspension

[dubc47834]

Ja Morant is about to catch a lengthy suspension

This kid is going to throw away a crap ton of money, all for an image. Until his inner circle changes, it's going to keep happening. Sad to see!

[M2]

No doubt the Celtics are by far the best team and had a good defensive strategy on Embiid, but he didn’t show up either. You claim he was passing out of it , but his teammates weren’t hitting. I can’t remember the exact numbers, but his potential assists vs actual assists werent dramatically different.He just didn’t play good bring the best player on that mess isn’t saying much either.

You seem to think Embiid is supposed to go 1v3 and have his way. Yet outside of maybe Wilt Chamberlain no one's ever done that.

[BuckeyeRed27]

You said it yourself he is their best player, it falls on him. This is a direct quote from him before he decided to throw the team under the bus. “ If you want to call me the best player on the team, every loss and failure falls on me. It’s all on me I will be better.” This isn’t the first year, he chokes every year. They use the same defensive scheme every year. You would think that would give them time or an idea of how to beat it. They were a number 1 seed at hone and your best player scores 15otson28% shooting and you claim he played good. Unreal.
Game seven shooting pct Harris 54% Maxey 42%

You lose a series everyone has some fault to shoulder for sure. Embiid isn’t blameless, but putting him at the top of the list because he’s the main star isn’t correct. They are also only there because of him. They did happen to win game 1 without him because Harden went supernova, but if he doesn’t play at all, that’s the last game they would have won.

The team is set up to shoot around him. Yesterday they didn’t shoot. They were like 4-33 after the early Tucker 3s went in and they built that 8 point lead. When guys are missing open 3s and the lead starts to swell, that allows Boston to cheat even more to Embiid, which they did. It also appeared he reaggtivated that injury when he stepped on Smart because he looked pretty bad offensively after that (I’m not sure he scored again).

Also again Boston is just a really good team. Tatum played the best game of his career at a really clutch moment. Sometime you just tip your cap. I’m not sure Philly could have stopped it even with Harden turning back into…well Harden.

[Rdirtypirates]

You seem to think Embiid is supposed to go 1v3 and have his way. Yet outside of maybe Wilt Chamberlain no one's ever done that.

That is a little dramatic. The defense wasdefinitely geared toward Embiid but him and the sixers did nothing to counter it. If it is 1v3 find the open man. As I said his assists were not much different from his potential assists. They didn’t do a good job countering Boston Embiid or the coaching.

[Rdirtypirates]

You lose a series everyone has some fault to shoulder for sure. Embiid isn’t blameless, but putting him at the top of the list because he’s the main star isn’t correct. They are also only there because of him. They did happen to win game 1 without him because Harden went supernova, but if he doesn’t play at all, that’s the last game they would have won.

The team is set up to shoot around him. Yesterday they didn’t shoot. They were like 4-33 after the early Tucker 3s went in and they built that 8 point lead. When guys are missing open 3s and the lead starts to swell, that allows Boston to cheat even more to Embiid, which they did. It also appeared he reaggtivated that injury when he stepped on Smart because he looked pretty bad offensively after that (I’m not sure he scored again).

Also again Boston is just a really good team. Tatum played the best game of his career at a really clutch moment. Sometime you just tip your cap. I’m not sure Philly could have stopped it even with Harden turning back into…well Harden.

I agree with all of this except the part about the star shouldn’t shoulder the blame. In theory you are probably correct, but 90% of the time it falls on the star. That’s why we aren’t talking about Rick Fox and other role players that were vital to teams success when discussing the greats. Again, this isn’t the first year and as he gets older injuries are only going to get worse. He just blew his best chance of being the top player on a championship team.

[Kingspoint]

Embiid did not lose the series in any way, shape or form.

One guy is never as good as five....ever. Any one. Any five.

[M2]

That is a little dramatic. The defense wasn’t definitely geared toward Embiid but him and the sixers did nothing to counter it. If it is 1v3 find the open man. As I said his assists were not much different from his potential assists. They didn’t do a good job countering Boston Embiid or the coaching.

Embiid did find the open man, who then passed the ball to an even more open man, who then bricked the shot. No argument that the team didn't adjust. Doc could have put Embiid on the low block. He definitely should have put a more athletic group on the floor (would have liked to see McDaniels). Also seemed like the short bench was gassing Philly's players. They might have gotten more from Harden had he played 32 minutes than 40.

