Opinion The NBA Thread

[wicksy]

How about that Knick Fan crying over there Pick 4

Dunno what they're bitching about.... Got a player with the highest upside in the draft.
Terrible team anyway.... They have a lot more to cry about.

 

[Knightmare]

Some quick post draft thoughts on those winners.

Minnesota and Lakers with the first two picks did well with Anthony-Towns and Russell the two highest on my draft board also (Okafor was in most mock drafts either 1/2).

Denver did well getting Mudiay at 7 as somone who should have gone top 6 at worst.

I'm a big Frank Kaminsky fan as the best basketball player in college basketball and the most efficient and best rounded big man out of college basketball in a long time. He was a good pick for Charlotte if they can put some 3pt shooters around him.

Miami did well with Winslow as a good defensive small forward and Indiana did well with Turner as a really good big.

Phoenix did terrific with Booker at 13 as possibly the best shooting guard and perimeter shooter in this draft.

OKC with Payne at 14 also excellent and maybe the bargain of the draft as someone who can become a genuine starting quality point guard.

Rozier for the Celtics at 16 was good as a good scoring guard.

Dekker at 18 good for the Rockets at a floor spacer.

Grant at 19 good for Washington as a ready to play, productive point guard who can score.

Wright at 20 good for Toronto as a ready to play, productive point guard who can score.

J.Anderson good for Dallas at 21 as a real competitive SG.

Portis while seemingly not a fan favourite for Bulls fans at 22 really like as an ultra productive power forward.

R.J. Hunter at 28 for the Celtics is a good get as a shooter in the Bellinelli ilk.

Houston did terrific getting Harrell at 32 as a really good energy forward.

76ers did well getting Hernangomez at 35 as a good international big.

OKC with Dakari Johnson at 48 did well with Johnson a really good value big.

 

[Knightmare]

On the Knicks. It depends on the evaluation of Porzingis.

I prefer Mudiay as a talent, so I imagine that is what the fan would have been upset with the Knicks on passing on.

But Porzingis probably fits the triangle better, as a shooting big who can stretch the floor.

Whereas Mudiay isn't a great scoring, or certainly not shooting point guard. Which stylistically anyway wouldn't fit the Knicks so well.

 

[wicksy]

Thoughts on Branden Dawson Knightmare?

 

[Knightmare]

Thoughts on Branden Dawson Knightmare?

He is an athletic small forward. Can't shoot, not good from the line. But athletic and can defend.

Best case scenario is he can be K.J. McDaniels or something like Matt Barnes without the 3 point range, but I'm not anticipating he makes it onto the Clippers roster as such a limited player being picked so late.

May get invited to training camp though. And that and summer league play will be what gets him onto the roster if he can elevate his game.

 

[TradeDraft]

Dunno what they're bitching about.... Got a player with the highest upside in the draft.
Terrible team anyway.... They have a lot more to cry about.

Knicks fans seem to do that every year.

It is a High Risk Pick but does have Huge Upside

 

[Knightmare]

Knicks fans seem to do that every year.

It is a High Risk Pick but does have Huge Upside

Out of interest are you a Knicks fan?

You are right though. Knicks fans do have a habit of getting upset with those they pick.

It's a shame the Knicks don't have Isaiah Thomas as GM. He really picked the eyes out of the draft when he was there.

 

[wicksy]

He is an athletic small forward. Can't shoot, not good from the line. But athletic and can defend.

Best case scenario is he can be K.J. McDaniels or something like Matt Barnes without the 3 point range, but I'm not anticipating he makes it onto the Clippers roster as such a limited player being picked so late.

May get invited to training camp though. And that and summer league play will be what gets him onto the roster if he can elevate his game.

Why would they pay $600k if they weren't going to add him to the final roster?

 

[TradeDraft]

Out of interest are you a Knicks fan?

You are right though. Knicks fans do have a habit of getting upset with those they pick.

It's a shame the Knicks don't have Isaiah Thomas as GM. He really picked the eyes out of the draft when he was there.

Yeah, Knicks is 1 of a few teams I do follow a bit.

Why do you like what Isah did?

Think Trading Hardway might be a Mistake

 

[Knightmare]

Why would they pay $600k if they weren't going to add him to the final roster?

Presumably the Pelicans need more money and the Clippers are willing to take the chance on him at training camp or summer league. $600k in the NBA is like buying lunch for someone. It's entirely disposable and no big deal.

 

[Knightmare]

Yeah, Knicks is 1 of a few teams I do follow a bit.

Why do you like what Isah did?

Think Trading Hardway might be a Mistake

This is why: http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/55772/isiah-thomas-ranked-best-draft-gm

He may be the greatest NBA draft talent identifier in NBA history.


