MUScoop

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 21, 2025, 06:52:10 PMStrong start for Chet.  I was completely wrong about him. 

Quote from: wadesworld on October 21, 2025, 06:59:53 PMChet is good, but also an example of what is wrong with the max contract, especially now with more restrictive cap rules. Paying a good player that amount of your cap comes back to haunt you eventually. It should be for guys like Giannis, Shai, etc. But if the team doesn't give him the max, someone will.

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 21, 2025, 06:52:46 PMI was completely right about Chet

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 21, 2025, 07:03:25 PMIf Amen Thompson develops a consistent J?  Look out. 

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 21, 2025, 10:58:05 PMLuka looks great.  The rest of the Lakers do not.

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 21, 2025, 07:03:25 PMIf Amen Thompson develops a consistent J?  Look out. 

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 21, 2025, 10:58:05 PMLuka looks great.  The rest of the Lakers do not.

Quote from: wadesworld on October 22, 2025, 09:51:18 AMhttps://x.com/DrGuru_/status/1980839867686019174

Smart doing what won him a DPOY on the offensive end is genius.  Might win an MVP doing this.

He's the Brad Davison of the NBA.

Quote from: JWags85 on October 22, 2025, 11:04:02 AMHe also fouled Jimmy by stepping into and standing underneath him on a jumper, then collapsed to the ground when Jimmy collided with him on his way down to try and draw a flagrant or something.

Quote from: wadesworld on October 22, 2025, 11:41:59 AMAnd tried to pull Steph's arm off of his body.  I now understand why some people are so high on the Lakers as a contender.  I know I don't want Giannis playing on the same court as Marcus Smart.  Lose a game to keep Giannis healthy.

https://x.com/Rate_the_Refs/status/1980834783749181468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1980834783749181468%7Ctwgr%5E8cababa3a14125425c30451ab0c704db935e8251%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fnba%2Fmarcus-smart-foul-steph-curry-video

Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 22, 2025, 12:11:05 PMFirst, I 100% agree with this foul call on Smart.

But it is interesting that this type of stuff happened all the time in the 80's and if the refs did anything, it would be to talk to the players and ask them to "cool it".

Quote from: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on October 22, 2025, 08:56:06 AMYear 3 and he still can't shoot a lick. At this point, I don't know how anyone can realistically expect it to change.

Very good player but it's a huge hole in his game.

Quote from: Jockey on October 22, 2025, 01:51:10 PMPaul Presley on steroids.

Also, Sengun will be breakout player of the year. Already very good, but will be top 10 guy in the league this year.

Quote from: JWags85 on October 22, 2025, 02:11:31 PMI'm fully on board with Sengun being one of the most underrated players in the league, he's fantastic.  But I don't know how a guy that averaged 20/10/4.5 the last 2 years and was an All Star will be a breakout player, unless he averages 30 and 15, which I don't think he will.

And I could buy a top 10 player ceiling, he's only 23 after all, but he's a few years away.  He's got that methodical below the rim game like Jokic, but he's not a good enough shooter.  Part of what makes Jokic lethal is he's close to a 40% outside shooter, which lets him space the floor and pass when people are forced close out on him.  Sengun shoots under 30% from deep.  He can develop it, look at Brook Lopez, but he's not there.

Quote from: MU82 on October 22, 2025, 04:56:05 PMI've seen a couple of killer dunks by Sengun, so I'm thinking he's more athletic than some give him credit for.

Quote from: CountryRoads on October 22, 2025, 10:35:47 PMReally good night for the MU guys tonight. Oso looks like he's going to be a major contributor this year.

Quote from: CountryRoads on October 22, 2025, 10:35:47 PMReally good night for the MU guys tonight. Oso looks like he's going to be a major contributor this year.

Quote from: wadesworld on October 22, 2025, 09:31:28 PMBucks might not be a ton better this year, but they'll be more fun to watch.  The ball will actually move and they won't dribble the ball for 20 of 24 seconds on the shot clock.  I'd imagine the locker room will be better with Turner in and Dame, who never wanted to be in Milwaukee and always seemed like he was pouting, out.  And Doc even has a starting lineup that makes sense!

In other Eastern Conference news, I need Embiid to stay healthy.  I said a couple years ago when it was clear Maxey was a stud that the 76ers should trade Embiid and build around Maxey.  They should be getting out and flying as a team, but I need Embiid to stay healthy and slow them down.  A backcourt of Maxey, McCain, and Edgecomb would be awesome in a year or two.

Quote from: cheebs09 on October 23, 2025, 07:49:48 AMAnyone happen to know if Kuzma frequents the new Poto sportsbook?

Quote from: wadesworld on October 22, 2025, 09:51:13 PMAnybody else remember when the dentists proclaimed that Jalen Johnson had ruined his own life because he quit on Duke?

Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on October 23, 2025, 12:46:50 AMAlso didn't realize that former Badger Nigel Hayes is finally breaking into the NBA this season. I think he may have had a few 10 day contracts in the past but this is his first "real" NBA contract. Not something that happens to many 30 year olds.

Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 23, 2025, 08:03:16 AMGiven the incompetence of the current FBI, I can't wait to see how they screw this up.

Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 23, 2025, 06:55:46 AMhttps://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46695228/sources-terry-rozier-arrested-part-gambling-inquiry

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:37:18 AMOne other thing and I've mentioned this several times: we have a colossal gambling problem.  And it doesn't help that every 10 secs, we have athletes and celebrities pimping these companies.  The worst part about it is the access  young people have to it which can lead to addiction.  It's absolutely ridiculous and something needs to be done. 

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:26:15 AMThe NBA has two significant scandals.  And we still haven't heard diddly squat from Silver regarding Ballmer, Kahwi, and the Clippers. 

Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 23, 2025, 08:43:46 AMDon't worry.  The FBI will fumble this

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:37:18 AMOne other thing and I've mentioned this several times: we have a colossal gambling problem.  And it doesn't help that every 10 secs, we have athletes and celebrities pimping these companies.  The worst part about it is the access  young people have to it which can lead to addiction.  It's absolutely ridiculous and something needs to be done.

Oh....and now college athletes starting 11/1 can bet on NBA games?  Great.  How wonderful they can use their NIL money to bet now.  This is insane.  Addiction is real and these young kids are vulnerable. 

Quote from: Billy Hoyle on October 23, 2025, 09:01:54 AMgambling is a scourge on professional and college sports and society in general and is detroying the integrity of the game. Now let us all sit in our seats in the Draft Kings Club or watch the game on the Draft Kings Sports Network.

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 09:12:59 AMThis is the crux the problem.  The level of corruption is clearly ubiquitous.  Obviously the sports leagues and government make a crap ton of money from gambling.  That said Billy, from a societal and public health standpoint this is an unmitigated disaster which is even a bigger issue than the integrity of the NBA. 

Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 23, 2025, 08:43:46 AMDon't worry.  The FBI will fumble this

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 09:26:32 AMWell, considering this guy mentioned the "Toronto Rangers" in the press conference, you could be right. 

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:55:46 AMWe still don't know the facts but regardless, it's important to recognize we have an enormous problem. 

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 09:51:21 AMI have to admit the presser sounded like it was a scene from the Godfather.  This seems like more of a mob story which involved some players in the NBA.    Apparently the mob is still alive and well.

Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 23, 2025, 09:45:06 AMIt's not a stretch on my part.  These guys in charge of the FBI are idiots and they've run off all the competent people.  A confederacy of dunces but we can be racist again.

Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on October 23, 2025, 08:58:23 AMI agree 100%. This is going to cause so many more problems than we realize now.

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 09:26:32 AMWell, considering this guy mentioned the "Toronto Rangers" in the press conference, you could be right. 

Quote from: CountryRoads on October 22, 2025, 10:35:47 PMReally good night for the MU guys tonight. Oso looks like he's going to be a major contributor this year.

Quote from: Hards Alumni on October 23, 2025, 06:46:44 AMDame is tough for me.  I just don't think he is an outwardly emotional guy, plus he was going through a divorce.

Quote from: wadesworld on October 23, 2025, 02:17:44 PMChauncey after last night's game: "That pressure thing is nothing to me, man," Billups said. "I do the best I can and let the chips fall where they may. You know that about me by now."

Oops.

Quote from: wadesworld on October 23, 2025, 02:21:51 PMTrue on the lack of emotion and him going through some personal stuff.  I just will never forget that immediately after the trade to the Bucks happened, Dame's agent thanked...THE MIAMI HEAT for trying to get Dame, saying, "They did everything they could to acquire Dame. It takes two to get a deal done. I appreciate all that Pat, Andy and Micky did to try and make this happen."

I had already felt like Jrue was being very underrated and Dame was overrated, and wasn't sure that having a second guy who liked to dribble the air out of the ball offensively and doesn't try defensively was going to work well.  Obviously, the idea of Dame and Giannis pick and rolls was incredibly enticing, and I understood why the Bucks did it.  But I personally never bought into it working, and it turned out worse than I imagined.  The fact that his agent was out there thanking the team that just knocked the Bucks out of the Playoffs, and had done so a few years prior as well, for trying to get Dame after he'd been traded to the Bucks rubbed me the wrong way from day one.

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 23, 2025, 03:23:04 PMDame not working out doesn't mean he was overrated. Sure fire hall of famer just coming out of his prime. Seems like he never wanted to come there in the first place and between that, the injuries, and the personal life it was a real perfect storm of mediocrity.

Quote from: BM1090 on October 23, 2025, 03:29:20 PMI'm just happy the Bucks are fun again. I have no idea how good they'll be but last night was refreshing

Quote from: wadesworld on October 23, 2025, 03:35:30 PMI'm saving judgement for when we play someone that isn't the Washington Wizards at home.  I remember being excited after game 1 last year, thinking Trent and Prince in the starting lineup was going to work and those guys really knew how to play.  6 straight losses came after that.

Quote from: wadesworld on October 23, 2025, 03:35:30 PMI'm saving judgement for when we play someone that isn't the Washington Wizards at home.  I remember being excited after game 1 last year, thinking Trent and Prince in the starting lineup was going to work and those guys really knew how to play.  6 straight losses came after that.

Quote from: wadesworld on October 23, 2025, 03:33:40 PMI think Milwaukee exposed him some.  When he was in Portland he had the excuse of never really getting to play on a championship level roster.  Then the Bucks traded a true winner away for him, and the team got significantly worse.  Injuries kept the Bucks from potentially winning titles in 2022 and 2023 (less likely than 2022), and they might have won they title in 2020 if not for the pandemic interrupting the season (they were 52-8 through 60 games that year), plus they very easily could've won the title in 2019 (up 2-0 on Toronto and went to double overtime in game 3).  The Bucks were a much better team with Eric Bledsoe and Jrue Holiday at point guard than they were with Dame.

He's 5'9" and doesn't even try defensively.  When you're that little, you have to at least put in effort.  And the 35 foot side step 3s are awesome when they go in, and shooting them at a 25% or whatever clip is incredible given the difficulty, but that's still a horrendously inefficient possession, and that's how Dame loved to play.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 23, 2025, 03:46:49 PMDo the Bulls have a real problem in the front office?

Quote from: wadesworld on October 23, 2025, 03:33:40 PMI think Milwaukee exposed him some.  When he was in Portland he had the excuse of never really getting to play on a championship level roster.  Then the Bucks traded a true winner away for him, and the team got significantly worse.  Injuries kept the Bucks from potentially winning titles in 2022 and 2023 (less likely than 2022), and they might have won they title in 2020 if not for the pandemic interrupting the season (they were 52-8 through 60 games that year), plus they very easily could've won the title in 2019 (up 2-0 on Toronto and went to double overtime in game 3).  The Bucks were a much better team with Eric Bledsoe and Jrue Holiday at point guard than they were with Dame.

He's 5'9" and doesn't even try defensively.  When you're that little, you have to at least put in effort.  And the 35 foot side step 3s are awesome when they go in, and shooting them at a 25% or whatever clip is incredible given the difficulty, but that's still a horrendously inefficient possession, and that's how Dame loved to play.

Quote from: Pakuni on October 23, 2025, 09:52:40 AMWhatever happened to personal responsibility?

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 07:10:07 PMI don't disagree with you about personal responsibility.  The problem however is a little different in this case.  When you have apps with easy access, as well as algorithms that can target kids, or even young college players that are making millions in NIL, it's arguably exploitation.  I equate it to Instagram targeting young girls and messing with their self-esteem.

Ironically I listened to the end of this press conference on NBA radio on the way to work.  After the presser concluded, there were two radio adds for online betting companies.  You can't make this up.  Young people are absolutely bombarded with this crap Pakuni.  It's not right and can lead to tremendous emotional destruction, or worse. 

Quote from: wadesworld on October 23, 2025, 03:33:40 PMI think Milwaukee exposed him some.  When he was in Portland he had the excuse of never really getting to play on a championship level roster.  Then the Bucks traded a true winner away for him, and the team got significantly worse.  Injuries kept the Bucks from potentially winning titles in 2022 and 2023 (less likely than 2022), and they might have won they title in 2020 if not for the pandemic interrupting the season (they were 52-8 through 60 games that year), plus they very easily could've won the title in 2019 (up 2-0 on Toronto and went to double overtime in game 3).  The Bucks were a much better team with Eric Bledsoe and Jrue Holiday at point guard than they were with Dame.

He's 5'9" and doesn't even try defensively.  When you're that little, you have to at least put in effort.  And the 35 foot side step 3s are awesome when they go in, and shooting them at a 25% or whatever clip is incredible given the difficulty, but that's still a horrendously inefficient possession, and that's how Dame loved to play.

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 23, 2025, 07:33:46 PMOr dame was a very ball dominant player as you allude above and Giannis has taken a much more ball dominant role in recent years with a significantly higher usage rate than dame even before they played together. I don't think dame is as bad as you make him out to be, I think he's just a bad fit to be second fiddle

Quote from: wadesworld on October 23, 2025, 07:36:21 PMIt was for sure a bad fit, and I agree he's not made to be second fiddle. But I also don't think he's anywhere good enough to be the best player on a title team, like most thought he was prior to coming to Milwaukee.

I think he's a top 75 offensive player, but in my opinion, I don't see him being a top 75 player in the history of basketball like he has been named.

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 23, 2025, 07:40:28 PMPlus he supports BLM. Disqualifying

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 23, 2025, 07:40:28 PMPlus he supports BLM. Disqualifying

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 07:10:07 PMI don't disagree with you about personal responsibility.  The problem however is a little different in this case.  When you have apps with easy access, as well as algorithms that can target kids, or even young college players that are making millions in NIL, it's arguably exploitation.  I equate it to Instagram targeting young girls and messing with their self-esteem.

Ironically I listened to the end of this press conference on NBA radio on the way to work.  After the presser concluded, there were two radio adds for online betting companies.  You can't make this up.  Young people are absolutely bombarded with this crap Pakuni.  It's not right and can lead to tremendous emotional destruction, or worse. 

