2021-22 NBA Season Discussion

[falcolombardi]

now that regular season is pretty much over how do you rank teams coming into the playoffs?

i got

tier 1A: Suns

i actually dont think suns are much better thsn last year team (remember how slow they started in 2021 before becoming a winning machine) than lost against bucks
i think they fine tuned their bench well (i like biyombo for their style more than saric) and had nice improvements by their young players (brisges big leap specially)

Tier 1B: Bucks, warriors, miami

the safer picks even if sixers or nets may be sexier

bucks i worry a bit about who will play tucker role as wing defender and about brook López health/form coming off his injury
on the good side i think they are scary if their 3 point shooting doesnt abandon them like last year, i trust their D in the playoffs

warriors i think have a chance as Long as draymond and curry are there, their defense is excelent to keep them in games and curry/klay shooting explosions always can win them close games

i would worry about their offense: it has been so-so even in regular season which is not a good signal when teams play tougher defense to break warriors ball movement rythim in the playoffs

Miami is just too solid all around and really experienced, if Butler has another gear for playoffs they could take anyone

other teams have chances too, but these feel safer

I just can't get myself there with Phoenix, at least not in a tier of their own. Could see a path where their opponent has the best player in the series in every series or every series after the 1st round. Very possible I'm just missing something with them though, as I haven't watched too many of their games this season. They have the profile of "more than the sum of its parts" team.

that description could apply to the 2014 spurs who wrecked durant and lebron teams

not saying suns will be as good, just that is not unheard of for a team without a top tier superstar to dominate teams with them

[LukaTheGOAT]

This is the 16th 50-point performance of the 2021-22 season. 8 of them have been in the last 15 days.

[LukaTheGOAT]

The 76ers vs Nuggets game was fantastic.

I think Philly is a concerning matchup for Jokic for a few reasons. It's clear that Embiid's size bothered Jokic, he wasn't as comfortable as he usually is on the floor. Thybulle also made it harder for Joker with his help defense. On the other side of the court, Jokic really struggled against Embiid-Harden P&R.

Keep in mind that Nuggets won this game mostly because of hot bench shooting, Jokic had negative +/- while Embiid was +1.

By the way, why is DeAndre Jordan still in the league? He's completely useless...

What do you think of Towns? Arguably best scoring center since Shaq?

Towns is more efficient and a better shooter but Embiid's aggressiveness and ability to get to the line 12 times a game makes him a better scorer to me.

Towns and Jokic have similar problems imo, they'll go possessions where they don't touch the ball or pass up opportunities to the attack the defense by going thru the motions. Agressive Jokic is best Jokic, just like aggressive Kat is best Kat, Embiid has mastered this in the last couple years, i wanna see it from Kat and Jokic as well.

I actually believe Jokic has been outright a better scorer of late.

In terms of per possession scoring and efficiency

In 20-21 season

Jokic

Inflation Adjusted-27.7 pts per 75 (rTS% of 7.7%)

Towns

Inflation Adjusted 25.7 pts per 75 (rTS% of 3.9%)

Jokic


This year

Jokic

Inflation Adjusted 28.9 pts per 75 (rTS% of 9.6%)

Towns

26.6 pts per 75 (rTS% of 8.4%)

What I will say is that your point about Towns aggressiveness is really interesting. Despite being the GOAT 3 point shooting big, I actually wonder if he could benefit from shooting more 3s than he does now.

He is 2nd in the NBA in Isolation Scoring Efficiency (Points Per Possession) at Karl-Anthony Towns - 1.17 points per possession.

In games that KAT has shot 10-or-more 3s this season, he averages about 37 points per game.

I don't see why he couldn't look for his shot more since he can handle and create so well for himself, and obviously is a good passer with sound decision-making. Like with his size, and shooting touch, I don't see why he couldn't be one of the league leaders in 3 pt rate if he chose to be. With his size, he is impossible to close out on and he obviously has a quick release.

Honestly, that could be the next step in his progression as a player.

[falcolombardi]

What do you think of Towns? Arguably best scoring center since Shaq?

Towns is more efficient and a better shooter but Embiid's aggressiveness and ability to get to the line 12 times a game makes him a better scorer to me.