On the Hardaway trade. With the Knicks it's all about the triangle. Hardaway is a relatively selfish offensive minded scorer. And that's not what the triangle is about. Jarian Grant as a point guard through the draft I like. He will either star or come off the bench and be a really good point guard. He can score, shoot, but he also passes and shares the ball. That's what the Knicks want. So I feel it's a good two way trade myself.

 

[TradeDraft]

Could James Leave the Cavs IF Loves leaves or they Miss there FA they Want?

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/1...-option-cleveland-cavaliers-become-free-agent

 

[Knightmare]

Could James Leave the Cavs IF Loves leaves or they Miss there FA they Want?

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/1...-option-cleveland-cavaliers-become-free-agent

He can because he has an opt out in his contract.

Will he? Not this year.

He is actively involved in the list management/recruitment discussions. He wants to bring in/back as much talent as possible because he wants to help his home state team win a championship.

If Tristian Thompson receives a max offer and signs as expected. Even if Love leaves. LeBron will stay.

Only if Cleveland lost their minds and didn't get either of Thompson or Love back. That's when he might be thinking about leaving, though there are hardly any attractive situations that he would want to go to.

The Lakers and Knicks while they'll have their cap room. Neither team is a free agent destination. Kobe is finished. And Mello is past his best also. And both franchises are dysfunctional. So as the only teams just because of the nature of the size of the markets, you could see him from that standpoint considering joining those teams. But with those rosters clearly worse than what the Cavs can put around him. That's not happening.

 

[wicksy]

Well the Clips are well and truly f@#$% now!!!
Not only did DJ screw us but he waited just long enough for Chandler to sign elsewhere and eliminate an easy sign and trade.

I read this morning we are looking at bringing Hollins back to fill the backup centre position..... #KILLME #DOCCANNOTGM

 

[TradeDraft]

Knightmare What you think of the FA Movements so far?

 

[Knightmare]

Well the Clips are well and truly f@#$% now!!!
Not only did DJ screw us but he waited just long enough for Chandler to sign elsewhere and eliminate an easy sign and trade.

I read this morning we are looking at bringing Hollins back to fill the backup centre position..... #KILLME #DOCCANNOTGM

JaVale McGee is rumoured to be likely to join the Clipps. He isn't rebounding like Jordan. But he is objectively much of a muchness as a super tall, long and athletic shot blocker who can protect the rim, and probably protect the rim a little better again than Jordan even. Can finish on lob passes. Not as hopeless from the line. And very much out of favour and unlikely to require a long contract, with no teams picking him up late last season.
So I'd say he would be a good get for the Clips as someone who needs to play on a good disciplined and well coached team. And then just further upgrades on the wings can happen.

Get McGee and there should be more room for other pieces. So while the Clips won't be as good next season. It's probably not a team that is so much worse either if a few other pieces can be found.

Knightmare What you think of the FA Movements so far?

As a Bulls fan I'm happy so far. Butler and Dunleavy are both back. Hinrich I'm ok with having back as a reserve. And some other reserve point guard will surely be added as this years Nate Robinson/DJ Augustin/Aaron Brooks equivalent.

The Cavs will be happy with Love and Thompson back, who were the two keys. Big pay roll with Mozgov, M.Miller, Delly and Shumpert also coming back. JR Smith probably needs to return, not sure what's happening there. He would be a loss if he can't return.
Otherwise Tayshaun Prince who has been targeted on a minimum contract would be a good get.

But the big winning this free agency, and no surprise here. But the Spurs in adding LaMarcus Aldridge and critically Tim Duncan expressing that he will come back for more next season, and probably with him come Manu, who along with Tim will come back on reduced money so as to get Aldridge in the door. So that's going to be an incredible team. Green is back. So is Leonard. They may well be the early championship favourites.

The Bucks with Monroe will be better.

Sacramento are quietly getting better with Rondo and Belinelli added.

The Pelicans will be good with their key players included Asik returning.

The free agency loser is Portland who have lost four of their starters in Aldridge, Lopez, Matthews and then Batum via trade. And Afflalo has also moved on. So it's hard not to feel sorry for Damian Lillard who is by himself on a team with no talent and whoever is left over from this free agency period.

 

[Knightmare]

Oh my word!

The Spurs adding not only LaMarcus Aldridge but also David West!

David West signing for $1.4m is incredible as a genuine starting quality power forward. He is at the back end of his career, but it's a sign he wants a championship, that much is for sure, and likely extend his career with Pop good at managing veterans.

Aldridge obviously is a multi-time all star and a ridiculous upgrade on Splitter.

And Ginobili and Duncan are both returning. So that's a good team.

