NBA Playoffs Thread

[FireMorey]

He's healthier. If Embiid had stayed healthy I believe he'd have multiple rings by now. But he hasn't unfortunately. The point though is his issues are not skill related.

[Iverson Armband]

He's healthier. If Embiid had stayed healthy I believe he'd have multiple rings by now. But he hasn't unfortunately. The point though is his issues are not skill related.

What years? Because he hasn’t made it past the 2nd round during the two years he was healthy either.

[eyeatoma]

He's healthier. If Embiid had stayed healthy I believe he'd have multiple rings by now. But he hasn't unfortunately. The point though is his issues are not skill related.

What years? Because he hasn’t made it past the 2nd round during the two years he was healthy either.

What 2 years was he healthy?

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[FireMorey]

He was healthy in 2020. That's about it. And that wasn't even a real playoffs so that doesn't even count. Plus that was their weakest team anyway.

I think they could've had a good chance to win in 2019, last year, and the year when they played the Hawks.

[mjkvol]

He was healthy in 2020. That's about it. And that wasn't even a real playoffs so that doesn't even count. Plus that was their weakest team anyway.

I think they could've had a good chance to win in 2019, last year, and the year when they played the Hawks.

They had the Celtics beaten last year and pissed it away. That and 2019 were their really legit shots to get to the Finals.

[Jailblazers7]

Embiid’s decision making under pressure stops me from confidently saying that he would be a champion if healthy.

2019 is tempting but that alternate universe could easily see KD not tear his Achilles & Klay not tear his ACL. If those injuries don’t happen, GS probably beats our ass in the finals anyway.

[Iverson Armband]

He's healthier. If Embiid had stayed healthy I believe he'd have multiple rings by now. But he hasn't unfortunately. The point though is his issues are not skill related.

What years? Because he hasn’t made it past the 2nd round during the two years he was healthy either.

What 2 years was he healthy?

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2020 and 2019. Unless you want to count knee tendinitis and a tummy ache for 2019.

Regardless, if you’re playing it’s really not an excuse, but we know you can’t help it when it comes to Embiid.

[eyeatoma]

What years? Because he hasn’t made it past the 2nd round during the two years he was healthy either.

What 2 years was he healthy?

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2020 and 2019. Unless you want to count knee tendinitis and a tummy ache for 2019.

Regardless, if you’re playing it’s really not an excuse, but we know you can’t help it when it comes to Embiid.

He was definitely not right during the Kawhi series, so yes I do count that. He was also not his MVP version during that year. It took the greatest miracle shot in NBA history to beat us, funny that you blame Embiid for that series when he was a freaking +90.

It's not about helping it or not. He's our best chance. I'd rather take that risk, and lose on a potential trade that makes us at best a middle of the road team, more likely a lottery team for the next decade. Keep Embiid and you have 3-4 years at a title. This isn't rocket science. We need one healthy post-season. This year was a great start even with him being more injured than he's been in a long time. He finally didn't come up small. You also seem to forget that the refs literally gifted them game 2. Lots of factors went into us losing, Embiid brought it though and for once was not one of the pivotal reasons we lost.

[76ciology]

Embiid is an alpha and a winning player; we just need to know how to use him.

For instance, no one thought Jokic was this good early on. Everyone doubted a team could win with his style of defense, but eventually, the Nuggets figured out how to win with him.

We have a blank slate right now with $60M of cap space, draft picks to trade, and an understanding of how the game is being played and officiated. Most importantly, we know Embiid's detailed flaws.

Let's give our best shot at building around Embiid this offseason, aiming to open a window for the next three years up till his contract is up. Then, we can decide based on the landscape at that time.

[mjkvol]

Embiid is an alpha and a winning player; we just need to know how to use him.

For instance, no one thought Jokic was this good early on. Everyone doubted a team could win with his style of defense, but eventually, the Nuggets figured out how to win with him.

We have a blank slate right now with $60M of cap space, draft picks to trade, and an understanding of how the game is being played and officiated. Most importantly, we know Embiid's detailed flaws.

Let's give our best shot at building around Embiid this offseason, aiming to open a window for the next three years up till his contract is up. Then, we can decide based on the landscape at that time.

I agree with everything in your post other than this limited 'window' we must somehow adhere to. That is what leads to knee jerk moves bringing in way overpriced and past their prime players in the hope to "win now".

Just build a deep, versatile group that compliments our two stars, which might even include rookies. Look at Dallas and see how it's being done at the highest level in today's game.

