Opinion The NBA Thread

[Knightmare]

Thoughts on Delly ? Dirty or not ? Imo he beat Korver to the ball and Korver stepped into a sliding delly. Second one was a joke, horford pushed him over Carroll. Is delly meant to make sure he avoids all contact with the very that is shoving him

Delly made a play at the ball and was first to the ball. I'm ok with it. That's just playoff basketball to me.

The Horford ejection I felt was a bad call. Double tech would have been fine. Delly was clumbsy falling on Horford - that felt intentional. Then Horford reacted falling elbow first onto Delly in what felt like a disguised but not so hard way as to get Delly hurt. Delly's play was relatively the more dangerous. But it's the type of call that in this case decided the game and as a result the series. So as a basketball fan, it's a call I don't like to see. To me on that play Delly's involvement felt the worse of the two. Not that I'd eject either guy for it. Just the double tech as a warning to both.

For me with Delly. He is just a hard ball player. I'm fine with that.

 

[nahnah]

Looks like no double sweep in conference finals

 

[nahnah]

Brave effort Cavs but the injuries took its toll
Clippers trade for Lance, wouldn't mind cavs replacing Marion with Matt Barnes

 

[wicksy]

Brave effort Cavs but the injuries took its toll
Clippers trade for Lance, wouldn't mind cavs replacing Marion with Matt Barnes

Very high risk trade here.
Doc obviously thinks there's enough leadership in the locker room to quell the potential trouble but it could also backfire big time.

Now, my question is... where does this leave JJ? Admittedly, I haven't seen a lot of LS but he is listed as a SG so that make him surplus to our current starting 5. LS to start, JJ to bench still leaves a big hole at SF. Maybe Doc has his eye on the man he should of got last year.... Ain't that the truth!!

Very sad to see Matt leave. Will always be a fan.


EDIT: Many websites claiming he is an athletic, defensive wing? Would have thought he was too short to play the 3!

 

[Knightmare]

Very high risk trade here.
Doc obviously thinks there's enough leadership in the locker room to quell the potential trouble but it could also backfire big time.

Now, my question is... where does this leave JJ? Admittedly, I haven't seen a lot of LS but he is listed as a SG so that make him surplus to our current starting 5. LS to start, JJ to bench still leaves a big hole at SF. Maybe Doc has his eye on the man he should of got last year.... Ain't that the truth!!

Very sad to see Matt leave. Will always be a fan.


EDIT: Many websites claiming he is an athletic, defensive wing? Would have thought he was too short to play the 3!

It's bad contract for bad contract trade time with Stephenson for Hawes, with both teams hoping they get the less bad end of the deal.

Stephenson is a strange fit for the Clippers. An upgrade on a wing was needed. But he isn't the fit for me. He is someone who is best offensively with the ball in his hands and can't shoot. That's not spacing the floor Jordan, Griffen and CP3. And with CP3 one of the best if not the best playmaking point guard in the game. He needs shooters, not Stephenson.

I would have loved Stephenson to have landed in Miami personally. D.Wade can go to Cleveland in a sign and trade and get more money than Miami will give him, get Love in return. Then McRoberts or Chalmers and Birdman for Stephenson trade would have been a good upgrade for Miami as someone who can share the ball on the offensive end with Dragic in that back-court.

Stephenson is not great but good on the defensive end. On the Clippers given the other pieces he'll have to play on a wing. And as a non-shooter and someone who has (sort of) defended LeBron before. He is able to play either position. Even though ideally at 6-5 he would be a shooting guard.

In saying all this. It's probably relatively speaking an upgrade for the Clippers bringing in the best talent in the deal. It's just not a fit I look at, liking particularly.

 

[nahnah]

Why the hell would we trade Love for Wade..... No way is that ever happening

 

[wicksy]

It's bad contract for bad contract trade time with Stephenson for Hawes, with both teams hoping they get the less bad end of the deal.

Stephenson is a strange fit for the Clippers. An upgrade on a wing was needed. But he isn't the fit for me. He is someone who is best offensively with the ball in his hands and can't shoot. That's not spacing the floor Jordan, Griffen and CP3. And with CP3 one of the best if not the best playmaking point guard in the game. He needs shooters, not Stephenson.

