The Around The NBA Thread

[Andi Obst]

I feel bad for Embiid. He's playing injured, he's still dominating for the most part, but the team just keeps letting him down.

Harris was horrendous and I don't think I need to say much about Simmons anymore. He's an offensive liability down the stretch and since his offensive game basically hasn't developed at all up to this point, I don't have much hope that this is ever going to change. I seriously struggle to understand how people still view him as some kind of star player. He's a good defensive wing and a good transition playmaker (as long as he's aggressive), that's it.

[MGB8]

i hate the idea of the hawks making the ecf.

Harden and Kyrie are banged up and Durant and Blake aren't exactly reliable, while on the west coast Kawhi is out, CP3 may be, also, and Utah (sans Conley) for whatever reason couldn't beat a no-Kawhi Clipps at home in a near must-win (since Lue adjusted to Gobert by going small to pull him out).

So forget ECF - the Hawks have a real chance of making... and potentially even winning... the Finals.

Reinforcing the point that having a team with a "puncher's chance" is far more valuable than a lot of posters on this board seem to think.

[MrFortune3]

i hate the idea of the hawks making the ecf.

Harden and Kyrie are banged up and Durant and Blake aren't exactly reliable, while on the west coast Kawhi is out, CP3 may be, also, and Utah (sans Conley) for whatever reason couldn't beat a no-Kawhi Clipps at home in a near must-win (since Lue adjusted to Gobert by going small to pull him out).

So forget ECF - the Hawks have a real chance of making... and potentially even winning... the Finals.

Reinforcing the point that having a team with a "puncher's chance" is far more valuable than a lot of posters on this board seem to think.

The playoffs are a different animal now, so much relies on health and chemistry to win. Even last year we saw the Heat's run to the finals and they had a legit shot to take down the Lakers.

[StunnerKO]

Zion trouble brewing

[Jeffster81]

On the possibility of guarding Kevin Durant:

"I want to take the challenge," Antetokounmpo said. "Obviously, everybody's gonna have a chance to guard him, but I would love to go into Game 6, to be able to guard him. If coach wants me to do that, I'm ready for it."

I find it both hilarious and annoying that Giannis. Giannis is the superstar player, the face of the Bucks and one of many faces of the league. Giannis should not wait to be called on to defend Kevin Durant, he(Giannis) should have demanded the job. To me, that is why Giannis may never win a championship. He may not be "hard" enough. A guy like Westbrook is the type of guy Giannis needs.

[MrSparkle]

Doesn't this happen every off-season? About 15 unhappy stars?

Funny how perceptions work. ATL will be on cloud 9 even if they lose this series or get swept by the Nets or Bucks. PHI is calling for Simmon's head.

If you ask me honestly; Atlanta's roster is way better after Embiid, and I'd take Trae over Embiid due to the modern game. If Simmons and Embiid had Bogdanovic, Collins, Gallinari and Lou on the bench, it'd be a pretty easy path to the finals. Instead they have 4pt/max Tobias and a bunch of low-tier role-players.

[MrFortune3]

On the possibility of guarding Kevin Durant:

"I want to take the challenge," Antetokounmpo said. "Obviously, everybody's gonna have a chance to guard him, but I would love to go into Game 6, to be able to guard him. If coach wants me to do that, I'm ready for it."

I find it both hilarious and annoying that Giannis. Giannis is the superstar player, the face of the Bucks and one of many faces of the league. Giannis should not wait to be called on to defend Kevin Durant, he(Giannis) should have demanded the job. To me, that is why Giannis may never win a championship. He may not be "hard" enough. A guy like Westbrook is the type of guy Giannis needs.

He has guarded Durant at times in the series but they do a lot of switching on defense.
Most top guys don't act as the primary defender to the opposing teams star.

All it says about Giannis is that he is like KG and doesn't demand things enough.

