Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

[ShamWowNY]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

Grahpics are NEXT LEVEL! You're killing it man

The man himself! Wouldn't be possible or nearly as fun without all your work on ATD each year. Thanks for following!

[ShamWowNY]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

Box Scores

Spoiler

[ShamWowNY]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

[ShamWowNY]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

Bill Simmons: "What's the price for this guy? I mean, you have the the ongoing Simmons experiment, the Kyrie piece, the trade request, the take-backsies, like, this is not a guy who has been in a stable situation. And he's still going out there and making you go 'Wow, he just did the drop-50-points-no-sweat thing.' He's 34 and will be making the a max when he's 37, but we are having a who-cares-about-the-future moment in the NBA. And who knows, he might even still be MVP-level then"

Ryen Russillo: "We were talking before about how the Celtics were real close this summer to moving Jaylen Brown. The Celtics sit second in the East while the KD-Kyrie Nets are 13th."

BS: "That package, the Celtics thing is that they just lost Jaylen until close to the All-Star break. I've said before on this pod that I just want the 2 J's in my life for the next 10 years. They're still winning games without Brown in the lineup. Do you mess with the chemistry? It's not like a Ewing Theory situation where they've been better without Jaylen, they were good with him and good without him because of their depth. If the Nets want all of that and a ton of picks, I'm not sure that I go for that."

RR: "Like, is this a situation where you can say, 'Well, you just got your second trade request of the year from your star, where's your leverage Sean Marks?' That summer trade request thing wasn't just a fluke. KD isn't happy here, the Nets have one win all season over a .500-plus team. One win!"

BS: "I think no one's talking about the leverage piece. That part makes it interesting. What's the best package you think Marks has heard since this was reported? Desmond Bane and two firsts?"

RR: "I mean, I love Bane this season."

BS: "Me too, he just does things. The analytics are really strong on him. But KD, who's in for sure? Phoenix needs him, they're barely staying out of the play-in. New Orleans *is* in the play-in and could put together a Godfather offer. Memphis could move up their timeline. Do the Raptors push in their chips again? I don't know."

RR: "I was talking with a front office guy, and he's hearing the Nets might hold onto him. He's got a four year deal. But if he doesn't want to play, like, what are we doing here."

BS: "And what are they gonna do with Kyrie if they move KD? A guy who can't even sell shoes anymore? When you're losing endorsements, you're out there. Let's take a break, then we're talking the Red Sox seeing Aaron Judge for the next seven years."

[XxVal_MarXx]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

i hope Boston doesn't take KD, curious to know where he's moving


Inviato dal mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk

[LoSpecialOne]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

The bid is J. Brown D.White and two first picks.

Alternatively Smart G.&R Williams and Prichard 2 first picks and 2 swaps

We're waiting for a call from Brooklyn.

[studbucket]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

Love the Bill Simmons podcast graphic and bit. That's creative

[ShamWowNY]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

25 points. 25 assists. One turnover.

With that statline, Tyrese Haliburton officially announced his arrival as a one-man offensive engine. Not tomorrow. Today.

In a 135-111 beatdown of the visiting New York Knicks, Haliburton set a new Pacers record for assists in a game, surpassing Jamaal Tinsley's 23 assist game against the Wizards on November 22, 2001. Haliburton has entered rarified air as a floor general, joining the likes of John Stockton, Luka Doncic, and Chris Paul as the only players to ever post 20+ points, 20+ assists, and one or fewer turnovers. Before tonight, there were only four such games in NBA history - two for Stockton, and one each for Doncic and Paul. Now, we can add Tyrese Haliburton.

"Tonight it just felt like shots were falling for everyone," said the Pacers point guard. "You don't get to 25 assists without your teammates hitting shots, so I can't take all the credit. I was having fun, knowing my guys were cooking."

After a 31 point, 17 assist outing in the Pacers win over Cleveland two days earlier, one could be forgiven for thinking Haliburton wouldn't so quickly top such a performance. Of course, that turned out to be wrong.

