Road to a Championship start here, 2022 Draft.

[Whole Truth]

Only fitting this game ended with CJ dribbling the air out of the ball & bricking.

I change my mind.. trade Jonas so I don't have to watch it anymore.

[Whole Truth]

Green must have liked the show Booker put on in that 3rd Q. 24 pt lead evaporated in 5 minutes with Booker on fire, where no timeputs were called to try & break Suns/Bookers momentum & take the fans out the game.

Good thing Jonas was subbed out when Suns were still down 20. . CJ fans will have to find some other excuse for the collapse. lol

CJ was great in the first half. However 3rd Q CJ has been the problem.. With the game tightening, CJ forcing, is not what this team needs from it's supposed leader. 0-4 or 1-5 during the 24pt collapse... One possession in particular that exemplifies his play for most of the season.. CJ was facing a double team baseline, he had a player wide open top of the arc, not Jonas, not the rookie Dyson but Zion & he looked him off to force a heavily contested shot over 2 defenders...

The difference between Jonas last yr & this, is CJ & Green catering to CJ's slump. First half when CJ wasn't dominating the ball & forcing his game.. everyone, including Jonas was effective, 2nd half Jonas with CJ forcing had 2 touches ... a tale of 2 halves. A movie I have seen many times with Derozan & Casey.

[Duke4life831]

Team needs BI back, the non Zion minutes are really starting to catch up to this team the last 3-5 games. Willie and this team needs to be dedicated to let Zion be the #1 option and not be a 1a/1b split between him and CJ. And the defense needs to play better. 3rd quarter defense lately has been flat out horrible.

[Funcrusher]

Team needs BI back, the non Zion minutes are really starting to catch up to this team the last 3-5 games. Willie and this team needs to be dedicated to let Zion be the #1 option and not be a 1a/1b split between him and CJ. And the defense needs to play better. 3rd quarter defense lately has been flat out horrible.

Duke, you gotta reassure me there's some way we can make this work with CJ lol, because rn I'm just not seeing it. Not to harp on that too much, but its just legitimately hampering my expectations now with this team.

You see that play late in the 4th where we're down two and CJ dribbles into a jump ball with Bridges in the mid post when Zion is literally unguarded at the top of the key? We essentially lost the game there, and it's obviously not the first or last time it happens.

Im just frustrated man, for a guy who is apparently so astute and intelligent in other aspects of life, CJ just plays such a selfish brand of basketball, particularly considering his actual talent level, and when you have prominently featured guys who simply don't know there role, it inevitably becomes a problem. And i say that realizing he was really good this game up until about mid way through the 3rd

[Duke4life831]

Team needs BI back, the non Zion minutes are really starting to catch up to this team the last 3-5 games. Willie and this team needs to be dedicated to let Zion be the #1 option and not be a 1a/1b split between him and CJ. And the defense needs to play better. 3rd quarter defense lately has been flat out horrible.

Duke, you gotta reassure me there's some way we can make this work with CJ lol, because rn I'm just not seeing it. Not to harp on that too much, but its just legitimately hampering my expectations now with this team.

You see that play late in the 4th where we're down two and CJ dribbles into a jump ball with Bridges in the mid post when Zion is literally unguarded at the top of the key? We essentially lost the game there, and it's obviously not the first or last time it happens.

Im just frustrated man, for a guy who is apparently so astute and intelligent in other aspects of life, CJ just plays such a selfish brand of basketball, particularly considering his actual talent level, and when you have prominently featured guys who simply don't know there role, it inevitably becomes a problem. And i say that realizing he was really good this game up until about mid way through the 3rd

Haha he's a rough fit no doubt. Because again the biggest issue with CJ is for him to play his best style of basketball, it takes away from Zion and BI. The other problem with CJ is he has never been super efficient at scoring. He's essentially been a league average when it comes to TS%. He is now 31, has added some weight and I think is on the down slope of his prime. And giving him an extension this past summer was dumb, now you got an aging small guard who doesnt fit your roster and it also prevents him from being traded this year.