[MrFortune3]

Zion trouble brewing

The Pelicans are too focused on the future. They assembled a bunch of picks that don't help right now and may end up as mid to low 1sts.
You only have so large of a window to keep your younger stars happy in the NBA. Trading away current players for future flexibility is not going to keep them happy, nor is bringing in a HC with an outdated philosophy that was an obvious terrible fit.
The real litmus test will be how they handle Lonzo. You have a lot of young guys they need consistent PT in Hayes, Lewis Jr, NAW.
You have a likely top 10 pick coming in this year and the Lakers pick along with your own in 2022.

Like I always say, at some point, the "assets" have to turn into actual production for the team and having a ton of young guys is not going to get you to that championship level.

[kodo]

So did Kawhi tear his ACL? I can't even keep up anymore.

[Chicago-Bull-E]

Only Embiid and Seth Curry had field goals in the 2nd half. That has to be the craziest stat in a while I've heard.

[drosestruts]

I'm just hoping the Bulls can be winners when some team makes knee-jerk reaction moves to their playoff performance.

Everybody's trashing all over Harris and Simmons and I'd welcome either to the team (for the right cost - read "no LaVine")

Zion and his 80 career games played wants out???

Boston a first round exist - Ainge stepping down - changes on the horizon?

[Michael Jackson]

I'm just hoping the Bulls can be winners when some team makes knee-jerk reaction moves to their playoff performance.

Everybody's trashing all over Harris and Simmons and I'd welcome either to the team (for the right cost - read "no LaVine")

Zion and his 80 career games played wants out???

Boston a first round exist - Ainge stepping down - changes on the horizon?

I think Simmons works here just fine. He has what we la k in play making and defense. Vuc and Zach are eating up all the offensive possessions. What do you trade for him? I mean is Philly willing to do a sign and trade with Lauri, aminu, TBJ, Thad, white or Sato? Do you give up PWill and what else for him? I’m in on it but there is no realistic trade imho althou Elton Brand doesn’t seem that good at the job.

[Chicago-Bull-E]

On the possibility of guarding Kevin Durant:

"I want to take the challenge," Antetokounmpo said. "Obviously, everybody's gonna have a chance to guard him, but I would love to go into Game 6, to be able to guard him. If coach wants me to do that, I'm ready for it."

I find it both hilarious and annoying that Giannis. Giannis is the superstar player, the face of the Bucks and one of many faces of the league. Giannis should not wait to be called on to defend Kevin Durant, he(Giannis) should have demanded the job. To me, that is why Giannis may never win a championship. He may not be "hard" enough. A guy like Westbrook is the type of guy Giannis needs.

It's so incredibly aggravating. It doesn't matter now, where was this discussion when Durant was completely obliterating your team and you and Bud stood there and watched? Now you want to discuss defending him? Has to be so frustrating for Bucks fans.

[DuckIII]

I'm just hoping the Bulls can be winners when some team makes knee-jerk reaction moves to their playoff performance.

Everybody's trashing all over Harris and Simmons and I'd welcome either to the team (for the right cost - read "no LaVine")

Zion and his 80 career games played wants out???

Boston a first round exist - Ainge stepping down - changes on the horizon?

Totally. Would be great to be a player in this. There is one minor issue though: we have no first round draft picks to trade for the next 4 years unless we jump into the top 4 picks this year.

So that pretty much eliminates us from all major value trades this summer because, as much as I’m a fan, Patrick Williams doesn’t get you anywhere near these types of players.

[DASMACKDOWN]

Zion trouble brewing

The Pelicans are too focused on the future. They assembled a bunch of picks that don't help right now and may end up as mid to low 1sts.
You only have so large of a window to keep your younger stars happy in the NBA. Trading away current players for future flexibility is not going to keep them happy, nor is bringing in a HC with an outdated philosophy that was an obvious terrible fit.
The real litmus test will be how they handle Lonzo. You have a lot of young guys they need consistent PT in Hayes, Lewis Jr, NAW.
You have a likely top 10 pick coming in this year and the Lakers pick along with your own in 2022.

Like I always say, at some point, the "assets" have to turn into actual production for the team and having a ton of young guys is not going to get you to that championship level.

The league changed since Lebron went to Miami. In the past where you automatically thought you had a star player for 10 years regardless of result is sort of over.