The Spurs are losing Belinelli and Splitter (traded to Hawks as a salary dump in order to have space for Aldridge).

If Tony Parker can get back to being something more like his 2013/2014 and earlier self, then that's a strong team!

The early contenders for next year seem to be the Warriors (who frankly I anticipate 3-peat), the Cavs if they can bring back JR Smith, add Mo Williams for a minimum contract, move Haywood for an upgrade, such as Varajaeo and Haywood for Joe Johnson. Then get an Amare as a free agent, also for the minimum. And then Tayshaun Prince as a further veteran minimum. That's when it's a good team. But it will require really all those additions to be a match for the Warriors or the Spurs for that matter.

 

[TradeDraft]

Oh my word!

The Spurs adding not only LaMarcus Aldridge but also David West!

David West signing for $1.4m is incredible as a genuine starting quality power forward. He is at the back end of his career, but it's a sign he wants a championship, that much is for sure, and likely extend his career with Pop good at managing veterans.

Aldridge obviously is a multi-time all star and a ridiculous upgrade on Splitter.

And Ginobili and Duncan are both returning. So that's a good team.

The Spurs are losing Belinelli and Splitter (traded to Hawks as a salary dump in order to have space for Aldridge).

If Tony Parker can get back to being something more like his 2013/2014 and earlier self, then that's a strong team!

The early contenders for next year seem to be the Warriors (who frankly I anticipate 3-peat), the Cavs if they can bring back JR Smith, add Mo Williams for a minimum contract, move Haywood for an upgrade, such as Varajaeo and Haywood for Joe Johnson. Then get an Amare as a free agent, also for the minimum. And then Tayshaun Prince as a further veteran minimum. That's when it's a good team. But it will require really all those additions to be a match for the Warriors or the Spurs for that matter.

So the Spurs keep on doing what they Done. Win the NBA every 2-3 Years

 

[Knightmare]

What is stunning with David West is he opted out of a large ($10m+) contract with the Pacers, choosing to joining the Spurs for $1.4m.

The Pacers wanted to go more up tempo, so West clearly decided to do the right thing for his now ex team and also wants to join a championship contender.

So kudos to David West for doing the right thing by his now previous team, and looking at the end of his career to chase the chip, rather than the final dollar.

 

[wicksy]

What is stunning with David West is he opted out of a large ($10m+) contract with the Pacers, choosing to joining the Spurs for $1.4m.

The Pacers wanted to go more up tempo, so West clearly decided to do the right thing for his now ex team and also wants to join a championship contender.

So kudos to David West for doing the right thing by his now previous team, and looking at the end of his career to chase the chip, rather than the final dollar.

Let's be honest... If they're smart with their money, they should only need a few years in the pros to be set for life.
It's a good move.... Bad to be a contender in the west though.

I have to laugh at the Mavs this year.... This may just be sour grapes but a max for DJ seems steep..... Can he really take his offensive game to another level with a sub par PG? Can't see it happening. He's royally fkd us though..... Flipping Haywood's contract seems like a good idea... Who could we lure for 7-8 mil? There's not a lot left.

 

[Knightmare]

Let's be honest... If they're smart with their money, they should only need a few years in the pros to be set for life.
It's a good move.... Bad to be a contender in the west though.

I have to laugh at the Mavs this year.... This may just be sour grapes but a max for DJ seems steep..... Can he really take his offensive game to another level with a sub par PG? Can't see it happening. He's royally fkd us though..... Flipping Haywood's contract seems like a good idea... Who could we lure for 7-8 mil? There's not a lot left.

Paul Pierce is a start. And the Clips can get a JaVale McGee pretty easily, and probably for a small few mil. Josh Smith like JaVale is underpriced and would be a good get as another athletic type who can protect the rim and finish around the rim on offense. Carlos Boozer and Amare on minimum contracts would also be great gets, if one of McGee or Smith can be had, which would allow a good offensive/defensive balance in the front court.

After that it's just finding a backup point and a small forward. Austin Rivers at the point probably is sufficient. And then some veteran minimum point would be suitable.

Then at the small forward a Dorell Wright, Wesley Johnson, Gerald Green, Caron Butler. Any of those guys with that remaining money would suffice.