I would have loved Stephenson to have landed in Miami personally. D.Wade can go to Cleveland in a sign and trade and get more money than Miami will give him, get Love in return. Then McRoberts or Chalmers and Birdman for Stephenson trade would have been a good upgrade for Miami as someone who can share the ball on the offensive end with Dragic in that back-court.

Stephenson is not great but good on the defensive end. On the Clippers given the other pieces he'll have to play on a wing. And as a non-shooter and someone who has (sort of) defended LeBron before. He is able to play either position. Even though ideally at 6-5 he would be a shooting guard.

In saying all this. It's probably relatively speaking an upgrade for the Clippers bringing in the best talent in the deal. It's just not a fit I look at, liking particularly.

Thanks Knightmare. It does seem like a strange fit but interestingly enough, Doc was looking hard at him last season as well before trade deadline so he must see something he likes. Fairly cheap contract and getting rid of Hawes as the kicker is enough for me to like it.
As I mentioned, Paul Pierce coming in to play early minutes at the 3 while LS starts at the 2, pushing JJ to the bench is what i'd be looking at.
Still need backup for DJ (assuming he stays).

 

[Knightmare]

Why the hell would we trade Love for Wade..... No way is that ever happening

The argument all season has been that Love isn't a fit alongside LeBron and will while he likely opts in this season, is being strongly rumoured by the media after next season to up and leave to a bigger market where he can play in the fourth quarter and play a more significant role as someone who is thought "to want to win on his terms" (as in starting, playing a major role and being piece 1 or if not 1a in the offense and get more post touches which in the Cavs offense he doesn't frequently get).

The talk during the playoffs has been Thompson will be signed to a max deal with the Cavs (with LeBron in love with his game and his ability to hit the offensive boards) and the media consider Thompson a better fit alongside LeBron than Love, making Love surplus. And the Cavs don't really need two guys playing the same position signed to the max. That doesn't make any sense.

So while D.Wade won't be around as long as Love will in the NBA. That's the guy LeBron probably wants to play alongside. And probably sees as someone who can help improve their team with the shooting guard position a lot weaker on this team than the power forward position. With JR Smith best suited as a 6th man anyway.

The thing that makes D.Wade so good. And his durability is really much of a muchness with Love, with both missing games each season. But with D.Wade, there was a stat taken during the season and with ball in hand on offense, no player draws defences closer than D.Wade. And having a player who can draw the defence in like that. That's big on a team alongside LeBron and Irving.

So towards winning. I'd for this Cavs team be taking D.Wade over Love. From an age demographic standpoint, with Irving. I'd agree with you, you'd go young and star in Love. But I'm not so sure Love will remain in Cleveland long term, so getting D.Wade may be better than missing out completely.

 

[Knightmare]

Thanks Knightmare. It does seem like a strange fit but interestingly enough, Doc was looking hard at him last season as well before trade deadline so he must see something he likes. Fairly cheap contract and getting rid of Hawes as the kicker is enough for me to like it.
As I mentioned, Paul Pierce coming in to play early minutes at the 3 while LS starts at the 2, pushing JJ to the bench is what i'd be looking at.
Still need backup for DJ (assuming he stays).

Paul Pierce I was really surprised didn't sign with the Clippers last offseason as he would have then played for Doc, started and played on a contender. It just made sense.

If he makes it to the Clippers. While he isn't the same player. Still an excellent addition. Mostly from a leadership standpoint. But he can still space the floor and score in those late game situations which is where his value would be.

Elton Brand would be a great get as a veteran big if he wants to return to the Clippers. He will only play small minutes, but off a bench, he can still play defence and be efficient in the minutes he does play. And he can probably critically be had at this time for the veteran minimum. So he is one I like.

Greg Smith would be another terrific option to target. And having had a few ordinary seasons, he would be a good get on the cheap as a big who can come off the bench, score in the post, hit the boards, and is another strong body down low.

Maybe Amare on the cheap with his scoring ability down low though if I were him I'd be looking more at a Cleveland or Golden State.

Carlos Boozer would for Griffen be a great backup as someone who can still score and hit the boards.

Really your cheap veteran bigs would be those who would be the good ones to consider bringing in to come off the bench and play some minutes.

