We had a pretty good NBA discussion thread back on WZ, let's keep it going.
Who do you have for Rookie of the Year?
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We had a pretty good NBA discussion thread back on WZ, let's keep it going.
Who do you have for Rookie of the Year?
Fultz.
By the way, I hate Houston and Toronto.
I really hate James Harden and the Rockets. I just want them to lose and I'd like to see a healthy OKC vs. a healthy Golden State in a playoff match-up.
Ben Simmons is easily the Rookie of the Year, yes?
Not a big NBA fan these days honestly but I try to keep up and will definitely catch some playoff action.
And let me just say again, I hate James Harden.
I hope you're joking about Fultz.
I used to hate Houston. Now I'm fairly indifferent. I'd actually take them over GSW or OKC at this point. Don't know how you can hate the Raptors, they're the lil' engine that could in my eyes.
I'm with you on Ben Simmons. I think Mitchell over in Utah deserves a shout, he's a scoring machine, but the way Ben Simmons is able to see the game is INCREDIBLE for a rookie. I'm thinking he has the potential to be a once in a generation type player.
Doesn't matter why I can hate the Raptors. I just do not like them. They will always be the team that comes up short. Every year. Boston or Cleveland will prove how much Toronto is a choke artist and said teams will win the Eastern Conference championship.Quote:
I hope you're joking about Fultz.
I used to hate Houston. Now I'm fairly indifferent. I'd actually take them over GSW or OKC at this point. Don't know how you can hate the Raptors, they're the lil' engine that could in my eyes.
Now might be a bad time to bring up that I have Harden figured for MVP. I think LeBron SHOULD win it, but I think Harden will.
Really it could go either way for ROTY but I’m backing Simmons as well. I think obviously he averaged more in every other stat apart from points, but the reason why I pick Simmons is I think his contribution to Philly is more important than Mitchell’s when Utah is fully healthy. The East is weak and I know guys like Embiid/Reddick/Covington/good bench is part of is a lot of help as well, but 4th in the east is a hell of an effort for a team that were complete jokes for prettt much the last 5 years and Simmons is a major part of that. Very close but give it to the Aussie.
Lebron second half of the season has been out of this world but surely Harden is a lock and can’t be edged out. His team is first in the league, not that I like giving the MVP to the best team but if Harden wasn’t on this team would they be better than the Clippers? Harden has put up numbers all year, he got a 40 point 15 assist game like just last week. James is definitely out shining Harden since the all star break but that’s not saying Harden isn’t playing out of this world. If Lebron played like this the whole year and he didn’t go on a 19 game stretch where he had the worst plus/minus (again, it’s a pretty shit stat but also pretty telling for the best player in the world, their team wasn’t performing) in the league then I’d probably edge him over Harden, but Harden I thought should’ve won it last year and I think it was rough for him to not get it the year before as well when the Warriors went 73-9, Klay and Green were equally important to Warriors success that year but Curry just hit the big 3s. If anything just give it tin harden this year so it’s not another Kobe situation where they win it the year when they probably shouldn’t of.
Ben Simmons is really, really, really good.
Ben Simmons is going to be the next transcendent player of the NBA. Making several greatest lists, IMO. That is, of course, barring injury or stupid stuff. He's definitely talented and skilled enough. If he somehow develops an even halfway decent jumper, it'll be unfair to guard him.
... How bout them Bucks, and Wizards?
Get ready for the Warriors-Cavs part 4.
Lebron James, Jeez Louis. To put up 43 and 14 in any game is good, but to continue put up such ridiculous numbers and play at such a high level even after a 7 game series and then going to Toronto then playing on 1 days rest on a earlier than normal game is just insane. 19/28 from the floor as well, he is always so efficient when he goes for big scores. When will the throne be given to someone else? Bit of help from the teammates always helps. They are good enough to help him. I mean itâ??s probably his best overall team he has had if everyone played how they could/should (Jordan Clarkson takes more worse shots on this Cavs team than he did for the Lakers, dunno how that is allowed to happen).
Hahahaha ;). If he wins a title with the Lakers next year he will never not be GOAT.
Wow, Toronto looks like complete shit. Cavs sweeping that series in 4 games?
Remember when people use to foolishly claim LeBron wasn't clutch? So much for that...
^That, or Toronto is WAY overrated.
