NBA General Discussion: 2025 Offseason

[76ciology]

Basketball is evolving into a game where most scoring comes from either 3 pointers or lob dunks, both high-efficiency shots. The Rockets were ahead of their time in recognizing this trend. I expect teams to start prioritizing lob threats who can space the floor, defend in space, and protect the rim, along with wings who can create their own shot and generate a high volume of quality 3s. The Mavericks were close to this model in the Finals. Having multiple shot creators is also key, as variance plays a huge role in this type of offense. And quite frankly, it takes a lot of energy for the shotcreator to do it whole game in a playoff setting.

Duke plays a similar style, often running lobs as their primary action with Kneuppel. If that’s denied, they simply dump it to Flagg, where he can run a 2 man game again either to manipulate the defender or just straight up ISO. The Cavs IMO also follow a comparable approach.

If your frontcourt players (4s and 5s) can both space the floor and protect the rim, it simplifies everything. Driving lanes open up, and defenses are constantly forced into high-efficiency trade-offs, either giving up a lob or an open 3 when they collapse. Defensively, it allows a big man to step outside the paint while the other rotates inside, maintaining rim protection.

The downside? Eventually, most teams will adopt a similar style because there’s an abundance of shot creators and lob threats. The difference will come down to talent levels—a shot creator could be anywhere from Tyrese Maxey to Jayson Tatum, who can shoot over defendeds, while a lob threat could range from Nick Richards to Kristaps Porzingis, who adds an extra layer of versatility with his ability to switch to perimeter defender, outside shooting and ability to punish mismatches.

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

For all the love Presti gets in OKC, they sold way low on Josh Giddey. Glad he's found a home in Chicago. And yeah...Giddey was redundant in OKC, I don't need to be reminded of that. I wish we would have made a move to get him.

[the_process]

For all the love Presti gets in OKC, they sold way low on Josh Giddey. Glad he's found a home in Chicago. And yeah...Giddey was redundant in OKC, I don't need to be reminded of that. I wish we would have made a move to get him.

If the shooting is real, then OKC sold low.

I'm not convinced yet. Let me see another couple seasons of 37%+ while he turns up the volume some (~6 3FGA / game).

[ProcessDoctor]

I honestly don’t know what okc can do with all those picks. The 2nd apron really changed the “ceiling” of what teams can realistically do.

[76ciology]

If Giddey’s shooting is legit, then both Presti and I were wrong to disrespect him.

[the_process]

I honestly don’t know what okc can do with all those picks. The 2nd apron really changed the “ceiling” of what teams can realistically do.

What they would have done is offer most of them plus players for Luka.

But Silver had other plans.

[ProcessDoctor]

I honestly don’t know what okc can do with all those picks. The 2nd apron really changed the “ceiling” of what teams can realistically do.

What they would have done is offer most of them plus players for Luka.

But Silver had other plans.

Word, I don’t see any other young player who might become available. There are always surprises in this league though.

[the_process]

I honestly don’t know what okc can do with all those picks. The 2nd apron really changed the “ceiling” of what teams can realistically do.

What they would have done is offer most of them plus players for Luka.

But Silver had other plans.

Word, I don’t see any other young player who might become available. There are always surprises in this league though.

If Dame has to retire, maybe Giannis comes free? Not really young, but teams would go all in on Giannis.

[the_process]

Memphis fired their coach. Kinda crazy considering they're in the thick of it in the West even though Ja and JJJ are hurt.

[Arsenal]

Memphis fired their coach. Kinda crazy considering they're in the thick of it in the West even though Ja and JJJ are hurt.

Rumor is he pulled a "Udoka" lol

[SixthStreet]

Potentially excepting the 7th overall pick this year, the rest of OKCs stash is volume over quantity. I think what they'll probably do is try to keep a conveyor belt of cost controlled rotation players as guys get too expensive on second/third contracts.

[ProcessDoctor]

What they would have done is offer most of them plus players for Luka.

But Silver had other plans.

Word, I don’t see any other young player who might become available. There are always surprises in this league though.

If Dame has to retire, maybe Giannis comes free? Not really young, but teams would go all in on Giannis.

True. Even if Lillard plays again, I see Giannis being available for the right price this summer. Not sure OKC would be his preferred destination, but they'd have the best package to offer out of the potential contenders (Houston a close 2nd). They could trade Hartenstein + Joe + 6-7 FRPs (they have 12-13 tradeable 1sts) and dominate for the foreseeable future.

SGA/Caruso
Dort/Wallace
Jaelen/Wiggins
Giannis/Kenrich
Chet/Jaylin

That's Curry/Durant Warriors-esque.

[the_process]

Word, I don’t see any other young player who might become available. There are always surprises in this league though.

If Dame has to retire, maybe Giannis comes free? Not really young, but teams would go all in on Giannis.

True. Even if Lillard plays again, I see Giannis being available for the right price this summer. Not sure OKC would be his preferred destination, but they'd have the best package to offer out of the potential contenders (Houston a close 2nd). They could trade Hartenstein + Joe + 6-7 FRPs (they have 12-13 tradeable 1sts) and dominate for the foreseeable future.

SGA/Caruso
Dort/Wallace
Jaelen/Wiggins
Giannis/Kenrich
Chet/Jaylin

That's Curry/Durant Warriors-esque.

If I'm Milwaukee, I want Jalen Williams plus whatever matching salary and the six best first round picks they have.

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

Drew Timme with a double double in his Nets debut. Guy was a Gonzaga legend. It's cool to see him get a shot in the pros.

[Eyeamok]

I honestly don’t know what okc can do with all those picks. The 2nd apron really changed the “ceiling” of what teams can realistically do.

What they would have done is offer most of them plus players for Luka.

But Silver had other plans.

Great post and even if you don't believe in conspiracy theories, at the very least Dallas should have let OKC in on the conversation. But I forget Dallas really wanted Anthony Davis.

[MVP1992]

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[ProcessDoctor]

Would OKC try and buy the #1 pick this year or next with a heap of draft capital? Would anyone do that trade?

Flagg is as close to a “can’t miss” as it gets, so I probably wouldn’t. Picks /=/ franchise player.

[mjkvol]

Would OKC try and buy the #1 pick this year or next with a heap of draft capital? Would anyone do that trade?

Tell you this, it would be an all-time ballsy move for a GM to trade potentially the next 'generational' player when he's in your lap already. I can't imagine how high the price would have to be.

Nico Harrison might be a candidate to make that trade, and wouldn't demand all that much. Sorry, couldn't resist.

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

Would OKC try and buy the #1 pick this year or next with a heap of draft capital? Would anyone do that trade?

Tell you this, it would be an all-time ballsy move for a GM to trade potentially the next 'generational' player when he's in your lap already. I can't imagine how high the price would have to be.

Nico Harrison might be a candidate to make that trade, and wouldn't demand all that much. Sorry, couldn't resist.

I could see Morey doing it if we land the top pick. I mean, if KD became available? Maybe a three way deal where we get KD, maybe Jasean Tate and Jock Landale from Houston? Only thing missing is the green font.

[the_process]

Would OKC try and buy the #1 pick this year or next with a heap of draft capital? Would anyone do that trade?

No one makes that trade I don't think. Not even Nico