The Official NBA 2019-20 Season Thread

[miami_fan]

It’s Opening Night!

Predictions
East:

Sixers
Bucks
Celtics
Heat
Pacers
Nets
Raptors
Magic/Bulls

West

Clippers
Rockets
Jazz
Nuggets
Lakers
Spurs
Mavericks
Kings/Warriors

Champions: Clippers over Sixers
MVP: Giannis
ROY: RJ Barrett

Who you got?

[Sublime 2]

Predictions
East:

Sixers
Celtics
Bucks
Pacers
Raptors
Nets
Heat
Pistons

West

Nuggets
Clippers
Rockets
Lakers
Warriors
Jazz
Blazers
Mavericks


Champions: Rockets over Bucks
MVP: Giannis
ROY: Morant

[miami_fan]

I am still in preseason shape when it comes to staying up for the West Coast games.

[Chief Rum]

In a bar watching Lakers-Clippers, surrounded by the usual idiot Lakers fans I see at the restaurant.

Reinforces my belief that the Clippers are fighting for good lol.

In all seriousness, I'm cracking up at Lakers fans drunkenly saying, "Jeez play defense!"

Get used to it, guys.

[stevew]

I hope that everyone who bitched about the lack of traveling calls is happy now.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I hope that everyone who bitched about the lack of traveling calls is happy now.

After watching a fair bit of the first half of NO-TOR last night while at dinner, I honestly don't know how anybody watches regular season NBA right now. 3p or dunks mentality has created a league of guys who can't fucking shoot normal shots. It was like watching really tall pee wee teams.

[stevew]

Fultz looks really good

[miami_fan]

After watching a fair bit of the first half of NO-TOR last night while at dinner, I honestly don't know how anybody watches regular season NBA right now. 3p or dunks mentality has created a league of guys who can't fucking shoot normal shots. It was like watching really tall pee wee teams.

Efficiency Jon. The buzzword in all sports in efficiency.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Efficiency Jon. The buzzword in all sports in efficiency.

Whatever it is, it's damned ugly to watch.

If you can hit from 45 feet, it kinda figures you oughta be able to hit from 15 feet.

*clarifying -- my complaint isn't about the scarcity of 2 point tries, it's about the abysmal success rate I saw while taking them (a surprising number of times, mostly forced by what the defenses were giving up)

[Groundhog]

Whatever it is, it's damned ugly to watch.

If you can hit from 45 feet, it kinda figures you oughta be able to hit from 15 feet.

*clarifying -- my complaint isn't about the scarcity of 2 point tries, it's about the abysmal success rate I saw while taking them (a surprising number of times, mostly forced by what the defenses were giving up)

Honestly, it might be efficient but it's made the NBA less interesting to watch for me progressively. I bought league pass this year because it's a wide open season with some interesting new-look teams, but watching the games yesterday reminded me exactly what I'd been (intentionally) missing by not subscribing the last few years.

[stevew]

Jokic is always fun to watch.

[miami_fan]

I thought the Rockets were supposed to stop Russ from trying to take over these games.

[Groundhog]

Both teams been pretty undisciplined down the stretch. Westbrook/Harden looked about how I expected it to - good enough to win a ton of regular season games, but I don't see it doing much outside of the first round of the playoffs.

[miami_fan]

Steph looks so lonely out there.

[Groundhog]

Yeah, some of the new Warriors have looked OK in spurts, but boy does this Warriors team play differently, and Curry is not looking super comfortable as a result.

[Vince, Pt. II]

It's just one game, against arguably the best team in the league...but woof that defense looks really, really bad.

[Groundhog]

Arguably the best team, with Paul George still yet to play. Kinda scary, really.

[stevew]

Ayton suspended for 25 games. Ouch

[Atocep]

Ayton suspended for 25 games. Ouch

I like what they've done with that roster though. A nice mix of shooters and defenders added to the core talent.

[BishopMVP]

Don't worry Nets fans, known Alpha Kevin Durant will be back eventually to keep him happy! Nets officials concerned about Kyrie's 'mood swings,' per report (https://sports.yahoo.com/report-nets-officials-concerned-about-kyrie-irvings-mood-swings-145753427.html)

[miami_fan]

KAT decided he was not taking any of Embiid's shit.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Steph Curry leaves Warriors game after falling on wrist (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27971481/steph-curry-leaves-warriors-game-falling-wrist)

I mean, it's probably nothing serious, right?

But that might be a #1 overall contender if he was out long-term.

[Groundhog]

Honestly, with a healthy Curry this Warriors' team has looked like a #1 pick contender. Without Curry they'll look barely a step above the Tankapalooza Sixers' teams.

[bhlloy]

Broken hand... not sure what the healing time on that is, but they're almost certainly headed to a high pick at this point. Might as well not rush him back and either get another piece or use the pick as a trade chip. Probably best case scenario given how they've started the season.

[Atocep]

I analyzed James Harden's performance in every NBA city to see if there is a correlation between his box score and the city's average strip club rating. : nba (https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/dt0ucg/i_analyzed_james_hardens_performance_in_every_nba/)

[molson]

I analyzed James Harden's performance in every NBA city to see if there is a correlation between his box score and the city's average strip club rating. : nba (https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/dt0ucg/i_analyzed_james_hardens_performance_in_every_nba/)

I love the thoughtful critique that a strip club review rating is a flawed metric to measure strip club quality across different markets.

[Lathum]

I love the thoughtful critique that a strip club review rating is a flawed metric to measure strip club quality across different markets.

That whole sequence is gold.

[PilotMan]

So I suck at watching basketball. Especially the pro game, my eye just isn't tuned to everything going on, and everything I see that looks like something isn't. The game has just changed. Anyway. This is easy to see. What the hell kind of strategy is this?


<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Literally arrest everyone in the organization <a href="https://t.co/Gnhfzn7Qhk">https://t.co/Gnhfzn7Qhk</a></p>&mdash; Turkbert Cransauceko (@AlbertBurneko) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBurneko/status/1193369865643610114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

[stevew]

Cavs have been reasonably entertaining.

[Warhammer]

So I suck at watching basketball. Especially the pro game, my eye just isn't tuned to everything going on, and everything I see that looks like something isn't. The game has just changed. Anyway. This is easy to see. What the hell kind of strategy is this?


<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Literally arrest everyone in the organization <a href="https://t.co/Gnhfzn7Qhk">https://t.co/Gnhfzn7Qhk</a></p>&mdash; Turkbert Cransauceko (@AlbertBurneko) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBurneko/status/1193369865643610114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

Wow, and to think I had some respect for the Rockets at one point...

[Groundhog]

So I suck at watching basketball. Especially the pro game, my eye just isn't tuned to everything going on, and everything I see that looks like something isn't. The game has just changed. Anyway. This is easy to see. What the hell kind of strategy is this?


<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Literally arrest everyone in the organization <a href="https://t.co/Gnhfzn7Qhk">https://t.co/Gnhfzn7Qhk</a></p>&mdash; Turkbert Cransauceko (@AlbertBurneko) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBurneko/status/1193369865643610114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

They have been my least favourite team to watch for years. A blatant attempt to min-max "game" the way the NBA is played and officiated.

[Groundhog]

Cavs have been reasonably entertaining.

Yeah, I can't believe it. I've already watched more full games of Cavs ball this season than last season. Tristan playing out of his mind in a contract year just frustrates me though, knowing what more he had to offer all these years. I wonder what team is going to overpay him for 3 years this offseason - please not Cleveland.

[Arles]

Throw in the Suns as well to the "entertaining" group. It was torture watching this team the past 5 years, now they are actually fun. It's amazing what replacing talented head cases (Josh Jackson, Marquise Chriss, Dragen Bender, DeAnthony Melton, TJ Warren) and Vets who didn't give a crap (Ariza, Anderson, Chandler) with actual real NBA players can do to a team.