Quote from: MU82 on October 23, 2025, 08:04:47 PMIn other words, personal responsibility doesn't matter to you. You prefer the Nanny State.

Quote from: MU82 on October 23, 2025, 08:04:47 PMIn other words, personal responsibility doesn't matter to you. You prefer the Nanny State.

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:28:31 PMLol.  I'm curious about your thoughts on Jay Jones?  Do you agree with Pritzker who said today, "he apologized," and "he meant it".  I guess that settles it.  How come there's been a grand total of one Democratic leader that has said he should resign?  Imagine if a Republican leader wrote those texts and get back to me.  And btw he actually knows those two little kids.  He saw them often.

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:28:31 PMLol.  I'm curious about your thoughts on Jay Jones?  Do you agree with Pritzker who said today, "he apologized," and "he meant it".  I guess that settles it.  How come there's been a grand total of one Democratic leader that has said he should resign?  Imagine if a Republican leader wrote those texts and get back to me.  And btw he actually knows those two little kids.  He saw them often.

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 23, 2025, 08:29:52 PMWow, politics out of control here

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 23, 2025, 08:29:52 PMWow, politics out of control here

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:03:58 PMLebron hasn't said anything yet.  I think he knows Damon Jones pretty

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:03:58 PMMichael Jordan hasn't said anything yet, either, and he got suspended by the NBA for gambling

Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 23, 2025, 08:39:10 PM

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:03:58 PMLebron hasn't said anything yet.  I think he knows Damon Jones pretty

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:03:58 PMMichael Jordan hasn't said anything yet, either, and he got suspended by the NBA for gambling

Good point.   Although I don't think he was suspended because  of economic reasons. 

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:41:26 PMGood point.   Although I don't think he was suspended because  of economic reasons. 

Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 23, 2025, 08:43:25 PMNo, he was suspended for gambling.  That's why his dad was shot.  Imagine getting your dad killed over a gambling debt?!?  SMDH

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:37:18 AMOne other thing and I've mentioned this several times: we have a colossal gambling problem.  And it doesn't help that every 10 secs, we have athletes and celebrities pimping these companies.  The worst part about it is the access  young people have to it which can lead to addiction.  It's absolutely ridiculous and something needs to be done.

Oh....and now college athletes starting 11/1 can bet on NBA games?  Great.  How wonderful they can use their NIL money to bet now.  This is insane.  Addiction is real and these young kids are vulnerable. 

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:38:33 PMYou're correct.  I just responded to his post.  My apologies. 

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:45:33 PMI don't know all tbe facts on that one. 

Quote from: wadesworld on October 23, 2025, 07:36:21 PMI think he's a top 75 offensive player, but in my opinion, I don't see him being a top 75 player in the history of basketball like he has been named.

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:03:58 PMLebron hasn't said anything yet.  I think he knows Damon Jones pretty well. 

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 23, 2025, 09:39:32 PMI've had it up to here with you Muggsy *gestures at a condescendingly low level that's clearly a derogatory comment about height.*

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 10:20:17 PMWe must respect our diminutive citizens and not project our frustrations on them out of the clear blue sky. 

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 23, 2025, 10:27:30 PMI'll do no such thing. Troll

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 08:45:33 PMI don't know all tbe facts on that one. 

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 10:37:31 PMCalm down.  When you go low, I can always go lower. 

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 24, 2025, 10:15:52 AMI'm gonna put you in a diaper and burp you, pal

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 09:12:59 AMThis is the crux of the problem.  The level of corruption is clearly ubiquitous.  Obviously the sports leagues and government make a crap ton of money from gambling.  That said Billy, from a societal and public health standpoint this is an unmitigated disaster which is even a bigger issue than the integrity of the NBA. 

Quote from: jesmu84 on October 24, 2025, 10:46:04 AMSince when do we care about public health in this country?

Quote from: jesmu84 on October 24, 2025, 10:46:04 AMSince when do we care about public health in this country?

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 23, 2025, 09:12:59 AMThis is the crux of the problem.  The level of corruption is clearly ubiquitous.  Obviously the sports leagues and government make a crap ton of money from gambling.  That said Billy, from a societal and public health standpoint this is an unmitigated disaster which is even a bigger issue than the integrity of the NBA. 

Quote from: Jay Bee on October 24, 2025, 10:19:25 AMSome dudes on Scoop would pay you major coin for that

Quote from: jesmu84 on October 24, 2025, 10:46:04 AMSince when do we care about public health in this country?

Quote from: Billy Hoyle on October 24, 2025, 01:13:19 PMLast night a friend texted me about both the NBA sting and the NCAA allowing gambling on sports thinking it was ridiculous and "Gambling is going to be the new Joe Camel. A lot of lives are going to be ruined."

This is a friend who, for a few year,s made his living counting cards after being laid off from his IT job (brilliant guy, came out well ahead and went back to IT). He's never bet on sports but is a big fan of college sports. Even "professional" gamblers (people who have self control) know how F'ed society is when it comes to sports wagering.

Quote from: JWags85 on October 24, 2025, 08:52:44 PMComing from a recovering gambling addict who struggles with relapses, the culture around sports betting has gotten so out of control its not even funny.  I fell into the trap before it was legal and advertised in sporting events and every network had a betting show with "experts" who were randomly online contributors to the network before they got slotted into the new betting show.  I can't even imagine what the siren song is like now for a naive 20 something.

Even more sobering is the fact that, I can't think of any other way of making money (outside of the equally scummy and fugazi day trading/Forex gurus) where the activities, methods, and approach of the few true winners couldn't possibly differ any more than what is commonly shown.  The consistent winners these days have statistical models and algorithms and take nearly all, if not all, personal decision making out of the equation.  Most don't even watch individual games.  The days of the sharp who sat with a paper of lines and stats and had the magic touch picking winners was likely over stated and is now long gone.

Quote from: JWags85 on October 22, 2025, 02:11:31 PMI'm fully on board with Sengun being one of the most underrated players in the league, he's fantastic.  But I don't know how a guy that averaged 20/10/4.5 the last 2 years and was an All Star will be a breakout player, unless he averages 30 and 15, which I don't think he will.

And I could buy a top 10 player ceiling, he's only 23 after all, but he's a few years away.  He's got that methodical below the rim game like Jokic, but he's not a good enough shooter.  Part of what makes Jokic lethal is he's close to a 40% outside shooter, which lets him space the floor and pass when people are forced close out on him.  Sengun shoots under 30% from deep.  He can develop it, look at Brook Lopez, but he's not there.

Quote from: wadesworld on October 25, 2025, 02:40:55 PMhttps://www.instagram.com/reel/DQN_3rpCdFh/?igsh=ZTduamc1Ym9xNDJl

Haha

Quote from: JWags85 on October 25, 2025, 08:39:19 PMCarlos Boozer nods in approval

Quote from: wadesworld on October 25, 2025, 08:54:36 PMAnd LBJ. And KD.

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 26, 2025, 12:12:33 AMAre the Bulls elite

Quote from: wadesworld on October 27, 2025, 08:28:07 PMI said since the Sixers got Maxey that they should trade Embiid and build around him. They are straight up just better without Embiid and could've gotten a ton for him. Maxey, McCain, and Edgecomb could be one of the better backcourts in the league and they should be flying up and down the court. All Embiid does is slow them down.

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 26, 2025, 12:12:33 AMAre the Bulls elite

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 27, 2025, 09:44:00 PMAhem

Quote from: wadesworld on October 28, 2025, 09:33:37 PMIf the Bucks are a top 4 seed I don't think there's anybody that can convince me Giannis isn't the best player in the world. It's Giannis and a bunch of role players (who finally fit well around Giannis).

Also, anyone who thought Kon was going to be just a guy or not worth a top 10 pick had it wrong. He is legit.

Quote from: wadesworld on October 28, 2025, 09:33:37 PMIf the Bucks are a top 4 seed I don't think there's anybody that can convince me Giannis isn't the best player in the world. It's Giannis and a bunch of role players (who finally fit well around Giannis).

Also, anyone who thought Kon was going to be just a guy or not worth a top 10 pick had it wrong. He is legit.

Quote from: wadesworld on October 28, 2025, 09:33:37 PMAlso, anyone who thought Kon was going to be just a guy or not worth a top 10 pick had it wrong. He is legit.

Quote from: MU82 on October 29, 2025, 01:17:00 AMInteresting to hear Jordan talk about load management as part of his "insights" on NBC. Spoiler alert: He doesn't like it.

Quote from: MU82 on October 29, 2025, 01:17:00 AMInteresting to hear Jordan talk about load management as part of his "insights" on NBC. Spoiler alert: He doesn't like it.

Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 29, 2025, 06:22:49 AMNot everyone gets to have an 18 month hiatus because of a gambling habit that got a parent killed

Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 29, 2025, 08:30:59 AMMike's dad was killed because he was going to expose the truth about the moon landing.

Quote from: wadesworld on October 29, 2025, 09:51:15 AMRyan Rollins shoplifting at Target might turn out to be one of the better things to happen to the Bucks organization in a while.

Quote from: MU82 on October 29, 2025, 01:17:00 AMInteresting to hear Jordan talk about load management as part of his "insights" on NBC. Spoiler alert: He doesn't like it.

Quote from: MU82 on October 29, 2025, 11:39:54 AMI hope that, going forward, every question to Jordan isn't, "When you played blah blah, so what do you think about today's NBA players blah blahing?" He knows a lot about basketball, he deals with modern athletes all the time through his brand, and he was a team owner (albeit a pretty bad one) until just recently. He should be able to talk about today's NBA without automatically making references to 1996. It's largely on Tirico or whoever is interviewing Jordan to focus on today and not 30 years ago, because all Jordan's gonna do is answer the questions he's asked.

Quote from: MU82 on October 29, 2025, 11:39:54 AMThat said, he did play 80+ games most years, he did work his body every bit as hard as anybody who ever played (including today's great athletes), he had to play back-to-backs and 4 games in 6 days just as today's players do, and he had long postseason runs most years (meaning his season went from Oct to June with no breaks).

Quote from: MU82 on October 29, 2025, 11:39:54 AMThere is a lot of talk about - and considerable disagreement about, load management - so I don't think it was out of bounds to ask him about it or for him to share his opinion. And I personally don't think he was wrong to say that players owe it to the ticket-buying public to play whenever they are healthy enough to do so.

Quote from: The Sultan on October 29, 2025, 11:44:37 AMRight. As I said, part of my problem is with NBC's coverage.


And maybe he could have been even better had he taken more time off. Maybe he wouldn't have needed to take an entire season off. Maybe other players would have been more able to compete against him had they taken more rest.


I think he is wrong. The players don't owe the fans that at all. The players owe it to them to be in the best shape possible for a title run.

Quote from: The Sultan on October 29, 2025, 11:44:37 AMRight. As I said, part of my problem is with NBC's coverage.


And maybe he could have been even better had he taken more time off. Maybe he wouldn't have needed to take an entire season off. Maybe other players would have been more able to compete against him had they taken more rest.


I think he is wrong. The players don't owe the fans that at all. The players owe it to them to be in the best shape possible for a title run.

Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 29, 2025, 12:02:45 PMAlso, the NBA was rigged when Jordan was playing in his favor

Quote from: MU82 on October 29, 2025, 11:39:54 AMI hope that, going forward, every question to Jordan isn't, "When you played blah blah, so what do you think about today's NBA players blah blahing?" He knows a lot about basketball, he deals with modern athletes all the time through his brand, and he was a team owner (albeit a pretty bad one) until just recently. He should be able to talk about today's NBA without automatically making references to 1996. It's largely on Tirico or whoever is interviewing Jordan to focus on today and not 30 years ago, because all Jordan's gonna do is answer the questions he's asked.

Quote from: MU82 on October 30, 2025, 01:11:51 AMIs there a better "team's third best player" than Austin Reaves right now?

Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 29, 2025, 02:23:44 PMI think regardless of your thoughts on MJ; any ex-player or analyst taking issue with load management is truly a reflection of 90%+ of NBA fans. It is the exact opposite of a 'hot take'. It is a  like a politician saying he will put more money in your pocket and make your roads better. Who doesn't like that? 

I could understand if people took issue with MJ playing it safe on the issue. We'd all like a little spice in the interview, but MJ played it down the middle on this one.

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 30, 2025, 08:20:13 AMHe's an really good offensive player.  Very dangerous on or off the bounce.  I stated that the Lakers got a steal with his contract, but was criticized of course by Scoopers.  His defense I will say can be problematic against the top teams. 

Quote from: The Sultan on October 30, 2025, 08:26:09 AMWhen did you state this and where is the criticism?

Quote from: JWags85 on October 30, 2025, 08:23:44 AMAbsolutely.  Load management is one of those things that I actually totally get both sides.  I fully support players taking care of themselves, their bodies, prolonging their careers (and maybe also benefiting themselves physically for the far life stage which is post-playing). 

But at the same time, I get some of why fans get frustrated.  Not the meathead "YOU'RE HERE TO ENTERTAIN ME.  HOW DARE YOU REST" but I remember going to a Bulls game against the Warriors in 2013/14 ish cause Curry was starting to emerge and I loved watching him and Klay.  He had picked up a ding the day before and didn't play.  I was truly bummed.  And that was a legit injury to a guy in his early 20s, not a superstar that is essentially taking a game off.

And hell, if I was a former player in the "non-load management era" and I have a body that is banged up with terrible knees that might be less so if I played today, I might subconsciously have some resentment that shows when talking about it.  Especially if they are making the equivalent of one of my contracts early 2000s contracts in a single season with the ever ballooning TV money salary caps.

Quote from: MU82 on October 30, 2025, 01:11:51 AMIs there a better "team's third best player" than Austin Reaves right now?

Quote from: The Lens on October 30, 2025, 09:23:41 AMThe things with load management is tat guys are still getting hurt.

Quote from: The Lens on October 30, 2025, 09:23:41 AMThe things with load management is tat guys are still getting hurt.

We lost Dame, Tatum and Haliburton in last year's playoffs alone.

I don't think load management has really solved anything.

(I also think those guys getting hurt is the effect of playing the same sport 12 months a year for most of your life)

Quote from: wadesworld on October 30, 2025, 11:09:21 AMBetter through 5 games in which he's been the #1 option for the Lakers in 3 of?  No.  But I think there will be plenty of guys who you can at least make a case for when we get to more than 6% of the way through the season.

Chet is an obvious one.  Aaron Gordon is a good answer.  Whoever you think is the third best player on the Heat between Powell/Bam/Herro (or even Jaquez so far), Garland could be once he's healthy, Jrue Holiday is showing he was completely undervalued by being the 5th option in Boston, KAT/Bridges, Franz Wagner or Bane, Amen Thompson, maybe Cooper Flagg by the end of the year.

Quote from: wadesworld on October 30, 2025, 11:09:21 AMBetter through 5 games in which he's been the #1 option for the Lakers in 3 of?  No.  But I think there will be plenty of guys who you can at least make a case for when we get to more than 6% of the way through the season.

