2024-25 Regular Season Thread Vol. 2

[greg4012]

Herro has finally turned into the third star we need next to Bam and Butler. Sadly I think it happened too late. If we had this Herro in the bubble we might be talking about two more rings. We're in 7th now. But again, we get into the playoffs I'd be careful if I were other teams. If Herro's production holds through the playoffs or reaches another gear in the playoffs we can catch people off guard again. Niko is that dude, Spo just used him wrong and he also needed more development that he can only get with PT. And who would have ever thought that Ware would change things for us? An actual 7 footer makes the game easier for everyone. Who would have ever known?

If we can just manage to give Terry 0 minutes in the playoffs we might have a stronger supporting cast than in years past.

This team doesn’t have three stars

Without Herro's Offense, we're not even a play-in team, without Bam and his defense we're not even a play-in team. The only guy in question is Jimmy. When he turns it on in the playoffs, he is most certainly that mf'er. But it remains to be seen if he still has enough left to turn it up one more time. But 100% Herro and Bam are stars in this league, and while Bam has his warts offensively, everything else he does is exactly what you want from your third guy to get you over the finish line.

The following are the ppg averages of the #3 scorer of each of the past 10 champions (ppg of #2 scorer in parenthesis for context)

BOS = 20 (23)
DEN = 17 (20)
GSW = 18.5 (20)
MIL = 17.7 (20)
LAL = 12.8 (25)
TOR = 15 (17)
GSW = 20 (26)
GSW = 22 (25)
CLE = 16 (19)
GSW = 11.7 (21.7)

#3 scorer averages out to 17 ppg. #2 scorer averages out to 21.7 ppg with Kevin Durant making up the 2 highest outlier totals.

Out of all the #2 and #3 scorers on a championship team only 2 come close to Bam's overall defense and floor game impact--Anthony Davis (25 ppg--STUD) and Draymond Green (11.7 ppg).

[twix2500]

So last night certian units played very well and two players that have struggle all season play function to very well and that Jaquez and Jovic. Spo continues to use Jaquez and Jovic as a combo point and post player.

With the unit PG: Jaquez SG: Herro SF: Highsmith PF: Jovic and Ce: Ware lineup, the Net Rating was +50, 100 Offrtg and 50 DefRtg.

The PG: Jaquez SG: Herro SF: Burks PF: Jovic and Ce: Ware lineup, was a Net Rating of +15.5, 132.1 Offrtg and 116.7 DefRtg.

Last night
Jovic finish with 8 pts, 7 rbs and 6 ast
Jaquez finish with 12 pts 4 rbs and 4 ast

The past two nights averages
Jovic 13.0 pts, 7 rbs and 6 ast
Jaquez 7 pts 3.5 rbs and 2 ast

If the Heat can get both Jovic and Jaquez to average 12, 4 and 4 going forward this would be a MAJOR boost to this team in wins.

[AirP.]

I concur which is why I'm for Miami taking the chance on Zion.

Spoiler:

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He doesn't need love or care. He needs new knees, new ankles, new shoulders, new calves and a new diet. Aside from the diet, no team can fix his body. He's just not built to survive a season. Trading for him is throwing assets away. It sucks but he's damaged goods

I'd shut him down for the season and work with him to get his body as right as it could be but you need a somewhat strong organization to not only shut him down but to also get him to work with the organization as much as they want him to, to get him in the shape that is the safest for his playstyle.

Here's my thing, is acquiring and possibly fixing Zion a higher chance to happen than acquiring a talent at his potential rehabbed level? I think it's extremely difficult to get an MVP level talent and me personally, I'd do whatever it takes to increase the odds of acquiring that type of player vs stay in the middle and hope your franchise gets an incredibly lucky break.

Watch on YouTube

[AirP.]

Devin Carter is a very intriguing piece of a package for a Sacramento upgrade. Maybe something Miami may be interested in to move forward with?

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[wadenation305]

I concur which is why I'm for Miami taking the chance on Zion.

