Around the League: 2023-24 Season

[76ciology]

I dont know if its real but sounds legit

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[Negrodamus]

Same position? OG, you're a PF.

[Stanford]

Risacher looks great

[mjkvol]

I would have prioritized drafting a wing player, such as Terrence Shannon, Jaylon Tyson or even Ryan Dunn or Jakobe Walters. Unless it’s a “special” guard or big, I would focus on accumulating talented wings and place them be developed by Rico Hines’, like how he did with OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Dalano Banton.

Want a guard? How about Marcus Sasser and Tre Mann?

Why those guys and not Knecht if you wanted a wing? Why do people have a problem with plug and play guys, especially at a position of need and in the middle of the 1st round? I get drafting for upside in the top 10, but beyond that give me a kid who has a 'solid role player' floor with potential to be more than that.

[Sixerscan]

The line between a guy like that being a role player and just a guy or unplayable tends to be thinner than expected. So many rotation level wings can shoot now and many can hang defensively. IDK if the latter will happen so question is is he a good shooter versus a very good shooter versus an elite shooter. Compare him to someone like Shamet who had some shine for a while and is now signing a non-guaranteed contract.

[76ciology]

I would have prioritized drafting a wing player, such as Terrence Shannon, Jaylon Tyson or even Ryan Dunn or Jakobe Walters. Unless it’s a “special” guard or big, I would focus on accumulating talented wings and place them be developed by Rico Hines’, like how he did with OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Dalano Banton.

Want a guard? How about Marcus Sasser and Tre Mann?

Why those guys and not Knecht if you wanted a wing? Why do people have a problem with plug and play guys, especially at a position of need and in the middle of the 1st round? I get drafting for upside in the top 10, but beyond that give me a kid who has a 'solid role player' floor with potential to be more than that.

I’ve been trying to understand why we passed up on Knecht, and the reasoning I keep circling back to is the value of wing defense. Knecht’s game lacks the defensive presence that a true wing brings, which guards can’t fully compensate for. This becomes even more relevant when you consider that Knecht would likely be used more as a 4 than a 3 on offense.

In today’s game, wing defense is crucial, especially with the increasing use of stretch 5s that pull bigs out of the paint. When that happens, you need versatile wings, or at least someone who can defend like a 5, to cover the interior when your center is drawn outside. Knecht’s defensive limitations in that area might have been a key factor.

It seems like the current trend in NBA defense is all about how well a team can defend when their 5 is pulled out to the perimeter. If you look at the top teams in the league, especially in the East, you’ll notice this approach shaping how they’re building their rosters. Teams are focusing on versatility and how they can maintain defensive integrity without a traditional big man protecting the paint.

I’ve noticed a trend of versatile wings being matched up against primary playmaking guards, along with strong, thick guards who are tough to back down, get position to crash boards being placed on wings. Thats probably where I think the justification of McCain is on defense.

[mjkvol]

I would have prioritized drafting a wing player, such as Terrence Shannon, Jaylon Tyson or even Ryan Dunn or Jakobe Walters. Unless it’s a “special” guard or big, I would focus on accumulating talented wings and place them be developed by Rico Hines’, like how he did with OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Dalano Banton.

Want a guard? How about Marcus Sasser and Tre Mann?

Why those guys and not Knecht if you wanted a wing? Why do people have a problem with plug and play guys, especially at a position of need and in the middle of the 1st round? I get drafting for upside in the top 10, but beyond that give me a kid who has a 'solid role player' floor with potential to be more than that.

I’ve been trying to understand why we passed up on Knecht, and the reasoning I keep circling back to is the value of wing defense. Knecht’s game lacks the defensive presence that a true wing brings, which guards can’t fully compensate for. This becomes even more relevant when you consider that Knecht would likely be used more as a 4 than a 3 on offense.

In today’s game, wing defense is crucial, especially with the increasing use of stretch 5s that pull bigs out of the paint. When that happens, you need versatile wings, or at least someone who can defend like a 5, to cover the interior when your center is drawn outside. Knecht’s defensive limitations in that area might have been a key factor.

It seems like the current trend in NBA defense is all about how well a team can defend when their 5 is pulled out to the perimeter. If you look at the top teams in the league, especially in the East, you’ll notice this approach shaping how they’re building their rosters. Teams are focusing on versatility and how they can maintain defensive integrity without a traditional big man protecting the paint.

I’ve noticed a trend of versatile wings being matched up against primary playmaking guards, along with strong, thick guards who are tough to back down, get position to crash boards being placed on wings. Thats probably where I think the justification of McCain is on defense.

That makes sense, but I still don't get the McCain pick. He looks more like trade fodder than anything else, especially given our depth at guard.