Chet is an obvious one.  Aaron Gordon is a good answer.  Whoever you think is the third best player on the Heat between Powell/Bam/Herro (or even Jaquez so far), Garland could be once he's healthy, Jrue Holiday is showing he was completely undervalued by being the 5th option in Boston, KAT/Bridges, Franz Wagner or Bane, Amen Thompson, maybe Cooper Flagg by the end of the year.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 30, 2025, 11:26:06 AMExcuse me???? Pat Williams of the 4-0 Bulls?  ;D

Quote from: JWags85 on October 30, 2025, 10:38:51 AMAaron Gordon in Denver.  Its a small sample size, but he's averaging 21/6/2 while shooting 53% from 3.  And thats with both of Denver's stars playing all 4 games, unlike Reaves who has been the main guy without Luka or Bron.

Do I think Gordon keeps shooting 50%+ from 3 on the year?  Probably not.  But he shot 44% on 3.5 3PA/G last year, so he clearly figured something out with his shot.  Also crazy that he's only 30.

Also, if you want to get real aggressive, I would say what Edgecombe has shown in Philly as the 3rd option already is more impressive than Reaves.

Quote from: BM1090 on October 30, 2025, 03:12:03 PMDepends how you rank certain guys, but I'd take Chet, Gordon, Mobley, Fox/Harper, and Siakam/Nembhard over Reaves. Probably Draymond too.

Quote from: GB Warrior on October 30, 2025, 12:52:57 PMYou mean MVPat

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 30, 2025, 07:14:23 PMWhy is Giannis out???  WTF??? 

Quote from: The Sultan on October 30, 2025, 08:26:09 AMWhen did you state this and where is the criticism?

Quote from: wadesworld on October 30, 2025, 07:15:12 PMSo Draymond Green can't injure in in the 5th game of the season.

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 30, 2025, 07:18:17 PMI'm sure you can go back and find it in the past NBA threads.  In fact, if  memory serves, you were the one who scoffed at my comment about Reaves. 

Quote from: The Sultan on October 30, 2025, 07:46:39 PMDid a search. Didn't find anything.

Quote from: The Sultan on October 30, 2025, 07:46:39 PMDid a search. Didn't find anything.

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 30, 2025, 07:51:55 PMI'm not hallucinating.  I definitely stated this soon after his contract was announced. 

Quote from: The Sultan on October 30, 2025, 08:00:01 PMI guess. As I said, did a search with your name and didn't see anything.

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 30, 2025, 08:05:39 PMIt wasn't you.  My apologies.  But you can find it in the 22-23 NBA thread. 

Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 30, 2025, 08:08:57 PMAnd you'd also see that no one criticized you

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 30, 2025, 08:11:19 PMI have a memory that I waa harshly criticized.  I believe the evidence has been deleted. 

Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 30, 2025, 08:15:40 PMProbably by Jewish space lasers

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 30, 2025, 08:11:19 PMI have a memory that I waa harshly criticized.  I believe the evidence has been deleted. 

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 30, 2025, 08:43:58 PMPlease share the exact post where you think this was done so I can evaluate for myself. ty

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 30, 2025, 08:49:06 PMI could be wrong but I recall someone writing that I was crazy for stating the Reaves signing was highway robbery.  I don't know 100% where this was discussed, but I I have an exceptional memory. 

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 30, 2025, 09:38:19 PMWow avoiding the issue much

Quote from: MuggsyB on October 30, 2025, 09:44:32 PMMy memory could be wrong.  I'm not going to search posts. What I do know is I stated the Lakers got away with robbery. 

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 30, 2025, 10:45:25 PMYou shouldn't make such sweeping definitive statements without proof. Someone might sue you

Quote from: JWags85 on October 30, 2025, 08:23:44 AMAbsolutely.  Load management is one of those things that I actually totally get both sides.  I fully support players taking care of themselves, their bodies, prolonging their careers (and maybe also benefiting themselves physically for the far life stage which is post-playing). 

But at the same time, I get some of why fans get frustrated.  Not the meathead "YOU'RE HERE TO ENTERTAIN ME.  HOW DARE YOU REST" but I remember going to a Bulls game against the Warriors in 2013/14 ish cause Curry was starting to emerge and I loved watching him and Klay.  He had picked up a ding the day before and didn't play.  I was truly bummed.  And that was a legit injury to a guy in his early 20s, not a superstar that is essentially taking a game off.

And hell, if I was a former player in the "non-load management era" and I have a body that is banged up with terrible knees that might be less so if I played today, I might subconsciously have some resentment that shows when talking about it.  Especially if they are making the equivalent of one of my contracts early 2000s contracts in a single season with the ever ballooning TV money salary caps.

Quote from: cheebs09 on October 31, 2025, 01:10:13 PMDoes the Giannis trade finally come to fruition when Ryan Rollins demands a better second star on the team?

Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on October 31, 2025, 01:10:26 PMHere's my thing with load management. No one questions that in baseball, starting pitchers have to take over 80% of the season off. They have to do it or their arms will fall off. I think the same is true for basketball players. Expecting them to play 82 games and still be healthy and fresh enough to handle a playoff run that can be up to 30 games is just not logical. Players need to be able to rest in the season. I think the bigger issue with fans is that it is a change rather than it not being necessary.

Quote from: BM1090 on October 31, 2025, 02:54:10 PMYeah I mean I get it. My friend and his girlfriend are both big Wolves/NBA fans. They spent a ton of money for court side seats and went to a game for their anniversary Wednesday. Lebron, Luka, and Ant all sat out. It can be frustrating.

I'm pro load management it just leads to some crapty situations.

Quote from: JWags85 on October 31, 2025, 06:36:01 PMMy previous story about going to a Bulls game to see Steph and the Warriors where he was a scratch with an injury, I went with a good friend of mine. Few years later, bout 7-8 years ago, it was his 2nd anniversary with his wife. He was/is a HUGE Calvin Harris fan, their "song" and first dance was "Feel So Close", and at the time, Calvin had a residency at Omnia, the nightclub in Caesars in Vegas.  I was going to be there for a conference and his best man lived in LA, so they decided to go see Calvin at his residency to celebrate.

They got a nice suite at Caesars, I extended my trip a few days after the concert, and his buddy popped over from LA.  But way more expensive than the suite or the nice romantic dinner they had Friday night was the fact that they splurged big for a center table for bottle service for night/Calvin residency set. They let us kick in a few hundred bucks but insisted on covering the majority of the substantial bill. It was gonna be a memorable night so they were happy to do it.

Well, Calvin, like most major LA-based DJs playing residencies in Vegas, would fly in late Friday night on a plane provided by the hotel/casino and go straight from the airport to the club for their set.  It so happens that this night, on the way to the airport in LA, his driver got in a substantial accident and he ended up spending the night in the hospital.  And since this happened so late and wasn't a proper cancellation, there was no replacement lined up, so instead that night was soundtracked by the random salaried in-house DJ who plays early in the night and the late in the night when the headliner finishes.  And there certainly was no refunds going to be given for the inflated table/drink prices set up for one of their marquee nights.  I think they may have comped a round of lemon drop shots as an apology. So they paid insane Calvin Harris prices for a DJ that probably played a bar mitzvah in Summerlin the next day.

Needless to say they haven't splurged on any pricy sports/event tickets since, but if they got Lakers-Bulls tickets, I'd expect Luka, Bron, and Reaves to all sit

Quote from: wadesworld on November 01, 2025, 06:07:21 PMNot why the Bucks are losing at all (that would be on the defense), but with all these betting scandals going on, someone should look into this reffing tonight.  GTJ gets fouled, and they call the foul, attempting a layup and because of the contact kind of flails and his arm hits DeRozan's neck, and they give him an after the whistle technical foul?  Then Westbrook wraps his arm around Giannis's neck, keeping his arm around Giannis's neck from the contact near the three point line to the basket stanchion, and it's a common foul?  Cole Anthony gets hacked with no call, reacts by pulling at his hair, play goes to the other side of the floor, the Kings score, and THEN they call the technical foul?  Some weird stuff going on...

Quote from: GB Warrior on November 01, 2025, 06:24:01 PMI've never
There have never been officials more in the bag

Quote from: GB Warrior on November 01, 2025, 06:24:01 PMI've never
There have never been officials more in the bag

Quote from: MU82 on November 02, 2025, 10:31:31 PMKon with 24, 6 and 5 as Hornets beat Utah even with LaMelo out.

Raise a banner!!

Quote from: wadesworld on November 02, 2025, 10:37:35 PMWhile Kon won't hunt his shot enough to be more of a scorer, he will do more to help a team win than Tyler Herro does in his career.

Quote from: JWags85 on November 03, 2025, 08:16:09 AMWe're crowning him as better than the guy who was averaging the same/slightly better scoring numbers of the bench on a playoff team from the jump his rookie year, who then became the 6th man of the year on a team that was the 1 seed and made the conference finals..because he had a good game after he went 3/15 (2/12) over 2 games?  Alright.

I'll go out on a limb and say Herro played in more playoff games, as a key cog on the Heat, by the time he was 22 (through 3 seasons) than Kon will play in by his late 20s.

Quote from: wadesworld on November 03, 2025, 09:07:57 AMI'm "crowning" him (if making a prediction about a rookie's future is "crowning" a guy) because I think he'll be a much more efficient player and I don't think Kon's team will start playing better when he gets hurt, like the Heat do when Herro is out.  I'd bet the Heat will start to look like the average team people thought they would be when Herro returns to the court this season.

Might want to take a look at Herro's Playoff performances.  They aren't exactly pretty.  Outside of a 1 game sample size in 2022-2023 in which he played 19 minutes and took 9 shots, he's never shot above 43% from the field and only once shot above 35% from 3.  He's an empty calory guy who got to play alongside one of the best Playoff performers of this generation.

I'm not looking at one game from Kon.  I'm looking at what he's been from high school to his one year at Duke to what he's been through an admittedly tiny sample size in the NBA.  Even with his 2 bad games, he's averaging 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists on 46% from the field and 43% from 3 and predicting that he'll be a very good NBA player.  Will he get to play alongside a Jimmy Butler level player in his first 4 years 3 years in the League like Tyler Herro did?  Probably not.

Quote from: JWags85 on November 03, 2025, 09:23:54 AMObviously crowning was hyperbole, but I'm not sure how Herro averaging what he does on a playoff level team is anymore empty calories than averaging similar on a team that averages 120+ a game but doesn't win many games.  Points aside, Herro put up the same kind of R/A/S/B that Kon does.

I get it, you've always been very high Kon and always been a loud and proud Herro hater, just seems silly to choose take shots at a successful and accomplished NBA vet (who most NBA writers have as a top 50 guy in the league) in the support of a rookie who has had as many very bad NBA games as very good games.

Quote from: wadesworld on November 02, 2025, 10:37:35 PMWhile Kon won't hunt his shot enough to be more of a scorer, he will do more to help a team win than Tyler Herro does in his career.

Quote from: Jockey on November 04, 2025, 02:42:58 AMMy comp for Kon was Ernie Grunfeld. I thought his lack of athleticism would limit his career.

But he may be better than I thought he was gonna be.

Quote from: JWags85 on November 04, 2025, 07:12:56 PMGood lord Kuzma stinks

Quote from: wadesworld on November 04, 2025, 07:42:06 PMDoc went NINE straight game minutes with either 5 bench players or 4 bench players plus one of Gary Trent or AJ Green. It's truly unbelievable this guy continues to get NBA coaching jobs.

If I was a conspiracy theorist I'd be all in on the NBA giving Haslem some incentives to get in on the Bucks ownership group and bringing Doc into the Bucks to get Giannis so sick of losing he asks out.

Quote from: MuggsyB on November 04, 2025, 08:00:25 PMMaxey is torching the Bulls. 

Quote from: GB Warrior on November 04, 2025, 07:14:22 PMI was getting worried I'd need to start cheering for him after 2 good games in a row

Quote from: wadesworld on November 04, 2025, 07:42:06 PMDoc went NINE straight game minutes with either 5 bench players or 4 bench players plus one of Gary Trent or AJ Green. It's truly unbelievable this guy continues to get NBA coaching jobs.

Quote from: wadesworld on November 03, 2025, 09:07:57 AMI'm "crowning" him (if making a prediction about a rookie's future is "crowning" a guy) because I think he'll be a much more efficient player and I don't think Kon's team will start playing better when he gets hurt, like the Heat do when Herro is out.  I'd bet the Heat will start to look like the average team people thought they would be when Herro returns to the court this season.

Might want to take a look at Herro's Playoff performances.  They aren't exactly pretty.  Outside of a 1 game sample size in 2022-2023 in which he played 19 minutes and took 9 shots, he's never shot above 43% from the field and only once shot above 35% from 3.  He's an empty calory guy who got to play alongside one of the best Playoff performers of this generation.

I'm not looking at one game from Kon.  I'm looking at what he's been from high school to his one year at Duke to what he's been through an admittedly tiny sample size in the NBA.  Even with his 2 bad games, he's averaging 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists on 46% from the field and 43% from 3 and predicting that he'll be a very good NBA player.  Will he get to play alongside a Jimmy Butler level player in his first 3 years in the League like Tyler Herro did?  Probably not.

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 26, 2025, 12:12:33 AMAre the Bulls elite

Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 26, 2025, 12:12:33 AMAre the Bulls elite

Quote from: PointWarrior on November 08, 2025, 12:09:31 PMAfter 6 games they were declared the NBA champs.

Quote from: PointWarrior on November 08, 2025, 12:09:31 PMAfter 6 games they were declared the NBA champs.

Quote from: PointWarrior on November 08, 2025, 12:09:31 PMAfter 6 games they were declared the NBA champs.

Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 08, 2025, 12:57:03 PMBy who?

Quote from: Shaka Shart on November 08, 2025, 03:27:28 PMPeople who think it's bad to get excited about a fun young core of a team. Lots of those around here

Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 08, 2025, 03:34:02 PMRight?

Quote from: Shaka Shart on November 08, 2025, 03:52:07 PMWell now they are 6-2 after losing away games to two of the better teams in the east. It's Joever

Quote from: GB Warrior on November 08, 2025, 06:25:56 PMNo shame in losing to the champs

Quote from: Shaka Shart on November 08, 2025, 06:28:23 PMWe haven't played UConn yet

Quote from: GB Warrior on November 08, 2025, 06:34:18 PMCould UConn beat the Wizards

Quote from: GB Warrior on November 08, 2025, 06:34:18 PMCould UConn beat the Wizards

Quote from: Shaka Shart on November 08, 2025, 09:02:26 PMDentists still refer to them as the bullets due to out of control crime

Quote from: MU82 on November 10, 2025, 10:12:53 AMThe Athletic polled dozens of writers, podcasters and editors to list the top 25 players of the last 25 years.