He's certainly been clutch in this series. I flipped over to the end of the game and saw him hit the floater. I had to stop myself from saying "of course he did".
My dad isn't a LeBron hater by any means, but like all old people he prefers to think the players of his generation are better, and his knock on LeBron has always been that he's not clutch.
Looking forward to chatting with him on the phone later about the NBA playoffs.
This CLE/TOR series proves a couple of things. Lebron is the Tom Brady of the NBA, as far as aging and health. The guy is going to play at a crazy level for years. It also proves TOR is garbage in the playoffs. Consistently.
Boom. Exactly agree.Quote:
It also proves TOR is garbage in the playoffs. Consistently.
Toronto won what 59 games in the regular season right? Home court advantage throughout the playoffs. 1st Round loses 2 games to the Wizards and are now down 3-0 in the second round. I admit, LeBron is very, very, very, good. No doubt. But no way do you bottom out both home games in game 1 and game 2.
I think that's just natural as people get older, that the newer generation is never as good. But when one stops to think about that concept objectively, ESPECIALLY in sports where nutrition and strength training are unmatched at any time in world history, one can see how silly that argument is.
The east has gone from really good competitive series in the opening round to the good old days of Lebron dominating
Yeah it’s probably time to take back the he’s not clutch statement anymore. The thing I loved about it most was that it was a drive. I know usually he doesn’t always get an open lane but I’m glad he didn’t do a step back 3 which use to be his go to move. I thought Raptors could only win game 1 and that’s because LeBron just played 7 games so I’m really not surprised it will be a sweep. Raptors just can’t get it done in isolation and their bench, which was claimed to be the best in the NBA is legit just guys with potential. Siakam, Vanderfleet, Wright (and Powell who isn’t playing) are not game changers and are just good role players. Raptors need either a better point guard (I love Lowry but just isn’t a second option) or get some game changers off the bench. Get Lou Will back maybe or get Gerald Green for some punch and finish t off with guys that could start on the lower teams (e.g Dieng, Smart, Jaymichael Green or whatever his first name is). It’s probably too late to do that and it would be better to ride with the younger guys, but that was always their problem.
You make a good point Sly about not appreciating the newer generation as much. Was MJ pretty universally recognised as the GOAT, or were there still people saying kareem, Magic, Bird, Wilt are better. I’m only mid 20s so don’t really know. Either way LeBron is the greatest of this generation and unfortunately for Kobe lovers like me, it’s not even close (well as close as many would think between the #1 and #2)
Just read a stat before though (this isn’t hating, I just find it interesting, because it’s jnot Lebrons fault). LeBron has only beaten eleven 50 win teams and has faced a team with a losing record or under .500 7 times. Compared to Kobe and Duncan who have never faced a under .500 team and Kobe has beaten a 50 win team 24 times. Something has gotta change in the East. Do you just give them a whole draft? I dunno hahaha.
Bit early but thinking of ideal offseason moves for a couple teams here.
Cousins would actually be an awesome fit for the Raptors. He could be a main option with Derosen, Lowry now becomes a third option which would be good and they also stretch the floor a bit more. Now the only way to get it done would be a sign and trade and I doubt Boogie wants to be in Canada so very unlikely, add in the fact that do Pelicans really get rid of Cousins. However Pelicans could get some nice young pieces, like Siakam or OG, who fit a position of need and donâ??t hurt the system at all. JVal would probably have to be in the deal, nice player to have off the bench or even have Mirotic come off the bench and slide Davis back to the 4.
Boston have a lot of assets and with rozier breaking out, they could make a play for Leonard (Davis as well if a pelicans werenâ??t balling). Does a package of Rozier, Hayward and a first rounder as the main pieces suit for Leonard? Probably not, Brown or Tatum would have to be in the deal I would imagine and it would be hard to give either up. Both are straight out ballers, but if you get a healthy Leonard to add to a combination of Irving/horford and two of Tatum/Hayward/Brown then you are a serious chance to beat the Warriors.
Letâ??s do a Knickâ??s one hey. Why wouldnâ??t Boogie and Kristap dominate in New York? Probably the only other combination of big men you could pair that would send as much fear to the league. DJ Jordan could work as well, need a good point as wel for the mean time. Would IT work? Someone might bank on him to be a 20 point player again and I canâ??t think of many teams that have the point guard spot available.
