Opinion The NBA Thread

[Knightmare]

Cavs lack of effort + experimenting new things has been pretty annoying recently, I didnt think I would miss JR so much but we lack his ability to get his own shot

Irving is great off the bounce. But having that one less off the bounce shooter is noticeable.

In my view Korver needs to start. Shooters need rhythm and they get into rhythm by shooting and being on the court. Korver needs those minutes early to keep the rhythm from warmup going. It's also classically an issue with veterans when they come off the bench, it's harder if sitting to start to get into that rhythm.

Korver is a fine team defender and works hard enough on that end and is long enough, so while having he v a defensive specialist gives up some on that end of the floor, the practical gain of starting Korver in my view is clearly greater than any other alternatives in Cleveland's situation.

 

[nahnah]

Irving is great off the bounce. But having that one less off the bounce shooter is noticeable.

In my view Korver needs to start. Shooters need rhythm and they get into rhythm by shooting and being on the court. Korver needs those minutes early to keep the rhythm from warmup going. It's also classically an issue with veterans when they come off the bench, it's harder if sitting to start to get into that rhythm.

Korver is a fine team defender and works hard enough on that end and is long enough, so while having he v a defensive specialist gives up some on that end of the floor, the practical gain of starting Korver in my view is clearly greater than any other alternatives in Cleveland's situation.

Have you seen much of Cedi Osman?

 

[Knightmare]

Have you seen much of Cedi Osman?

Another draft and stash type, I believe he still plays in Turkey.

Thin, but long small forward at 6'8 and a decent athlete for a European. He is best on defense from what I've seen and someone who will score more in transition but struggle in to make baskets in the half court. Can handle and move the ball ok. Not much of a scorer or shooter, he hits the odd three but not consistently and is more a slasher on offense.

Some NBA role playing potential and could be something like a Thabo Sefolosha equivalent if things go right.

 

[Collingwood pro]

thoughts on wiggins Knightmare?

 

[Knightmare]

thoughts on wiggins Knightmare?

Very good small forward and can be an all-star but is no superstar.

From a Bulls context, he is worse than Jimmy Butler and probably remains that way. Very athletic, can play defence, scoring good, ok shooter and ok from long range.

He isn't someone I'd want carrying my franchise, but more someone I view as a complimentary piece.

Butler by contrast, I'd build around with confidence as a number one option, not necessarily winning a championship under that condition, but he can take you to the playoffs.

 

[nahnah]

Very good small forward and can be an all-star but is no superstar.

From a Bulls context, he is worse than Jimmy Butler and probably remains that way. Very athletic, can play defence, scoring good, ok shooter and ok from long range.

He isn't someone I'd want carrying my franchise, but more someone I view as a complimentary piece.

Butler by contrast, I'd build around with confidence as a number one option, not necessarily winning a championship under that condition, but he can take you to the playoffs.

They just need unlock whatever it is that's preventing him from using his athleticism on defense and rebounding, most likely lack of effort

 

[Collingwood pro]

They just need unlock whatever it is that's preventing him from using his athleticism on defense and rebounding, most likely lack of effort

I'd say its more to do with confidence, because when he's riding high watch out.

 

[Knightmare]

It's a bit of both. Killer instinct, confidence, effort. It's the intangibles with Wiggins as you've both identified.

Wiggins can develop into an all-star but he's not a transcendent talent as say Giannis is to compare someone of similar age by position.

 

[Collingwood pro]

Consistency kills him, but what I've seen over the past 10-15 games is a general increase in said consistency bar the game when Kawhi killed him. At one point this season the line between the second best player on the team was becoming muddier but that's now clearly Wiggins. With Giannis I think the culture and upbringing has helped him become so good; That and his ridiculously sized hands.

 

[Stoods]

Not being biased but for the hardcore NBA fans on this board.

Was IT stiff to not make starting line up for east?

Another great game today.. 38 points 9 assists

 

[nahnah]

Not being biased but for the hardcore NBA fans on this board.

Was IT stiff to not make starting line up for east?

Another great game today.. 38 points 9 assists

Very stiff

 

[Knightmare]

Not being biased but for the hardcore NBA fans on this board.

Was IT stiff to not make starting line up for east?

Another great game today.. 38 points 9 assists

Agree that Thomas should be starting ahead of Kyrie on performance this year.

Having a terrific year.

If he was taller (and played for a better team) he would be more widely recognised for his play.

