Topic: NBA Discussion

[SandyShore]

To me I dont see how its boring when there is quality basketball on display.

The only fans who think the current NBA is boring, the fans of the sides who have no chance of winning the title.

Looking forward to draft now, hopefully my Lakers select Lonzo otherwise Magic would of already made a terrible start as team pres.

[elsewhere]

The only fans who think the current NBA is boring, the fans of the sides who have no chance of winning the title.

Looking forward to draft now, hopefully my Lakers select Lonzo otherwise Magic would of already made a terrible start as team pres.

You are right in both opinions. By the way, i think it's certain you'll get him, i keep reading "Lakers are not sure, they have concerns for Lonzo's conditioning" etc news but i think they say that to make sure Boston doesn't pick him as #1. That being said, it will be interesting how you guys handle his big mouth dad.

[LiverLuke]

didn't manage to catch a single game of the finals, recorded last nights, is it worth watching with knowing the result?

[Garrus]

I suppose the league is boring in the sense that we seemingly know who's going to be in the Finals for the next couple of years. But the Finals were great fun to watch I thought, the level was unbelievable.

Well played, Golden State.

[Lastrador]

Currently 3 of the 4 best players of both Warriors and Cavs ( teams who made the finals last 3 years) is through drafting.

Warriors drafted Curry, Klay and Green; signed Durant in offseason. Cavs drafted Lebron, Kyrie and Tristan Thompson and got Kevin Love from a trade (gave away their 2014 #1 pick). So, good recruiting can do miracles in this league imo.

You forgot to mention one very important thing that's is the main reason why they are so stacked, that is Curry's contract. He is paid less than Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith for example, the reason being that he had some bad injury problems on his ankles on his first few seasons and so was signed on the cheap. This is obviously going to change this summer when he signs a new deal but that's what let them build that ridiculous roster.

[Garrus]

Downtown Josh Brown‏  @ReformedBroker
NBA champion Warriors skipping the White House visit, as a unanimous team decision per reports.

I'd send Matt Barnes.

[elsewhere]

You forgot to mention one very important thing that's is the main reason why they are so stacked, that is Curry's contract. He is paid less than Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith for example, the reason being that he had some bad injury problems on his ankles on his first few seasons and so was signed on the cheap. This is obviously going to change this summer when he signs a new deal but that's what let them build that ridiculous roster.

Absolutely. That increase in new CBA helped a lot. Come to think of it, i would go ahead and say that if Cavs kept Wiggins along with Lebron and Kyrie it could have been better because following year with the increase, they would be able to sign a star FA anyways.

[Shaved Crossbar]

Lonzo is great but I'd much rather have Fultz as a Laker fan.

Lonzo-DLo is a nightmare on defence. Fultz is agile and quick so you have stuff to work with but Lonzo is too slow and cumbersome to work on D alongside DLo. Fultz is also the closest thing to a guaranteed all star in this draft; and if he doesn't quite reach superstar levels, the Lakers could always attract a player of that calibre in free agency.

If I'm Minny, I go Ball. If I'm Philly, I go Ball. Anybody else should pick Fultz though.

[Gods_Left_Boot]

Lonzo is great but I'd much rather have Fultz as a Laker fan.

Lonzo-DLo is a nightmare on defence. Fultz is agile and quick so you have stuff to work with but Lonzo is too slow and cumbersome to work on D alongside DLo. Fultz is also the closest thing to a guaranteed all star in this draft; and if he doesn't quite reach superstar levels, the Lakers could always attract a player of that calibre in free agency.

If I'm Minny, I go Ball. If I'm Philly, I go Ball. Anybody else should pick Fultz though.

Philly needs outside shooting, preferably someone who doesn't need the ball a lot to do damage. If/when Joel plays, his usage rate is extremely high, and apparently they're still planning to mould Simmons into a point forward. They can't afford to have another ball dominant player, especially with the concerns about Lonzo's shooting mechanics. Someone like Malik Monk from Kentucky would be a perfect fit for them, from the little amount of NCAA I've seen this year, but looking at most mock drafts 3 seems to be a bit high for him, most people have him in the 6-10 range.

[elsewhere]

Lonzo is great but I'd much rather have Fultz as a Laker fan.

Lonzo-DLo is a nightmare on defence. Fultz is agile and quick so you have stuff to work with but Lonzo is too slow and cumbersome to work on D alongside DLo. Fultz is also the closest thing to a guaranteed all star in this draft; and if he doesn't quite reach superstar levels, the Lakers could always attract a player of that calibre in free agency.