 

[nahnah]

The argument all season has been that Love isn't a fit alongside LeBron and will while he likely opts in this season, is being strongly rumoured by the media after next season to up and leave to a bigger market where he can play in the fourth quarter and play a more significant role as someone who is thought "to want to win on his terms" (as in starting, playing a major role and being piece 1 or if not 1a in the offense and get more post touches which in the Cavs offense he doesn't frequently get).

The talk during the playoffs has been Thompson will be signed to a max deal with the Cavs (with LeBron in love with his game and his ability to hit the offensive boards) and the media consider Thompson a better fit alongside LeBron than Love, making Love surplus. And the Cavs don't really need two guys playing the same position signed to the max. That doesn't make any sense.

So while D.Wade won't be around as long as Love will in the NBA. That's the guy LeBron probably wants to play alongside. And probably sees as someone who can help improve their team with the shooting guard position a lot weaker on this team than the power forward position. With JR Smith best suited as a 6th man anyway.

The thing that makes D.Wade so good. And his durability is really much of a muchness with Love, with both missing games each season. But with D.Wade, there was a stat taken during the season and with ball in hand on offense, no player draws defences closer than D.Wade. And having a player who can draw the defence in like that. That's big on a team alongside LeBron and Irving.

So towards winning. I'd for this Cavs team be taking D.Wade over Love. From an age demographic standpoint, with Irving. I'd agree with you, you'd go young and star in Love. But I'm not so sure Love will remain in Cleveland long term, so getting D.Wade may be better than missing out completely.

Love was starting to fit in really well towards the end of the season and first round, his defense had improved heaps.
I disagree while we have Mozgov on a small contract we can afford to pay both TT and Love.
If Love was leaving then I would hope cavs look at Aldridge as a replacement.
Wade to me doesn't fit at all, another guy that needs the ball in his hands and doesn't give the Cavs tbe spacing that Shump and JR do. Also I don't understand why we would have to trade for him, he isn't worth max money anymore imo.
I really want to see the team stay as it is for the most part, they're really jelling and only injuries have screwed them over. I would like to see Marion replaced sign Barnes and maybe trade Miller and bring in a better point guard as back up. I really wanted cavs to sign Livingston to multi year deal few years ago when he was playing for cavs, wonder if warriors would trade him. I also wish We had signed barbosa like I wanted, I'm not sure where he would fit on our team anymore but it sure would be nice to not have him getting in the paint at will against us in the finals !!

 

[Knightmare]

Love was starting to fit in really well towards the end of the season and first round, his defense had improved heaps.
I disagree while we have Mozgov on a small contract we can afford to pay both TT and Love.
If Love was leaving then I would hope cavs look at Aldridge as a replacement.
Wade to me doesn't fit at all, another guy that needs the ball in his hands and doesn't give the Cavs tbe spacing that Shump and JR do. Also I don't understand why we would have to trade for him, he isn't worth max money anymore imo.
I really want to see the team stay as it is for the most part, they're really jelling and only injuries have screwed them over. I would like to see Marion replaced sign Barnes and maybe trade Miller and bring in a better point guard as back up. I really wanted cavs to sign Livingston to multi year deal few years ago when he was playing for cavs, wonder if warriors would trade him. I also wish We had signed barbosa like I wanted, I'm not sure where he would fit on our team anymore but it sure would be nice to not have him getting in the paint at will against us in the finals !!

The Cavs this offseason won't have any cap space to make moves from here on in. LeBron and Irving already are on big salaries. Love presumably returns on his player option and looks to make money when the salary cap increases the following year. Thompson is expected to command a max deal. Varajao is on pretty decent money. JR Smith is on some money. Same with Mozgov. And that's more than your salary cap already.
So there really isn't anything much left to bring guys back. Delly who LeBron will want back will cost money after strong playoff performances and will probably require that mid-level exception to bring back.

Beyond the mid-level exception the only way from here the Cavs can bring in talent is Haywood's deal that if brought back next year will be a big one which the Cavs could as an expiring deal plausibly offer for a bad deal - in the way the Cavs moved into JR Smith who was deemed an undervalued talent.
So that may mean a Lance Stephenson if he flops with the Clippers. Maybe a Josh Smith if he signs for a team and that isn't working out. Maybe some of those guys in Denver if they look to unload talent - maybe a Wilson Chandler as an example off the bench could be a handy reserve and be had in that type of deal.
In any case it will have to be a smaller deal than what Haywood will be on next year, assuming the Cavs exercise the $10m team option for next year.
Otherwise it's just bringing in more veterans at the minimum.
Maybe an Amare or Carlos Boozer if they want to be on winning teams. Or guys like that.