[Iverson Armband]

Embiid is an alpha and a winning player; we just need to know how to use him.

For instance, no one thought Jokic was this good early on. Everyone doubted a team could win with his style of defense, but eventually, the Nuggets figured out how to win with him.

We have a blank slate right now with $60M of cap space, draft picks to trade, and an understanding of how the game is being played and officiated. Most importantly, we know Embiid's detailed flaws.

Let's give our best shot at building around Embiid this offseason, aiming to open a window for the next three years up till his contract is up. Then, we can decide based on the landscape at that time.

I agree with everything in your post other than this limited 'window' we must somehow adhere to. That is what leads to knee jerk moves bringing in way overpriced and past their prime players in the hope to "win now".

Just build a deep, versatile group that compliments our two stars, which might even include rookies. Look at Dallas and see how it's being done at the highest level in today's game.

You’ve been preaching this for a while and I think it’s spot on. Joel is what he is. If he’s healthy, great. If not, this team should be built in a way that even without him they have a team that competes with an eye to the future. Build with young guys with talent and room to grow alongside Maxey. Joel is the wildcard. I don’t want Butler here. PG is fine because all he requires is cap space. Make a smart pick at #16 and don’t trade any future picks unless it’s for Lauri or Mikal.

[mjkvol]

Embiid is an alpha and a winning player; we just need to know how to use him.

For instance, no one thought Jokic was this good early on. Everyone doubted a team could win with his style of defense, but eventually, the Nuggets figured out how to win with him.

We have a blank slate right now with $60M of cap space, draft picks to trade, and an understanding of how the game is being played and officiated. Most importantly, we know Embiid's detailed flaws.

Let's give our best shot at building around Embiid this offseason, aiming to open a window for the next three years up till his contract is up. Then, we can decide based on the landscape at that time.

I agree with everything in your post other than this limited 'window' we must somehow adhere to. That is what leads to knee jerk moves bringing in way overpriced and past their prime players in the hope to "win now".

Just build a deep, versatile group that compliments our two stars, which might even include rookies. Look at Dallas and see how it's being done at the highest level in today's game.

You’ve been preaching this for a while and I think it’s spot on. Joel is what he is. If he’s healthy, great. If not, this team should be built in a way that even without him they have a team that competes with an eye to the future. Build with young guys with talent and room to grow alongside Maxey. Joel is the wildcard. I don’t want Butler here. PG is fine because all he requires is cap space. Make a smart pick at #16 and don’t trade any future picks unless it’s for Lauri or Mikal.

The only way I wouldn't strongly disagree with signing George is if it's a shorter contract or not for the max, neither of which is happening. I want no part of him at $50 mil / 4 years. Hopefully Ballmer caves and he's wrapped up before FA starts.

[Iverson Armband]

I agree with everything in your post other than this limited 'window' we must somehow adhere to. That is what leads to knee jerk moves bringing in way overpriced and past their prime players in the hope to "win now".

Just build a deep, versatile group that compliments our two stars, which might even include rookies. Look at Dallas and see how it's being done at the highest level in today's game.

You’ve been preaching this for a while and I think it’s spot on. Joel is what he is. If he’s healthy, great. If not, this team should be built in a way that even without him they have a team that competes with an eye to the future. Build with young guys with talent and room to grow alongside Maxey. Joel is the wildcard. I don’t want Butler here. PG is fine because all he requires is cap space. Make a smart pick at #16 and don’t trade any future picks unless it’s for Lauri or Mikal.

The only way I wouldn't strongly disagree with signing George is if it's a shorter contract or not for the max, neither of which is happening. I want no part of him at $50 mil / 4 years. Hopefully Ballmer caves and he's wrapped up before FA starts.

Heres the thing, and I’m not a cap guy by any means, but if we don’t use the space do we lose it? 200M does seem a bit rich for PG, but it beats a blank IMO.

[mjkvol]

You’ve been preaching this for a while and I think it’s spot on. Joel is what he is. If he’s healthy, great. If not, this team should be built in a way that even without him they have a team that competes with an eye to the future. Build with young guys with talent and room to grow alongside Maxey. Joel is the wildcard. I don’t want Butler here. PG is fine because all he requires is cap space. Make a smart pick at #16 and don’t trade any future picks unless it’s for Lauri or Mikal.

The only way I wouldn't strongly disagree with signing George is if it's a shorter contract or not for the max, neither of which is happening. I want no part of him at $50 mil / 4 years. Hopefully Ballmer caves and he's wrapped up before FA starts.