If I'm Minny, I go Ball. If I'm Philly, I go Ball. Anybody else should pick Fultz though.

I have a feeling once they get a good offer, they won't keep D'Angelo Russell. I assume prior to Paul George's arrival, so this is his last year unless he is traded after All star game. He had his chances anyways. Just how did thr Lakers fck it up by not drafting Porzingis (thank Lord it didn't happen)

[Romeo Sensini]

Philly needs outside shooting, preferably someone who doesn't need the ball a lot to do damage. If/when Joel plays, his usage rate is extremely high, and apparently they're still planning to mould Simmons into a point forward. They can't afford to have another ball dominant player, especially with the concerns about Lonzo's shooting mechanics. Someone like Malik Monk from Kentucky would be a perfect fit for them, from the little amount of NCAA I've seen this year, but looking at most mock drafts 3 seems to be a bit high for him, most people have him in the 6-10 range.

A shooter is really needed. Simmons' shot is already sketchy. A lot of the fans like Fox, but his shooting terrifies me. If Simmons is going to be the primary ball handler, someone needs to be at least some bit of a threat on the perimeter. I think I would be fine with any of Lonzo, Jackson, or Smith Jr. Open to taking Monk at three even if it is a reach.

If Lonzo is still there at three, I would take him. His release is slow, but he seems to have range and a decent stepback to create some space. The passing in a Simmons, Saric, Ball line-up would be awesome to watch.

[Lynndenberries]

didn't manage to catch a single game of the finals, recorded last nights, is it worth watching with knowing the result?

I would recommend watching it. I am biased since I am a Warriors fan, but I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

[Shaved Crossbar]

Philly needs outside shooting, preferably someone who doesn't need the ball a lot to do damage. If/when Joel plays, his usage rate is extremely high, and apparently they're still planning to mould Simmons into a point forward. They can't afford to have another ball dominant player, especially with the concerns about Lonzo's shooting mechanics. Someone like Malik Monk from Kentucky would be a perfect fit for them, from the little amount of NCAA I've seen this year, but looking at most mock drafts 3 seems to be a bit high for him, most people have him in the 6-10 range.

Lonzo isn't ball dominant at all... his usage rate is historically low and his TS% is the highest of any college guard recorded. He's all about quick facilitating and movement. The main problem for him on offense is creating his own shot (he doesn't do well inside the paint at all) and if his spot up shot doesn't translate to the NBA then you're looking at a slightly better Ricky Rubio on offense with worse defense. But he won't have to be creating his own shot if he's on the Sixers, because Simmons, Embiid, Saric is enough attacking options. Lonzo's spot up shooting is great too, but obviously there's the hoohaa about if it transfers or not.

Monk would be a good fit for Philly too, fwiw. And you're right, he's high at 3, I'd probably trade down if I was Philly. There isn't enough difference between 3 and 7/8 really, and I really don't want to be a team that's taking Josh Jackson at 3.

[Shaved Crossbar]

I have a feeling once they get a good offer, they won't keep D'Angelo Russell. I assume prior to Paul George's arrival, so this is his last year unless he is traded after All star game. He had his chances anyways. Just how did thr Lakers fck it up by not drafting Porzingis (thank Lord it didn't happen)

I'm not sure they will get a good offer for DLo, but he has shown signs of improvement tbf.

[elsewhere]

I would recommend watching it. I am biased since I am a Warriors fan, but I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

God knows i was sweating when the lead went down to 2 from 16

[elsewhere]

Downtown Josh Brown‏  @ReformedBroker
NBA champion Warriors skipping the White House visit, as a unanimous team decision per reports.

We should send Draymond there alone

[Lynndenberries]

God knows i was sweating when the lead went down to 2 from 16

Honestly. It took until about the two minute mark in the 4th quarter before I calmed down.

[Doc Red]

As a Raps fan I didn't really give a shit which team won the finals, I didn't see any of the games and haven't really read about them either. Congrats to the Warriors but I'm looking forward to a time when more than 2 teams can actually compete to win it all again.

Couldn't agree more.

To me I dont see how its boring when there is quality basketball on display.

Only in the Finals. The playoffs were dire before (for me at least).
Cavs and Warriors went 28-1 on the way to the Finals matchup.
Here's hoping one of the Eastern teams can push the Cavs to 6 games next season.

[elsewhere]

News..

