NBA/ Basketball thread

[mezzrow]

No doubt Curry's health plays some role, but looking back I think the story of this series will be Donovan, not Westbrook

Remember that basketball was a contractual obligation sport at Florida until Donovan got there. Lon Kruger got them to a final four, but they were just blinking their eyes in wonder when they got there that time. Donovan hung three championship banners in that arena and built a system and an expectation that will survive him, and knew he could win in the NBA with what he was stepping into when he took the OKC job.

He also had the memory of his biggest mistake, which was the abortive Orlando Magic job decision. He immediately perceived he couldn't win there and would get ground up by the situation, and was man enough to back out. It was the right choice and by far the tougher decision after he made the mistake of accepting the job.

 

[bobbydigital]

Remember that basketball was a contractual obligation sport at Florida until Donovan got there. Lon Kruger got them to a final four, but they were just blinking their eyes in wonder when they got there that time. Donovan hung three championship banners in that arena and built a system and an expectation that will survive him, and knew he could win in the NBA with what he was stepping into when he took the OKC job.

Impressed by what he did at Florida and how he has gone so far in the NBA. Have also been impressed with what Brad Stevens has been able to do with not a lot, think the Celtics could be a team on the up quickly.

 

[wm02]

Impressed by what he did at Florida and how he has gone so far in the NBA. Have also been impressed with what Brad Stevens has been able to do with not a lot, think the Celtics could be a team on the up quickly.

Absolutely! Lots of cap space and draft picks too.

 

[wm02]

Cleveland and Oklahoma City. Two cities I was pretty sure would never host a championship parade for a major league in my lifetime.

San Jose in the Stanley Cup Finals

 

[SerenityNigh]

Been hearing that Simmons will force a move from the Sixers, but that may just be agent rumors. Any thoughts on this?

*Just realized the Celtics have 8, EIGHT, picks in this draft. What on Earth will they do with 8 picks?

 

[wm02]

Been hearing that Simmons will force a move from the Sixers, but that may just be agent rumors. Any thoughts on this?

*Just realized the Celtics have 8, EIGHT, picks in this draft. What on Earth will they do with 8 picks?

I'd be a little nervous drafting Simmons. I would question his drive and commitment.
As for the Celts, probably some package deals, maybe bundle picks to move up if there's someone they have their eyes on.

 

[SerenityNigh]

I'd be a little nervous drafting Simmons. I would question his drive and commitment.
As for the Celts, probably some package deals, maybe bundle picks to move up if there's someone they have their eyes on.

I'm just not aware that you can move NBA picks as easily as you could NFL or MLB picks. For years, guys like Cuban have been dumping picks (2nd round, mostly) because new players eat cap space and he prefers veterans. Just seems like having 8 picks reduces the trade value of most of your picks. Or Boston will be drafting some players they expect to play in Europe.

 

[wm02]

I'm just not aware that you can move NBA picks as easily as you could NFL or MLB picks. For years, guys like Cuban have been dumping picks (2nd round, mostly) because new players eat cap space and he prefers veterans. Just seems like having 8 picks reduces the trade value of most of your picks. Or Boston will be drafting some players they expect to play in Europe.

Think they'll use some of the picks to trade for a big. You'd think Cousins would be available but not sure if Ainge would go for him given his reputation.
As for the Mavs, it will be interesting to see what happens once Dirk retires (papering over the cracks). I don't like the look of that squad at all. Think only the Spurs have an older roster and that may change dramatically this offseason

 

[SerenityNigh]

Think they'll use some of the picks to trade for a big. You'd think Cousins would be available but not sure if Ainge would go for him given his reputation.
As for the Mavs, it will be interesting to see what happens once Dirk retires (papering over the cracks). I don't like the look of that squad at all. Think only the Spurs have an older roster and that may change dramatically this offseason

Cuban keeps thinking he can attract a top FA (Texas income tax rates are very low), but I think he needs a new, young player in the squad to attract others. Dirk is too old.

 

[wm02]

Cuban keeps thinking he can attract a top FA (Texas income tax rates are very low), but I think he needs a new, young player in the squad to attract others. Dirk is too old.

Absolutely. Lots of has-beens in that roster. Once Dirk retires, they could be one of the worst teams in the league

 

[Connor]

Been hearing that Simmons will force a move from the Sixers, but that may just be agent rumors. Any thoughts on this?

*Just realized the Celtics have 8, EIGHT, picks in this draft. What on Earth will they do with 8 picks?

A sportswriter by the same name as Ben suggests they may make a move for Paul George or Joel Embiid. Although I think that may be more to do with his allegiances to the Celts.

 

[SerenityNigh]

A sportswriter by the same name as Ben suggests they may make a move for Paul George or Joel Embiid. Although I think that may be more to do with his allegiances to the Celts.

Would Bird move George for picks? He's a pretty good player. I've not kept up with Embiid--is he the real deal? He was highly regarded while still in college, but that's a very different game.

*just realized Embiid is yet to play a game due to that foot injury...

 

[Connor]

Would Bird move George for picks? He's a pretty good player. I've not kept up with Embiid--is he the real deal? He was highly regarded while still in college, but that's a very different game.

*just realized Embiid is yet to play a game due to that foot injury...

No clue on George, I don't think so like - especially the 3rd pick when Simmons could be off the board. Do you want Buddy, Ingram, Dunn, Murray or Bender over George? I'm not so sure, you'd have to throw a player or two in there to even make it worth it.

No need to be down on George either after some of his playoff performances.

Embiid hasn't played in what, 18 months? Ridiculous. He keeps getting close and then he goes away.

Last I read he was playing football in Qatar with Javier Pastore from PSG.

 

[wm02]

No clue on George, I don't think so like - especially the 3rd pick when Simmons could be off the board. Do you want Buddy, Ingram, Dunn, Murray or Bender over George? I'm not so sure, you'd have to throw a player or two in there to even make it worth it.

No need to be down on George either after some of his playoff performances.

Embiid hasn't played in what, 18 months? Ridiculous. He keeps getting close and then he goes away.

Last I read he was playing football in Qatar with Javier Pastore from PSG.

Yeah, I wouldn't give up anything for Embiid. Big man with persistent foot injuries.

 

[Connor]

Yeah, I wouldn't give up anything for Embiid. Big man with persistent foot injuries.

Sadly, I know enough about that.

Poor Brook.