Opinion The NBA Thread

[Knightmare]

They will wheel out Curry in a wheelchair and park him beyond the arc if they have to, Curry will be back.

I expect v Spurs/Thunder that will be the attitude both Curry and the organisation will take, because without him they're not winning that series.

 

[wicksy]

Griffin & Paul out for the playoffs.... The Blazers just got a gift!!!

Be interesting to see what the organisation does now with many seeing 2015/16 as the last real shot at a title with the current group. Be sad to see it blown up!!

 

[Knightmare]

Griffin & Paul out for the playoffs.... The Blazers just got a gift!!!

Be interesting to see what the organisation does now with many seeing 2015/16 as the last real shot at a title with the current group. Be sad to see it blown up!!

It's a difficult situation for the Clippers.

You've got the Warriors with all time great roster with great chemistry that still is young enough to win for a long time. The only way they don't win the championship every year is if Curry gets hurt, or so it seems.

You've got the Spurs who remain great. Duncan and Ginobili probably go around again next year so they'll remain a contender and probably again that second best team in the NBA for another season.

Then you've got the Thunder with Durant and Westbrook who together keep the Thunder that clear 3rd team in the West, with Ibaka and Kanter also excellent components to that team. They're only going down if Durant leaves as a free agent, and that likely won't happen for at least another year if indeed it does happen, as Durant would make more money opting in for another season then leaving (possibly for the Warriors if they don't win the chip this year or next year).

The opportunities for the Clippers to become contending teams would be
1. If LeBron wins a championship this year or next year with the Cavs, he would then be free to team up with CP3, Mello and D.Wade. The super-friends part 2 could happen with the Clips (LeBron as free agent signs with Clips, D.Wade signs as free agent, Blake Griffen traded for Mello, with DeAndre probably that only other name player retained by the Clippers to give them a suitable anchor in the middle and on the defensive end) or could happen in a similar way in New York down the track.
2. If Durant fails to win a championship with the Thunder, after the 2016-2017 season he may look towards free agency. He may join the Warriors, but if he doesn't he may look to the Clippers and possibly bring his buddy Westbrook with him to the bigger market to see what he can achieve, or possibly the Lakers depending on who has the more appealing combination of pieces and organisation to join of the two.

In the Clippers situation I'd be looking to keep my ear to the ground and see if any of these situations look possible/likely/probable and make moves around these ideas to maintain the flexibility to make any of these situations a reality as only one of these situations resulting would bring a championship to the Clippers or even get the Clippers to the NBA finals realistically given the strength of those top Western teams.

--
Failing one of these situations if it is evident that there is zero chance of either of those situations happening. The Clippers probably would then need to look to split up the CP3 and Griffen combination, as they both on offense need the ball and need the play to run through them to play their best basketball, and the winning record of the Clippers this season indicated that without Griffen it was a much better team, and likely it has been a similar story in the past when CP3 has been hurt, that Griffen carried a greater load on offense and really thrived. Griffen in many respects needs to play alongside a point guard who prefers to play more off the ball.
A CP3 for Irving trade is the most logical if CP3 is moved and long term would keep the Clippers among the higher seeds out West, and maybe the Clippers could get a future pick or something extra out of it with CP3 the better player today.
A Griffen trade probably would be better and then look to gain a Serge Ibaka and something as an example in return (eg. Cameron Payne and Mitch McGary), with Ibaka probably a better fit alongside CP3 and DeAndre and Payne particularly very developable as one of the really underutilised rookies who probably didn't get enough of a shot.

 

[wicksy]

It's a difficult situation for the Clippers.

You've got the Warriors with all time great roster with great chemistry that still is young enough to win for a long time. The only way they don't win the championship every year is if Curry gets hurt, or so it seems.

You've got the Spurs who remain great. Duncan and Ginobili probably go around again next year so they'll remain a contender and probably again that second best team in the NBA for another season.

Then you've got the Thunder with Durant and Westbrook who together keep the Thunder that clear 3rd team in the West, with Ibaka and Kanter also excellent components to that team. They're only going down if Durant leaves as a free agent, and that likely won't happen for at least another year if indeed it does happen, as Durant would make more money opting in for another season then leaving (possibly for the Warriors if they don't win the chip this year or next year).

