Opinion The NBA Thread

[dewah07]

also never realised this forum was around, might pop in now and again when the rockets move on to the 2nd and 3rd rounds

 

[Knightmare]

are they???? i must of missed it as I've been sick recently butttt wow. LSU is back.

suck it kentucky

See link with 2016 draft prospects: http://www.nbadraft.net/2016mock_draft

Ben Simmons is the projected no.1 and Antonio Blakeney is a projected top 10 pick. Add that to the current LSU roster and that's a hard team to beat.

I'm with you and your feelings towards Kentucky. They just have that Miami Heat with LeBron James feel where they just recruit the best players and have them as one and done's as opposed to developing their players for 3-4 years in their programs before going to the NBA.

Having supported Wisconsin through March Madness (though as with you I'm usually Florida otherwise), I was just stoked to see them knock Kentucky off.

 

[Knightmare]

also never realised this forum was around, might pop in now and again when the rockets move on to the 2nd and 3rd rounds

The matchups out West will be interesting. Golden State and San Antonio for me will be the two teams to beat with Golden State just to dominant this season and San Antonio really getting hot since the All Star break.

The other games out West I'd guess will really be open with anyone able to win a series against anyone else.

 

[dewah07]

See link with 2016 draft prospects: http://www.nbadraft.net/2016mock_draft

Ben Simmons is the projected no.1 and Antonio Blakeney is a projected top 10 pick. Add that to the current LSU roster and that's a hard team to beat.

I'm with you and your feelings towards Kentucky. They just have that Miami Heat with LeBron James feel where they just recruit the best players and have them as one and done's as opposed to developing their players for 3-4 years in their programs before going to the NBA.

Having supported Wisconsin through March Madness (though as with you I'm usually Florida otherwise), I was just stoked to see them knock Kentucky off.

i use another fan forum for basketball which is specific for the rockets and we have been campaigning for Kamiscky for a while with our pelicans 1st this year (top 3 protected and 20-30) but his rise in the NCAA tourni may have screwed our hopes, Bo Ryan is a funny coach to watch, doesn't say a word and just stands their but has an amazing college system to watch.

 

[dewah07]

The matchups out West will be interesting. Golden State and San Antonio for me will be the two teams to beat with Golden State just to dominant this season and San Antonio really getting hot since the All Star break.

The other games out West I'd guess will really be open with anyone able to win a series against anyone else.

spurs have 22 games in a row of having a double digit lead at some point in the game :O

i think every team is just trying to avoid them tbh, i have no idea how to stop their offence.

 

[nahnah]

spurs have 22 games in a row of having a double digit lead at some point in the game :O

i think every team is just trying to avoid them tbh, i have no idea how to stop their offence.

You do realise this is the Collingwood nba thread and there is a much bigger basketball board ?
I'm not dismissing you as a fan of another afl team, I'm sure you're welcome here it's just incase you werent aware.
I think houston will struggle to get out of the first round unless they finish 2nd and play mavs. Is Beverly coming back or is he out for the season ? Already were in desperate need of a point guard before the teams only one got injured.. Terry is going to have is hands full of he's the point guard.

Cavs have second spot now, i really want them to rest the big 3 and give boston every chance at victory these next 2 games.
These last 2 weeks are huge, so many teams aren't locked into spots yet. Even the Bulls or raptors could end up 5th in the east

 

[dewah07]

You do realise this is the Collingwood nba thread and there is a much bigger basketball board ?
I'm not dismissing you as a fan of another afl team, I'm sure you're welcome here it's just incase you werent aware.
I think houston will struggle to get out of the first round unless they finish 2nd and play mavs. Is Beverly coming back or is he out for the season ? Already were in desperate need of a point guard before the teams only one got injured.. Terry is going to have is hands full of he's the point guard.