 

[nahnah]

Skills challenge is just crap
Kyrie always makes it through to second round of 3pt and Korver really should have been in over some of the others in hindsight
Dunk contest was a let down but GR3 had a few nice ones

 

[nahnah]

My pick for all star mvp is Giannis

 

[Knightmare]

My pick for all star mvp is Giannis

I'll back Westbrook. He's a ball hog and will go out there to show up KD.

All star MVP seems to go to the biggest ball hog.

 

[nahnah]

I'll back Westbrook. He's a ball hog and will go out there to show up KD.

i was thinking him then remembered he won it the last two years and may have 4 teammates that dont pass him the ball lol

 

[nahnah]

I have really been loving some of korvers recent play, he destroyed the pacers twice in a week from behind the arc and thats a team that has given the cavs issues in recent years
I really hope the spurs can compete with the warriors or it looks like the warriors may get to the finals without dropping a game, they may win the entire thing without dropping a game if they dont get injuries
Toronto are an absolute mess atm, the Ibaka trade is a good one for them but not sure it helps them enought to get back ahead of Boston and Wizards
Wizards the surprise packet for me to this point of the season, Beal should have been in All star game over Melo imo
Interesting to see where Melo lands if he is traded
Orlando are a mess
Love Jokic
Hoping Simmons plays after All star break

 

[Knightmare]

i was thinking him then remembered he won it the last two years and may have 4 teammates that dont pass him the ball lol

We can only hope.

I want to see ball movement and unselfish b-ball.

I have really been loving some of korvers recent play, he destroyed the pacers twice in a week from behind the arc and thats a team that has given the cavs issues in recent years
I really hope the spurs can compete with the warriors or it looks like the warriors may get to the finals without dropping a game, they may win the entire thing without dropping a game if they dont get injuries
Toronto are an absolute mess atm, the Ibaka trade is a good one for them but not sure it helps them enought to get back ahead of Boston and Wizards
Wizards the surprise packet for me to this point of the season, Beal should have been in All star game over Melo imo
Interesting to see where Melo lands if he is traded
Orlando are a mess
Love Jokic
Hoping Simmons plays after All star break

Korver is good. He isn't a gunslinger as you'll be seeing, but he's about efficiency and moving on offense.

Warriors should make it through to the finals, but the Spurs can win a few games v Warriors.

If it was a Spurs v Cavs finals, I'd back the Spurs. I feel that strongly about their strength and quality of playoff basketball play when things slow down and become more half court. (Cavs I have as a clear 3rd in the NBA with no other genuine competitor close).

In the Eastern playoffs I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Boston and/or Washington go down in the first round. They're both ok, but not particularly strong teams. Indiana/Chicago/Detroit/Milwaukee I feel have genuine fighting changes to take out those two teams.

Mello has voiced he'd be ok with teaming up with D.Wade. Otherwise he would be open to teaming up with LeBron. Maybe the Clipps with CP3. They're about the only situations I wouldn't be shocked to see him end up in. That said, I think he'll remain and won't waive his no-trade clause. He and his partner are all about New York and have no intention to move.

Orlando just don't have a suitable roster. Not enough talent and not nearly enough scoring. They'll be down for a while and need really to trade some of their young pieces for a talented scorer who can carry the load and be a primary piece to build around.

Jokic has build up in a big way as the season has progressed. Big improver.

Fingers crossed for Simmons. With Embiid hurt it's all about development and patience, so they won't bring him back early I can't imagine with no benefit gained from winning games.

 

[TradeDraft]

Interesting to see where Melo lands if he is traded

I reckon Melo could land at Cleveland for Love

 

[Knightmare]

I reckon Melo could land at Cleveland for Love

Cleveland will look to add Melo without losing Love, or won't do it.

LeBron, Mello and Irving doesn't have the capacity to overpower KD, Curry, Klay and Draymond.

LeBron, Irving, Love and Mello. That group in that NBA arms race may.

Phil Jackson doesn't care what NYK get for Mello. He just wants to get rid of him, or so the reports say.