 

[nahnah]

The Cavs this offseason won't have any cap space to make moves from here on in. LeBron and Irving already are on big salaries. Love presumably returns on his player option and looks to make money when the salary cap increases the following year. Thompson is expected to command a max deal. Varajao is on pretty decent money. JR Smith is on some money. Same with Mozgov. And that's more than your salary cap already.
So there really isn't anything much left to bring guys back. Delly who LeBron will want back will cost money after strong playoff performances and will probably require that mid-level exception to bring back.

Beyond the mid-level exception the only way from here the Cavs can bring in talent is Haywood's deal that if brought back next year will be a big one which the Cavs could as an expiring deal plausibly offer for a bad deal - in the way the Cavs moved into JR Smith who was deemed an undervalued talent.
So that may mean a Lance Stephenson if he flops with the Clippers. Maybe a Josh Smith if he signs for a team and that isn't working out. Maybe some of those guys in Denver if they look to unload talent - maybe a Wilson Chandler as an example off the bench could be a handy reserve and be had in that type of deal.
In any case it will have to be a smaller deal than what Haywood will be on next year, assuming the Cavs exercise the $10m team option for next year.
Otherwise it's just bringing in more veterans at the minimum.
Maybe an Amare or Carlos Boozer if they want to be on winning teams. Or guys like that.

Yeah that's fine, I think the cavs can win with this roster assuming they can actually stay relative healthy and sign Matt Barnes. One year together makes a big diff, should win a lot more games next season

 

[Knightmare]

Yeah that's fine, I think the cavs can win with this roster assuming they can actually stay relative healthy and sign Matt Barnes. One year together makes a big diff, should win a lot more games next season

You're definitely right the Cavs will win more games next season.

It was an awful start with the team going 19-20 from the first 39 games. So the Cavs just off that poor start will be better.

In saying that Irving misses likely the first half of the season I believe it has been predicted (correct me if I'm incorrect as I may be) and Love I don't know how quick he will be back either. So my guess is it's roughly a 57 win team next season assuming Irving and Love aren't ready for the start of the season.

Matt Barnes has another year left on his contract so unless Charlotte cut him or trade him, they're the scenario's it would take to get him.

Danny Granger, Richard Jefferson, Rasual Butler, Cartier Martin and Luke Babbitt are some wings who could be had likely for the minimum and would be good backup options.

Mo Williams and Jimmer Fredette at the point I also for the Cavs would advocate as free agents as spot up three point shooters who alongside LeBron would fit perfectly. Though Williams probably doesn't take the minimum which would likely put a line through his name unless he gets the mid-level exception.

Other than bringing back the current group (minus the non-playing veterans), they're the players I'd be taking a shot at, based on the Cavs positional needs.

Otherwise it's just that Haywood contract if the Cavs don't mind spending heavily into the luxury tax and perhaps picks as those other assets. That's what the Cavs have that could be used as trade chips to bring in talent.

 

[nahnah]

You're definitely right the Cavs will win more games next season.

It was an awful start with the team going 19-20 from the first 39 games. So the Cavs just off that poor start will be better.

In saying that Irving misses likely the first half of the season I believe it has been predicted (correct me if I'm incorrect as I may be) and Love I don't know how quick he will be back either. So my guess is it's roughly a 57 win team next season assuming Irving and Love aren't ready for the start of the season.

Matt Barnes has another year left on his contract so unless Charlotte cut him or trade him, they're the scenario's it would take to get him.

Danny Granger, Richard Jefferson, Rasual Butler, Cartier Martin and Luke Babbitt are some wings who could be had likely for the minimum and would be good backup options.

Mo Williams and Jimmer Fredette at the point I also for the Cavs would advocate as free agents as spot up three point shooters who alongside LeBron would fit perfectly. Though Williams probably doesn't take the minimum which would likely put a line through his name unless he gets the mid-level exception.

Other than bringing back the current group (minus the non-playing veterans), they're the players I'd be taking a shot at, based on the Cavs positional needs.

Otherwise it's just that Haywood contract if the Cavs don't mind spending heavily into the luxury tax and perhaps picks as those other assets. That's what the Cavs have that could be used as trade chips to bring in talent.