I also think ownership is also being quicker and more willing to move on from assets now as well. It seemed like a rookie was generally guaranteed to play 5 years with the drafted franchise. Now that number is roughly 2.5 to 3.5 A player has to be "exceptionally" good to go beyond that.

On top of that, younger players see a Giannis. They see a Dame Lillard. All the "Im so loyal" guys are now seeing regret. Not to mention the social aspect of everyone constantly in your ear about joining up somewhere.

In Zion's case, this would be year 3 with his 3rd new coach. I dont think he will get the itch just yet because good young players tend to stay the course. So I would give him at least 3 more seasons before he gets restless.

[Andi Obst]

Crazy offseason in Dallas already. End of an era for sure.

Carlisle could probably find a new job tomorrow if he’s interested.

[DASMACKDOWN]

Read on Twitter

wow

[Jcool0]

Almost makes me wish the Bulls were looking for a coach this off season. Going to be a lot of really good coaches available.

[kodo]

Read on Twitter

wow

Wait he quit, wasn't fired? Something has to be toxic for Carlisle to say he can't stand the Mavs anymore. He also gives up the money on his last 2 years, correct? So he gave up $14M rather than deal with whatever is going on?

[MrFortune3]

Zion trouble brewing

The Pelicans are too focused on the future. They assembled a bunch of picks that don't help right now and may end up as mid to low 1sts.
You only have so large of a window to keep your younger stars happy in the NBA. Trading away current players for future flexibility is not going to keep them happy, nor is bringing in a HC with an outdated philosophy that was an obvious terrible fit.
The real litmus test will be how they handle Lonzo. You have a lot of young guys they need consistent PT in Hayes, Lewis Jr, NAW.
You have a likely top 10 pick coming in this year and the Lakers pick along with your own in 2022.

Like I always say, at some point, the "assets" have to turn into actual production for the team and having a ton of young guys is not going to get you to that championship level.

The league changed since Lebron went to Miami. In the past where you automatically thought you had a star player for 10 years regardless of result is sort of over.

I also think ownership is also being quicker and more willing to move on from assets now as well. It seemed like a rookie was generally guaranteed to play 5 years with the drafted franchise. Now that number is roughly 2.5 to 3.5 A player has to be "exceptionally" good to go beyond that.

On top of that, younger players see a Giannis. They see a Dame Lillard. All the "Im so loyal" guys are now seeing regret. Not to mention the social aspect of everyone constantly in your ear about joining up somewhere.

In Zion's case, this would be year 3 with his 3rd new coach. I dont think he will get the itch just yet because good young players tend to stay the course. So I would give him at least 3 more seasons before he gets restless.

I definitely agree that the regardless of results era is over. With the pressure laid into these guys by the media and fans, I cannot say I blame them for moving on to a more advantageous situation.

Rookies tend to fall into "cheap labor" category until they either don't improve enough or their role can be replaced with a vet.
If you can claw beyond being solid then the question is, do they want to pay you on an extension and tie themselves to you for 145+ mil or do they want to move on and open up a different window?

It's similar to when teams in the NFL fall into the trap of paying a QB 30+ mil per because it's their easiest option rather than trying to find a better one who can be developed and molded.

There are different aspects to the "I'm so loyal" branch of players though. Guys see Giannis, Dame, Beal and etc. But they also saw Steph in GS, they are also seeing teams like the Hawks, Sixers, Jazz, Nuggets, Suns trying to load up in whatever way they can to surround their young players with talent and elevate them enough to win.

Like Kenny said last night on Inside The NBA, young players are looking around the league and seeing those teams that got better in the bubble last year and carried it over to this year and wondering "Why is my team not able to do that?"

Alvin Gentry is by no means a superstar coach, but if you're moving on from him and attempting to progress the team with an eye on modernizing your roster and elevating your offense and defensive schemes, you don't make SVG the hire.
You have to make a hire that will help to right that culture in New Orleans and help Zion and Ingram as well as the other young guys become better versions of themselves.

Before Carlisle stepped down I would have said that the Pelicans need to grab a top notch young assistant coach to led their team. Now I would probably lean Carlisle and that would give Zion a sense of the team trying to maximize the current roster as well as improve the team.