NBA 2023-24 Part II: Thunderstruck

[M2]

The Thunder currently sit 1st in the West (tied with the Timberwolves). They're 4th in O Rtg, 7th in D rtg and 3rd in Net Rtg.

Meanwhile, Doc Rivers has officially agreed to terms with the Bucks.

[Revering4Blue]

The Thunder currently sit 1st in the West (tied with the Timberwolves). They're 4th in O Rtg, 7th in D rtg and 3rd in Net Rtg.

Meanwhile, Doc Rivers has officially agreed to terms with the Bucks.

Yes, the Thunder have more young talent than they’ve been given credit for. But let’s not overlook the fact Mark Daigneault is a helluva coach. The Thunder brass were patient with him during their retooling period and it is paying off.

As for the Bucks, I still question the ‘wisdom’ of firing coach Bud following a first round loss to essentially the same team that reached the ECF the season before and with a hobbled Giannis.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Assembly Hall]

In light of the Pascal Siakam acquisition, Pacers’ rookie forward Jarace Walker would seemingly have an even smaller role. However, coach Rick Carlisle has been giving Walker more opportunities to play small forward, Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star notes. “Once we acquired Pascal, you gotta take a hard look at how this thing is shaping up,” Carlisle said. “With the realities about the importance of playing with size to being a good defensive team, it makes sense to put him in that equation somewhere. It doesn’t mean he will always play 3. The more I’m going through this, I like playing with size, size that can move and make plays and stay in front of people is even better.” Walker, the eighth overall pick of last year’s draft, has averaged 21.3 minutes of playing time over the last three games.

by Dana Gauruder

[Puffy]

Sam Presti is a bad man.

- - - Updated - - -

And by bad I mean bad in the good way, not bad in the bad way

[KoryMac5]

Wizards want more for Kyle Kuzma than the Raptors got for Siakam...according to Stein

[BuckeyeRed27]

Wizards want more for Kyle Kuzma than the Raptors got for Siakam...according to Stein

He does have a fairly reasonable long term contract, so it’s not a potential rental situation. But he’s also not nearly as good so.

[M2]

He does have a fairly reasonable long term contract, so it’s not a potential rental situation. But he’s also not nearly as good so.

I've been trying to figure out how much of a good stats/bad team mirage he is. He shoots all right, grabs some boards and distributes the ball a little bit. 6'9" with a well-rounded game doesn't grow on trees. He's also won a ring. That said, his Net Rating is awful (-18) and his +/- is -12.7. So there's a universe where he goes to a better team, his usage drops and he puts up a few less shots, but his efficiency increases and he plays more minutes (only 31.3 with the Wiz). Yet there's also a universe where his new team needs him to play defense and not chuck up shots for fun, and he doesn't feel like doing that.

[Assembly Hall]

I've been trying to figure out how much of a good stats/bad team mirage he is. He shoots all right, grabs some boards and distributes the ball a little bit. 6'9" with a well-rounded game doesn't grow on trees. He's also won a ring. That said, his Net Rating is awful (-18) and his +/- is -12.7. So there's a universe where he goes to a better team, his usage drops and he puts up a few less shots, but his efficiency increases and he plays more minutes (only 31.3 with the Wiz). Yet there's also a universe where his new team needs him to play defense and not chuck up shots for fun, and he doesn't feel like doing that.

So you are saying he would be a good fit on the Hawks?

[M2]

Miami went small tonight against the Celtics. Bad move.

[M2]

Buddy Hield is now #22 all-time in three pointers made. He just hopped over Chauncey Billups and some guy name Kobe Bryant.

[SteelSD]

Two good ways to lose a ballgame against the Pacers. One- shoot 25% from three. Two- play absolutely no interior defense and allow 68 points in the paint. Yeah, the Sixers were without Harris and much of their bench, so bench-v-bench is a huge advantage for the Pacers. But Indiana didn't have Haliburton. Andrew Nembhard often looked like the best player on the court, which is a problem. Philly was playing their G-leaguers to start the fourth quarter, so I was surprised that Indiana was still playing it's starters with a minute and a half to go in the contest. Good game by the Pacers. Not so much for their opponent.

[Revering4Blue]

Miami went small tonight against the Celtics. Bad move.

Five losses in row. One away from matching a six loss skid in March of ‘21. Next up: At NY, who plastered the Nuggets tonight, and the Suns. Yikes!

You have to believe Spoelstra will find a way to stop the bleeding. He always does. But I am still not so sure Herro, contract be dammed, wouldn’t be better off in a sixth- man role, especially when Jaquez returns. Or start Richardson. It will be interesting to see what transpires.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[M2]

Five losses in row. One away from matching a six loss skid in March of ‘21. Next up: At NY, who plastered the Nuggets tonight, and the Suns. Yikes!

You have to believe Spoelstra will find a way to stop the bleeding. He always does. But I am still not so sure Herro, contract be dammed, wouldn’t be better off in a sixth- man role, especially when Jaquez returns. Or start Richardson. It will be interesting to see what transpires.

Tonight it looked like whoever ended with Herro defending him got a free bucket.

[Assembly Hall]

The Pacers are 8-4 against Boston, Philly, and Milwaukee.

[dubc47834]

The Pacers are 8-4 against Boston, Philly, and Milwaukee.

Thats propped up by their 4-1 record against the Bucks tho. The Pacers need to get healthy. I do think they will be very dangerous come the playoffs.

[Assembly Hall]

Thats propped up by their 4-1 record against the Bucks tho. The Pacers need to get healthy. I do think they will be very dangerous come the playoffs.

Don't steal my thunder! lol

[Revering4Blue]

Tonight it looked like whoever ended with Herro defending him got a free bucket.

In other news, water is wet….

And that contract? Pat Riley rarely makes mistakes. But wow! I know there are folks on this board who really like Herro, but you don’t allocate those kind of resources to a very poor man’s Jeff Hornacek.

Conversely, Hornacek would be worth every penny of Herro’s deal in this era.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[M2]

In other news, water is wet….

And that contract? Pat Riley rarely makes mistakes. But wow! I know there are folks on this board who really like Herro, but you don’t allocate those kind of resources to a very poor man’s Jeff Hornacek.

Conversely, Hornacek would be worth every penny of Herro’s deal in this era.

I still think the ultimate purpose of Herro's contract is to trade it for someone else who makes a lot of money.

[Revering4Blue]

I still think the ultimate purpose of Herro's contract is to trade it for someone else who makes a lot of money.

True.

But there’s also a poison-pill provision if I’m not mistaken. In other words, Riley will have to fork over Jaquez if he has designs of turning Herro’s deal into a difference maker.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chip R]

Nine incidents that led to Griffin being sacked. I'll add 10: The lack of playing time for A.J. Green.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/why-the-bucks-fired-a-coach-who-won-70-of-his-games-nine-incidents-that-led-to-adrian-griffins-dismissal/

[M2]

High score alerts -

Luka has 55 with 2 minutes left in the 3rd against the Hawks.

Devin Booker has 48 with 3 minutes left in the 3rd against the Pacers.

[Mitri]

73

[KoryMac5]

Doncic is unreal offensively 4th NBA player to hit that mark…Big time players make big time plays.Dallas started 8 and 2 since that start they have struggled. Luka willed them to this win…best offensive player in the NBA.

[KoryMac5]

Booker ended up with 62 what an unreal offensive explosion this last week in the NBA

[SteelSD]

Booker ended up with 62 what an unreal offensive explosion this last week in the NBA

What's even crazier is that on two different nights during that week, a player put up 62 points but wasn't that day's top scorer.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Cavs probably with their best win of the season against the Bucks. Made some nice adjustments from the Wednesday game against Milwaukee and won the rematch.

Might get Mobley and Garland back next week. Went 15-4 without them so far.

[Betterread]

Doncic is unreal offensively 4th NBA player to hit that mark…Big time players make big time plays.Dallas started 8 and 2 since that start they have struggled. Luka willed them to this win…best offensive player in the NBA.

Embiid is better. But Doncic is up there. And yet, even with a healthy Kyrie, Dallas is 8th. With their two stars playing great, they are pretty clearly not going to win the CHIP this year They are a playin team unless they can pass New Orleans and Phoenix. And they didn’t even make the playoffs last year. So many top players left the East to go the the Western conference. A backlash is coming where you will see west conf stars escaping the western conf. steel cage to go to the media warmed womblike East, where the top teams can take in season vacations and still hold onto high seeds.

[KoryMac5]

Embiid is better. But Doncic is up there. And yet, even with a healthy Kyrie, Dallas is 8th. With their two stars playing great, they are pretty clearly not going to win the CHIP this year They are a playin team unless they can pass New Orleans and Phoenix. And they didn’t even make the playoffs last year. So many top players left the East to go the the Western conference. A backlash is coming where you will see west conf stars escaping the western conf. steel cage to go to the media warmed womblike East, where the top teams can take in season vacations and still hold onto high seeds.

Thats a tough one as I have always been predisposed to take the big as talented 7 footers are impossible to find...both are unreal talents I would lean that Doncic is a better offensive player (he may average a triple double) but Embiid is better overall when you factor in defense and free throw shooting. Doncic is also only 24 so he still has some room to take another step.

What Doncic has been able to do with the Mavs this season is unreal they have started 26 different line ups and Kyrie has missed 27 games with various ailments and they are still in the thick of it out West. They are probably a 10 win team without him...

What a time though to be a fan of the NBA Embiid, Doncic, Booker, Tatum, Brown, Giannis, Steph, Lebron, Wemby...so much talent.

[goreds2]

Lance McAlister
67th edition of My Random Thoughts: Sports, TV, music, food, life.....

“ You may not like the NBA, but I'd highly recommend experiencing a Pacers game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. What a place. “

https://700wlw.iheart.com/featured/lance-mcalister/content/2024-01-19-67th-edition-of-my-random-thoughts-sports-tv-music-food-life/?sc=editorial&keyid=WLW&pname=local_social

[BuckeyeRed27]

Lance McAlister
67th edition of My Random Thoughts: Sports, TV, music, food, life.....

“ You may not like the NBA, but I'd highly recommend experiencing a Pacers game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. What a place. “

https://700wlw.iheart.com/featured/lance-mcalister/content/2024-01-19-67th-edition-of-my-random-thoughts-sports-tv-music-food-life/?sc=editorial&keyid=WLW&pname=local_social

I always thought it was interesting growing up in Cincinnati how the Pacers aren’t a thing there. I know Cincinnati is a terrible NBA town, but it’s 2 hours away and never seemed like the team made efforts to push into the market.

[Betterread]

Thats a tough one as I have always been predisposed to take the big as talented 7 footers are impossible to find...both are unreal talents I would lean that Doncic is a better offensive player (he may average a triple double) but Embiid is better overall when you factor in defense and free throw shooting. Doncic is also only 24 so he still has some room to take another step.

What Doncic has been able to do with the Mavs this season is unreal they have started 26 different line ups and Kyrie has missed 27 games with various ailments and they are still in the thick of it out West. They are probably a 10 win team without him...

What a time though to be a fan of the NBA Embiid, Doncic, Booker, Tatum, Brown, Giannis, Steph, Lebron, Wemby...so much talent.

Embiid loses points for needing all this “extra rest” so he doesn’t fall apart or something.
But Doncic loses more points for his non-stop whining for refereeing help. He is super skilled but he plays with no joy. After so many awesome baskets he immediately runs toward the ref asking for an “and one” with a big baby frown face. He has no shame.

[SteelSD]

Embiid loses points for needing all this “extra rest” so he doesn’t fall apart or something.
But Doncic loses more points for his non-stop whining for refereeing help. He is super skilled but he plays with no joy. After so many awesome baskets he immediately runs toward the ref asking for an “and one” with a big baby frown face. He has no shame.

Embiid does not need or get more "extra rest". That's fantasy. He plays when he's healthy, even when banged up, doesn't play when he's unable to go, and otherwise get load managed about as often as other star players.

[M2]

Embiid loses points for needing all this “extra rest” so he doesn’t fall apart or something.
But Doncic loses more points for his non-stop whining for refereeing help. He is super skilled but he plays with no joy. After so many awesome baskets he immediately runs toward the ref asking for an “and one” with a big baby frown face. He has no shame.

Embiid's played 167 games over the past 3 season. Doncic's played 169.

And I can see why Doncic isn't happy given the supporting cast he's been saddled with.

[SteelSD]

Embiid's played 167 games over the past 3 season. Doncic's played 169.

And I can see why Doncic isn't happy given the supporting cast he's been saddled with.

I love Doncic. He might be the most fun watch in the sport.

But Embiid has a shot at averaging over a point per minute this season, something only Wilt has done...once. For players with 250 or more games Embiid has scored more PPM than anyone at 0.87 PPM. Doncic is #2 at 0.82. That looks close until one realizes that Embiid's lead over Doncic is nearly twice that of the gap between Luka and Jordan at #3 and also more than the gap between 2nd and 4th (Gervin).

I think both guys are great. It's just that Embiid is in the midst of one of the most (maybe THE most) prolific offensive seasons ever.

[Mitri]

Embiid is great…when he suits up.

[SteelSD]

Embiid is great…when he suits up.

Played two fewer games that Jalen Brunson did last season. Two. Three more than Giannis.

But do continue the false narrative.

[M2]

If the Celtics had any taste inside their mouths before tonight's game, the Clippers have slapped it out of there.

[Mitri]

Played two fewer games that Jalen Brunson did last season. Two. Three more than Giannis.

But do continue the false narrative.

I don’t have to, the fans of every team he sits out against will do it for me.

I love Embiid, but it’s fun to troll you. Lighten up a little, you root for the best player in the league.

That said, I wouldn’t count on the back half of his career being a smooth sail health-wise. Hope he gets one at some point, unless it’s a run that goes through the Knicks.

[SteelSD]

I don’t have to, the fans of every team he sits out against will do it for me.

I love Embiid, but it’s fun to troll you. Lighten up a little, you root for the best player in the league.

That said, I wouldn’t count on the back half of his career being a smooth sail health-wise. Hope he gets one at some point, unless it’s a run that goes through the Knicks.

Sorry, just completely, 100% fed up with the narrative. Yeah, probably a bit too much. <insert deep breath>

And I don't disagree with you late-career, specifically regarding his knees.

[Betterread]

Played two fewer games that Jalen Brunson did last season. Two. Three more than Giannis.

But do continue the false narrative.

Not false. Who do you think the NBA had in mind when they came up with the 65 game rule? Embiid and Zion

Instead of yelling at other people for pointing out facts, ask yourself why you make so many excuses for his need to miss about 20% of his teams games ( and more games in the playoffs)? He’s currently the best player in the league, but his team isn’t close to #1. There’s another question.

[KoryMac5]

If I was a team I would be looking for a way to pry Paul Reed from the Sixers...he dropped 30 tonight against the Nuggets.

I am sure he will garner a lot if interest or ask to be included in any deals the Sixers make for help.

[Betterread]

Of the top three teams in the East, the sixers have the best coach: Nick Nurse. He has helped Embiid and Maxey get better. Mazulla can’t seem to get his team to try hard every game and Doc Rivers is Doc Rivers.

[Mutaman]

Mazulla can’t seem to get his team to try hard every game


There's a team in the NBA that tries "hard every game"? Who is that team?

[Betterread]

There's a team in the NBA that tries "hard every game"? Who is that team?

Twolves, OKC, Sacramento, Sixers, Knicks, Nets. I”m sure there are more, but those are the first ones that come to mind.

Teams that definitely don’t - GS, Boston, Milwaukee, LaLakers - all the teams the media drool over.