The top 10:

1. LeBron James
2. Stephen Curry
3. Tim Duncan
4. Kobe Bryant
5. Nicola Jokic
6. Kevin Durant
7. Shaquille O'Neal
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo
9. Dirk Nowitzki
10. Dwyane Wade

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6779342/2025/11/10/nba-top-25-21st-century-ranking/?

Quote from: MU82 on November 10, 2025, 10:12:53 AMThe Athletic polled dozens of writers, podcasters and editors to list the top 25 players of the last 25 years.

The top 10:

1. LeBron James
2. Stephen Curry
3. Tim Duncan
4. Kobe Bryant
5. Nicola Jokic
6. Kevin Durant
7. Shaquille O'Neal
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo
9. Dirk Nowitzki
10. Dwyane Wade

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6779342/2025/11/10/nba-top-25-21st-century-ranking/?

Quote from: JWags85 on November 10, 2025, 11:57:08 AMLongevity absolutely comes into play, but I'd argue Jokic's peak easily clears Duncan's.  I'm not sure there is anything Duncan did that Jokic does just as well if not do better, other than blocking shots.

MVP era Jokic has a higher FG% than MVP era Duncan by close to 10% at times, whilst shooting more 3s by the All Star break than Timmy D did in a 20 year career.  Better FT shooter too.  Rebounding numbers are pretty level.  Jokic is a FAR better and prolific passer and can initiate offense from both inside and outside the arc.  And what he gives up to Duncan in blocks, he makes up for by being more disruptive in passing lanes.

I cant even process the terror that would be Jokic on those Spurs teams with 2-3 other HOFs and Pop running the show.

Quote from: JWags85 on November 10, 2025, 11:57:08 AMLongevity absolutely comes into play, but I'd argue Jokic's peak easily clears Duncan's.  I'm not sure there is anything Duncan did that Jokic does just as well if not do better, other than blocking shots.

MVP era Jokic has a higher FG% than MVP era Duncan by close to 10% at times, whilst shooting more 3s by the All Star break than Timmy D did in a 20 year career.  Better FT shooter too.  Rebounding numbers are pretty level.  Jokic is a FAR better and prolific passer and can initiate offense from both inside and outside the arc.  And what he gives up to Duncan in blocks, he makes up for by being more disruptive in passing lanes.

I cant even process the terror that would be Jokic on those Spurs teams with 2-3 other HOFs and Pop running the show.

Quote from: wadesworld on November 10, 2025, 12:08:09 PMOh come on.  Jokic is awesome, but you're selling Duncan WAY short, especially on the defensive end.  Duncan was NBA All Defense 15 times and was top 5 in DPOY voting 6 times, with a bunch of other top 10 finishes.  His Defensive Rating for his career was 96, which is absolutely insane.  He never once had a Defensive Rating of over 101 in his career.  Jokic's career Defensive Rating is 108 and he's had 1 season (not including 9 games this year where h's at 103) below a 105 Defensive Rating for a season.

Quote from: Shaka Shart on November 10, 2025, 01:51:57 PMKobe above Shaq is dumb as hell.

Quote from: JWags85 on November 10, 2025, 11:57:08 AMLongevity absolutely comes into play, but I'd argue Jokic's peak easily clears Duncan's.  I'm not sure there is anything Duncan did that Jokic does just as well if not do better, other than blocking shots.

MVP era Jokic has a higher FG% than MVP era Duncan by close to 10% at times, whilst shooting more 3s by the All Star break than Timmy D did in a 20 year career.  Better FT shooter too.  Rebounding numbers are pretty level.  Jokic is a FAR better and prolific passer and can initiate offense from both inside and outside the arc.  And what he gives up to Duncan in blocks, he makes up for by being more disruptive in passing lanes.

I cant even process the terror that would be Jokic on those Spurs teams with 2-3 other HOFs and Pop running the show.

Quote from: wadesworld on November 10, 2025, 12:08:09 PMOh come on.  Jokic is awesome, but you're selling Duncan WAY short, especially on the defensive end.  Duncan was NBA All Defense 15 times and was top 5 in DPOY voting 6 times, with a bunch of other top 10 finishes.  His Defensive Rating for his career was 96, which is absolutely insane.  He never once had a Defensive Rating of over 101 in his career.  Jokic's career Defensive Rating is 108 and he's had 1 season (not including 9 games this year where h's at 103) below a 105 Defensive Rating for a season.

Quote from: Shaka Shart on November 10, 2025, 01:51:57 PMDuncan was absolutely insane. Any slander of him is his lack of flashiness.

Quote from: JWags85 on November 11, 2025, 10:36:06 AMMob boss Adam Silver completes his scheme.  Gets his patsy Nico to move Luka to the Lakers to secure a superstar on a marquee franchise now that Lebron is about done.  Gifts the #1 pick to Dallas to halfheartedly smooth it over and make the peasants less restless and angry.  Then the patsy gets whacked months later to close the loop.  Game of Thrones couldn't have done it better.

Quote from: JWags85 on November 11, 2025, 10:36:06 AMMob boss Adam Silver completes his scheme.  Gets his patsy Nico to move Luka to the Lakers to secure a superstar on a marquee franchise now that Lebron is about done.  Gifts the #1 pick to Dallas to halfheartedly smooth it over and make the peasants less restless and angry.  Then the patsy gets whacked months later to close the loop.  Game of Thrones couldn't have done it better.

Quote from: Badgerhater on November 11, 2025, 11:36:11 AMThe NBA conspiracy theorist in me says the NBA would not have let the Bucks win their championship in a normal year.  There was a payoff to the NY owners and to capitalize on Giannis internationally, but not to the point of having the bucks win in a traditional playoff year.

With that said, the Bucks did earn it and it was awesome, and the Bucks have not put themselves in position to be championship competitive since.

Quote from: Badgerhater on November 11, 2025, 11:36:11 AMWith that said, the Bucks did earn it and it was awesome, and the Bucks have not put themselves in position to be championship competitive since.

Quote from: Badgerhater on November 11, 2025, 11:36:11 AMThe NBA conspiracy theorist in me says the NBA would not have let the Bucks win their championship in a normal year.  There was a payoff to the NY owners and to capitalize on Giannis internationally, but not to the point of having the bucks win in a traditional playoff year.

With that said, the Bucks did earn it and it was awesome, and the Bucks have not put themselves in position to be championship competitive since.

Quote from: wadesworld on November 11, 2025, 12:12:50 PMThey went 7 with the Celtics in the second round the year after with Khris not playing a minute in the series.  But after that, yeah.  That Khris injury really threw everything off for the Bucks.

Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 11, 2025, 12:22:12 PMmy NBA "conspiracy" thought is they want/preferr certain teams and markets to win, but won't go otu of their way for a certain market to lose; sometimes that just isn't going to happen. Do you think the NBA really wanted OKC v. Indiana last year? There was just no stopping either team in the playoffs. The Bucks were just that good in 2020-21.

Quote from: Badgerhater on November 11, 2025, 11:36:11 AMThe NBA conspiracy theorist in me says the NBA would not have let the Bucks win their championship in a normal year.  There was a payoff to the NY owners and to capitalize on Giannis internationally, but not to the point of having the bucks win in a traditional playoff year.

With that said, the Bucks did earn it and it was awesome, and the Bucks have not put themselves in position to be championship competitive since.

Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 11, 2025, 12:22:12 PMmy NBA "conspiracy" thought is they want certain teams and markets to win, but not to lose, but sometimes that just isn't going to happen. The Bucks were just that good in 2020-21.

Quote from: JWags85 on November 11, 2025, 12:55:08 PMDenver and OKC winning it 2 of the last 3 years are no more favorable to that theory.  And Indiana and Dallas making the Finals in that span doesn't support it either.

Quote from: The Sultan on November 11, 2025, 03:16:21 PMWemby going to San Antonio as well.

Quote from: MU82 on November 11, 2025, 05:51:40 PMNico Harrison ... buh-bye.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on November 10, 2025, 12:14:11 PMAs a LeBron fan told me once, "defense is only like 25% of the game".

Quote from: MU82 on November 13, 2025, 10:39:29 AMRemember the good old days, when the Bulls were the last unbeaten team in the Eastern Conference?

They're now 6-5 after five straight losses, the last being to a Detroit team playing without Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey and Isaiah Stewart.

Quote from: Shaka Shart on November 13, 2025, 02:14:51 PMIt's 4 straight losses. They were 5-0 and then lost to the knicks. Then beat the 76ers Mr sports Journalist!

Quote from: MU82 on November 14, 2025, 10:36:20 AMThe Athletic ranks not Cooper Flagg but his Duke teammate, Kon Knueppel, as the best rookie so far.

Here's the gist:

The injury bug has again hit LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, forcing the Charlotte Hornets to rely on rookies to salvage what had been an extremely competitive start to their season. In the five games Ball has missed, the Hornets are 2-3 with a couple of brutal losses. However, the play of the rookies has been a true bright spot, and Kon Knueppel is the main reason why.

Over this five-game stretch, Knueppel is averaging 21.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and four assists while posting a 61.1 true shooting percentage. When Knueppel leaves the court, the Hornets are blown out by about 30 points per 100 possessions. He's taken over as the primary offensive option and is playing remarkably well while doing so. Stepping into a larger role while maintaining the same level of high-end play is a situation Knueppel knows quite well from his time at Duke — he did the same thing in the ACC tournament when Cooper Flagg went down with a sprained ankle. He won the ACC tournament MVP award and led the Blue Devils to the title.

What's been most fun about Knueppel in Charlotte is how coach Charles Lee is using him within the offensive scheme. He's being weaponized as a movement shooter, with the ability to fly off different screening actions like curls or flares. He sets killer on-ball screens with contact thanks to his strength, but he also has the IQ to know when to slip them into open space. Knueppel's intelligence off the ball is also elite, as he relocates sharply into dangerous areas off teammates' drives and offensive rebounds and also finds buckets off cuts. Already, NBA teams have been forced to treat him like the elite shooter he is, opening up space for teammates like Collin Sexton to drive. He's also a sharp passer who makes quick reversals and finds open teammates with ease.

FWIW, Knueppel leads all rookies at 16.6 ppg, is third in rebounding at 6.4 rpg, and is seventh in assists at 2.8 apg.

Quote from: JWags85 on November 11, 2025, 10:36:06 AMMob boss Adam Silver completes his scheme.  Gets his patsy Nico to move Luka to the Lakers to secure a superstar on a marquee franchise now that Lebron is about done.  Gifts the #1 pick to Dallas to halfheartedly smooth it over and make the peasants less restless and angry.  Then the patsy gets whacked months later to close the loop.  Game of Thrones couldn't have done it better.

Quote from: MU82 on November 13, 2025, 03:24:19 PMI sit corrected after my first error since 1983.

Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on November 14, 2025, 12:51:34 PMWhat happened in 83?

Quote from: wadesworld on November 14, 2025, 12:16:23 PMHe's a stud.

And Horst has put together a roster that without Giannis got blitzed by a Lamelo-less, Miller-less Hornets team.  Crazy.

Quote from: BM1090 on November 14, 2025, 05:51:57 PMPredictably, a roster built to maximize Giannis is bad without Giannis

Quote from: wadesworld on November 14, 2025, 06:26:43 PMThe roster built to maximize Lamelo didn't seem nearly as bad without Lamelo as the Bucks did.

The reality is the Bucks' second best player is Ryan Rollins. Think about that for a second.

Quote from: wadesworld on November 14, 2025, 06:26:43 PMThe roster built to maximize Lamelo didn't seem nearly as bad without Lamelo as the Bucks did.

The reality is the Bucks' second best player is Ryan Rollins. Think about that for a second.

Quote from: MuggsyB on November 14, 2025, 11:14:24 PMCurry is still a fairly good basketball player. 

Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 15, 2025, 07:01:57 AMToo bad he has a terrible head coach

Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 07:42:17 AMCurry went 8/11 on triples off the bounce yesterday.

Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 15, 2025, 08:00:36 AMDespite his terrible head coach.  Impressive.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on November 15, 2025, 08:57:35 AMImagine how great he would be with Donovan.

Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 15, 2025, 08:12:18 PMFiserv been bad to home teams today

Quote from: MuggsyB on November 17, 2025, 10:04:02 PMGiannis left the game today early in the 2Q.  The Bucks appear to be on the road to nowhere. 

Quote from: Shaka Shart on November 17, 2025, 11:28:57 PMThe Bulls back to elite beating the mighty nuggets

Quote from: MU82 on November 18, 2025, 09:49:21 AMThe Hornets have been looking for their "big man of the future" forever. And they had him in the 2022 draft: Jalen Duren.

But they immediately traded Duren to the Pistons and drafted Mark Williams two picks later.

Duren is averaging 20.3 points and 12.3 rebounds this season for the Pistons; he is part of the young core that has taken the Eastern Conference by storm. Williams was either hurt or ineffective during his short time with the Hornets, who couldn't wait to dump him on some other team.

And that is just one example of why the Hornets always suck.

Quote from: wadesworld on November 18, 2025, 10:40:52 AMWe'll see how much by storm the Pistons take the NBA by when they aren't playing a G League schedule.  Their wins are over the Rockets (good win), Celtics, Magic, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Jazz, Nets, Sixers (x2), Wizards, Bulls, Pacers.

Quote from: JWags85 on November 18, 2025, 08:13:20 PMSpurs without Wemby and Castle vs Grizzlies without Ja is one of the worst games of the year.  Holy hell its bad.

Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 23, 2025, 11:38:56 AMon the topic of the Grizz, I enjoyed reading about Klay Thompson roasting Ja Morant

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47069151/mavs-thompson-scoffs-morant-trash-talk-grizzlies-win

Quote from: MU82 on November 23, 2025, 11:55:38 AMJa is a dope who is hurt (again) and wasn't even playing, and Klay hasn't been good for years now. They deserve each other.

Quote from: MU82 on November 23, 2025, 11:55:38 AMJa is a dope who is hurt (again) and wasn't even playing, and Klay hasn't been good for years now. They deserve each other.

Quote from: MU82 on November 24, 2025, 12:34:45 AM"For years" was inaccurate, so that's my bad.

Accurate: At 35 and with a beat-up body, Klay Thompson is no longer a very good basketball player.

Quote from: JWags85 on November 24, 2025, 09:14:35 AMFor funsies, just to needle you more, that "no longer very good" player also went for 22 on 6 for 12 from 3 in that Memphis game, despite not being a starter anymore.

But I hear your point, he's not mid 2010s rainmaker Klay, 60 points on 11 dribbles Klay.  But kind of speaks to how incredible he was that his version of washed up is 11/2/2 on under 20 min per game, bench minutes, while still being able to pop off for 20 multiple times in the last 6-7 games.  Numbers most NBA guys would dream of at age 25, much less 35.

Quote from: wadesworld on November 24, 2025, 09:09:52 PMIt is crazy how badly Horst has burned this roster to the ground. With GA they are a play in level team, which is crazy given he's one of the two best players in the world and would be good enough to be fairly competitive just by having him and a bad roster around him (like the past 2 years). Without him this is the worst team in the NBA.