The opportunities for the Clippers to become contending teams would be
1. If LeBron wins a championship this year or next year with the Cavs, he would then be free to team up with CP3, Mello and D.Wade. The super-friends part 2 could happen with the Clips (LeBron as free agent signs with Clips, D.Wade signs as free agent, Blake Griffen traded for Mello, with DeAndre probably that only other name player retained by the Clippers to give them a suitable anchor in the middle and on the defensive end) or could happen in a similar way in New York down the track.
2. If Durant fails to win a championship with the Thunder, after the 2016-2017 season he may look towards free agency. He may join the Warriors, but if he doesn't he may look to the Clippers and possibly bring his buddy Westbrook with him to the bigger market to see what he can achieve, or possibly the Lakers depending on who has the more appealing combination of pieces and organisation to join of the two.

In the Clippers situation I'd be looking to keep my ear to the ground and see if any of these situations look possible/likely/probable and make moves around these ideas to maintain the flexibility to make any of these situations a reality as only one of these situations resulting would bring a championship to the Clippers or even get the Clippers to the NBA finals realistically given the strength of those top Western teams.

--
Failing one of these situations if it is evident that there is zero chance of either of those situations happening. The Clippers probably would then need to look to split up the CP3 and Griffen combination, as they both on offense need the ball and need the play to run through them to play their best basketball, and the winning record of the Clippers this season indicated that without Griffen it was a much better team, and likely it has been a similar story in the past when CP3 has been hurt, that Griffen carried a greater load on offense and really thrived. Griffen in many respects needs to play alongside a point guard who prefers to play more off the ball.
A CP3 for Irving trade is the most logical if CP3 is moved and long term would keep the Clippers among the higher seeds out West, and maybe the Clippers could get a future pick or something extra out of it with CP3 the better player today.
A Griffen trade probably would be better and then look to gain a Serge Ibaka and something as an example in return (eg. Cameron Payne and Mitch McGary), with Ibaka probably a better fit alongside CP3 and DeAndre and Payne particularly very developable as one of the really underutilised rookies who probably didn't get enough of a shot.

Nice analysis as always mate.
I do feel bad that I can't respond with such length.

Honestly, as good as that dream team might be, I just hate to see the back of Blake and I would love for him to remain the face of the team but i'm afraid that for team success, you're probably right that he is the one that leaves.

What does a bench look like with that team? Obviously we'd be paying maximum salary taxes!!

I honestly feel like we could beat Thunder/Spurs with our current list IF our bench kept up their recent form. Maybe i'm being biased but we always take it up to the Spurs even with our bench floundering. The Thunder do seem to have the wood over us but it's not as uneven a contest as results may suggest. Just shattered that we'll never find out.

How are you feeling about your Bulls? Terrible season this year which was quite unexpected. I sensed a drop but not by that much.

 

[Knightmare]

Nice analysis as always mate.
I do feel bad that I can't respond with such length.

Honestly, as good as that dream team might be, I just hate to see the back of Blake and I would love for him to remain the face of the team but i'm afraid that for team success, you're probably right that he is the one that leaves.

What does a bench look like with that team? Obviously we'd be paying maximum salary taxes!!

I honestly feel like we could beat Thunder/Spurs with our current list IF our bench kept up their recent form. Maybe i'm being biased but we always take it up to the Spurs even with our bench floundering. The Thunder do seem to have the wood over us but it's not as uneven a contest as results may suggest. Just shattered that we'll never find out.

How are you feeling about your Bulls? Terrible season this year which was quite unexpected. I sensed a drop but not by that much.

The LeBron and friends super (Clippers) team?

It would much like the super-friends with the Heat be filled with be filled with veterans who are willing to sign for the minimum or near minimum.

Paul Pierce given the salary he is on could stay. Cole Aldrich and Wesley Johnson maybe. Jamal Crawford or Kevin Martin as 6th man types would be good starting points. Maybe a Josh Smith, Michael Beasley etc undervalued type could be added at the 4 if someone like that can be had for the minimum. Perhaps an Aaron Brooks as an undervalued point guard. Varajao maybe. Mo Williams the Cavs would probably ship to you for free and as an off-ball type point guard would be a suitable compliment with all these ball-dominant types. Amare, Gerald Green and Joe Johnson from the Heat would be very gettable. Carlos Boozer if he wants to go around again is a good veteran piece. So there are enough veterans out there who can be had on the cheap and play a pretty good role.