[Groundhog]

Yep, Suns too. Each time I've tuned into a Suns game it's been to watch whoever they are playing, and every time the Suns have gone on to win that game. :)

[stevew]

Yeah, I can't believe it. I've already watched more full games of Cavs ball this season than last season. Tristan playing out of his mind in a contract year just frustrates me though, knowing what more he had to offer all these years. I wonder what team is going to overpay him for 3 years this offseason - please not Cleveland.

How about that Garland juke layup delay drive the other day on Simmons? Obviously he needs to start hitting shots but that’s some superstar type shit.

[BishopMVP]

I'm assuming the Suns I saw last night was largely a product of Ricky Rubio being out, because that did not live up to the hype the Suns have been getting ;)

Also, what's the reason behind Ty Jerome not getting any minutes? Is he injured?

[Chief Rum]

They have been my least favourite team to watch for years. A blatant attempt to min-max "game" the way the NBA is played and officiated.

Getting on this late...

You can look back in past NBA threads and see my commentaries on this before but I'll say it again.

D'Antoni sucks in just about every way. As an arrogant human being and as a destroyer of a normally beautiful game. He should not be coaching in the NBA but he got lucky to be matched with Harden, the perfect superstar for his system and nearly the same level of (or lack thereof) self reflection and awareness.

[SirFozzie]

15 years ago this year, the Malice at the Palace happened. I checked out the archive. The thread is still there ;)

[Arles]

I'm assuming the Suns I saw last night was largely a product of Ricky Rubio being out, because that did not live up to the hype the Suns have been getting ;)

Also, what's the reason behind Ty Jerome not getting any minutes? Is he injured?
Yeah, he has a bad ankle injury (atleast 2 more weeks). it's a shame as the team had a pretty solid PG rotation in the preseason with Rubio, Jerome and Tyler Johnson. Now, you get a lot of Jevon Carter when Rubio is hurt (not good). This team doesn't have the depth to sustain 2-3 big injuries against a team the caliber of Boston. Without Rubio, Jerome and Ayton (plus a very gimpy Baynes), 90% of the scoring/playmaking falls to Booker and Oubre.

Last night against the Kings, the issue was having no PG or bigs. Both Ayton and Baynes didn't play (and Rubio could only manage 15 min). So, we got a lot of Cheick Diallo, Elie Okobo and Frank Kaminsky. The Suns just have to find a way to ride out these last 13 games before Ayton comes back (and hope Rubio and Baynes get healthy). They are fun when mostly healthy, but if Rubio, Booker or Ayton/Baynes can't play - the quality drops pretty quickly.

[cartman]

Doncic might end up being a decent player.

[miami_fan]

Seems there are a lot of injuries from players randomly running into other players. Hope Kemba is okay.

[SirFozzie]

Reports are he doesn't have any injuries other than "concussion-like" symptoms.

[Groundhog]

Melo Ball just notched up a triple double in the Australian league. I thought he would be a gimmick/spot contributor in this league - and I definitely wasn't alone on that - but boy has he proven me and a lot of other people wrong. His three ball is also improving.

[miami_fan]

15 years ago this year, the Malice at the Palace happened. I checked out the archive. The thread is still there ;)

That thread had some unique bedfellows.

[stevew]

Melo Ball just notched up a triple double in the Australian league. I thought he would be a gimmick/spot contributor in this league - and I definitely wasn't alone on that - but boy has he proven me and a lot of other people wrong. His three ball is also improving.

He grew about 5 inches it seems.

[Chief Rum]

Melo Ball just notched up a triple double in the Australian league. I thought he would be a gimmick/spot contributor in this league - and I definitely wasn't alone on that - but boy has he proven me and a lot of other people wrong. His three ball is also improving.

Lonzo looked great in college too.

My understanding is that Melo has a weird shot too. Is that right? That could give some of the same problems Lonzo has trying to shoot and score in the NBA.

Of course if Melo isn't as injury prone, that right there give him a better ceiling than Lonzo.

[Groundhog]

Lonzo looked great in college too.

My understanding is that Melo has a weird shot too. Is that right? That could give some of the same problems Lonzo has trying to shoot and score in the NBA.

Of course if Melo isn't as injury prone, that right there give him a better ceiling than Lonzo.

There's a big difference between college and our league, though. He's doing this against men, in one of the strongest leagues outside of the NBA talent-wise, especially the top 4 teams.

He started the year with a shot that looked almost identical to Lonzo's out of college, but it's started to shift a little. Still looks like he shoots it with his arms more than his legs, but he's been putting in a lot of work with the coach he brought down here with him and it's starting to pay off the past couple of weeks. He needs to get better defensively, but in terms of his passing and playmaking ability it's NBA-level already IMO, so if he can make that 3 ball consistently I'd say he's already ahead of Lonzo at 18 years of age.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Playing the Hawks is like going on Oprah

"And you get a basket ... and you get a basket ... and you get a basket ... you ALLLLLLLL get a basket ... many baskets ...soooooo many baskets"

[miami_fan]

To be fair, the Rockets also gave up 158 this year.

The real question is can the Hawks score 158 in a game at some point this year.:p

[Atocep]

Playing the Hawks is like going on Oprah

"And you get a basket ... and you get a basket ... and you get a basket ... you ALLLLLLLL get a basket ... many baskets ...soooooo many baskets"

Jabari Parker definitely found the perfect team. I'm not sure he's one of the 5 worst defenders on this Hawks team.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Jabari Parker definitely found the perfect team. I'm not sure he's one of the 5 worst defenders on this Hawks team.

Close. By defensive rating he's 4th worst (better than Chandler Parsons, Damian Jones, and Trae Young)

[miami_fan]

Lloyd Pierce and his coaching staff made some great adjustments to go from allowing 158 to only allowing 79 in the next game.

The most important adjustment was swapping out Houston for Golden State.

[JPhillips]

The ref is looking right at LeBron and the ball.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LeBron literally stops dribbling and then starts again and NBA refs are like ��‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/uMAtRLfpvG">pic.twitter.com/uMAtRLfpvG</a></p>&mdash; Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BadSportsRefs/status/1202418560259284993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[stevew]

At the minimum that ref deserves a letter of demerit and whatever the maximum is that he can be fined. That play will be meme fuel for the “all they do is travel” crowd.

[miami_fan]

Eh, Traveling is the equivalent to offensive holding to me.

But now that the Rockets have opened the floodgates, the Jazz should file a protest and asked for a replay from that point.

[Atocep]

I'm surprised it's taken this long for Cavs players to rebel against Beilein.

[lungs]

Bucks/Clippers tonight. Milwaukee has been pretty awesome lately, but mostly just beating up on shitty teams. Giannis turns 25 years old today. Kawhi sat out the first meeting between the teams.

[miami_fan]

Chris Paul is such an A-hole.

[Lathum]

What a great ovation for Kawhai and all the class in to world from the Raptors fans. Great to see.

[miami_fan]

Ex-NBA commissioner David Stern hospitalized after brain hemorrhage (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28287180/ex-nba-commissioner-david-stern-hospitalized-brain-hemorrhage)

[miami_fan]

It’s a loss but that was a fun game between the Heat and the Lakers.

[stevew]

I’m wondering when they’re just going to announce that Zion is going to miss the entire season. I understand being cautious but he’s almost 2 months into rehab on what was supposed to be a non serious knee injury.

[miami_fan]

Brett Brown really should have an offensive game plan by now shouldn’t he?

[jbergey22]

I’m wondering when they’re just going to announce that Zion is going to miss the entire season. I understand being cautious but he’s almost 2 months into rehab on what was supposed to be a non serious knee injury.

Its possible but Im not sure how great it would be for his development to miss an entire season at such a young age. I mean having Curry, Klay, and Draymond miss the season kind of makes sense since they are developed all stars but a rookie with 1 year of college? I think the development year is major for him.