[SteelSD]

Not false. Who do you think the NBA had in mind when they came up with the 65 game rule? Embiid and Zion

Instead of yelling at other people for pointing out facts, ask yourself why you make so many excuses for his need to miss about 20% of his teams games ( and more games in the playoffs)? He’s currently the best player in the league, but his team isn’t close to #1. There’s another question.

The NBA didn't "target" Embiid with that qualifier. Top tier players like Giannis, Lillard, Doncic, Irving, Shai, Steph, LeBron, Durant, Mitchell, Booker, Jalen Brown, AD, Jokic, Kahwi, Paul George, Jimmy Butler, and Harden ALL played less than 70 games last year, with a bunch landing under the 65-game "qualifier" (unlike Embiid). There's also a long list of second-tier players (like the T-Wolves own Karl Anthony-Towns) who've played fewer than 65 games (some, like Towns, consistently so). Now, players in that tier (and below) aren't really in any danger of ever contending for an MVP even without the qualifer, but they're popular regardless.

Again, you're promoting a narrative that just has no basis in reality. It's "I hate Joel Embiid because he owns my favorite team." nonsense.

That 65-game qualfier was put in place to avoid having teams load manage the crap out of players when NOT nursing injuries, so NBA fans have a reasonable expectation of getting what they paid for when they purchase tickets. The idea that said qualifier targets one or two players isn't accurate. Just about every star player receives some level of load management. One of the problems is that by scheduling so many back-to-backs (between 13 to 15 for each team), the NBA is actually working against itself by creating an environment that promotes resting star players. For example, LeBron James played in only half of the back end of the Lakers' back-to-backs last season. Anthony Davis played in only two. And by expanding playoffs, which reduces the importance of regular season games, the NBA has exacerbated the issue they're trying to "solve" with the 65-game qualfier. There's simply less of a reason than pretty much ever before for teams to risk exacerbating nagging injuries or avoid resting a tired player. All of that is on the NBA, not the teams, not the players, and fault certainly doesn't lay at the feet of any single specific player.

Also, the idea that if a team has the "best" player, they should be the "best" team? You've been a sports fan long enough to know that's not how it works. And if you think missing playoff games for fractured orbitals, or coming back well before normal recovery time to gut it out on a sprained knee are reasons to denigrate a player, well, that's an opinion I have zero respect for.

[SteelSD]

I think I need to cut back watching Sixers games at 9:00 PM if Maxey and Embiid aren't playing, and I'm not sure the 9 PM qualifier is needed. They just go through huge swaths of quarters without being able to score the rock. Happened against Denver and again tonight in Portland. Tobias Harris not being quite recovered from the flu doesn't help, but watching this reminds me too much of the process years for my tastes.

Now go get Dejounte Murray, Daryl. Thank you.

[Betterread]

Some good games tonight.
Cleveland beats a hot Clippers team. Spyda with another good game.

Twolves beat OKC. How? Ant says, “I don’t know. Refs didn’t give us no calls.” I think he’s referring to plays like Shai extending his arm into BigMac’s balls, with no one seeing it. And Shai got more Fts than the whole Twolves team.

Celtics beats the Pelicans. Both Jays individually more free throws than Zion. Zion averages 7 Fts/ game, but not in Boston.

Denver beats Milwaukee. Murray is top scorer. No magic for Doc in his first game for Milwaukee.

[Mutaman]

Bucks looked much more organized and played better defense than they had been. But too many tos and a mediocre performance by Lillard cost them.

[M2]

Some good games tonight.
Cleveland beats a hot Clippers team. Spyda with another good game.

Twolves beat OKC. How? Ant says, “I don’t know. Refs didn’t give us no calls.” I think he’s referring to plays like Shai extending his arm into BigMac’s balls, with no one seeing it. And Shai got more Fts than the whole Twolves team.

Celtics beats the Pelicans. Both Jays individually more free throws than Zion. Zion averages 7 Fts/ game, but not in Boston.

Denver beats Milwaukee. Murray is top scorer. No magic for Doc in his first game for Milwaukee.

There were some big results tonight. Kind of cool Minnesota and OKC were facing off for 1st in the West, though Denver looks like it's starting to shift out of cruise control and into repeat mode.

The Cavs and Knicks are now in a dead heat with the Sixers, and none of them want to be in the 4-5 matchup with the Celtics looming in Round 2 of the playoffs for the winner.

The Heat have now dropped 7 straight, and they're healthy.

And the Lakers still can't find the on switch, losing by 16 to the Rockets.

[Assembly Hall]

Indiana may have Tyrese back tonight against the Celtics. Go Pacers!

[BuckeyeRed27]

Mobley came back for the Cavs, played about 20 minutes and looked very solid. He mostly rotated with Allen, but they did play about 7 minutes together.

Overall an excellent basketball game that was very fun to watch.

Also wanna give props to issac Okoro. That guy has absolutely worked his tail off to become a pretty solid 2 way player. He’s been an excellent defender since he was drafted, but I never thought the offense would get there. And he’s not Kobe or anything out there, but you also aren’t screaming No No No whenever he shoots anymore.

[Betterread]

Atlanta beats Lakers by 16.

Atlanta fans chanting "We don't want you" while D'Lo is shooting free throws!

https://twitter.com/khobi_price/status/1752502331491414213

[Assembly Hall]

Indiana may have Tyrese back tonight against the Celtics. Go Pacers!

<sigh>

[M2]

Josh Hart tonight did the highly improbable 10-10-10 triple-double. He is now the 10th player in NBA history to pull off that feat.

[SteelSD]

Yeah, Embiid could barely walk tonight, shouldn't really have been out there, couldn't run or post, and at least reaggravated the injury when Kuminga fell on the knee late in the fourth. Harris was good, and Furk pitched in off the bench, but no Maxey, half an Embiid, and a hospital bench isn't good against Steph Curry.

[Betterread]

Celtics with two good wins v ascendant teams (NO and Indy) on a back to back. Good bounce back from a shameful showing v Clippers.

[Mitri]

Josh Hart tonight did the highly improbable 10-10-10 triple-double. He is now the 10th player in NBA history to pull off that feat.

He and Divencenzo have been fantastic pickups for the Knicks. The two really compliment each other on the floor - Donte with his shooting and Hart with his defense, rebounding and pushing the ball up the floor. Both have crazy motors. Divo is playing elite 2-way ball at the moment.

[M2]

He and Divencenzo have been fantastic pickups for the Knicks. The two really compliment each other on the floor - Donte with his shooting and Hart with his defense, rebounding and pushing the ball up the floor. Both have crazy motors. Divo is playing elite 2-way ball at the moment.

Go Wildcats!

[M2]

Celtics with two good wins v ascendant teams (NO and Indy) on a back to back. Good bounce back from a shameful showing v Clippers.

The Celtics are weird. Most of the time they dispatch teams without too much fuss, but they've taken two recent poundings (from the Clips and the Bucks). They seem to stumble short of being able to go true juggernaut.

[Mitri]

Go Wildcats!

Would Mikal Bridges be overkill? In a few years they can replace Randle with Saddiq Bey too.

There’s a lot of talk around here of going all in on Bridges, I’d be for it as it would make for a tremendously tough defensive team with a ton of guys who can score on all levels. Brunson-Bridges-Anunoby-Randle-Robinson with Hart/Divo off the bench would give Boston a run for best team in the East.

[M2]

Would Mikal Bridges be overkill? In a few years they can replace Randle with Saddiq Bey too.

There’s a lot of talk around here of going all in on Bridges, I’d be for it as it would make for a tremendously tough defensive team with a ton of guys who can score on all levels. Brunson-Bridges-Anunoby-Randle-Robinson with Hart/Divo off the bench would give Boston a run for best team in the East.

I think Bridges would fit like a glove. If you're going to put a band back together, that one's a pretty good one to pick.

It also would be potentially one of the coolest stories in sports history. If those four guys could deliver the first Knicks championship in more than 50 years on the back of two NCAA championship, they're legends.

[texasdave]

Go Wildcats!

Speaking of Wildcats, Cam Whitmore is coming on strong. He never met a shot he didn't like. He's averaging 0.4 apg.

[Betterread]

The Celtics are weird. Most of the time they dispatch teams without too much fuss, but they've taken two recent poundings (from the Clips and the Bucks). They seem to stumble short of being able to go true juggernaut.

I also think it’s weird that Boston fears Miami. Miami is a talent and skill limited team.

[M2]

I also think it’s weird that Boston fears Miami. Miami is a talent and skill limited team.

Hard-learned experience. Until the Celtics dispatch the Heat in the playoffs with relative ease, the Heat have residence in Boston's head space.

[M2]

SGA for MVP? He went 34-7-5 in a win over the Jokic-less Nuggets tonight. He's scoring more than 31 per game and he plays almost every night.

[Betterread]

SGA for MVP? He went 34-7-5 in a win over the Jokic-less Nuggets tonight. He's scoring more than 31 per game and he plays almost every night.

His footwork in the midrange is sublime. Minnesota announcers came up with an Alex English comparison. SGA can shoot threes a lot better than English but English was so smooth.

[Mutaman]

Milwaukee looking really old and really slow. One of Giannis' most unintelligent games. Plus Portland simply wouldn't miss.
Big back to back games and Lillard not very impressive in either one.

[texasdave]

Julius Randle diagnosed with a dislocated right shoulder. To be reevaluated in 2-3 weeks.

[KoryMac5]

Would Mikal Bridges be overkill? In a few years they can replace Randle with Saddiq Bey too.

There’s a lot of talk around here of going all in on Bridges, I’d be for it as it would make for a tremendously tough defensive team with a ton of guys who can score on all levels. Brunson-Bridges-Anunoby-Randle-Robinson with Hart/Divo off the bench would give Boston a run for best team in the East.

I didn't realize until Marks pointed it out that the last time the Nets and Knicks traded was in 1983...never say never but I doubt that dream comes to reality even with all those picks.

[SteelSD]

Welp, Embiid just diagnosed with a meniscus injury. No word on whether it's a tear and, if so, how severe. But the fact that the knee had been swelling for some time now, my fear is that there was at least a minor tear already present, and that it was exacerbated by Kuminga's landing on it. I'd love to think that best case is 2 weeks, but if he needs surgery on it (no word yet), it's likely more like 8.

Time for Morey to start smiling and dialing for trades.

[Betterread]

Lakers just beat the Celtics in the garden by nine. No LBJ, no brow. Full Celtics squad. Lakers shot 40% from the field. And Vanderbilt made more threes (2-3) than Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and JRue combined (1-10). What on earth happened?

[BuckeyeRed27]

Lakers just beat the Celtics in the garden by nine. No LBJ, no brow. Full Celtics squad. Lakers shot 40% from the field. And Vanderbilt made more threes (2-3) than Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and JRue combined (1-10). What on earth happened?

Gotta be the weirdest result of the season.

[Mutaman]

Plus I see LA had to overcome a 17 point 5 0f 9 threes off the bench by Hauser.

[klw]

Lakers shot 26 FT to the Celtics 7, in Boston. Celtics had 15 TO vs the Lakers 7

[dubc47834]

Lakers just beat the Celtics in the garden by nine. No LBJ, no brow. Full Celtics squad. Lakers shot 40% from the field. And Vanderbilt made more threes (2-3) than Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and JRue combined (1-10). What on earth happened?

And Vanderbilt only played the 1st half I believe. Which makes that stat even more crazy.

[Mitri]

Pacers did not look like a playoff-ready team last night. I know Haliburton was limited and Mathurin was out, but the Knicks heavily rotated Precious Achiuwa, Deuce McBride and even gave Malachai Flynn minutes and came back from like, 17 down to win.

Brunson is just going nuts right now.

[Betterread]

The Knickerbockers have won 15 out of the last 17. That streak (helped with 10 wins v sub .500 teams) has moved them to 3rd place in the East. WOW! And you want to be in the 2nd or 3rd seed East bracket come playoff time.
Next eight game stretch is v six plus .500 teams (not including Houston who is 17-9 at home, so that will be a tough game) so to hang onto #3 seed I think they will need to win five of eight.

[Revering4Blue]

Pacers did not look like a playoff-ready team last night. I know Haliburton was limited and Mathurin was out, but the Knicks heavily rotated Precious Achiuwa, Deuce McBride and even gave Malachai Flynn minutes and came back from like, 17 down to win.

Brunson is just going nuts right now.

Jackson and McConnell were also out. The former’s loss was more glaring given the miserable night from Turner. As an aside, Jalen Smith played well. The Suns look foolish for dealing him away as he’s the type of big that’s an ideal pairing with Durant.

Regardless, I believe the Knicks are all that moving forward, especially if Robinson returns. And that’s not factoring in the trading deadline. I would be surprised if they stand pat.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[texasdave]

Rockets and Grizzlies pull off a slobberknocker of sorts. Steven Adams (injured all year) has been sent from Memphis to Houston for Victor Oladipo (injured all year) and 3 2nd-round draft picks.

[SteelSD]

Zach LaVine is having surgery on his injured foot, and projects to be out 4 to 6 months. Teams can cross him off their "want" lists, if he was still on them in the first place.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39452599/bulls-zach-lavine-foot-surgery-4-6-months

[Mutaman]

Only took Doc 3 games to figure it out:

1. Put Giannis in total Beast Mode
2. Have Lillard score his 30.
3. Have the bench not get outscored by the other bench.

[SteelSD]

Utter offensive collapse in the second half tonight against the Mavs. At one point across about 10 minutes from the 3rd to the 4th quarter, Philly hit 4 of 26 shots to doom them. Only thing worth watching was Jaden Springer playing all-world defense on Doncic. This team is going to ring up a LOT of losses without Embiid over the next X months.

[M2]

Utter offensive collapse in the second half tonight against the Mavs. At one point across about 10 minutes from the 3rd to the 4th quarter, Philly hit 4 of 26 shots to doom them. Only thing worth watching was Jaden Springer playing all-world defense on Doncic. This team is going to ring up a LOT of losses without Embiid over the next X months.

What the Sixers need is a new Earl Cureton.

Side note: RIP Earl Cureton.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Cavs jumped into the 2 seed last night.

I went to the game. From a Cavs perspective what was most exciting is the Kings played pretty well…and the Cavs won by 30. They just couldn’t do anything to really slow down the Cavs. The ball movement for Cleveland is spectacular right now, and they play with a legit 10 man rotation that caused Kings matchup nightmares.

I hadn’t seen Sabonis play since he left the Pacers. Had a great game, he’s a really nice smart player.

[RedTeamGo!]

Many people are saying the Cavs are the best team in the NBA

[BuckeyeRed27]

Many people are saying the Cavs are the best team in the NBA

They are playing the best right now. Boston, Philly and the Knicks are dealing with injuries and Denver is dealing with being the defending champs and giving zero craps about the regular season.

[Revering4Blue]

The Celtics are acquiring Xavier Tillman from Memphis, while the Jazz are sending Simone Fontecchio to the Pistons. By all accounts, the Pistons intend to sign him long term.

This also very likely means a trade of Bogdanovic is imminent.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[KoryMac5]

Knicks continue to pull off some smart NBA trades:

Knicks: Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks
Pistons: Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn, Evan Fournier, Ryan Arcidiacono and two second-round picks.

per Woj

[RedTeamGo!]

Many people are saying the Cavs are the best team in the NBA

bump

[SteelSD]

Sixers apparently are dealing Morris and Korkmaz plus a couple 2nds to Indiana for Buddy Hield, which seems like the most "Sixers" trade ever. Daniel House and a second to Detroit for no return, which seems like the most "Pistons" trade ever.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Knicks continue to pull off some smart NBA trades:

Knicks: Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks
Pistons: Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn, Evan Fournier, Ryan Arcidiacono and two second-round picks.

per Woj

Certainly a solid trade. Burks is just whatever but getting Bojan for Grimes essentially is nice business.