Now with all the negative aside, I do think it can be manageable though for the rest of the year. Slide CJ to the 6th man and bring either Jose or Dyson into the starting lineup. Two guys who are far superior defensive players and two guys that do well to mold their games when playing with the stars. When theyre playing alongside Zion/BI, they cut well off the ball, they move the ball quickly when they get it as well. Then what I would do is set CJ to the 6th man role (really shouldve been his role for the majority of his career), have him play 20-25 minutes per game. And for the majority of those minutes have a defensive first lineup out there and limit his minutes with BI and Zion. I also wouldnt have him in my closing lineups either. Defensively it doesnt make sense and offensively I trust the offense going through Zion or BI much more. I think CJ in a 6th man role would be much more fitting.

I also do think that will happen by the end of the year. With more and more minutes we are seeing. Its becoming more and more clear Zion can handle high touches and a 5 Time Per Possession. We are seeing guys like Jose and Dyson fit in nicely with the starting lineup because they can impact the game without having to dribble the air out of the ball.

And I will say as a BI fan, the dude needs to stay healthy. Because all of this talk is meaningless if he cant stay in the lineup. It all makes sense if he can be trusted in being in the starting lineup and being that legit #2 option with Zion, which allows CJ a more limited role and move him to the bench. But if he's not there, there is no way CJ gets moved to the bench. But ya this was my fear I talked about all summer long. I didnt see CJ sliding over to a limited 3rd option role because he has never played that way all his career. But ya as someone who has been following and rooting for this team for the past 4 years, I know I dont have the same level of emotional connection as a long time Pels fan, but ya man Im with you. Even when CJ has good stats, it can be frustrating to watch because it just feels like its capping the team.

[Duke4life831]

I would also add as some kind of defense for CJ, I think a big chunk of the frustration with CJ really doesnt involve CJ.

Its the fact that Jose and Daniels fit this roster perfectly (Ill eat all the crow and admit I was off on the Daniels part from this summer) and both deserve more minutes. Its the fact that Jose in less of a year's time went from a cool undrafted story, to an end of the bench guy, to a solid bench contributor, to a legit rotation piece, to honestly should be a starting guard.

Its the fact that both guys are already high level defenders, and even more both guys are 40% catch and shoot from 3 guys this year. Daniels has a 59 eFG% in catch and shoot situations and Jose is chilling at 60%. That was supposed to be the weak point for both of these guys.

But ya we get to see basically game in game out both of Jose and Daniels come in, play high level defense, the ball doesnt stick in their hands, they move the ball well, they move off the ball well and then add in theyve been reliable and consistent catch and shoot threats. So as a fan and watching some of these games where these guys dont even crack 20 minutes in a game, that just adds to the frustration and gets taken out on CJ. Then the whole confirmation bias kicks in because now youre so focused on CJ when he over dribbles, when he gets taken advantage of on the defensive end.

I honestly dont think they extend CJ this summer if they thought Jose and Daniels would be playing at this level already.

[Whole Truth]

I would also add as some kind of defense for CJ, I think a big chunk of the frustration with CJ really doesnt involve CJ.

Its the fact that Jose and Daniels fit this roster perfectly (Ill eat all the crow and admit I was off on the Daniels part from this summer) and both deserve more minutes. Its the fact that Jose in less of a year's time went from a cool undrafted story, to an end of the bench guy, to a solid bench contributor, to a legit rotation piece, to honestly should be a starting guard.

Its the fact that both guys are already high level defenders, and even more both guys are 40% catch and shoot from 3 guys this year. Daniels has a 59 eFG% in catch and shoot situations and Jose is chilling at 60%. That was supposed to be the weak point for both of these guys.

But ya we get to see basically game in game out both of Jose and Daniels come in, play high level defense, the ball doesnt stick in their hands, they move the ball well, they move off the ball well and then add in theyve been reliable and consistent catch and shoot threats. So as a fan and watching some of these games where these guys dont even crack 20 minutes in a game, that just adds to the frustration and gets taken out on CJ. Then the whole confirmation bias kicks in because now youre so focused on CJ when he over dribbles, when he gets taken advantage of on the defensive end.