Towns and Jokic have similar problems imo, they'll go possessions where they don't touch the ball or pass up opportunities to the attack the defense by going thru the motions. Agressive Jokic is best Jokic, just like aggressive Kat is best Kat, Embiid has mastered this in the last couple years, i wanna see it from Kat and Jokic as well.

I actually believe Jokic has been outright a better scorer of late.

In terms of per possession scoring and efficiency

In 20-21 season

Jokic

Inflation Adjusted-27.7 pts per 75 (rTS% of 7.7%)

Towns

Inflation Adjusted 25.7 pts per 75 (rTS% of 3.9%)

Jokic


This year

Jokic

Inflation Adjusted 28.9 pts per 75 (rTS% of 9.6%)

Towns

26.6 pts per 75 (rTS% of 8.4%)

What I will say is that your point about Towns aggressiveness is really interesting. Despite being the GOAT 3 point shooting big, I actually wonder if he could benefit from shooting more 3s than he does now.

He is 2nd in the NBA in Isolation Scoring Efficiency (Points Per Possession) at Karl-Anthony Towns - 1.17 points per possession.

In games that KAT has shot 10-or-more 3s this season, he averages about 37 points per game.

I don't see why he couldn't look for his shot more since he can handle and create so well for himself, and obviously is a good passer with sound decision-making. Like with his size, and shooting touch, I don't see why he couldn't be one of the league leaders in 3 pt rate if he chose to be. With his size, he is impossible to close out on and he obviously has a quick release.

Honestly, that could be the next step in his progression as a player.

i was just wondering, and forgive as a dirk fan if this is blasphemy

but what actually stops towns from being literally dirk or better ?

his shooting stroke is arguably better. he may be more athletic, as willing as a passer, is skilled at the post too

is there a element to the fórmula i am missing?
he is still young and dirk was not a finished product yet at this are so maybe we just need to wait and see

[itsxtray]

What do you think of Towns? Arguably best scoring center since Shaq?

Towns is more efficient and a better shooter but Embiid's aggressiveness and ability to get to the line 12 times a game makes him a better scorer to me.

Towns and Jokic have similar problems imo, they'll go possessions where they don't touch the ball or pass up opportunities to the attack the defense by going thru the motions. Agressive Jokic is best Jokic, just like aggressive Kat is best Kat, Embiid has mastered this in the last couple years, i wanna see it from Kat and Jokic as well.

I actually believe Jokic has been outright a better scorer of late.

In terms of per possession scoring and efficiency

In 20-21 season

Jokic

Inflation Adjusted-27.7 pts per 75 (rTS% of 7.7%)

Towns

Inflation Adjusted 25.7 pts per 75 (rTS% of 3.9%)

Jokic


This year

Jokic

Inflation Adjusted 28.9 pts per 75 (rTS% of 9.6%)

Towns

26.6 pts per 75 (rTS% of 8.4%)

What I will say is that your point about Towns aggressiveness is really interesting. Despite being the GOAT 3 point shooting big, I actually wonder if he could benefit from shooting more 3s than he does now.

He is 2nd in the NBA in Isolation Scoring Efficiency (Points Per Possession) at Karl-Anthony Towns - 1.17 points per possession.

In games that KAT has shot 10-or-more 3s this season, he averages about 37 points per game.

I don't see why he couldn't look for his shot more since he can handle and create so well for himself, and obviously is a good passer with sound decision-making. Like with his size, and shooting touch, I don't see why he couldn't be one of the league leaders in 3 pt rate if he chose to be. With his size, he is impossible to close out on and he obviously has a quick release.

Honestly, that could be the next step in his progression as a player.

He's had stretches where he's played exactly how you're describing. I remember he started the 19-20 season off bombing from 3, wen't toe 2 toe with Kyrie on opening night. He also had a career high 3par of .445 that year which is down to .303 this year, smh. He should be having a Dirk like effect on offense but even better since he's a better passer but i don't think he's reached that level yet.

[Peregrine01]

Speaking about Jokic's scoring. It seems crazy but his efficiency and volume goes UP when he has LESS help and is forced to do more. Pretty much every superstar sees a decline in efficiency or volume or both, except for him. He's levelled up in both areas, big time, after the injury to Murray in 2021 and now both Murray and MPJ in 2022:

2020: 31 PP100; +4% TS
2021: 38 PP100; +7.5% TS
2022: 39 PP100; +9.1% TS

Now, you can make the argument that he's become a better offensive player since. But I think it's more about him simply being a lot more aggressive.