[Lathum]

76ers fans who flipped off Isaiah Thomas banned for year (https://sports.yahoo.com/fans-who-yelled-obscenities-and-flipped-off-isaiah-thomas-banned-for-a-year-182742654.html)

[miami_fan]

76ers fans who flipped off Isaiah Thomas banned for year (https://sports.yahoo.com/fans-who-yelled-obscenities-and-flipped-off-isaiah-thomas-banned-for-a-year-182742654.html)

Insert all of the required caveats here. Now then, I absolutely loved different video angles of this incident. The realization of the fans that they did do something that was worthy of an ass kicking as Thomas walked up to them. The fear that the ass kicking may be coming. The calmness that Thomas engaged in the conversation. Absolutely loved everything of Thomas's handling of the situation.

Arena security: Do better.

[miami_fan]

Ex-NBA commissioner David Stern hospitalized after brain hemorrhage (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28287180/ex-nba-commissioner-david-stern-hospitalized-brain-hemorrhage)

I can't say I was an overall fan of his and yes he benefited from Michael Jordan coming into the league shortly after. But I am a guy who remembers struggling to watch the first quarters of NBA Finals games because they started at 11:30pm eastern on tape delay. To go from that to the place where the game is today required incredible leadership and business acumen. David Stern deserves all the plaudits for that.

[miami_fan]

The early reactions to Kevin Love's unprofessionalism behavior has been interesting to observe.

[Lathum]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">JOEL EMBIID YOUR FINGER WHAT THE FUCK. <a href="https://t.co/DZDXqcmVCd">pic.twitter.com/DZDXqcmVCd</a></p>&mdash; #AustraliaBurning (@OKCTHUNDERAlex) <a href="https://twitter.com/OKCTHUNDERAlex/status/1214345019730956293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Groundhog]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">JOEL EMBIID YOUR FINGER WHAT THE FUCK. <a href="https://t.co/DZDXqcmVCd">pic.twitter.com/DZDXqcmVCd</a></p>&mdash; #AustraliaBurning (@OKCTHUNDERAlex) <a href="https://twitter.com/OKCTHUNDERAlex/status/1214345019730956293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Eeesh. Unfortunately I've had that happen to me more than once.

[Groundhog]

The early reactions to Kevin Love's unprofessionalism behavior has been interesting to observe.

As a Cavs fan, I don't blame him I have to say. Incredibly frustrating to watch, and very selfish guard play. I hope we trade him and he gets to play for a contender.

[Izulde]

https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/20/us/chandler-parsons-wreck-atlanta-hawks/index.html

Awful news.

[JonInMiddleGA]

https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/20/us/chandler-parsons-wreck-atlanta-hawks/index.html

Awful news.

I can't lie: I smell "collect on my insurance policies" and "exit the league with some dignity" in this.

He's been unable to crack a terrible Hawks lineup even when healthy.

[RainMaker]

I can't lie: I smell "collect on my insurance policies" and "exit the league with some dignity" in this.

He's been unable to crack a terrible Hawks lineup even when healthy.

Not sure he will ever be "healthy". His knee is just shot. Microfracture surgery is a death knell for NBA players. Maybe get a couple more years but ultimately the knee will fail.

[Groundhog]

I can't lie: I smell "collect on my insurance policies" and "exit the league with some dignity" in this.

He's been unable to crack a terrible Hawks lineup even when healthy.

Hate to say it but that thought entered my mind too given how the latest reports dramatically scaled up the extent of his injuries - seemed like a comparatively minor incident when news broke. I hope that is the case (weird as that is to say), as "traumatic brain injury" sounds really bad... but could also be used to describe any concussion.

[RainMaker]

Not sure you can fake a torn labrum though. But yeah, any concussion can be listed as a "traumatic brain injury" by a personal injury attorney.

[Groundhog]

Torn labrum is most likely true and I'm sure makes sense with the accident but it's not something that is generally considered career ending (again, depending on the extent of it I suppose).

[RainMaker]

Is it a shoulder labrum or hip? If it is a hip, he's done.

[stevew]

Assume you have to be aggressive so you don’t get placed on a non sports injury list that would hurt your contract guarantees. The drunk guy is going to have a hard time getting insurance ever again

[JonInMiddleGA]

The drunk guy is going to have a hard time getting insurance ever again

It's Atlanta. Helluva leap that he had it in the first place. Not sure a driver at 2 in the afternoon with a "7-Up bottle with alcohol on the driver’s seats and the heavy odor of alcohol in the car and on the driver" is going to be circumspect in following mandatory insurance laws.

[miami_fan]

Those Delonte West jokes about him being crazy are not so funny anymore. The recent videos are shocking. Not surprising, just a shock to the system. Mental health man, mental health.

[Groundhog]

The Atlanta Hawks today issued the following injury update on forward Chandler Parsons, who was recently in a car accident. Parsons has reportedly filed at least one lawsuit due to injuries from the incident.

Per the Hawks today, Parsons remains in the first stage of the NBA’s concussion protocol and has not progressed to exertional challenges, such as light conditioning.

Additionally, Parsons continues to receive treatment for symptoms of whiplash and the associated cervical disc injury.

After discussing with Parsons, his medical team and the doctors at Emory Sports Medicine, it was agreed by all parties that it would be best for Parsons’ recovery for him to return home to California and continue to recover and rehabilitate under the treatment of a team of doctors and therapists overseen by the Hawks and Emory Sports Medicine staff.

So, that’s the Hawks’ team update. And per the Atlanta Journal Constitution, “the at-fault driver whose car collided with Parsons’ car and one other vehicle was cited for failure to yield while turning left and DUI Less Safe. Parsons and the other driver involved were found to not be at fault.”


Definitely with Jon on this one.

[miami_fan]

Well his contract does expire this year. He has to find income from somewhere.

[miami_fan]

This is a about a week old, but I am interested in what others think of these charts. I am not anti three pointers but damn...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The game has changed. <a href="https://t.co/Bqh4swKxCN">pic.twitter.com/Bqh4swKxCN</a></p>&mdash; Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/kirkgoldsberry/status/1217109175894831105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Game Has Changed: The Death of the Baseline 2.<br><br>Over the last 2 decades, no shot has vanished as much as the baseline 2. <a href="https://t.co/3KDu5tvhkU">pic.twitter.com/3KDu5tvhkU</a></p>&mdash; Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/kirkgoldsberry/status/1217526451299217408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Brian Swartz]

I think it's bad for basketball. The 3-point line should be moved back (eliminating the corner 3) to the point where for a league-average shooter it's only a slightly better shot than a 2-pointer. The gap is simply too big between 3-point efficiency and 2-point efficiency.

That will never happen, so the bombs away or layup dichotomy will continue.

[Groundhog]

I think it's bad for basketball. The 3-point line should be moved back (eliminating the corner 3) to the point where for a league-average shooter it's only a slightly better shot than a 2-pointer. The gap is simply too big between 3-point efficiency and 2-point efficiency.

That will never happen, so the bombs away or layup dichotomy will continue.

Agree re: bad for basketball. It's bad for the fan experience. The sheer volume of 3s being thrown up makes it far less of an entertaining spectacle when they do drop, and the continued heat on the rim leads to more FTs than it does highlight plays. I get why teams do it, but it's making the NBA a less entertaining product to watch.

[Warhammer]

I am going to be a bit more dramatic. Push back the 3 pt line, but also make the court wider.

The problem is more than the elimination of the baseline 2, there are no more high post 2s or FT extended 2s either.

[Brian Swartz]

Also, Zion clearly sucks. Only two games into his career and he's already missed five shots. Srsly.

[miami_fan]

Welcome back Victor Oladipo!

[stevew]

NBA all star game doing some format changes.

Quarters 1-3 scored separately, starting 0-0. Winner of the quarter gets a certain amount donated to their charity.

After 3 quarters the points are then added up and the leading squad has 24 added to their total. That’s the final target score. So if it’s 100-87, the first team to 124 would win, regardless of time.

[stevew]

Also I dunno how you solve the 3s or dunks thing. Straight up eliminating it would probably make the game better. Maybe every shooting foul is 3 FT to make 2 or something. If they moved it back 5 feet everyone would just fire from there and it would become less watchable.