An example Clippers team with LeBron and crew could be:
C: DeAndre
PF: Mello
SF: LeBron
SG: D.Wade
PG: CP3
BENCH:
Cole Aldrich
Amare
Boozer
Paul Pierce
Wesley Johnson
Jamal Crawford/Kevin Martin
Joe Johnson
Aaron Brooks
Mo Williams

As a rotation if the veterans stay healthy enough, that would be a fun team to watch.

Or if a Griffen trade happens maybe the Clippers end up with something more like:
C: DeAndre Jordan
PF: Serge Ibaka (via Thunder)
SF: Jeff Green
SG: JJ Redick
PG: Chris Paul
BENCH:
Cole Aldrich
Mitch McGary (via Thunder)
Branden Dawson
Paul Pierce
CJ Wilcox
Jamal Crawford
Austin Rivers
Cameron Payne (via Thunder)
Clippers 1st round pick

Ibaka relatively is better off-ball and has the same shooting range as Griffen. The bonus with Ibaka is on the defensive end he is better without anything lost on offense.

Griffen isn't an ideal fit for the Thunder as with the Clippers, but with the looming threat that Durant and Westbrook leave, they'll go desperate and if the option is there bring in the home town hero and look to add further star power to what already is a group with too many guys who need the ball.

--

As for the Bulls. Gasol is gone. Noah the organisation are saying that will look to bring back which I'm stoked about because he is even with health concerns in my view the most important Bull to winning, both on leadership value to teammates as well as on-court value with what he does defensively, he is such an incredible difference maker.

I never supported the Thibs firing, and I also want Gar/Pax in the front office to stay. With where things are at I'd prefer to cut Hoiberg and bring in Luke Walton as coach. Hoiberg I look at as mediocre but Walton which isn't good enough for an organisation wanting to play playoff basketball, but Walton I like everything I hear from and about. Thinking and seeing 2, 3, 4 steps ahead, guys talk about him like he saw more than coaches as a player and I saw some of that with his coaching of Golden State. Ultimately though I see Walton either staying with Golden State or moving to LA (Lakers) where he lives and played his career over the Bulls. But I'd explore that anyway if at all possible.

My big thing for the Bulls is I view rebuilding as the worst thing that could be done, with trading a Butler as an example just resulting in a bunch of picks who won't be able to match Butler's impact. Injuries have kept the Bulls from being competitive for some years now, but even with Rose, Butler, Noah, Gibson and recent picks (Mirotic, McDermott, Portis etc), I like the Bulls still as a top 4 seed in the East if that group can stay healthy. The young pieces I look at as very developable and I give the Bulls a shot to continue their strong drafting with another probably good draft day selection and the Bulls probably take on more smart smaller salaries without overpaying high level player (which I personally like as it avoids bad contracts).

--

On a side note relating to the draft. Ben Simmons will go either pick 1/2 with Brandon Ingram the other contender. Buddy Hield is also terrific and looks like he'll be an incredible selection for a team with his 3 point shooting.

Also of note is Thon Maker entering this years NBA draft. While he didn't play College Basketball he is old enough to enter and the NBA have allowed it. Maker may feature late 1st or perhaps somewhere in the 2nd round as a fairly hidden talent who has been in Canada the past few years. With small hands for a big man it is unclear whether Maker will make the grade, with big hands so critical for bigs in the NBA to getting boards and blocks (see Kwame Brown for small hand problems in bigs).

Simmons can be good, not great, but he will be a starter for a team and has All-Star potential as something like a taller LeBron at the 4 but without as same physical strength, athleticism or shooting ability.

 

[sirlothie]

I expect v Spurs/Thunder that will be the attitude both Curry and the organisation will take, because without him they're not winning that series.

I wouldn't write them off just yet based on today's performance. Warriors have actually gone better without Curry in recent times.

 

[sirlothie]

The LeBron and friends super (Clippers) team?

It would much like the super-friends with the Heat be filled with be filled with veterans who are willing to sign for the minimum or near minimum.

Paul Pierce given the salary he is on could stay. Cole Aldrich and Wesley Johnson maybe. Jamal Crawford or Kevin Martin as 6th man types would be good starting points. Maybe a Josh Smith, Michael Beasley etc undervalued type could be added at the 4 if someone like that can be had for the minimum. Perhaps an Aaron Brooks as an undervalued point guard. Varajao maybe. Mo Williams the Cavs would probably ship to you for free and as an off-ball type point guard would be a suitable compliment with all these ball-dominant types. Amare, Gerald Green and Joe Johnson from the Heat would be very gettable. Carlos Boozer if he wants to go around again is a good veteran piece. So there are enough veterans out there who can be had on the cheap and play a pretty good role.