[KoryMac5]

bump

I like Cleveland just not sure that Strus won't get exposed defensively come playoff time. I thought Cleveland may try to make a deal to bolster that bench...still time until 3p

- - - Updated - - -


Certainly a solid trade. Burks is just whatever but getting Bojan for Grimes essentially is nice business.

Thibs loves Burks even more than Grimes and he has had some nice scoring off the bench for Detroit. Bogdanovich is OG insurance.

[KoryMac5]

Dallas with some solid deals to get some length.

Picking up Washington and Gafford...Big question can they get PJ Washington to care about defense.

[Assembly Hall]

Sixers apparently are dealing Morris and Korkmaz plus a couple 2nds to Indiana for Buddy Hield, which seems like the most "Sixers" trade ever. Daniel House and a second to Detroit for no return, which seems like the most "Pistons" trade ever.

Pacers get 3 2nd round picks.

[SteelSD]

Pacers get 3 2nd round picks.

Then it's definitely the most "Sixers" trade ever.

[M2]

Sixers apparently are dealing Morris and Korkmaz plus a couple 2nds to Indiana for Buddy Hield, which seems like the most "Sixers" trade ever. Daniel House and a second to Detroit for no return, which seems like the most "Pistons" trade ever.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdximU6Ao00

If Philly gives Buddy the green light, he could pass JJ Redick this season and climb into the top 20 all-time in 3-pointers made.

[KoryMac5]

Dinwiddie to the buyout market as Raptors will not keep him I would think several teams would look at him...

[M2]

Dallas with some solid deals to get some length.

Picking up Washington and Gafford...Big question can they get PJ Washington to care about defense.

Gafford's defense should be a big plus for them. Not sure Washington is better than Grant Williams, largely because of that caring about defense part of it.

[Revering4Blue]

Pacers get 3 2nd round picks.

And they also reacquired Doug McBuckets for a second rounder and Marcus Morris Jr., who was acquired from Philly in the Buddy Hield trade.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[M2]

The Timberwolves picking up Monte Morris is a sneaky good move. He's quality PG depth.

Kind of surprised the Sixers handed Jaden Springer, who's had could-be-good-if-he-got-minutes buzz, to the Celtics. Got me wondering if Boston's packaging Springer up to move him in another deal, to a place where they'll give him minutes.

[Revering4Blue]

The Timberwolves picking up Monte Morris is a sneaky good move. He's quality PG depth.

Kind of surprised the Sixers handed Jaden Springer, who's had could-be-good-if-he-got-minutes buzz, to the Celtics. Got me wondering if Boston's packaging Springer up to move him in another deal, to a place where they'll give him minutes.

Co-signed.

Other than the Hield and House Jr. trades, the 76ers deals today signaled “What The Actual Hell?” to me. They’ll likely sign Kyle Lowry once he clears waivers, but beyond that?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[SteelSD]

The Timberwolves picking up Monte Morris is a sneaky good move. He's quality PG depth.

Kind of surprised the Sixers handed Jaden Springer, who's had could-be-good-if-he-got-minutes buzz, to the Celtics. Got me wondering if Boston's packaging Springer up to move him in another deal, to a place where they'll give him minutes.

Pat Bev to the Bucks for Cam Payne, which seems strange. Not sure what they're doing with Springer, and to Boston of all teams. He needs to grow offensively, but the guy shut down Luka and Steph this week, so it's not like he shouldn't have a role.

[M2]

Recent trade deadlines have convinced me there are an infinite number of second round picks in the NBA.

[15fan]

Dennis Schroeder is becoming the Bruce Chen of the NBA.

[SteelSD]

Co-signed.

Other than the Hield and House Jr. trades, the 76ers deals today signaled “What The Actual Hell?” to me. They’ll likely sign Kyle Lowry once he clears waivers, but beyond that?

I keep looking out the window, like Im waiting for the Doordash driver to FINALLY show up with my food. But so far, the cars just keep driving by...mac and cheese again, I guess...maybe a frozen pizza. But I wanted the Indian food...really wanted...sigh...

All joking aside, it smells like a hedge from Morey. Acquire a couple guys who shore up weak spots should Embiid return healthy and in a reasonable amount of time, hold onto the firsts acquired in the Harden deal, and get payroll In a position to be one of the few offseason free agency players who won't be kneecapped by the new CBA.

It's a boring plan, but that's what I see happening.

[RichRed]

Recent trade deadlines have convinced me there are an infinite number of second round picks in the NBA.

I was thinking this too. I’m pretty sure the Wiz have 37 second round picks next year.

[klw]

Dennis Schroeder is becoming the Bruce Chen of the NBA.

It is not a NBA trade season until Marcus or Markieff Morris is dealt.

[Mitri]

bump

Let’s see if they show up in the playoffs this year.

[Mitri]

Thibs loves Burks even more than Grimes and he has had some nice scoring off the bench for Detroit. Bogdanovich is OG insurance.

Love this trade. Bogdanovich is more than OG insurance. To me Burks is there to soak up minutes while Randle and OG are out. Bojan will be a top-6 guy in the rotation and may end up supplanting Divincenzo as a closer come playoff time depending on matchups.

Bogdanovich is also a salary-match replacement for Fournier if another big deal comes along in the next 12 months. Knicks keep all of their firsts in tact. Should be a tough team once fully healthy

[BuckeyeRed27]

Let’s see if they show up in the playoffs this year.

I think it’s fair to say this, given that the Cavs very much did not show up in the playoffs last year.

However if other teams are banking on that, well I think it’s gonna be a wake up call, because this isn’t the same team.

Cavs were a fun story last year, got off to a super hot start, but were basically a 500 team over the last 50 games and there were certainly warning signs. They were pretty good at playing a specific way, but couldn’t really adjust and the Knicks exposed that badly in the playoffs.

This team can play a lot of different ways and can create matchup problems, which they simply couldn’t do last season.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Love this trade. Bogdanovich is more than OG insurance. To me Burks is there to soak up minutes while Randle and OG are out. Bojan will be a top-6 guy in the rotation and may end up supplanting Divincenzo as a closer come playoff time depending on matchups.

Bogdanovich is also a salary-match replacement for Fournier if another big deal comes along in the next 12 months. Knicks keep all of their firsts in tact. Should be a tough team once fully healthy

Yeah it’s a really nice trade for the Knicks. It’s pretty crazy that Danny Ainge can get a first for Olynyk and Ogbaji and Detroit can’t get one for Bojan and Burks. Ridiculously run franchise.

[Mitri]

Yeah it’s a really nice trade for the Knicks. It’s pretty crazy that Danny Ainge can get a first for Olynyk and Ogbaji and Detroit can’t get one for Bojan and Burks. Ridiculously run franchise.

To be fair, Quentin Grimes is a nice piece that has some upside. He just needs to find his stroke from long range to become a very good player but the Knicks are ready now and don’t have the patience for it.

[M2]

I think it’s fair to say this, given that the Cavs very much did not show up in the playoffs last year.

However if other teams are banking on that, well I think it’s gonna be a wake up call, because this isn’t the same team.

Cavs were a fun story last year, got off to a super hot start, but were basically a 500 team over the last 50 games and there were certainly warning signs. They were pretty good at playing a specific way, but couldn’t really adjust and the Knicks exposed that badly in the playoffs.

This team can play a lot of different ways and can create matchup problems, which they simply couldn’t do last season.

Based on recent form, I don't see why the Cavs can't be the #2 seed. The #7 seed could be the Heat, which would be a stiff test, but they're looking like they can avoid that super hairy 4-5 matchup.

[RedTeamGo!]

Let’s see if they show up in the playoffs this year.

It’s almost as if I was joking

[Mutaman]

Will Patrick Beverly be the 2024 PJ Tucker? I'm running out of hopes.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Based on recent form, I don't see why the Cavs can't be the #2 seed. The #7 seed could be the Heat, which would be a stiff test, but they're looking like they can avoid that super hairy 4-5 matchup.

I’m expecting the Cavs to get the 2 seed and get to face the 7 seed Sixers right as Embiid comes back.

[Mitri]

It’s almost as if I was joking

Almost

[KoryMac5]

Gafford's defense should be a big plus for them. Not sure Washington is better than Grant Williams, largely because of that caring about defense part of it.

Tough to say being stuck in Charlotte your entire career will suck the desire right out of you...rumor has it Williams showed up to camp out of shape and didn't mesh with the Mavs from a personality stand point.

[M2]

Tough to say being stuck in Charlotte your entire career will suck the desire right out of you...rumor has it Williams showed up to camp out of shape and didn't mesh with the Mavs from a personality stand point.

Grant Williams can be extra.

[KoryMac5]

Donte vs Luka was a fun watch tonight...I also feel like the Knicks right now with the exception of center could be one of the deepest Teams in the NBA. They fielded a competitive team last night with only 8 guys...hats off to their front office.

[Boston Red]

You guys have convinced me to grab some Cavs +2500 action.

[Mitri]

Donte vs Luka was a fun watch tonight...I also feel like the Knicks right now with the exception of center could be one of the deepest Teams in the NBA. They fielded a competitive team last night with only 8 guys...hats off to their front office.

Felt like Luka and Kyrie were sort of toying with the Knicks. Could have been a lot worse. Knicks can figure out how to score without Randle/OG for a while but take Brunson out of the mix and you're relying on Josh Hart and McBride to be the 2nd and 3rd options...not great. Hopefully Burks and Bojan can stop the bleeding and then a steady return back to full health beginning with Randle after the break.

Once they get to full health it's doubtful there will even be minutes for Achiuwa and McBride.

[Rojo Rijo]

Nothing from Orlando at the deadline, guessing that means we're just looking to get our foot in the door this year. Hopefully the offseason consists of adding a PG (Tyus Jones) and some outside shooting from the guard position. If Isaac stays healthy and we make a few good roster moves this team should be ready to challenge for a top 4 spot in the East in 2025.

[KoryMac5]

Felt like Luka and Kyrie were sort of toying with the Knicks. Could have been a lot worse. Knicks can figure out how to score without Randle/OG for a while but take Brunson out of the mix and you're relying on Josh Hart and McBride to be the 2nd and 3rd options...not great. Hopefully Burks and Bojan can stop the bleeding and then a steady return back to full health beginning with Randle after the break.

Once they get to full health it's doubtful there will even be minutes for Achiuwa and McBride.
They are set up well to absorb injuries to anyone but Brunson…that was the only disappointment for me last night was his ankle injury.
That behind the back dime by Luka was unreal the crowd at MSG went nuts…it was pistolPete sequel.

[texasdave]

They are set up well to absorb injuries to anyone but Brunson…that was the only disappointment for me last night was his ankle injury.
That behind the back dime by Luka was unreal the crowd at MSG went nuts…it was pistolPete sequel.

For those that haven't had the good fortune to see that pass yet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js2l6Jn5FT8

[M2]

Post trade deadline thoughts on each team:

EAST

Boston - They're running away with the East and didn't need to do much. Added some bench depth, though nobody I'd expect in a playoff rotation.

Cleveland - Probably feel like players returning from injury are their big acquisition equivalent, and they've got to like how everything is coming together.

Milwaukee - Needed to add defense on the perimeter and didn't. Everything is kind of riding on Dame taking it up a notch in the playoffs.

New York - Have looked great since the Anunoby move and Bogdanovic gives them another wing who can shoot. Gave up no 1sts to get them. Not sure I'm ready for front office competency from the Knicks.

Philadelphia - Three-point shooting is one of their major weaknesses and they got Buddy Hield, but everything hinges on Embiid's health.

Indiana - Siakam was their big move. Yesterday might have been about finding more minutes for Jarace Walker.

Miami - Kind of surprising they didn't pull the trigger on something big, but they already moved for Rozier. Looks like maybe the play-in for them again, and then we'll see if they can activate playoff mode.

Orlando - I get that they don't have to be urgent, but at some point they're going to need a guard who can generate electricity.

Chicago - How did they do nothing? DeRo's going to be a UFA. Caruso should have been catnip for contending teams. Vuce would have been the best big on the market if they had shopped him. Baffling.

Atlanta - They're terrible and they did nothing. Seems like a franchise unwilling to admit what it has doesn't work.

Brooklyn - I get the sense they're biding their time and waiting for a true ace. They've got a supporting cast, they're moving toward cap space and they're in New York.

Toronto - Kind of shocked they didn't trade Bruce Brown to a contender. Another team that needs to come to grips with how bad it is.

Charlotte - Maybe Grant Williams and Tre Mann will be solid rotation guys, but this team is 30th in Net Rating and did nothing to change that.

Washington - Basically gave away Daniel Gafford, who is a quality throwback big on a reasonable contract. Make it make sense.

Detroit - Didn't land a 1st for Bogdanovic. That's malpractice. They'll have mad cap space. Good luck getting quality players to take their money.

WEST

Minnesota - Snagging Monte Morris was a slick bit of business. Their whole deal is finding out how far Ant can take them.

Denver - Kind surprising they didn't add a veteran rotation guy to the bench. They know they can win it all, but they're being a little complacent.

OKC - Hayward's still versatile when he's healthy, which isn't often. Maybe reduced minutes can make him available and productive off the bench in a playoff run.

LA Clippers - They went all-in on Harden, and it's working out great. Could have used more presence on the glass.

Phoenix - Chimezie Metu and Yuta Watanabe (who were supposed to be their stealth pickups in the offseason) we hardly knew you. The Suns' season will end with a whimper.

New Orleans - Didn't do anything and they're in a battle to finish in the top 6. I get not being hasty in what's the first truly good season for this crew, but they've never closed before.

Sacramento - Probably hoping to repeat their big 2023 regular season finish. Something more than Robin Lopez would have helped.

Dallas - Did more than anyone else in the West at the deadline. Gafford gives them muscle. PJ Washington gives them question marks.

LA Lakers - They did nothing and all signs point to them getting worse from here. Looking at a fight to avoid the lottery.

Utah - Still trying to sort out the stips on the draft pick they got for Olynyk and Agbaji, but it's more than Detroit got for Bogey.

Golden State - They just refuse to add bigs. You almost have to admire the discipline. Looking a lot better the past couple of weeks, but why weren't they in on Gafford?

Houston - Still have a shot at the play-in, but really just need to let their kids play (especially Amen Thompson). This isn't their year. No need to force trades.

Memphis - Complete disaster of a season. Should be mortified by how bad they are without Ja. Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard should have been on the table.

Portland - Are they just going to keep Jerami Grant and Malcom Brogdon? And every window where they don't trade Deandre Ayton is an opportunity lost.

San Antonio - Is this some sort of hazing ritual where they give Wemby no help and see if he can survive?

[KoryMac5]

Thinking Lakers end up with Dinwiddie as he is from that area Dallas in the running...

Lakers are said to be gearing up for a run at a star this summer with 3 future 1st rounders per the Athletic. Irving, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell. I don't see Dallas or Cleveland entertaining those offers maybe Atl but only if they decide on a tear down and I think they could get a better package for Young.

[KoryMac5]

Dinwiddie to Lakers per Shams...

[KoryMac5]

Washington and Gafford both looked really good in their Mavs debut...Dallas outscored OKC on fastbreak pts 27-2...Mavs up by 35

[Betterread]

Washington and Gafford both looked really good in their Mavs debut...Dallas outscored OKC on fastbreak pts 27-2...Mavs up by 35

Agreed. Those two had 33 pts 15 rob in only 41 combined minutes. Luka and Kyrie did whatever they wanted. Big Dallas win.
No OKC resistance. Are Wiggins and Dort the only ones who play defense? SGA needs to spend more energy on D.

