SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

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tune in to live stream double-header tomorrow at 11am est SA at OKC Game 7 followed by MIA at PHI Game 7

[ronyell]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

Thursday May 10th, 2018

Jalen Rose on Harden & the Rockets: "Honestly, I don't see how anybody's gonna beat these guys in a 7 game series. If it isn't Harden, who has been outstanding this year and is sure to be our MVP, then it's CP3 diming all over the court. If not that, how do you stop Clint Capela rolling to the rim & protecting the rim. And after alllllllllll of that... the threes.No Warriors to meet up with for Harden & company... no problem."

Chris Broussard Reports: "Late last night, Toronto bretheren DeMar DeRozan & Kyle Lowry sent each member of the Cavs a custom Miami Heat Lebron James jersey to remind them of the last time The King left Cleveland. This is was supposed to be in response to Lebron's [extintion themed cake] but many in and out of the Cavs organization are saying that is in poor taste.

Marc Spears on Spurs rotation tonight: "I fully expect to see Ginobili & Parker get more of a role in this Game 7 given the way Patty Mills and others have played in this series. Pop has outwardly acknowledged that this could be the old guys' last seasons and knowing how much of a sentimentalist he is, he may just let them go down swinging."

Bill Simmons on Serge Ibaka: "Ibaka has averaged only 11.3 ppg in this series after putting up 20 ppg in round 1. The consensus around the league and the team is that Serge will have to do much more in Game 7 for the Raptors to have a chance of moving on. Furthermore, a bad performance may see him out of Toronto before next season."

tune in to live stream double-header todat at 11am est SA at OKC Game 7 followed by MIA at PHI Game 7

[ronyell]

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[AdamJones113]

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The superstars have had a rough go these playoffs

Adam Jones

May 11, 2018


What the Heck is Going on in these Playoffs?

Freaky (Spurs) Friday; Wipeout Warriors; Cavs–Raptors Game 7 Preview


1. Freaky (Spurs) Friday
Popovich just wants to get a bite to eat. Right? That's what he said when the Spurs were upset by the Grizzlies several years ago. The Spurs just fell to the Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals in seven games, less of an upset but perhaps more the end of an era in Spurs history. Russell Westbrook's 30 points and Steven Adams's 19 rebounds and playoff-high 25 points carried the Thunder to a game 7 victory over a Spurs team led by a lethargic Kawhi Leonard. It will be one of the longest offseasons in Spurs history. Manu Ginobili isn't getting any younger, and nor is Tony Parker. The big question, of course, is Leonard's fate. The Claw played 10 games during the regular season and looked lost and disinterested at times in the playoffs. While Leonard's departure was soothed by LaMarcus Aldridge's resurgence, Leonard is still the better all-around player and a necessarily interested component of any Spurs championship push. Popovich has said that he has no interest in being part of a rebuild. A Leonard departure might entail just that. In reality, the Spurs' way—fall in line behind Pop—is imperilled by the very fact that their future may be contingent on their star's whims rather than on their team cohesiveness. It's getting hot down in San Antonio.

2. Wipeout Warriors
Lost in the shuffle is that the Warriors are nowhere to be found. Winners of two of the last three NBA Finals (and participants and favorites in the last three), Golden State found lots of extra spring time at home, courtesy of San Antonio. The Warriors were beaten handily, as well, losing four times the number of games they lost in the entirety of last year's championship run. What does this mean for the Warriors' core? A lot, actually. The Warriors' stars get paid under market value because there are so many of them. They take it, because they have the best shot of winning that way. So if they stop winning... money reenters the picture. Teams with lots of cap space, and plenty of teams without cap space, would salivate at the chance to grab a piece of Golden State's core. Curry is going nowhere. Durant has some contract flexibility. But Thompson is a free agent next year, and Green—who for years has been the one to let his role shrink in order to accommodate the ball-heavy demands of the other stars—appears disgruntled. Couple that with the development of other superstar teams in the west, and the Warriors suddenly look more vulnerable now than they have since the early stages of their dynasty.