 

[nahnah]

If healthy (pretty big if given history) Cavs will win the championship next season.
2nd year together, finally a proper back up pg and what a meaningful one at that and addition of either Crawford or Johnson will put Cavs over the top of the Warriors.
I've followed portland closely over past couple of seasons and Aldridge is a fantastic player but I don't think he is enough to get Spurs past Warriors. Parker and Duncan another season older.. Curry and Klay could really take advantage of Parker assuming Green goes to the other.
Is it just me or has the east gotten even weaker ? Seems like atlanta, raptors and wizards have lost players without getting much back. Bulls haven't really added anything also. Heat aren't really a threat. I guess indiana could be a surprise

 

[Knightmare]

If healthy (pretty big if given history) Cavs will win the championship next season.
2nd year together, finally a proper back up pg and what a meaningful one at that and addition of either Crawford or Johnson will put Cavs over the top of the Warriors.
I've followed portland closely over past couple of seasons and Aldridge is a fantastic player but I don't think he is enough to get Spurs past Warriors. Parker and Duncan another season older.. Curry and Klay could really take advantage of Parker assuming Green goes to the other.
Is it just me or has the east gotten even weaker ? Seems like atlanta, raptors and wizards have lost players without getting much back. Bulls haven't really added anything also. Heat aren't really a threat. I guess indiana could be a surprise

The Bulls are the same as last year with rookie Bobby Portis added (who I really like as an energy power forward who will play hard but also score and defend well on the perimeter). The differences with the Bulls will be a faster pace on offence (not taking 6-8 seconds) to move it past half court. Better ball movement, less iso ball. So the offense will be better.
Butler, Dunleavy, Brooks, Hinrich are all back for more.
On defense no promises things will be any better, as Hoiberg isn't Thibs. But with the same group back, and Rose and Noah hopefully more healthy. The Bulls will be that second contender in the East.

The Spurs will look very different. Firstly I don't think anyone is beating with Warriors who are like the Bulls coming back with the same team, and the only move they may make is a trade of David Lee who has requested a trade. In the front court for the Spurs I really like Duncan and Aldridge in combination. They both space the floor and will be extremely hard to defend. The on defence Duncan can play down low, Aldridge up higher which also works, or alternate as required. The only slight question is whether on the perimeter they will be as good.
But the Warriors if healthy. Those guys are historically special and feel like a once in a generation special team, and that most special team since the 90s Bulls, though certainly without the extreme longevity of the Spurs.

In terms of the East. I feel those contending teams if anything are a little better than last season.

Indiana will be different. George is back which helps. No Hibberd or West will chance the pace entirely but hurt the front court. I really like Myles Turner in their front court. Then Ellis is a good addition. I don't see them winning the East. But they can be a top 4-6 seed if Paul George is playing good basketball.

Atlanta will be different, possibly better, possibly worse depending on how they mesh. They've lost DeMarre Carroll who is a role player, and they can add something similar at any time. But Tiago Splitter as a big man, he helps and may improve that team slightly as an upgrade on paper. It just depends on how they make Splitter, Horford and Millsap work. And maybe with the team bigger now, that may hurt the ball sharing game they played so well last year, which is the question. But they still look like a top 4 seed to me.

The Heat are bringing back the same team, but with the addition of Justice Winslow at the small forward who can be handy. With the Heat, they've got Dragic who they didn't have at the start of last season, then Bosh is back. Whiteside is there. And D.Wade is still D.Wade. And Deng is also still on that team. So they'll be a tough out if healthy.

The Wizards are much the same, but will have Dudley instead of Pierce and Gary Neal as an additional backup point who is an upgrade.

The Bucks who are on the rise and looking dangerous just added Greg Monroe who will give them some inside scoring to go with their incredible athleticism and defense.

The Raptors added some ok guys in Biyombo (who is underrated) and D.Carroll who is a handy piece. Cory Joseph they overpaid for but as a backup point is fine. Delon Wright as a rookie is a really good get and an immediate point guard.
Amir Johnson is a loss, as is Lou Williams. So they are probably a little worse.

But as is the case every year. The good teams in the most part get better. The bad teams get worse/younger. And it's the same story in both conferences.

 

[wicksy]

So it looks like DJ may have had a change of mind over the weekend.
Pierce, Ballmer, Rivers, Griffin, Redick and Paul are currently meeting with him in Houston to try and convince him to stay in LA while Parson and Cuban are attempting to reconnect also.

What does this mean for other deals done in principle?
Dallas was Hibbert's first preference and has since agreed with the Lakers. Does this mean that deal is in jeopardy?
Wes Matthews agreed on the basis of DJ being a Mav. What happens there?
Now that the Clippers may not need to trade Jamal, what happens with the potential trades to Cleveland/Miami? Does it bring Joe Johnson and the Nets back into the fold?

How exciting!!!!

PS While I would be stoked for DJ not to leave, I can't help but feel that signing him to a max will severely limit us in future years.... Especially if he doesn't take the next step which is improving his offensive game (free throw % mainly).

 

[nahnah]

Wes mathews is signing with Dallas regardless of his decision I read on Twitter, not sure about the others but I want the haywood for Crawford swap to happen