From what Ive read Hornets are gonna buy out his contract.
I thought Kyrie was only out 3 months ?
Love will certainly be ready
Mo is the only one that interests me out of the players you have named

 

[Knightmare]

From what Ive read Hornets are gonna buy out his contract.
I thought Kyrie was only out 3 months ?
Love will certainly be ready
Mo is the only one that interests me out of the players you have named

I haven't been tracking the injury durations so that would help if they're both ready for the start of the season.

There is a reason why those players are likely to be minimum players. And Williams won't be as someone still productive.

If you like Williams, I'd take a shot at Jimmer Fredette who may even be slightly better as that spot up shooting point guard. He is a point guard size version of Kyle Korver. Off the catch and shoot he may be the best in the NBA on that 3 ball or second after Korver. He just hasn't had the opportunities to get minutes or play off the ball. With LeBron there is no player in the NBA he would fit with better. With LeBron he could have a 3pt percentage of 43% and hit around 3.2 3pters per 36min. And continue to improve that over coming seasons.
So off the bench subbing in for Irving, and have him playing alongside LeBron for some minutes. That's a big time weapon for the minimum.

One trade asset, and I didn't mention him in my previous posts. But Anderson Varajao would be someone else who could be moved. It would depend on his value, but he is surplus certainly if Mozgov, Love and Thompson remain next season. Move him and he could like Haywood and picks be that key to adding further useful pieces to the roster.

 

[TradeDraft]

So now on the the NBA DRAFT

 

[NT.Thunder]

I hardly ever watch the NBA but managed to see the last half of todays game and the first of the finals series.

Is Lebron Jame's a fairly arrogant sort of fellow does anyone know? both games he just walked off and down the race with the camera on him, all alone which just seemed odd to me.

Anyway, was good to see some big names, that Curry dude si pretty good....looks like a midget out there but I guess he's still over 6ft

 

[nahnah]

I hardly ever watch the NBA but managed to see the last half of todays game and the first of the finals series.

Is Lebron Jame's a fairly arrogant sort of fellow does anyone know? both games he just walked off and down the race with the camera on him, all alone which just seemed odd to me.

Anyway, was good to see some big names, that Curry dude si pretty good....looks like a midget out there but I guess he's still over 6ft

Yeah LeBron is probably arrogant
Curry is around Pendles height I believe

 

[Knightmare]

I hardly ever watch the NBA but managed to see the last half of todays game and the first of the finals series.

Is Lebron Jame's a fairly arrogant sort of fellow does anyone know? both games he just walked off and down the race with the camera on him, all alone which just seemed odd to me.

Anyway, was good to see some big names, that Curry dude si pretty good....looks like a midget out there but I guess he's still over 6ft

He has had the nickname "King James" since he was a teenager which should be a dead giveaway.

In saying that, while I as a Bulls fan still feel LeBron should have joined the Bulls back in 2010 as a free agent when he was making the decision and the Bulls opened up all that salary cap space to take a shot at him.

LeBron as a person I have no issues with and I don't consider him any more arrogant than the next NBA basketball player - with about a dozen basketball players in interviews describing themselves as the best player in the NBA. Great ambassador for the game. He plays a team first game and is someone who on the basketball court gets other guys involved with the intent to make them look better than they are.

With LeBron cameras will follow him everywhere, as everyone wants to see how he acts/reacts. He was just frustrated by losing. He gets along well with certainly a strong segment of the Cleveland playing group, putting up photos on his instagram with his close friends from among the playing group and making dance videos with them etc, so he even off the court involves the players. So even as a non-fan of LeBron, I respect what he offers as a team-mate.


From a basketball standpoint some of those names on both teams are pretty special.

LeBron is the special player for the Cavs and historically by position as a small forward a case could be made that he is the best of all time at his position - with Larry Bird and Elgin Baylor those other two I'd have in that conversation, others may say Julius Erving.

Stephen Curry on the other hand is unique for a whole other set of reasons. He is still early enough in his career where maybe in time by position he could enter the discussion for best ever at the point guard by position. He is certainly historically the greatest 3 point shooter in the history of the NBA already. His shooting percentage and volume of makes from the 3 point arc is special like the NBA has never seen before, particularly with his 3 point shooting off the dribble. And he is a terrific passer and ball handler also.