[Arles]

That may the most confusing setup I've ever heard. I'm sure it will go swimmingly :D

[stevew]

It’s taken from TBT and modified. Basically the game ends on a walk off shot(or LOL a free throw) vs the game ending on time.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I think it's not so much confusing as officially explained in a confusing fashion.

3 quarters, scoring IS cumulative, but the charity donations are based on winning individual quarters.

Then take highest cumulative score after three quarters, add 24 points to it, and that's the score the game ends at.

Given ASG scoring rates, the 4th quarter should last about 6 minutes of game time.

[molson]

I'm a big fan of "playing to a certain score" in all sports. No idea why. It appeals to me. I wish the NFL did OT first to 6 points.

[jbergey22]

Timberwolves appear to be gathering assets in order to make a trade for De'Angelo Russell.

Timberwolves werent willing to give up a lottery high pick for him however maybe they are thinking a mid first found pick with some additional pieces will land him?

[Izulde]

Timberwolves appear to be gathering assets in order to make a trade for De'Angelo Russell.

Timberwolves werent willing to give up a lottery high pick for him however maybe they are thinking a mid first found pick with some additional pieces will land him?

Not happening at the deadline. If it happens at all, it'll be in the offseason.

[miami_fan]

Hmmm, Iguodala AND Galinari to the Heat?

I am willingly to listen.

[Izulde]

Not happening at the deadline. If it happens at all, it'll be in the offseason.

Holy crap. I admit I was wrong. Wiggins and picks to Golden State for D-Lo. Shocked the Warriors didn't wait until the offseason. Must be great pick value.

[Izulde]

Hmmm, Iguodala AND Galinari to the Heat?

I am willingly to listen.

Looks like it's Crowder instead of the Rooster.

[miami_fan]

Holy crap. I admit I was wrong. Wiggins and picks to Golden State for D-Lo. Shocked the Warriors didn't wait until the offseason. Must be great pick value.

Russell is too good for a team that looks to be on track for a top five pick, especially if you think Stephen Curry will be back this year as well. I like taking a shot on Wiggins. I would trust my staff, leaders and culture to get him on track. Now is the time for KAT. No more excuses. He has the coach he wanted, Jimmy Butler is off the team and now he has his buddy on the team. Make or break time for him.

[miami_fan]

Looks like it's Crowder instead of the Rooster.

I’ll take it. Winslow has been hurt, Johnson has rode the bench and Dion has been Dion. Replace those three with Iguodala alone would be cool just to get those salaries off the books.

[Arles]

So when Russell + Towns taking up $60 mil in cap space equals a 30-win team in the West, what's the next step for the T-Wolves? They have no trade-able contracts, no 2021 1st and no cap space.

[Atocep]

Russell is too good for a team that looks to be on track for a top five pick, especially if you think Stephen Curry will be back this year as well. I like taking a shot on Wiggins. I would trust my staff, leaders and culture to get him on track. Now is the time for KAT. No more excuses. He has the coach he wanted, Jimmy Butler is off the team and now he has his buddy on the team. Make or break time for him.

What exactly is on track for Wiggins though? He's never produced. He was the number 1 pick based on high school hype rather than college production. He's never scored efficiently and doesn't do much other than score.

[Arles]

Wiggins has been a better defender. Towns has been the major sieve this year. If you look at Wiggins with Towns, the defensive rating is 115.2. If you look at the same number of minutes of Wiggins without Towns, it drops to 107.4. The *hope* is he turns into Harrison Barnes-lite with a little better D and less shooting. Since he doesn't have the burden of the offense, he can focus on D and being a complimentary guy. Also having Klay and Draymond helping instead of Towns and Teague should help his numbers.

Still, this is a trade of two average to below average players with huge contracts. I think Wiggins has a chance to be a better fit in GS than Russell joining a team that already doesn't play D. In the end, the 2021 first may end up being a pick in the 5-10 range in a deep draft (and the most valuable aspect of this trade).

[miami_fan]

What exactly is on track for Wiggins though? He's never produced. He was the number 1 pick based on high school hype rather than college production. He's never scored efficiently and doesn't do much other than score.

Whatever the expectations are for the 4th maybe 5th best (behind the year's high draft pick) on the roster? I don't think they expect anything from him as the #1 pick in a draft. He is not Golden State's #1 pick of that draft. It is a gamble taking on that contract but I think it is a gamble that Golden State can take given their recent success and deep pockets. I have yet to hear anyone put limitations on his ability to play other than his mental makeup. It is a big if but if the Warriors can fix that makeup. they should get a better player than the one Minnesota had.

Adding Andre Drummond to the Cleveland locker room is also an interesting gamble.

[Gary Gorski]

Adding Andre Drummond to the Cleveland locker room is also an interesting gamble.

The Pistons are the worst run team in the league. They gave away an all-star talent for literally nothing. There is zero excuse for this other than "we are cheap and were afraid he would opt in". Who's coming to Detroit? Nobody is coming for the location or tax rates and nobody is coming to play with anyone on this piss poor roster. Cap space is totally pointless here unless you're going to back up the brinks truck for the next Charlie Villaneuva.

So what if Drummond opts in? You have all next year to trade him as an expiring and get some kind of decent player that might be on a long term deal a team wants rid of or maybe he opts out and there's a soft market for him and you can sign him to a long term deal at a discount. I mean the guy pulls down 16 boards a night - if you surrounded him with some talent he could be a legit 3rd piece.

I hate this team so much - you have Derrick Rose who's somehow defied all odds and put up a good season and you don't trade him when you could get something for him before he breaks down again but you do trade away the young guy who leads the league in rebounding for...cap space that nobody wants anyways.

[JPhillips]

So when Russell + Towns taking up $60 mil in cap space equals a 30-win team in the West, what's the next step for the T-Wolves? They have no trade-able contracts, no 2021 1st and no cap space.

Pretty much the same place they'd be in with Wiggins and Towns taking up @60 mil.

[jbergey22]

Draymond Green is going to have some fun with the aloof Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins wont be able to handle the intensity the Warriors play with when they are healthy. This will end up hurting Golden State unless they trade him right away.

Timberwolves needed to trade Wiggins at all costs although it is starting to feel like KAT is running the organization.

[jbergey22]

The Pistons are the worst run team in the league. They gave away an all-star talent for literally nothing. There is zero excuse for this other than "we are cheap and were afraid he would opt in". Who's coming to Detroit? Nobody is coming for the location or tax rates and nobody is coming to play with anyone on this piss poor roster. Cap space is totally pointless here unless you're going to back up the brinks truck for the next Charlie Villaneuva.

So what if Drummond opts in? You have all next year to trade him as an expiring and get some kind of decent player that might be on a long term deal a team wants rid of or maybe he opts out and there's a soft market for him and you can sign him to a long term deal at a discount. I mean the guy pulls down 16 boards a night - if you surrounded him with some talent he could be a legit 3rd piece.

I hate this team so much - you have Derrick Rose who's somehow defied all odds and put up a good season and you don't trade him when you could get something for him before he breaks down again but you do trade away the young guy who leads the league in rebounding for...cap space that nobody wants anyways.

Now for your next trick. You need to see if you can replicate the Detroit GM in one of your sims and enjoy the comments people make about the AI.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The Pistons are the worst run team in the league. They gave away an all-star talent for literally nothing. There is zero excuse for this other than "we are cheap and were afraid he would opt in".

I thought the narrative was that the concern was opt OUT and lose him for nothing.

Which, granted, that's what they basically got back anyway.

[jbergey22]

I find it funny that the Timberwolves apparently were offering their pick this year which is likely top 5. However the Warriors decided next years draft was better and wanted the deferred pick apparently feeling the Timberwolves will suck as usual and get a top 5 pick regardless.

[Arles]

Pretty much the same place they'd be in with Wiggins and Towns taking up @60 mil.
Except they don’t have their 2021 1st round pick (which could be in the top 10). I’m not really sure how much better Russell is than Covington and Wiggins. There’s a decent chance this team wins 30 games next year.