3. Cavs–Raptors Game 7 Preview
The Cavs know a few things about coming back from 3-1 deficits. Unfortunately for Cavs fans, they may well be on the wrong side of one—and to Toronto, their fierce adversary. The Cavs ran out to a 3-1 lead despite lacking the injured LeBron James, in large part thanks to Kevin Love's return to his Minnesota-era form. But the Raptors have battled back through grit, heart, and effort, and have a winner-take-all game 7 on their home floor (where they're 2-1 this series). What will they need to do to win? First, keep getting hot shooting from Kyle Lowry, C.J. Miles, and DeMar DeRozan. It's hard to see this series as anything but a referendum on the Raptors' turnaround process. If they can't defeat the LeBron-less Cavs, though, the answer will be swift and comprehensive. Heads will roll. Casey will likely be fired, and formerly key pieces will all but certainly be shipped out. Ibaka's time in Toronto hangs on this game. Perhaps Kyle Lowry's time as well. This is not just a winner-take-all game but a franchise-saving game. Only if, of course, the Raptors can complete a Cavaliers-esque 3-1 comeback.

[ayyitskev]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

May 11th, 2018

By: Kevs

Kawhi Leonard Exclusive Interview

In today's piece, I managed to get Kawhi Leonard on the phone following the Spurs' exit in the playoffs to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kawhi has been the subject of some rather, subjective, rumors. I'm here to find some answers, welcome to another one of Kevs Exclusives.

Kevs: Kawhi, hello. How are you doing?

Kawhi Leonard: Hi, I'm alright.

K: Fantastic, Kawhi what happened out there? Most penciled the Spurs as the favorites after the unprecedented sweep of the Golden State Warriors.

KL: I dunno, we just didn't get it done.

Kevs: Kawhi, many believe this will mark the end of your time in San Antonio. Do you have any comment on your future here?

KL: I love San Antonio. I love my team. I love Pop. I don't know where this junk comes from but one thing I learned in the league is to tune out all the nonsense and play basketball.

Kevs: Have you talked to the Spurs about any of this?

KL: Not yet. I'm sure in the next few days we can get on the same page. I want to be here, I'll leave it at that. I would assume they also want me here, but it's a business.

Kevs: Do you have any thing to say in regards to your teammate Manu Ginobili and whether or not he retires?

KL: I know he still wants to play, hopefully he's back next year.

Kevs: Any thoughts on the Thunder?

KL: Nope.

Kevs: What about on Greg Popovich?

KL: Nope.

Kevs: Any thoughts on anything?

KL: ...Nope.

Kevs: Anything else you'd like to say?

KL: Spurs up.

Kevs: ....Alrighty Kawhi great talking to you as always.

KL: Yep.

[ronyell]

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[ayyitskev]

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May 11th, 2018

By: Adam Schefter

Around The NBA - 5/11/18

Giannis Antetokounmpo to work with NBA sharpshooting legend Ray Allen in offseason. Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is widely regarded as a future MVP candidate. The one thing however that Giannis admits he can do better is three point shooting. Who better to learn how to shoot than a former Milwaukee Buck and multi-time all-star and NBA champion Ray Allen? Per Allen's Instagram, he posted a picture where he poses with Giannis, and the caption: "Ready to work with this stud on his stroke. Future MVP right here!!! #GreekFreak #Watchout"

DeMarcus Cousins seen in Los Angeles hanging out with Lakers. In what could be nothing, the free-agent-to-be DeMarcus Cousins was seen in Downtown Los Angeles, hanging out with several Lakers: Julius Randle, who is a fellow Kentucky alum, point guards Lonzo Ball and Tyler Ennis, and forward Brandon Ingram. With no context as to what they were doing or talking about, it's hard not to imagine the prospect of the young Lakers selling the possibility of Cousins joining them in LA next season.

James Harden is ready for Russ. When asked about playing his former teammate Russell Westbrook in the Western Conference Finals, Harden tells reporters, "Russ and I will always be good. That being said, for these next 4-7 games, we ain't friends. I know he wants a chip as much as I do, and may the best team win." Teammate Chris Paul adds, "We expect a dogfight, but we believe in ourselves and that nobody can stop us."

Joel Embiid speaks out. One hour before the critical Game 7 between the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers, Sixers star Joel Embiid tweets, "IDC WHO IT IS, TORONTO, CLEVELAND, MONSTARS, BRING EM ALL ON!" Perhaps the interesting part of the post, is that the tweet was favorited by Toronto Raptors stars DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. Perhaps Lowry and DeRozan used the tweet as motivation as they combine for 45 and move on to face Embiid and the 76ers.

Memphis Grizzlies reportedly have a deal they like for Marc Gasol. In one of the biggest prizes in the offseason, Grizzlies star Marc Gasol is all but certainly gone as the Grizzlies prepare to enter the inevitable rebuild. All that was told was that an unnamed Eastern Conference team has put together a trade that "works for both sides", according to a source close to the Grizzlies. It seems Gasol's Memphis days are truly numbered.