Cavs have second spot now, i really want them to rest the big 3 and give boston every chance at victory these next 2 games.
These last 2 weeks are huge, so many teams aren't locked into spots yet. Even the Bulls or raptors could end up 5th in the east

bev and DMo both playoff expected starters are out for the year which just kill us but we have had injuries all year
never realised it popped up on the BF main page, ill leave you guys alone and head to the main one

 

[nahnah]

bev and DMo both playoff expected starters are out for the year which just kill us but we have had injuries all year
never realised it popped up on the BF main page, ill leave you guys alone and head to the main one

You can stay here if want, it's usually just 3 posters that post here so another perspective would be great.

 

[Knightmare]

i use another fan forum for basketball which is specific for the rockets and we have been campaigning for Kamiscky for a while with our pelicans 1st this year (top 3 protected and 20-30) but his rise in the NCAA tourni may have screwed our hopes, Bo Ryan is a funny coach to watch, doesn't say a word and just stands their but has an amazing college system to watch.

I've been in love with Kaminsky's game throughout the season. He has the best PER in College basketball at 35.70.

Okafor and Towns are both at 3/4 in the 31s by comparison.

With Kaminsky he is just such an efficient player. Rarely turns it over. Such a good ball handler and passer. He can take you off the dribble and pass out to the 3pt shooters. Stretches the floor with 3pt range. Can hit from mid range and has some moves near the basket. Defensively he is fairly sound and hits the boards reasonably also. I see no reason why he can't be a Brad Miller equivalent as a starting quality big man - who will in time put on size as a late bloomer after early days being a guard as can be seen pretty easily with his handle/passing/shooting. I'd take him inside the top 10 without hesitation and after Towns and Okafor would be my 3rd picked big man and certainly ahead of the generally preferred Cauley-Stein.

I want the Bulls to trade for Kaminsky with the Bulls first round pick and the Sacramento protected first rounder. And learning off Pau down low I'd love to see that. And with Mirotic, McDermott, Dunleavy if he comes back, Snell and whoever the Bulls have as a backup point (perhaps Nate Robinson comes back after Aaron Brooks gets a big pay day), and Kaminsky with his dribble, drive and pass game would be perfect alongside those guys.

Kaminsky on Golden State would be the most scary proposition and San Antonio for similar reasons. Just with all that floor spacing around him with that dribble, drive and passing game, I can see him being an efficient guy who goes under the radar, but really kills teams with his play.

The thing I love with Bo Ryan is he coaches a bunch of basically white guys and they stay in his system, and get better every year. And they just play the right way in that European style with the unselfish, fundamental play. No fouls. Everyone can beat you off the dribble, pass and hit the 3s and do so unselfishly in that San Antonio kind of style. It's just really cool to watch and so much more interesting than the constant hero/iso ball so many play and learn to play from AAU play. Bo Ryan is that Phil Jackson in the respect that he'll teach you the system and the game at training and will be quiet in game. And with the way he gets so much out of so little he is my favourite and probably that coach I respect most out of the college game.

spurs have 22 games in a row of having a double digit lead at some point in the game :O

i think every team is just trying to avoid them tbh, i have no idea how to stop their offence.

The Spurs are doing some pretty incredible things, and dismissing some really good teams easily.

With unselfish play and 3pt shooting the Spurs are hard to beat, the offence just sings and they are well coached enough by Pop to be able to adjust to their opponents. The element that will play against them is their issues at the point guard with Tony Parker struggling and Paddy Mills not playing nearly as well as he did last season either. Their performances and whether they can elevate their games and otherwise the health of the group will decide how far they go.

 

[dewah07]

I've been in love with Kaminsky's game throughout the season. He has the best PER in College basketball at 35.70.


I want the Bulls to trade for Kaminsky with the Bulls first round pick and the Sacramento protected first rounder. And learning off Pau down low I'd love to see that. And with Mirotic, McDermott, Dunleavy if he comes back, Snell and whoever the Bulls have as a backup point (perhaps Nate Robinson comes back after Aaron Brooks gets a big pay day), and Kaminsky with his dribble, drive and pass game would be perfect alongside those guys.

Kaminsky on Golden State would be the most scary proposition and San Antonio for similar reasons. Just with all that floor spacing around him with that dribble, drive and passing game, I can see him being an efficient guy who goes under the radar, but really kills teams with his play.