[Arles]

I find it funny that the Timberwolves apparently were offering their pick this year which is likely top 5. However the Warriors decided next years draft was better and wanted the deferred pick apparently feeling the Timberwolves will suck as usual and get a top 5 pick regardless.
That may be, but I think a part was also that they will already have a high lottery pick for their team this season. They probably don’t want to pay for two top 8 picks with the guys they have. It’s better for salary (and future trades) to have one in 2021. But, I do think they are gambling they won’t be much better next year with Russell (which I think is right).

[Brian Swartz]

I thought the narrative was that the concern was opt OUT and lose him for nothing.

Which, granted, that's what they basically got back anyway.

Yeah this is the way I see it basically. I mean, if that's all you can get for Drummond then you roll the dice and take your chances on losing him in free agency IMO. The last time the Pistons made a move I thought was a good idea in player personnel (liked the Casey hire as coach) was … wait for it … nope can't think of any in the last few years.

[Ryche]

Definitely a worthwhile gamble for the Timberwolves. What they had wasn't working and Wiggins was a large part of that problem. Russell should be a far better fit with Towns. And they added a couple 3 point shooters from Denver to help space things out on offense. Defense will continue to be an issue no doubt but the roster as it stands now should work together better than what they had.

[miami_fan]

Marvin Williams has been bought out by the Hornets and is reportedly headed to the Bucks.

Who had Marvin Williams having a 15 year NBA career when he was drafted by the Hawks?

[lungs]

Who had Marvin Williams having a 15 year NBA career when he was drafted by the Hawks?

The people that wanted the Bucks to draft him instead of Andrew Bogut :)

[Vince, Pt. II]

Damian Lillard is on fire lately, and it's fun to watch.

[Gary Gorski]

Now for your next trick. You need to see if you can replicate the Detroit GM in one of your sims and enjoy the comments people make about the AI.

The Pistons make 2K's AI logic look good.

Guess I have to work on adding GM's who use two phones at once (google it if you don't know) and then give away all-star players...I honestly don't know if I can write AI to be as bad as the Pistons

[Gary Gorski]

I thought the narrative was that the concern was opt OUT and lose him for nothing.

Which, granted, that's what they basically got back anyway.

No I have read they were afraid since there was no market for him that he would opt in and stick them with the 29 million next year.

That's the only plausible explanation for this (which is massively stupid but Gores doesn't appear to care about winning.)

[Atocep]

This has been one of the best dunk contests in terms of overall quality.

[Lathum]

gotta be honest this 4th quarter is fun

[Butter]

I never watch the All Star game, but the 4th quarter is Must See TV

[jbergey22]

These guys can play some great basketball when they try.

James Harden first time ever trying to play defense...

[miami_fan]

This is fun.

[miami_fan]

New rule. Gotta win by two or if he misses the free throw, the team goes back ten.

[Atocep]

Sources -- Cavaliers and coach John Beilein have discussed possibility of him stepping down (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28720022/sources-cavaliers-coach-john-beilein-discussed-possibility-stepping-down)

Yeah, as I mentioned when he was hired, Beilein and the NBA is a god awful match.

[Lathum]

Sources -- Cavaliers and coach John Beilein have discussed possibility of him stepping down (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28720022/sources-cavaliers-coach-john-beilein-discussed-possibility-stepping-down)

Yeah, as I mentioned when he was hired, Beilein and the NBA is a god awful match.

Would love to see him somewhere like Texas

[Atocep]

Would love to see him somewhere like Texas

He's one of the best basketball coaches alive (at least from a teaching standpoint), but he's so awkward and generally an asshole that he needs the right spot.

I think he'd do well someplace like UW, but I don't see them moving on from Hopkins so quickly after last season.

[Lathum]

He's one of the best basketball coaches alive (at least from a teaching standpoint), but he's so awkward and generally an asshole that he needs the right spot.

I think he'd do well someplace like UW, but I don't see them moving on from Hopkins so quickly after last season.

Not a chance we move on from Hopkins. He will have a long leash. We were doing well this year until Greene went down. All went to hell after that. He needs to recruit more system guys and not the one and dones.

[RainMaker]

Just crazy he couldn't cut it for even a season in the big leagues.

The guy is 67 so is it a lock he goes back to the college game? There's no rush either because he's getting paid by the Cavs. If he does go back, I think he'd be patient and wait for the right opening.

[miami_fan]

Stole this from Twitter.

If Beilein leaves, the Cavs would be hiring their sixth head coach in seven seasons.

In four of those seasons, they made the NBA finals.

[JonInMiddleGA]

SI.com (whose links used to break the forum IIRC, so I'm not linking here) has a Beilein article with some speculative landing spots. I think it's a pretty decent list that make sense in some form or fashion, including in no particular order:

Itchy Big 10 schools? Indiana or Northwestern (though it downplays both)

Scandal tinged schools? Kansas, Auburn, Arizona, LSU (and it downplays the two SECs as seemingly poor fits)

Unhappy ACC schools: Wake, BC, GT

Vandy: a place with a pro guy that isn't working in college might be see the appeal in a college guy that hasn't enjoyed the pros

Texas: which the article calls the most likely and most appealing P6 job

[JPhillips]

Indiana seems like such a perfect match.

[miami_fan]

So Beilein out, JB Bickerstaff in.

Serious question: Is it just a coincidence that Dan Gilbert has just recently returned to work as he recovers from a stroke and Beilein is out the door?

Not anywhere near as serious question: How many days does the virtual sim gamer spend loading up and evaluating this 2019-2020 Cleveland Cavs save at this point before finally advancing to the next day?

[stevew]

I wonder what kind of odds they’d give on Bickerstaff finishing out next season?

Kinda feel like we’ll get Jason Kidd or Derek Fisher eventually.

[Lathum]

I wonder what kind of odds they’d give on Bickerstaff finishing out next season?

Kinda feel like we’ll get Jason Kidd or Derek Fisher eventually.

That job is so toxic with Gilbert there.

[stevew]

Mike Brown 3 can’t be discounted.

[BishopMVP]

I'll admit it, I was wrong. I thought it would take another year at least for him to iron out his weaknesses (a tough time finishing through contact, too many long 2's or turnaround fadeaways, inconsistency on defense), but the Jayson Tatum side step 3 plus our big's (Theis in particular) leading the charge in back sealing recovering P&R help defenders has turned Tatum into a top 10 NBA initiator right now. The 3-pt % will probably not stay up at 47% like it has for this whole month, but being able to turn the corner off a P&R a step inside the 3-pt line, give the hesi, and legit be able to jump sideways into an unblockable 3 due to length, or turn downhill if there's a runway is a serious problem for opponents right now.

[Atocep]

The Knicks vs Spike Lee over which entrance he uses at MSG has to be the most Knicks thing ever.

[molson]

I'd rather watch Spike and Dolan argue over entrances than watch a Knicks game.

[stevew]

Zion is pretty much must see TV

[stevew]

Caris LeVert is unstoppable

[miami_fan]

I am wildly speculating in a very unfair way. With that acknowledgement, I am not sure I am firing my head coach to make Kyrie Irving happy,

[JonInMiddleGA]

I am wildly speculating in a very unfair way. With that acknowledgement, I am not sure I am firing my head coach to make Kyrie Irving happy,

Nor is anyone is their right mind.

[BishopMVP]

Not that I want to give Kyrie any benefit of the doubt, but since he's out for the year why would they fire Atkinson now instead of the off-season even if it was Kyrie's push? Yeah, it's a ridiculously top 6-heavy conference, but the Nets are technically the 7 seed right now...

[miami_fan]

Not that I want to give Kyrie any benefit of the doubt, but since he's out for the year why would they fire Atkinson now instead of the off-season even if it was Kyrie's push? Yeah, it's a ridiculously top 6-heavy conference, but the Nets are technically the 7 seed right now...

The argument for my speculation would be that Kyrie being out does not mean he is not still being around trying to be a "leader" and making Atkinson's life a living hell.