So seeing LeBron as that powerhouse who gets to the rim at will and is the greatest physical specimen is sports toward and Curry an ordinary looking guy who the average Joe can relate to, and then he just gets on the court and boogeys on you, making shots from anywhere and suddenly pulling up for shots from anywhere.


As a basketball fan I also would have liked for Klay Thompson from Golden State to be more prominent from 3 point range, as he is exceptionally great from 3 point range and I'd have him in the Ray Allen, Reggie Miller conversation as someone who will by the end of his career be a clear top five all time 3 point shooter.

Also a shame not to get to see the brilliance of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love for the Cavs, and to a lesser extent Anderson Varajao. But you can only play those who are available to play.

 

[Knightmare]

Yeah LeBron is probably arrogant
Curry is around Pendles height I believe

Curry like Pendles is 6'3. And Curry in this series was the equal shortest player used, along with Leandro Barbosa who played backup shooting guard for Golden State and Kyrie Irving who played game one and also is 6'3.

It's just a case of everyone else out there is incredibly tall.

A centre generally each team will have a 7 footer. Power forwards are generally more like 6'10. Small forwards 6'7. Shooting guards 6'5. Point guards 6'2. And there is variation at each position. But you're not in the NBA going to find many sub 6' footers, or sub 180cm basketball players, as defensively they generally struggle, and probably aren't as much of a threat attacking the basket or have as much elevation on their shots to get clean shots off.

Even LeBron James at 6'8 is a genuine 203cm which would in the AFL be a ruckman. Yet he is significantly more explosive than just about any midfield in our game. And that's why these NBA athletes are so special by comparisons certainly to our AFL footballers anyway.

From an athletic standpoint the only things AFL footballers to better is winning the 50/50 balls, or in our terms the contested ball with basketball players generally reluctant to jump on the floor, looking mostly to keep their feet. Then otherwise they're also not the same endurance athletes with the shorter duration of games and a smaller playing surface.
But height, size, leaping ability, explosiveness/straightline speed. They've well and truly got us covered. Even for co-ordination so many (not all) but so many basketball players make our fooballers look second rate.

 

[TradeDraft]

What is your Mock Draft for Thursday Knightmare ?

 

[Knightmare]

What is your Mock Draft for Thursday Knightmare ?

I may as well do a quick mock. There will be rumours coming out closer to and on the day. But this is roughly what to expect based on what I've seen and heard.

1. Min - Karl Anthony Towns (C)
2. LAL - Jahlil Okafor (C)
3. Phi - D'Angelo Russell (PG/SG) *Recent rumours are Porzingis is a big chance here but Russell is the best available and makes most sense.
4. NYK - Emmanual Muddiay (PG) *Knicks would like to move this pick if Russell isn't here so big chance of seeing that happen.
5. Orl - Kristaps Porzingis (PF/C)
6. Sac - Justice Winslow (SF) *Want Muddiay here and if not here will shop the pick if appropriate deal presents.
7. Den - Willie Causley-Stein (C) *Pick is available and looking to make a big move.
8. Det - Mario Hezonja (SG/SF)
9. Cha - Devin Booker (SG)
10. Mia - Stanley Johnson (SF)
11. Ind - Myles Turner (C/PF)
12. Uta - Trey Lyles (PF)
13. Pho - Cameron Payne (PG)
14. OKC - Bobby Portis (PF)
15. Atl - Frank Kaminsky (C)
16. Bos - Sam Dekker (SF/PF)
17. Mil - Montrezl Harrell (PF/SF)
18. Hou - Tyus Jones (PG)
19. Was - Kelly Oubre (SF)
20. Tor - Kevin Looney (PF)
21. Dal - Jerian Grant (PG)
22. Chi - Delon Wright (PG)
23. Por - Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (SF)
24. Cle - Rashard Vaughn (SG)
25. Mem - Justin Anderson (SG)
26. SAS - Guillermo Hernangomez (PF/C)
27. LAL - Terry Rozier (PG) *Lakers open to moving pick.
28. Bos - Normal Powell (SG) *Celtics open to moving pick.
29. Bro - RJ Hunter (SG)
30. GSW - Chris McCullough (PF)

