Around The NBA: 2019-20 RESTART

[RedBulls23]

Boban is the most likeable non star in the NBA.

Or just in general a top 5 most likeable guy.

[TheGOATRises007]

This sounds kind of crazy and premature, and it is a future-thought, but I actually think Luka might be in the cards for the best player ever. Like, ever-ever (MJ). His ability to generate an assist, 3P, post-up or floater play against pretty much any defensive scheme, he’s basically an unstoppable 1-man. This Mavs team has no business even hanging around against the Clippers, let alone controlling the game. If his shooting improves to Bird/Curry level over the years, it’s a wrap. Jordan kinda needed Pippen and the triangle; Lebron always needed a superstar scorer(s) to support his clutch clanks, Bird and Magic had HOF teammates to pass to, Curry and Durant super-teamed, Kawhi’s been powerhouse surrounded in every situation... I really think Luka can perhaps be the first guy to carry a roster of jabronis to multiple titles. Maybe not now, but few years from now as his roster sees a few modest upgrades.

He could go on to be the best offensive player ever. Already spearheaded the greatest RS offense of all time statistically.

I don't know if he can be the GOAT when he's a negative on defense.

[RedBulls23]

This sounds kind of crazy and premature, and it is a future-thought, but I actually think Luka might be in the cards for the best player ever. Like, ever-ever (MJ). His ability to generate an assist, 3P, post-up or floater play against pretty much any defensive scheme, he’s basically an unstoppable 1-man. This Mavs team has no business even hanging around against the Clippers, let alone controlling the game. If his shooting improves to Bird/Curry level over the years, it’s a wrap. Jordan kinda needed Pippen and the triangle; Lebron always needed a superstar scorer(s) to support his clutch clanks, Bird and Magic had HOF teammates to pass to, Curry and Durant super-teamed, Kawhi’s been powerhouse surrounded in every situation... I really think Luka can perhaps be the first guy to carry a roster of jabronis to multiple titles. Maybe not now, but few years from now as his roster sees a few modest upgrades.

If he can just become passable on defense, then I could see it.

[dumbell78]

Mavs probably up 2-0 if not for a crappy ejection. Clippers defense is still in LA, never made it to the bubble.

[MrSparkle]

This sounds kind of crazy and premature, and it is a future-thought, but I actually think Luka might be in the cards for the best player ever. Like, ever-ever (MJ). His ability to generate an assist, 3P, post-up or floater play against pretty much any defensive scheme, he’s basically an unstoppable 1-man. This Mavs team has no business even hanging around against the Clippers, let alone controlling the game. If his shooting improves to Bird/Curry level over the years, it’s a wrap. Jordan kinda needed Pippen and the triangle; Lebron always needed a superstar scorer(s) to support his clutch clanks, Bird and Magic had HOF teammates to pass to, Curry and Durant super-teamed, Kawhi’s been powerhouse surrounded in every situation... I really think Luka can perhaps be the first guy to carry a roster of jabronis to multiple titles. Maybe not now, but few years from now as his roster sees a few modest upgrades.

He could go on to be the best offensive player ever. Already spearheaded the greatest RS offense of all time statistically.

I don't know if he can be the GOAT when he's a negative on defense.

He’s not negative on defense though.

[TheGOATRises007]

This sounds kind of crazy and premature, and it is a future-thought, but I actually think Luka might be in the cards for the best player ever. Like, ever-ever (MJ). His ability to generate an assist, 3P, post-up or floater play against pretty much any defensive scheme, he’s basically an unstoppable 1-man. This Mavs team has no business even hanging around against the Clippers, let alone controlling the game. If his shooting improves to Bird/Curry level over the years, it’s a wrap. Jordan kinda needed Pippen and the triangle; Lebron always needed a superstar scorer(s) to support his clutch clanks, Bird and Magic had HOF teammates to pass to, Curry and Durant super-teamed, Kawhi’s been powerhouse surrounded in every situation... I really think Luka can perhaps be the first guy to carry a roster of jabronis to multiple titles. Maybe not now, but few years from now as his roster sees a few modest upgrades.

He could go on to be the best offensive player ever. Already spearheaded the greatest RS offense of all time statistically.

I don't know if he can be the GOAT when he's a negative on defense.

He’s not negative on defense though.

Yeah I mixed him up with someone else.

Should have said barely positive.

[the ultimates]

Please excuse this rant.

Looking at Philadelphia shows me why post play in the NBA is almost extinct. It's not just because of efficiency, tempo or three-point shooting. Shooting and dribbling may be at an all-time high but post passing and post offense are at an all-time low.

How much time was wasted on the shot clock not because Embiid wasn't ready for the pass or didn't have his defender sealed but the perimeter player took a bad angle to make the pass? Taking one or two more dribbles towards the wing creates a better passing angle. If it still isn't their somebody from the weak side needs come to the top of the key for high-low action.