[Kingspoint]

Woj: Lottery Win Wouldn’t Affect Rockets’ Plans For James Harden

May 15th, 2023 at 10:10am CST by Arthur Hill

The Rockets are expected to pursue a reunion with James Harden even if they win the draft lottery Tuesday night, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said Monday morning on “Get Up” (video link).

The chance to add French big man Victor Wembanyama would be franchise-changing in Houston, but Wojnarowski implied that it won’t be enough to convince the Rockets to continue with their youth movement. After three years of losing — prompted by Harden’s forced trade early in the 2020/21 season — the organization is determined to turn things around quickly. Houston could have more than $60MM to spend in free agency and may be willing to unload some of its young talent to field a more veteran-oriented squad next season. The hiring of Ime Udoka as head coach after Stephen Silas was dismissed in April is one step in that direction. Harden’s return could be another part of that plan, and rumors of a potential reunion have been swirling since Wojnarowski first raised the possibility on Christmas Day. The former MVP still has strong ties to the Houston area, where he remains a popular figure, and he might enjoy the idea of being the No. 1 option again after playing a supporting role to Kevin Durant in Brooklyn and Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.

Wojnarowski admits that the Harden rumors could be part of a strategy to help him get the contract he wants from the Sixers, but his interest in the Rockets shouldn’t be dismissed. “Houston may be his way to get him the kind of guaranteed money, long-term money he wants from Philly,” Wojnarowski said. “But I wouldn’t underestimate it as just a leverage play. I think he’s very serious about returning. And Philadelphia now, they have strong relationships in that organization from Daryl Morey, starting with him in their front office. It’s going to be a really interesting couple of months.” The contract that Harden signed with Philadelphia last summer includes a $35.64MM player option for next season. He has until June 29 to make a decision, but he’s expected to decline the option and seek a long-term deal.

[Kingspoint]

How many games does Morant get suspended for next season?

10-24?

25-39?

40-59?

60+?

[M2]

How many games does Morant get suspended for next season?

10-24?

25-39?

40-59?

60+?

I'll guess 10-24. I'd go longer to send a message, but I doubt the league will on what will be his first official suspension.

[Kingspoint]

I'll guess 10-24. I'd go longer to send a message, but I doubt the league will on what will be his first official suspension.

They just got done suspending him 8 games, did they not, for the same infraction? Then, Morant came out and said that nobody's gonna change him and that he'll do anything he wants.

I'm expecting a message to be sent throughout the league and that he gets suspended for 50 games. He'll appeal and he won't win it. Players won't have his back on this one, as Morant is damaging their marketing ability with his childish behavior.

[Kingspoint]

The Grizzlies alone have to suspend him 25 games if what they said about Dillon was serious, but I'm sure they'd rather have the league do it and let them take the brunt of the Grizzlies aggression.

The NBA has to send a message that they are done with this crap.

[M2]

They just got done suspending him 8 games, did they not, for the same infraction? Then, Morant came out and said that nobody's gonna change him and that he'll do anything he wants.

I'm expecting a message to be sent throughout the league and that he gets suspended for 50 games. He'll appeal and he won't win it. Players won't have his back on this one, as Morant is damaging their marketing ability with his childish behavior.

Wasn't that the team that suspended him and not the league? I'd give him half a season for the reasons you mentioned, but I think he'll get something less hefty ... unless he says a bunch of dumb stuff and talks the powers that be into a longer suspension.

[M2]

The Grizzlies alone have to suspend him 25 games if what they said about Dillon was serious, but I'm sure they'd rather have the league do it and let them take the brunt of the Grizzlies aggression.

The NBA has to send a message that they are done with this crap.

The team has giant self-destruct button.

https://media.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExMTU4ZmJiOTMzMmZmNDUxN2NmYTczMmQ 2YjMzYTI3NjFjYjRlY2RkOSZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZzX 2dpZklkJmN0PWc/139lMwJ9ow7bKE/giphy.gif

[dubc47834]

The Grizzlies alone have to suspend him 25 games if what they said about Dillon was serious, but I'm sure they'd rather have the league do it and let them take the brunt of the Grizzlies aggression.

The NBA has to send a message that they are done with this crap.

What do they get him on? Conduct detrimental?

[M2]

Was just thinking about Philly trying to add shooters, and you know who's pretty good from behind the 3-point arc? CJ McCollum. And he just happens to cost $35.8M next year (with descending numbers the following two seasons. And you know what the Pelicans really need (other than Zion to become the Wolverine)? A PG who's a quality distributor. And James Harden led the NBA in assists this season, and his option costs $35.6M. So if Harden opts in and New Orleans offers up an extension, does Harden for CJ work?