If Iâ??m Paul George I seriously consider staying with OKC and seeing if they can add anymore scoring to the bench. Iâ??m not sure I want him at Lakers. Heâ??s my second favourite player in the league but it means we probably get rid of Randle and Ingramâ??s development might stall. George would have to slide to the 2. In saying that a starting lineup of London/George/Ingram/Kuzma would be sexy.
You know, I hope someday soon my wife and I can conceive a child or two. Weâ??re trying, but itâ??s never a given. Assuming we do have at least one child, I do hope one day they can come home with a school test in hand, handing it to me, revealing a percentage grade of 37.5. At that point Iâ??m going to belt out the words, â??You fucking nailed it.â?
I remember a few months ago over at the other site we were talking about the playoffs and who we thought might be in it or win it and there were a few people saying that we were over looking Toronto. A lot of us said that they have a pattern.
Do those of you who were saying we were over looking Toronto see now? They do this time and again. Great in the regular season and horrible in the playoffs. It also doesn't help that LeBron himself KNOWS that he's in their heads and that he can beat them. That shot he made the other night was just unfair. It was like playing 2K with all of the sliders way up and playing on rookie difficulty. Ridiculous.
*Knock Knock* That's LeBron knocking on Jordan's door because he's getting ready to take over the GOAT position.
Also, on a side note, I told you all that the 76ers were scamming everyone. Their last six weeks of play can't be taken into account as to how they were going to fair in the playoffs. Why? Because during that time they mostly played non playoff teams. Sure they had a few tough teams sprinkled in there, but not many. Now everyone is seeing just how young and inexperienced they are and how horrible their coach is. The Celtics are young and inexperienced too, but Brad Stevens just might be the best coach in basketball right now.
Here's to hoping we see the Rockets and Cavs in the Finals.
Wow. Props to both the Celtics and Warriors taking care of business in both of their game one match ups. Rockets have zero answer for Durant, and the Celtics played great D on the Cavs. Holding LeBron to 15 points is remarkable.
Holding an uninterested and lethargic LeBron to 15 pts isn't anything to write home to Momma about. Now, let's see what they do in game 2. If they hold Bron under 20 in that game, then the Cavs are in trouble.
As for the Rockets/Warriors. I think it's high time that we accept the fact that this is the Warriors' league until they break up, get old, or something because they're really unbeatable. Let me explain: it looked like the Rockets got owned in game 1, but they really didn't play that bad. They had more rebounds than Golden State, shot just as many 3's, only had 2 more turnovers, and just little less assists. Harden had 41 pts and Cp3 had 23. If they had been playing anyone else in the league, they'd have won. I mean, what can we tell them to improve on? Don't turn the ball over as much? They only had 9 all game. That's not that bad. Get more 3's? They made 13. I guess they could get more production from their bench, but everyone could really use that.
Nope, I think it's over for the Rockets. They'd have to play 4 damn near perfect games to beat the Warriors in this series and it's not going to happen. The Warriors won, also, with only Durant and Thompson playing very well. Curry and Green didn't have good game at all. Go ahead and give the championship to the Dubs. They're going to be the best in the NBA for a long time to come.
Unless Bron joins the Rockets next season. Then we're talking.
^ I Don't disagree with you on either front. Your points are valid.
With sports betting becoming legal, a lot of people going to be raging when star players take a seat with 5 minutes to play and the 20 point margin that's covering the line suddenly drops to 10 and the 12.5 point line loses. Also expect the tv deals of all american sports to boom off it too. Sports betting companies will be trying to get customers hard and it'll be advertising galore.
How does sports betting work in america exactly? Why can only vegas do it? In australia I can make a bet any time of the day as long as my phone has access to the internet. I have five different accounts with betting agencies. I dont understand how you cant just download the app of say Bet365 in america and start betting
Boston 2, "The Land" 0.
LeBron played great though.
Don’t get used to him being in a Cavs jersey much longer. After he either loses to Boston or gets swept in the Finals, again, he’ll run off to play with a better team. Like all Kings do.
Can't blame him. Cleveland sucks.
Gosh I hope he goes to Houston. They'd be damn near unstoppable.
He'll go to L.A.
I don't know about that. I doubt he'll come to the West at all. If he goes anywhere it'll probably be the 76ers. If he does come out west, it'll definitely be with the Rockets cause he and CP3 are close.