The thing I love with Bo Ryan is he coaches a bunch of basically white guys and they stay in his system, and get better every year. And they just play the right way in that European style with the unselfish, fundamental play. No fouls. Everyone can beat you off the dribble, pass and hit the 3s and do so unselfishly in that San Antonio kind of style. It's just really cool to watch and so much more interesting than the constant hero/iso ball so many play and learn to play from AAU play. Bo Ryan is that Phil Jackson in the respect that he'll teach you the system and the game at training and will be quiet in game. And with the way he gets so much out of so little he is my favourite and probably that coach I respect most out of the college game.


With unselfish play and 3pt shooting the Spurs are hard to beat, the offence just sings and they are well coached enough by Pop to be able to adjust to their opponents. The element that will play against them is their issues at the point guard with Tony Parker struggling and Paddy Mills not playing nearly as well as he did last season either. Their performances and whether they can elevate their games and otherwise the health of the group will decide how far they go.

i would have thought nate would be done now, the clips cut him because is body just wasn't up to giving him a contract after his 10 day'er earlier this year.

i also i would even more scared that the nets don't make the playoffs and then the hawks get Kaminsky, that is who i think the perfect fit for him is.

with beverley most likely gone through FA this offseason through FA, look for a name Sergio Lull who has been playing for Barca and is just a player who will walk into an NBA team and think he has been playing in the league for 5 years. contract most likely around the 3years 17-20 mill mark or going to the draft and filling the PG position with either the pelicans first either will be 14 or 19 or using the new york knicks 2nd rounder (WHICH WE GOT FOR TRADING MARCUS CAMBY and also got nick johnson pick in that trade )

 

[Knightmare]

i would have thought nate would be done now, the clips cut him because is body just wasn't up to giving him a contract after his 10 day'er earlier this year.

i also i would even more scared that the nets don't make the playoffs and then the hawks get Kaminsky, that is who i think the perfect fit for him is.

with beverley most likely gone through FA this offseason through FA, look for a name Sergio Lull who has been playing for Barca and is just a player who will walk into an NBA team and think he has been playing in the league for 5 years. contract most likely around the 3years 17-20 mill mark or going to the draft and filling the PG position with either the pelicans first either will be 14 or 19 or using the new york knicks 2nd rounder (WHICH WE GOT FOR TRADING MARCUS CAMBY and also got nick johnson pick in that trade )

I use Nate Robinson as an example on the basis that the Bulls every year go into free agency and add a tiny point guard who can score and create some offense and energy off the bench.

Nate for me because largely of his poor season is one example of someone the Bulls could realistically for the minimum get. And with that extra year back from injury he get back to being a productive energy player.

Give me the choice probably Jose Barea if he can be had for the minimum, though I think he'll go for more than that. Norris Cole and Raymond Felton may be other options at the minimum though again someone else may pay more. John Lucas 3 is probably a good chance to come back but would be more a 4th point guard option.

As long as the Bulls don't draft a point guard, I'm not concerned. Just with Thibs he only trusts veterans until guys really prove themselves beyond doubt, and with points, particularly young ones, it's an uphill battle to get minutes or break into the rotation.

Kaminsky is a perfect fit for the Hawks. They are yet another team with the floor spacing everywhere and 3pt shooting, particularly Korver. So they'd do well to get Kaminsky, as a team that really lacks height.

Sergio Llull is capable. Long time member of the Spanish national team. He is ready to go. Just for me he is more a backup point rather than a starter having seen him over the years.

It will be interesting to see who the Rockets can get at the point to take over from Beverley if he goes. As a restricted free agent I'd expect him to come back with the Rockets needing a point who can defend, and few defend better than Beverley.
Gary Neal as a cheapie could be a fit for the Rockets as a combo guard who could probably play alongside Harden as someone who doesn't need the ball like a say Rondo, with Harden on offence the guy you want the ball in the hands of primarily. Randy Foye or a Marcus Thornton as off-guards probably also could play alongside Harden. Mo Williams with his 3pt shooting could be another if he doesn't join LeBron in Cleveland again.