[RedTeamGo!]

How stupid of a person is Ja Morant?

[Kingspoint]

Wasn't that the team that suspended him and not the league? I'd give him half a season for the reasons you mentioned, but I think he'll get something less hefty ... unless he says a bunch of dumb stuff and talks the powers that be into a longer suspension.

I think you may be right there, and why they are hoping the league steps in (they immediately suspended him so that the league doesn't also fine Memphis for not doing anything), so that they can find a way to keep things civil between Memphis and Morant.

[Rojo Rijo]

If the NBA really wants to send a message that nips this in the bud they give him a year.

While on one hand I can see that as being harsh I also look at it as:

1 - Repeat offender. The NBA clearly didnt like what he did. Doing it again all ready says he doesnt give a F and it's a slap in the face of the NBA and the Memphis organization. To get suspended for it and turn around again and do it this quick, that's saying you 100% don't care what your employer thinks.
2 - The NBA doesnt need Ja Morant. Not saying he isnt a value but just like not having Zion hasnt really hurt their brand, not having Morant for a year wouldnt really do that much damage.
3 - A year would be a hammer statement. Just like domestic assault/abuse it would send a clear message to all players that this will not be tolerated. Arenas and Crittenton got suspended for the remainder of a season on January 5th for bringing guns to a locker room. While this is different it's his second incident and it's visible to the entire world.

Silver may do a year. Can't have the image of the NBA being a gun-wielding wanna be gangster PG.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Was just thinking about Philly trying to add shooters, and you know who's pretty good from behind the 3-point arc? CJ McCollum. And he just happens to cost $35.8M next year (with descending numbers the following two seasons. And you know what the Pelicans really need (other than Zion to become the Wolverine)? A PG who's a quality distributor. And James Harden led the NBA in assists this season, and his option costs $35.6M. So if Harden opts in and New Orleans offers up an extension, does Harden for CJ work?

Seems like Harden is going to Houston or coming back, and he’s not coming back to be traded to NO.

Swapping his expiring with Harris technically works, but why?

How about Philly, Chicago, Houston.

Houston gets Harden
Philly gets Levine and Derozen
Chicago gets Harris, Porter, couple other young cheap guys and a couple picks

[Rojo Rijo]

Seems like Harden is going to Houston or coming back, and he’s not coming back to be traded to NO.

Swapping his expiring with Harris technically works, but why?

How about Philly, Chicago, Houston.

Houston gets Harden
Philly gets Levine and Derozen
Chicago gets Harris, Porter, couple other young cheap guys and a couple picks

I've seen a lot of Harden to Houston stuff now for a while but....does Harden want to go to Houston?

[SteelSD]

Was just thinking about Philly trying to add shooters, and you know who's pretty good from behind the 3-point arc? CJ McCollum. And he just happens to cost $35.8M next year (with descending numbers the following two seasons. And you know what the Pelicans really need (other than Zion to become the Wolverine)? A PG who's a quality distributor. And James Harden led the NBA in assists this season, and his option costs $35.6M. So if Harden opts in and New Orleans offers up an extension, does Harden for CJ work?

McCollum is the kind of multi-level scorer they need, but as a distance shooter, he's not an upgrade over what Philly already has. The Sixers were the top three-point rate shooting team in the NBA this season, and nearly everyone with heavy rotation minutes matched or exceeded McCollum's three point make rate. However, McCollum is the kind of guy who can create his own shots, which is really what Philly needs. But I just can't see them running out a backcourt where McCollum, at 6'3", is the tallest guy (although I expect Jaden Springer to get some run next season). And while he's a good distributor, he's not a true point, another Philly need should Harden be dealt. Honestly, if that's the kind of guy they want, I'd rather they take a low-key run at someone like Cam Thomas to see if you can nab him as a cheap bench volume scorer.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I've seen a lot of Harden to Houston stuff now for a while but....does Harden want to go to Houston?

Allegedly

[Kingspoint]

I've seen a lot of Harden to Houston stuff now for a while but....does Harden want to go to Houston?

It keeps sounding like it's Owner-driven.

[Fil3232]

If the NBA really wants to send a message that nips this in the bud they give him a year.