There are now reports saying that Atkinson wanted to go as much as the Nets wanting him to go. I am not saying Atkinson should have been kept no matter what. I would probably go as far as saying if KD said to fire him, then the Nets should listen. I am just not giving Kyrie that power.

[jbergey22]

Draymond Green apparently has no self awareness. I believe pretty much everything Barkley said about him is true.

His per 36 minute numbers this year.
10.2 ppg
7.8 ast
7.8 reb
39 percent shooting percentage
1.7 steals
1.0 blocks
045 WS/48 (career .132)

While a key piece surrounded by stars, he is just an ordinary player without them.

Also, he is an idiot for bringing up rings to a top 50 all time great and one of the best power forwards in history.

[RendeR]

Assuming people here already know this but: NBA to shut down as of Thursday due to coronavirus.

Shits geting deep.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Draymond Green apparently has no self awareness. I believe pretty much everything Barkley said about him is true.

His per 36 minute numbers this year.
10.2 ppg
7.8 ast
7.8 reb
39 percent shooting percentage
1.7 steals
1.0 blocks
045 WS/48 (career .132)

While a key piece surrounded by stars, he is just an ordinary player without them.

Also, he is an idiot for bringing up rings to a top 50 all time great and one of the best power forwards in history.

If you think 10.2/7.8/7.8/1.7/1.0 is "ordinary" I don't know what to tell you. Obviously he's not a megastar to build around, but the amount he contributes on a team that right now has literally nobody around him is crazy.

[jbergey22]

If you think 10.2/7.8/7.8/1.7/1.0 is "ordinary" I don't know what to tell you. Obviously he's not a megastar to build around, but the amount he contributes on a team that right now has literally nobody around him is crazy.

Well he is 178th out of 198 in qualified win shares/per 48. Perhaps ordinary wasn't the correct wording. Is awful better?

He contributes about as much to their team as Cedi Osman does to the Cavs and Ish Smith to the Wizards right now for proper comparison.

My rant was because he acts like he is a "megastar" bashing on a Hall of Famer and top 50 player. Put 3 top 10 players around him and he looks like a nice player with a huge contract. Have him lead a team and he plays like he is and probably float around the league from team to team.

[albionmoonlight]

Assuming people here already know this but: NBA to shut down as of Thursday due to coronavirus.

Shits geting deep.

I hope this ends up being a bit of a tipping point for people.

All the scientists saying we have to isolate before shit gets bad in order to mitigate it won't really penetrate the public consciousness. People will still think "Oh, I'll go to the parade, but I won't let people cough directly on me. It'll be fine."

But something like the NBA suspending might actually get through to people. This is a big deal.

Stay home today, so when you get in a car accident in 4 weeks, there will actually be a bed in the hospital for you.

[miami_fan]

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/12/us/nba-coronavirus-cuban-spt-trnd/index.html

It goes without saying, the details will be important. But, kudos to Mark Cuban for remembering the hourly workers.

[bob]

As seen online:

"Since the NBA started, the team that wins the very last game of the year has been declared NBA champions. I see no reason to do away with this now. Therefore...

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Denver Nuggets 113-97 to win their 2nd NBA championship! "

[Vince, Pt. II]

Well he is 178th out of 198 in qualified win shares/per 48. Perhaps ordinary wasn't the correct wording. Is awful better?

He contributes about as much to their team as Cedi Osman does to the Cavs and Ish Smith to the Wizards right now for proper comparison.

My rant was because he acts like he is a "megastar" bashing on a Hall of Famer and top 50 player. Put 3 top 10 players around him and he looks like a nice player with a huge contract. Have him lead a team and he plays like he is and probably float around the league from team to team.

He's the 3rd best player on an NBA Championship winning team, and the 4th best player on two other NBA Championship winning teams. He's one of the five best defensive players in the league, and his ability to switch, rotate, and play multiple positions has a ton to do with the Warriors' flexibility. You're comparing him to Cedi Osman and Ish Smith; who would you rather have on your team? All are per 36 numbers, as you started the conversation with, except for Defensive RAPTOR, which is 538's measure of overall defensive ability (positive is better):
Player A: 10.2 pts, 7.8 reb, 7.8 ast, 1.7 stl, 1.0 blk, +2.1 Defensive RAPTOR
Player B: 13.5 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.9 ast, 1.0 stl, 0.3 blk, -0.8 Defensive RAPTOR
Player C: 14.4 pts, 4.3 reb, 6.5 ast, 1.2 stl, 0.6 blk, -2.7 Defensive RAPTOR

He's 17th in the league in Assists per 36 minutes (excluding players who have played fewer than 10 games), and the highest rated front court player in that statistic in the entire league. Saying that he's awful because he can't carry a team by himself is like saying Rickey Henderson was a terrible baseball player because he didn't hit many home runs or have a ton of RBIs.

Is Draymond Green a mouthy blowhard who is really hard to like unless he's on your team? Yes. He's still an extremely good basketball player who is easily one of the 50 most valuable players in the league right now. Don't let your dislike for him blind you to the fact that he's very good.

[miami_fan]

NBA is giving free access to premium League Pass until April 22

[miami_fan]

The Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2020 is as follows:

Kobe Bryant
Tim Duncan
Kevin Garnett
Tamika Catchings
Kim Mulkey
Barbara Stevens
Eddie Sutton
Rudy Tomjanovich
Patrick Baumann

[miami_fan]

Top high school player Jalen Green enters NBA/G League pathway (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29043828/sources-top-high-school-player-jalen-green-enter-nba-g-league-pathway)

[jbergey22]

Draymond Green now getting in verbal exchanges with Shaq. Its like Horace Grant coming out and talking crap to Larry Bird or Magic Johnson. The guy doesnt know when to shut up.

[stevew]

Can they please just cancel the season already.

[JPhillips]

lol

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Boogie Cousins waited for three years, but he got his revenge.<br><br>This is some Cask of Amontillado shit. <a href="https://t.co/Fg8PGPwjhz">pic.twitter.com/Fg8PGPwjhz</a></p>&mdash; Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeBeauvais/status/1267945114955141126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Butter]

That was awesome

[wustin]

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1268205549583241218

play with current standings with 22 teams (9 east, 13 west). If the 8th seed is under 4 games ahead of the 9th seed, 8th vs 9th play-in double elimination with 8th winner's side, 9th loser's side. That means 8th only has to win once, while 9th has to win twice.

[wustin]

dola

the 8 preliminary season games will be played amongst the 22 teams so the schedules have been revamped. That means the fringe teams that originally had easy schedules (memphis) now have a much harder one.

https://twitter.com/VinceGoodwill/status/1268247784576159746

brad beal and the wizards can still make the playoffs lmao

nurkic and collins would be back in the lineup for portland and they're probably the favorite to make the 9th seed to play against memphis for the playoff spot

james harden has lost alot of weight, dunno how that would affect his playstyle

bogdanovic for the Jazz will not be playing and I could see them dropping down to 7th

[stevew]

May as well let the 22 returning teams left choose one guy off the non-playing 8 teams.

Does Curry or Trae go #1 overall?

edit-or KAT, although who knows if he's in any condition to play.

[JPhillips]

Are either of Kyrie or Durant able to play? That would change things a lot for the East.

[stevew]

KD keeps saying no but if they win a round in the playoffs you never know. Although they do have to set a playoff roster at some point I suppose.

[wustin]

Are either of Kyrie or Durant able to play? That would change things a lot for the East.

After what happened to Durant last year, don't think he's going to want to play at all unless Nets make it to the ECF or finals.

[miami_fan]

I would have loved for them to do 1 through 16 regardless of conference affiliations this year and this year only. Oh well.

[Atocep]

So Kyrie is trying to sabotage the NBA's restart. His current talking point is only about 20 guys in the NBA actually get paid.

Kyrie was 18th in pay this year with $32 mil per. The 40th highest paid player (Aldridge) in the league makes just $6 mil less at $26 mil. The 80th highest paid player makes $15 mil. The 160th highest plaid player makes $7 mil.