[falcolombardi]

celtics giving me big 2019 raptors vibes

strong defenders ar every position, tons of switchable wings, Robert "timelord" williams being a Monster and a great scoring wing in tatum

warriors in the other hand have too many question marks in their offense imo, if curry shotmaking is not at top notch i dont see how they produce consistent offense in the playoffs against disciplined and athletic defenses

[feyki]

W/KD Nets in 42G; +4,3 SRS,
Without KD Nets in 29G; -6,5 SRS.

[LukaTheGOAT]

Towns is more efficient and a better shooter but Embiid's aggressiveness and ability to get to the line 12 times a game makes him a better scorer to me.

Towns and Jokic have similar problems imo, they'll go possessions where they don't touch the ball or pass up opportunities to the attack the defense by going thru the motions. Agressive Jokic is best Jokic, just like aggressive Kat is best Kat, Embiid has mastered this in the last couple years, i wanna see it from Kat and Jokic as well.

I actually believe Jokic has been outright a better scorer of late.

In terms of per possession scoring and efficiency

In 20-21 season

Jokic

Inflation Adjusted-27.7 pts per 75 (rTS% of 7.7%)

Towns

Inflation Adjusted 25.7 pts per 75 (rTS% of 3.9%)

Jokic


This year

Jokic

Inflation Adjusted 28.9 pts per 75 (rTS% of 9.6%)

Towns

26.6 pts per 75 (rTS% of 8.4%)

What I will say is that your point about Towns aggressiveness is really interesting. Despite being the GOAT 3 point shooting big, I actually wonder if he could benefit from shooting more 3s than he does now.

He is 2nd in the NBA in Isolation Scoring Efficiency (Points Per Possession) at Karl-Anthony Towns - 1.17 points per possession.

In games that KAT has shot 10-or-more 3s this season, he averages about 37 points per game.

I don't see why he couldn't look for his shot more since he can handle and create so well for himself, and obviously is a good passer with sound decision-making. Like with his size, and shooting touch, I don't see why he couldn't be one of the league leaders in 3 pt rate if he chose to be. With his size, he is impossible to close out on and he obviously has a quick release.

Honestly, that could be the next step in his progression as a player.

i was just wondering, and forgive as a dirk fan if this is blasphemy

but what actually stops towns from being literally dirk or better ?

his shooting stroke is arguably better. he may be more athletic, as willing as a passer, is skilled at the post too

is there a element to the fórmula i am missing?
he is still young and dirk was not a finished product yet at this are so maybe we just need to wait and see

Dirk is arguably the GOAT midrange shooter when factoring in his height and tough shot-making. He also is a much better slasher, along with having some more versatility in the post.

[feyki]

Think about a player has had %65 TS series twice, against the greatest defensive dynasty of the post 80 NBA. 27 Points a game with +14 rTS in 13 games.

Edit: Any player to catch +14 rTS, he has to play with %70 TS now .

[parsnips33]

God this has been a frustrating season after such a great start. I guess just pray Steph is back soon


Celtics defense is very legit. Offense a bit more of a question mark, but I think they have enough on that end. I don't think any team wants to meet them in a series

[falcolombardi]

a lot of people doubt the suns because they dont have a mega star to lead the offense, but i dont think thay is the right way to look at it

other teams without a mega star like the 2014 spurs were murderous in offense in the playoffs, and suns are arguably better equiped on paper than them

remember "teamwork" offenses like 2015 hawks sometimes slow down in playoffs cause the defense slows down their system and they dont have anyone to step up individually

the suns, once a team stops them at the rim or at the 3 point line can just go "lol, we got a chris paul, chris dribble into a 55% midrange shot!"

[parsnips33]

Was thinking during the Mavs Nets game - is Luka better coming in from the perimeter or creating out of the post? What's the ideal mix for their offense? Is it totally matchup dependent or is one generally more effective?