The argument could be made that this was the most efficient playmaking showing in the history of the league. Of the five games meeting the criteria above, Haliburton's game ranks:

• First in assists (25)
• First in three-pointers made (4)
• Second in TS% (72.7%)
• T-Second in combined points & assists (50)

All of this while playing 35 minutes, fewer than all except Chris Paul's 20-20-0TO game with the Clippers, a 133-105 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016. Paul accomplished that in 30 minutes of game time.

"To hear my name alongside those guys is incredible, really," Haliburton said.

An emerging pick-and-roll partnership with second-year player Isaiah Jackson has been a welcome addition to an already-potent Pacers offense. In the Pacers last two wins, Jackson has posted a combined 45 points and 25 rebounds on 19 of 25 shooting from the floor.

"It isn't hard to score when you're wide open at the rim," said Jackson, to laughs from those present. "Tyrese makes it easy for us out there."

The Pacers defense was stifling, with 8 steals and 9 blocks. "I was very proud of the effort on both sides of the ball, obviously," head coach Rick Carlisle said. With young players like Aaron Nesmith and Jalen Smith making their mark felt as defenders, Carlisle and President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard were smiling as they walked with their young squad through the tunnel to the locker rooms in Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Pacers still have plenty of questions about their future. They're happy to now know Tyrese Haliburton is the answer.

Box Scores

Spoiler

[ShamWowNY]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)



Box Scores

Spoiler

[ShamWowNY]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

Christmas is always a highlight of the NBA calendar. The league showcases its finest teams, and also the New York Knicks, on a nationally-broadcast slate running from noon to night.

It also comes at about the 40% mark for the NBA season. At this point, the sample size is large enough for teams’ resumes to reflect who they really are, and front offices are getting antsy as recently-signed players become trade-eligible and it's more clear which teams are buyers and which are having a fire(...sale).

For this week’s The Athletic Power Rankings, we’re playing Santa and taking a look at each team's Christmas wishlist. What do you get for a team who has it all, like the Bucks? Where do you even start for an organization like Houston? Those questions and more this week!

Our Power Rankings this season don’t just rank the 30 teams. We’ve divided these teams up into tiers, which any of the teams can move in and out of all season long. Here are the six tiers that teams can fall into this season.

• Wembanyama Watch – They’re rebuilding and nothing matters more than development and lottery ping pong balls.
• Looking to make the Play-In – They’ve been rebuilding/retooling and think they can crack the top 10 in their respective conference.
• Play-In+– They should be in the mix unless something disastrous happens.
• Playoff teams – Probably don’t have to worry about dropping down to the Play-In Tournament.
• On the brink of contention – A piece away from believing they can win the title.
• Contender – They are contending for the championship, barring a massive injury.

As always, I am sure we will all agree on the placement of all 30 teams, especially your favorite team. Let’s see who's been naughty or nice!

---

Tier 1: The Contenders

1. Milwaukee Bucks, 27-5, +12.8 net rating
Top of the wish-list: A healthy new year for Khris Middleton

The Bucks have been as dominant as expected before the season - over the last month they've gone 14-1, with the only loss a respectable one to Memphis. Their net rating is on pace for second-best in league history behind only the '96 Bulls. Giannis is having what may be his most dominant season of his career, posting an insane 32.4 PER in 28 games. He's posting career highs in assists, steals, and blocks, and the fewest turnovers since his sophomore season. He's the frontrunner for DPOY, and would be for MVP if not for Luka Doncic's supernova season.

The fact that they've been as dominant as they have without their second star is proof of Milwaukee's depth, but they'd prefer to have Khris Middleton on the floor. Almost as soon as he was able to return to the lineup, he suffered a hamstring injury, and isn't expected to return until the All-Star break. If he can get right in the second half of the season, the Bucks are a no-doubt title favorite.


2. Boston Celtics, 25-8, +9.0 net rating
Top of the wish-list: The return of Robert Williams buoys an already-impressive defense

The Celtics have the league's best defense, posting a stifling 100.2 defensive rating. In a world without injuries, this wouldn't be shocking. However, the Celtics have been missing Al Horford and Jaylen Brown, and Robert Williams has played in just three games this season. Grant Williams has stepped into an impressive role this season, and could very well play his way into a $100M+ payday this offseason.