[zaz102]

Why those guys and not Knecht if you wanted a wing? Why do people have a problem with plug and play guys, especially at a position of need and in the middle of the 1st round? I get drafting for upside in the top 10, but beyond that give me a kid who has a 'solid role player' floor with potential to be more than that.

I’ve been trying to understand why we passed up on Knecht, and the reasoning I keep circling back to is the value of wing defense. Knecht’s game lacks the defensive presence that a true wing brings, which guards can’t fully compensate for. This becomes even more relevant when you consider that Knecht would likely be used more as a 4 than a 3 on offense.

In today’s game, wing defense is crucial, especially with the increasing use of stretch 5s that pull bigs out of the paint. When that happens, you need versatile wings, or at least someone who can defend like a 5, to cover the interior when your center is drawn outside. Knecht’s defensive limitations in that area might have been a key factor.

It seems like the current trend in NBA defense is all about how well a team can defend when their 5 is pulled out to the perimeter. If you look at the top teams in the league, especially in the East, you’ll notice this approach shaping how they’re building their rosters. Teams are focusing on versatility and how they can maintain defensive integrity without a traditional big man protecting the paint.

I’ve noticed a trend of versatile wings being matched up against primary playmaking guards, along with strong, thick guards who are tough to back down, get position to crash boards being placed on wings. Thats probably where I think the justification of McCain is on defense.

That makes sense, but I still don't get the McCain pick. He looks more like trade fodder than anything else, especially given our depth at guard.

I wouldn't expect any rookie where we drafted to be contributing first year. And in a year or two, all that guard depth will be gone.

That being said I still think he's trade fodder. I think they would've traded the pick on draft night if they could get any contributing player in return.

I expect that they'll try to use his salary and/or KJ and/or picks to get that contributing player.

[76ciology]

The Bucks need a new GM, someone who can pivot quickly instead of doubling down on their current direction, which doesn’t look promising in the short term. I wouldn’t be surprised if Giannis is moved sooner than expected.

A lot hinges on AJ Johnson, in my opinion. If he can develop into their version of “Maxey” as a key player or Cavs’ “Wiggins” as a valuable asset, they might be able to stay on course

[Sixerscan]

It would surprise me if only because they owe out picks and swaps for the rest of the decade.

[76ciology]

It would surprise me if only because they owe out picks and swaps for the rest of the decade.

I can see Giannis eventually leaving Milwaukee. It doesn’t make much sense for him to stay with this team long term. The Damian Lillard trade reminds me of the Magic’s trade for Gilbert Arenas, done mainly to keep the team competitive.

If Giannis is traded, I could see him going to a team like the Nets or Thunder, who have plenty of draft picks to restock Milwaukee’s future assets.

[Sixerscan]

Eventually maybe just probably not anytime soon unless Giannis forces it

[76ciology]

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[Negrodamus]

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Just one of those guys that I have liked but gave up on because he didn't care at all on defense.

[76ciology]

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[Kobblehead]

I legitimately think that Edey can swing a playoff series if the Grizz go up against a team without a traditional C. Similarly to how the Heat almost couldn't get passed Roy Hibbert.

[the_process]

I legitimately think that Edey can swing a playoff series if the Grizz go up against a team without a traditional C. Similarly to how the Heat almost couldn't get passed Roy Hibbert.

But the Heatles beat Hibbert and George every time.

I'm not sold on Edey as a full time starter in the league. I think he can be an effective backup, maybe some spot starts.

[76ciology]

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Marcus Smart is going to let him download his “illegal_screens.exe” file

[76ciology]

I legitimately think that Edey can swing a playoff series if the Grizz go up against a team without a traditional C. Similarly to how the Heat almost couldn't get passed Roy Hibbert.

In a YouTube video analyzing Gobert’s game, I liked how it pointed out that the issue with him isn’t on defense, his defense is actually very good. The real problem lies in his offense. He can’t capitalize on mismatches in the paint and offers no shot creation. I believe Zach Edey could be a version of Gobert with offensive skills. Hell, he doesn’t even need to score, all he has to do is set screens and the refs will allow him to set these “Gortat Screens” just because he’s a known post threat, and Morant will surely feast.

I also think the challenge with these types of bigs isn’t about playing drop coverage on defense. Most bigs plays drop on defense. Edey, in particular, does a good job stepping out and switching when needed, and he hasn’t been outrun by opposing bigs so far.

[76ciology]

Is it just me, or are teams shooting way more 3s this preseason? I’m noticing a lot of teams taking 40+ attempts per game. Last year, around a third of the league hit that mark in preseason, but this year it’s already over half.