Guy deserves so much better. And Doc being the coach is just the icing on top.

Quote from: MU82 on November 26, 2025, 10:49:47 AMNot sure it "means" anything, in part because the sample size is small, but I still found this stat from The Athletic interesting:

In four back-to-backs this season, Cooper Flagg has shot 17-of-49 with six total free-throw attempts and averaged just 10.2 points.

Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 26, 2025, 11:59:47 AMIt means his body isn't NBA ready yet

Quote from: wadesworld on November 29, 2025, 07:45:46 PMThe Bucks are finally healthy (minus Prince but that's not a big thing) and Doc goes back to 9 straight minutes if 4 backups and one of the non Turner/GA/Rollins lineups. A regular lineup goes on an 18-5 run to go up 11 and Doc goes to this trash and the lead is down to 2 haha. The only time Doc can get a rotation that makes sense is when a star plus two rotation guys are out. It's crazy how this guy keeps getting head coaching jobs. Saw an Instagram post after last season showing the C's title team that said "Greatest Team of All Time" with "Won a title with Doc Rivers as their coach" in small print and I can't say it's wrong.

Quote from: BM1090 on November 30, 2025, 03:17:55 PMKP and GA on minutes restrictions so you're going to get some weird lineups. Not a defense of Doc but I thought that was expected and will be for the next few games.

Quote from: MU82 on November 23, 2025, 10:55:32 AMWait ... Chris Paul wasn't already retired?

Quote from: Skatastrophy on December 03, 2025, 08:37:33 AMNow he is.

Quote from: The Sultan on December 03, 2025, 10:54:12 AMPaul's best chance for a ring was obviously with the Suns in 2021 against the Bucks. He was pretty bad in a close game 4 - had he had a "normal" Chris Paul game the Suns are likely up 3-1 heading home to wrap up the title. Even after Giannis' signature block on Ayton, the Suns had the ball down two and Paul...fell down leading to a Bucks' break.

Quote from: Jockey on December 03, 2025, 04:16:57 PMGiannis Antetokounmpo and his agent Alex Saratsis are having conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP's future -- and discussing whether his best fit is staying or a move elsewhere, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.

A resolution to these talks is expected in the coming weeks, sources said, which will result in shaping whether Antetokounmpo is available ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.


Going, Going, Gowne.

Quote from: The Sultan on December 03, 2025, 04:19:34 PMAt this point, trading him probably makes the most sense. I just don't trust the people doing it.

Quote from: The Sultan on December 03, 2025, 04:19:34 PMAt this point, trading him probably makes the most sense. I just don't trust the people doing it.

Quote from: GB Warrior on December 04, 2025, 05:23:41 AMI don't see any world in which he's traded in season. This is going to be a generational haul. Few teams can do it; fewer can do it while maintaining a roster with enough chemistry to pursue a championship in the same season.

3 or 4-team trades happen in season, but this has the makings of an offseason blockbuster

Quote from: Jockey on December 04, 2025, 10:44:53 AMAtlanta would be ideal. We'd be stuck with Tre Young, but we'd get a lot of high 1st rounders.

Quote from: Its DJOver on December 04, 2025, 11:00:11 AMI would push hard to get Jalen Johnson and whatever other filler needed to make the money work (Kristaps on an expiring?) as long as you can still get the NOP 1st this year. Turing Giannis into Johnson plus one of Peterson/Dybansta/Boozer, plus hopefully a few other future picks would be best case

Quote from: JWags85 on December 04, 2025, 11:38:33 AMIts Giannis, one of the top 5 players in the world, you can get more than just Johnson and filler, plus picks.  I know I keep going back to the Paul George trade, but its a template for a superstar (throwing out recent Luka trade malpractice).  They got a rookie with potential (SGA), a proven prolific scorer (Gallinari), plus the 5 firsts and 2 swaps.  Id ask for Johnson, Rissacher (or Newell I guess), the NOP pick, and then a couple more.

Quote from: Its DJOver on December 04, 2025, 11:51:48 AMSee but the same way that the Luka trade was malpractice, GM's are going to look at the PG trade a malpractice in the opposite direction. The reality will likely be somewhere in the middle. Johnson and the NOP 1st this year are incredibly valuable given how he's having a breakout year and is on a very team friendly deal, plus NO being straight trash, with a top heavy lottery.

Edit: Plus the PG trade was always going to be an overpay since it had the strings of bringing Kawhi too.

Quote from: JWags85 on December 04, 2025, 12:03:27 PMRight, so while it won't be a Presti swindle haul, I think a really good player, a young player with potential, and 2-3 picks, including the NOP pick, is reasonable.  Its not 5 picks and 2 swaps, but a multiple time MVP hasn't been traded in his prime since Wilt.

Quote from: JWags85 on December 04, 2025, 12:03:27 PMbut a multiple time MVP hasn't been traded in his prime since Wilt.

Quote from: MUBurrow on December 04, 2025, 11:05:41 AMAnybody else's conspiracy alarms going off re Giannis's calf strain?

Quote from: The Sultan on December 04, 2025, 12:09:59 PMKareem

Quote from: cheebs09 on December 04, 2025, 11:15:14 AMI doubt he's faking but a 2-4 week injury right now if he wants out is pretty convenient.

Quote from: cheebs09 on December 04, 2025, 11:15:14 AMI doubt he's faking but a 2-4 week injury right now if he wants out is pretty convenient.

Quote from: Jockey on December 04, 2025, 10:44:53 AMAtlanta would be ideal. We'd be stuck with Tre Young, but we'd get a lot of high 1st rounders.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 04, 2025, 03:46:33 PMEven with the drama and disfunction in Milwaukee, the Bucks are still above the Bulls in the standings.  :(

Giannis for Pat Williams anyone? He's young with great upside.  ;)

Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on December 05, 2025, 05:31:54 AMTrade him to Marquette?

Quote from: Shaka Shart on December 04, 2025, 08:43:33 PMHearing there's an influx of season ticket price requests coming from Mequon once the Giannis trade rumors hit

Quote from: Skatastrophy on December 05, 2025, 08:57:04 AMThe dentists don't appreciate him? I didn't realize that but I don't get Milwaukee news.

Quote from: MUBurrow on December 04, 2025, 12:36:10 PMWell, and if the Bucks have agreed to trade him, they don't want him going and getting hurt playing for a team below .500 either. I think Giannis, his people, and the Bucks are all on the same page, but I also think our calves are as strained as Giannis's.

Quote from: Skatastrophy on December 05, 2025, 08:57:04 AMThe dentists don't appreciate him? I didn't realize that but I don't get Milwaukee news.

Quote from: MU82 on December 08, 2025, 10:38:32 AMIf the Bulls decide to change coaches, they've gotta put in a call to Billy Donovan.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 07, 2025, 08:33:47 PMJust going to put this out there early; the Bulls after going 3-13 against the easiest schedule in the NBA will be in the hunt for the #1 pick. No tanking involved.

Quote from: PointWarrior on December 08, 2025, 08:20:33 PMThought the Bulls won the first half of November NBA championship?

Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 09, 2025, 08:36:24 AMI found this quote interesting from Billy Donovan after their last loss (7th in a row). Not sure I've ever heard a HC publicly explain his strategy so truthfully. I'm used to the typical " we're trying to win games, make the playoffs, ect." or "this year is about developing young players, etc". But this is Billy's motivation for the Bull's season:

"The [only] way I worry about it right now is, how about the guys that are going into the last year of a contract? How about taking care of those guys? That would be my mentality [as a teammate]. We have an opportunity to go in there every single night and say, 'You know what? I know he's going into the last year. I'm going to try and do everything I can to make sure he gets taken care of, man. He's open — I'm going to find him. And you know what? I'm going to help this guy block out . . .' That's really what you do."

Has competing for playing time and winning games become "old school" and taboo in basketball. Is the main objective just to get guys paid?

Quote from: Skatastrophy on December 09, 2025, 05:31:56 PMYes the main objective of work is to get paid a lot for the work.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 09, 2025, 06:52:55 PMCan you point me to a sport where the main objective is to win?

Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 09, 2025, 08:36:24 AMI found this quote interesting from Billy Donovan after their last loss (7th in a row). Not sure I've ever heard a HC publicly explain his strategy so truthfully. I'm used to the typical " we're trying to win games, make the playoffs, ect." or "this year is about developing young players, etc". But this is Billy's motivation for the Bull's season:

"The [only] way I worry about it right now is, how about the guys that are going into the last year of a contract? How about taking care of those guys? That would be my mentality [as a teammate]. We have an opportunity to go in there every single night and say, 'You know what? I know he's going into the last year. I'm going to try and do everything I can to make sure he gets taken care of, man. He's open — I'm going to find him. And you know what? I'm going to help this guy block out . . .' That's really what you do."

Has competing for playing time and winning games become "old school" and taboo in basketball. Is the main objective just to get guys paid?

Quote from: JWags85 on December 09, 2025, 08:40:31 PMI mean, he clearly has no concerns about his job security, so might as well do his guys a favor and get them financial security in future seasons like he has.

Quote from: MU82 on December 12, 2025, 01:34:04 AMThe Celtics lose to the Bucks as Sam Hauser goes 0-10, including 0-9 from 3.

Quote from: Jockey on December 16, 2025, 12:19:01 AM1st 18 year old to drop 40+ in NBA history.

Quote from: MU82 on December 16, 2025, 10:32:56 AMOne game after going 0-10, Sam Hauser played only 4 minutes for the Celtics last night in their loss to Detroit.

Quote from: MU82 on December 16, 2025, 10:32:56 AMOne game after going 0-10, Sam Hauser played only 4 minutes for the Celtics last night in their loss to Detroit.

Quote from: JWags85 on December 16, 2025, 11:54:43 AMNot to detract from some good snark, but he hurt his ankle early in the 2nd quarter and that's why he didn't play much.  Not cause Mazulla doesn't trust him anymore.  Which makes sense cause while that Bucks game was horrific, he'd actually been playing quite well the 2 weeks prior.

Quote from: Badgerhater on December 16, 2025, 10:23:25 PMTyler Kolek putting up 14/5/5 in 20 min vs the Spurs.

Quote from: MU82 on December 17, 2025, 09:03:22 AMAdam Silver says the NBA will vote next year on adding two franchises, with Las Vegas and Seattle being by far the leaders.

Quote from: JWags85 on December 17, 2025, 09:21:43 AMOn 5/9 shooting in only 20 min and, while its an imperfect metric, he had the second best +/- on the night at +14 (again impressive in only 20 min).  He was super efficient and even played off ball with Brunson a bit.  He also had a pass late in the 4th to Anouby for a 3, to put them up 8 with under 2 min left, that was vintage Kolek vision and high degree of difficulty made to look smooth and easy. 

The last month he's been pretty consistently getting around 15 min a night, which is awesome.  Seems like Mike Brown likes him and is starting to trust him more.

Quote from: JWags85 on December 17, 2025, 09:21:43 AMOn 5/9 shooting in only 20 min and, while its an imperfect metric, he had the second best +/- on the night at +14 (again impressive in only 20 min).  He was super efficient and even played off ball with Brunson a bit.  He also had a pass late in the 4th to Anouby for a 3, to put them up 8 with under 2 min left, that was vintage Kolek vision and high degree of difficulty made to look smooth and easy. 

The last month he's been pretty consistently getting around 15 min a night, which is awesome.  Seems like Mike Brown likes him and is starting to trust him more.

Quote from: MU82 on December 17, 2025, 09:03:22 AMAdam Silver says the NBA will vote next year on adding two franchises, with Las Vegas and Seattle being by far the leaders.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 17, 2025, 10:02:40 AMI'm only in favor of Seattle if they are the Super Sonics. If not, I'd go with Omaha or Boise. ;D

Quote from: JWags85 on December 17, 2025, 01:57:12 PMAll for this, but I worry about the "modernizing" of the Sonics logo if they choose to go that route.  The late 90s logo and jersey shift was horrible.  And then they tried to go back the last few years of the franchise but it was just bland.  Need a sharper/modern version of the bright yellow and green with the skyline logo.

Quote from: JWags85 on December 17, 2025, 01:57:12 PMKC punching the air.

All for this, but I worry about the "modernizing" of the Sonics logo if they choose to go that route.  The late 90s logo and jersey shift was horrible.  And then they tried to go back the last few years of the franchise but it was just bland.  Need a sharper/modern version of the bright yellow and green with the skyline logo.

Quote from: Hards Alumni on December 17, 2025, 02:39:41 PMThe name was stupid, the logos were terrible.  Just start over.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 17, 2025, 02:33:08 PMI'm good with that.

Maybe one of Kemp's 27(?) children is NBA material? Gary Payton Jr.? ...get the band back together!

Quote from: wadesworld on December 23, 2025, 09:16:20 AMKeegan Murray is the only NBA player to shoot 40% or better on 6 or more three point attempts as a rookie. Kon is shooting 41% on 8 three point attempts per game. He's also shooting 52% on 2s.

Quote from: JWags85 on December 23, 2025, 02:11:20 PMBen Simmons is currently a free agent and has reportedly paused any search for a new team to focus on professional fishing with the Sport Fishing franchise he owns.  That is not a Onion headline or NBACentel, its direct from a senior NBA writer.

Assuming this is probably the end cause Ive gotten the impression over the last 5+ years that Simmons doesn't really like basketball all that much.  Wouldn't call him a bust but truly one of the most bizarre career paths of a consensus #1 pick in recent history.

Quote from: JWags85 on December 23, 2025, 02:11:20 PMBen Simmons is currently a free agent and has reportedly paused any search for a new team to focus on professional fishing with the Sport Fishing franchise he owns.  That is not a Onion headline or NBACentel, its direct from a senior NBA writer.

Assuming this is probably the end cause Ive gotten the impression over the last 5+ years that Simmons doesn't really like basketball all that much.  Wouldn't call him a bust but truly one of the most bizarre career paths of a consensus #1 pick in recent history.

Quote from: cheebs09 on December 23, 2025, 06:29:12 PMRowsey chirping him from the bench probably ended his career.

Quote from: Jockey on December 23, 2025, 09:19:04 PMThis Flagg kid ain't half bad. Gonna be his league in 3-4 years.

Quote from: Jockey on December 25, 2025, 01:44:07 PMMitchell may be my fave NBA player.

Quote from: MuggsyB on December 25, 2025, 10:12:34 PMJokic just went 🍌 🍌 in the 1Q vs Minny.  18 pts, 5 rebs, 4 dimes. 

Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 25, 2025, 10:27:23 PMDoes that surpass Bronny's career totals?  ;)

Quote from: JWags85 on December 23, 2025, 02:11:20 PMBen Simmons is currently a free agent and has reportedly paused any search for a new team to focus on professional fishing with the Sport Fishing franchise he owns.  That is not a Onion headline or NBACentel, its direct from a senior NBA writer.