Warriors Confident Steve Kerr Will Coach In 17-18

Warriors Have Yet To Make Decision On Visiting White House

Celtics Not In 'Punt Mode' But Not Interested In Short-Term Moves

Rockets May 'Up Risk Profile, Get Even More Aggressive' To Compete With Warriors

Game 5 Draws Highest Rating Since 1998

David Blatt Finalizing Return To Maccabi Tel Aviv

Warriors Trying To Trade Into Draft

Pair Of Game 5 Tickets Sold For NBA-Record $133,000

Wolves Expected To Pursue Jrue Holiday, George Hill, Jeff Teague

[GreatEx]

Cavs-Warriors destroying the rest of the league is awesome, just like the Premier League was at its best when Man Utd and Arsenal won 20 consecutive titles or whatever the fuck it was.

[IanZG]

Game 6 Draws Highest Rating Since 1998

Errrrrm...

[elsewhere]

Errrrrm...

Haha, my bad, supposed to be Game 5 obviously.

[IanZG]

Haha, my bad, supposed to be Game 5 obviously.

Thought as much Was scared that all the Cavs in 9 jokes were for real and I missed the game...

[Garrus]

Cavs-Warriors destroying the rest of the league is awesome, just like the Premier League was at its best when Man Utd and Arsenal won 20 consecutive titles or whatever the fuck it was.

Well, at least in basketball this present dominance can't be sustained for much longer. Just an exceptional set of circumstances.

[LFC_1981]

Here's hoping one of the Eastern teams can push the Cavs to 6 games next season.

Chicago Bulls.

[elsewhere]

Adam Silver has supported the idea of the Warriors-Cavs dominance saying that NBA fans want to watch excellence, and they proved that by tuning into these Finals with record ratings.

Silver told Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post that the Warriors aren't a problem for the NBA, the rest of the league needs to catch up.

"Rather than focusing on the top of the league, we should be focusing on the rest of the league," Silver said.  "Rather than talking about how to break up or knock down a championship-caliber team, my focus should be on how we do a better job developing more great players in this league."

The Warriors built this juggernaut with three of their top four players coming in the draft, and none of them were a top-5 pick.

"And yes, an incredible free agent was added to that squad," Silver said. "All the focus seems to be on, 'They're too good' as opposed to, 'What is it we should be doing to create more great teams in this league?' That's what my response is."

"Let's create more great teams, rather than completely focus on one incredible team and whether that's seemingly unfair to the other team. I think it's the nature of competition. Ultimately, it's about raising the bar for all the teams in this league and celebrating excellence."

[elsewhere]

I agree with him. Gsw had 73 wins from a team they drafted, that's his point. The same team that won championship earlier. They added 1 free agent and actually had less wins but won the championship. The Knicks had multiple all stars and couldn't do crap, same for the nets, or the clippers.

[elsewhere]

Top 10 Free Agents & Teams Interested in Them:

Player Name (Teams Interested)
1. Kevin Durant (GSW)
2. Stephen Curry (GSW)
3. Chris Paul (SAS, LAC)
4. Blake Griffin (BOS, LAL, LAC, OKC)
5. Gordon Hayward (BOS, MIA, UTA)
6. Kyle Lowry (SAS, PHI, TOR)
7. Paul Millsap (MIA, POR, ATL)
8. Dwyane Wade (CHI)
9. Jrue Holiday (NYK, DAL, NOP)
10. Danilo Gallinari (MIA, BOS, DEN)

[elsewhere]

Warriors Will Offer Full Five-Year $205M Max To Stephen Curry

The Golden State Warriors are prepared to do everything possible to re-sign Stephen Curry in free agency.

Curry is eligible for a five-year, $205 million extension this offseason.

"We're going to do whatever it takes to keep Steph here and happy," Joe Lacob said. "And I know he wants to be here and we want him here. So, I do not anticipate any issues with him staying."

Curry signed a four-year, $44 million extension with the Warriors in 2012.

Curry indicated during the season that he can't see himself playing for another team.

TIM KAWAKAMI/SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS

[elsewhere]

By the way, how stupid is it that NBA has named the Finals MVP but still no regular season MVP?

Doing this after the season is dusted just takes out all the momentum, i think many fans won't even know about the award winners until the start of next season. They should have kept it the way it was and release all the selections during the playoffs. Pushing it so far just made it lose all the excitement, at least in my opinion. I truly hope they won't do it again next season. Many people even forgot about this whole thing.

For those who don't know, regular season awards will take place on 26th of June on a nationally televised telecast on TNT.

[Buggy Eyes Alfredo]

Draymond and LeBron are hilariously having a go at each other today.   

[LFC_1981]

Yeah was funny.