[SteelSD]

Washington and Gafford both looked really good in their Mavs debut...Dallas outscored OKC on fastbreak pts 27-2...Mavs up by 35

I've liked Gafford even before he was drafted. Yeah, he doesn't shoot threes and he has a tendency to get into foul trouble (mainly when starting), but he's all kinds of bouncy, is great on pick-and-rolls, blocks shots, and pulls down a lot of offensive boards on putbacks. I think that trade was a very underrated move for the Mavs, especially based on how well Gafford fits there.

[M2]

Thinking Lakers end up with Dinwiddie as he is from that area Dallas in the running...

Lakers are said to be gearing up for a run at a star this summer with 3 future 1st rounders per the Athletic. Irving, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell. I don't see Dallas or Cleveland entertaining those offers maybe Atl but only if they decide on a tear down and I think they could get a better package for Young.

Three firsts and maybe Austin Reaves for Kyrie? I'd trip over myself to make that deal if I was the Mavs.

[Betterread]

Following Milwaukee for a few games, and it is clear to me that they miss Jrue Holiday more than they appreciate Lilliard. Lilliard is an unbelievable shot maker, but he gives back all his points on defense.

[KoryMac5]

Kyle Lowry to the Sixers

[Betterread]

Kyle Lowry to the Sixers
This is totally predictable. He is from North Philly. They’ll need him in the next six games. Four of six are home games, but they play CLEV 2X, Miami, NYKnicks, Milwaukee and Boston.

[BuckeyeRed27]

This is totally predictable. He is from North Philly. They’ll need him in the next six games. Four of six are home games, but they play CLEV 2X, Miami, NYKnicks, Milwaukee and Boston.

He’s not gonna make a meaningful difference.

[M2]

He’s not gonna make a meaningful difference.

He can run a second unit, but you're right he's not moving any needles. Still, nice career cap for him to finally play for the Sixers.

[Mitri]

Pacers looked much better in NY last night than the previous matchup.

Knicks have been able to mask the loss of Randle, and even Randle/Anunoby, but not having a legitimate big really hurt last night. We'll see how long Hartenstein is out but I'm just assuming it'll be until the ASB (along with Randle) with OG returning a week after that. Precious Achiuwa/Taj Gibson were no match on the boards vs. the Pacers bigs.

Hopefully, the Knicks will at least get Jericho Sims back to add some muscle.

[KoryMac5]

He can run a second unit, but you're right he's not moving any needles. Still, nice career cap for him to finally play for the Sixers.

Sixers attempted to get Drummond to pair with Reed but Chicago held firm to wanting a 1st for him.

[M2]

Sixers attempted to get Drummond to pair with Reed but Chicago held firm to wanting a 1st for him.

Got to assume Philly offered Jaden Springer, whom they traded for less. Last year's G-League scoring champ seems like a decent return for Drummond. I really don't get what the Bulls are doing.

[texasdave]

Jalen Jackson is turning out to be a solid rotation player for the Hawks. It's hard to believe that they have a losing record.

[RedTeamGo!]

Man the Cavs are on fire, they had 8 players with double digits last night. Leading scorer was Allen with 18. Scored 120. I wonder the last time something like that happened.

[SteelSD]

He can run a second unit, but you're right he's not moving any needles. Still, nice career cap for him to finally play for the Sixers.

Yeah, Lowry can play regular season in spurts, but he's dead defensively in the playoffs when teams will hunt him relentlessly. That being said, the Sixers were very short on ballhandling and the Sixers second unit has had issues scoring and consistently hit threes. Lowry helps smooth out both of those a bit.

Philly still has at least one more open roster spot, even if last night's Ricky Council IV 19 pt/10 rebound double-double has them thinking about converting his two-way. Kid looked like he could play last night in 29 minutes. I would be so nice to finally "hit" on a guy like that, ala Miami. Interesting tidbit about Council IV- he's not the fourth generation of Ricky's. His father is Ricky Council (the first), and his two older brothers are Ricky Council II and Ricky Council III.

I don't know what the Bulls are thinking either. There's just no reason that Andre Drummond should still be on that roster.

[SteelSD]

Man the Cavs are on fire, they had 8 players with double digits last night. Leading scorer was Allen with 18. Scored 120. I wonder the last time something like that happened.

The Bulls had that happen on November 23rd of this season. Not sure if any team has done it more recently.

The NBA record is 10 players in double figures, which has happened 7 times, and was last accomplished by both Phoenix and Seattle in 1994.

[RedTeamGo!]

The Bulls had that happen on November 23rd of this season. Not sure if any team has done it more recently.

The NBA record is 10 players in double figures, which has happened 7 times, and was last accomplished by both Phoenix and Seattle in 1994.

Wow thanks for looking that up, I don’t even know where to begin to find that info

[SteelSD]

Wow thanks for looking that up, I don’t even know where to begin to find that info

You're welcome, and I sincerely apologize in advance because there's no real way to tell someone that I just googled "nba games with 8 players in double figures" without sounding like a jerk. ;)

[BuckeyeRed27]

Man the Cavs are on fire, they had 8 players with double digits last night. Leading scorer was Allen with 18. Scored 120. I wonder the last time something like that happened.

Garland was kinda bad and mitchell basically took the night off and it was essentially a blowout win on the road.

It was a good illustration of the point I was making earlier. They can win a lot of ways.

[M2]

Jalen Jackson is turning out to be a solid rotation player for the Hawks. It's hard to believe that they have a losing record.

The team is built around a soft Trae Young center.

[SteelSD]

Exhale...

Philly, missing multiple starters and nearly half their roster, had no business being in the game from the tip, then Cleveland had no business being in the game late, but the Sixers held on when B-Ball Paul stuffed Donovan Mitchell on a drive with a couple second left, and Garland's last second three fell short. Buddy Hield put up another 20+ point game and pitched in 8 dimes, while Kelly Oubre hit 10 of his 14 shots to finish with 24 points himself (and should have been shooting to ice the game late after being mugged under the rim...don't get me started on the officials...) and Maxey finished with 21 points and nine assists, hitting a couple key shots late.

Hield's been much better than advertised so far, and Cam Payne has been very useful (15 points tonight, and a few really nice finishes). Next are the Heat, Knicks, Cavs again, Bucks, and Celtics, in that order. Yikes.

[M2]

Grant Williams and Seth Curry lifted the Hornets to a win over the Pacers tonight. Indiana can't be giving away games like that if it wants to finish in the top 6.

[Mutaman]

Milwaukee seems to have gotten it together somewhat, particularly on defense. is that a comment on Griffin or on Rivers?

[Mutaman]

Nine incidents that led to Griffin being sacked. I'll add 10: The lack of playing time for A.J. Green.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/why-the-bucks-fired-a-coach-who-won-70-of-his-games-nine-incidents-that-led-to-adrian-griffins-dismissal/



Green is getting more time and he is paying dividends.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Exhale...

Philly, missing multiple starters and nearly half their roster, had no business being in the game from the tip, then Cleveland had no business being in the game late, but the Sixers held on when B-Ball Paul stuffed Donovan Mitchell on a drive with a couple second left, and Garland's last second three fell short. Buddy Hield put up another 20+ point game and pitched in 8 dimes, while Kelly Oubre hit 10 of his 14 shots to finish with 24 points himself (and should have been shooting to ice the game late after being mugged under the rim...don't get me started on the officials...) and Maxey finished with 21 points and nine assists, hitting a couple key shots late.

Hield's been much better than advertised so far, and Cam Payne has been very useful (15 points tonight, and a few really nice finishes). Next are the Heat, Knicks, Cavs again, Bucks, and Celtics, in that order. Yikes.

Went to the game. I’m not sure what you don’t want to get started with in the officials, but they were absolutely horrendous and the reason Philly won. Well that and completely ridiculous heaters from Hield and Oubre (and Payne a bit). I mean Philly couldn’t have taken worse shots in the second half, particularly the fourth and made basically all of them. Oubre at least was creating. The crap Hield was making was just stupid, although he did have a nice little cross over step back, I think in the third.

I’ve kinda hated Dean Wade, but he’s started to grow on me and you could feel what he does well tonight with his absence. The Philly second unit was getting inside a lot and got a lot of second chance tips and dunks and that’s the kinda stuff he takes away as a defender. There was an interesting rotation with Cleveland living inside with Allen and Mobley in together, but Philly capitalizing inside when Cleveland played smaller. Not so much with size but with penetration.

The refs really were horrible. Worst officiating of the games I’ve been to this season by a mile. That crew was a joke.

[SteelSD]

Went to the game. I’m not sure what you don’t want to get started with in the officials, but they were absolutely horrendous and the reason Philly won. Well that and completely ridiculous heaters from Hield and Oubre (and Payne a bit). I mean Philly couldn’t have taken worse shots in the second half, particularly the fourth and made basically all of them. Oubre at least was creating. The crap Hield was making was just stupid, although he did have a nice little cross over step back, I think in the third.

I’ve kinda hated Dean Wade, but he’s started to grow on me and you could feel what he does well tonight with his absence. The Philly second unit was getting inside a lot and got a lot of second chance tips and dunks and that’s the kinda stuff he takes away as a defender. There was an interesting rotation with Cleveland living inside with Allen and Mobley in together, but Philly capitalizing inside when Cleveland played smaller. Not so much with size but with penetration.

The refs really were horrible. Worst officiating of the games I’ve been to this season by a mile. That crew was a joke.

Donovan Mitchell took 17 free throws, many off incidental contact from just running into guys, which is fine because that's what he does. All I ask is that if someone like Maxey gets the same amount of contact, then blow the whistle. The most egregious issues were that Cleveland is now allowed to kick opponents when taking threes (the no-call explanation was garbage; could have taken out Maxey's knee), and the officials swallowed their whistles late (the Oubre mugging no-call was derelict) after being busy stunting Sixers runs earlier. Not sure what your issue with Hield is though. That's what he does, including sticking a couple treys in Max Strus' face (which was quite pleasing) when Philly started hunting him relentlessly.

I said I didn't want to get started, nor am I really looking to continue. You see it your way, I see it mine. I'm sure the Cavs will get 'em next time.

[Betterread]

Twolves beat the LAClips 121-100 in LA. Big win v a tough, physical opponent. Game was close through the middle of the 3rd Q, when KAT and then NazReid took over in a 40-19 3rd quarter. Monte morris fit in like a glove and will help with running the offense and giving Conley some more rest.
Clips were a little off, but next time they play the Twolves they will be better. Westbrook really hurt his team in the third. He beat his man off the dribble and got to the paint but in three straight possessions missed a layup, got blocked, then missed/got blocked a dunk while KAT scored 7 straight points.

[Betterread]

Milwaukee seems to have gotten it together somewhat, particularly on defense. is that a comment on Griffin or on Rivers?

AJ Green was awesome in the Twolves game- 9-11 from the field , with 7-8 from 3 and 27 Total.

[Mitri]

The officiating was really bad in the Knicks-Rockets game last night too (I didn’t see the Cavs Sixers matchup), including a horrendous call on a last second shot to give Houston the game.

Knicks were outclassed in the paint again, I’m afraid it will continue as long as Hartenstein is out. 16-10 turnover ratio didn’t help.

Rockets have some entertaining young talent for sure, I was impressed with Thompson’s Swiss-Army-like skillset and I think Sengun is certain to be the guy they build around.

Dillon Brooks continues to be the most annoying dude on the planet.

[SteelSD]

The officiating was really bad in the Knicks-Rockets game last night too (I didn’t see the Cavs Sixers matchup), including a horrendous call on a last second shot to give Houston the game.

Knicks were outclassed in the paint again, I’m afraid it will continue as long as Hartenstein is out. 16-10 turnover ratio didn’t help.

Rockets have some entertaining young talent for sure, I was impressed with Thompson’s Swiss-Army-like skillset and I think Sengun is certain to be the guy they build around.

Dillon Brooks continues to be the most annoying dude on the planet.

I can't remember the last time an official went public with an admission that they screwed up the call immediately following a game, like Malloy did last night.

[M2]

The officiating was really bad in the Knicks-Rockets game last night too (I didn’t see the Cavs Sixers matchup), including a horrendous call on a last second shot to give Houston the game.

Knicks were outclassed in the paint again, I’m afraid it will continue as long as Hartenstein is out. 16-10 turnover ratio didn’t help.

Rockets have some entertaining young talent for sure, I was impressed with Thompson’s Swiss-Army-like skillset and I think Sengun is certain to be the guy they build around.

Dillon Brooks continues to be the most annoying dude on the planet.

I see the Rockets had Thompson starting. He got a slow start to the season, but he's got the potential to be special. Kind of like a bigger version of Russ.

In separate rookie news, Wemby got himself a triple-double last night against the Raptors: 27 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks. He is not of this earth.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Donovan Mitchell took 17 free throws, many off incidental contact from just running into guys, which is fine because that's what he does. All I ask is that if someone like Maxey gets the same amount of contact, then blow the whistle. The most egregious issues were that Cleveland is now allowed to kick opponents when taking threes (the no-call explanation was garbage; could have taken out Maxey's knee), and the officials swallowed their whistles late (the Oubre mugging no-call was derelict) after being busy stunting Sixers runs earlier. Not sure what your issue with Hield is though. That's what he does, including sticking a couple treys in Max Strus' face (which was quite pleasing) when Philly started hunting him relentlessly.

I said I didn't want to get started, nor am I really looking to continue. You see it your way, I see it mine. I'm sure the Cavs will get 'em next time.

I don’t have an issue with Hield. He’s a super streaky player and he was on a heater. I guess I do have an issue with him because he’s kinda exactly the type of player I hate. He’s a chucker and super inefficient, but sometimes he has nights like last night. It’s just annoying when it happens because he’s taking terrible shots…and they go in. I mean the stretch from about 7-3 minutes in the 4th Philly took a bad shot on almost every possession and I think they only missed one. Credit to them, they made them, but it’s not like good basketball.

Trust me someone like Maxey got a lot of whistles last night. I think a lot of the Mitchell calls were make ups late for the crap they let Philly get early. There were 4 drives with just no contact that they gave Philly free throws. Which fine, but it’s the inconsistency that is frustrating. They call a flop for Payne next possession Allen gets murdered, nothing. That’s what frustrates me with refs.

The Maxey 3 point thing was right in front of me and that should have been a landing space flagrant. Levert made that motion because Maxey came under him. I actually agree with it not being a shooting foul, but they should have called the landing space thing. Which is another rule I hate because they just never call it consistently.

Both technicals were jokes, both from the refs making stupid wrong calls. Hield also claps right in the refs face after a foul call, no T. So again just inconsistent, bad officiating.

Game wise, you know it was a fun game, not concerned by the loss. What the Sixers did isn’t a repeatable way to win and the Cavs defensive issues were partly Wade being out and some correctable matchup scheme stuff that they have generally been good at and just missed some stuff last night.

At least the Knicks lost in hilarious fashion.

- - - Updated - - -


The officiating was really bad in the Knicks-Rockets game last night too (I didn’t see the Cavs Sixers matchup), including a horrendous call on a last second shot to give Houston the game.

Knicks were outclassed in the paint again, I’m afraid it will continue as long as Hartenstein is out. 16-10 turnover ratio didn’t help.

Rockets have some entertaining young talent for sure, I was impressed with Thompson’s Swiss-Army-like skillset and I think Sengun is certain to be the guy they build around.

Dillon Brooks continues to be the most annoying dude on the planet.

It was a pretty bad foul call, but it was also a really stupid decision by Brunson to even make an issue of it.

[Mitri]

It was a pretty bad foul call, but it was also a really stupid decision by Brunson to even make an issue of it.

Nope, just a terrible call. So bad that the officials came out and said as much.

Brunson defended it perfectly, what exactly do you expect him to do there?