Assuming this is probably the end cause Ive gotten the impression over the last 5+ years that Simmons doesn't really like basketball all that much.  Wouldn't call him a bust but truly one of the most bizarre career paths of a consensus #1 pick in recent history.

Quote from: JWags85 on December 29, 2025, 02:11:17 PMHawks looking to blow it up and presumably build around Jalen Johnson.  Trae Young is expected to be moved (if they can find a taker).

The rumor is they are also trying to move Risacher, which is a good time to revisit how totally devoid of stars the top of that 2024 draft was

Quote from: JWags85 on December 29, 2025, 02:11:17 PMHawks looking to blow it up and presumably build around Jalen Johnson.  Trae Young is expected to be moved (if they can find a taker).

The rumor is they are also trying to move Risacher, which is a good time to revisit how totally devoid of stars the top of that 2024 draft was

https://x.com/deeharp/status/2005493587400954015?s=46 (https://x.com/deeharp/status/2005493587400954015?s=46)

Quote from: Jockey on December 29, 2025, 04:13:36 PMCastle is gonna be an all-star - otherwise not much star power. Jaren McClain is solid and Kolek may end up being a top 5 guy from this draft.

Quote from: MuggsyB on December 29, 2025, 09:57:02 PMI didn't realize how good Avdija is.  That dude is balling. 

Quote from: MU82 on December 30, 2025, 10:26:57 AMJokic hurt his knee last night. Update expected from the Nuggets later today.

Quote from: wadesworld on December 30, 2025, 10:51:16 AMHyperextended knee, out at least 4 weeks.  Giannis had the same injury in game 5 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals and played game 1 of the 2021 NBA Finals.  Definitely thought he tore his ACL when it happened.

Quote from: wadesworld on January 06, 2026, 10:00:29 AMBucks are sitting at 16-20 and their next 12 games are at Warriors, at Lakers, at Nuggets, vs. Wolves, at Spurs, at Hawks, vs. OKC, vs. Denver, vs. Dallas, at Sixers, at Washington, at Boston, taking them into February 2.  Can't wait for the Lavine trade while sitting at 18-30.

Quote from: cheebs09 on January 06, 2026, 10:26:20 AMOr Trae Young.

Quote from: cheebs09 on January 06, 2026, 10:26:20 AMOr Trae Young.

Quote from: JWags85 on January 06, 2026, 10:34:05 AMHorst has not instilled a ton of faith in Bucks faithful lately, but good lord I would think even he's not that stupid.

Quote from: JWags85 on January 08, 2026, 09:31:53 AMSpeaking of another Edwards, I can't think of another NBA top 3 pick since him that has made me go HOLY F*** in college to the same extent as Dybantsa has this year. Wemby doesn't count cause he was in France and not the same exposure/volume.

Flagg was great at Duke and started strong and will be great in the NBA, but wasn't the same shooter that Dybantsa is already.  Cade Cunningham was incredibly smooth and a multi level scorer but while he's plenty athletic, he's not a springy freak like Dybantsa. Banchero was great but he never stunned me in college to the point where I was like "I can't wait for him in the NBA". 

Edwards at UGA was so raw and on a bad team, but seemingly every night he did something that made you go "what in the f***" in astonishment. And he wasn't a great shooter consistently but he had games burying 4/5/6 with good form that you could tell it would be a piece of his game eventually..:in a way that I didn't see with Flagg.

But Dybantsa, my god. Windmill dunks in the half court with a crowded lane while also shooting 40% from 3 and adding 7 and 7 against a non-cupcake? The game after going for 24/8/3 in your first conference game on the road, and 2 games after putting up a flippin 33 point triple double? The across stat sheet production is staggering enough...without the absurd athleticism to cap it off.

And the fact that Kevin Young is a long term NBA assistant that has them playing that uptempo, NBA-style offense not only allows Dybantsa to fill up the stat sheet, it features him in a way very similarly to how he'll be featured/able to play next year.

Quote from: wadesworld on January 08, 2026, 09:45:36 AMI've always thought Dybantsa was the best NBA prospect of all of them since Flagg, Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer were all thought of as an elite group of prospects, but I'm not sure Dybantsa is the better shooter between Flagg and him.  Flagg shot 38.5% from 3 on more attempts per game last year, while Dybantsa is at 35% from 3 this year.  It's the one knock on Dybantsa, but in my opinion that number will go up as he approaches his prime in the NBA.  The form is good and smooth.

If I had to rank that group on who I'd start my NBA franchise with, I'd go Dybantsa 1, Peterson 2, Flagg 3, Boozer 4.  But I'd be thrilled with any of them.  And honestly, I might go Caleb Wilson above Flagg and Boozer as crazy as that is.  If he develops a perimeter jumper, which I think he will because everything I hear is the guy loves the game and works extremely hard, he's going to be awesome.

Quote from: MU82 on January 08, 2026, 01:40:55 PMAs I said a year ago, if any of this crop of freshmen is actually better than Cooper Flagg, I'd be pretty effen impressed. And yes, I'm pretty effen impressed! Especially with Dybansta. What an incredible, unique, all-around game. Seems like a real team-first player, too. Not that the others aren't, but he especially so. Very impressive.

Maybe he'll stay at BYU another year to work toward his degree.  8-)

Quote from: GB Warrior on January 08, 2026, 09:21:24 PMWow, Providence had no idea you could delay a game for player safety

Quote from: JWags85 on December 30, 2025, 08:16:33 AMThe trade to get him out of purgatory in Washington was big for him.  He had a good year last year, but man, he's exploded so far this year.  And the scary part is that he's got some upside still with his shooting, he's lost a bit of his efficiency with the larger volume as his role expanded this year.  And he's only 24, he's gonna be a problem for awhile.  Hope the Blazers figure it out or add some pieces so we can see him in meaningful games.

Quote from: Jockey on January 13, 2026, 08:22:08 PMHow much longer do we have to put up with Doc??

Quote from: MuggsyB on January 09, 2026, 10:10:49 PMIt helps being 6"8. 

Quote from: Shaka Shart on January 13, 2026, 11:48:08 PMNow how would you know that?

Quote from: wadesworld on January 13, 2026, 08:29:19 PMDoesn't matter when you have your roster's second best player is Ryan Rollins or Kevin Porter Jr.

But no worries. After losing to the Nuggets down Jokic, Murray, and Braun we only trail the Timberwolves down Ant and Gobert by 31 at the half. Horst will trade our 2031 first for LaVine or Ja and we'll be in the NBA Finals!

I'm convinced he's the worst GM in all of sports. Knows absolutely nothing beyond making desperation moves for the biggest name available. Lucked into that player actually being a basketball fit once and having enough talent left over to him from the previous front office that it worked. And you couldn't Draft worse than he has if you had a big list of top 100 prospects in the draft, blindfolded yourself, and threw darts at the list and drafted that way.

Quote from: MU82 on January 14, 2026, 06:45:19 PMGiannis booing the Milwaukee crowd cracked me up.

Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 15, 2026, 06:19:19 AMYeah, the problem is that he thinks the booing is directed towards him at home games down 30 at half.

He isn't the problem.  Haslam, Horst, Rivers.  He needs to understand those guys deserve all the boos they get.  Maybe he can join in with the fans.

Quote from: cheebs09 on January 15, 2026, 08:36:03 AMTrue, although GM Giannis has played a role in this.

Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 15, 2026, 06:19:19 AMYeah, the problem is that he thinks the booing is directed towards him at home games down 30 at half.

He isn't the problem.  Haslam, Horst, Rivers.  He needs to understand those guys deserve all the boos they get.  Maybe he can join in with the fans.

Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 15, 2026, 10:12:15 AMEdens is agreeable.  Haslam has a stink on him that you can't wash off.

Quote from: JWags85 on January 15, 2026, 10:10:24 AMI don't think Giannis is "the problem" but he, along with Haslam, pushed for Doc (over Kenny Atkinson if reports are to be believed).

Otherwise, I'm not as particularly negative on Haslam without including Edens.  Haslam is only a minority owner.  He has liquidity which helps them with salary issues, but Edens isn't getting overruled on stuff.  Haslam wanted Doc, but Edens had to agree.

Also, Haslam played a part in getting Dame, but he was also the financial might behind getting rid of his contract, so he washes out there.  Horst is a far bigger issue IMO, he's lost all touch.  And the franchise is going nowhere as long as he's GM.

Quote from: JWags85 on January 16, 2026, 06:11:11 PMShout out to his biggest fan, WhiteTrash.  Who could have ever seen such a development coming?!?!

https://x.com/esidery/status/2011926710229336527?s=46 (https://x.com/esidery/status/2011926710229336527?s=46)

I didn't realize he was barely, literally BARELY by 10 seconds, in the top 10 on the team for minutes played.  Hard to argue against it being the worst contract in the league, dollar for dollar

Quote from: JWags85 on January 16, 2026, 06:11:11 PMShout out to his biggest fan, WhiteTrash.  Who could have ever seen such a development coming?!?!

https://x.com/esidery/status/2011926710229336527?s=46 (https://x.com/esidery/status/2011926710229336527?s=46)

I didn't realize he was barely, literally BARELY by 10 seconds, in the top 10 on the team for minutes played.  Hard to argue against it being the worst contract in the league, dollar for dollar

Quote from: JWags85 on January 18, 2026, 02:58:28 PMThis is pure basketball porn...

https://x.com/timberwolvesf14/status/2012743792319721474?s=46 (https://x.com/timberwolvesf14/status/2012743792319721474?s=46)

Edwards isnt even 25 yet, has barely played 400 total games, and has shown no real injury concerns.  He's always been an absurd athlete and shown the flashes but he's gotten so much more efficient year on year.  Hes shooting 51/41/80 splits this year.  Everyone who compared him to Jordan when he was a super raw teen are looking super prescient

Quote from: JWags85 on January 18, 2026, 02:58:28 PMThis is pure basketball porn...

https://x.com/timberwolvesf14/status/2012743792319721474?s=46 (https://x.com/timberwolvesf14/status/2012743792319721474?s=46)

Edwards isnt even 25 yet, has barely played 400 total games, and has shown no real injury concerns.  He's always been an absurd athlete and shown the flashes but he's gotten so much more efficient year on year.  Hes shooting 51/41/80 splits this year.  Everyone who compared him to Jordan when he was a super raw teen are looking super prescient

Quote from: GB Warrior on January 19, 2026, 12:09:40 PMI find it hard to believe that MLK would have wanted us to watch Doc Rivers coach basketball at noon on a Monday

Quote from: Skatastrophy on January 19, 2026, 01:07:36 PMAn article about MLKs perspective on athletes speaking out for social justice, from when SI was still pretty good

https://www.si.com/more-sports/2010/01/18/mlk

Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 22, 2026, 06:14:53 AMI've seen enough.  Blow it all up.  Trade GA, get some picks and start over.  New coach, new GM. 

Quote from: wadesworld on January 21, 2026, 07:18:04 PMThe Thunder being -12.5 at Milwaukee while down 3 starters and 2 other rotational players is hilarious. Horst has the best player in the world and even with that has a team that isn't even remotely competitive.

And to think the Bucks blocked him from an interview for a promotion with the Pistons and extended him before he interviewed with at least one other organization (can't remember who it was), after 3 straight first round playoff exits. Guy was trying to do the Bucks a favor and they treated him like a must keep guy.

Quote from: BM1090 on January 22, 2026, 12:44:38 PMTo be fair the Bucks were also down 2 starters and another guy (Prince) who has started a lot the last two years.

Quote from: wadesworld on January 22, 2026, 12:58:26 PMYeah I posted it before I saw KPJ was out.  But I guess that also shows how bad the Bucks are when KPJ and Taurean Prince are missing starters...

Quote from: JWags85 on January 23, 2026, 09:37:10 PMBucks currently clawing and scraping against a Nuggets team playing without Jokic or Murray.  Sure KPJ is not playing, but with Giannis, Portis, and Turner starting, they will likely not even score 45 points in the first half and are currently going 4 min without a point.  Doc just stealing money

Quote from: wadesworld on January 23, 2026, 09:41:31 PMRaise your hand if you had Amir Coffey leading the Bucks in minutes so far...

Quote from: CreightonWarrior on January 24, 2026, 07:08:16 AMGiannis now out until about the trade deadline. Sure feels like the final nail in the coffin. 

Quote from: CreightonWarrior on January 24, 2026, 10:59:01 AMYeah, at this point I'd rather trade Giannis than trade for Morant

Quote from: cheebs09 on January 24, 2026, 11:29:29 AMBased on the injury, you might have to wait until before the draft to trade him. Honestly, it's not like you need to trade him in order to lose games at this point.

Quote from: cheebs09 on January 24, 2026, 11:29:29 AMBased on the injury, you might have to wait until before the draft to trade him. Honestly, it's not like you need to trade him in order to lose games at this point.

Quote from: CreightonWarrior on January 24, 2026, 07:08:16 AMGiannis now out until about the trade deadline. Sure feels like the final nail in the coffin. 

Quote from: BM1090 on January 24, 2026, 06:04:17 PMYep. My last argument for this team was with Giannis, they'd played well enough to be a top 5-6 seed. And you get Giannis in the playoffs in a really weak east and who knows what happens? It wasn't a great argument but I think it was legitimate. Then you can trade him after the season.

Now another 4-6 weeks without Giannis? Trade him now and tear it down.

Quote from: JWags85 on January 27, 2026, 08:46:41 PMThe Nuggets without Jokic have a legit argument for being the worst team in the NBA

Quote from: JWags85 on January 27, 2026, 08:46:41 PMThe Nuggets without Jokic have a legit argument for being the worst team in the NBA

Quote from: JWags85 on January 27, 2026, 08:46:41 PMThe Nuggets without Jokic have a legit argument for being the worst team in the NBA

Quote from: MU82 on January 28, 2026, 12:34:37 AMI mean, they have a winning record without him, which means lots of teams are worse than "the worst team in the NBA."

Quote from: wadesworld on January 28, 2026, 11:48:38 AMBucks great Jae Crowder chiming in.

https://x.com/CJC9BOSS/status/2016564119319564581?s=20

Quote from: wadesworld on January 28, 2026, 11:19:06 AMShams reporting that the Bucks are now fielding "aggressive" offers for Giannis, and Giannis is ready to move on.  He does say the Bucks are willing to wait until the offseason to trade him, though.  He should not play another second for the Bucks this year.  He's had 4 calf strains in 2 years.  That achilles might be ready to pop any minute.

Unless the Hawks are going to give up Johnson plus the Pelicans' first this year (they're not), I don't see how the Bucks get a good enough offer to do it before the deadline.  The Knicks will offer KAT and Kolek plus the Wizards first that turns into a second if it's in the lottery (so, a second) and some swaps.  That's not nearly enough.  The Warriors will offer Butler and 3 firsts.  That's not nearly enough.  In the offseason, another year of first round picks become available for teams to give up, plus there's more financial flexibility and many of the Spurs, Rockets, Thunder, Pistons, Cavs, Magic, and Timberwolves that right now aren't making the move will lose before the Conference Finals and might be interested.

