Around the League: 2023-24 Season

[phillynative]

I can’t claim to watch him enough. How good is LaVine’s defense and how well does he play against Boston?

That’s what it comes down to.

And I’m worried there won’t be enough basketballs to go around.

I'm not a fan of acquiring Zach but if he gives us a boost against the Celtics than I'm all for it. But he's pretty much average against the Celtics . I think he can get hot against them but also have clunkers

The real Celtics killer has been Donovan Mitchell...

[phillynative]

I'm still annoyed the sixers lost to the celtics, the last game. I know they were tired but damn this is your rival and your at home.
The celtics media immediately talked about how they have broken Joel Embiid, all because he said they were the best team in the east after the game and Horford continues to own him. Embiid, for a player that's aware of everything going on around him I would hope he would have enough pride to bounce back and rid of himself of the Horford's son B.S.
But anyway the Celtics schedule have not been as tough as it looks now that they are on top of the east 1 game up on the sixers . (I know there is context pertaining to injuries ,back to backs etc..)

Celtics schedule /Sixers schedule so far
Knicks W. / Bucks L.
Heat W. / Raptors W.
Hornets W. / Trailblazers W.
Wizards W. / Raptors W.
Pacers W(No haliburton) /Suns W.(No Beal or Book)
Nets W. / Wizards W.
Timberwolves L. / Celtics W.
Sixers L. / Pistons W.
Nets W. / Pacers W.
Raptors W. / Pacers L.
Knicks W. / Celtics L
Sixers W. / Hawks W
Raptors W.

After the Nets game tomorrow the sixers will have to play 6 straight 500 and over teams concluding with Celtics again Dec. 1st.
Should be a nice test for the sixers and hopefully Batum is back for that stretch and Oubre is back for the Celtics game even if it's a few mins off the bench.

Celtics next two are struggling Grizzlies and Hornets and their next 5 are 500 and over teams except the white flag Bulls concluding with with another clash against sixers Dec 1st.

Just looking at the scheduling it looks like the Celtics will hold down that top spot for now.

[Kobblehead]

Jazz easily replaced Donovan and Kessler with George and Kessler. Markannen, Brice, Hendricks and picks also.

The Mitchell/Bogdanovic/Gobert trio had their flaws (Gobert's contract, Bogdanovic's defense), but they were in the playoffs every year and gave the Jazz a product worth watching.

This current iteration of the Jazz seems to have a ways to go until they are a playoff team and I don't see a clear core of guys to build around.

Center:
- Kessler is great on the glass and in contesting shots, but what about his offense? He's not even scoring in double figures. Gobert's offense started slow also, so maybe he'll eventually get there. But right now, I'm not yet convinced he's a building block for their eventual core.

Forward:
- If you can trust that John Collins rediscovered his jumper, he can be a game-changer on both ends. He has the talent to be a core piece, but he has proven to be unreliable from the neck-up. Can you trust him enough to build around him?
- Markkanen is a phenomenal offensive player but I simply do not trust his defense. He's like a PF version of what Bogdanovic was at SF. With him as a building block, I think you're limited on what you can accomplish.
- Taylor Hendricks was one of my favorite players in the draft. He's got the two-way game to be a potential star player. He's just a prospect and isn't even playing so it could be a while before he emerges.
- Not a fan of Brice Sensabaugh in the sense that he's an out of shape offense-only player with a Gs game and a Fs body. If he loses 15 pounds and they can play him at SG, he'd be more serviceable. Still not a fan of him as a core piece.

Guard:
- Jordan Clarkson is empty buckets. They need to purge him from the roster. He's not a serious player.
- Collin Sexton is dynamic, but two franchises have basically told us that he's not a lead G. He's just a reserve scorer. They might want to move him as well.
- Keyonte George was an inefficient scorer at Baylor with a questionable jumper and below average defense. He hasn't look any diferent at the NBA level. I'm not convinced he's a building block.

[GoSixersBro]

I refuse to believe Terrance Mann had any part in the hold-up of the Harden trade. Not a Morey simp, but he's not stupid.

[Sixerscan]

I refuse to believe Terrance Mann had any part in the hold-up of the Harden trade. Not a Morey simp, but he's not stupid.

Seems like it was more that he wanted 2 picks (so he could offer 3 picks to someone which seems like the minimum star offer) and he could flip Mann for a pick.

I’m more confused why the Clippers held it up for Mann. Batum or Covington could do what he’s doing right now, and they clearly could have used a camp to figure out this Harden stuff.

[76ciology]

I refuse to believe Terrance Mann had any part in the hold-up of the Harden trade. Not a Morey simp, but he's not stupid.

Morey probably used fake Mann demand to get extra pick and/or get one of Batum or Roco

[M2J]

I refuse to believe Terrance Mann had any part in the hold-up of the Harden trade. Not a Morey simp, but he's not stupid.

Seems like it was more that he wanted 2 picks (so he could offer 3 picks to someone which seems like the minimum star offer) and he could flip Mann for a pick.