Dang. 6ers would be stacked then.
If only the Sixers drafted Tatum instead of Fultz...
Yeah, and next month's NBA Draft, the 76er's have 6 picks!
If he leaves, I hope he goes to San Antonio. Would love to finally see him with a great coach.
I still say Warriors in 5
It's true that the Rockets played exactly how they needed to tonight to beat Golden State. They didn't have big games out of Harden or CP3, yet they shared the ball and everyone chipped in. More than that, they accepted that Durant is all but unstoppable and focused on stopping Thompson and Curry. They succeeded tonight, now can they replicate that? They out rebounded, had more assists, had fewer turnovers, and shot a higher percentage than Golden State. If they play like this they'll win, but I don't think it's sustainable.
We'll see.
I'm just sick of Golden State/Cleveland in the finals. Good win for the Rockets tonight though.
Nah, they could do a sign and trade with Aldridge and someone else. What choice would Cleveland have? Get nothing for him leaving?
Or, they could do the same thing, but replace San Antonio with Detroit, and Aldridge with Blake Griffin : ) A guy can hope....
Leonard is already gone from the spurs. Would love to know what really happened there because it was pretty clear towards the end that Leonard didnt want to play for the spurs
I can't see him leaving for the west though.
I’d be surprised if he went out West. It’s too hard.
In other news, is there anything on the planet that has a worse schedule than the NBA playoffs? It’s been a running joke for years.
Irving improving the celtics isnt a certainty. There's a reason that Lebron had to play bulk minutes in the finals last year and its because the cavs plus/minus turned to shit when Kyrie got control of the O. Celtics strength is in Brad Stevens drawing up plays, Kyrie works in the iso
I hate Cleveland.
<-- Born in Columbus.
It’s not even close. When teams like this year’s Raptors make the #1 seed, you’re in a very sad state.. While the moniker “Leastern Conference” isn’t original at all, its very fitting. Practically the NBA D+ League.
Stars run the NBA. James is a perfect example. He’s their best player, coach and GM. Kyrie may not be the next coming, but he’s a player who can change the game in your favor when everything else isn’t working. He was also the best finisher on that Cavs team.
Can't believe I'm saying that Houston/Golden State are tied 2-2 going back to Houston. They have a legit shot at winning this series. I still have my doubts, but it would be great to see. If Houston does win, though, you can forget LeBron going there.
If Golden State shoots that poorly again, they deserve to lose. I don't think they will. I think Houston is far more likely to have one or two more terrible shooting nights.
Was it Golden State shooting poorly or the Rockets playing great defense? They played amazing defense last night. I'm surprised at how good they were defensively.
^ probably both. GS shot terribly and Houston stepped up on defense.
Everything went to shit for Golden State after Draymond Green missed that open dunk. That was a complete momentum shift and Golden State never recovered from it.
Jaylen Brown has impressed me greatly. Dude is a stud. The Celtic's clearly miss Irving's presence, yet Brown has done what he is capable to fill that void. I'm not a fan of any of these 4 teams remaining in the playoffs, but I'll pull for Boston. I do like Brad Stevens. Guy is a solid coach. Even though he looks like a 40 year old version of an adult Harry Potter.
I'm pulling for Houston in a big bad way. I want them to win so so bad. CP3 is my favorite player and I think he deserves it. I'd be very happy if they were to win. It's a lot more fun to watch games when you're actually invested. I can only hope.
Houston vs Boston anyone? I'm in.
The Rockets are missing too many open shots. They should be up big, but itâ??s only 10-8.
Tied at 45 at the half. Not really into this game at the moment, but the 2nd half will be coming up next.
EDIT: Those Rocket uniforms are ugly as hell.
Well they pulled it off. Now they're up 3-2. The Rockets have a real chance to do something special here. OMG, that would be awesome.
Ehh, I know I've said my peace on a finals match-up in this thread before. Whoever wins the west will win the NBA Finals. I dig the Celtic's, but they're a player away from winning a NBA Championship (Looking at you Kyrie, and even to an extent Hayward). Enjoy this run, Rockets fans. I have no ill will towards you personally, but I wish the Celtic's would win this one. Nothing against Houston at all either. I mean if it came down to Houston and THE LAND, easily I'd like the Rockets to cruise by and win, no doubt.