Not to mention, who knows.  If somehow the lottery balls fall where the Pelicans and Bucks both end up in the top 3, maybe you convince GA that adding Dybantsa and trading 2031 plus 2033 plus Kuz's expiring and Rollins can get you a true star to add to the roster (I don't think this happens, just adding it as a reason to wait until the offseason).

Quote from: wadesworld on January 28, 2026, 11:48:38 AMBucks great Jae Crowder chiming in.

https://x.com/CJC9BOSS/status/2016564119319564581?s=20

Quote from: Mu8891 on January 28, 2026, 08:50:18 PMJae speaks the truth...

There are other factors, including roster construction, but Doc has been - and is -
just AWFUL.

Quote from: MU82 on January 29, 2026, 02:40:17 PMThe Athletics' Bucks reporter, Eric Nehm, was discussing possible trade scenarios, and casually referred to Giannis as "the best player in franchise history."

Given that Kareem is regularly mentioned as a top-5 all-time player and Giannis is not, I found that interesting.

I get that Giannis is in his 13th season while Kareem was a Buck for only 6 years - and that matters a ton - but in those six years, Kareem averaged 30.4 ppg, 15.3 rpg, 4.3 apg and 3.4 blocks. He won 3 MVPs and was top-5 in MVP voting his other three years. He also played an average of 78 games per season, and averaged 43 minutes in those games.

Giannis also has great stats and honors across the board. Not quite as impressive as Kareem's, but still incredible and, again, he's been with the Bucks more than twice as long as Kareem was.   

Quote from: MU82 on January 29, 2026, 02:40:17 PMThe Athletics' Bucks reporter, Eric Nehm, was discussing possible trade scenarios, and casually referred to Giannis as "the best player in franchise history."

Given that Kareem is regularly mentioned as a top-5 all-time player and Giannis is not, I found that interesting.

I get that Giannis is in his 13th season while Kareem was a Buck for only 6 years - and that matters a ton - but in those six years, Kareem averaged 30.4 ppg, 15.3 rpg, 4.3 apg and 3.4 blocks. He won 3 MVPs and was top-5 in MVP voting his other three years. He also played an average of 78 games per season, and averaged 43 minutes in those games.

Giannis also has great stats and honors across the board. Not quite as impressive as Kareem's, but still incredible and, again, he's been with the Bucks more than twice as long as Kareem was.   

Quote from: Ardmore Mug on January 29, 2026, 06:06:57 PMIt's NOT all on Horst ! ! !  Giannis the GM had plenty to say about who should coach and what players he should pursue/get/sign, Much like Rodgers ! ! ! 8-)

Quote from: JWags85 on January 29, 2026, 10:16:15 PMCooper Flagg is out of his mind. Just hit a contested 3 to tie the game, 3 feet behind the line, to get to 49 pts

Quote from: wadesworld on January 13, 2026, 08:29:19 PMDoesn't matter when your roster's second best player is Ryan Rollins or Kevin Porter Jr.

But no worries. After losing to the Nuggets down Jokic, Murray, and Braun we only trail the Timberwolves down Ant and Gobert by 31 at the half. Horst will trade our 2031 first for LaVine or Ja and we'll be in the NBA Finals!

I'm convinced he's the worst GM in all of sports. Knows absolutely nothing beyond making desperation moves for the biggest name available. Lucked into that player actually being a basketball fit once and having enough talent left over to him from the previous front office that it worked. And you couldn't Draft worse than he has if you had a big list of top 100 prospects in the draft, blindfolded yourself, and threw darts at the list and drafted that way.

Quote from: Pakuni on January 31, 2026, 08:28:36 AMThe owner of the Griz apparently is selling technology to the Russians that helps them kill Ukrainian citizens.

https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2026/01/27/grizzlies-robert-pera-ubiquiti-russia-war-ukraine-hunterbrook-pablo-torres/88377135007/

Quote from: wadesworld on January 31, 2026, 07:01:11 AMAnd then ended it in the same way he ended close games at Duke, with a turnover to lose it. Fun seeing him and Kon both go nuts against each other.

Quote from: MuggsyB on February 02, 2026, 06:59:40 AMWhy in the world would Giannis not want to be traded?  Is Rivers just whistling Dixie?  And why is he still the coach of the Bucks?

Quote from: MuggsyB on February 02, 2026, 06:59:40 AMWhy in the world would Giannis not want to be traded?  Is Rivers just whistling Dixie?  And why is he still the coach of the Bucks?

Quote from: MU82 on February 02, 2026, 02:17:02 PMI wouldn't blame the Bucks one iota for waiting until after the season.

Quote from: cheebs09 on February 02, 2026, 02:42:37 PMI'd be fully onboard with that if Giannis will sit out. Unfortunately, I do not see that happening. A Dame-type of injury will make this a decade rebuild.

Quote from: GB Warrior on February 03, 2026, 01:09:01 PMlol

Quote from: WhiteTrash on February 03, 2026, 03:42:50 PMThe Bulls are active.

AK sure fits the "5 years to know" kind of guy mold; hence Bulls end up selling low mostly.

Good news is they have a ton of cap space .................... for an all time bad FA class.  >:(

Quote from: MuggsyB on February 03, 2026, 05:48:22 PMWho is AK?

Quote from: WhiteTrash on February 03, 2026, 06:25:47 PMTeam President Artūras Karnišovas.

Quote from: MuggsyB on February 03, 2026, 06:48:29 PMTy.  Was this a good trade in your opinion?

Quote from: wadesworld on February 03, 2026, 07:03:17 PMLove that LeBron has to enter his name into trade deadline discussions. As if anybody was trying to get him, all his drama, and his $51MM salary. "LBJ expects to stay with the Lakers through the end of the season." Thanks LeBron. Literally nobody was discussing you in trade possibilities.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on February 03, 2026, 07:04:34 PMIt was good, but not because the Bulls upgraded much, the big positive is the organization has finally realized the Bulls are not NBA title contenders. AK has sold ownership on the idea that the Bulls were championship quality the past four years.

Not trying to be too on point, but AK was pushing the NBA version of RGV. Thankfully the dream is dead and the Bulls seem to be embracing reality.

Quote from: GB Warrior on February 03, 2026, 07:18:06 PMI don't understand anyone wanting James Harden in the year of someone's lord 2026 so it goes without saying this makes no sense to me

Quote from: wadesworld on February 03, 2026, 07:03:17 PMLove that LeBron has to enter his name into trade deadline discussions. As if anybody was trying to get him, all his drama, and his $51MM salary. "LBJ expects to stay with the Lakers through the end of the season." Thanks LeBron. Literally nobody was discussing you in trade possibilities.

Quote from: wadesworld on February 03, 2026, 07:03:17 PMLove that LeBron has to enter his name into trade deadline discussions. As if anybody was trying to get him, all his drama, and his $51MM salary. "LBJ expects to stay with the Lakers through the end of the season." Thanks LeBron. Literally nobody was discussing you in trade possibilities.

Quote from: MuggsyB on February 03, 2026, 10:37:40 PMDoes the ESPN guy who "broke" and wrote this story actually get paid?  This is the 2nd headline on ESPN's website.  Smh. 

Quote from: cheebs09 on February 02, 2026, 02:42:37 PMI'd be fully onboard with that if Giannis will sit out. Unfortunately, I do not see that happening. A Dame-type of injury will make this a decade rebuild.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on February 03, 2026, 10:46:07 PMAt it's core and throughout, sports is an entertainment business like Hollywood. LBJ follows the Kardashian play book to great success.

Quote from: CreightonWarrior on February 04, 2026, 06:06:43 AMCooper Flagg is the first teenager with 3 consecutive 30+ point games. I'm honestly surprised LeBron never did this.

Quote from: The Sultan on February 04, 2026, 08:29:02 AMProbably because Lebron was drafted into nearly the least pacey era in NBA era. Games averaged 10 less shots a game, and a whopping 23 less three point shots a game back then.

Quote from: Pakuni on February 04, 2026, 08:53:54 AMWhile true, rookie LeBron still took more shots per game (18.9 to 15.9) than Flagg and got to the line more often (5.8 attempts per game to 4.6). He shot fewer threes (2.7 to 3.5).
Flagg has been more efficient (.517 eFG/.562 TS%) than LeBron (.438 eFG/.488 TS%).

Quote from: The Sultan on February 04, 2026, 08:56:13 AMWell that's certainly impressive.

Quote from: Pakuni on February 04, 2026, 09:15:16 AMNot to everyone, it seems.

https://x.com/awfulannouncing/status/2018324180983542115?s=20

Quote from: wadesworld on February 04, 2026, 09:20:51 AMPutting him below Koa Peat is nuts.  I think Caleb Wilson could have a higher absolute max ceiling, but I think there's a 98% chance that Flagg has a better career.  I don't see Flagg having a worse career than Boozer, but I think both have incredibly high floors, and still really high ceilings but maybe not as high as Dybantsa, Peterson, and Wilson.

If I'm starting a franchise I'd go 1) Dybantsa 2) Peterson (but either would be great, Peterson's playing half of games is just weird to me) 3) Flagg 4) Wilson (I said a month or so ago I would take him above Flagg, but his lack of perimeter shooting and Flagg having really upped his game a level has changed my mind on that), 5) Boozer and then I wouldn't even put Peat anywhere close to that group.  I'd put Flemings, Ament, Acuff, Haugh, Lendeborg, and Wagler all above Peat personally, and guys like Brown, Mullins, and Cenac about even with Peat.

Quote from: Pakuni on February 04, 2026, 08:53:54 AMWhile true, rookie LeBron still took more shots per game (18.9 to 15.9) than Flagg and got to the line more often (5.8 attempts per game to 4.6). He shot fewer threes (2.7 to 3.5).
Flagg has been more efficient (.517 eFG/.562 TS%) than LeBron (.438 eFG/.488 TS%).

Quote from: Pakuni on February 04, 2026, 09:15:16 AMNot to everyone, it seems.

https://x.com/awfulannouncing/status/2018324180983542115?s=20

Quote from: MU82 on February 04, 2026, 10:46:26 AMPeterson is strange to watch. The cramps and injuries have been one thing. He also does a LOT of standing around - and not even waiting for passes to take catch-and-shoot 3s. Just standing and watching as others make moves with the ball.

He's obviously insanely talented, and he has shown he can take over a game late.

Quote from: GB Warrior on February 03, 2026, 07:18:06 PMI don't understand anyone wanting James Harden in the year of someone's lord 2026 so it goes without saying this makes no sense to me

Quote from: JWags85 on February 04, 2026, 10:06:24 AMNot to mention Lebron's usage that first season was still almost 30%, more towards the end of the season.  Flagg's is only 24%.  Lebron was fantastic as a rookie obviously, but he only averaged 21 and only had, if I remember last time I looked for a discussion with a buddy, like 10 or 11 30 pt games that first year.

Quote from: Its DJOver on February 04, 2026, 12:59:28 PMMavs got more for AD than they did for Luca.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on February 04, 2026, 01:42:38 PMIt is just very interesting how the Lakers always come out on top of the worst trades ever. Just dumb luck, I'm sure.

I keep looking for the announcement the Bucks sent Giannis to the Lakers for 2030 1st and 2nd round picks.

Quote from: Its DJOver on February 04, 2026, 12:59:28 PMMavs got more for AD than they did for Luca.

Quote from: JWags85 on February 04, 2026, 01:58:21 PMThe Mavs have a young budding superstar to build around, plus another few years of Kyrie, so you can't feel too bad for them, but...

https://x.com/yossigozlan/status/2019121410749415547?s=46 (https://x.com/yossigozlan/status/2019121410749415547?s=46)

YEEEEESSSSHHHHH

Quote from: The Sultan on February 04, 2026, 02:05:37 PMIn the long run, I think the SGA trade is going to look way worse than the Luka trade.

Quote from: The Sultan on February 04, 2026, 02:05:37 PMIn the long run, I think the SGA trade is going to look way worse than the Luka trade.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on February 04, 2026, 02:35:46 PMI suppose so, but Luka felt like better known commodity when delt, whereas SGA was not the great player he is now. But I could be wrong.

Quote from: The Sultan on February 04, 2026, 02:40:33 PMRight. That's why I said in the long run. No one knew the mistake the Charlotte Hornets were making when they traded Kobe either.

Quote from: Pakuni on February 04, 2026, 03:57:34 PMBest suspension ever?

https://x.com/BleacherReport/status/2019149628021576080?s=20

Quote from: WhiteTrash on February 04, 2026, 04:16:43 PMThat was simultaneously awesome and a total dirt bag move.  For 1 game? I say worth it.  ;D

Quote from: Pakuni on February 04, 2026, 04:34:37 PMReminiscent of Randall Simon vs Italian Sausage.

(https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/t_16x9/t_w640/mlb/mud2sjmsmnyzx7uvayvz)

Quote from: JWags85 on February 05, 2026, 12:00:09 PMBulls sign Mac McClung to a two-way, so they now have a dozen guards and 14 second round picks.  Full rebuild into a strong 7th seed team of the future.

Quote from: JWags85 on February 05, 2026, 12:00:09 PMBulls sign Mac McClung to a two-way, so they now have a dozen guards and 14 second round picks.  Full rebuild into a strong 7th seed team of the future.

Quote from: JWags85 on February 04, 2026, 02:34:33 PMCompare that to trading Luka, a 26 year old with 5 straight 1st team All NBA picks, for a brittle AD who had played more than 50% of games once in 5 years, Max Christie and his 8PPG, and a late first.  Oh wait, Dallas ALSO had to send two other players.

SGA is one of those 20/20 hindsight buy low for huge returns trade, but that happens. Luka was one of the worst and most lopsided trades in sports history at the time, not even looking back after results from performance players moved

Quote from: cheebs09 on February 05, 2026, 01:03:47 PMDoes this get him into the Dunk Contest?

Quote from: JWags85 on February 05, 2026, 02:01:24 PMI saw a tweet that said the Bulls are operating like a minor league baseball team signing random entertaining/niche athletes for theme nights to spike attendance

Quote from: JWags85 on February 05, 2026, 12:00:09 PMBulls sign Mac McClung to a two-way, so they now have a dozen guards and 14 second round picks.  Full rebuild into a strong 7th seed team of the future.

Quote from: wadesworld on February 05, 2026, 02:41:17 PMGiannis hates Shams so much that maybe he'll stay in Milwaukee his entire career just to spite him. His Twitter post is hilarious.

(I do think the best thing for all is to trade him this offseason.)

Quote from: cheebs09 on February 05, 2026, 02:56:34 PMThere's no way the trade rumors get to this point unless Giannis truly wanted out.

Maybe conspiracy, but I feel the offers were crap and now he's going the "I always wanted to stay."

Quote from: Hards Alumni on February 05, 2026, 03:23:51 PMIt isn't that he wants out.  It is that the Bucks have no way to compete in the foreseeable future.  They mortgaged the next 5 years on the last 4 and have nothing to show for it.