[M2]

Rando thought on the Cavs-Sixers game: that's two teams playing for different prizes at the moment. The Cavs are fighting for seeding in the East with the Bucks and the Knicks. The Sixers are trying to notch as many random wins as possible while Embiid is out in order to stay out of the play-in. Cleveland had the most to win. Philly had the most to lose.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Nope, just a terrible call. So bad that the officials came out and said as much.

Brunson defended it perfectly, what exactly do you expect him to do there?

He does make some contact with his leg. He did not defend it perfectly.

It’s a desperate heave from 35 feet. Don’t get that close to the guy.

[SteelSD]

I don’t have an issue with Hield. He’s a super streaky player and he was on a heater. I guess I do have an issue with him because he’s kinda exactly the type of player I hate. He’s a chucker and super inefficient, but sometimes he has nights like last night. It’s just annoying when it happens because he’s taking terrible shots…and they go in. I mean the stretch from about 7-3 minutes in the 4th Philly took a bad shot on almost every possession and I think they only missed one. Credit to them, they made them, but it’s not like good basketball.

Trust me someone like Maxey got a lot of whistles last night. I think a lot of the Mitchell calls were make ups late for the crap they let Philly get early. There were 4 drives with just no contact that they gave Philly free throws. Which fine, but it’s the inconsistency that is frustrating. They call a flop for Payne next possession Allen gets murdered, nothing. That’s what frustrates me with refs.

The Maxey 3 point thing was right in front of me and that should have been a landing space flagrant. Levert made that motion because Maxey came under him. I actually agree with it not being a shooting foul, but they should have called the landing space thing. Which is another rule I hate because they just never call it consistently.

Both technicals were jokes, both from the refs making stupid wrong calls. Hield also claps right in the refs face after a foul call, no T. So again just inconsistent, bad officiating.

Game wise, you know it was a fun game, not concerned by the loss. What the Sixers did isn’t a repeatable way to win and the Cavs defensive issues were partly Wade being out and some correctable matchup scheme stuff that they have generally been good at and just missed some stuff last night.

At least the Knicks lost in hilarious

I'm no Buddy Hield mega fan, but the guy is one of the best three point shooters in NBA history. He's VERY efficient. In fact, for shooting guards who play 25+ minutes per game this season, he's something like 18th in True Shooting %. That's quite a feat given that he doesn't augment his rate with any volume of free throws. His EFG% (which doesn't incorporate free throws) is top 40 among all players. Maybe you're thinking of LaVert?

Maxey got one free throw that wasn't caused by a Cleveland tech or a last ditch take foul. One. I'm not going to entertain any noise about how many calls he got.

It's also physically impossible to be in someone's landing space if they need to kick their leg out to hit you. At minimum, that should have been a flop on LaVert given that he fell like someone shot him. It was dangerous...for Maxey.

And of course Philly isn't going to be planning to win anything missing nearly half their roster. That's sort of a given.

And yes, at least the Knicks lost.;)

[BuckeyeRed27]

I'm no Buddy Hield mega fan, but the guy is one of the best three point shooters in NBA history. He's VERY efficient. In fact, for shooting guards who play 25+ minutes per game this season, he's something like 18th in True Shooting %. That's quite a feat given that he doesn't augment his rate with any volume of free throws. His EFG% (which doesn't incorporate free throws) is top 40 among all players. Maybe you're thinking of LaVert?

Maxey got one free throw that wasn't caused by a Cleveland tech or a last ditch take foul. One. I'm not going to entertain any noise about how many calls he got.

It's also physically impossible to be in someone's landing space if they need to kick their leg out to hit you. At minimum, that should have been a flop on LaVert given that he fell like someone shot him. It was dangerous...for Maxey.

And of course Philly isn't going to be planning to win anything missing nearly half their roster. That's sort of a given.

And yes, at least the Knicks lost.;)

Haha I think we need to pump the breaks (maybe slam them very hard) on Hield being an all time great 3 point shooter. He’s fine. He’s also very streaky and he shoots A LOT. Maybe he won’t on a healthy Philly team, but there’s a reason the Pacers benched him and it wasn’t his all time great shooting ability.

[SteelSD]

Haha I think we need to pump the breaks (maybe slam them very hard) on Hield being an all time great 3 point shooter. He’s fine. He’s also very streaky and he shoots A LOT. Maybe he won’t on a healthy Philly team, but there’s a reason the Pacers benched him and it wasn’t his all time great shooting ability.

Hield is 22nd all time in 3-point makes, is one of only 50 NBA players all time to carry a 40%+ 3 point rate, which places him 15th among active players. The Pacers didn't bench Hield. It's like you don't know who the players are.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Hield is 22nd all time in 3-point makes, is one of only 50 NBA players all time to carry a 40%+ 3 point rate, which places him 15th among active players. The Pacers didn't bench Hield. It's like you don't know who the players are.

The Pacers did in fact bench Hield. They did a couple times this year actually. But he didn’t start the last couple days before he was traded.

And you kinda make my point, being 15th among active players is fine. He’s not an “all time great”. It’s not like you can use 3 point stats from really before like 7 years ago, so you aren’t comparing this to 60 years of NBA history.

And stop with the crap insults. I’m fine talking hoops and going back and forth on it. Don’t sit here and be a dick and question if I know who the players are or I’ll just stop talking to you. It’s insulting and you a better poster than that.

[Betterread]

He does make some contact with his leg. He did not defend it perfectly.

It’s a desperate heave from 35 feet. Don’t get that close to the guy.

That’s how it looks to me, but NBA “tradition” is to let desperate heavers frequently get mauled without a foul call. I have no idea what marginal contact means.

[SteelSD]

The Pacers did in fact bench Hield. They did a couple times this year actually. But he didn’t start the last couple days before he was traded.

And you kinda make my point, being 15th among active players is fine. He’s not an “all time great”. It’s not like you can use 3 point stats from really before like 7 years ago, so you aren’t comparing this to 60 years of NBA history.

And stop with the crap insults. I’m fine talking hoops and going back and forth on it. Don’t sit here and be a dick and question if I know who the players are or I’ll just stop talking to you. It’s insulting and you a better poster than that.

Coming off the bench and being benched are two entirely different things.

And actually, basketball-reference does use 3-point statistics prior to the last 7-8 years, including ABA stats. Players on that list whose careers ended prior to 2017:

Steve Kerr
Hubert Davis
Drazen Petrovic
Jason Kapono
Tim Legler
Steve Nash
B.J. Armstrong
Matt Bonner
Dana Barros
Wesley Person
Trent Tucker
Daniel Gibson
Mike Miller
Wally Szczerbiak
Raja Bell
Brent Barry
Anthony Parker
Dale Ellis
Jeff Hornacek
Mark Price
Allen Houston
Dell Curry
Michael Dickerson
Ben Gordon
Peja Stojaković
Ray Allen
Glen Rice

Over half of the highest fifty 3-point shooting rates were actually not produced over the last 7 years, including 2-3 guys I didn't list because their careers ended in 2017. There are a bunch of smallish sample sizes in there, which I why I also looked at active players. And of the 15 active players boasting a 40% or higher 3-point percentage, only Steph Curry (9.1 SPG) has averaged more three point shots per game than Buddy Hield (7.7 SPG). Not Klay (7.5 SPG). Of the rest, only Desmond Bane and Tyrese Haliburton make it to 6.0+ per game. To find another player putting up 7.0 APG, you have to drop the rate all the way to Dame (8.3 APG) at a .371 career rate. Hield is one of a tiny list of players who combines very high rate proficiency with very high volume.

Hield has been historically prodigious from beyond the arc. Like all-time good. No brakes need to be pressed, because from a combined volume + rate standpoint, it's basically Steph, Klay, and Hield, in that order. If he plays 55 games per season for 5 more years (or 275 games total) and maintains his shot volume and 40% rate, he'd project to end his career around 4th in all-time three-point makes at @2,700. He'd near 2,450-2,500 makes even if his volume dropped to 6 APG at a 35-36% make rate. The top five volume guys are currently Steph (uncatchable at 3,631 and climbing), Ray Allen (2,973), James Harden (2,886), Reggie Miller (2,560), and Lillard (2,530).

And my apologies for being a crank. Honestly, after seeing you claim that Hield was inefficient and then claiming that he was "benched", I thought you were pulling a Mitri and just trolling. That's not a dig; just saying those things don't jibe with my reality. My bad! ;)

[M2]

Haha I think we need to pump the breaks (maybe slam them very hard) on Hield being an all time great 3 point shooter. He’s fine. He’s also very streaky and he shoots A LOT. Maybe he won’t on a healthy Philly team, but there’s a reason the Pacers benched him and it wasn’t his all time great shooting ability.

He's 22nd all-time in 3-pointers made, and is almost a lock to retire in the top 10. His 40.1% 3pt% ranks ahead of everyone who's hit more 3's than him except Steph, Klay, Kyle Korver and JJ Redick. He's a hair ahead of Ray Allen. Behind him on 3pt% are Reggie Miller, Dame, Eric Gordon, Joe Johnson and KD. Buddy's 3-point resume is one of those sneaky things that's been happening in real time. I think he gets overlooked because he's played zero playoff games. He's been on horrible teams and he's got a career -7 net rating. But he's pretty great behind the arc.

[BuckeyeRed27]

He's 22nd all-time in 3-pointers made, and is almost a lock to retire in the top 10. His 40.1% 3pt% ranks ahead of everyone who's hit more 3's than him except Steph, Klay, Kyle Korver and JJ Redick. He's a hair ahead of Ray Allen. Behind him on 3pt% are Reggie Miller, Dame, Eric Gordon, Joe Johnson and KD. Buddy's 3-point resume is one of those sneaky things that's been happening in real time. I think he gets overlooked because he's played zero playoff games. He's been on horrible teams and he's got a career -7 net rating. But he's pretty great behind the arc.

Yeah look I didn’t really plan on having 9 posts about Buddy Hield today. I’m not gonna change my mind. I’ve watched him play a lot because I’ve weirdly liked watching Pacer games. I’ve seen him live 5 or 6 times now over the past 3 years. His stats are a product of the era. If basketball still looks like this in 20-30 years, he won’t be a top anything three point shooter. He’s fine. He’s streaky and he’s inefficient. When he isn’t shooting well, he doesn’t stop. Text book inefficiency. Stats look ok because he also has nights where he hits 7/9. I guess you can live with that, but you are going to lose games I’d your 4th or 5th best player is putting up 1/11 shooting nights, which he does too often. It’s why he was benched (which he was this isn’t some argument, he was not in the pacers starting lineup) and why they were happy to trade him.

[SteelSD]

Yeah look I didn’t really plan on having 9 posts about Buddy Hield today. I’m not gonna change my mind. I’ve watched him play a lot because I’ve weirdly liked watching Pacer games. I’ve seen him live 5 or 6 times now over the past 3 years. His stats are a product of the era. If basketball still looks like this in 20-30 years, he won’t be a top anything three point shooter. He’s fine. He’s streaky and he’s inefficient. When he isn’t shooting well, he doesn’t stop. Text book inefficiency. Stats look ok because he also has nights where he hits 7/9. I guess you can live with that, but you are going to lose games I’d your 4th or 5th best player is putting up 1/11 shooting nights, which he does too often. It’s why he was benched (which he was this isn’t some argument, he was not in the pacers starting lineup) and why they were happy to trade him.

Do you believe that Jordan Clarkson was just "benched" for 483 of his 705 career games? Was Lou Williams "benched" for 1,001 games?

As for "inefficiency", you're describing Caris LeVert's career, not Hield's.

[M2]

Yeah look I didn’t really plan on having 9 posts about Buddy Hield today. I’m not gonna change my mind. I’ve watched him play a lot because I’ve weirdly liked watching Pacer games. I’ve seen him live 5 or 6 times now over the past 3 years. His stats are a product of the era. If basketball still looks like this in 20-30 years, he won’t be a top anything three point shooter. He’s fine. He’s streaky and he’s inefficient. When he isn’t shooting well, he doesn’t stop. Text book inefficiency. Stats look ok because he also has nights where he hits 7/9. I guess you can live with that, but you are going to lose games I’d your 4th or 5th best player is putting up 1/11 shooting nights, which he does too often. It’s why he was benched (which he was this isn’t some argument, he was not in the pacers starting lineup) and why they were happy to trade him.

He's definitely a product of his era, but Steph and Klay are streaky too. Every night is a small sample size of 3-pointers. Hield's more consistent that almost everyone ever when you combine volume and accuracy. There's an argument that still doesn't make him a net good player, but if you're looking for a deep shooter it's hard to find anyone better.

As for why Indiana traded him, they've got a bunch of guards and he's going to be a free agent. Plus, they're 4th in the NBA in 3P% and 9th in 3-pointers made. Philly is 21st in 3P% and 27th in 3's made. So the Pacers cashed him in for 3 2nd rounders. I'm kind of interested to see Hield play with Embiid, who hasn't had a 3-point ace to play with since Redick. My guess is Buddy could be looking at some open looks.

[Betterread]

PHX came from behind to beat Sacramento in Phoenix in a well played game. Booker took over at the end. Fox did what he could (40 pts) to keep up but they lost ground to Phoenix and are now 8th in the west. PHX is now 5th. Sabonis had a great game 35 pts 18 reb too.

[Betterread]

In Minn-Portland, (Buju?) Banton (former Celtic) looked pretty good. 16 pts in 26 min and played hard. Scoot looked Ok as well.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Do you believe that Jordan Clarkson was just "benched" for 483 of his 705 career games? Was Lou Williams "benched" for 1,001 games?

As for "inefficiency", you're describing Caris LeVert's career, not Hield's.

You are making a bizarre semantics argument on being benched. He was a starter. He was removed from the starting lineup. That was because he wasn’t playing well. Of course he was still playing.

And I assume you keep bringing up Levert because he plays for the Cavs and you think you’re making a point I guess? Levert and Hield aren’t stylistically similar players, although yes Levert is pretty inefficient. But he predominantly plays a second unit creator role these days and spends a lot more time dribbling and going to the basket.

[BuckeyeRed27]

He's definitely a product of his era, but Steph and Klay are streaky too. Every night is a small sample size of 3-pointers. Hield's more consistent that almost everyone ever when you combine volume and accuracy. There's an argument that still doesn't make him a net good player, but if you're looking for a deep shooter it's hard to find anyone better.

As for why Indiana traded him, they've got a bunch of guards and he's going to be a free agent. Plus, they're 4th in the NBA in 3P% and 9th in 3-pointers made. Philly is 21st in 3P% and 27th in 3's made. So the Pacers cashed him in for 3 2nd rounders. I'm kind of interested to see Hield play with Embiid, who hasn't had a 3-point ace to play with since Redick. My guess is Buddy could be looking at some open looks.

Steph and Klay have 4 titles. Hield has now been traded twice.

I do generally think it’s a good trade once Embiid is back.

[M2]

Steph and Klay have 4 titles. Hield has now been traded twice.

I do generally think it’s a good trade once Embiid is back.

Like I said, there's an argument to be made that Hield's shooting does not tip the scales on making him a good player. It's one of the things that makes him kind of fascinating. Even in an era where 3's are flying all over the place, he's elite behind the arc. All of the other current guys who are in or will finish in the top 10 all-time in 3's are known by single names and they're all going to Springfield - Steph, Klay, LeBron, Dame, PG, the Beard. It's positively weird to see Buddy Hield charging up the ranks to join them. He's got zero playoff appearances and been on zero winning teams. His career PER is 14.6, which is a hair below the league average of 15.0.

