PG: 7-1 in last 8

[ATLTimekeeper]

The East is wide open this year. Detroit is leading the East and they got a core of Cade, Harris, Duren and Ausar.

East has very little chance of beating the best teams in the West. But getting to the finals is an obtainable goal for a few teams in the East this year.

And looking at how the Pacers played against the Thunder, you can even Win it all in an Upset. What if Halliburton doesnt get injured? Damn, i hated when that happened. I dont mind OKC winning, they deserved it, but the nagging feeling that the Pacers were the team of destiny up to this point.

Pacers and Blue Jays have alot in common....unfortunately I think OKC will be even better this season. Shai wasn't happy that they weren't dominant in the playoffs. I think their goal is to leave no doubt this time around.

Yeah, the Pacers had the advantage that OKC hadn't won yet and played scared. Now that OKC has won, it's a different team. Denver is the only threat.

[BHF]

Darko was never the problem, its just people who play too many video games who think they know better, and can coach/manage the team better that are complaining. Majority of these people never even played high school basketball.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Yeah Dick bricks wide open 3s and looks like his form slightly changes each time it's crazy.

The team does quite well when he's on the floor, though. He has a crazy like +17 net rating. He's had a negative +- in only one game this year (Dallas, where he was -2). Gradey's first shot attempt iirc came late 3rd Q on a fast break lay-up. They should really be looking to find more minutes for him.

I'm still not sure if that's him helping the team or being a beneficiary of the other good play from his lineups.

But I can see the argument the gravity he brings can lead to more space for people.

I liked that he way he played yesterday. His defense was much better.

I could see Dick randomly clicking and those shots start falling.

Well, I'll put it this way. He's not going to end up the season net 17, but it's probably an indication he's doing a lot of things well and that teams do not care what his actual shooting % currently is.

[mihaic]

And looking at how the Pacers played against the Thunder, you can even Win it all in an Upset. What if Halliburton doesnt get injured? Damn, i hated when that happened. I dont mind OKC winning, they deserved it, but the nagging feeling that the Pacers were the team of destiny up to this point.

Pacers and Blue Jays have alot in common....unfortunately I think OKC will be even better this season. Shai wasn't happy that they weren't dominant in the playoffs. I think their goal is to leave no doubt this time around.

Yeah, the Pacers had the advantage that OKC hadn't won yet and played scared. Now that OKC has won, it's a different team. Denver is the only threat.

I saw a Lakers game sans Lebron. You may laugh at my thoughts, but don't discount them yet. Luka magic made it his team. They are 1 piece away I think, they will get there soon.

Clippers otoh are sooo done.

[rapsincr]

i think that we start badly typically(at least from what im watching) is our scorers(IQ, RJ, BI mainly) go into iso mode to try and get themselves going early, often taking more difficult shots than we get once the bench comes in and starts actually playing our 0.5 philosophy. scottie and yak are really the only 2 that dont do that to start, trying to play the right way to get wins. i feel like a big problem with that is that if scottie doesnt involved in the offense early he tends to fall into a "let everyone get theirs" mindset, not to mention we tend to get less efficient nights from our top guys playing that way. we need to start games the same way we play once the bench gets into the mix. guys will get their points on this team, but we are just making it way more difficult on ourselves needlessly to start out games.

[HiJiNX]

The team does quite well when he's on the floor, though. He has a crazy like +17 net rating. He's had a negative +- in only one game this year (Dallas, where he was -2). Gradey's first shot attempt iirc came late 3rd Q on a fast break lay-up. They should really be looking to find more minutes for him.

I'm still not sure if that's him helping the team or being a beneficiary of the other good play from his lineups.

But I can see the argument the gravity he brings can lead to more space for people.

I liked that he way he played yesterday. His defense was much better.

I could see Dick randomly clicking and those shots start falling.

Well, I'll put it this way. He's not going to end up the season net 17, but it's probably an indication he's doing a lot of things well and that teams do not care what his actual shooting % currently is.

You know what Gradey is really good at? Useful activity. I remember I once coached a team and a kid that barely made it ended up starting for me even though he couldn’t score because his activity was so important to the team — it made opponents always have to pay attention to him which opened lanes for others, made opponents miss cutters or rotations, opened up second chance opportunities, helped us recover loose balls etc. The kid scored like 2ppg but was our third/fourth best player.

Dick’s D is improving. He HUSTLES, and he knows how to find space. I’m coming around on him.

[Brinbe]

I'm still not sure if that's him helping the team or being a beneficiary of the other good play from his lineups.

But I can see the argument the gravity he brings can lead to more space for people.

I liked that he way he played yesterday. His defense was much better.

I could see Dick randomly clicking and those shots start falling.

Well, I'll put it this way. He's not going to end up the season net 17, but it's probably an indication he's doing a lot of things well and that teams do not care what his actual shooting % currently is.

You know what Gradey is really good at? Useful activity. I remember I once coached a team and a kid that barely made it ended up starting for me even though he couldn’t score because his activity was so important to the team — it made opponents always have to pay attention to him which opened lanes for others, made opponents miss cutters or rotations, opened up second chance opportunities, helped us recover loose balls etc. The kid scored like 2ppg but was our third/fourth best player.

Dick’s D is improving. He HUSTLES, and he knows how to find space. I’m coming around on him.

that's kinda how he was at kansas at his best. he was all over the place, did a little bit of everything on the floor and would have those moments of inspiration to hype the team. pairs well with scottie/rj/iq in that way since they play at that sort of pace. and he's keen to run the floor/finish in transition.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

and this is notably what we saw in that small stretch last night when he was repeatedly sprinting up and down all over the court. he is a dawg and he always competes.

think his improving strength has def paid off in a notable way as he's not really getting pushed around anymore/isn't a super minus on the defensive end any longer and he's better equipped to finish strong at the rim.

as is, he's proving to be a good rotation option and we'll take that anyday considering it wasn't looking like a sure thing that he'd make it.

[Psubs]

and this is notably what we saw in that small stretch last night when he was repeatedly sprinting up and down all over the court. he is a dawg and he always competes.

think his improving strength has def paid off in a notable way as he's not really getting pushed around anymore/isn't a super minus on the defensive end any longer and he's better equipped to finish strong at the rim.

as is, he's proving to be a good rotation option and we'll take that anyday considering it wasn't looking like a sure thing that he'd make it.

If he actually grew this past year, will take another off-season of getting stronger for him to improve physically.

[Buff]

I'm still not sure if that's him helping the team or being a beneficiary of the other good play from his lineups.

But I can see the argument the gravity he brings can lead to more space for people.

I liked that he way he played yesterday. His defense was much better.

I could see Dick randomly clicking and those shots start falling.

Well, I'll put it this way. He's not going to end up the season net 17, but it's probably an indication he's doing a lot of things well and that teams do not care what his actual shooting % currently is.

You know what Gradey is really good at? Useful activity. I remember I once coached a team and a kid that barely made it ended up starting for me even though he couldn’t score because his activity was so important to the team — it made opponents always have to pay attention to him which opened lanes for others, made opponents miss cutters or rotations, opened up second chance opportunities, helped us recover loose balls etc. The kid scored like 2ppg but was our third/fourth best player.

Dick’s D is improving. He HUSTLES, and he knows how to find space. I’m coming around on him.

Imagine if he starts making *only* his wide open threes

[Grew]

Looking at this roster, we have a team full of quick processors now. The last time we tried to make the playoffs we needed minutes from GTJ, precious, boucher. Even OG, as much as I love the guy, he wasn't making quick decisions with the ball like RJ and IQ do.

Mamu and CMB in place of whatever plodding G league scrubs we've been using as backup bigs, is night and day in the ball movement and BBIQ department.

This teams collective BBIQ and willingness to play together is the best we've had since Kyle was here. Been really fun to watch this season.

[ash_k]

Right on that track for that 50-win season.

Some observations
It is incredible to see two Small Forwards with the combination of elite size (6'8", 7'+ wingspan) and high skill level playing together, incredible!

Impressed by how physical Playoffs-Nembhard was against Ingram as BI does not appear to be as physically strong now as he was during the first couple of games

Jakobe needs to incorporate biceps curls into his workout or is that shoulder injury still hampering him?!
No worries regarding Gradey, He has already demonstrated his 3-level scoring.

[DreamTeam09]

The team does quite well when he's on the floor, though. He has a crazy like +17 net rating. He's had a negative +- in only one game this year (Dallas, where he was -2). Gradey's first shot attempt iirc came late 3rd Q on a fast break lay-up. They should really be looking to find more minutes for him.

I'm still not sure if that's him helping the team or being a beneficiary of the other good play from his lineups.

But I can see the argument the gravity he brings can lead to more space for people.

I liked that he way he played yesterday. His defense was much better.

I could see Dick randomly clicking and those shots start falling.

Well, I'll put it this way. He's not going to end up the season net 17, but it's probably an indication he's doing a lot of things well and that teams do not care what his actual shooting % currently is.

Blake Murphy does an excellent job breaking down plays of each game. Last night he pointed out just the gravity that Mamu and GD bring. There was a play where RJ was driving and the help man came over sagging off of Scottie and RJ turned the ball over, same play with GD in the corner and Shead driving, the help man literally ignored the drive and jumped out to GD, Shead bumped Isiah Jackson for a layup at the rim

GD gravity is real, he's in the scouting reports as to don't leave open,

[Grew]

I'm still not sure if that's him helping the team or being a beneficiary of the other good play from his lineups.

But I can see the argument the gravity he brings can lead to more space for people.

I liked that he way he played yesterday. His defense was much better.

I could see Dick randomly clicking and those shots start falling.

Well, I'll put it this way. He's not going to end up the season net 17, but it's probably an indication he's doing a lot of things well and that teams do not care what his actual shooting % currently is.

Blake Murphy does an excellent job breaking down plays of each game. Last night he pointed out just the gravity that Mamu and GD bring. There was a play where RJ was driving and the help man came over sagging off of Scottie and RJ turned the ball over, same play with GD in the corner and Shead driving, the help man literally ignored the drive and jumped out to GD, Shead bumped Isiah Jackson for a layup at the rim

GD gravity is real, he's in the scouting reports as to don't leave open,

Multiple examples of this last night. The don't help off the corner at all if Gradey is there. I'm thinking of a couple plays, one was a Scottie straight line drive for a layup, and the other was a break situation where the 2nd defender back would not help middle because he had to stay attached to Gradey, ended up with BI as the trailer, catching with the whole middle of the floor open, and ultimately getting to the line.

Teams would rather let Scottie and BI get two feet in the paint rather than give Gradey an open 3 in rhythm.

[Grew]

and this is notably what we saw in that small stretch last night when he was repeatedly sprinting up and down all over the court. he is a dawg and he always competes.

think his improving strength has def paid off in a notable way as he's not really getting pushed around anymore/isn't a super minus on the defensive end any longer and he's better equipped to finish strong at the rim.

as is, he's proving to be a good rotation option and we'll take that anyday considering it wasn't looking like a sure thing that he'd make it.

If he actually grew this past year, will take another off-season of getting stronger for him to improve physically.

He's definitely stronger this year even if it's still a work in progress. Against Cleveland he boxed out Mobley really aggressively about 3 times that would have been putbacks for him last year. Actually surprised me Mobley couldn't get around him and looked a bit frustrated. Did the work early on him too. Mobley isn't the thickest guy, but still impressive.

[DG88]

What's encouraging is that the SL is still working out it's kinks to start games and Ingram is still getting back into form. I think by the time we get to December we're going to start to see what this team is really capable, as long as we stay healthy.

Should be a fun few weeks as this team starts to gel.

[MEDIC]

Dick has been looking more firey, rather than having that deer in the headlights look. (which in itself is a huge improvement). He was pissed at the ref a couple of games ago when someone two hand pushed him in the back on a drive (the ref called it out of bounds off him). Gradey looked kinda angry that game. That's the mindset he needs to bring. It was nice too see. Less milk drinker Gradey, more whiskey drinker Gradey ( as Jack likes to say).

[PhilBlackson]

I'm anxious to see us versus some of the better teams ie/ OKC, DEN, NYK, DET etc...just to get a true gauge of where we're at.

Tbh I feel like we're almost like a poorman's OKC lol like we have most of the depth & defence but no superstar like Shai at the head of the snake to actually help take the team over the top. Feels almost "post-championship" 2020 squad to me...obv those guys likely performed better in that season than this team will this year. I just mean it feels like we're a really good team BUUUUT yet again we don't have THAT guy/superstar as the crown jewel to really complete things.

I'm not hating or upset about it because ofc unlike that team, that was a bunch of older vets & had completed the cycle vs this where it's just really the beginning and it's a bunch of younger players for the most part. It just feels like it will definitely be a fun season and one you can't help but cheer them on for....buuuut also just can't help but think how are they gonna improve their ceiling long terms especially when the teams that are down this year are likely to come back like gangbusters next year (w/ the exception of ATL who NOP doing it for them and might cash in on Trae to top it off).

[MEDIC]

What's encouraging is that the SL is still working out it's kinks to start games and Ingram is still getting back into form. I think by the time we get to December we're going to start to see what this team is really capable, as long as we stay healthy.

Should be a fun few weeks as this team starts to gel.

BI starting to knock down his 3's will alone make a huge difference. Currently, he's almost 11% below his career average. He has been a pretty reliable 3 point shooter the majority of his career.

[Dennis 37]

Yeah Dick bricks wide open 3s and looks like his form slightly changes each time it's crazy.

The team does quite well when he's on the floor, though. He has a crazy like +17 net rating. He's had a negative +- in only one game this year (Dallas, where he was -2). Gradey's first shot attempt iirc came late 3rd Q on a fast break lay-up. They should really be looking to find more minutes for him.

Dick, similar to BI but maybe to a lesser extent, is able to warp spacetime and thus provide room for others.


Edit: I see Duffman made the same point. I didn't see his post before posting this.

[Dennis 37]

Pacers and Blue Jays have alot in common....unfortunately I think OKC will be even better this season. Shai wasn't happy that they weren't dominant in the playoffs. I think their goal is to leave no doubt this time around.

Yeah, the Pacers had the advantage that OKC hadn't won yet and played scared. Now that OKC has won, it's a different team. Denver is the only threat.

I saw a Lakers game sans Lebron. You may laugh at my thoughts, but don't discount them yet. Luka magic made it his team. They are 1 piece away I think, they will get there soon.

Clippers otoh are sooo done.

Dumping LeBron is the piece they need. His ego will force him into games that will cause his team to lose.