LeBron James very cryptic during the postgame interview. Following the game 7 loss to Toronto, LeBron James told reporters when asked about his future in Cleveland, "I've fulfilled my promise, now it's time for them to fulfill theirs." James' promise is presumably bringing the city of Cleveland a championship, which he has done. However what could "their" promise be, and who even is he referring to?

[AdamJones113]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle




Adam Jones

May 11, 2018


7 Games, 7 Thoughts

Seven thoughts heading into the conference finals


1. The Raptors gave the best of the season. LeBron received a dinosaur-extinction themed cake after game 5, but Toronto gave a better present to the Warriors by eliminating the Cavs after a comeback from a 3-1 series deficit. Something for Bay Area fans to smile about in a tense offseason.

2. Is there any way that James Harden and Chris Paul aren't better, in a best-of-seven series, than Russell Westbrook and Paul George?

3. Joel Embiid in the conference finals is something NBA twitter has waited on for years. They certainly won't pass up the glorious opportunity. But we'll see if the 76ers, who've already proved that they're over the hump, can do what the James-less Cavs couldn't. Namely, knock out the Raptors.

4. Speaking of the Raptors, they used to have a radio spot about six-seven years ago where they'd have "Kid Waptor" (Kid Raptor, but with a lisp) come on and say "Kid Waptor." I wonder what he's up to right now. He's probably a teenager. Probably playing Fortnite. Just like half the young guys in the NBA.

5. What does Marc Gasol even look like in something other than a Grizzlies' uniform? I always figured he just existed in his jersey. Like, eventually I'd be invited to a Gasol family barbecue, and Marc would be wearing that big navy 33. Pau, of course, would be wearing about four different fouls and an "I was fouled!" look on his face.

6. Is there a star who hasn't been linked with the Los Angeles Lakers? I mean, really. They'll only have so much cap space. Now it's DeMarcus. Tomorrow it'll be LeBron. Then Andre Drummond will suddenly want to leave Detroit. Then it'll be Jahlil Okafor—actually, I feel more like he's already played with the Lakers. That was D'Angelo Russell, I suppose. Then it'll inevitably be back to Paul George. Speaking of whom...

7. Harden, Paul, and Clint Capela wouldn't really lose to Brodie, Playoff P, and Steven Adams, right? Right?

[cormag001]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

May 11th, 2018

The Raptors Still Have a Lot to Prove

Heartbreak is something that the Toronto Raptors had grown accustomed to. In fact, the Raptors had managed to fall short of their regular season performance in the playoffs every year for the last four years.

2014: Seeded 3rd, the Raptors lost in the first round to the Brooklyn Nets in 7 games.
2015: Seeded 4th, the Raptors were swept by the Washington Wizards in the first round.
2016: Seeded 2nd, the Raptors led 2-1 in the Conference Finals over the Cleveland Cavaliers before being eliminated after losing three straight.
2017: Seeded 3rd, the Raptors were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round.

It’s easy to see why the Raptors’ track record led people to doubt their playoff aspirations in 2018 despite their number one seed and franchise record 59 wins. But when LeBron James went down in the first round, suddenly the East seemed to be much more wide open.

Suddenly, it seemed the Raptors had a chance.

The Raptors took game 1 easily and looked poised to roll over a depleted Cavaliers team. DeRozen and Lowry suddenly seemed much more comfortable without a certain King James on the floor. Lowry was even overheard remarking how much easier it is to score when LeBron isn’t out there. Everything seemed to be finally working out for Toronto. But the curse wasn’t lifted just quite yet. The Cavs would go on to win the next 3 games in the series, putting them in a 3-1 hole.

The media destroyed the Raptors. People were coming for Dwane Casey, many calling DeRozen a “soft star”, even claiming Ibaka was “out of his paygrade” guarding Kevin Love.

Finally, for once, they overcame doubts. The Raptors came back from down 3-1 to win the series in 7.

While this was obviously a massive weight lifted off the legacy of this group, it’s important the Raptors remember that their goal isn’t just to beat the Cavs. Their goal is to vindicate their regular season success – and losing in the conference finals would not accomplish that goal. In fact, if you take a step back, the Raptors just barely survived their biggest embarrassment yet.

They haven’t accomplished anything.

This Eastern Conference Finals is full of intrigue. It’s The Process coming to fruition vs the team that’s unsuccessfully been trying to compete for the last 5 years. A team of young guns vs a team desperate for postseason success.

One thing is for sure: it’s going to be must see TV. And if you’re the Toronto Raptors, it’s a must win series. Otherwise, add 2018 to the list of playoff failures.