While on one hand I can see that as being harsh I also look at it as:

1 - Repeat offender. The NBA clearly didnt like what he did. Doing it again all ready says he doesnt give a F and it's a slap in the face of the NBA and the Memphis organization. To get suspended for it and turn around again and do it this quick, that's saying you 100% don't care what your employer thinks.
2 - The NBA doesnt need Ja Morant. Not saying he isnt a value but just like not having Zion hasnt really hurt their brand, not having Morant for a year wouldnt really do that much damage.
3 - A year would be a hammer statement. Just like domestic assault/abuse it would send a clear message to all players that this will not be tolerated. Arenas and Crittenton got suspended for the remainder of a season on January 5th for bringing guns to a locker room. While this is different it's his second incident and it's visible to the entire world.

Silver may do a year. Can't have the image of the NBA being a gun-wielding wanna be gangster PG.

Ja needs actual help, not necessarily a message-sending suspension. What would they even suspend him for? Being stupid? That seems like a ripe fight with the players association.

[Kingspoint]

Ja needs actual help, not necessarily a message-sending suspension. What would they even suspend him for? Being stupid? That seems like a ripe fight with the players association.

It's not sounding like the Player's Association has his back at all on this one.

[M2]

McCollum is the kind of multi-level scorer they need, but as a distance shooter, he's not an upgrade over what Philly already has. The Sixers were the top three-point rate shooting team in the NBA this season, and nearly everyone with heavy rotation minutes matched or exceeded McCollum's three point make rate. However, McCollum is the kind of guy who can create his own shots, which is really what Philly needs. But I just can't see them running out a backcourt where McCollum, at 6'3", is the tallest guy (although I expect Jaden Springer to get some run next season). And while he's a good distributor, he's not a true point, another Philly need should Harden be dealt. Honestly, if that's the kind of guy they want, I'd rather they take a low-key run at someone like Cam Thomas to see if you can nab him as a cheap bench volume scorer.

Actually, if there's a way for them to land DiVincenzo, he'd make some sense on the Sixers. Also knows his way around a hoagie.

[M2]

Seems like Harden is going to Houston or coming back, and he’s not coming back to be traded to NO.

Swapping his expiring with Harris technically works, but why?

How about Philly, Chicago, Houston.

Houston gets Harden
Philly gets Levine and Derozen
Chicago gets Harris, Porter, couple other young cheap guys and a couple picks

Interesting. DeRo and LaVine averaged 9.3 apg. So they make up for Harden's playmaking in aggregate. Obviously they score a lot. Combined with Maxey, that would be a lot of firepower around Embiid. Reed and McDaniels would be pretty good fits with that group.

I'd think Chicago might prefer guys like Sengun and/or Eason to Porter (for financial reasons). They could hand the backcourt to Ayo Donsonmu, Alex Caruso, Coby White and Dalen Terry (I assume Lonzo is toast).

Thought I do think New Orleans has a team that would fit Harden's talents and the city has social activities that would appeal to him. If anything, he might enjoy himself too much there.

[Rojo Rijo]

Ja needs actual help, not necessarily a message-sending suspension. What would they even suspend him for? Being stupid? That seems like a ripe fight with the players association.

Memphis suspended him for 8 games for brandishing a gun at a strip club less than 3 months ago. He's also had the incident where he punched the 17 year old, was accused of threatening a mall security guard, and there was the incident where a vehicle Morant was riding in shinned a red laser on members of the Pacers traveling party after a confrontation.

I don't dismiss that he needs help, but consequences have to be a part of the equation. The NBA will call it conduct detrimental to the league. It's very clear at this point that Morant does not care about his actions, despite already being suspended a few months ago. NBA has to drop the hammer. I'll be shocked at anything less than 25 games but im expecting a year. SAS said yesterday that people in the NBA have been texting him saying Morant should be suspended for a year.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Philly has fired Doc.

[dubc47834]

Does this put Ja Morant in the conversation of greatest shooters in NBA history.....too soon?

[Rojo Rijo]

Philly has fired Doc.

Doc to Phoenix.

No other coach is a better fit to take a really good team and not win anything.

[M2]

Philly has fired Doc.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f9IgOjZjn4

[SteelSD]

Philly has fired Doc.

Glenn. His damned name is Glenn.

There is still only one Doctor in Philadelphia.

[WVRed]

Doc to Phoenix.

No other coach is a better fit to take a really good team and not win anything.How did he win the one championship he did?

