2023-24 NBA Thread

[MuggsyB]

Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I think this ends up blowing up on the Bucks.

I'm shocked this is how they told him. 

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I think this ends up blowing up on the Bucks. 

It might.

But I don't think running the same squad back was going to work either.

[Uncle Rico]

I'm shocked this is how they told him.

It's a business and he's naive to think he wouldn't possibly be traded after last year's flameout.  However, I agree with you.  He deserved better

[Uncle Rico]

It might.

But I don't think running the same squad back was going to work either.

For sure.  Needed to be bold.  Sometimes, bold moves don't work.  Hoping it does work

[MuggsyB]

I like the trade.  My concern is a new coach and Lopez staying healthy.  Holiday is a terrific all around-player but the Bucks had major stretches where they were anemic in their h-c offense .  And while Lillard isn't much of a defender there were a number of times the Bucks got shredded, including in the playoffs.  Lillard's game should absolutely complement Antetokounmpo's. 

[4everwarriors]

#22 scorched his ass in da playoffs. Time ta bee peddled, hey?

[HutchwasClutch]

Lauren Holiday wasn't exactly thrilled with how the Bucks told Jrue he was traded.

Yeah Lauren, there is a little downside to the massive amount of money your husband will earn in his career.  Your lives may be uprooted in a moments notice. And millions would also gladly trade their problems for yours in a heartbeat. 

[cheebs09]

I saw Grayson said he had a few missed calls from the team, but was playing FIFA. I think they found out from media reports and then he checked his phone.

I know Horst played it very close to the vest. I don't think you tell Jrue about the trade until it's complete. It stinks, but if it doesn't get done, then you risk Jrue being pissed his name came up in trade talks.

[lawdog77]

Not looking good for Miles
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/38636653/suspended-hornets-f-miles-bridges-criminal-summons-issued

[JWags85]

Rough week for the Hornets

[wadesworld]

Not looking good for Miles
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/38636653/suspended-hornets-f-miles-bridges-criminal-summons-issued

Another outstanding young man molded by Izzo.

[JWags85]

Another outstanding young man molded by Izzo.

Bet Izzo regrets having Keith Appling handle Bridges' recruitment visits and mentorship

[wadesworld]

Bet Izzo regrets having Keith Appling handle Bridges' recruitment visits and mentorship

And then there's Adereian Payne, who seemed to have an incredible relationship with a Make A Wish child, died trying to protect a domestic violence victim, but in between admitted to being involved in Appling's sexual assault.

[swoopem]

Another outstanding young man molded by Izzo.

Bridges was sitting on the State bench last year for a few games. I thought that was a very bad look for Izzo

[Uncle Rico]

Bridges was sitting on the State bench last year for a few games. I thought that was a very bad look for Izzo

Izzo's track record of molding boys to men is why one would transfer to play for him

[wadesworld]

Bridges was sitting on the State bench last year for a few games. I thought that was a very bad look for Izzo

Yeah, I didn't even realize that.  That's very odd, at best.  Maybe having the guy who can't be on an NBA court because of felony domestic violence shouldn't be sitting on your college team's bench while he serves his NBA suspension.

[JWags85]

And then there's Adereian Payne, who seemed to have an incredible relationship with a Make A Wish child, died trying to protect a domestic violence victim, but in between admitted to being involved in Appling's sexual assault.

FWIW, didn't he admit it to police during the investigation?  If I recall, it happened when he and Appling were freshmen.  And the Lacey stuff didn't happen until a few years later when he was a senior.  Obviously it doesn't excuse sexual assault if he indeed committed that crime, but at least a most consistent timeline of actions since that point.  He seemed to then be a standup dude from age 19 on while Appling...welp.

[wadesworld]

FWIW, didn't he admit it to police during the investigation?  If I recall, it happened when he and Appling were freshmen.  And the Lacey stuff didn't happen until a few years later when he was a senior.  Obviously it doesn't excuse sexual assault if he indeed committed that crime, but at least a most consistent timeline of actions since that point.  He seemed to then be a standup dude from age 19 on while Appling...welp.

Good points.

[WhiteTrash]

Izzo's track record of molding boys to men felons is why one would transfer to play for him

FIFY

<to be fair to Izzo, its not just him, it's the whole university>

[MU82]

Miles Bridges teaches a master class on how to ruin a promising NBA career.

[JWags85]

It's still preseason/early, but after a rough Summer League relative to expectations, Wemby is certainly looking the part as advertised.  SHEESH

[wadesworld]

If the NBA is serious about expansion they should send a team to Seattle and take all of OKC's picks to create a team.  Return the favor for taking the Sonics and moving them to OKC.

15 firsts and 22 seconds over the next 7 years for the Thunder.  All those picks, plus a lot of tradeable contract.  If/when Embiid requests a trade they should make a serious run at him.  They could provide a really good package without giving up SGA, Giddey, Jalen Williams, or Chet.  I hate Embiid, but add him to those 4 as a starting lineup and my goodness you have something.  And would STILL have a lot of picks in your control.

[Jockey]

I always wondered why any FA would want to sign with OKC, but it is really a cool city. Kinda like a more modern Milwaukee- lots of renovation.

Just starting our westward voyage and spent yesterday in the Bricktown section of the city.    Very upscale and includes the PayCom Arena. Looks like a great place to party if the Thunder ever get to the Finals.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Free agents care about money and championships. They will play wherever it if helps them achieve those things.

[JWags85]

I always wondered why any FA would want to sign with OKC, but it is really a cool city. Kinda like a more modern Milwaukee- lots of renovation.

Just starting our westward voyage and spent yesterday in the Bricktown section of the city.    Very upscale and includes the PayCom Arena. Looks like a great place to party if the Thunder ever get to the Finals.

I can appreciate the first hand perspective, but I can honestly say you're the first person Ive ever heard describe OKC as "really cool".  My sister has a couple of old coworkers/now good friends who are OK St grads and Oklahoma natives and they describe OKC as "Fort Worth...but a lot less cool".  And thats cowboy land Ft Worth, not Dallas.

There's a ton of oil and nat gas money there, so there is some cool and nice stuff.  But its pretty comfortably in the bottom 3 of least desirable NBA cities with Sacramento and SLC.