I honestly dont think they extend CJ this summer if they thought Jose and Daniels would be playing at this level already.

& Then to facilitate CJ defensively, u have to ride Nance where the rebounding suffers... In all these losses, a big issue is rebounding & second chance opportunuty. Now only if they had someone who could rebound & close possession. Nope, he's not playable with CJ down the stretch..

[Whole Truth]

See how much Lopez is moving on his screens, lol. They not calling it but Jonas has one already ..

Nice time out call from Green when Bucks went up 11 early.

NO''s missing Nance minutes in this one.

Sloppy first half but the game is there for the taking.

[NO-KG-AI]

I thought today was one of the core examples of why your entire offense can't just be "point zion". Guys have to get comfortable creating more action and openings for themselves than just start dribbling from 35 feet out. Zion seemed to figure it out, but it was too late by the time he started to find his spots and not be forced to dish.

I said on the Bucks board that the Bucks dictated the action on both ends. We did alright at taking what they gave us, but we only took what they gave us and couldn't impose our own will at all.

I agree that it felt like we missed Nance big time. Jonas played fantastic ball mostly, but we got killed in the Hernangomez minutes.

I saw that the Bucks were 1-10 on the plays that we doubled Giannis. Probably should have done that more too, but they were only +1 in his minutes, despite his big scoring night.

[Whole Truth]

I thought today was one of the core examples of why your entire offense can't just be "point zion". Guys have to get comfortable creating more action and openings for themselves than just start dribbling from 35 feet out. Zion seemed to figure it out, but it was too late by the time he started to find his spots and not be forced to dish.

I said on the Bucks board that the Bucks dictated the action on both ends. We did alright at taking what they gave us, but we only took what they gave us and couldn't impose our own will at all.

I agree that it felt like we missed Nance big time. Jonas played fantastic ball mostly, but we got killed in the Hernangomez minutes.

I saw that the Bucks were 1-10 on the plays that we doubled Giannis. Probably should have done that more too, but they were only +1 in his minutes, despite his big scoring night.

U say it in your post... Bud forced everyone but Zion to beat them, Green played Giannis straight up for the most part.

Didn't help that Giannis got to the line 22 times, 2 less than the entire Pels team, with some soft calls, while Zion was getting techs for his whistle. NBA is manipulated by it's wide ranging subjectivity & the playing field last night was not level.

Jonas was +8 in a 9 point loss. Pels needed Nance but if he was available, Jonas who came in with the team down 14 would have never made their comeback because Green would have never have turned to Jonas as an option with Nance available. Pels were even on the boards & + 9 on offensive boards, 2nd chance points.

CJ is starting to play/shoot better which is encouraging & I'm not going to hold the 2 bad TO's during that late run against him because he was actively trying to involve his teammates which is what we want but that Logo 3 took the air out the comeback down 3. Good for the most part but the shot selection could still use some cleanup.

When things get hectic, CJ needs to play with more calm. When he feels he has to do more & carry,, is when the trouble starts.

NO's basically lost this game with it's bench minutes & some key role players going MIA. Jose has not played/shot well since damaging his ribs, Murphy has gone cold & Herb has yet to find an offensive rythym.

The good news. Pels got the best of that Bucks team with them getting a favorable whistle but they can play much better than they did. This Pels team can beat that Bucks team in a 7 game series & that's with no BI..

[Whole Truth]

Was just reading some NO's content on other forums. It's starting to look like sone are starting to understand that offensive efficiency plays into defensive efficiency, which is why Jonas has now been apart of 3 different teams that have reached top 5 in defense despite his defensive deficiency. Why, his team defensive rating is always better than his individual defensive rating. Why, playing with an inefficient option, reducing his touches/efficiency, reduces his value...

However, they still going with Jonas can't impact the PO's when he's reached the ECF's once & the Semi's twice as a starter... lol.