The NBA's average salary is $6.9mil with a median salary of $2.9 mil
MLB's average salary is $4.4 mil with a median salary of $1.5 mil
The NFL's average salary is $2.7 mil with a median salary of $847k


And Pop calling out Goodell on kneeling was fantastic.

[miami_fan]

I am going to go against my instincts and give Kyrie the benefit of the doubt. I think he is a contrarian and he would be the guy on the executive committee I would target if I had issues with going to Orlando and/or with the role players should play in the current protest. Kyrie would be the guy to listen to what I had to say and voice those concerns. I still think the NBA will restart though.

[Lathum]

I am going to go against my instincts and give Kyrie the benefit of the doubt. I think he is a contrarian and he would be the guy on the executive committee I would target if I had issues with going to Orlando and/or with the role players should play in the current protest. Kyrie would be the guy to listen to what I had to say and voice those concerns. I still think the NBA will restart though.

Pat Beverly summed it up. If LeBron wants to play they are going to play

[stevew]

Kyrie costing LeBron another title would be great.

Also if the Lakers sucked there would be no restart.

[stevew]

Kyrie Irving proposed players starting their own league in call urging boycott of NBA season, per report - CBSSports.com (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kyrie-irving-proposed-players-starting-their-own-league-in-call-urging-boycott-of-nba-season-per/amp/)

[stevew]

Kyrie is #2 in the union. His words are backed by nuclear weapons.

[Lathum]

Kyrie is #2 in the union. His words are backed by nuclear weapons.

I dunno.

Most of these guys realize they have a small window to make money, I doubt they fuck with that too much

[JonInMiddleGA]

Have at it Kyrie, lemme know how that works out for you.

It's a league filled with double digit IQ mf'ers couldn't run their finger up their own asses, much less run a league.

[molson]

The NBA bubble sounds weird.

Inside the NBA's 100-page safety plan - Big questions and key details (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29320883/inside-nba-100-page-safety-plan-big-questions-key-details)

They have access to ping-pong in their hotels, but will not be permitted to play doubles. They can play cards, but they have to use a new deck each game. That's actually in the rules.

They've also sorted out the quality of accommodations by record. There's a "loser hotel" that consists entirely of the current non-playoff teams. (Though apparently the loser hotel is the only one with mini-golf, so that's something).

Team and league staff have to wear an alarm that goes off if they're too close to someone else for too long. It's optional for players. Not sure why a player would choose that option.

They're also going to bring in outdoor concerts and stand-up acts just for the players, and major studio movies that haven't been released to the general public yet because of the pandemic. No word on hookers. The players are also allowed to go to the other games, so, there will be some "fans" in the stands.

And of course they'll be filming a lot of the bubble shenanigans for reality-type shows.

Players can leave the bubble but then they have to be quarantined for a time until they return.

This has the potential to be either a well-oiled machine or a total shitshow.

[bob]

Can't wait for the eventual tell all book about the bubble.

[Kodos]

What happens in the bubble...

[NobodyHere]

The NBA bubble sounds weird.

They've also sorted out the quality of accommodations by record. There's a "loser hotel" that consists entirely of the current non-playoff teams. (Though apparently the loser hotel is the only one with mini-golf, so that's something).


So what about teams on the playoff bubble (no pun intended)? Do they have to keep changing rooms each time they move into and out of a playoff spot?

[albionmoonlight]

There's gonna be more wanna-be documentary film crews at and around the bubble than players.

[stevew]

Enes Kanter's Dad Released from Turkish Jail, NBA Star Says (https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.tmz.com/2020/06/19/enes-kanters-dad-released-from-turkish-jail-nba-star-says/)

Great news

[NobodyHere]

https://img-comment-fun.9cache.com/media/aoZde3X/a3MKq1Qn_700w_0.jpg

[sterlingice]

I kindof chuckled at yesterday's Woj bomb

SI

[Chief Rum]

The NBA bubble sounds weird.

Inside the NBA's 100-page safety plan - Big questions and key details (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29320883/inside-nba-100-page-safety-plan-big-questions-key-details)

They have access to ping-pong in their hotels, but will not be permitted to play doubles. They can play cards, but they have to use a new deck each game. That's actually in the rules.

They've also sorted out the quality of accommodations by record. There's a "loser hotel" that consists entirely of the current non-playoff teams. (Though apparently the loser hotel is the only one with mini-golf, so that's something).

Team and league staff have to wear an alarm that goes off if they're too close to someone else for too long. It's optional for players. Not sure why a player would choose that option.

They're also going to bring in outdoor concerts and stand-up acts just for the players, and major studio movies that haven't been released to the general public yet because of the pandemic. No word on hookers. The players are also allowed to go to the other games, so, there will be some "fans" in the stands.

And of course they'll be filming a lot of the bubble shenanigans for reality-type shows.

Players can leave the bubble but then they have to be quarantined for a time until they return.

This has the potential to be either a well-oiled machine or a total shitshow.


I'm rooting for shit show, just for the pure comedy. Although at the same time, hoping that said shit show is only a medium level inconvenience that is more than equally counterbalanced by the millions of dollars they are being paid.

[sterlingice]

Dammit. I was really wanting to see what the Rockets smallball could do in this wacky bubble tournament, especially adding LMAM. But with Westbrook now having COVID, that's a huge problem.

SI

[BishopMVP]

Dammit. I was really wanting to see what the Rockets smallball could do in this wacky bubble tournament, especially adding LMAM. But with Westbrook now having COVID, that's a huge problem.

SI
Won't he be back before the games that matter? Thabo bowing out seems like it's matter more in that sense.

[sterlingice]

Won't he be back before the games that matter? Thabo bowing out seems like it's matter more in that sense.

Mbah a Moute was signed to replace Thabo. If LMAM is healthy (big if), he's better than Sefolosha. Honestly, if he LMAM was healthy in the 2018 WCF, the Rockets might have had a puncher's chance of winning either game 6 or 7 even with CP3 hurt. But he was still hurt and ineffective so the rotation just wasn't long enough when Paul went down.

SI

[Lathum]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Hello, you’ve reached the NBA bubble snitch line…” <a href="https://t.co/N056yx4BlE">pic.twitter.com/N056yx4BlE</a></p>&mdash; CBS Sports (@CBSSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSports/status/1284224427543199747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[sterlingice]

That's pretty awesome

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Hello, you’ve reached the NBA bubble snitch line…” <a href="https://t.co/N056yx4BlE">pic.twitter.com/N056yx4BlE</a></p>&mdash; CBS Sports (@CBSSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSports/status/1284224427543199747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Okay, that was way above the curve for quality.

[Ksyrup]

That was like an extended "This is ESPN" commercial from back in ESPN's heyday.

[sterlingice]

That was like an extended "This is ESPN" commercial from back in ESPN's heyday.

Yes! That's a perfect description

SI

[stevew]

Bol Bol looking good in preseason.

[stevew]

Some of these games looking quite amateurish.

[Groundhog]

Yeah I have to say, despite the high scoring, for the most part I haven't really enjoyed watching any of the games, outside of a couple of close ones. A lot of 'All-Star Game' D being played. Only interesting thing I find is that without the crowds or home/away stuff, guys seem to be in a different state mentally, and a couple of lower-profile dudes are looking at times like they rocked up to Rucker Park looking like KD against some amateurs/street ballers.

[stevew]

Zion seriously struggling vs tall post defenders today. He’s so far out of shape and looks like garbage at times. Last night I think the Rockets missed like 40 3’s and still won. This is some GLeague/CBA type basketball.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Zion seriously struggling vs tall post defenders today. He’s so far out of shape and looks like garbage at times.

Is that the same guy I saw a headline about kinda bitching because he was on limited minutes?

[stevew]

Jaren Jackson Jr. out for the season. I really like his game.

[stevew]

The amount of guys fouled while shooting 3s just shows how poor the level of play is right now

[stevew]

The Wizards going 0-8 in the bubble and (presumably?) moving from 9th to 7th in lottery odds is the type of tanking everyone should appreciate

Edit -
Apparently they can’t move higher than 9th. :(

[stevew]

Helluva game BKN-POR with everything on the line for Portland.