[ayyitskev]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

May 12th, 2018

By: Kevs

NBA Eastern Conference Finals Preview

#1 Toronto Raptors Vs. #3 Philadelphia 76ers

Show of hands, if you predicted this bout for the Eastern Conference Finals at the beginning of this season. Or last season. Or ever. Philadelphia has been ready for this moment all season. Many could say that even if Toronto sweeps Philly here, it'll be a successful season. This is an up-and-coming team that is both top-heavy, and deep. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons have the making of perennial all-stars, and if there was a "supporting cast all-star team" Robert Covington and JJ Redick are team captains. Bottom line, this team has exceeded expectations now, and are set up very well. Trust the process. On the other hand, a battle-tested Toronto Raptors fought back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the LeBron-less Cavaliers. They are hungry, and this could be the last season for them to strike. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry have been playing good basketball after their first couple of games, can they take it to an even higher level? Serge Ibaka seemed to also get back on track, as did the bench. Dwane Casey is an underrated coach, a coach who I feel may be able to outcoach Brett Brown in crunch time. Experience vs Youth. While the 76ers may just have enough talent to take Toronto to 6 or 7 games, this is the Raptors' year to make the Finals for the first time in franchise history. Experience always triumphs youth in the playoffs and I just can't see the Raptors faltering; they're hungry, off a 3-1 comeback, plus home-court advantage. We The North!

[ayyitskev]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

May 12th, 2018

By: Kevs

NBA Western Conference Finals Preview

#1 Houston Rockets Vs. #6 Oklahoma City Thunder

Wow, The Beard vs. The Brodie. Reigning MVP vs. (presumably) next MVP. Former teammates collide. An all-star cast featuring future hall-of-famers Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony, all-star Paul George, young athletic stud centers in Clint Capela and Steven Adams, and very talented head coaches that know how to win. Houston has only lost two games in these playoffs, after sweeping Denver in round one and hitting a small speed bump in Utah in round two. James Harden and Chris Paul is the best backcourt in the NBA, sorry (not really) to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. They also have a very deep supporting cast that features Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson, PJ Tucker, Nene, Trevor Ariza, Joe Johnson, and Gerald Green. The Houston Rockets have a well-oiled machine. The Oklahoma City Thunder however, have a war machine. Russell Westbrook has been the most unstoppable player in these playoffs by far. Also sweeping their first-round opponents in Portland, then taking down the dysfunctional Spurs (never thought you'd hear those two words together, did ya?) in 7, the Thunder is surprisingly ready to take on anyone. But let's not kid ourselves. This is Houston's championship to lose. The Thunder lack the deep bench that Houston has, their only real chance at slowing down James Harden was lost when Andre Roberson's season ended. Carmelo Anthony is a shell of his former self. Clint Capela outmatches Steven Adams in almost every way. The Thunder just don't have enough past Westbrook and Paul George to really give the Rockets trouble. Rockets in 5.

[bryan3169]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle

May 12th, 2018

"Welcome to the The Starters Podcast, and we are here to preview the Conference Finals, around the league and rumors as we get closer to the NBA Finals! We are also joined on set by Cavaliers forward, Kevin Love and Spurs guard DeJounte Murray to enjoy this episode with us!"

Ellis: "Well, first lets get to the elephant in the room, Kevin up 3-1 your team relinquished the series to Toronto, what happened?"

KL: "In my honest opinion, I just feel like Toronto finally adjusted to what our gameplan was and once we were found out that we were one dimensional without LeBron, we couldn't keep up...on top of the wear and tear of a long season, we just ran out of gas and Toronto put the pedal to the metal. Unfortunate that we ended the season like that, but it happens."

Kerby: "The Cavs collapse can't be worse than the expectations of Spurs fans after beating Golden State, and floundering to the Thunder in the conference semi's. DeJounte, what was the atmosphere like in the locker room after that game with so many things up in the air about the future of this team?"

DJ: "The atmosphere was thick and you could tell it was alot of uncertainty, with Pop, Kawhi, TP and Manu winding down, possibly losing vets like Gasol and Aldridge, alot of questions that'll be answered in time...I love the Spurs and the way they run things and I just hope I'm apart of the future plans.

Ellis: "Murray, word around the water cooler is that Ime Udoka has found interest with the Milwaukee Bucks, if he gets hired what kind of attitude does he bring to a locker room and philosophy is he going to bring to the court?"

DJ: "Coach Ime, dude is a conscious coach, hard nosed defender like he was in his playing days under Pop, quiet guy, but he is precise in everything he does, from his play calling, how he wants guys to run it, from positioning to shot taking. He'll be a value to any locker room that's gonna bring him in."