[deFacto please, you bastards]

Draymond and LeBron are hilariously having a go at each other today.   

Was hillarious.

For those who have no idea

Draymond was wearing a shirt today at their parade with the word 'Quickie'' and with the trophy on it. To which Lebron responded by posting a picture of that shirt and saying ''that's what she said''

Draymond got the last word in saying that the dubs made Lebron go bald, and congratulated him


I'm delighted that Bron has finally said good bye to his hair and shaved that shit off. Now if only KD would follow suit.

[Romeo Sensini]

Draymond is a solid heel. Not enough of them in the modern game.

[Broad Spectrum]

I know a bit late, watched the highlights and some post-match reaction, but just watched the full game then. Well done to the warriors, and how can you not love KD! I imagine he won't be going anywhere after this.

[Gods_Left_Boot]

Strong rumours about the Sixers trading up to the top pick in the draft. In return Boston would get at least the third pick and a future first rounder.

[PeterTheRed ...]

Strong rumours about the Sixers trading up to the top pick in the draft. In return Boston would get at least the third pick and a future first rounder.

The latest reports suggest that the future pick from Philadelphia will be Lakers' 2018 first round pick (unprotected). If that is true, Danny Ainge is only confirming his status as a genius. Boston will be getting Josh Jackson at No.3 in this year's draft, and they will hold Brooklyn's and Lakers' first round picks in 2018. Insane.

[Gods_Left_Boot]

The latest reports suggest that the future pick from Philadelphia will be Lakers' 2018 first round pick (unprotected). If that is true, Danny Ainge is only confirming his status as a genius. Boston will be getting Josh Jackson at No.3 in this year's draft, and they will hold Brooklyn's and Lakers' first round picks in 2018. Insane.

It's a tricky spot for the Celtics, cause on the one hand they would acquire amazing draft capital for the next year or two that could be great down the road, but at the same time they have a good current nucleus that has an expiration date within the next two or three years, especially if they fail to sign Hayward in the summer or if they (making a mistake in my opinion) end up signing Griffin.

Horford doesn't have more than a couple of years left in the tank at the top level, Bradley will bet PAID whether it's by the C's or by someone else, and then there's the issue of Isiah's new contract. You either pay 40M a year for a 5'9" guy until he's in his mid 30s or you decide to deal away your best player who's on an expiring contract.

[Romeo Sensini]

It's a tricky spot for the Celtics, cause on the one hand they would acquire amazing draft capital for the next year or two that could be great down the road, but at the same time they have a good current nucleus that has an expiration date within the next two or three years, especially if they fail to sign Hayward in the summer or if they (making a mistake in my opinion) end up signing Griffin.

Horford doesn't have more than a couple of years left in the tank at the top level, Bradley will bet PAID whether it's by the C's or by someone else, and then there's the issue of Isiah's new contract. You either pay 40M a year for a 5'9" guy until he's in his mid 30s or you decide to deal away your best player who's on an expiring contract.

I'm with you. Still trying to interpret the Celtics end game here. If their intention is to package those picks for Butler, I would call it a solid deal. It seems like by passing on Fultz, they are committing to Isiah long term. Too early to tell.

I would be pretty excited if the Sixers retain their players and can get Fultz for just an additional pick. In the end, this might be a good deal for both teams.

[PeterTheRed ...]

It's a tricky spot for the Celtics, cause on the one hand they would acquire amazing draft capital for the next year or two that could be great down the road, but at the same time they have a good current nucleus that has an expiration date within the next two or three years, especially if they fail to sign Hayward in the summer or if they (making a mistake in my opinion) end up signing Griffin.

Horford doesn't have more than a couple of years left in the tank at the top level, Bradley will bet PAID whether it's by the C's or by someone else, and then there's the issue of Isiah's new contract. You either pay 40M a year for a 5'9" guy until he's in his mid 30s or you decide to deal away your best player who's on an expiring contract.

Well, it is safe to say that Ainge has put himself in a very good position. He is a top deal maker, so having all those assets would give him a hell of an advantage in the trade market, and getting Butler via trade might be a more realistic prospect now. With Johnson, Jerebko, Olynyk and their combined $20 million contracts off the books this summer, Ainge will have the chance to explore the free agent market and add to his core of Thomas, Horford, Bradley, Crowder and Smart. I agree that Hayward would be a great addition to this Celtics team, and would probably get them very close to the Cavs. I am also not so sure about Griffin, mostly because of his injuries in recent seasons, but if he can remain fit, his athleticism could be a huge asset for them.