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

He doesn't need love or care. He needs new knees, new ankles, new shoulders, new calves and a new diet. Aside from the diet, no team can fix his body. He's just not built to survive a season. Trading for him is throwing assets away. It sucks but he's damaged goods

I'd shut him down for the season and work with him to get his body as right as it could be but you need a somewhat strong organization to not only shut him down but to also get him to work with the organization as much as they want him to, to get him in the shape that is the safest for his playstyle.

Here's my thing, is acquiring and possibly fixing Zion a higher chance to happen than acquiring a talent at his potential rehabbed level? I think it's extremely difficult to get an MVP level talent and me personally, I'd do whatever it takes to increase the odds of acquiring that type of player vs stay in the middle and hope your franchise gets an incredibly lucky break.

Watch on YouTube

29 other GMs thinking the same. My problem is that MVP level talent, you don't have to usually motivate them to be in shape. Those people tend to have an unyielding desire to be the best, which includes taking care of their body. This dude has it all and yet lacks the discipline that even college level players mostly have.

He's going to be expensive and in not willing to gamble on a dude that lacks the discipline and motivation to be great when given traits that nobody else has. It's not a good sign and most likely a ticking time bomb that can derail a franchise for the next decade.

[DayofMourning]

Devin Carter is a very intriguing piece of a package for a Sacramento upgrade. Maybe something Miami may be interested in to move forward with?

Read on Twitter

Yep. Send them Jimmy for Huerter, Murray, Lyles, Orlando and Carter. Then waive the ones you dont plan on keeping.

[twix2500]

Devin Carter is a very intriguing piece of a package for a Sacramento upgrade. Maybe something Miami may be interested in to move forward with?

Read on Twitter

I like Cam Johnson but he is not what the Kings need. Not much difference between Johnson and Huerter other than Johnson is more of a PF than Heurter. Heurter is struggling recently, but that doesnt mean to give up all of that.

[AirP.]

He doesn't need love or care. He needs new knees, new ankles, new shoulders, new calves and a new diet. Aside from the diet, no team can fix his body. He's just not built to survive a season. Trading for him is throwing assets away. It sucks but he's damaged goods

I'd shut him down for the season and work with him to get his body as right as it could be but you need a somewhat strong organization to not only shut him down but to also get him to work with the organization as much as they want him to, to get him in the shape that is the safest for his playstyle.

Here's my thing, is acquiring and possibly fixing Zion a higher chance to happen than acquiring a talent at his potential rehabbed level? I think it's extremely difficult to get an MVP level talent and me personally, I'd do whatever it takes to increase the odds of acquiring that type of player vs stay in the middle and hope your franchise gets an incredibly lucky break.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

29 other GMs thinking the same. My problem is that MVP level talent, you don't have to usually motivate them to be in shape. Those people tend to have an unyielding desire to be the best, which includes taking care of their body. This dude has it all and yet lacks the discipline that even college level players mostly have.

He's going to be expensive and in not willing to gamble on a dude that lacks the discipline and motivation to be great when given traits that nobody else has. It's not a good sign and most likely a ticking time bomb that can derail a franchise for the next decade.

That's a good answer. I'm not so sure he's going to be all that expensive in assets, just matching salaries. It's a risk, the question is, do you think Miami's environment can not only do better than New Orlean's for Zion but do enough to get through to Zion. Maybe the answer is no, it was no for Beasley so it might be no for Zion also.

[carnageta]

Read on Twitter

You all going to let UD body you like this?!?!

Love UD, but he also openly stated that Herro was best suited as a 6th man about 7-8 months ago on national TV (which turned out to be false).

I don't think anyone is denying Bam's impact defensively. He is elite on that end and always has been. The frustration comes from his offensive game - mainly the lack of scoring. However, with the rise of Tyler and with Jimmy still being here, Bam will be able to carve out his niche offensively as the 3rd option - where he rightfully belongs, imo.

[greg4012]

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You all going to let UD body you like this?!?!

Love UD, but he also openly stated that Herro was best suited as a 6th man about 7-8 months ago on national TV (which turned out to be false).

