Around the NBA - More Blessings For Everyone

[El Poochio]

Who knew my Knicks vs Hawks play in prediction would be realized as 4 vs 5 matchup

[El Poochio]

Celtics and hornets lost. Hawks face Philly 2 in a row. Knicks got Bulls and Rockets next.

I’d love to get a couple blowout wins down the stretch here for the chance that Thibs maybe let’s Obi get extended minutes. He’s looking much more comfortable and sure of himself out there as the season has progressed. I think he could put up some numbers if given time

Houston ideal game to load manage Randle and play Obi Randle minutes

[El Poochio]

It is always fascinating how teams like GS and Toronto can win titles, tank for a high draft pick and then become contenders again, while the Knicks can suck for 20 years but only have 2 lottery picks to show for it.

Rigged

[Buttah304]

I can’t believe I’m saying this but with D-Lo back Minnesota has been pretty fun to watch. 6-4 in their last 10 games since D-Lo’s return. He’s not only making plays for others but the fact that he has such deep range is really opening up the offense. Averaging 19.5-5.2 on the year. 41% from 3PT on 7 attempts per game. The younger players (even though he’s only 25) appear to really look up to him. Wonder what he’s like as a teammate behind closed doors.

[Richard4444]

It is always fascinating how teams like GS and Toronto can win titles, tank for a high draft pick and then become contenders again, while the Knicks can suck for 20 years but only have 2 lottery picks to show for it.

What?

The knicks got a lot of lottery picks. But they traded a good part of it and drafted a lot of bust with the other.

[RHODEY]

I can’t believe I’m saying this but with D-Lo back Minnesota has been pretty fun to watch. 6-4 in their last 10 games since D-Lo’s return. He’s not only making plays for others but the fact that he has such deep range is really opening up the offense. Averaging 19.5-5.2 on the year. 41% from 3PT on 7 attempts per game. The younger players (even though he’s only 25) appear to really look up to him. Wonder what he’s like as a teammate behind closed doors.

Ask Nick Young

[knicks94]

It is always fascinating how teams like GS and Toronto can win titles, tank for a high draft pick and then become contenders again, while the Knicks can suck for 20 years but only have 2 lottery picks to show for it.

What?

The knicks got a lot of lottery picks. But they traded a good part of it and drafted a lot of bust with the other.

I meant top 5 picks.

[Richard4444]

It is always fascinating how teams like GS and Toronto can win titles, tank for a high draft pick and then become contenders again, while the Knicks can suck for 20 years but only have 2 lottery picks to show for it.

What?

The knicks got a lot of lottery picks. But they traded a good part of it and drafted a lot of bust with the other.

I meant top 5 picks.

I am not sure that Wiseman will be a star. Neither they will grab a Top 5 pick with the Wolves pick.

What the last Top5 pick Toronto got it? What the odds they will get it this year?

[knicks94]

What?

The knicks got a lot of lottery picks. But they traded a good part of it and drafted a lot of bust with the other.

I meant top 5 picks.

I am not sure that Wiseman will be a star. Neither they will grab a Top 5 pick with the Wolves pick.

What the last Top5 pick Toronto got it? What the odds they will get it this year?

The last top pick that they got was Jonas Valančiūnas as the number 5 pick in 2011. I believe there is about a 6% chance that Toronto gets a top 5 pick this year if they finish where they're at in the standings.

[Reign23]

forgot to mention another favorite by sham, anfernee simons looking like a bust too

27 points and 9 of 10 from 3 today.....the melo curse is unf*ckwitable

Read on Twitter

I thought this while watching incredible stuff melo

[Buttah304]

Lonzo is inconsistent yes - but he’s still only 23.

Last 3 games are why he can be so infuriating.

16-12-12 with 4 threes
18-9-7 with 4 threes
24-4-2 with 6 threes

He will most likely have back to back disappointing games because that’s sort of who he is. But again this is an excellent passer, great in the open court, plus defender at his position. Shooting 38% on 8 threes a game is also very legitimate.

The 5 drives per game and the lack of FT are what stands out as his clear cut weakness. Hence the reason I can see why posters might prefer Schroeder (simply as a PG alternative).

I just don’t see Dennis improving. He’s been in the league 8 years and even though he’s had a great recent stretch of games his best seasons were actually behind him in 2017 and 2019. He is who he is at this point.

Personally I’m banking on Lonzo steadily improving (not saying at some rapid rate but he’s getting there).

I admit I could be wrong but I still think Lonzo is on a Brogdon type of trajectory.

My only issue is the money. Can we actually sign him and have room to add LaVine or Beal next summer.

[robillionaire]

Lonzo is inconsistent yes - but he’s still only 23.

Last 3 games are why he can be so infuriating.

16-12-12 with 4 threes
18-9-7 with 4 threes
24-4-2 with 6 threes

He will most likely have back to back disappointing games because that’s sort of who he is. But again this is an excellent passer, great in the open court, plus defender at his position. Shooting 38% on 8 threes a game is also very legitimate.