I’m more confused why the Clippers held it up for Mann. Batum or Covington could do what he’s doing right now, and they clearly could have used a camp to figure out this Harden stuff.

The report was that Morey had a first round pick trade for Mann already set up. It may have been a cleaner less protected pick than what OKC provided. I think Morey was thinking Terrance or the 2030 pick and clearer heads prevailed. He could have been a fine fit for this roster as well. I mean some people are ready to give up 2 firsts for 30 year old Caruso.

[Eyeamok]

I'm still annoyed the sixers lost to the celtics, the last game. I know they were tired but damn this is your rival and your at home.
The celtics media immediately talked about how they have broken Joel Embiid, all because he said they were the best team in the east after the game and Horford continues to own him. Embiid, for a player that's aware of everything going on around him I would hope he would have enough pride to bounce back and rid of himself of the Horford's son B.S.
But anyway the Celtics schedule have not been as tough as it looks now that they are on top of the east 1 game up on the sixers . (I know there is context pertaining to injuries ,back to backs etc..)

Celtics schedule /Sixers schedule so far
Knicks W. / Bucks L.
Heat W. / Raptors W.
Hornets W. / Trailblazers W.
Wizards W. / Raptors W.
Pacers W(No haliburton) /Suns W.(No Beal or Book)
Nets W. / Wizards W.
Timberwolves L. / Celtics W.
Sixers L. / Pistons W.
Nets W. / Pacers W.
Raptors W. / Pacers L.
Knicks W. / Celtics L
Sixers W. / Hawks W
Raptors W.

After the Nets game tomorrow the sixers will have to play 6 straight 500 and over teams concluding with Celtics again Dec. 1st.
Should be a nice test for the sixers and hopefully Batum is back for that stretch and Oubre is back for the Celtics game even if it's a few mins off the bench.

Celtics next two are struggling Grizzlies and Hornets and their next 5 are 500 and over teams except the white flag Bulls concluding with with another clash against sixers Dec 1st.

Just looking at the scheduling it looks like the Celtics will hold down that top spot for now.

The 76ers may win a game or two against the Celtics. But the Celtics announcers were not wrong. For the most part Boston has the 76ers number and Al always plays Embiid well. It's just a fact. Boston even makes Maxey look like a rookie. It's just the way things are for now. If the 76ers can figure out the Boston riddle they will be a prime candidate to make it past the 2nd round to get beat in the conference finals.

[Murray_17]

It looks like Lavine had an altercation with a Bulls media guy and left the stadium fast while the team was celebrating the last win.

Also, there a rumours of the Bulls helping Demar with a possible trade.

So, give me Caruso lol

[Stanford]

This Caruso thing is out of control.

[Monix]

This Caruso thing is out of control.

not sure I'm interested in pissing away $10M in cap space plus a 1st for Alex Caruso

[ProcessDoctor]

Although Chicago's implosion should provide an opportunity for us, I don't think any of the 3 guys rumored to be traded are great targets for us.

-DeRozan doesn't shoot enough 3s to be a stop-gap 3rd best option. He's also trash in the playoffs.
-LaVine's contract kills any free-agent possibilities and would cost The Assassin or 3-4 depth pieces.
-Caruso will cost way too much for what we need. We aren't an Alex Caruso away from becoming a dynasty.

Save our real ammo for the potential of a Mitchell, Mikal, Bane, Ja, LaMelo, or Ingram trade.

In the meantime, target a Brogdon or Bojan and call it a day. We would need a contract like theirs next year to help match salaries in a trade anyway.

[zaz102]

Although Chicago's implosion should provide an opportunity for us, I don't think any of the 3 guys rumored to be traded are great targets for us.

-DeRozan doesn't shoot enough 3s to be a stop-gap 3rd best option. He's also trash in the playoffs.
-LaVine's contract kills any free-agent possibilities and would cost The Assassin or 3-4 depth pieces.
-Caruso will cost way too much for what we need. We aren't an Alex Caruso away from becoming a dynasty.

Save our real ammo for the potential of a Mitchell, Mikal, Bane, Ja, LaMelo, or Ingram trade.

In the meantime, target a Brogdon or Bojan and call it a day. We would need a contract like theirs next year to help match salaries in a trade anyway.

100% agree with and this I think the names provided are great examples. Either find a high level playmaker/ball handler that can also play off ball and can play at least average defense and ideally good d. Or a stop gap that can provide some of that but are flawed but won't kill our flexibility.

[Murray_17]

Save our real ammo for the potential of a Mitchell, Mikal, Bane, Ja, LaMelo, or Ingram trade.

None of those guys are going to be traded anytime soon and by the time some are available our Embiid window is gonna be closed

At this rate you're gonna need to absorve bad contracts or grow on the edges and i'm certainly in favor of the second instead of trying to bring Lavine who is a nutcase or some of the guys who expire this year.