I don't think anyone is denying Bam's impact defensively. He is elite on that end and always has been. The frustration comes from his offensive game - mainly the lack of scoring. However, with the rise of Tyler and with Jimmy still being here, Bam will be able to carve out his niche offensively as the 3rd option - where he rightfully belongs, imo.

Was it false 7-8 months ago??

[MettaWorldPanda]

Devin Carter is a very intriguing piece of a package for a Sacramento upgrade. Maybe something Miami may be interested in to move forward with?

Read on Twitter

I like Cam Johnson but he is not what the Kings need. Not much difference between Johnson and Huerter other than Johnson is more of a PF than Heurter. Heurter is struggling recently, but that doesnt mean to give up all of that.

Cam is exactly the stretch 4 they need in between Sabonis and DeRozan. He would make an excellent fit there. As you said Cam is more a PF while Huerter is closer to a two guard. I don’t think they should be trading Carter though until the Fox situation is settled. They are probably just better off including an extra protected 1st if they really want him. BK would be getting an extra 8 million off the books with Lyles expiring.

Read on Twitter

[greg4012]

Devin Carter is a very intriguing piece of a package for a Sacramento upgrade. Maybe something Miami may be interested in to move forward with?

Read on Twitter

I like Cam Johnson but he is not what the Kings need. Not much difference between Johnson and Huerter other than Johnson is more of a PF than Heurter. Heurter is struggling recently, but that doesnt mean to give up all of that.

Cam is exactly the stretch 4 they need in between Sabonis and DeRozan. He would make an excellent fit there. As you said Cam is more a PF while Huerter is closer to a two guard. I don’t think they should be trading Carter though until the Fox situation is settled. They are probably just better off including an extra protected 1st if they really want him. BK would be getting an extra 8 million off the books with Lyles expiring.

Has Cam Johnson upped the physicality of his game and defensive prowess? I always saw him as basically a more versatile Duncan Robinson a little closer to PF size.

[MettaWorldPanda]

I like Cam Johnson but he is not what the Kings need. Not much difference between Johnson and Huerter other than Johnson is more of a PF than Heurter. Heurter is struggling recently, but that doesnt mean to give up all of that.

Cam is exactly the stretch 4 they need in between Sabonis and DeRozan. He would make an excellent fit there. As you said Cam is more a PF while Huerter is closer to a two guard. I don’t think they should be trading Carter though until the Fox situation is settled. They are probably just better off including an extra protected 1st if they really want him. BK would be getting an extra 8 million off the books with Lyles expiring.

Has Cam Johnson upped the physicality of his game and defensive prowess? I always saw him as basically a more versatile Duncan Robinson a little closer to PF size.

He’s more of just a standard stretch 4 then the rugged type. They have Sabonis and DeRozan who’s essentially a wing 4. He’ll mix in with Keegan Murray. There’s a reason they are targeting heavily. Cam has been scoring really well this year to be bunching him in with Duncan Robinson. I saw Cam put up a smooth 33 and 10 not so long ago .

[3ammy3uck3ts]

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Lamelo leading the guards came out of nowhere, so Lamelo Dame Mitchell and Brunson are locks for the 4 guard spots. Even if both the wild card spots or whatever you want to call them go to guards (no guarantee they will) that leave Herro fighting with Cade, Maxey, Haliburton, Trae, and Garland who should honestly probably get in considering the Cavs have the best record in the league out of nowhere and he’s playing good. Trae is leading the league in assists by a wide margin. Cade is having a better season than Herro but the pistons are mediocre despite owning us.

There’s a way for Herro to get in but it’s going to be tough.

[twix2500]

Devin Carter is a very intriguing piece of a package for a Sacramento upgrade. Maybe something Miami may be interested in to move forward with?

Read on Twitter

I like Cam Johnson but he is not what the Kings need. Not much difference between Johnson and Huerter other than Johnson is more of a PF than Heurter. Heurter is struggling recently, but that doesnt mean to give up all of that.

Cam is exactly the stretch 4 they need in between Sabonis and DeRozan. He would make an excellent fit there. As you said Cam is more a PF while Huerter is closer to a two guard. I don’t think they should be trading Carter though until the Fox situation is settled. They are probably just better off including an extra protected 1st if they really want him. BK would be getting an extra 8 million off the books with Lyles expiring.