A blind squirrel finds a nut every once in awhile I guess.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[BuckeyeRed27]

How did he win the one championship he did?

A blind squirrel finds a nut every once in awhile I guess.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

He was really good in that finals. But it was 15 years ago.

[M2]

How did he win the one championship he did?

A blind squirrel finds a nut every once in awhile I guess.

Or blind squirrel gets three in-their-prime HOF players and a deep supporting cast.

He's not a bad coach (he did fantastic regular season work with the Sixers the past two seasons), but his 3-2 and 3-1 playoff record is the stuff of legend.

[Kingspoint]

How did he win the one championship he did?

A blind squirrel finds a nut every once in awhile I guess.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

It was one of those situations where a player (Rondo) that he should have started ends up starting because of an injury and that person ends up leading them to the Championship. So, he won, in spite of himself.

[Kingspoint]

Doc to Phoenix.

No other coach is a better fit to take a really good team and not win anything.

It seems that Isaiah Thomas was the driving force behind the trade for Durant, the firing of Williams, and so, I assume, he'll be the driving force behind who is Head Coach next in Phoenix.

Reminds me of who advised Lincoln to go to the play that night.

[M2]

It seems that Isaiah Thomas was the driving force behind the trade for Durant, the firing of Williams, and so, I assume, he'll be the driving force behind who is Head Coach next in Phoenix.

Reminds me of who advised Lincoln to go to the play that night.

If it's Isiah making the call, then the next coach of the Phoenix Suns will be Isiah Thomas.

[Kingspoint]

If it's Isiah making the call, then the next coach of the Phoenix Suns will be Isiah Thomas.

I think Isaiah like to pull strings more than Coach.

[dubc47834]

Just watched the Adam Silver interview...Ja Morant is screwed...lol

[Kingspoint]

Just watched the Adam Silver interview...Ja Morant is screwed...lol

That made me laugh. That's probably an understatement. I guess I laughed because I'm not surprised. There's powers greater than Adam Silver involved here. Ja Morant doesn't understand this. But, he will soon.

[M2]

Just watched the Adam Silver interview...Ja Morant is screwed...lol

What did he say?

[WVRed]

Spurs win the Wembanyama sweepstakes.

Someone called that. Forget who it was.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[klw]

What did he say?

I can't post a direct link but a 2 minute clip of it is on the front page of espn.com

[SteelSD]

Or blind squirrel gets three in-their-prime HOF players and a deep supporting cast.

He's not a bad coach (he did fantastic regular season work with the Sixers the past two seasons), but his 3-2 and 3-1 playoff record is the stuff of legend.

I'd add that while his team had solid regular season records, he was exceptionally slow to adjust to young players and did a terrible job developing them. It took him eons to figure out that Paul Reed was a good player (weird, but good) and never did figure out that B-Ball Paul can player power forward alongside Embiid (which would have freakin' helped against Boston. He let a potentially solid rotation player- Isaiah Joe- rot on the vine before causing him to be cast off for nothing, and even dribbled a useful Charles Bassey off his foot. 2022 was worse than this season, for sure, but only because he wasn't holding another casting call for every ancient, broken down center looking for work. I'm still trying to figure out what suddenly rendered Jalen McDaniels unplayable. Even Matisse Thybulle got yanked around despite his defensive prowess, then gets a shot with Portland and turns just "D" into "3-and-D", hitting 38.8% of his treys in extended runs. Apparently, if you don't pull a player every time they miss a couple shots, they might do better. Imagine. And Jaden Springer, while he's very young...I'd be terrified to see how much run he would have actually received under Rivers next season. And before anyone thinks that Tyrese Maxey is the exception, Maxey had to force his way into playing time and only got a starting role when Ben Simmons decided he didn't want to play basketball anymore.

Glenn Rivers- "Win immediately" coaching and player handling without a plan that can actually win. An offense of dribble hand offs and high pick and rolls; as if no opposing team had ever seen those before. Incredibly rigid, unresponsive rotations. Got length on the bench. Won't use it. No adjustments...well, except for Danuel House? Really? Outmaneuvered by a rookie head coach in two playoff closeout games. That's nothing new.

The only positive thing I can say about Rivers is that he maybe didn't harm the organization as badly as Brett Brown did, but that's the faintest of praise. And frankly, I'm starting to wonder about even that.

[KoryMac5]

Spurs win the Wembanyama sweepstakes.

Someone called that. Forget who it was.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

I think a lot of us thought that when Pop decided to stay...#rigged