The 5 drives per game and the lack of FT are what stands out as his clear cut weakness. Hence the reason I can see why posters might prefer Schroeder (simply as a PG alternative).

I just don’t see Dennis improving. He’s been in the league 8 years and even though he’s had a great recent stretch of games his best seasons were actually behind him in 2017 and 2019. He is who he is at this point.

Personally I’m banking on Lonzo steadily improving (not saying at some rapid rate but he’s getting there).

I admit I could be wrong but I still think Lonzo is on a Brogdon type of trajectory.

My only issue is the money. Can we actually sign him and have room to add LaVine or Beal next summer.

Good eye. Lonzo is recognized as a top 25 player under age 25. He has two way prowess (also note he had 4 steals and 2 blocks tonight in addition to the triple double) and as noted is also a leading 3 point shooter at the position who will spread the floor. A miracle happened and he turned down a rookie extension just to get out of that dump down in new orleans. We have the very rare opportunity to sign a young talented franchise PG with decent upside. We should cut the check and add a few extra zeroes.

[sol537]

Get Lonzo and Kawhi and win a title or two in the next 3-4 years.

[spree2kawhi]

Lonzo is inconsistent yes - but he’s still only 23.

Last 3 games are why he can be so infuriating.

16-12-12 with 4 threes
18-9-7 with 4 threes
24-4-2 with 6 threes

He will most likely have back to back disappointing games because that’s sort of who he is. But again this is an excellent passer, great in the open court, plus defender at his position. Shooting 38% on 8 threes a game is also very legitimate.

The 5 drives per game and the lack of FT are what stands out as his clear cut weakness. Hence the reason I can see why posters might prefer Schroeder (simply as a PG alternative).

I just don’t see Dennis improving. He’s been in the league 8 years and even though he’s had a great recent stretch of games his best seasons were actually behind him in 2017 and 2019. He is who he is at this point.

Personally I’m banking on Lonzo steadily improving (not saying at some rapid rate but he’s getting there).

I admit I could be wrong but I still think Lonzo is on a Brogdon type of trajectory.

My only issue is the money. Can we actually sign him and have room to add LaVine or Beal next summer.

Good eye. Lonzo is recognized as a top 25 player under age 25. He has two way prowess (also note he had 4 steals and 2 blocks tonight in addition to the triple double) and as noted is also a leading 3 point shooter at the position who will spread the floor. A miracle happened and he turned down a rookie extension just to get out of that dump down in new orleans. We have the very rare opportunity to sign a young talented franchise PG with decent upside. We should cut the check and add a few extra zeroes.

Define "young talented franchise PG with decent upside", because I just can't find one in free agency this summer.

[robillionaire]

Lonzo is inconsistent yes - but he’s still only 23.

Last 3 games are why he can be so infuriating.

16-12-12 with 4 threes
18-9-7 with 4 threes
24-4-2 with 6 threes

He will most likely have back to back disappointing games because that’s sort of who he is. But again this is an excellent passer, great in the open court, plus defender at his position. Shooting 38% on 8 threes a game is also very legitimate.

The 5 drives per game and the lack of FT are what stands out as his clear cut weakness. Hence the reason I can see why posters might prefer Schroeder (simply as a PG alternative).

I just don’t see Dennis improving. He’s been in the league 8 years and even though he’s had a great recent stretch of games his best seasons were actually behind him in 2017 and 2019. He is who he is at this point.

Personally I’m banking on Lonzo steadily improving (not saying at some rapid rate but he’s getting there).

I admit I could be wrong but I still think Lonzo is on a Brogdon type of trajectory.

My only issue is the money. Can we actually sign him and have room to add LaVine or Beal next summer.

Good eye. Lonzo is recognized as a top 25 player under age 25. He has two way prowess (also note he had 4 steals and 2 blocks tonight in addition to the triple double) and as noted is also a leading 3 point shooter at the position who will spread the floor. A miracle happened and he turned down a rookie extension just to get out of that dump down in new orleans. We have the very rare opportunity to sign a young talented franchise PG with decent upside. We should cut the check and add a few extra zeroes.

Define "young talented franchise PG with decent upside", because I just can't find one in free agency this summer.

Well we had a chance to get an even younger and even better franchise PG with an even higher upside last summer and if I recall you insisted Lamelo would be a bust. But in fairness with him you didn’t have much to go by and would have just had to take my word for it that he would be a sure fire superstar PG. But now this summer with Lonzo we can check the stats which justify the moderately high floor. And can look at his improvements highlighting a strong work ethic at age 23 which is the justification to believe that there’s upside with an upwards trajectory

[Buttah304]

Lonzo is inconsistent yes - but he’s still only 23.

Last 3 games are why he can be so infuriating.