If Houston wins it all, what are the chances Lebron ends up a Rocket next year? I'd say 50%.
CP3 has been ruled out for Game 6, and he probably wonâ??t be 100% for Game 7.
Unfortunately, I donâ??t see the Rockets winning the series now. Not taking anything away from the Warriors, but they have been incredibly lucky during their run.
I don't think you should be worried about the Warriors. Even if the Warriors win game 6, they have to return to Houston for Game 7. Yes, the loss to Paul hurts, but remember the last game at Golden State? Yeah, the Rockets won. Just start Ariza in his place and the Rockets will be fine.
Sucks to see someone go down to injury especially during the playoffs. I think the Warriors can pull it out though.
So.... let's go Celtic's! Am I right?
Ah sorry for the double post. It won't let me edit in another response.
So if LeBron wins another championship in THE LAND, does he stay?
I dont think he will. That roster is garbage, probably not getting better and Lebron cant pull performances like these ones again and again with no guarantee that he'll win a ring. You offer lebron 3 (or 4 if they dont get it done this year) rings where he only needs to put up 25 5 and 5 as opposed to these forty point triple doubles he's needing to put up just to scrape by and I think he's going to take it. Especially when he hates Dan Gilbert
Paul will be out game 6 but I almost guarantee he'll play game 7. These last 2 wins the Rockets have pulled off with their defense, not offense. So all they need is Eric Gordon to have a good game offensively, bring that defensive intensity, and finally have THAT performance from Harden. He hasn't had THAT game in this series yet and the Rockets are up. I'm still optimistic about their chances.
If Houston loses, however, hello Bron.
No Chris Paul for Houston, no Iggy for Golden State tonight.
When it gets to game 7, it's always 50/50. I think GS and CLE will pull it off, but I can't say I'll care if we get any combo of these teams.
Who do we have for tonight fellas?
I got the Celtic's - 103-99. Yes I know that's a random score, but just go with it.
The Celtics seem to be using the same strategy Kentucky used to use against LSU and Pete Maravich (averaged 44 points a game for his college career for a career points record that isn't being touched. Not bad for a 3 year college career with no 3 point shot): let him do whatever he wants and shut down everyone else. Maravich would score 50 on Kentucky but the team total wouldn't break 75. Kentucky was a five man team and would score in the 90s every game. They never lost to Maravich, who was easily the best player in the game.
Well... go Golden State. Why? Because they at least now how to beat Lebron and Cleveland.
LeBron James is such ridiculously good. The Cavs will have no shot if they play Golden State, but I think they'll have a slightly below even chance against Houston.
I don't get this view point. Why would one want golden state to be rewarded for the building a super team. A super team better than what lebron joined. I find the argument even dumber when we're seeing one of the all time great playoff performances and for Cleveland to win a ring it's going to have to be an even better performance from lebron
Yes, clearly.
Worst possible match for Cleveland, once again. Probably a sweep this year.
LeBron's greatness dictates that they'll win at least one game. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a sweep. I will say this, though, if LeBron somehow someway pulls out a victory this year in the Finals, you can go ahead and move him right on up past Jordan as the GOAT. IMO.
I'll say that Cleveland gets at least one. Warriors in 5.
I say sweep because Cleveland is worse this year than last. Then again, Lebron can go full Superman without Kyrie taking his share of the possessions.
In Scissorkick’s defense, the Warriors won a championship without Durant in the loaded West, beating James after he went back to Cleveland only after he helped them get pieces to build (what he thought would qualify as) a super team. Them doing it by themselves, again after getting through the West, makes them instantly more likable. Durant joined them after that. James has a history of doing it, and at one point made himself the most hated man in sports. Literally. Arguing the super team aspect is plain stupid.
Want to try and make the argument fair? Simply state that it’s the city of Cleveland and they usually suck. They will again after James leaves again in a few months. But, in the East, they’ll probably still make the playoffs if Love stays.
Hopefully the Cavs haven't beaten Kevin Love down so far that he can't possibly return to Minnesota form again.
Have you been watching this team play? No way do they make the playoffs without LeBron. He's their PG, SF, and PF all wrapped up in one. If LeBron leaves at the end of this season (which I absolutely think he should), I reckon the best option for the Cavs is to sell off everyone they can and go into a full blown Philly-style rebuild.