2022-23 NBA Thread

[wadesworld]

His overall efficiency was not at his top level and he had a poor G7 for his standards.

Yup.  His best teammate was out.  They were collapsing their defense on him and making him work for his points.

But you've talked me into it.  Bucks should just stop playing, trade Giannis, Middleton, and Jrue for 1 overall and a future first, and build around Wemby and MarJon since they won't beat the C's until Tatum and Brown retire anyway.

[MuggsyB]

Yup.  His best teammate was out.  They were collapsing their defense on him and making him work for his points.

But you've talked me into it.  Bucks should just stop playing, trade Giannis, Middleton, and Jrue for 1 overall and a future first, and build around Wemby and MarJon since they won't beat the C's until Tatum and Brown retire anyway.

Did I say that?

Wemby does intrigue me....a 7'4 Durant with the potential explosiveness of Giannis in 3 years? 

[MU82]

Even when the Celtics were winning just about every game and the Bucks were injured and "struggling," the Celtics couldn't shake the Bucks in the standings.

Now that the Bucks are the ones who are rolling, the Celtics can't keep up.

[MuggsyB]

Curry is in ridiculous mode tonight.  Video game stuff. 

[MuggsyB]

That Jordan Poole contract isn't really working out.  Is he movable? 

[MuggsyB]

I know I'm a little late to this story but that Jalen Rose/Ja Morant interview was absolutely brutal.  What is fluffier than a fluff piece?  Bizarre.  2 days in "counseling" ?  I really like watching Ja but that was a freaking embarrassment. 

[Jockey]

That Jordan Poole contract isn't really working out.  Is he movable?

What?!!

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

What?!!

Yeah I have no idea what Mugs is talking about. 

[wadesworld]

He’s a high usage, low efficiency player who can’t defend. Puts up points, but not always the perfect fit with the way the Warriors play.

[MuggsyB]

That Cleveland team is interesting.  Garland has that 6th gear off the bounce. 

[JWags85]

I love the NBA and I love Lil Dickey, but the new Coke commercial, thats running a ton during the tourney, featuring both is one of the worst things Ive ever seen.

"Best blocker?  Hasheem Thabeet"

"Best stealer?  Jordan Poole"

Umm, a guy who washed out of the league within a few years after being the #2 pick and a dude averaging under a steal a game for his career?  What copywriter approved this?

[Jockey]

Looks like MVP is down to 3 guys - Giannis, Jokic, and Embiid.

All 3 are deserving. I'd go with whichever guy is on the team with the best record, but I won't complain no matter which of the three wins.

[MuggsyB]

Did anyone see that Mavs "controversyz" last night?  That team is a dumpster fire. 

[tower912]

Dallas makes a trade.  Now described as a dumpster fire.  Odd.

[WhiteTrash]

Did anyone see that Mavs "controversyz" last night?  That team is a dumpster fire.

Saw it. I think it is reasonable for the Mavs to expect the refs to communicate that the possession was going to GS. Would have taken the refs 5 seconds to clear up the confusion.

Maybe NBA refs have a beef with Cuban and saw a chance to stick it to him. Poor look for the NBA. I'd guess NCAA refs would have the common courtesy to communicate that to a confused team.

[MU82]

Can't exactly "blame" Kyrie, but the Mavs are an absolute train wreck since the trade. He and Luka have zero chemistry -- they mostly take turns either hoisting long 3s or driving to the hoop with tunnel vision -- the team plays no defense, and the powers-that-be have a heck of a job trying to figure out how to make that franchise a legit contender.

[Jockey]

Can't exactly "blame" Kyrie, but the Mavs are an absolute train wreck since the trade. He and Luka have zero chemistry -- they mostly take turns either hoisting long 3s or driving to the hoop with tunnel vision -- the team plays no defense, and the powers-that-be have a heck of a job trying to figure out how to make that franchise a legit contender.

Kyrie had no chemistry in Boston, no chemistry in Brooklyn, and now no chemistry in Dallas. All after he wanted out of Cleveland.

I wonder who is to blame. I think it’s a dead heat between Kyrie and whoever made the deal.

[WhiteTrash]

Kyrie had no chemistry in Boston, no chemistry in Brooklyn, and now no chemistry in Dallas. All after he wanted out of Cleveland.

I wonder who is to blame. I think it’s a dead heat between Kyrie and whoever made the deal.

Biggest winning culture killer since Melo?

[Jockey]

Biggest winning culture killer since Melo?

Interesting comparison.  Melo never really fit in any scheme that didn't revolve around him, but he was well-liked and respected in locker rooms.

[WhiteTrash]

Interesting comparison.  Melo never really fit in any scheme that didn't revolve around him, but he was well-liked and respected in locker rooms.

True. Not a great comparison. I'll try again.

[wadesworld]

Interesting comparison.  Melo never really fit in any scheme that didn't revolve around him, but he was well-liked and respected in locker rooms.

NBA players love Kyrie.

[Jockey]

True. Not a great comparison. I'll try again.

I didn’t say it was a bad comparison- I think it was spot on.

[JWags85]

I didn’t say it was a bad comparison- I think it was spot on.

Yea, I'd agree.  I don't think Kyrie is a locker room cancer, despite what a lunatic he is.  I think his style of play, as incredible and talented as he is, is tough to build/play around and the majority of his chemistry issues are self inflicted.

[MU82]

There have been some horrible contracts over the years, but not too many worse than the one that will be dumping tens of millions of dollars on Ben Simmons for years to come.

[JWags85]

There have been some horrible contracts over the years, but not too many worse than the one that will be dumping tens of millions of dollars on Ben Simmons for years to come.

Its really a bizarre and frankly unexpected rotten egg of a contract.  When he signed it, he was a year removed from being ROY, had just averaged 17/9/8 and made his first ASG.  The next year he averaged about the same, improved his defense and lead the league in steals, was All-NBA and first team All-Defense.

And then he literally fell off a cliff.  His averages fell off a bit, but he was still an elite defender, so you deal with it.  Then the playoffs where he was super passive and disinterest, and then the offseason where he flat out decided to not care or try about anything.  I'll honestly be surprised if he plays a full NBA season ever again.

I'd say he'll take his mountains of cash and go back to Australia and be the supernova superstar in the NBL without even trying, but I think he'd rather stay with the celebrity life in the US.