An example Clippers team with LeBron and crew could be:
C: DeAndre
PF: Mello
SF: LeBron
SG: D.Wade
PG: CP3
BENCH:
Cole Aldrich
Amare
Boozer
Paul Pierce
Wesley Johnson
Jamal Crawford/Kevin Martin
Joe Johnson
Aaron Brooks
Mo Williams

As a rotation if the veterans stay healthy enough, that would be a fun team to watch.

Or if a Griffen trade happens maybe the Clippers end up with something more like:
C: DeAndre Jordan
PF: Serge Ibaka (via Thunder)
SF: Jeff Green
SG: JJ Redick
PG: Chris Paul
BENCH:
Cole Aldrich
Mitch McGary (via Thunder)
Branden Dawson
Paul Pierce
CJ Wilcox
Jamal Crawford
Austin Rivers
Cameron Payne (via Thunder)
Clippers 1st round pick

Ibaka relatively is better off-ball and has the same shooting range as Griffen. The bonus with Ibaka is on the defensive end he is better without anything lost on offense.

Griffen isn't an ideal fit for the Thunder as with the Clippers, but with the looming threat that Durant and Westbrook leave, they'll go desperate and if the option is there bring in the home town hero and look to add further star power to what already is a group with too many guys who need the ball.

--

As for the Bulls. Gasol is gone. Noah the organisation are saying that will look to bring back which I'm stoked about because he is even with health concerns in my view the most important Bull to winning, both on leadership value to teammates as well as on-court value with what he does defensively, he is such an incredible difference maker.

I never supported the Thibs firing, and I also want Gar/Pax in the front office to stay. With where things are at I'd prefer to cut Hoiberg and bring in Luke Walton as coach. Hoiberg I look at as mediocre but Walton which isn't good enough for an organisation wanting to play playoff basketball, but Walton I like everything I hear from and about. Thinking and seeing 2, 3, 4 steps ahead, guys talk about him like he saw more than coaches as a player and I saw some of that with his coaching of Golden State. Ultimately though I see Walton either staying with Golden State or moving to LA (Lakers) where he lives and played his career over the Bulls. But I'd explore that anyway if at all possible.

My big thing for the Bulls is I view rebuilding as the worst thing that could be done, with trading a Butler as an example just resulting in a bunch of picks who won't be able to match Butler's impact. Injuries have kept the Bulls from being competitive for some years now, but even with Rose, Butler, Noah, Gibson and recent picks (Mirotic, McDermott, Portis etc), I like the Bulls still as a top 4 seed in the East if that group can stay healthy. The young pieces I look at as very developable and I give the Bulls a shot to continue their strong drafting with another probably good draft day selection and the Bulls probably take on more smart smaller salaries without overpaying high level player (which I personally like as it avoids bad contracts).

--

On a side note relating to the draft. Ben Simmons will go either pick 1/2 with Brandon Ingram the other contender. Buddy Hield is also terrific and looks like he'll be an incredible selection for a team with his 3 point shooting.

Also of note is Thon Maker entering this years NBA draft. While he didn't play College Basketball he is old enough to enter and the NBA have allowed it. Maker may feature late 1st or perhaps somewhere in the 2nd round as a fairly hidden talent who has been in Canada the past few years. With small hands for a big man it is unclear whether Maker will make the grade, with big hands so critical for bigs in the NBA to getting boards and blocks (see Kwame Brown for small hand problems in bigs).

Simmons can be good, not great, but he will be a starter for a team and has All-Star potential as something like a taller LeBron at the 4 but without as same physical strength, athleticism or shooting ability.

That's way too much talent on one team. It's basically the All Star team right there.

 

[Knightmare]

I wouldn't write them off just yet based on today's performance. Warriors have actually gone better without Curry in recent times.

If it's the Warriors v the Spurs I'd write them off completely without Curry. V the Thunder, more plausible though they'd more likely push than beat the Thunder in a series.

The Warriors have won their last two games v Houston convincingly (without Curry, or more accurately in game 4 the first half with Curry which was even and then blew Houston away without Curry in the second half). In saying that without Curry they also lost to the dysfunctional Rockets, and the Rockets are truly awful as a team unable to defend and unwilling to share the basketball, move it on offense, or move on offense.