With Williams, a ferocious rebounder and rim protector, working his way back into the lineup, this Celtics defense shows no sign of slowing down. Jayson Tatum has had the best shooting season of his career, and is fifth in the league in scoring at 29.3 points per game. At this juncture, it seems like the most competitive playoff series could come in the ECF.


3. Los Angeles Clippers, 27-7, +11.6 net rating
Top of the wish-list: Continued health for Kawhi

Tyronn Lue's squad sits comfortably atop the rabble in the Western Conference, holding a four game lead over the second-place Grizzlies. Kawhi Leonard has had a respectable return to the court, though there has been some noticeable hesitancy - Leonard's free-throw rate is the lowest of his career, and he hasn't had quite the same impact as a "stocks" accumulator.

The Clippers are still winning plenty of games with him playing 30 minutes a game, but another knee issue would weaken their case as legitimate contenders significantly. For now, they and the Bucks are the only two teams boasting top-5 offensive and defensive units, which means they're a top-tier team.

---

Tier 2: Brink of Contention

4. Memphis Grizzlies, 22-10, +5.4 net rating
Top of the wish-list: Desmond Bane gets an All-Star nod

The Grizzlies offense has been all fireworks this year. They are getting to the hoop at an impressive rate and converting, sitting behind only the Pelicans in points scored in the paint. Ja Morant has been electric slashing to the rim, and JJJ is having a career scoring year as defenses key on Ja in the pick & roll.

Meanwhile, Desmond Bane has looked like a guy this season. Coming off of a Most-Improved-Player-worthy season last year, Bane has continued his ascent into the league's top tier of off-ball guards. He is scoring nearly 20 points a game, is posting career-high rebounds and assists numbers, and still has the stamina to an impact defender. If he continues this play, a place on the All-Star team is not out of the question.


5. Dallas Mavericks, 22-12, +4.1 net rating
Top of the wish-list: A 1B to Luka's 1A (or even a 2!)

Pro: Luka is leading the league in scoring with 35.6 points per game.
Con: Their offense looks awful when he's off the floor, and their defense looks mediocre all the time.

The Mavericks need someone that can take some of the load off of Luka. If he's on, the Mavericks are one of the best teams in the league. But when he gets fatigued or his shot isn't falling, the Mavericks simply don't have the ability to compete. This season, the Mavericks have to count their lucky stars that the latter are rare occasions. As the trade market heats up, one has to think the Mavericks will be an aggressive buyer in a wide-open West.

6. Golden State Warriors, 19-15, +6.2 net rating
Top of the wish-list: Stephen Curry is ready to go by the end of January

With Steph, the Warriors were scoring nearly 120 points per game. Since he fractured his arm on a nasty fall, they're barely scraping by with 102.6 PPG in 11 games in December. They've gone 3-8 this month, and things look bleak without their star. Klay Thompson has not been the same player, Jordan Poole is not ready for the spotlight, and James Wiseman has been an abject disappointment.

On the bright side, Jonathan Kuminga has had some of his finest games, scoring a career high 29 points on December 7th, as well as three straight games of 20+ against Milwaukee, Indiana, and Philadelphia. But to stay in this top tier, the Warriors need to get Steph back as soon as possible. Right now, it could be until the All-Star break. The Warriors don't seem like they can afford that.

---

Tier 3: Playoff Hopefuls

7. Denver Nuggets, 19-13, +5.0 net rating
Top of the wish-list: A second-unit center

Nikola Jokic continues to play at an MVP level, though not quite to the apex of last season - a high bar, I know. His efficiency is down, which is dragging down a talented Nuggets offense. Off the bench behind Jokic is...DeAndre Jordan. To put it bluntly, he is not an NBA-level center anymore, at least not for a team with serious aspirations. The Nuggets need to improve their big rotation if they want to contend, full stop.


8. New Orleans Pelicans, 20-12, +3.6 net rating
Top of the wish-list: The Lakers lose every game from now until April

The Pels are hot right now. They are 9-4 over the last 30 days, a month that's included serious statement wins including Memphis, Denver, and three over the Phoenix Suns (116-110, 127-124, and 110-104). Suns-Pels has already established itself as one of the NBA's hottest young rivalries, and we can only pray that they stay in position as the 4 and 5 seeds in the West. And don't forget, this team owns what is currently a top-10 Lakers pick this year.