I'm not saying he doesn't have his defensive limitations, It's what Nance is 4 but Green like other coaches make the mistake & make that read based on individual defense & not team impact. Was Jonas good defensively yesterday ? He & Herb were the only 2 starters +8, in a 9 point loss.. He was the sub when NO's went down 14 that started the run that got the team to within 3 where a bad look/shot/offense... swung that momentum/run.

[Duke4life831]

Meh close game late in the 4th against one of the best teams in the league and still without your 2nd best player. Hard to get too upset about that game.

A few things to take note of (or at least I did). Both teams led by a guy that should be defended very similarly. Yet Giannis was able to be involved far more heavily all throughout the game, Zion was kept very quiet for big chunks of the game. 2 things from that,

1. Bucks defensive plan was either much better, or the players just executed it at a much higher level.
2. Willie needs to find ways to still keep Zion involved. 3 FGAs in the 1st half shouldnt happen. Now I totally understand the entire Bucks defensive gameplan was force everyone else to beat them, you still cant let Zion being straight up taken out of the game for as much as he was, there needs to be some kind of adjustments made.

But ya with that said, no BI, no Nance, got nothing really offensively from Jose or Daniels, and Zion scored 18pts on 16 shots and this was still a 1 possession game with 1.5 minutes to go against one of the best teams in the league. Hard to be too upset with the game.

[Whole Truth]

Meh close game late in the 4th against one of the best teams in the league and still without your 2nd best player. Hard to get too upset about that game.

A few things to take note of (or at least I did). Both teams led by a guy that should be defended very similarly. Yet Giannis was able to be involved far more heavily all throughout the game, Zion was kept very quiet for big chunks of the game. 2 things from that,

1. Bucks defensive plan was either much better, or the players just executed it at a much higher level.
2. Willie needs to find ways to still keep Zion involved. 3 FGAs in the 1st half shouldnt happen. Now I totally understand the entire Bucks defensive gameplan was force everyone else to beat them, you still cant let Zion being straight up taken out of the game for as much as he was, there needs to be some kind of adjustments made.

But ya with that said, no BI, no Nance, got nothing really offensively from Jose or Daniels, and Zion scored 18pts on 16 shots and this was still a 1 possession game with 1.5 minutes to go against one of the best teams in the league. Hard to be too upset with the game.

Men were being left open to take away the paint from Zion. Those 3 FGA's was IMO what the offense was giving & getting. No player was taking shots out of turn so to speak with Jonas getting an efficient 28 first half. Very few possessions outside a couple bad TO's were wasted first half. The defensive strategy & bench production was the main issues. Green should have used, box 1 & turn Giannis into a jump shooter & live with him hitting from the outside. Instead he was played tight & to a man where he got to the rim at will along with 22 FT's.. NO's should have been sagging off but they were playing him tight & to a man.

Raptors did that for the first 2 games of their PO run & he dismantled Gasol for their only 2 wins of the PO's, then Raptors went to the box 1 defense & turned him into a 3pt shooter for the rest of the series where they took 4 straight.

[Duke4life831]

Meh close game late in the 4th against one of the best teams in the league and still without your 2nd best player. Hard to get too upset about that game.

A few things to take note of (or at least I did). Both teams led by a guy that should be defended very similarly. Yet Giannis was able to be involved far more heavily all throughout the game, Zion was kept very quiet for big chunks of the game. 2 things from that,

1. Bucks defensive plan was either much better, or the players just executed it at a much higher level.
2. Willie needs to find ways to still keep Zion involved. 3 FGAs in the 1st half shouldnt happen. Now I totally understand the entire Bucks defensive gameplan was force everyone else to beat them, you still cant let Zion being straight up taken out of the game for as much as he was, there needs to be some kind of adjustments made.

But ya with that said, no BI, no Nance, got nothing really offensively from Jose or Daniels, and Zion scored 18pts on 16 shots and this was still a 1 possession game with 1.5 minutes to go against one of the best teams in the league. Hard to be too upset with the game.