Buddy is the weird outlier of the era. And he's going to have a whole hired gun phase coming up where better teams get some value out of his spacing abilities. Philly is probably a preview of his next five years. He's sort of like a one-hit wonder. He's "How Bizarre" or the Fatboy Slim remix of "Brimful of Asha". He's not going to the Hall of Fame, but that record gets spun. Future generations are going to be asking, "Wait, who's this guy who was draining 250+ threes every season?"

[BuckeyeRed27]

Like I said, there's an argument to be made that Hield's shooting does not tip the scales on making him a good player. It's one of the things that makes him kind of fascinating. Even in an era where 3's are flying all over the place, he's elite behind the arc. All of the other current guys who are in or will finish in the top 10 all-time in 3's are known by single names and they're all going to Springfield - Steph, Klay, LeBron, Dame, PG, the Beard. It's positively weird to see Buddy Hield charging up the ranks to join them. He's got zero playoff appearances and been on zero winning teams. His career PER is 14.6, which is a hair below the league average of 15.0.

Buddy is the weird outlier of the era. And he's going to have a whole hired gun phase coming up where better teams get some value out of his spacing abilities. Philly is probably a preview of his next five years. He's sort of like a one-hit wonder. He's "How Bizarre" or the Fatboy Slim remix of "Brimful of Asha". He's not going to the Hall of Fame, but that record gets spun. Future generations are going to be asking, "Wait, who's this guy who was draining 250+ threes every season?"

I just don’t think it’s a weird outlier. It’s because he is streaky and is always a volume player.

He’s kinda like Jay Bruce I guess. You can hit 500 for a month and 100 for a month and be a 300 hitter. But you are also super unreliable and not really helping your team win.

[Rojo Rijo]

After seeing some highlights from the Bucks-Nuggets game Monday night I just have to say, Thanasis is an absolute gift to the NBA fan community. The guy is legitimately not good at pro basketball, and I mean that relative to the fact that I consider almost every player on an NBA team to be elite at the game of basketball. I often look up "Thanasis highlights" as a means of comedy. There have been other similar situations like this over the years in pro sports but this is the only one I can recall where the player seems completely unaware of his lack of talent. You almost have to respect his confidence, no matter how misplaced it may be.

[SteelSD]

You are making a bizarre semantics argument on being benched. He was a starter. He was removed from the starting lineup. That was because he wasn’t playing well. Of course he was still playing.

And I assume you keep bringing up Levert because he plays for the Cavs and you think you’re making a point I guess? Levert and Hield aren’t stylistically similar players, although yes Levert is pretty inefficient. But he predominantly plays a second unit creator role these days and spends a lot more time dribbling and going to the basket.

Semantics? No. I'm trying to figure out what your definition of "benched" is, because a player who's "benched" isn't playing. A guy whose role is to regularly come off the bench hasn't been "benched, and considering that Hield is tied for the league lead in games played this season, I think its safe to say that he's been playing regularly.

As for LeVert, who also isn't currently "benched", he's been a prime example of a low efficiency shooter for virtually his entire career. Pretty much the poster child even back when he was shooting the Nets out of games. His true shooting % is in the bottom 20 of 103 qualified shooting guards this season and he's produced effective shooting rates lower than 50% in 6 of his 10 seasons. The fact that he's familiar is useful, but coincidental when providing an example player who actually represents inefficient shooting.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Semantics? No. I'm trying to figure out what your definition of "benched" is, because a player who's "benched" isn't playing. A guy whose role is to regularly come off the bench hasn't been "benched, and considering that Hield is tied for the league lead in games played this season, I think its safe to say that he's been playing regularly.

As for LeVert, who also isn't currently "benched", he's been a prime example of a low efficiency shooter for virtually his entire career. Pretty much the poster child even back when he was shooting the Nets out of games. His true shooting % is in the bottom 20 of 103 qualified shooting guards this season and he's produced effective shooting rates lower than 50% in 6 of his 10 seasons. The fact that he's familiar is useful, but coincidental when providing an example player who actually represents inefficient shooting.

Fine you can keep having your stupid semantics argument. You know what I mean. If you feel like you need to “win” you can have it.

Again I don’t know why you want to compare levert and Hield. They aren’t similar players, they don’t have similar roles and they aren’t asked to do similar things. So who cares?

[M2]

I just don’t think it’s a weird outlier. It’s because he is streaky and is always a volume player.

He’s kinda like Jay Bruce I guess. You can hit 500 for a month and 100 for a month and be a 300 hitter. But you are also super unreliable and not really helping your team win.

Again, you keep going back to whether he's a net good player. I'm fully open to the argument that his 3's aren't worth it, but Buddy is only Jay Bruce if Jay Bruce hit 500 HR or consistently posted 50+ HR seasons. That's what Buddy is at hitting 3's. He's pulling up to #20 all-time, which is JJ Redick. JJ supposedly was a 3-point specialist and he amassed 1,950 3's in 15 seasons. Buddy's going to catch him in 8 seasons. If you look at the top single-season marks for most 3's, the list is full of Steph, Klay, James Harden, Buddy Hield and one season from Paul George. Other guys aren't doing this. Buddy's in rarefied air when it comes to this one particular skill. I promise you, if other players could do this, they would. Like, Trae Young can't even get in his zip code.

Buddy's got 5 seasons with 250+ 3's made. Here's the list of other guys who've done it that many times: Stephen Curry. And Buddy's got an outside shot at making it six seasons in a row if the Sixers give him minutes. In the micro, all 3-point shooters are streaky game-to-game. In the macro, Buddy Hield is one of the most consistent 3-point shooters in the history of the game, one of the absolute elite at combining accuracy and volume. In an era dominated by 3-point shooting, Buddy is in the top tier in 3-point shooting. That is by definition an outlier and that it's being done by the fairly anonymous Buddy Hield makes it one of the weirdest things taking place right in front of us.

He's so strange, it's hard to find sport equivalents for him. He's like Matt Le Tissier and penalty shots, though that probably doesn't mean much to most Americans. He's the basketball version of this Weird Al line: "One day I'm going to be the best... Well, perhaps not technically the best, but arguably the most famous accordion player in an extremely specific genre of music!" That's how weird he is, I've got to reach for Weird Al as a comp.

Honestly, treasure Buddy Hield while we have him. If we're lucky, some day Buddy will get to take a big shot, and rest assured he WILL take it if it presents itself. and if he makes it, they'll need to resurrect Warren Zevon to write a ballad about the guy. He's a peculiarity who is way better at this era's signature shot than almost anybody realizes.

[Betterread]

Buddy Hield is 69th (38.9%) in 3 pt FG% for the current season: https://www.espn.com/nba/stats/player/_/table/offensive/sort/threePointFieldGoalPct/dir/desc
Grayson Allen is first at 48.8%

[BuckeyeRed27]

Again, you keep going back to whether he's a net good player. I'm fully open to the argument that his 3's aren't worth it, but Buddy is only Jay Bruce if Jay Bruce hit 500 HR or consistently posted 50+ HR seasons. That's what Buddy is at hitting 3's. He's pulling up to #20 all-time, which is JJ Redick. JJ supposedly was a 3-point specialist and he amassed 1,950 3's in 15 seasons. Buddy's going to catch him in 8 seasons. If you look at the top single-season marks for most 3's, the list is full of Steph, Klay, James Harden, Buddy Hield and one season from Paul George. Other guys aren't doing this. Buddy's in rarefied air when it comes to this one particular skill. I promise you, if other players could do this, they would. Like, Trae Young can't even get in his zip code.

Buddy's got 5 seasons with 250+ 3's made. Here's the list of other guys who've done it that many times: Stephen Curry. And Buddy's got an outside shot at making it six seasons in a row if the Sixers give him minutes. In the micro, all 3-point shooters are streaky game-to-game. In the macro, Buddy Hield is one of the most consistent 3-point shooters in the history of the game, one of the absolute elite at combining accuracy and volume. In an era dominated by 3-point shooting, Buddy is in the top tier in 3-point shooting. That is by definition an outlier and that it's being done by the fairly anonymous Buddy Hield makes it one of the weirdest things taking place right in front of us.

He's so strange, it's hard to find sport equivalents for him. He's like Matt Le Tissier and penalty shots, though that probably doesn't mean much to most Americans. He's the basketball version of this Weird Al line: "One day I'm going to be the best... Well, perhaps not technically the best, but arguably the most famous accordion player in an extremely specific genre of music!" That's how weird he is, I've got to reach for Weird Al as a comp.

Honestly, treasure Buddy Hield while we have him. If we're lucky, some day Buddy will get to take a big shot, and rest assured he WILL take it if it presents itself. and if he makes it, they'll need to resurrect Warren Zevon to write a ballad about the guy. He's a peculiarity who is way better at this era's signature shot than almost anybody realizes.

The problem is that Buddy Hield is on the list with Curry. He’s making a lot of 3s because he takes too many of them. The stat arguments will not impress or convince me.

[SteelSD]

Fine you can keep having your stupid semantics argument. You know what I mean. If you feel like you need to “win” you can have it.

Again I don’t know why you want to compare levert and Hield. They aren’t similar players, they don’t have similar roles and they aren’t asked to do similar things. So who cares?

So who's being snarky now? That wasn't an argument. No one uses the word "benched" like you tried to use it.

The comparison between LeVert and Hield is a contrast between someone who's actually historicaly inefficient offensively (LeVert) versus a player who's actually very efficient (Hield).


The problem is that Buddy Hield is on the list with Curry. He’s making a lot of 3s because he takes too many of them. The stat arguments will not impress or convince me.

A player who hits 40% of his threes replicates a 60% shooting rate from another player on two-point shots. It's very simple math. 60% shooting rates are the land of Giannis and, most commonly, 7-foot-ish less skilled dudes who pick and roll or camp the lane to collect trash. The problem is that there generally aren't enough of those juicy opportunities available to feed your squad. Do you think the proliferation of the three point shot is because it's just looks cool? Teams are doing it because it's the single most efficient shot in the game. If you can hit 40%+ of that shot, there is no "too many". Hoist 'em up. All day. Let it fly.

[M2]

The problem is that Buddy Hield is on the list with Curry. He’s making a lot of 3s because he takes too many of them. The stat arguments will not impress or convince me.

Steph Curry is widely acknowledged as the best shooter in NBA history. He almost single-handedly changed the game. That we can somewhat quickly bump into Buddy Hield when looking for who the next best 3-point shooters of all-time are is weird and wonderful (yes, now I'm singing "B-B-Buddy and the Jets" in my head). And he doesn't take too many of them. Going by his percentages, Buddy's career eFG% on 3's is 60%. By all means, take that shot.

[M2]

What the Celtics are doing to the Nets tonight isn't right. Feels like trauma counselors should be deployed.

[SteelSD]

Man, the Sixers need their guys back. Maxey led the way in the tight loss against the Heat with a 30-spot, and both Hield (22 points/10 assists, 5-11 from deep) and Paul Reed (18 pts/12 boards) posted double-doubles. But they got little help from the other guys, except a solid night from Ricky Council, who's been a revelation in the M.A.S.H. unit games. Despite Reed's overall solid night, there just isn't enough real size to create any interior offensive gravity or to win the O-board battle consistently, and with the exception of Maxey and Hield, not enough shooting on the floor to really matter. Well, and Reed and Maxey were on the court for 39 minutes, with Hield out there for 44. The opponents don't get any easier after the ASB.

[BuckeyeRed27]

So who's being snarky now? That wasn't an argument. No one uses the word "benched" like you tried to use it.

The comparison between LeVert and Hield is a contrast between someone who's actually historicaly inefficient offensively (LeVert) versus a player who's actually very efficient (Hield).



A player who hits 40% of his threes replicates a 60% shooting rate from another player on two-point shots. It's very simple math. 60% shooting rates are the land of Giannis and, most commonly, 7-foot-ish less skilled dudes who pick and roll or camp the lane to collect trash. The problem is that there generally aren't enough of those juicy opportunities available to feed your squad. Do you think the proliferation of the three point shot is because it's just looks cool? Teams are doing it because it's the single most efficient shot in the game. If you can hit 40%+ of that shot, there is no "too many". Hoist 'em up. All day. Let it fly.

Buddy Hield is not efficient

[BuckeyeRed27]

Steph Curry is widely acknowledged as the best shooter in NBA history. He almost single-handedly changed the game. That we can somewhat quickly bump into Buddy Hield when looking for who the next best 3-point shooters of all-time are is weird and wonderful (yes, now I'm singing "B-B-Buddy and the Jets" in my head). And he doesn't take too many of them. Going by his percentages, Buddy's career eFG% on 3's is 60%. By all means, take that shot.

100 for a month and 500 for a month example again.

Guys I love stats and numbers. When it comes to Hield they are lying to you. Gotta watch the games.

I absolutely love you guys trying to weave a story where he’s an efficient player and have brought in Steph Curry comps. Seriously bravo.

[BuckeyeRed27]

What the Celtics are doing to the Nets tonight isn't right. Feels like trauma counselors should be deployed.

Plus minus is a pretty limiting stat, but White was +44 in 28 minutes. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything close to that.

[M2]

Buddy Hield is not efficient

He is definitionally efficient. He's got a career .552 eFG%. His 3P+ is 111 (11% better than average). His eFG+ is 104. You really need to show something here to demonstrate his inefficiency beyond stating that sometimes he has a night where he's tossing bricks (because that happens to 100% of everyone).


100 for a month and 500 for a month example again.

Guys I love stats and numbers. When it comes to Hield they are lying to you. Gotta watch the games.

I absolutely love you guys trying to weave a story where he’s an efficient player and have brought in Steph Curry comps. Seriously bravo.

OMG, no one is a Steph Curry comp. He the best ever marksman in the NBA. The point about Hield is he's going to end up in the career top 10 in 3's with a ~40% 3P%, putting him in the not-Steph-but-kind-of-excellent-from-deep category. Buddy's put up big numbers from behind the arc. There's nothing to debate when it comes to his numbers. They stand out. Steph is literally the only guy who has more seasons with 250+ 3-pointers (Steph is about to notch his 10th).

And here's Buddy's 3P% by month for the last three seasons:

Feb 24 - .392
Jan 24 - .394
Dec 23 - .371
Nov 23 - .394
Oct 23 - .409

Apr 23 - .538
Mar 23 - .391
Feb 23 - .427
Jan 23 - .423
Dec 22 - .515
Nov 22 - .333
Oct 22 - .427

Apr 22 - .316
Mar 22 - .369
Feb 22 - .386
Jan 22 - .363
Dec 21 - 361
Nov 21 - .361
Oct 21 - .403

So, in three seasons he's had one month where his 3P% was less efficient than a 50% rate from inside the arc. And you've got to go back to a clunky 7-game sample in October of 2017 to find another. That's mad consistency. I don't know what's making you think he has months where he's shooting in the .100s. Just doesn't exist.

Also, I've seen Buddy play plenty of games over the past 8 years.

[M2]

Plus minus is a pretty limiting stat, but White was +44 in 28 minutes. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything close to that.

It was savage when the Celtics had their starters on the floor. Boston threw the Nets a bone by playing Jordan Walsh a lot, who tries really hard but has the coordination of a baby deer.

[SteelSD]

And here's Buddy's 3P% by month for the last three seasons:

Feb 24 - .392
Jan 24 - .394
Dec 23 - .371
Nov 23 - .394
Oct 23 - .409

Apr 23 - .538
Mar 23 - .391
Feb 23 - .427
Jan 23 - .423
Dec 22 - .515
Nov 22 - .333
Oct 22 - .427

Apr 22 - .316
Mar 22 - .369
Feb 22 - .386
Jan 22 - .363
Dec 21 - 361
Nov 21 - .361
Oct 21 - .403

So, in three seasons he's had one month where his 3P% was less efficient than a 50% rate from inside the arc. And you've got to go back to a clunky 7-game sample in October of 2017 to find another. That's mad consistency. I don't know what's making you think he has months where he's shooting in the .100s. Just doesn't exist.