9. Phoenix Suns, 20-14, +2.2 net rating
Top of the wish-list: Kevin Durant

Well, well, well. Look who it is right next to New Orleans. Phoenix has won the games they should win, and has largely avoided dropping any they shouldn't (we'll write off a couple early-season losses to the Blazers). But Chris Paul isn't getting any younger, and Kevin Durant is back on the block. The Suns have to be frontrunners in the KD sweepstakes redux, and I don't see any reason they should hold back with their full chest of picks and array of young players.


10. Washington Wizards, 22-12, +2.5 net rating
Top of the wish-list: A buyer for Hachimura or Kuzma

The Wizards have been the most pleasant surprise of the season to date. They aren't exceptional on either side of the ball, but they have been enjoying a return to form from Bradley Beal. Deni Advija has been a defensive stalwart, and they have reason to believe they could win a playoff series (two?). But first, they have a decision to make on who will be their starting 4 next season - Rui Hachimura or Kyle Kuzma. Knowing this front office, the loser will likely be gone at the deadline, as both are on expiring contracts and are due for paydays.

---

Tier 4: Play-In+

11. Minnesota Timberwolves, 18-15, +5.0 net rating
Top of the wish-list: KAT finds his shot under his Christmas tree

The KAT-Gobert experiment has been far from a rousing success, and now Gobert is set to miss 4-6 weeks with a shoulder injury. They sit in the top-10 of offensive and defensive rating, but they just can't seem to win in crunch time. Towns' efficiency is way down, a worrisome trend that could spell doom without Gobert to anchor the defense.


12. Chicago Bulls, 16-16, +5.5 net rating
Top of the wish-list: Better 3-point luck

The Bulls have the fifth-best net rating in the NBA, but sit at .500 with teams like the Knicks. They've had some rough shooting luck, as opponents are shooting well above league average from beyond the arc against the Bulls this season. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan are second and third in the league scoring race, respectively, chasing the combined PPG record of Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, who posted 69.1 PPG as a duo in 1961-62.


13. Miami Heat, 17-16, +2.9 net rating
Top of the wish-list: A reliable power forward

The Heat are largely the same team as last year, with one glaring change - the loss of PJ Tucker. Caleb Martin is playing 25 minutes a game at the 4 for Miami, but has been far from positive. They've ripped off six straight, but only one of those games was against a .500+ team (Chicago). The Heat would love to have KD, but they might have to settle for Harrison Barnes given their relative lack of assets.


14. Toronto Raptors, 17-16, +1.3 net rating
Top of the wish-list: Guard depth, please!

Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. have both missed significant time this season. Right now, the Raptors are sending Malachi Flynn out to run point. This is not ideal. OG Anunoby has been disappointing for a team needing extra pop out of their guard slots, and the Raptors stand at a critical juncture with KD coming available again. They're not in major danger of missing the playoffs, but I'm not sure they'd be a contender if their roster were stripped for KD.


15. Atlanta Hawks, 18-15, -1.0 net rating
Top of the wish-list: A renewed jumpshot for De'Andre Hunter

The Hawks, as expected, have plenty of offensive firepower. Trae Young is having a career year, and Dejounte Murray has proven to be an effective running mate. But Bogdan Bogdanovic re-injured himself after just five games, and De'Andre Hunter has been an unmitigated disaster this year. The wing depth is a huge question mark - if they can find someone more reliable or fix whatever is wrong with Hunter's three-point shooting, they'll be dangerous.

---

Tier 5: Looking to make the Play-In

16. Utah Jazz, 19-16, -1.1 net rating
Top of the wish-list: Lauri Markkannen maintains his All-Star play

A rebuild accelerated? Too early to say if this will pay off, but first-year coach Will Hardy and basketball czar Danny Ainge don't look likely to blow up this year's feisty Jazz squad.


17. New York Knicks, 17-17, +0.1 net rating
Top of the wish-list: A wing who can defend better than Evan Fournier

Good news, New Yorkers! The Knicks have the fifth-best offense in the league. The bad news is they give up nearly that many points, too, with the 26th ranked defense. Fournier is on the market, but Leon Rose will struggle to find a buyer.