16-12-12 with 4 threes
18-9-7 with 4 threes
24-4-2 with 6 threes

He will most likely have back to back disappointing games because that’s sort of who he is. But again this is an excellent passer, great in the open court, plus defender at his position. Shooting 38% on 8 threes a game is also very legitimate.

The 5 drives per game and the lack of FT are what stands out as his clear cut weakness. Hence the reason I can see why posters might prefer Schroeder (simply as a PG alternative).

I just don’t see Dennis improving. He’s been in the league 8 years and even though he’s had a great recent stretch of games his best seasons were actually behind him in 2017 and 2019. He is who he is at this point.

Personally I’m banking on Lonzo steadily improving (not saying at some rapid rate but he’s getting there).

I admit I could be wrong but I still think Lonzo is on a Brogdon type of trajectory.

My only issue is the money. Can we actually sign him and have room to add LaVine or Beal next summer.

Good eye. Lonzo is recognized as a top 25 player under age 25. He has two way prowess (also note he had 4 steals and 2 blocks tonight in addition to the triple double) and as noted is also a leading 3 point shooter at the position who will spread the floor. A miracle happened and he turned down a rookie extension just to get out of that dump down in new orleans. We have the very rare opportunity to sign a young talented franchise PG with decent upside. We should cut the check and add a few extra zeroes.

Define "young talented franchise PG with decent upside", because I just can't find one in free agency this summer.

Spree, respectfully I just think we have two different opinions of Lonzo and that’s totally fine. After all what would RealGM be without diving deep into player analysis.

Here are the clear cut weaknesses I see with Lonzo:

1. He doesn’t get to the FT line
2. Not truly comfortable shooting off the dribble
3. Doesn’t get into the heart of the defense enough
4. In between game is lacking

Positives:

1. He’s got fantastic vision
2. Became a lights out 3PT shot (38.5% on 8 att)
3. One of the better defenders at his position
4. Strong rebounding PG
5. Great in the open court to push the tempo

He’s only 23 and has clearly gotten better at some facets of the game and maybe the most crucial one from the lead guard spot which is shooting. 37.5% last year on 6 attempts and now 38.5% this year on 8 attempts. From everything that I have read Lonzo is a real student of the game and has a great work ethic.

Will he improve on all the weaknesses that I just listed? No he would likely will not. That would be foolish of me to expect that. I don’t really see Lonzo ever getting to the stripe all that much and I don’t know if he’ll ever be viewed as a guard who gets into the paint as much as a fan would like. But I absolutely believe that he will become very good at shooting off the dribble and overtime will develop a reliable mid range jumper.

If we bring back Rose (which we should and have him slated next to IQ) along with RJ and Randle do you really need your starting PG to also be a guy who gets to the rack all the time. Rose is always in attack mode, IQ is constantly drawing fouls and hitting floaters, Randle certainly gets to the FT line and RJ is relentless when it comes to living in the paint. Furthermore, the worst kept secret is that the Knicks are absolutely salivating over a dynamic 2 guard. Just look at the way Thibs uses Burks. Can you imagine if we had a dominant scorer that can get his shots up from anywhere on the floor like Beal, CJ or LaVine. That’s what Rose and WWW wants. And those types of players are always looking to get defenders on their heels while
driving into the chests of the opposition.

For this team specifically, what I feel is most important out of the PG spot is a guy who is a + defender, a floor general with a high IQ, a guy who will empower our other players by delivering the ball to the exact spot on the floor they like to operate on and a PG who spreads the floor by knocking down the 3 on significant volume. By and large that fits Lonzo to a T.

If he can put up 15-6-6 on the Knicks while shooting 39% from 3PT with above average defense sign me up for 4/84. I just think he’s worth it and a step in the right direction.

[El Poochio]

That Utah Jazz score

[El Poochio]

Hali -42 Elfrid would never

[spree2kawhi]

Good eye. Lonzo is recognized as a top 25 player under age 25. He has two way prowess (also note he had 4 steals and 2 blocks tonight in addition to the triple double) and as noted is also a leading 3 point shooter at the position who will spread the floor. A miracle happened and he turned down a rookie extension just to get out of that dump down in new orleans. We have the very rare opportunity to sign a young talented franchise PG with decent upside. We should cut the check and add a few extra zeroes.

Define "young talented franchise PG with decent upside", because I just can't find one in free agency this summer.

Well we had a chance to get an even younger and even better franchise PG with an even higher upside last summer and if I recall you insisted Lamelo would be a bust. But in fairness with him you didn’t have much to go by and would have just had to take my word for it that he would be a sure fire superstar PG. But now this summer with Lonzo we can check the stats which justify the moderately high floor. And can look at his improvements highlighting a strong work ethic at age 23 which is the justification to believe that there’s upside with an upwards trajectory

Yes you're mostly right. I still don't think that dude will be a superstar though, but he already outperformed the ceiling I had for him. It baffles me. His brother is average anyway and Lamelo still just doesn't look like a guy you can't guard to me.

[RHODEY]

We finally getting a little shine....it feels good.