 

[dewah07]

bevs defence is largely media driven and overhyped. he is actually quite a terrible PnR defender post his knee injury and has lost a ton of ability of being able to keep quicker guards in front of him. right now nick Johnson is our best guard defender unless you count ariza in the mix.

i just think our playoff success is a bit underrated as were a defensive team first which has shown to have some success.

my favourite draft prospects this year are
- russell
- Winslow
- Kraminsky
- Dunn

 

[nahnah]

Huge day for every team that will take part or attempting to make playoffs, apart from boston and cavs who are locked in i think thats the only first round series locked in atm
I want pelicans to make playoffs but i want spurs to finish 2nd....
I want pacers to get 8th spot and give atlanta a good series.




lol miami

 

[Knightmare]

bevs defence is largely media driven and overhyped. he is actually quite a terrible PnR defender post his knee injury and has lost a ton of ability of being able to keep quicker guards in front of him. right now nick Johnson is our best guard defender unless you count ariza in the mix.

i just think our playoff success is a bit underrated as were a defensive team first which has shown to have some success.

my favourite draft prospects this year are
- russell
- Winslow
- Kraminsky
- Dunn

If someone reminds me a day or two before the draft I'll probably release my top 30 power rankings.

I like pretty similar players.

Russell people are wrongly forgetting about with the excitement of March Madness and other teams going further. He can be a best 1-3 player in this draft and I'd even consider taking him second after Towns and ahead of Okafor with Okafor for me overrated as a guy who can score in the post but is a liability on defence, not a great rebounder, a poor free throw shooter and a guy with no shooting range.

Winslow I like and if he can clean up his shot I'd really like him. Not sure what his best position is but with 4s so small now and guys like Draymond Green able to play there. He went nuts during March Madness which probably has elevated his stocks higher than perhaps should be the case. But a wait and see.

Kaminsky is my favourite in this draft. Just such an efficient player. Anyone who likes analytics would have to love his game and what he offers. Particularly if he has 3pt shooters around him as he did at Wisconsin.

Dunn I think you're also spot on with as a guard who is also underrated based on his performance.


At this stage my top 6 anyway is:
1. Anthony-Towns
2. Russell
3. Mudiay
4. Okafor
5. Winslow
6. Kaminsky

After those first 5 Stanley Johnson, Trey Lyles and Willie Cauley-Stein are generally also considered top 10 picks but I'd have them in the 10-20 range in my rankings. Myles Turner and Jarian Grant are two examples of others I'd rather have as well as Porzingis and Hezonja as two promising internationals.



One other guy I like, though not in this years draft class, Gary Payton II. Like his father, rugged defender and can really play. Currently a junior and will be a senior next season. Underrated due to not being a massive scorer, but big improver this past season and I'd take him inside the first round if he was in this years draft, maybe even inside the top 20, though he would be more a mid-late second rounder on most draft boards this year I'd imagine. So he'll be one to watch next season.

 

[Knightmare]

MVP: Steph Curry


Coach of the year: Steve Kerr


6th man: Josh Smith


Defensive player of the year: Rudy Gobert


Most improved: Jimmy Butler


Rookie of the year: Nikola Mirotic


Exec of the year: David Griffen (Cleveland)


All NBA 1st team:
C: Pau Gasol
PF: Anthony Davis
SF: LeBron James
SG: James Harden
PG: Stephen Curry


All NBA 2nd team:
C: DeMarcus Cousins
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge
SF: Jimmy Butler
SG: Klay Thompson
PG: Russell Westbrook


All NBA 3rd team:
C: Marc Gasol
PF: Draymond Green
SF: Kawhi Leonard
SG: Dwyane Wade
PG: John Wall


NBA rookie team:
C: Jusuf Nurkic
PF: Nerlens Noel
SF: Nikola Mirotic
SG: Andrew Wiggins
PG: Elfrid Payton