Now, i would try with a pick for Caruso, two seems too much. But sometimes you have to do that **** if you feel you're close, the Bucks traded 2 first, Bledsoe, Hill and a swap for Jrue and then more **** for PJ Tucker. Gambles are like that

[ProcessDoctor]

Save our real ammo for the potential of a Mitchell, Mikal, Bane, Ja, LaMelo, or Ingram trade.

None of those guys are going to be traded anytime soon and by the time some are available our Embiid window is gonna be closed

At this rate you're gonna need to absorve bad contracts or grow on the edges and i'm certainly in favor of the second instead of trying to bring Lavine who is a nutcase or some of the guys who expire this year.

Now, i would try with a pick for Caruso, two seems too much. But sometimes you have to do that **** if you feel you're close, the Bucks traded 2 first, Bledsoe, Hill and a swap for Jrue and then more **** for PJ Tucker. Gambles are like that

Just because another high-level player isn't available now doesn't mean they won't become available later. No need to blow picks on role players based on that assumption.

Caruso is nowhere near the two-way player Jrue was/is. Role player vs. All-Star.

[Murray_17]

Caruso is nowhere near the two-way player Jrue was/is. Role player vs. All-Star.

Jrue was an All star on a weak East Conference seven years before getting traded to the Bucks and as a replacement last year, everyone agrees the bucks overpay for him even if it was the right call.

I like the guy, but if you think his "natural" trade value in 2020 was 2 picks, Bledsoe and a swap i just don't know what to tell you. Hell, we traded Holiday for a lottery pick and another first after he got his all-star nod and when he was on the peak of his athleticism.

Pj Tucker was traded to the Bucks for one first, salary and a second swap.

Just because another high-level player isn't available now doesn't mean they won't become available later. No need to blow picks on role players based on that assumption.

I would like to know how one of the players you mentioned gets on the block...

[ProcessDoctor]

Caruso is nowhere near the two-way player Jrue was/is. Role player vs. All-Star.

Jrue was an All star on a weak East Conference seven years before getting traded to the Bucks and as a replacement last year, everyone agrees the bucks overpay for him even if it was the right call.

I like the guy, but if you think his "natural" trade value in 2020 was 2 picks, Bledsoe and a swap i just don't know what to tell you. Hell, we traded Holiday for 2 firsts after he got his all-star nod

Pj Tucker was traded to the Bucks for one first, salary and a second swap.

Just because another high-level player isn't available now doesn't mean they won't become available later. No need to blow picks on role players based on that assumption.

I would like to know how one of the players you mentioned gets on the block...

Are you insinuating that Holiday and Caruso ought to have similar value?

Players get on the block by asking for a trade or not signing extensions, thus prompting the team to trade them. Mitchell and Ingram are basically already there.

[Murray_17]

Are you insinuating that Holiday and Caruso ought to have similar value?

No? i'm insinuating that teams sometime overpay to complete rosters.

Players get on the block by asking for a trade or not signing extensions, thus prompting the team to trade them. Mitchell and Ingram are basically already there.

Why is Mitchell right there?

Same with Ingram, guy is playing for a contract and his extension is more possible with the Pelicans than a contender. Moreover, the Pelicans has so much young talent they can move Zion to get a guy to pair with Ingram more easily as well as using CJ and Jonas as possible expirings if they want to keep a core around Ingram/Zion.

[ProcessDoctor]

Are you insinuating that Holiday and Caruso ought to have similar value?

No? i'm insinuating that teams sometime overpay to complete rosters.

Players get on the block by asking for a trade or not signing extensions, thus prompting the team to trade them. Mitchell and Ingram are basically already there.

Why is Mitchell right there?

Same with Ingram, guy is playing for a contract and his extension is more possible with the Pelicans than a contender. Moreover, the Pelicans has so much young talent they can move Zion to get a guy to pair with Ingram more easily as well as using CJ and Jonas as possible expirings if they want to keep a core around Ingram/Zion.

I guess I just don't see Caruso as the player to overpay for. He's 29 and an expiring after next season.

There's been lots of smoke with Mitchell. He's already said he won't sign an extension with Cleveland. Ingram said he'll talk extension with NOP next summer. If they're still a middling .500 team, why would they want to give him that money? Especially if a team is willing to offer a fair package for him.

[Murray_17]

There's been lots of smoke with Mitchell. He's already said he won't sign an extension with Cleveland.

No, he said he didn't want to sign an extension this season. And it makes economic sense for him, signing right now would mean he can get at best a 3 year extension, by waiting he can add one year to the deal, he's signed until 2026 but has a contract option for the last year.

Ingram said he'll talk extension with NOP next summer. If they're still a middling .500 team, why would they want to give him that money? Especially if a team is willing to offer a fair package for him.

Because he's a core piece and trading him means reorganizing everything around Zion who is less reliable right now? They have like 3 or 4 young core pieces they can move before touching Zion or Ingram, plus movable contracts.