That's almost unconscionable consistency and efficiency.

[BuckeyeRed27]

He is definitionally efficient. He's got a career .552 eFG%. His 3P+ is 111 (11% better than average). His eFG+ is 104. You really need to show something here to demonstrate his inefficiency beyond stating that sometimes he has a night where he's tossing bricks (because that happens to 100% of everyone).



OMG, no one is a Steph Curry comp. He the best ever marksman in the NBA. The point about Hield is he's going to end up in the career top 10 in 3's with a ~40% 3P%, putting him in the not-Steph-but-kind-of-excellent-from-deep category. Buddy's put up big numbers from behind the arc. There's nothing to debate when it comes to his numbers. They stand out. Steph is literally the only guy who has more seasons with 250+ 3-pointers (Steph is about to notch his 10th).

And here's Buddy's 3P% by month for the last three seasons:

Feb 24 - .392
Jan 24 - .394
Dec 23 - .371
Nov 23 - .394
Oct 23 - .409

Apr 23 - .538
Mar 23 - .391
Feb 23 - .427
Jan 23 - .423
Dec 22 - .515
Nov 22 - .333
Oct 22 - .427

Apr 22 - .316
Mar 22 - .369
Feb 22 - .386
Jan 22 - .363
Dec 21 - 361
Nov 21 - .361
Oct 21 - .403

So, in three seasons he's had one month where his 3P% was less efficient than a 50% rate from inside the arc. And you've got to go back to a clunky 7-game sample in October of 2017 to find another. That's mad consistency. I don't know what's making you think he has months where he's shooting in the .100s. Just doesn't exist.

Also, I've seen Buddy play plenty of games over the past 8 years.

I don’t think he’s had months when he shot 100, you are taking my analogy too literally. He’s streaky. That’s the whole point.

You brought up Trae earlier. He’s another player that I kinda hate. However to his credit he has learned over time that on nights when he doesn’t have it to start doing other stuff and has become a pretty good rim finisher and passer. He’s also never been as good of a 3 point shooter as Hield despite his reputation, but point being he has developed other parts of his game.

I’ve think we have beaten this horse enough. I do and will always think Hield is an inefficient streaky chucker and is not nor ever will be an all time great shooter. His overall numbers look inflated due to the era and in 20-30 years he will have been passed by a lot of people and won’t be someone anyone remembers as some all time shooter or important contributor. And that’s fine. He does a thing and has a role, but we don’t have to pretend he’s something he very clearly isn’t.

[RedTeamGo!]

Many very intelligent people are saying the Cavs are the best team in the NBA

[M2]

I don’t think he’s had months when he shot 100, you are taking my analogy too literally. He’s streaky. That’s the whole point.

Except I just gave you the numbers and he's not streaky. He's wildly consistent from 3. The thing that you're imagining isn't happening outside of one- or two-game samples that literally happen to every player. By any measure he is a highly efficient and consistent 3-point shooter. I think the analogy you want to make is Buddy's like Vince Coleman, who swiped 100+ bases three years in row and led the NL in SBs six years straight. Vince Coleman was an AMAZING base stealer in an era where stealing bases was at its peak. He's one of the best ever to do it. He's not Rickey, but he's in the paragraph of great base stealers who weren't Rickey.

That said, even at his best Vince was only meh as a ballplayer. Suspect hitter, suspect fielder, and I'm being kind in using the world "suspect." As I've said repeatedly here, if you want to fault Buddy on the basis of his whole package that's fair game. That is, however, not what I'm talking about. Buddy's talents as a 3-point shooter are every bit as undeniable as Vince Coleman's as a base stealer. When it comes to shooting from 3, Buddy is historically good, amassing a pile of high volume 3-point seasons (all of them efficient). Practically popped my head off my shoulders when I first noticed two years ago how quickly he's climbing the all-time ranks.

Side note: I was looking at the list when Steph topped it and wondering who was charging hard behind him when I saw Buddy Hield's name listed at #50. And that was after he'd only played 6 seasons. Talk about the last person anyone would have expected to see there. Now he's charging down Kevin Durant. That's going to happen next year. Buddy will blow past KD on the all-time 3-pointers list. Chavano Rainer Hield aka Buddy Love aka the Bahamian Bomber, built like a linebacker, is hitting 3's better than one of the most skilled players we'll ever see. It's as goofy a sports thing as is happening anywhere.

[Mitri]

Learning a lot about Buddy here. All I really know is that he was a sight to behold in college. I recall one tournament where he couldn’t miss a shot.

It’s too bad he couldn’t package some above-average defense with his historic shot making, but as M2 said - all he has to do is hit a shot or two in the right scenario to become some fanbase’s legend.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Except I just gave you the numbers and he's not streaky. He's wildly consistent from 3. The thing that you're imagining isn't happening outside of one- or two-game samples that literally happen to every player. By any measure he is a highly efficient and consistent 3-point shooter. I think the analogy you want to make is Buddy's like Vince Coleman, who swiped 100+ bases three years in row and led the NL in SBs six years straight. Vince Coleman was an AMAZING base stealer in an era where stealing bases was at its peak. He's one of the best ever to do it. He's not Rickey, but he's in the paragraph of great base stealers who weren't Rickey.

That said, even at his best Vince was only meh as a ballplayer. Suspect hitter, suspect fielder, and I'm being kind in using the world "suspect." As I've said repeatedly here, if you want to fault Buddy on the basis of his whole package that's fair game. That is, however, not what I'm talking about. Buddy's talents as a 3-point shooter are every bit as undeniable as Vince Coleman's as a base stealer. When it comes to shooting from 3, Buddy is historically good, amassing a pile of high volume 3-point seasons (all of them efficient). Practically popped my head off my shoulders when I first noticed two years ago how quickly he's climbing the all-time ranks.

Side note: I was looking at the list when Steph topped it and wondering who was charging hard behind him when I saw Buddy Hield's name listed at #50. And that was after he'd only played 6 seasons. Talk about the last person anyone would have expected to see there. Now he's charging down Kevin Durant. That's going to happen next year. Buddy will blow past KD on the all-time 3-pointers list. Chavano Rainer Hield aka Buddy Love aka the Bahamian Bomber, built like a linebacker, is hitting 3's better than one of the most skilled players we'll ever see. It's as goofy a sports thing as is happening anywhere.

Nope, again he isn’t consistent.

Let’s pick a month. November 23 you have posted he shot .394 for the month. Pretty good, seems like you’d take that.
Here is how he achieved that:

1/4
4/7
5/13
5/6
2/12
2/11
4/8
0/3
1/4
6/6
7/12
3/6
1/6
2/11

Multiple stinkers with multiple great games (6 for 6!). And this isn’t weird one or two game samples. This is a completely standard 15 or 20 game stretch for his whole career.

[M2]

Nope, again he isn’t consistent.

Let’s pick a month. November 23 you have posted he shot .394 for the month. Pretty good, seems like you’d take that.
Here is how he achieved that:

1/4
4/7
5/13
5/6
2/12
2/11
4/8
0/3
1/4
6/6
7/12
3/6
1/6
2/11

Multiple stinkers with multiple great games (6 for 6!). And this isn’t weird one or two game samples. This is a completely standard 15 or 20 game stretch for his whole career.

That's a completely standard stretch for every good 3-point shooter's career. This is like posting about Joey Votto had a lot of 0-fers.

[BuckeyeRed27]

That's a completely standard stretch for every good 3-point shooter's career. This is like posting about Joey Votto had a lot of 0-fers.

Haha ok

I don’t think “every good 3-point shooter” has lots of 5 games stretches shooting 22% between going on heaters. They have them. They don’t have them their entire career.

I just picked 2 random seasons of JJ Reddicks career. I looked for the times where he made 2 or less and took 10 or more 3s in a game. Once in the two seasons I looked at. Buddy did it 3 times in November.

I’m really going to drop this now, but it is just bizarre that saying Buddy Hield is a streaky shooter has led to 3 pages of discussion. He’s like the streakiest volume shooter in the league.

[texasdave]

Points in the Paint PPG Leaders:

1) Jokic
2) Antetokounmpo
3) Morant
4) Ayton
5) A. Davis
6) J. Allen
7) Sabonis
8) Adebayo
9) L. James
10) Valanciunas

9 big men and Ja Morant. Interesting.

[M2]

Haha ok

I don’t think “every good 3-point shooter” has lots of 5 games stretches shooting 22% between going on heaters. They have them. They don’t have them their entire career.

I just picked 2 random seasons of JJ Reddicks career. I looked for the times where he made 2 or less and took 10 or more 3s in a game. Once in the two seasons I looked at. Buddy did it 3 times in November.

I’m really going to drop this now, but it is just bizarre that saying Buddy Hield is a streaky shooter has led to 3 pages of discussion. He’s like the streakiest volume shooter in the league.

If you average 40%, then an even distribution of nights above and below that number is exactly what you'd expect to see. I can't fully express how normal that is. Unless you know of some measure of shooting volatility that shows Buddy to be something wildly different from other high volume 3-point shooters, at best what you've got is a feeling you can't prove. Yet it should be said out loud that it would be exceptionally hard to be 11% better than the league at shooting 3's while being notably worse than most on a day-to-day basis.

[BuckeyeRed27]

If you average 40%, then an even distribution of nights above and below that number is exactly what you'd expect to see. I can't fully express how normal that is. Unless you know of some measure of shooting volatility that shows Buddy to be something wildly different from other high volume 3-point shooters, at best what you've got is a feeling you can't prove. Yet it should be said out loud that it would be exceptionally hard to be 11% better than the league at shooting 3's while being notably worse than most on a day-to-day basis.

Dude it isn’t normal. It just isn’t. He is more inconsistent than other shooters and the problem is he doesn’t have an even distribution which I just pointed our and coke keep sound. I don’t know a good measure of shooting volatility which is why we have had this stupid conversation now for 3 days. But I don’t have a feeling. I could sit here and post game log samples forever that showed he is a streaky inconsistent shooter. But honestly I don’t care. Just like Steel’s benching semantics, if you feel like you need a win on this despite clearly being wrong, you can have it.

[Revering4Blue]

Many very intelligent people are saying the Cavs are the best team in the NBA

The knock on them I keep hearing from various Sports outlets - namely national sports radio - which I don’t buy, is they are too young.

Really? This isn’t NCAA hoops, where quality rotational upperclassmen are a must.

Wednesday night’s come-from-behind win was with the roster as healthy as it’s been in a while. And that was still without Merrill and Wade, who provide even additional bench scoring and stretch the floor.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Mutaman]

Not really sure what is warranting Lillard starting the All Star game. Might be time for him to start getting it together post break. For starters, he needs to improve his really careless ball handling.

[M2]

Dude it isn’t normal. It just isn’t. He is more inconsistent than other shooters and the problem is he doesn’t have an even distribution which I just pointed our and coke keep sound. I don’t know a good measure of shooting volatility which is why we have had this stupid conversation now for 3 days. But I don’t have a feeling. I could sit here and post game log samples forever that showed he is a streaky inconsistent shooter. But honestly I don’t care. Just like Steel’s benching semantics, if you feel like you need a win on this despite clearly being wrong, you can have it.

You keep saying it's not normal with nothing to substantiate it. Like, zero. That's the definition of a feeling. An even distribution on either side of an average is how you get an average. What you posted was seven games better than his average and seven games below his average, and it works out to a really good average. Literally the only way you can average ~3 3-pointers a night is if the nights you hit 4, 5 or 6 get balanced out by 0s, 1s and 2s. No one, no one human ever, hits their average every night.

You're insisting Buddy Hield is a magical creature who can post some of the most prolific 3-point seasons ever (2 of the top 10, 3 of the top 15, 4 of the top 20, 5 of the top 25) while maintaining a 40% average despite being secretly bad at the micro level at it. I've heard this argued about Joey Votto with batting average and Adam Dunn with RBIs. What doesn't exist in the "but they're doing it the wrong way" arguments is a demonstration of how most others do it the supposed right way and how the offender in question deviates from it.

You clearly believe this is happening, but absent a good measure of volatility (which you admit doesn't exist) it's nothing more than you believing it really hard. Meanwhile I know you know how difficult it is for a player to be secretly bad at a thing he grades out as elite at on the macro level. It would involve unicorn-level math. Yet here's a study on 3-pointers (https://www.thestrick.land/strick/a-study-on-3-point-shooting-should-we-change-how-we-contextualize-3-point-defense-in-nba-advanced-stats-analytics) that shows there's so much noise on 3-point shooting that only after 750 attempts does a player's cross the 50/50 line of skill and noise (in section 1). What that's telling us is the kind of volatility you see in Hield's November sample is common, that the samples of players across the league are volatile and noisy.

And here's what our takeaway should be: when you cross over that threshold between noise and measurable skill, Buddy absolutely rocks at stroking the 3-point shot.

[M2]

The knock on them I keep hearing from various Sports outlets - namely national sports radio - which I don’t buy, is they are too young.

Really? This isn’t NCAA hoops, where quality rotational upperclassmen are a must.

Wednesday night’s come-from-behind win was with the roster as healthy as it’s been in a while. And that was still without Merrill and Wade, who provide even additional bench scoring and stretch the floor.

I suspect the doubts are based on the Knicks dispatching them fairly easily in last year's playoffs. That will turn around quickly if Cleveland cleans some team's clock in the 1st round of this year's playoffs.

[M2]

Not really sure what is warranting Lillard starting the All Star game. Might be time for him to start getting it together post break. For starters, he needs to improve his really careless ball handling.

He's been really disappointing. And the Bucks aren't going to come anywhere close to their 58-24 record from last season. They've changed coaches. At some point it becomes hard to miss that Dame's in the struggle zone while Jrue Holiday is a key cog on a Celtics team that's having a huge season.

Though we should toss a couple of bouquets to GG Jackson and Ziaire Williams for posting 27-point games in sealing the win for the Grizz. That team needs a reason to believe things will turn around next year..

[Boston Red]

Learning a lot about Buddy here. All I really know is that he was a sight to behold in college. I recall one tournament where he couldn’t miss a shot.


Until the Final Four when he went 1-8 from 3 and they lost by 44 to Villanova. The first four games of that Tournament he was electric to get them to the Final Four, though.

[BuckeyeRed27]

You keep saying it's not normal with nothing to substantiate it. Like, zero. That's the definition of a feeling. An even distribution on either side of an average is how you get an average. What you posted was seven games better than his average and seven games below his average, and it works out to a really good average. Literally the only way you can average ~3 3-pointers a night is if the nights you hit 4, 5 or 6 get balanced out by 0s, 1s and 2s. No one, no one human ever, hits their average every night.

You're insisting Buddy Hield is a magical creature who can post some of the most prolific 3-point seasons ever (2 of the top 10, 3 of the top 15, 4 of the top 20, 5 of the top 25) while maintaining a 40% average despite being secretly bad at the micro level at it. I've heard this argued about Joey Votto with batting average and Adam Dunn with RBIs. What doesn't exist in the "but they're doing it the wrong way" arguments is a demonstration of how most others do it the supposed right way and how the offender in question deviates from it.

You clearly believe this is happening, but absent a good measure of volatility (which you admit doesn't exist) it's nothing more than you believing it really hard. Meanwhile I know you know how difficult it is for a player to be secretly bad at a thing he grades out as elite at on the macro level. It would involve unicorn-level math. Yet here's a study on 3-pointers (https://www.thestrick.land/strick/a-study-on-3-point-shooting-should-we-change-how-we-contextualize-3-point-defense-in-nba-advanced-stats-analytics) that shows there's so much noise on 3-point shooting that only after 750 attempts does a player's cross the 50/50 line of skill and noise (in section 1). What that's telling us is the kind of volatility you see in Hield's November sample is common, that the samples of players across the league are volatile and noisy.