Melas: "Alright prediction time, Kevin we gonna start with you, and we gonna have you predict the Western Conference. Rockets/Thunder"

KL: "Haha, I see what you did there, well I am formally of the Western conference, but the biggest dynamic of Thunder/Rockets is that Harden and Westbrook were former teammates in their younger days, its almost like that 3 headed monster that OKC drafted has finally come full circle. Durant has a championship, now these two get to battle it out for a shot at their first title. This series is going to come down to execution and coaching, can Westbrook tone back his shot selection to take smarter shots to keep his team in games? Can Houston stay hot from the field and execute. But honestly I don't think OKC can match up with Houston's depth and fire power, I got Houston in 6."

Ellis: "Fellas whats the rest of your predictions?"

DJ: "Brodie is a one man wrecking crew, OKC in 7!"

Kerby: "HOU in 6."

Melas: "HOU in 5!"

Skeets: "HOU in 6"

Ellis: "Before we move to DeJounte's breakdown of the Eastern conference we want to talk about some around the league rumors and where some guys could end up in the offseason. Remember this is pure speculation. The guy I want to bring up first is, Isaiah Thomas. "

Skeets: "Well LA definitely isn't a possibility, IT needs to be the guy for him to be used at his full potential depending on the severe state of that hip. Somewhere like Orlando, or Sacramento could use a guy that could steer them in the right direction. An ego laden team doesn't suit him well.

Ellis: "Kemba Walker."

Melas: "Kemba is in a sticky situation, New GM, and David Fizdale has all but been officially announced at this point as the new head coach in CHA. The team hasn't established a direction just yet. But Kemba and his agent should be trying to progressively try and land him somewhere where he is going to get some actual main stream television time. Possibly New York or Miami in my opinion where Charlotte would get a proper return on his value.

Ellis: "Speaking of Miami, the disgruntled Hassan Whiteside."

Skeets: "Whiteside could be the piece that could be moved to Charlotte for Kemba. Whiteside could end up in Dallas, Whiteside wants the ball in his hands...he wants to be the feature attraction where he sees some touches. Phoenix has the value to be able to trade for him. Washington could be a sleeper."

Ellis: "Last but certainly not least, DeMarcus Cousins"

Kerby: "I'm a firm believer that Boogie has some unfinished business and he willingly will come back to NOLA with AD. The question is can those two recruit a perimeter scorer to help them advance further up the Western Conference. I could possibly see the Lakers, Bulls, Dallas, or Washington making a play for him but I don't see anything being enticing enough to snatch him away from NOLA right now."

DJ: "I'm shocked y'all didn't bring up Draymond's future in Golden State!"

Ellis: "I'll give that one a shot, Draymond and being reportedly disgruntled and mad about some things in Golden State and how they were handled, I don't see Golden State sending Draymond to ANYBODY in the Western Conference. Send him to Boston for some of those draft picks? He'd fit in at the 4 possibly. Toronto maybe? or they could send him to one of the most miserable places on earth...Brooklyn. Only time will tell."

Kerby: "Cool DeJounte, whats your predictions for the ECF, before we get out of here?"

DJ: "Raptors vs. Sixers, the youth movement stand up out East. LeBron's reign as Eastern conference King has been temporarily interrupted. This game is all about matchups. Philly while they lack playoff experience top to bottom, has a very talented team and is a matchup nightmare for Toronto. Simmons will be tasked with switching on the hot hand of either Lowry or DeRozan, Saric and Embiid will dominate the front court matchup over Ibaka and Valanciunas. But Toronto has the experience and they do have a chance at winning this series. They have home court advantage, the advantage with coaching experience. But understandably so, the team that steals one on the road will win this series mark my words. But I think talent beats experience this time around, I got Philly going to the Finals in 7."

Kerby: "Alright fellas ECF predicitions! I got experience winning Toronto in 5!"

Ellis: "Philly in 7!"

Skeets: "Toronto in 7."

KL: "I'm trusting The Process, Philly in 6!"

Melas: "Philly in 6"

Ellis: "That's it, that's been The Starters, Conference Finals analysis, league roundup and rumors! WE OUT!"

"This has been The Starters Podcast! We would like to thank Kevin Love and DeJounte Murray for joining us on this episode. Good Luck to the teams remaining in the NBA Playoffs! We will be back at the conclusion of the Conference Finals with our NBA Finals Preview!

[ronyell]

Re: SimWorld NBA: The Chronicle