[miami_fan]

I turned on the PHI-BOS game. How does Embiid have 24 points? All I have seen him do is set picks and try to get rebounds.

[miami_fan]

Well played Morris twin. Took advantage of the zero tolerance rules and Porzingis’ inexperience.

[stevew]

That ejection was horse shit.

[stevew]

Hot take alert-
Watching Giannis is trash. Harden/Westbrook and LeBron used to be my least favorite but he’s the new #1.

[stevew]

This Miami team is tough. Just shows how important good coaching is. Likewise with Toronto.

[spleen1015]

Yeah they are and the Pacers kind of suck right now. I think they are missing 2-3 of their good players.

[miami_fan]

I know I probably heard of Anthony Edwards out of Georgia. I am pretty sure I watched Anthony Edwards and Georgia play. I don't remember anything about Anthony Edwards or what his game is like.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I know I probably heard of Anthony Edwards out of Georgia. I am pretty sure I watched Anthony Edwards and Georgia play. I don't remember anything about Anthony Edwards or what his game is like.

Inconsistent shooting and questionable focus will do that.

[stevew]

Draft lottery is on soon

[bhlloy]

So the Wolves get #1 in the Wiggins draft and now this one?

[sterlingice]

Who is it rigged for this year?

EDIT: Whoops - looks like this was a minute late.

SI

[Atocep]

So the Wolves get #1 in the Wiggins draft and now this one?

I don't think there's a player I'd be comfortable taking in the top 3 of a normal draft. There's a few nice players, but nothing close to a guy I'd say is a likely All Star.

[spleen1015]

I'm by far not an expert, but I cringe when they talk about Lamelo being #1.

There's nothing better? Really?

[stevew]

Ball is a great prospect. Just cause his dad sucks shouldn’t hurt him.

Cavs falling to #5 again is frustrating. I guess we’re stuck with whatever is left.

[bhlloy]

Ball is a great prospect. Just cause his dad sucks shouldn’t hurt him.

Cavs falling to #5 again is frustrating. I guess we’re stuck with whatever is left.

Eh... I mean he's a bigger, flashier version of his brother, with a similar (even worse?) janky shooting motion. It's also kinda funny to see people who picked apart Doncic gush over LaMelo based on 12 games of highlights in Australia, but it is what it is. It's the kind of draft where you've got just as good a chance of hitting an all-star in the 20's than you do in the top 3 IMO.

[Ryche]

Hopefully someone falls in love with a player and trades to number 1, the top players are all bad fits for the Timberwolves, mostly because they need someone who can actually play defense.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Hopefully someone falls in love with a player and trades to number 1, the top players are all bad fits for the Timberwolves, mostly because they need someone who can actually play defense.

Technically speaking, Edwards might be able to, whether he's willing to is more the question I think

[Ryche]

Technically speaking, Edwards might be able to, whether he's willing to is more the question I think

Sounds exactly like Andrew Wiggins out of college.

[sterlingice]

Wiggins was a pretty good college defender for Kansas, especially for a freshman. How that translated to the NBA, well...

SI

[stevew]

Who had Jeff Green playing meaningful minutes at a high level.

[stevew]

I’m not sure how you bring this Philly team back. Probably should consider a partial blow up. The Horford signing is still super puzzling. IMO someone on this team gets flipped to GSW for #2 and Wiggins.

[sterlingice]

Well, the NBA's plan of running off Hinkie and sinking the 76ers worked

SI

[stevew]

I’m glad that Tatum finally realized he could play hard and dominate. Really talented guy who can score at will. He should be at 30ppg next year once he gets a superstar amount of free throw attempts.

[molson]

One of the more exciting things in sports fandom is the emergence of a true superstar on one of your teams.

Boston could definitely use one after losing two this year.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Bitch ass white boy for three.

#BallDontLie

[cartman]

That Luka Doncic might have a future in the NBA

[miami_fan]

Bitch ass white boy for three.

#BallDontLie

I am here for all this shit talkin!:D

[miami_fan]

I’m not sure how you bring this Philly team back. Probably should consider a partial blow up. The Horford signing is still super puzzling. IMO someone on this team gets flipped to GSW for #2 and Wiggins.

The Sixers need a blow up but I am not sure how much of a blow up can actually happen. Elton Brand and Bret Brown have to go for a start. I don't think they should have kept Jimmy Butler but that Tobias Harris signing looked bad when they traded for him and everyone knew they had to resign him. And that is before they have the conversation about whether Embiid or Simmons is capable of being the best player on a championship team.

[bhlloy]

Sounds like they are building around Embiid and Simmons and Brand will stay. I think you have to examine what you can get back for at least one of them... especially as neither have been injury free to this point in their career. The other option appears to be you throw bad money after good to try and maintain a middling playoff team and in 5 years you are the Nets.

25 years ago that's absolutely the basis of a dynasty, in today's game not so much. When you look at what else they got out of all those high picks, it's almost criminal. Just as bizarre roster creation and management as you can imagine.

[stevew]

I would trade Simmons for #2 and Wiggins and the Wolves pick if Ball is there. . I would trade Embiid for that otherwise.

[stevew]

I wonder what Denver does here. Looking at a first round elimination after a failure to capitalize last year. Jamal Murray has been much better than I expected at least.

[stevew]

I know I complain a lot, but Chris Webber sucks. He’s worse than Booger

[Ksyrup]

So... Milwaukee may not play the 4pm game.

[Butter]

They're not going to play, they're taking stuff off the benches right now.

[spleen1015]

It's official now. NBA TV said they're sitting out tonight.

[Jas_lov]

So do the Bucks forfeit the game then?

[JPhillips]

Sounds like Orlando refused to play, too, so there are no competitive issues.

[Jas_lov]

Thunder-Rockets will boycott as well.

[jbergey22]

NBA players and their inflated sense of importance.

[GrantDawg]

If they are not important, how much money is the league going to make without them?

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[jbergey22]

If they are not important, how much money is the league going to make without them?

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

The world survived years without the NBA. We will be fine.

Entertainment dollars will just move on to something else.

My question is, what does it prove? Showing support in 2020 is not showing up to work? Is that the newest trend?

[GrantDawg]

Then why are you even asking? If it is so not important, why do you care? It obviously bothered you and many others. Which is exactly why they did it.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Izulde]

The world survived years without the NBA. We will be fine.

Entertainment dollars will just move on to something else.

My question is, what does it prove? Showing support in 2020 is not showing up to work? Is that the newest trend?

Where to begin?

Let's see... league is something like ~70% (give or take a few percent) black, the fanbase (according to 538's estimations) is ~30% black to ~14-15% of the US population of the same group.

NBA has an established recent history of supporting racial justice issues. Did you really think they were going to do anything different? It's a shrewd strategy TBH - not only from the headline perspective of major news outlets talking about the boycott and the reasons behind it, but by demonstrating to the minority-majority fanbase (again 538 estimates 46% of the NBA fanbase as white) that the league is listening to and supporting racial justice issues.

Calling it "not showing up to work" is tone-deaf and shows complete lack of awareness of the context that this boycott is taking place in.

[jbergey22]

Then why are you even asking? If it is so not important, why do you care? It obviously bothered you and many others. Which is exactly why they did it.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

You are right. They are a waste of time. Thanks for pointing that out.

[jbergey22]

Calling it "not showing up to work" is tone-deaf and shows complete lack of awareness of the context that this boycott is taking place in.

Exactly! NBA players are NOT the voice of America despite what they think. Many people are tone-deaf to what they do except to entertain. Do they really think they can fool people into believing they really care about the majority of the causes they wear on the back of their jerseys? Laughable :lol: :lol: :lol: They are too worried about the "bad" food from a "bad" hotel thinking they are living like some cave rats to understand real problems.

[JPhillips]

Why can't they protest peacefully?

No, not like that.