Read on Twitter

The Kings have Keegaan Murry who is better than Cam Johnson at power forward. Huerter just needs to get his act together. Monk needs to get back to being the off the bench spark. The Kings problem is they need a true number one scorer. Sure if I was the nets I would do it in a heart beat.

[MettaWorldPanda]

I like Cam Johnson but he is not what the Kings need. Not much difference between Johnson and Huerter other than Johnson is more of a PF than Heurter. Heurter is struggling recently, but that doesnt mean to give up all of that.

Cam is exactly the stretch 4 they need in between Sabonis and DeRozan. He would make an excellent fit there. As you said Cam is more a PF while Huerter is closer to a two guard. I don’t think they should be trading Carter though until the Fox situation is settled. They are probably just better off including an extra protected 1st if they really want him. BK would be getting an extra 8 million off the books with Lyles expiring.

Read on Twitter

The Kings have Keegaan Murry who is better than Cam Johnson at power forward. Huerter just needs to get his act together. Monk needs to get back to being the off the bench spark. The Kings problem is they need a true number one scorer. Sure if I was the nets I would do it in a heart beat.

Read on Twitter

Cam has elevated his game. Kings are on the right track here if they get him. Keegan Murray has struggled this year. They are definitely looking to upgrade or maybe try out Cam and Murray at the 3/4 and move DeRozan to the two with Monk off bench. They will have options.

[greg4012]

Cam is exactly the stretch 4 they need in between Sabonis and DeRozan. He would make an excellent fit there. As you said Cam is more a PF while Huerter is closer to a two guard. I don’t think they should be trading Carter though until the Fox situation is settled. They are probably just better off including an extra protected 1st if they really want him. BK would be getting an extra 8 million off the books with Lyles expiring.

Has Cam Johnson upped the physicality of his game and defensive prowess? I always saw him as basically a more versatile Duncan Robinson a little closer to PF size.

He’s more of just a standard stretch 4 then the rugged type. They have Sabonis and DeRozan who’s essentially a wing 4. He’ll mix in with Keegan Murray. There’s a reason they are targeting heavily. Cam has been scoring really well this year to be bunching him in with Duncan Robinson. I saw Cam put up a smooth 33 and 10 not so long ago .

Gotcha. I agree it will help with their offensive flow.

Sabonis is critically flawed on the defensive end unless and until he's running with a unicorn frontcourt partner that is more mobile than him defensively AND a better rim protector to cover for his flaws.

Cam has always been a little more versatile as a scorer than Duncan. That's why I characterized him as a better/more versatile Duncan. Bad NBA teams very often take a pump and dump approach with their tank commanders. When an offense is fully situated to help focal point players pick and choose their looks and funnel them into their preferred looks, it pumps their stats and gets them in their flow even if that style of play would never be conducive to winning basketball in a different context. My hunch is we're seeing it now with Cam. We've seen it for years with Jerami Grant. Lauri (whom i believe is a very good player) definitely benefited from it (and got the bag).

Sh*t I had my hopes up on Terry Rozier from his Charlotte stint last season. Should have known better.

[twix2500]

The past two games Duncan Robinson is having a master class as stretch forward.
The past two games Duncan Robison 16.5 pts, 41.2 3p%, 48.1 Fg%, 4.5 rbs, 4.0 ast and 1.5 steals, +8.5

[greg4012]

Now that it's mentioned, Keegan Murray is the exact type of prospect that I'd love to buy low on if that was possible.

[MettaWorldPanda]

The past two games Duncan Robinson is having a master class as stretch forward.
The past two games Duncan Robison 16.5 pts, 41.2 3p%, 48.1 Fg%, 4.5 rbs, 4.0 ast and 1.5 steals, +8.5

I always view Duncan as the two with Highsmith and Butler handling the 3/4 spots. Bam/Ware and Jovic handled the bulk of the front court minutes. Duncan has played well non the less. Maybe he’ll get another 5 yr 90 mil deal at this rate.