Quote from: cheebs09 on February 05, 2026, 03:52:48 PMI totally agree. I think it's in the best interest of both to move on. I just think he sees the same and wants to be traded, hence Shams reporting isn't too far off.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on February 05, 2026, 02:04:06 PMChicago Bananas? Sounds about right.  :(

Quote from: The Sultan on February 05, 2026, 04:55:06 PMI think Bucks' fans are a little to hyper-sensitive on ESPN and Shams reporting on trade rumors. It's like they don't pay attention to what drives the needle.

Quote from: wadesworld on February 05, 2026, 03:16:40 PMhttps://x.com/MrBuckBuckNBA/status/2019476164058734963

Shams is such a fraud lol.

Quote from: The Sultan on February 05, 2026, 04:55:06 PMI think Bucks' fans are a little to hyper-sensitive on ESPN and Shams reporting on trade rumors. It's like they don't pay attention to what drives the needle.

Quote from: TallTitan34 on February 06, 2026, 07:31:27 PMGiannis announces today he is a stakeholder in Kalshi.

No conflicts there at all.

Quote from: jesmu84 on February 07, 2026, 02:40:45 PMhttps://x.com/i/status/2019922902670508191

Quote from: GB Warrior on February 09, 2026, 09:03:32 PMWith every loss, one hopes the Bucks are closer to realizing that pushing for the play-in game is would be pointless and detrimental to their outlook

Quote from: BM1090 on February 11, 2026, 10:13:05 PMI think they're actually gonna push for it and make it, especially if Giannis is back next week as some are indicating. Really manageable schedule after the break.

I do agree it's pointless, though.

Quote from: wadesworld on February 12, 2026, 10:44:39 AMThe Bucks are the worst run organization in all of pro sports and I don't think it's even close. 

Quote from: JWags85 on February 12, 2026, 10:54:25 AMThe Bucks stink and are a cluster tight now, but this is absolutely insane hyperbole and not even close to true.  They aren't even the worst run organization in the NBA.

Quote from: wadesworld on February 12, 2026, 11:24:01 AMI mean, they're paying Dame $23MM/year for the next 5 years just so they can pay Turner $24MM/year for the next 4 years.  So essentially they're paying $57MM/year to have Myles Turner on their roster.

Quote from: Jay Bee on February 12, 2026, 11:42:46 AM#FakeNews #Lies

They'll pay Dame around $20M a year for 5, instead of more than $100M over 2.

Their bad contract with dame and their new contract with Myles are different things. There was no choice of simply, "hey, let's get Myles Turner. We'll gladly pay $57 a year for him".

Quote from: JWags85 on February 11, 2026, 09:01:06 PMWatching any of these tank offs and there isnt a compelling argument for NBA expansion. There are some truly mid players on NBA rosters, good lord.  The number of absolutely bricked jumpers makes you appreciate some of the stars in the league

Speaking of tank offs, Kam Jones with a step back game winner in a tank battle against the Nets

Quote from: Billy Hoyle on February 12, 2026, 11:56:35 AMI read an interesting article about the strategy the Jazz have taken for tanking. Instead of deactivating them, they play their three studs (now two with Jackson, Jr. done for the season) until the 4th quarter. So they can say, "Hey, at least we tried for 3/4 of the game."

Quote from: Billy Hoyle on February 12, 2026, 01:59:26 PMThe Pacers sure aren't trying to tank, or if they are, they're doing a piss poor job of it; look at their activity at the trade deadline. 5-5 in their last 10.

Quote from: Billy Hoyle on February 12, 2026, 01:59:26 PMThe Pacers sure aren't trying to tank, or if they are, they're doing a piss poor job of it; look at their activity at the trade deadline. 5-5 in their last 10.

Quote from: cheebs09 on February 13, 2026, 10:28:33 AMNo need to tank when budding superstar Ousmane Dieng leads you to a dominant victory over the best team in the league.

Quote from: JWags85 on February 17, 2026, 03:14:02 PMWatching the All Star game and talking NBA contracts with a few buddies, the Bulls fan in the group made the obligatory Patrick Williams reference.  But then we started talking separating worst in terms outcome versus worse in terms of "why the hell did they do that.

Some of the "worst" contracts were like the Paul George trade, didn't look crazy at the time but aged like milk in the sun.  Gilbert Arenas got the $100MM and fell off a cliff, between injuries and the gun incident, but was an absolute bucket and All-NBA 3 of 4 years before he signed.  Same thing with John Wall, never played more than half a season after his big extension, but had made 4 straight ASGs, an all defensive team, and All NBA leading up to it while averaging 22/5/10 the 3 years before...a legit superstar.  Even the Chandler Parsons deal, which was way worse than those 2, was given to a 6'9 28 year old who while only averaging 14 and 5, was shooting 42% from 3 that year...then his knees imploded and thats that.

My personal pick for most egregious?  BISMACK BIYOMBO.  His entire career has been a fleecing of front offices.  7th overall pick despite averaging 6 pts and 4 rebounds in only 14 games in Spain solely because he had a random, yes completely random given his career, triple double in a Nike Summit game.  Goes to Charlotte and is completely over his head, decent rebounder, but can't score to save his life.  Goes to Toronto, still can't score but has a couple huge rebounding games. 

But again, he had games with 16/18/20, 26 damn rebounds, but still averaged only 8 for the season cause he's not consistently good and vanishes...so Orlando gives him $72MM over 4 years.  For a guy who averaged under 5 pts and 7 rebounds for his career and wasn't even the best rebounder on the Raptors that year.  And even after horrifically underperforming that contract, teams have continued to give him $3-4MM a season for the last 6 years.  Take a bow man, what a finesse.

To be fair, he's extremely charitable and does a lot of good with his money, so its a finesse to a seemingly good person, but still.

Quote from: wadesworld on February 17, 2026, 07:01:54 PMWhy is tanking an issue? It's also not really fixing bad teams, so it's just hurting their businesses. Look at who the bad teams have been. Not many go from bad to good. Bad teams are usually staying bad for a long time. Pels, Nets, Hornets, Wizards, Portland, Utah, Sacramento. If they want to keep tanking, let them. Just hurting themselves.

Quote from: wadesworld on February 17, 2026, 07:01:54 PMWhy is tanking an issue? It's also not really fixing bad teams, so it's just hurting their businesses. Look at who the bad teams have been. Not many go from bad to good. Bad teams are usually staying bad for a long time. Pels, Nets, Hornets, Wizards, Portland, Utah, Sacramento. If they want to keep tanking, let them. Just hurting themselves.

Quote from: MU82 on February 18, 2026, 01:14:37 PMSupport for drastically changing the draft lottery is growing. One proposal I've heard would really shake things up:

Only the 12 teams that make the playoffs at the end of the regular season would be out of the lottery. So even the four teams that eventually qualify for the playoffs via the play-in tournament would be in the lottery. And then the lottery would NOT be weighted.

That would mean a team finishing with the worst record in the league would have no statistical advantage to get an earlier pick over a team that makes the playoffs via the play-in tournament.

Seems extreme, but maybe it's time for extreme.

Quote from: wadesworld on February 17, 2026, 07:01:54 PMWhy is tanking an issue? It's also not really fixing bad teams, so it's just hurting their businesses. Look at who the bad teams have been. Not many go from bad to good. Bad teams are usually staying bad for a long time. Pels, Nets, Hornets, Wizards, Portland, Utah, Sacramento. If they want to keep tanking, let them. Just hurting themselves.

Quote from: The Sultan on February 18, 2026, 01:52:11 PMWell, all you do then is move the incentive to tank further up the standings. Because I would much rather be the #7 seed than the #6 seed in that scenario. So I would end up with an equal shot at the #1 pick in the draft, plus only have to win one of two games at home to stay in the playoffs? Yes please.

Quote from: MU82 on February 18, 2026, 03:00:48 PMNot sure how easy it would be to spend an entire season "tanking" for the #7 seed instead of #6 - and that's the thing the NBA is talking about addressing, teams tanking entire seasons.

Now, I suppose a team that's on the playoff/play-in line with two games to play could try to orchestrate getting the 7 seed somehow, but even that wouldn't be easy, especially if another team or two is trying to do the same.

Anyhoo, I'm not even sure I like the plan, but I did find it interesting so I mentioned it here.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on February 18, 2026, 03:37:43 PMThis is probably a flawed option, but what about eliminating the draft and teams bidding for players?  Obviously there would be a cap, but you wouldn't need to be bad to buy the best player.

I'd guess it would hinder the trade market?

Quote from: The Sultan on February 18, 2026, 03:41:52 PMI think all things being equal, even with a cap, teams like Utah are going to end up having to pay more for a player than a team like the Lakers.

Maybe another way to do it is to have teams submit blind bids for players and the players get to choose which one they would take. (But bids would undoubtedly be leaked I guess.)

Quote from: WhiteTrash on February 18, 2026, 03:37:43 PMThis is probably a flawed option, but what about eliminating the draft and teams bidding for players?  Obviously there would be a cap, but you wouldn't need to be bad to buy the best player.

Quote from: WhiteTrash on February 18, 2026, 03:37:43 PMThis is probably a flawed option, but what about eliminating the draft and teams bidding for players?  Obviously there would be a cap, but you wouldn't need to be bad to buy the best player.

I'd guess it would hinder the trade market?

Quote from: JWags85 on February 19, 2026, 09:46:29 AMSo then they become European soccer and parity is gone?  You can have a cap, but teams will pay the tax or find ways around it.

Quote from: MU82 on February 19, 2026, 11:05:04 AMApparently, Kevin Durant used a burner account to rip, among others, teammates Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith. He was asked specifically about it yesterday and didn't deny it.

The opposite of leadership and the opposite of being a good teammate.

Quote from: MU82 on February 19, 2026, 11:05:04 AMApparently, Kevin Durant used a burner account to rip, among others, teammates Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith. He was asked specifically about it yesterday and didn't deny it.

The opposite of leadership and the opposite of being a good teammate.

Quote from: JWags85 on February 19, 2026, 12:52:58 PMIs it bad leadership?  Sure.  Should a superstar athlete be above that?  Also sure.

But, hot take...not gonna lie, thought the same the first time his burners come up, it makes KD more likable in a weird modern landscape sort of way.  We're so used to athletes being completely oblivious, detached, or disconnected from their sport's fanbase or the real world.  But KD is shockingly normal just like every other millenial who needs to chat crap and/or vent to random strangers online.

He's fascinating as a superstar cause he's never seemed aloof or above anything, which has always made him a tremendously interesting interview and personality.  Now this isn't all good, cause this burner crap is hilariously petty and unneccesary, his self-given nickname was horrible, and he gets in the mud more than he probably needs to or should. 

But that quality about him is what else means you get the legendary "oh, is that chemistry gonna help you when you gotta guard Steph" when everyone was praising France and their team going into the Olympics.

Quote from: JWags85 on February 19, 2026, 09:46:29 AMSo then they become European soccer and parity is gone?  You can have a cap, but teams will pay the tax or find ways around it.

Quote from: BM1090 on February 20, 2026, 09:49:27 PMBucks?

Quote from: BM1090 on February 20, 2026, 10:50:09 PMCam Thomas and Dieng for essentially nothing are the first good moves they've made in years.

Quote from: Billy Hoyle on February 21, 2026, 08:38:24 AMDoes John Fanta have incriminating photos of someone at NBC?

https://frontofficesports.com/john-fanta-nba-nbc-pbp-debut/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Soccers%20Crown%20Jewel%20Problem&utm_content=Soccers%20Crown%20Jewel%20Problem+Version+B+CID_ab1a13d9d3c860d9291266d8ec5351a1&utm_source=FOS%20Daily%20Newsletter&utm_term=Read%20the%20story

Quote from: The Sultan on February 21, 2026, 09:58:54 AMNBC seems to do this a lot. They crossover their announcers, which just results in odd things like Jason Garrett doing Notre Dame games.

Quote from: JWags85 on February 23, 2026, 11:50:03 AMIts funny cause I'm a HUGE Fanta fan.  I think he's probably the best new college basketball personality in 20 years.  He's so refreshingly organic and natural and enthusiastic.  But I think his PBP ability is easily the lowest of his skills.  He's a great interviewer, he's a great podcaster, his Spaces on X are hysterical and produce viral clips weekly, but he's just ok as a PBP guy and I don't think he has an appealing PBP voice at all.  I'd much prefer to see him do more studio work.

That being said, I'm not gonna be upset about one of the good guys in the business, beyond just being so likeable, getting promotions.

Quote from: MU82 on February 25, 2026, 12:15:30 AMThe Bulls don't even think about playing defense, do they?

Quote from: Its DJOver on March 05, 2026, 02:33:48 PMCan't tell if the accounts "reporting" that Doc will retire at the end of the year are real or not.  One can only hope.

Quote from: Its DJOver on March 05, 2026, 02:33:48 PMCan't tell if the accounts "reporting" that Doc will retire at the end of the year are real or not.  One can only hope.

Quote from: wadesworld on March 05, 2026, 02:40:10 PMI mean, Steven A Smith is the one saying it so I wouldn't put too much into it.

Regardless of who the coach is, the Bucks future is extremely bleak.

Quote from: BM1090 on March 05, 2026, 02:42:11 PMEh, hire an actual good coach. Trade Giannis for a good package. Things could turn around.

I have no faith they'll handle it correctly though.

Quote from: BM1090 on March 05, 2026, 02:42:11 PMEh, hire an actual good coach. Trade Giannis for a good package. Things could turn around.

I have no faith they'll handle it correctly though.

Quote from: Hards Alumni on March 05, 2026, 02:44:49 PMBuddy, that isn't up to the coach.

Quote from: wadesworld on March 05, 2026, 02:43:20 PMIs Horst still making draft picks?  Because the return for GA then becomes absolutely nothing if he is.

Quote from: wadesworld on March 05, 2026, 02:40:10 PMI mean, Steven A Smith is the one saying it so I wouldn't put too much into it.
Regardless of who the coach is, the Bucks future is extremely bleak.

Quote from: wadesworld on March 10, 2026, 08:56:48 PM43 free throws for Bam tonight? Oh. The highlight film of his 83 point outing is going to be dope. Just a loop of free throws.

Quote from: wadesworld on March 10, 2026, 08:56:48 PM43 free throws for Bam tonight? Oh. The highlight film of his 83 point outing is going to be dope. Just a loop of free throws.

Quote from: JWags85 on March 10, 2026, 09:56:18 PM20/43 from the field, 7/22 from 3.  Scoring 83 shooting under 50% from the floor and 32% on 22 3PA is just gross.  I like Bam as a player, but seeing that headline felt like a fever dream.

Quote from: JWags85 on March 10, 2026, 09:56:18 PM20/43 from the field, 7/22 from 3.  Scoring 83 shooting under 50% from the floor and 32% on 22 3PA is just gross.  I like Bam as a player, but seeing that headline felt like a fever dream.