NBA rookie team 2:
C: Tarik Black
PF: K.J. McDaniels
SF: Marcus Smart
SG: Jordan Clarkson
PG: Langston Gallaway


All defensive team:
C: Rudy Gobert
PF: Nerlens Noel
SF: Draymond Green
SG: Kawhi Leonard
PG: John Wall


All defensive team 2:
C: Andrew Bogut
PF: Anthony Davis
SF: Khris Middleton
SG: Tony Allen
PG: Mike Conley



Differences between what I have and what actually will happen:

Mike Budenholzer may win coach of the year instead of Steve Kerr, but that’s up in the air, Kerr has my vote anyway with by far and away the best record in the NBA, and as a first year coach on a team that I expected to finish as a lower seed out West than the Hawks in the East I have to give my vote to Kerr who in a strong West has done an incredible job.

Lou Williams will rather than Josh Smith be the likely winner of 6th man. Williams is a volume shooter off the bench and sometimes he gets hot, other times he doesn’t. Shooting is all he does, and his usage rate (how much he has the ball in his hands on offense) is too high, but then again it’s the nature of the away. I just don’t with those classic off the bench scorers regard their impact as being as great as some of the others with Josh Smith, like Taj Gibson last year the guy who deserved more to win the award as a guy who on both ends produced.

Rudy Gobert won’t win the defensive player of the year. Who watches the Jazz anyway? But the Jazz after the Kanter trade now thanks to Gobert have the game’s best defence with his best in the game rim protection thanks to that wingspan, and not fouling. Additionally he is a terrific rebounder despite his slight build. So he is the full package. Derek Favors gets credit for his good defence also, but Gobert is the best defender in the game and for this season for me. As for who actually will win, I have Nerlens Noel in second which again people won’t like, but Kawhi Leonard or Draymond Green who are third and fourth on my list respectively feel like the most likely choices with Leonard probably with his strong second half taking the award out.

Most improved may go to Draymond Green instead of Jimmy Butler, and Green has stepped up his defence to an incredible standard and who thought he would start ahead of David Lee? But Jimmy Butler for me is the most improved, he improved last season to become a starter after Luol Deng was traded, but his scoring ability both from mid range and ability to get to the line has come from nowhere as a once sort of slasher who could to an extent finish at the rim and hit the occasional three if you’re lucky, so he’s a different player completely.

Rookie of the year will certainly go to Andrew Wiggins. But for me his numbers are empty. Nikola Mirotic and Nerlens Noel are for me clearly the two best rookies when you talk performance. Mirotic has the best PER and leads the NBA in average 4th quarter points! Then Noel on Philli, when he is on the court, Philli are 4 points better than the best defensive team in the game, so his impact also has been significant for completely different reasons. Wiggins has just been empty numbers with the T-Wolves as scoring and conceding roughly the same points whether he is on the floor or not, just obviously with greater minutes he has achieved greater numbers and as such will win the award.

With the All NBA teams Pau Gasol probably doesn’t make the first team, and probably gets picked on the second team as a forward. Then Jimmy Butler more likely makes the 3rd team. Draymond Green probably doesn’t make any of the All NBA teams. And Klay Thompson may not either. Though these are just those I feel are most deserving based on performance.

With the rookie teams they’d never go that combination of positions with the first team so big, the second team so small with so many guards. But they’re the most deserving again on performance.

My defensive team will raise some eyebrows, particularly the first team with perhaps only Leonard actually making that team. But Gobert, Noel, Green and Leonard. Those guys are the four best defenders in the game with Anthony Davis that fifth best specifically on the defensive end and the best overall player in the game – surpassing LeBron this year with the dominance of his play on both ends of the court – just a shame those around Davis continue to get hurt.

 

[mattys123]

So the Spurs face the Clippers in the beginning of their quest to end the era with the one thing they've never done, defend a title.

Such an epic team for the last 15 years (even before that when the Admiral first came to SA), would be a fitting way for it to end.