And here's what our takeaway should be: when you cross over that threshold between noise and measurable skill, Buddy absolutely rocks at stroking the 3-point shot.

He sometimes rocks and is wildly inconsistent and shoots too much. Yes.

And I did post some data. Yes it’s a small sample size, but it’s not abnormal, could do it for any time frame and if you want to comp it to guys with similar percentage stats it would be glaringly obvious. Now I’m not going to spend my time going through this exercise because I don’t care, but it’s all there and it’s not based on my vibes.

I am now leaving the buddy hield conversation. Good job everyone.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The knock on them I keep hearing from various Sports outlets - namely national sports radio - which I don’t buy, is they are too young.

Really? This isn’t NCAA hoops, where quality rotational upperclassmen are a must.

Wednesday night’s come-from-behind win was with the roster as healthy as it’s been in a while. And that was still without Merrill and Wade, who provide even additional bench scoring and stretch the floor.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I hear more some version of “yeah they are playing well but they looked bad in the Knicks series last year”.

Which I understand some people just want to see it, but it’s also pretty lazy analysis of how this team looks compared to last year.

[M2]

but it’s not abnormal

You would need to the make/miss patterns of every other player in the NBA for the past decade before beginning to make a qualitative statement about whether Hield's pattern is abnormal. You don't have that.

That's because it doesn't exist, at least nowhere in the public domain. What I did present you was some advanced research on the tremendous amount of noise in 3-point shooting data, which indicates wide game-to-game variances are pretty standard among NBA players. I will add that teams have recognized that from a tactical standpoint and they're well-past relying on a single player to hit their threes. Instead teams now fire up 3's in volume from multiple players so that it covers the boom-bust effect that occurs at the individual level. To shift it to a different team, it doesn't matter so much if Jayson Tatum is bricking it on a given night (which happens frequently) as long as Derick White and Sam Hauser are hitting theirs.

[M2]

I hear more some version of “yeah they are playing well but they looked bad in the Knicks series last year”.

Which I understand some people just want to see it, but it’s also pretty lazy analysis of how this team looks compared to last year.

Though that take is based on a lingering question of whether Mitchell and Garland can defend in the playoffs. Until a quality team gets up to seven bites at that apples, we won't really know if the Cavs can get key stops in a slowed down, more tactical game. It's a bit like when Rudy Gobert would dominate defensively for the Jazz in the regular season only to get put on skates in the playoffs. Then the next regular season, he'd be declared a force of nature again and every year in the playoffs he'd be back on skates. it was a perfect loop.

FWIW, I think Strus will make a positive difference and Mitchell is playing the best defense of his career. IMO, that last part is super important. Mitchell's playing a complete game (his rebounds and assists are up too). I expect him to be locked in come the playoffs, which could prove a rude awakening for any teams looking for easy buckets at his expense. Yet until he deals effectively with a big guard like Haliburton in the playoffs, there probably will be lingering doubts.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Though that take is based on a lingering question of whether Mitchell and Garland can defend in the playoffs. Until a quality team gets up to seven bites at that apples, we won't really know if the Cavs can get key stops in a slowed down, more tactical game. It's a bit like when Rudy Gobert would dominate defensively for the Jazz in the regular only to get put on skates in the playoffs. Every regular season, he'd be declared a force of nature again and every year in the playoffs he'd be back on skates.

FWIW, I think Strus will make a positive difference and Mitchell is playing the best defense of his career. IMO, that last part is super important. Mitchell's playing a complete game (his rebounds and assists are up too). I expect him to be locked in come the playoffs, which could prove a rude awakening for any teams looking for easy buckets at his expense. Yet until he deals effectively with a big guard like Haliburton in the playoffs, there probably will be lingering doubts.

Yeah I don’t have a general problem with Cavs doubters. I watch every game and while I feel better about this team than last year, I kinda wanna see it too.

The Strus part is definitely a big deal. He does a lot offensively with mitchell that makes them hard to guard and defensively has shifted everything one person away from who Mitchell had to deal with and he’s also become a good off ball defender and gets steals in the kick out lanes.

[texasdave]

Adrian Griffith (30-13).
Doc Rivers (3-7).

Doc Rivers needs to step up his game. If he can. I doubt it.

[KoryMac5]

Mavs offered the Wizards 2 1st round picks for Kyle Kuzma...

Wizards GM mulled it over with Kuzma and Kuzma decided to stay.

Mavs pivoted to Gafford and Washington...bullet dodged by Dallas

[Rojo Rijo]

Mavs offered the Wizards 2 1st round picks for Kyle Kuzma...

Wizards GM mulled it over with Kuzma and Kuzma decided to stay.

Mavs pivoted to Gafford and Washington...bullet dodged by Dallas

Washington has to figure something out. They've got a player in Avdija but they're stuck with Kuzma and Pooles contracts for 3 more seasons at about 53 million combined each year. Kuzma is a #2 for a lottery team, a #3 for a playoff squad. Problem is he thinks of himself as a #1. That's a pretty difficult scenario for a team. For Washington that's their secondary problem. Their primary problem is Jordan Poole who has performed as badly as any new big contract player I can remember. Avdija + Kuzma would be doable, not great but doable. Poole is going to suck the life out of that team, especially on offense and he's going to do it with the entitled attitude because of how much they're paying him. If I were Washington I would give up my 2024 1st unprotected + 2 future seconds and take on some bad money (expirings or deals with just 1 more year) just to get rid of him. He's an infection. Problem is there probably isnt a team dumb enough to bring Poole on board right now.

[M2]

Washington has to figure something out. They've got a player in Avdija but they're stuck with Kuzma and Pooles contracts for 3 more seasons at about 53 million combined each year. Kuzma is a #2 for a lottery team, a #3 for a playoff squad. Problem is he thinks of himself as a #1. That's a pretty difficult scenario for a team. For Washington that's their secondary problem. Their primary problem is Jordan Poole who has performed as badly as any new big contract player I can remember. Avdija + Kuzma would be doable, not great but doable. Poole is going to suck the life out of that team, especially on offense and he's going to do it with the entitled attitude because of how much they're paying him. If I were Washington I would give up my 2024 1st unprotected + 2 future seconds and take on some bad money (expirings or deals with just 1 more year) just to get rid of him. He's an infection. Problem is there probably isnt a team dumb enough to bring Poole on board right now.

Poole is probably the worst contract in the NBA right now. And you're right that he's an absolute anchor. I don't get why he isn't buried at the end of the bench with Coulibaly in the starting 5. Maybe if they put Poole in mothballs long enough some other team will forget what a disaster he is.

Kuzma might be all right on the right team. He can fill out a box score. A 22/6/4 guy isn't the worst thing to have.

[SteelSD]

Poole is probably the worst contract in the NBA right now. And you're right that he's an absolute anchor. I don't get why he isn't buried at the end of the bench with Coulibaly in the starting 5. Maybe if they put Poole in mothballs long enough some other team will forget what a disaster he is.

Kuzma might be all right on the right team. He can fill out a box score. A 22/6/4 guy isn't the worst thing to have.

For Poole, more than just about anyone I've ever seen, it seems like he got his bag and is just mailing it in. And that's coming from a guy who watched Al Hoford in Philly. At least Kuzma tries to be the best version of himself...it's just that I'm not sure that version exists.

[Roy Tucker]

I know players just wink at playing D in the All Star Game, but 211-186? Yikes.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I know players just wink at playing D in the All Star Game, but 211-186? Yikes.

It looks like the best possible version of the ymca pickup game, which isn’t a compliment.

I think they should try a 3 on 3 tournament. Play to 15 or 21 by 1s and 2s, single elimination. Seems like it would be fun.

[Chip R]

It looks like the best possible version of the ymca pickup game, which isn’t a compliment.

I think they should try a 3 on 3 tournament. Play to 15 or 21 by 1s and 2s, single elimination. Seems like it would be fun.

I'm not sure if that is even an apt description. People aren't continuously chucking up half court shots and playing no defense. I realize that over the past 25 or so years there isn't a lot of defense played in the game. But at least teams were running some semblance of an offense then. What is going to end up happening is that they are going to add gimmicks like they did for the MLB ASG where home field/court advantage in the Finals was decided by the winner of the ASG. Or they will make it like Rock and Jock and get celebrities playing. Eventually they will just scrap it like the NFL did.

[Betterread]

Many very intelligent people are saying the Cavs are the best team in the NBA

When you lose at home to Orlando no one says that.

[Revering4Blue]

When you lose at home to Orlando no one says that.

Donovan Mitchell was sidelined with an injury.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[M2]

The Warriors are on a 10-2 run. Will be interesting to see how others react as the Dubs start looming larger in their rearview mirrors.

[Betterread]

Donovan Mitchell was sidelined with an injury.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

No. He participated in the shootaround. Then he decided he had an unspecified illness and did not participate in the scheduled contest.
But it doesn’t matter to Zack Lowe, who called the Cavs both forgotten and the best NBA team in 2024. So I was wrong. The cavalier hype lives on.

[M2]

I think, by record, the Cavs have been the NBA's best team in 2024. They're 18-4. Doesn't make them the league's best overall team, but they've been hot. The #2 slot in the East is now theirs to lose.

In the West last night, OKC handily beating the Clips was a big deal. SGA (31/4/8, +21) keeps making his case for MVP.

[Mitri]

The Cavs are #2 in the East from my view as a Knicks fan. I think NY, if they get healthy, can be a contender for that distinction, but they have to get Randle and OG back on the court. Mitchell Robinson wouldn’t hurt.

If Embiid returns you’ll have 5 really tough and equally matched teams in the East, clearly the Celtics will be the favorite but a lot will depend on how each team matches up. Sixers need to learn how to stop the bleeding without Joel or their path is going to be brutal.

[Betterread]

I think, by record, the Cavs have been the NBA's best team in 2024. They're 18-4. Doesn't make them the league's best overall team, but they've been hot. The #2 slot in the East is now theirs to lose.

In the West last night, OKC handily beating the Clips was a big deal. SGA (31/4/8, +21) keeps making his case for MVP.

Clips are good, but to win the west, they need to play a level higher. I think the key for them is Kawhi. He is clearly their most dangerous weapon and he doesn’t get the ball enough. Harden and George need their touches, but they are not as dangerous. So Kawhi should be working harder, but when that happens, he gets hurt and then the clips are much weaker.
But they can beat anybody because of their great three point shooting from multiple sources.

[RedTeamGo!]

When you lose at home to Orlando no one says that.

ha, the Magic aren't bad though. Currently in the playoffs with a decent record. Not like they lost to the Raptors or something

[M2]

I noticed the Magic have the softest remaining schedule by a considerable margin. They could make a run at the top six.

[Mutaman]

I'm a patient man but waiting for Lillard to get his alleged act together is becoming a real test.

[M2]

The Cavs were without Spida again tonight and lost away at Philly. Speaks to how much Mitchell means to that team.

Meanwhile, at the half, the Warriors lead the Hornets 43-29. Are we sure they didn't smuggle in high schoolers to play this game?

[Mutaman]

Milwaukee finally showing some post season effort. Solid road win.

[SteelSD]

Philly can't seem to beat anyone else without Embiid, but they sure seem to have the Cav's number. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 24 points, Buddy Hield (13 points- 5-for-9, 3-for-6 from deep) his a dagger three late, and despite doing their best to give the game away with under a minute to go, Philly held on for a 104-97 win. The difference in the game was the bench. Cam Payne hit four of six three point attempts on his way to a 16-point outing in 20 minutes for Philly, while Caris LeVert was busy hitting only one of his eleven shot attempts one night after a similar 2-for-10 effort against Orlando.

And can anyone tell me what Evan Mobley has actually done to develop his offensive game? Against a much shorter Philly squad, he should have been able to provide a massive advantage beyond just alley-oop dunks and garbage collection around the rim. But he still looks very awkward whenever he has the ball, has no appreciable way to get himself shots, can't shoot beyond three feet from the rim (virtually won't shoot from further than 10 feet out), and has no post moves. He simply disappeared for most of last night's game, except when his two missed free throws gave the Philly fans free chicken nuggets. I honestly thought this guy was going to be better after his rookie season, but even if he hasn't regressed, he sure hasn't progressed.

[texasdave]

xxx

[goreds2]

Bucks at 76ers now on ABC.

[SteelSD]

Bucks at 76ers now on ABC.

Started at noon. Over by 1:00. Knicks game redux.

[Betterread]

Started at noon. Over by 1:00. Knicks game redux.

Sixers have looked pathetic in February, except for when they play Cleveland. They should forfeit the Boston game. It will be a bloodbath or worse, Boston will offer an all-star game type effort.

[M2]

Anthony Davis just got muscled by Yusuf Nurkic.

[SteelSD]

Sixers have looked pathetic in February, except for when they play Cleveland. They should forfeit the Boston game. It will be a bloodbath or worse, Boston will offer an all-star game type effort.

The losses are nearly carbon copies of each other. Poor first quarters, moderate to decent middle two quarters, and ugly fouth periods. The most glaring issue is that, because the team is built inside-to-outside with virtually no drive-and-kick action, opposing defenses just load up on perimeter defense. That just significantly reduces shot quality on threes without Embiid's gravity; even the few catch-and-shoot attempts they're able to get are rushed. I've also had about as much Tobias Harris as I can take. The guy is just too consistently a no-show.

[Assembly Hall]

Take that Luka!

[texasdave]

Not exactly NBA-related, but Team USA basketball, despite boasting nine players with NBA experience, suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of Cuba, marking the first time in 53 years that Cuba had triumphed over the United States on the basketball court. The final score of 81-67 left spectators in disbelief as Cuba outplayed the USA throughout the game. Granted they weren't household names, but they did make the NBA.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/usa-basketball-team-with-8-former-nba-players-lost-to-cuba-for-the-first-time-in-53-years/ar-BB1iUjEd

[dubc47834]

Not exactly NBA-related, but Team USA basketball, despite boasting nine players with NBA experience, suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of Cuba, marking the first time in 53 years that Cuba had triumphed over the United States on the basketball court. The final score of 81-67 left spectators in disbelief as Cuba outplayed the USA throughout the game. Granted they weren't household names, but they did make the NBA.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/usa-basketball-team-with-8-former-nba-players-lost-to-cuba-for-the-first-time-in-53-years/ar-BB1iUjEd

most of the top 25 in CBB could get a W against those names...seriously!

[KoryMac5]

Cleveland gets a half court bomb from Strus to win the game at the buzzer...unreal...Mitchell was unreal in the 4th.

Luka had 45

[M2]

When the Celtics move the ball and hunt good shots to close out a game, they're vicious.

[SteelSD]

Two point game with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. Then Philly goes on ANOTHER 5-minute scoreless streak (at least their 2nd of the game) and loses by, oh...somewhere around 20. Who knows. I started writing this with two and half minutes left. You just can't win ball games going nearly a quarter each game without scoring. Hell, a 30-point quarter before the game is unwinnable is a cause for celebration right now. Tobias Harris was, again, pure awful- 5 of 19 from the floor with two rebounds, and looked confused half the time on both ends of the court. Honestly, they need to sit the guy and start Ricky Council, who's played well just about every time he gets minutes; tonight with 16 points on 6-for-8 shooting and an excellent defensive effort in 19 minutes. Harris is that bad right now. Get well soon, Joel.

[Mutaman]

On election night Bucks fans voting on the most significant forward coaching move: Kidd to Bud or Griff to Rivers. The later with a wide lead.