Men were being left open to take away the paint from Zion. Those 3 FGA's was IMO what the offense was giving & getting. No player was taking shots out of turn so to speak with Jonas getting an efficient 28 first half. Very few possessions outside a couple bad TO's were wasted first half. The defensive strategy & bench production was the main issues. Green should have used, box 1 & turn Giannis into a jump shooter & live with him hitting from the outside. Instead he was played tight & to a man where he got to the rim at will along with 22 FT's.. NO's should have been sagging off but they were playing him tight & to a man.

Raptors did that for the first 2 games of their PO run & he dismantled Gasol for their only 2 wins of the PO's, then Raptors went to the box 1 defense & turned him into a 3pt shooter for the rest of the series where they took 4 straight.

Im not claiming the offense was horrible or anything. But you should never allow the opposing team to take out your star, that just shouldnt happen. Again not saying Zion shouldve taken 15 shots in the 1st half or anything, but he was completely taken out of the game in the 1st half. Thats a win for Milwaukee and if Jonas doesnt go 7-10 from 3, that game wouldve been ugly.

With that said, I like that they got Jonas involved, Ive been with you all season thinking that he has been under utilized. And I agree the defensive scheme was awful. All Im saying is you cant allow a defense to take out your star player like they did Zion, there needs to be some kind of adjustment, again not saying he had to be dominating the ball, but get him more involved than he was.

[Whole Truth]

Im not claiming the offense was horrible or anything. But you should never allow the opposing team to take out your star, that just shouldnt happen. Again not saying Zion shouldve taken 15 shots in the 1st half or anything, but he was completely taken out of the game in the 1st half. Thats a win for Milwaukee and if Jonas doesnt go 7-10 from 3, that game wouldve been ugly.

With that said, I like that they got Jonas involved, Ive been with you all season thinking that he has been under utilized. And I agree the defensive scheme was awful. All Im saying is you cant allow a defense to take out your star player like they did Zion, there needs to be some kind of adjustment, again not saying he had to be dominating the ball, but get him more involved than he was.

It wasn't good.. Like u said, Jonas shot 6-7 from 3, that's not what NO's or Jonas want. Bucks dictated the game on both ends. They cheated off of Herb & were also going to live with Jonas taking those 3's to form their wall. Notice they never really closed out despite him going 6-7 first half, they picked their poison & Green stuck with his rotations. Thankfully, BI changes that dynamic.. Herb needs to start hitting his outside shots.. Murphy has gone cold.. so with no outside shooting, outside of them giving Jonas a shot, he was making.. there was an effective wall. Not much Zion could have done, reason for the higher than normal TO rate.. It wasn't for a lack of trying. Everyone outside Jonas & CJ went MIA offensively. Can't lose bench mins when Giannis sits & that's what NO's did. Jose hasn't been right since damaging his ribs & Nance was sorely missed.

Oh, what cannot be forgotten, another key factor, refs allowed Bucks to be more physical with Zion than NO's with Bucks in the paint. Zion 1 tech, Giannis 22 FT's, 2 less than the entire Pels team. 2 teams & stars that dominate the paint, one was allowed more freedom to attack the rim.

[Duke4life831]

Im not claiming the offense was horrible or anything. But you should never allow the opposing team to take out your star, that just shouldnt happen. Again not saying Zion shouldve taken 15 shots in the 1st half or anything, but he was completely taken out of the game in the 1st half. Thats a win for Milwaukee and if Jonas doesnt go 7-10 from 3, that game wouldve been ugly.

With that said, I like that they got Jonas involved, Ive been with you all season thinking that he has been under utilized. And I agree the defensive scheme was awful. All Im saying is you cant allow a defense to take out your star player like they did Zion, there needs to be some kind of adjustment, again not saying he had to be dominating the ball, but get him more involved than he was.