 

[nahnah]

Melo is an awful fit for cavs imo and way too late in the season to be trading superstar for superstar. Melo really just isnt very good anymore, he doesnt even space the floor. If cavs do somehow beat Warriors itll be because Lebron and Kyrie played the series of their lives
I disagree with spurs over cavs, I dont think a finals series would be very close if both teams are healthy. Even with their crazy good ball movement the players still have to make the shot and besides Leonard theyre just a bunch of role players no offence to Aldridge

 

[Knightmare]

Melo is an awful fit for cavs imo and way too late in the season to be trading superstar for superstar. Melo really just isnt very good anymore, he doesnt even space the floor. If cavs do somehow beat Warriors itll be because Lebron and Kyrie played the series of their lives
I disagree with spurs over cavs, I dont think a finals series would be very close if both teams are healthy. Even with their crazy good ball movement the players still have to make the shot and besides Leonard theyre just a bunch of role players no offence to Aldridge

Spurs run teams off the 3pt line. And getting to the rim v the twin towers in Pau and Aldridge isn't happening often either.

Pop makes LeBron see five in front of him and that's with Kawhi who straightup is a match for LeBron, so he isn't driving, with Pop coaxing LeBron into shooting 3s.

I don't like the matchup for the Cavs. Spurs have the game plan for the Cavs and the bench to create separation when LeBron and Kyrie go to the bench. I'd back the Spurs.

I agree the Cavs are more talented. There are more players in the sweet spots in their careers. I just feel as a team as the wins/loss record at present suggests that the Spurs as a team play better together as team:
Spurs: 43-13
Cavs: 39-16

 

[nahnah]

Spurs run teams off the 3pt line. And getting to the rim v the twin towers in Pau and Aldridge isn't happening often either.

Pop makes LeBron see five in front of him and that's with Kawhi who straightup is a match for LeBron, so he isn't driving, with Pop coaxing LeBron into shooting 3s.

I don't like the matchup for the Cavs. Spurs have the game plan for the Cavs and the bench to create separation when LeBron and Kyrie go to the bench. I'd back the Spurs.

I agree the Cavs are more talented. There are more players in the sweet spots in their careers. I just feel as a team as the wins/loss record at present suggests that the Spurs as a team play better together as team:
Spurs: 43-13
Cavs: 39-16

the spurs won like 68 games last season and didnt get past the second round, they always seem to win a ton of games. I just think the cavs go to another level where the spurs cant go during the playoffs, they really lock in defensively and the starters are capable of playing mid 40 mins if required

 

[Knightmare]

the spurs won like 68 games last season and didnt get past the second round, they always seem to win a ton of games. I just think the cavs go to another level where the spurs cant go during the playoffs, they really lock in defensively and the starters are capable of playing mid 40 mins if required

I don't buy that argument.

The Spurs have actually historically over-performed if anything in the Pop era, winning more championships and making more finals than on talent you'd think they'd be capable of during the LeBron in Miami era and Cleveland era.

Spurs losing in the second round to the Thunder who very nearly beat Golden State in the Western finals is not something I'd criticise the Spurs for. OKC were a good matchup v Spurs who didn't like their pace of play. OKC were San Antonio's hardest matchup in the KD era.

Further to that, the way OKC were playing in the playoffs last year, their formline was also better than that of the Cavs.

Last year I viewed the big three teams in the West and the big two in the West this year better than the Cavs. It's just the distortion up the top end of each conference in talent.

Though for matchup reasons that OKC team I didn't like v Cleveland going off the history of KD/Russ teams v LeBron. Though that's another topic.

Playoffs can be such a matchup game.

 

[nahnah]

I don't buy that argument.

The Spurs have actually historically over-performed if anything in the Pop era, winning more championships and making more finals than on talent you'd think they'd be capable of during the LeBron in Miami era and Cleveland era.

Spurs losing in the second round to the Thunder who very nearly beat Golden State in the Western finals is not something I'd criticise the Spurs for. OKC were a good matchup v Spurs who didn't like their pace of play. OKC were San Antonio's hardest matchup in the KD era.

Further to that, the way OKC were playing in the playoffs last year, their formline was also better than that of the Cavs.

Last year I viewed the big three teams in the West and the big two in the West this year better than the Cavs. It's just the distortion up the top end of each conference in talent.

Though for matchup reasons that OKC team I didn't like v Cleveland going off the history of KD/Russ teams v LeBron. Though that's another topic.

Playoffs can be such a matchup game.

out gunned, over matched... no one on the spurs can guard kyrie.. Green cannot do the job. its the one series i would back Kyrie to get Finals MVP.. I just dont see how the cavs are a favourable match up for them. I remember we had this disagreement last year and never got to see it unfold, did you actually think the OKC was gonna beat the spurs last season? impressive if so.. Not sure how their form line was better than the cavs who only dropped 2 games up to the finals and actually closed the deal on the warriors series