[parsnips33]

a lot of people doubt the suns because they dont have a mega star to lead the offense, but i dont think thay is the right way to look at it

other teams without a mega star like the 2014 spurs were murderous in offense in the playoffs, and suns are arguably better equiped on paper than them

remember "teamwork" offenses like 2015 hawks sometimes slow down in playoffs cause the defense slows down their system and they dont have anyone to step up individually

the suns, once a team stops them at the rim or at the 3 point line can just go "lol, we got a chris paul, chris dribble into a 55% midrange shot!"

I have my doubts about CP3 getting to that shot consistently against teams that can effectively go small or have switchy bigs. Of course Ayton is a sort of hedge against that.

If Devin Booker can consistently get good looks against lengthy playoff defense, there's no reason Suns can't win it all. But I do think that has to be him, just not sure CP3 has the athleticism to get good looks at this point if it's not against a switched, slower footed big

[sp6r=underrated]

So I'm watching the Memphis game. Larry Brown is an assistant coach. I realized Larry Brown is probably the purest basketball lifer.

He will die involved in the sport.

[falcolombardi]

a lot of people doubt the suns because they dont have a mega star to lead the offense, but i dont think thay is the right way to look at it

other teams without a mega star like the 2014 spurs were murderous in offense in the playoffs, and suns are arguably better equiped on paper than them

remember "teamwork" offenses like 2015 hawks sometimes slow down in playoffs cause the defense slows down their system and they dont have anyone to step up individually

the suns, once a team stops them at the rim or at the 3 point line can just go "lol, we got a chris paul, chris dribble into a 55% midrange shot!"

I have my doubts about CP3 getting to that shot consistently against teams that can effectively go small or have switchy bigs. Of course Ayton is a sort of hedge against that.

If Devin Booker can consistently get good looks against lengthy playoff defense, there's no reason Suns can't win it all. But I do think that has to be him, just not sure CP3 has the athleticism to get good looks at this point if it's not against a switched, slower footed big

booker is not the shooter chris Paul is, and more importantly. he is too prone to heroball like he is jordan or kobe but without being good enough to do it

i think a underated part of last year finals among all the praise booker got for his 40 points games is how much he disrupted suns offense doing that

[parsnips33]

a lot of people doubt the suns because they dont have a mega star to lead the offense, but i dont think thay is the right way to look at it

other teams without a mega star like the 2014 spurs were murderous in offense in the playoffs, and suns are arguably better equiped on paper than them

remember "teamwork" offenses like 2015 hawks sometimes slow down in playoffs cause the defense slows down their system and they dont have anyone to step up individually

the suns, once a team stops them at the rim or at the 3 point line can just go "lol, we got a chris paul, chris dribble into a 55% midrange shot!"

I have my doubts about CP3 getting to that shot consistently against teams that can effectively go small or have switchy bigs. Of course Ayton is a sort of hedge against that.

If Devin Booker can consistently get good looks against lengthy playoff defense, there's no reason Suns can't win it all. But I do think that has to be him, just not sure CP3 has the athleticism to get good looks at this point if it's not against a switched, slower footed big

booker is not the shooter chris Paul is, and more importantly. he is too prone to heroball like he is jordan or kobe but without being good enough to do it

i think a underated part of last year finals among all the praise booker got for his 40 points games is how much he disrupted suns offense doing that

Agreed Booker is not the shotmaker that CP3 is. However, he's got a quickness and size advantage that should help him generate at the very least decent looks in the playoffs. CP3 is way more matchup dependent for his scoring at this point in his career.

[falcolombardi]

anyone finds it odd that these days it seems bitter rivslries come from mvp races instead of playoff sagas?

embiid vs jokic is generating more salt and battles online that may recent playoffs series i can think of, bucks vs miami barely feels like a rivalry but harden vs giannis got heated at a time

[eminence]

Steph's out of the MVP race with his injury (I know many of you thought so prior).

Jokic cooling a bit, might still be a race? Probably not though. Tatum deserving more love there than he seems to have gotten, considering Curry's injury I've got Tatum vs Giannis a tight race for #2 (Embiid #4). Towns another guy who seems underappreciated, think he'd be my last guy on the ballot currently (Gobert, DeRozan, Mikal Bridges?!?, and obviously still Steph the other guys in contention there for me).

[RCM88x]

Jokic
Giannis
Embiid
Doncic

Two horse race for me right now I think.