Heres the thing, and I’m not a cap guy by any means, but if we don’t use the space do we lose it? 200M does seem a bit rich for PG, but it beats a blank IMO.

There are some here that are way more well versed on that stuff, but I just believe that opportunities to make good moves given the new restrictive cap are going to present themselves this summer, and that it's not going to be a choice between bending over for Paul George or bust.

[76ciology]

Game 6 between the Nuggets and Wolves was unusual. The Wolves played with the same intensity they showed in Games 1 and 2, while the Nuggets lacked the confidence they had in the last two games. The Wolves sent countless double-teams on Jokic, and the Nuggets failed to make open shots. It reminded me a bit of Game 6 against the Celtics, although that game was a blowout.

[76ciology]

Embiid is an alpha and a winning player; we just need to know how to use him.

For instance, no one thought Jokic was this good early on. Everyone doubted a team could win with his style of defense, but eventually, the Nuggets figured out how to win with him.

We have a blank slate right now with $60M of cap space, draft picks to trade, and an understanding of how the game is being played and officiated. Most importantly, we know Embiid's detailed flaws.

Let's give our best shot at building around Embiid this offseason, aiming to open a window for the next three years up till his contract is up. Then, we can decide based on the landscape at that time.

I agree with everything in your post other than this limited 'window' we must somehow adhere to. That is what leads to knee jerk moves bringing in way overpriced and past their prime players in the hope to "win now".

Just build a deep, versatile group that compliments our two stars, which might even include rookies. Look at Dallas and see how it's being done at the highest level in today's game.

I didn't set an age requirement for the team. I just said we should be aware of our three-year window. During that window, we should do whatever it takes to become a championship contender. This could involve bringing in players like Paul George or Ulrich Chomche.

I actually don't mind players past their prime if it can elevate us to the level of competence needed to win a championship. Look at the level of maturity Batum and Lowry played for our team.

[76ciology]

Mjkvol,

I notice you have a strong dislike for Paul George, likely due to his poor playoff performances. However, don't you think he would perform much better as the third option behind Maxey and Embiid? I believe he’d excel in the role that Tobias played, where if Embiid and Maxey are both on the court, we can set him up to shoot off the ball or attack his defender when he seals him under the basket. Additionally, George and Maxey could run some two-man game plays, allowing George to attack opposing point guards.

I can't see Morey passing up on George. I envision George playing with much less pressure on our team behind Embiid and Maxey.

If we ever can land George, I’d like to add a competent PF who can carry some or a lot of our load on defense like Jalen Smith, Jonathan Isaac or Evan Mobley.

[mjkvol]

Mjkvol,

I notice you have a strong dislike for Paul George, likely due to his poor playoff performances. However, don't you think he would perform much better as the third option behind Maxey and Embiid? I believe he’d excel in the role that Tobias played, where if Embiid and Maxey are both on the court, we can set him up to shoot off the ball or attack his defender when he seals him under the basket. Additionally, George and Maxey could run some two-man game plays, allowing George to attack opposing point guards.

I can't see Morey passing up on George. I envision George playing with much less pressure on our team behind Embiid and Maxey.

If we ever can land George, I’d like to add a competent PF who can carry some or a lot of our load on defense like Jalen Smith, Jonathan Isaac or Evan Mobley.

I don't have a strong dislike of George himself, but I do of tying up that much of the cap on a guy who is oft-injured and for whom this would not be his first choice of where to play. That just has disaster written all over it, and once we're in, we're in, especially if he's on the DL constantly. I do agree that he compliments Embiid and Maxey very nicely, and at its best it could be a lethal unit.

The ability to piece together a deep team, especially given the health of Embiid and George, is also a huge concern.

[mjkvol]

Really fun DAL-OKC game tonight, love seeing the Mavs get to the conference finals. Luka, Kyrie, and a bunch of solid role players.

And am I the only one annoyed seeing Isaiah Joe as a contributing rotation player on a playoff team?

[Eyeamok]

Really fun DAL-OKC game tonight, love seeing the Mavs get to the conference finals. Luka, Kyrie, and a bunch of solid role players.

And am I the only one annoyed seeing Isaiah Joe as a contributing rotation player on a playoff team?

About Joe maybe he had to get traded to realize the NBA is no joke and put in the time necessary to become a better player. Or maybe Doc just sucks at evaluating talent.

I want young bouncy players,that grab rebounds, to go along with solid vets on this team too. Great game by both teams.