--
As for my power rankings:
-- All Stars --
1. Karl Anthony-Towns (C)
2. D'Angelo Russell (PG/SG)
-- Starters --
3. Emmanual Mudiay (PG)
4. Frank Kaminsky (C)
5. Cameron Payne (PG)
6. Devin Booker (SG)
7. Myles Turner (PF/C)
8. Kristas Porzingis (PF/C)
9. Bobby Portis (PF)
10. Justice Winslow (SF)
11. Jahlil Okafor (C)
-- Rotation Players --
12. Mario Hezonja (SG/SF)
13. Stanley Johnson (SF)
14. Delon Wright (PG)
15. Jerian Grant (PG)
16. Terry Rozier (PG)
17. Trey Lyles (PF)
18. R.J. Hunter (SG/SF)
19. Justin Anderson (SF)
20. Richaun Holmes (PF)
21. Willie Cauley-Stein (C)
22. Montrezl Harrell (PF)
23. Rashard Vaughn (SG)
24. Kevin Looney (PF)
25. Sam Dekker (SF)
26. Guillermo Hernangomez (C)
27. Christian Wood (PF)
-- In with a chance to make it --
28. Kelly Oubre (SF)
29. Dakari Johnson (C)
30. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (SF)
--
Underrated by NBA scouts:
Frank Kaminsky (Most productive player in college basketball. Offensively just so efficient. Can shoot. Can break you off the dribble. Passes to well on dribble drives or anytime. Defensively and on the boards average. But what he does on offense will make him a big time piece, particularly if you have floor spacers around him)
Also: Cameron Payne, Devin Booker, Myles Turner, Bobby Portis, Delon Wright, Jarian Grant, R.J. Hunter, Richaun Holmes.

Overrated by NBA scouts:
Jahlil Okafor (Poor from the FT line. Overrated rebounder. Can't score outside the post. Entirely overrated. Can score in the post so on the right team can be a starter, but he is no star)
Willie Cauley-Stein (Versatile and athletic defender. Can finish at the rim. But that's all he does. Otherwise he offers nothing on the offensive end and on the boards is not good enough. Can be backup big but won't become a starter)
Kristas Porzingis (Thin, lanky big who can stretch the floor, moves well. Can get bullied in the post by bigger guys. Defensively and on the boards probably struggles in the NBA. Probably a rotation big or low level starter. Too many scouts getting optimistic and thinking he is Dirk, but he is more like Bargnani if anything)
Mario Hezonja (Can do damage on offense. Defensively and athletically I anticipate he will struggle and as such is more likely a rotation player than starter. He can be something like a Rudy Fernandez for those who watched him play 5+ years ago)

 

[TradeDraft]

http://www.sportal.com.au/nba/kevin...ontract-free-agent/16t4xknw2gz881rfkovmdjcf0y

That hurt the Cavs Badly.

This is why James Struggled his 1st Time at the Cavs. Not many Players want to go there

 

[Knightmare]

http://www.sportal.com.au/nba/kevin...ontract-free-agent/16t4xknw2gz881rfkovmdjcf0y

That hurt the Cavs Badly.

This is why James Struggled his 1st Time at the Cavs. Not many Players want to go there

As Joakim Noah would say. "Who wants to go to Cleveland?"

LeBron James is a compelling reason for guys to play in Cleveland. So is Kyrie Irving. So having that duo certainly of stars will attract players more than LeBron's first tenure with Cleveland.

In the case of Love. It's an interesting move that he decided to opt out this year given he would make more money by opting out next year instead as the salary cap will rise.

With Love he personally hasn't developed a friendship with LeBron or the broader playing group, as a kind of loner really on that team. With Tristian Thompson at the power forward a better fit for this group. And with Love not getting the ball in the post on this team. He isn't getting his usual numbers, he isn't featured in the offense like he would be on other teams as more of an after-thought. So they're the reasons not to stay, more so than Cleveland being a place you wouldn't choose to go on holidays. It's going to big picture be a knock to his reputation as he won't put up nearly the numbers he would on another team without as many scorers.

It's still not certain Love leaves. He has a better chance of winning in Cleveland than anywhere else. He can make more money in Cleveland than anywhere else.

In Love's situation I'd have opted in. And gone into free agency the following year. Now that he has opted out, I'd still satay. Look to win the chip. And after that look to get traded to a situation where he can better feature in an offense.

 

[TradeDraft]

How about that Knick Fan crying over there Pick 4