#GoSpursGo

 

[Knightmare]

As for how the playoffs will work out (anyone else want a shot at completing a playoff bracket?):

*upsets explained

East:
1. Atlanta
8. Brooklyn
Winner: Atlanta 4-1

2. Cleveland
7. Boston
Winner: Cleveland 4-1

3. Chicago
6. Milwaukee
Winner: Chicago 4-2

4. Toronto
5. Washington
Winner: Toronto 4-3

West:
1. Golden State
8. New Orleans
Winner: Golden State 4-1

2. Houston
7. Dallas
Winner: Dallas 4-3
Why: Iso ball/what James Harden does won't work as well during playoffs. Dallas with their vets although the chemistry isn't there can lift none the less.

3. LA Clippers
6. San Antonio
Winner: San Antonio 4-2
Why: Spurs are on a roll and look the best team in the NBA at the moment. With their experience hard to see them not getting over the top.

4. Portland
5. Memphis
Winner: Memphis 4-2
Why: Injuries on both sides but Memphis with their tough, gritty defence should be suited to playoff ball.

--2nd round--
East:
1. Atlanta
4. Toronto
Winner: Atlanta 4-1

2. Cleveland
3. Chicago
Winner: Cleveland 4-2

West:
1. Golden State
5. Memphis
Winner: Golden State 4-1

6. San Antonio
7. Dallas
Winner: San Antonio 4-2


--3rd round--

East:
1. Atlanta
2. Cleveland
Winner: Cleveland 4-2
Why: Cleveland has more talent and having come together over the second half of the season, they as the better team can win.

1. Golden State
6. San Antonio
Winner: Golden State 4-3 (will be the best two teams in the NBA facing off if this actually eventuates and will be special, must watch viewing. I do have some pause in saying Golden State because of San Antonio's record v them and with their playoff history, but Golden State I think can get past them with their talent)

--Finals--
2. Cleveland
1. Golden State
Winner: Golden State 4-2

 

[nahnah]

Round 1:
GS vsNO
Golden State wins 4-0
Reason: Golden State are way to good for pelicans, nice that pels got in but stay will be short.

HOU vs. DAL
Houston wins 4-3
Reason: Don't reate either of these teams, lucky for them they play each other.. give houston a slight edge due to home court

LAC vs. SA
Spurs win 4-1
Reason: Clippers have a lot to prove in playoffs, spurs are rolling

POR vs. MEM
Memphis wins 4-1
Reason: Portland are a mess right now, memphis are a great playoff team

East Playoffs
ATL vs. BKN
Atlanta wins 4-1
Reason: Think the nets might snag a game... just

CLE vs. BOS
Cleveland wins 4-1
Reason: Bit of a mismatch, boston should be able to win a home game

CHI vs. MIL
Chicago wins 4-2
Reason: Interesting match up, think there will be lots of close games but bulls to good to drop at home.

TOR vs. WAS
Toronto wins 4-2
Reason: Washington should be good enough to win 2 games, wouldn't be surprised if this is a sweep for raps tho

2nd round:
Golden state vs memphis
Golden state wins 4-3
Reason: The best team against a team built for playoffs, this will be a cracking series. The difference is one team has curry the other doesn't.

Houston vs San Antonio
Spurs win 4-1
Reason: Routine series win for the spurs, Houston can win a game at home but this could be a sweep.

Atlanta vs Toronto
Atlanta wins 4-2
Reason: Toronto won't get swept, but this one could end up 4-1 also.

Cleveland vs Chicago
Cleveland wins 4-2
Reason: If Rose is back to his absolute best Chicago wins, I don't think he will be.

3rd round:

Golden State vs San Antonio
Golden state wins 4-3
Reason: Awesome matchup, not really sure who wins this one. Have to pick the team with Curry again tho.

Atlanta vs Cleveland
Cleveland wins 4-2
Reason: Hawks have had a great season, but its the playoffs i don't think they can match it with the cavs over seven games.

Finals:
Golden state vs cleveland
Golden state wins 4-1
Reason: Cavs have a bad tendency to let teams catch fire from 3... not the team you wanna see in the finals when you have that issue. Having said that they have improved a lot but your flaws get put in the spotlight in the finals.