When you make that pass into the post from the wing, MOVE. Either cut through possibly taking your defender with you or you work against his line of sight going to the deep corner or going to the top of the arc. Your defender is keeping him from making a move to the middle. He passes it back out to you but the defender can still easily contest because you want to be a statue. You get a couple of layups cutting through your man either has to stay with you or somebody from the weakside helps and it leaves a three-point shooter open.

[rtblues]

Favorite Bubble Moment:
When Charlotte moved up a spot in the standings and didn't play a game and weren't in the bubble.

[wonderboy2]

This sounds kind of crazy and premature, and it is a future-thought, but I actually think Luka might be in the cards for the best player ever. Like, ever-ever (MJ). His ability to generate an assist, 3P, post-up or floater play against pretty much any defensive scheme, he’s basically an unstoppable 1-man. This Mavs team has no business even hanging around against the Clippers, let alone controlling the game. If his shooting improves to Bird/Curry level over the years, it’s a wrap. Jordan kinda needed Pippen and the triangle; Lebron always needed a superstar scorer(s) to support his clutch clanks, Bird and Magic had HOF teammates to pass to, Curry and Durant super-teamed, Kawhi’s been powerhouse surrounded in every situation... I really think Luka can perhaps be the first guy to carry a roster of jabronis to multiple titles. Maybe not now, but few years from now as his roster sees a few modest upgrades.

Luka is impressive. I love his game and he puts up monster numbers. But let me say this. Luka is not on Jordan’s level. I don’t think people understand how unstoppable Jordan would be in this era. Jordan defense alone makes him a better player. Jordan went against way tougher defenses than the clippers. And Luka has plenty of talent on Dallas. I actually think Dallas has done a good job of constructing a roster that maximizes Lukas potential. Of course they aren’t the most stacked team but he has some talent on that team.

Well you don’t have to convince me MJ was the GOAT, this is the Bulls board and we’re all aware … But it’s obviously early - this is Luka’s second playoff game....he’s a baby... but there’s something to do be said about Magic vision coupled with Harden scoring. His ability to gobble up boards and loose balls in traffic is another odd intangible for an offensive stud. MJ had great vision but he didn’t have Magic vision, which was his early knock (as an alpha scorer) and ultimately alleviated by having a multi-point system featuring Scottie and other high IQ passers.

I dunno if I buy the defense argument. I’ll agree Jordan would feast in today’s NBA, but similarly Luka would feast in the 90s. I don’t think the mutant child of Kidd and Reggie Miller struggles in 1996. As far as Man defense itself goes, I’m genuinely surprised what a strong defender Luka is. I think his awareness, strength and hands make him a pretty strong defender, obviously not in MJ’s league.

Anyway, just a passing thought as the game went by. As it stands, baby Luka got himself into a trouble with that bad 5th foul in a crucial game and Dallas is now in a dangerous spot up 10 against the Terminator.

I agree with you on a lot of your post. I just think he still have to prove himself more over a longer period of times before we start talking goat status. For example I wouldn’t even say he’s the best offensive talent in the game right now. He still young but their are so many talented offensive guys in the league. If we just talking pure offense I’m taking Harden, Curry, Dame, Durant over Luka right now just to name a few. Because of the nature of my work, I have talked with a few NBA players and none of them mention Luka as the toughest guy to defend. Is interesting getting their viewpoint on the league. This might surprise a lot of people on this board but the player that I hear a lot from players I spoke with is Westbrook is one of the hardest guy to defend and game plan against.

[Andi Obst]

The Sixers are going to fire Brown, but they should really fire Elton Brand first. What a terrible GM.

[kodo]

At one point it was a given that Lebron was going to surpass MJ as GOAT, and look how that turned out.

Even now, I think people underestimate how difficult it's going to be string together multiple 3 peats, which would be the min bar to take the GOAT mantle. And some people would even say the GOAT is Bill, which would be a tougher act to follow.

The toughest part is never individual performance, which Doncic has the capability of doing. But other players also had that kind of individual talent like Magic and Bird and Kobe and Lebron. The backbreaker is always age, injuries, and most importantly can a GOAT lead his team to those multiple titles. As the Miami Heat players all said, the 2nd title is exponentially harder than the 1st and keeps getting harder from there.

The most irreplaceable part of Jordan's career wasn't his offense or defense or talent, it was his leadership. He was a psychotic hardass who had enough charisma he could lead a cult if he wanted to. You need someone who other players will follow to the grave to surpass what MJ did, that's going to be the most difficult part of the formula for a future GOAT.

[Andi Obst]

How sure are we that Duncan Robinson is not a robot designed to shoot threes?