It wasn't good.. Like u said, Jonas shot 6-7 from 3, that's not what NO's or Jonas want. Bucks dictated the game on both ends. They cheated off of Herb & were also going to live with Jonas taking those 3's to form their wall. Notice they never really closed out despite him going 6-7 first half, they picked their poison & Green stuck with his rotations. Thankfully, BI changes that dynamic.. Herb needs to start hitting his outside shots.. Murphy has gone cold.. so with no outside shooting, outside of them giving Jonas a shot, he was making.. there was an effective wall. Not much Zion could have done, reason for the higher than normal TO rate.. It wasn't for a lack of trying. Everyone outside Jonas & CJ went MIA offensively. Can't lose bench mins when Giannis sits & that's what NO's did. Jose hasn't been right since damaging his ribs & Nance was sorely missed.

Oh, what cannot be forgotten, another key factor, refs allowed Bucks to be more physical with Zion than NO's with Bucks in the paint. Zion 1 tech, Giannis 22 FT's, 2 less than the entire Pels team. 2 teams & stars that dominate the paint, one was allowed more freedom to attack the rim.

This is exactly my main point but you said it in just a few words haha. Bucks dictated the game on both ends and that is my issue. Again being in a 1 possession game with 1.5 minutes to go without your 2nd best player against one of the best teams in the league and not pulling out the W isnt a big deal. Just didnt like how yes, the Bucks dictated the entire game. I dont want to see that, I want to see some adjustments to counter, not just play into it. Because again if Jonas doesnt go Curry from 3, we are talking about getting blown out now.

Ya teams are giving Herb the full on Thybulle treatment at the moment. In his last 4 games back he is averaging 9 points and ya doesnt help that Trey has been a no show the last 4 games as well.

Teams have adjusted and it seems like the other guys are struggling to step up to fill bigger roles at the moment. The good and bad with this is, when BI gets back these guys should be able to go back to their roles they're used to, thats the good. The bad is BI is turning into another AD essentially. Right when he gets your hopes up of playing good ball, he gets a little banged up and when he gets banged up, he seems to miss huge chunks of games. I still dont think there is a timetable for his return from his toe and that happened close to a month ago.

[Whole Truth]

Im not claiming the offense was horrible or anything. But you should never allow the opposing team to take out your star, that just shouldnt happen. Again not saying Zion shouldve taken 15 shots in the 1st half or anything, but he was completely taken out of the game in the 1st half. Thats a win for Milwaukee and if Jonas doesnt go 7-10 from 3, that game wouldve been ugly.

With that said, I like that they got Jonas involved, Ive been with you all season thinking that he has been under utilized. And I agree the defensive scheme was awful. All Im saying is you cant allow a defense to take out your star player like they did Zion, there needs to be some kind of adjustment, again not saying he had to be dominating the ball, but get him more involved than he was.

It wasn't good.. Like u said, Jonas shot 6-7 from 3, that's not what NO's or Jonas want. Bucks dictated the game on both ends. They cheated off of Herb & were also going to live with Jonas taking those 3's to form their wall. Notice they never really closed out despite him going 6-7 first half, they picked their poison & Green stuck with his rotations. Thankfully, BI changes that dynamic.. Herb needs to start hitting his outside shots.. Murphy has gone cold.. so with no outside shooting, outside of them giving Jonas a shot, he was making.. there was an effective wall. Not much Zion could have done, reason for the higher than normal TO rate.. It wasn't for a lack of trying. Everyone outside Jonas & CJ went MIA offensively. Can't lose bench mins when Giannis sits & that's what NO's did. Jose hasn't been right since damaging his ribs & Nance was sorely missed.

Oh, what cannot be forgotten, another key factor, refs allowed Bucks to be more physical with Zion than NO's with Bucks in the paint. Zion 1 tech, Giannis 22 FT's, 2 less than the entire Pels team. 2 teams & stars that dominate the paint, one was allowed more freedom to attack the rim.

This is exactly my main point but you said it in just a few words haha. Bucks dictated the game on both ends and that is my issue. Again being in a 1 possession game with 1.5 minutes to go without your 2nd best player against one of the best teams in the league and not pulling out the W isnt a big deal. Just didnt like how yes, the Bucks dictated the entire game. I dont want to see that, I want to see some adjustments to counter, not just play into it. Because again if Jonas doesnt go Curry from 3, we are talking about getting blown out now.