 

[nahnah]

2013 playoffs my predictions were really good, i predicted almost every series winner apart from one (maybe) two in the first round and i thought spurs would win it all (Miami did).

2014 playoffs i did pretty badly, i really stuffed up the first round and from there it goes down hill. For memory in the west i only got spurs and portland winning in the first round correct. I can't remember the east but i think i only got 2 also

 

[wicksy]

Well it's only 1 game but that display by the Clippers yesterday was impressive to say the least. I look forward to a bunch of retractions from the naysayers.

Question: If the Clips roll the Spurs, how many of you will change your west predictions?

 

[nahnah]

Well it's only 1 game but that display by the Clippers yesterday was impressive to say the least. I look forward to a bunch of retractions from the naysayers.

Question: If the Clips roll the Spurs, how many of you will change your west predictions?

Well I have them on par with Memphis (maybe favour clippers just) and not as good as Warriors.
I would expect clippers to beat Houston with ease if that match up eventuates
The clippers still have to beat he Spurs 3 times tho

 

[wicksy]

Well I have them on par with Memphis (maybe favour clippers just) and not as good as Warriors.
The clippers still have to beat he Spurs 3 times tho

Play like they did yesterday and it'll be 4-0.
I watch 60+ Clips games a season and I have never seen them play that well.
Interestingly, JJ was very poor so there's still another 10-15 points of improvement there.

All of a sudden, the worry of a poor bench is gone with the fact the bench play very small minutes in playoffs (Jamal/Baby/Austin will most likely be the only bench utilised) and with the best starting 5 in the league (based on skill, time spent playing together and the general fit), they look very dangerous indeed.

 

[nahnah]

Play like they did yesterday and it'll be 4-0.
I watch 60+ Clips games a season and I have never seen them play that well.
Interestingly, JJ was very poor so there's still another 10-15 points of improvement there.

All of a sudden, the worry of a poor bench is gone with the fact the bench play very small minutes in playoffs (Jamal/Baby/Austin will most likely be the only bench utilised) and with the best starting 5 in the league (based on skill, time spent playing together and the general fit), they look very dangerous indeed.

Haha see how they go game two, if they lose all of a sudden Spurs have home court and some of the good work is undone, keeping home court advantage is improtant for clips

 

[wicksy]

Haha see how they go game two, if they lose all of a sudden Spurs have home court and some of the good work is undone, keeping home court advantage is improtant for clips

I may be getting ahead of myself... haha.... but i'm EXCITED!!!

 

[Knightmare]

Well it's only 1 game but that display by the Clippers yesterday was impressive to say the least. I look forward to a bunch of retractions from the naysayers.

Question: If the Clips roll the Spurs, how many of you will change your west predictions?

The Spurs and Dallas of my tips are the two that I wouldn't be surprised in the first round to see going to the favourites, but I'm still one game in still sticking by my picks.

With regard to how far the Clippers can go. Best case scenario for me is Western Conference Finals. It will end with Golden State who are a class above.

The Clippers as a playoff team just aren't suited to executing in the slower paced half court with a bunch of guys who look better with an open floor whereby the bigs can run. The other problem I have with the Clippers is it's a 3 man team. There aren't any good options at the 2 and 3. Then Crawford is the only reliable bench shooter.
So I still anticipate if Tony Parker is healthy that the Spurs win the series.

I have similar issues with Houston who like the Clippers aren't a half court team and with James Harden and his hero ball. It's not suitable for playoff basketball and similarly their best case scenario is making the Western finals.

--
One other note is from a watchability standpoint. I'm really not interested in watching the Spurs/Clippers series. It will be a lot of the Spurs sending DeAndre to the line. It's what Pop does every time, so it's really going to be the worst watching of any series.


Outside of the Bulls series. The other series I want to watch is the Warriors v Pelicans series. Warriors are better, but that should be a fun series, with both teams really watchable. Assuming the Warriors don't hack-Asik and put him on the line.