Dude has 24 points on 8 field goal attempts...

[MrSparkle]

IND looks exhausted. Between MIA’s wall of defenders, conditioning, and their relentless 3P options and multiple creators, they’ve got no chance.

MIA looks very sharp. With Hayward and Simmons out, MIL struggling, TOR’s ceiling, this is a great opportunity for GarPax to eat more crow if Jimmy leads the Heat to a finals appearance.

With Goran remembering his all-star form, Duncan and Herro shooting lights out, Iggy being in shape... They have a full deck.

[MrSparkle]

At one point it was a given that Lebron was going to surpass MJ as GOAT, and look how that turned out.

Even now, I think people underestimate how difficult it's going to be string together multiple 3 peats, which would be the min bar to take the GOAT mantle. And some people would even say the GOAT is Bill, which would be a tougher act to follow.

The toughest part is never individual performance, which Doncic has the capability of doing. But other players also had that kind of individual talent like Magic and Bird and Kobe and Lebron. The backbreaker is always age, injuries, and most importantly can a GOAT lead his team to those multiple titles. As the Miami Heat players all said, the 2nd title is exponentially harder than the 1st and keeps getting harder from there.

The most irreplaceable part of Jordan's career wasn't his offense or defense or talent, it was his leadership. He was a psychotic hardass who had enough charisma he could lead a cult if he wanted to. You need someone who other players will follow to the grave to surpass what MJ did, that's going to be the most difficult part of the formula for a future GOAT.

For sure. Though I will argue that Jordan’s teammates won’t exactly follow him to the grave. They just hung on as long as possible.

[Andi Obst]

Mark Jackson for the Rockets vs Thunder game?

Thanks for absolutely nothing, ESPN.

[Andi Obst]

Holy crap, what a defensive game by Luguentz Dort. He just won't let Harden blow by him. Absolutely insane for a rookie.

On the other end, I have never seen the Rockets play with such intensity on defense.

[Leslie Forman]

This sounds kind of crazy and premature, and it is a future-thought, but I actually think Luka might be in the cards for the best player ever. Like, ever-ever (MJ). His ability to generate an assist, 3P, post-up or floater play against pretty much any defensive scheme, he’s basically an unstoppable 1-man. This Mavs team has no business even hanging around against the Clippers, let alone controlling the game. If his shooting improves to Bird/Curry level over the years, it’s a wrap.

This is the one thing that's probably going to hold him back. He's really nowhere near that level of shooter and his free throw percentages would suggest it's unlikely.

[League Circles]

This sounds kind of crazy and premature, and it is a future-thought, but I actually think Luka might be in the cards for the best player ever. Like, ever-ever (MJ). His ability to generate an assist, 3P, post-up or floater play against pretty much any defensive scheme, he’s basically an unstoppable 1-man. This Mavs team has no business even hanging around against the Clippers, let alone controlling the game. If his shooting improves to Bird/Curry level over the years, it’s a wrap. Jordan kinda needed Pippen and the triangle; Lebron always needed a superstar scorer(s) to support his clutch clanks, Bird and Magic had HOF teammates to pass to, Curry and Durant super-teamed, Kawhi’s been powerhouse surrounded in every situation... I really think Luka can perhaps be the first guy to carry a roster of jabronis to multiple titles. Maybe not now, but few years from now as his roster sees a few modest upgrades.

If he can just become passable on defense, then I could see it.

This is like saying defense is a minor part of the game. It's half. Jordan was an amazing defender. Luka has absolutely zero chance to be better than Michael overall IMO. I do like his game though.

[Leslie Forman]

This is like saying defense is a minor part of the game. It's half.

On an individual level, no it's not, not even close.

James Harden contends for MVPs. Andre Roberson does not.

[MrSparkle]

Pippen and Jordan were an interesting anomaly. Equal MVP and DPOY candidates (Pippen from his peak 93-96 stretch), and they happened to be on the same team. Kawhi joins that elite group.

I think they skewed our idea that defense is as important as offense in a star. Most champions simply added defensive role-players to their MVPs. Here’s a list of #1 or 2 options from 2007 who were mediocre defenders:

Curry
Kyrie & Love
older Wade
Dirk
Pau
Ray & Pierce

I wouldn’t suggest any of those guys could defend better than Luka.

Really that just leaves Kawhi, Durant, Lebron (who in many ways was always a light defender, besides some of his most motivated series), Duncan/Manu, Kobe, Garnett. All very good defenders, yes, but besides Lebron, most did not run point full-time like Luka (or Harden, Curry, etc.).

Defensive role-players are really important (Iguodala’s finals MVP says Hi), but a 1st/2nd option/creator does not need to be Jordan/Pippen/Cooper/Rodman to win chips.