Ya teams are giving Herb the full on Thybulle treatment at the moment. In his last 4 games back he is averaging 9 points and ya doesnt help that Trey has been a no show the last 4 games as well.

Teams have adjusted and it seems like the other guys are struggling to step up to fill bigger roles at the moment. The good and bad with this is, when BI gets back these guys should be able to go back to their roles they're used to, thats the good. The bad is BI is turning into another AD essentially. Right when he gets your hopes up of playing good ball, he gets a little banged up and when he gets banged up, he seems to miss huge chunks of games. I still dont think there is a timetable for his return from his toe and that happened close to a month ago.

I saw someone say Nance is practicing with no contact & 2 more for BI. Not sure how accurate.

None the less, consistency is key & can't have that when NO's have yet to really feild a healthy roster nearly half way through the season..

This is no longer caution, it's a concern.

[Whole Truth]

That was some low IQ ****, lucky to come out with the win off the choke

Nice ro see Hayes have a good game for the most part. That tech however that could have made it a 2 possession game, shows where he is lacking.

Glad they pulled the win out so I can point out the officiating BS without sounding salty. Pels called for 4 moving screens LMAO then on the other end ignoring a blatant OKC charge.. those TO calls alone is a 30 point potential swing... Moving screen is one of the most abused & subjective calls. One team can walk a screen while the other gets hit for barely shuffling, it's a cheap TO based on it's consistency .. Watch Goberts screens.. If he was called the same, he'd foul out in the first Q.

[Whole Truth]

Haven't done this in a while. Season check point. With NO's sitting a half game out of first. Denver face Suns, Grizz square off against GS.

With their loss to the 9-24 Cats, Lakers r bottom 7 sitting a game above the surging Magic & Wizards. Where would they be without 7 of their 13 wins coming against the Wiz, Pistons & Spurs.... They've had maybe 3 good wins healthy, while also getting a friendly whistle. Personally with all the tanking teams, I didn't think bottom 4 was an option. I'm wondering with Melo back if Cats can put a run together too... Lakers get Mavs Christmas for a potential NO's gift. The surging Magic on the 27th for potentially, the bottom 5 pick. If that happens, outside the Heat/Cats again, January could be a bad month for LA. Davis better get healthy quick.

As it stands... NO's would be swapping the 26th pick for the 7th pick + lotto luck. They would be facing Kings round 1, Suns Cloppers, Grizz/Denver Utah or one of the veteran PO teams via play in. Lakers r 5 games back of a PO spot with several tough teams like GS to hurddle via the play in if they manage to put it together..

[NO-KG-AI]

Haven't done this in a while. Season check point. With NO's sitting a half game out of first. Denver face Suns, Grizz square off against GS.

With their loss to the 9-24 Cats, Lakers r bottom 7 sitting a game above the surging Magic & Wizards. Where would they be without 7 of their 13 wins coming against the Wiz, Pistons & Spurs.... They've had maybe 3 good wins healthy, while also getting a friendly whistle. Personally with all the tanking teams, I didn't think bottom 4 was an option. I'm wondering with Melo back if Cats can put a run together too... Lakers get Mavs Christmas for a potential NO's gift. The surging Magic on the 27th for potentially, the bottom 5 pick. If that happens, outside the Heat/Cats again, January could be a bad month for LA. Davis better get healthy quick.

As it stands... NO's would be swapping the 26th pick for the 7th pick + lotto luck. They would be facing Kings round 1, Suns Cloppers, Grizz/Denver Utah or one of the veteran PO teams via play in. Lakers r 5 games back of a PO spot with several tough teams like GS to hurddle via the play in if they manage to put it together..

Given the injuries and illnesses so far, this would be a fantastic outcome if the season ended like this today. Pretty happy overall, and still see a ton of room for internal improvement. :cheer: