'17-'18 POY discussion

[MisterHibachi]

I could see Embiid hurting their transition attack, but will more than offset it in other areas.

I do think they need to start prioritizing Simmons on offense over Embiid. Those Embiid post ups aren't really a viable first option attack in the long term.

[dhsilv2]

I agree it's partially on KAT but would add primarily on clock/help recognition of Teague and Rose. Too many times they hung bigs out to dry resulting in tough possessions or an immediate Houston runout. By hanging out on the perimeter KAT at least gave 1v1 room without help from Capela and somewhat mitigated Houston pounding transition mismatches.

Anyways not sure any of it matters. Optimizing KAT requires entering early offense and another knock down shooter on the floor (or several).

Wasn't this an issue with KAT before Butler went down? With butler on the floor they just go to him less. This isn't new.

Sure but why? Redlining it to Butler doesn't explain why it's happening.

When butler is in the lineup they tend to prefer going to/through him vs. KAT. I think this is a coaching decision and I doubt it'll change.

[Mystical Apples]

Wasn't this an issue with KAT before Butler went down? With butler on the floor they just go to him less. This isn't new.

Sure but why? Redlining it to Butler doesn't explain why it's happening.

When butler is in the lineup they tend to prefer going to/through him vs. KAT. I think this is a coaching decision and I doubt it'll change.

I'd also say that decisions by Coach Thibs are predicated on personnel decisions by GM Thibs. Specifically, the conundrum of a weak shooting roster where the team's best Post player is also it's best overall spacer and for popping.

Like, the dearth of 3P gravity whether it be from volume at multiple positions, stretching defenses vertically with 27ft bombs, or creating side-to-side action with shooters coming off screens is glaring. Compounding matters Gibson's defense is required.

So is it better to consistently post KAT surrounded by 3 below average shooters and Teague who can't push volume? Because that could get Minnesota killed on both ends. Or do they gamble on KAT spacing for Butler, spacing for the occasional Gibson post up, and 1v1 guard attacks?

I truly don't know but MIN faces some important fit/depth decisions this off-season.

[MisterHibachi]

The advantage Simmons has relative to LeBron is the speed with which he makes his decisions. He's quick with the ball all the time.

Also, anyone remember when Whiteside was supposed to be a good player?

[dontcalltimeout]

Also, anyone remember when Whiteside was supposed to be a good player?

...

Never happened.

[Dr Spaceman]

Man. If San Antonio had any shooting, anywhere on their roster they’d be killing Golden State right now. GS is sending hard doubles, even 3 men at the ball on Aldridge post ups but it’s absurd to watch these possessions just fizzle our with no advantage gained. No one on this team can score right now.

Really makes you nostalgic for the Spurs teams of old. Real credit to Aldridge though, the performance he’s having as the only offensive threat on this team against an excellent defense facing consistent doubling is crazy.

I have no idea what to make of this Warriors team. There are stretches in this game where they’ve played the best defense I’ve seen from any team this year. And yet they have these lapses where they allow SA to bite and claw their way to playing them to a draw. Doesn’t help that they can’t score either, of course.

[bondom34]

I kinda think they're just treading til Curry gets back. This Spurs team is a better coached and less talented version of the LMA/Lillard Blazers and they know it.

[Clyde Frazier]

Heh Harlan struggling explaining on/off #s... good for the broadcast pushing towards citing them tho

[Dr Spaceman]

I kinda think they're just treading til Curry gets back. This Spurs team is a better coached and less talented version of the LMA/Lillard Blazers and they know it.

It’s the playoffs though. If you’re going to start playing with intensity, now would kind of be the time.

I dunno. Last year Draymond was having YouTube videos made about how dominant his defense was in the 1st round vs. Portland. This year Patty Mills is trying (and succeeding) to attack him in isolation.

Not that I think SA is truly a threat to beat them, but I don’t think Curry is going to fix every problem this team has.

[bondom34]

I kinda think they're just treading til Curry gets back. This Spurs team is a better coached and less talented version of the LMA/Lillard Blazers and they know it.

It’s the playoffs though. If you’re going to start playing with intensity, now would kind of be the time.

I dunno. Last year Draymond was having YouTube videos made about how dominant his defense was in the 1st round vs. Portland. This year Patty Mills is trying (and succeeding) to attack him in isolation.

Not that I think SA is truly a threat to beat them, but I don’t think Curry is going to fix every problem this team has.

Agree there, but they won game 1 by like 30 and I think he fixes enough that they're still easily favorites.

[bondom34]

I kinda think they're just treading til Curry gets back. This Spurs team is a better coached and less talented version of the LMA/Lillard Blazers and they know it.

It’s the playoffs though. If you’re going to start playing with intensity, now would kind of be the time.

I dunno. Last year Draymond was having YouTube videos made about how dominant his defense was in the 1st round vs. Portland. This year Patty Mills is trying (and succeeding) to attack him in isolation.

Not that I think SA is truly a threat to beat them, but I don’t think Curry is going to fix every problem this team has.

Agree there, but they won game 1 by like 30 and I think he fixes enough that they're still easily favorites.

And now Dray may get a flagrant lol

[dhsilv2]

40 year old guards are NOT supposed to be positive impact players in 20+ minutes of play....

[Dr Spaceman]

40 year old guards are NOT supposed to be positive impact players in 20+ minutes of play....

The scary thing is he's easily their best lead guard/high pnr option.

[CodeBreaker]

Harden should win this by a landslide right?

[eminence]

Harden should win this by a landslide right?

As of now yes, lots still to happen though.

[GSP]

Jimmys game just doesnt translate well to the playoffs IMO

he had maybe 2 series in Chicago where i thought he was really good but his mediocre shotmaking ability is too much of a hassle. His game is just too meat and potatoes

[Dr Positivity]

Jimmys game just doesnt translate well to the playoffs IMO

he had maybe 2 series in Chicago where i thought he was really good but his mediocre shotmaking ability is too much of a hassle. His game is just too meat and potatoes

Can't really hold this one against him because of injury, but could see the case for a Lowry effect where his regular season career overperformed his talent level due to working harder than everyone else, but it's harder to do in the playoffs

[GSP]

Jimmys game just doesnt translate well to the playoffs IMO

he had maybe 2 series in Chicago where i thought he was really good but his mediocre shotmaking ability is too much of a hassle. His game is just too meat and potatoes

Can't really hold this one against him because of injury, but could see the case for a Lowry effect where his regular season career overperformed his talent level due to working harder than everyone else, but it's harder to do in the playoffs

Agreed the Lowry comparison is very accurate IMO
doesnt help that Kat has been utter garbage

[NinjaSheppard]

Jimmy Butler came back early from a knee injury and from the look of things his wrist is also messed up and he is playing through it. Judging him based on this seems silly.

Its not like he has had quality supporting casts with floor spacing since he has become a star

[The High Cyde]

WTF is going on with KAT? He's been absolutely horrible, it's maddening