18. Philadelphia 76ers, 14-18, +0.6 net rating
Top of the wish-list: Consistency

The 76ers started the season 2-6. They lost 7 of 11 from there before ripping off five straight wins. December has seen them play .500 ball. This team is far from untalented, but the fire and focus seem to have left the building. Perhaps Doc Rivers will be the next out the door.


19. Sacramento Kings, 14-17x, -3.2 net rating
Top of the wish-list: MORE BEAM LIGHTINGS

Seven straight wins for Mike Brown's squad. De'Aaron Fox is posting All-Star numbers. Huerter and Murray look great on the wing. Light the beam.


20. Cleveland Cavaliers, 16-18, -1.5 net rating
Top of the wish-list: Better play from their young forwards

The Cavs chips-in move hasn't not worked - Mitchell has lived up to the package paid for him, and unlocked Darius Garland in new ways. But Evan Mobley's sophomore slump is hitting, and Isaac Okoro still isn't quite starter-level.


21. Charlotte Hornets, 15-18, -2.2 net rating
Top of the wish-list: Clarity on LaMelo's ankle

LaMelo Ball went down with what appeared to be an ankle injury in the Hornets' last matchup. While we don't yet know the severity of the injury, the prognosis will likely determine if Charlotte remains in this tier, or shuts everything down and joins those woeful for Wembanyama.


22. Los Angeles, 12-21, -5.7 net rating
Top of the wish-list: Four to five NBA rotation players

The Lakers have not been good. They don't have a clear, realistic path to being good. They have two stars, yes. But they have 10 to 13 guys who would be deep rotation players anywhere else, excepting maybe Lonnie Walker or, on a good night, Russ.


23. Portland Trail Blazers, 13-20, -4.8 net rating
Top of the wish-list: Home-court advantage

Weirdly enough, these Blazers sit at 4-9 at home while playing near-.500 ball on the road. Dame has been his same self, but the rest of the team has had a lethargic start, and that's generous. Nasir Little and Shaedon Sharpe are negative players at this point in their careers, but injuries are forcing them into large roles for a team that should be playing far better considering how large their payroll is.


24. Brooklyn Nets, 12-21, -0.3 net rating
Top of the wish-list: A second change of heart for KD

Speaking of underperforming teams with swollen payrolls, it's the president of the club! Don't worry Brooklyn fans - it'll definitely get better now that KD has started sitting out until he's moved. A great trade package would go a long way, but a recommitted KD might go further, considering the lack of leverage Brooklyn has.

---

Tier 6: Wemby Watchers

25. Orlando Magic, 12-21, -5.0 net rating
Top of the wish-list: The number one overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

26. Indiana Pacers, 11-22, -3.3 net rating
Top of the wish-list: The number one overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

27. Oklahoma City Thunder, 9-24, -9.0 net rating
Top of the wish-list: The number one overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

28. San Antonio Spurs, 10-22, -9.2 net rating
Top of the wish-list: The number one overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

29. Detroit Pistons, 9-26, -10.6 net rating
Top of the wish-list: The number one overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

30. Houston Rockets, 4-28, -21.9 net rating
Top of the wish-list: The number one overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

Well, would you look at that! What else would these teams wish for?

[marshdaddy]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

Elite stuff man, love the layout and the podcast graphic. Love the storytelling you can make from those.

[HarkTheSound]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

Haliburton putting up numbers that sim Magic Johnson loves to put up in MyNBA Eras on this game haha

[the_kevstaaa]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

Love the touch of having power rankings like this.

[ShamWowNY]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

Elite stuff man, love the layout and the podcast graphic. Love the storytelling you can make from those.

Thanks! I thought the BS pod would be a fun way to mix it up and get a new form of story and personality in here.

Haliburton putting up numbers that sim Magic Johnson loves to put up in MyNBA Eras on this game haha

He's a beast! Currently leading the league in assists at 11.4 a game.

Love the touch of having power rankings like this.

I appreciate it! It took some time to pull together but it's a lot more fun for me if I feel like my games matter as a part of the larger trends and stories in the league.

[ShamWowNY]

Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)

---

Box Scores

Spoiler