With Curry shooting 50% from the field, 45% from 3 and 90% from the FT line all at such high volumes. The only thing the Warriors can be is significantly worse without Curry. Even defensively Curry is very good with high steals but also very good team and individual defence. Basketball breakdown a few weeks ago did a terrific video on youtube breaking down Curry's defense, demonstrating how effective he is on that end of the floor.

Probably much like the difference between the 95-96 Jordan Bulls and the 1993-1994 Bulls, the Warriors without Curry would remain very capable as the 93-94 Bulls were without MJ, but not a championship teams let alone an all time best standard team as the Warriors have proven with Curry to be.

That's way too much talent on one team. It's basically the All Star team right there.

With the new tv money salary caps will expand so significantly that super teams of this kind will form more easily than ever before.

 

[nahnah]

Let there be threes

 

[Knightmare]

JR Smith continues to get underrated. He can lack inconsistency but as an off the ball 3pt shooter, that percentage and volume suggests he is a clear starter.

 

[danielnajdek]

Cavs looking good. If they can keep up that 3 point shooting they have a chance against anyone.

 

[sirlothie]

Cavs looking good. If they can keep up that 3 point shooting they have a chance against anyone.

They won't outshoot Golden State.

 

[danielnajdek]

They won't outshoot Golden State.

Most likely not. But hope they keep shooting well. Will be good to watch.

 

[nahnah]

They won't outshoot Golden State.

They will out shoot a golden state team with curry on one leg though

 

[sirlothie]

They will out shoot a golden state team with curry on one leg though

Still don't reckon they will. Cavs will have to be red hot and GSW cold, will that happen 4 times in 7 games? I don't think so.

But can GSW get over the Spurs first is another question. But I think Curry will be alright for that series, he will get through and you don't have to be 100% to play his game, his penetration game might struggle but he will have no problem jacking up 3's. If he doesn't kill you, Thompson will. It's the best 1-2 punch going around.

 

[nahnah]

Still don't reckon they will. Cavs will have to be red hot and GSW cold, will that happen 4 times in 7 games? I don't think so.

But can GSW get over the Spurs first is another question. But I think Curry will be alright for that series, he will get through and you don't have to be 100% to play his game, his penetration game might struggle but he will have no problem jacking up 3's. If he doesn't kill you, Thompson will. It's the best 1-2 punch going around.

Cavs are the only team ever to make 15 threes in a game 4 games in a row...they did it vs the second best defense in the NBA this season and in the playoffs... They can shoot the ball just as well as anyone ever.

 

[Knightmare]

Cavs looking good. If they can keep up that 3 point shooting they have a chance against anyone.

When you play in the East it's not hard to look good.

The Cavs look a lot better through this playoff series though. Love and Irving are putting up buckets and playing with much better chemistry than during the season. JR Smith has been very good for the most part.

The Cavs can win a few games in the finals again, and push the Warriors/Spurs and make it an interesting series.

 

[nahnah]

Spurs are out!
5 teams left

 

[wicksy]

On Tim Duncan's 40th birthday.

CP3 and Steph out injured.

Good work Timmy.

It's lucky Duncan has more class in his big toe than you're entire being - judging by that comment.
I now hope the Spurs get obliterated.

 

[mattys123]

I'll just leave this here.

The most gracious, loyal, respectful athlete I've seen in my time of following sport. If his career did end today there's not a bad word that can be spkken about the great Tim Duncan.

 

[wicksy]

I'll just leave this here.

The most gracious, loyal, respectful athlete I've seen in my time of following sport. If his career did end today there's not a bad word that can be spkken about the great Tim Duncan.

Hey I love the man.... Has had quite the career and personally I hope he goes on.

This is not the point.
You rejoiced in the fact that CP and SC were injured.... I told you that wasn't on and that I hoped the Spurs failed.

They did......




......Bad luck!

 

[sirlothie]

I think its time to put the house on GSW...

 

[nahnah]

if okc can somehow beat the Warriors the cavs could go 16-0 in playoffs... If you don't believe me look up the past 20 times cavs have played thunder.. With or without lebron

 

[Knightmare]

Cleveland will be praying for OKC.

If Curry remains healthy it's hard to see either OKC or Cleveland taking them to 7.

 

[wicksy]

Woahhhh...... NahNah cancelled his account? What the hell happened there?!