2021-22 NBA Thread: Bill Simmons furiously recording 2.5 hour long pod about how Boston is still better than Golden State (1 Viewer)

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Joel was saying the right things publicly but someone in the know was telling me Joel told Morey he'd want out if he tried to bring Ben back on the team. He started to hate his guts after Ben became very distance. last straw was when Joel with Toby and others tried to reach out to Ben over the summer and told them to essentially F off. That's why Joel recently has been more vocal on his dislike for Simmons. Mills wasn't just a throw in either. He's a teammate on Australian National team with Simmons and wanted to leave if Ben was going to Brooklyn. This was a very bad situation Ben caused and there's talk he might be black listed from Team Australia in the future too. Jordan Mailata is now the most popular Philly Australian easily there now too. 

Mills was not included in the trade. 

 

[Jayrod]

I guess you missed Trea Young torching him in the playoffs. 

Did your buddy's cousin's barber tell you that?

 

[GordonGekko]

Being a Warrior fan, I actually hate this trade deadline. Bucks got better with Ibaka. 76ers and Nets became championship threats again. Harden gives Philly the shot creator they needed and Simmons gets to play the Draymond Green role with Kyrie, Seth, and KD. 

Simmons might end up getting traded again. Harden too. Both Philly and NJ needed to dump high profile players who wanted out and needed to do it quickly. IMHO, it was more about trying to get value rather than both players being a seamless fit.

That being said, if Simmons was going to play with anyone who could shade his negative trade offs, it would be Durant or healthy Porzingis ( rim protectors who can create their own shot and space the floor)  So ending up with Durant will only help Simmons. Simmons can't defend the rim and he hasn't played in a while and how fast he can gel with that team is more than questionable for the rest of this year. He's also clearly a head case type player.

If I were Joe Tsai, I'd offer Simmons to the Lakers for LeBron James and picks. It's clear Simmons wants to play in LA and Simmons/AD might be something interesting. And Durant and LBJ would be a push now move for the Nets.

The Warriors have the advantage of team chemistry. Shaking up team chemistry too much at this point of the season is kind of a dangerous move. Embiid had a nice balance and rapport with Seth Curry. Things that like don't go away so easily in highly contested playoff games.

An argument could be made that Chris Chiozza is expendable for a better back up point guard or maybe a big body rim protector who is a ring chaser.  I still see the GSW as championship favorites this year.

 

[Jayrod]

Mills was not included in the trade. 

Yeah, Mills is still with the Nets and seems to be happy he is with Simmons.

 

[GordonGekko]

And the Celts replaced Schroder with Derrick White, which is an upgrade IMO as far as fit on that team.  Very subtle but positive moves.  

Spurs got out from under White's contract and got a first round pick. Langford has one more year on his rookie deal and Richardson is expiring.

Spurs obviously want to get Primo and Vassell as much clearance for pure burn as possible.

I'm not a White fan at all. Much bigger fan of Keldon Johnson on that roster.

I just don't see the Celtics making great moves here. The Tatum/Brown problem still isn't going away.

 

[Frostillicus]

KAT, Wiggins, and Lavine on teh same All-Star team. If only those three could be teammates on a real team we could have had something. 

 

[Frostillicus]

Simmons might end up getting traded again. Harden too. Both Philly and NJ needed to dump high profile players who wanted out and needed to do it quickly. IMHO, it was more about trying to get value rather than both players being a seamless fit.

That being said, if Simmons was going to play with anyone who could shade his negative trade offs, it would be Durant or healthy Porzingis ( rim protectors who can create their own shot and space the floor)  So ending up with Durant will only help Simmons. Simmons can't defend the rim and he hasn't played in a while and how fast he can gel with that team is more than questionable for the rest of this year. He's also clearly a head case type player.

If I were Joe Tsai, I'd offer Simmons to the Lakers for LeBron James and picks. It's clear Simmons wants to play in LA and Simmons/AD might be something interesting. And Durant and LBJ would be a push now move for the Nets.

The Warriors have the advantage of team chemistry. Shaking up team chemistry too much at this point of the season is kind of a dangerous move. Embiid had a nice balance and rapport with Seth Curry. Things that like don't go away so easily in highly contested playoff games.

An argument could be made that Chris Chiozza is expendable for a better back up point guard or maybe a big body rim protector who is a ring chaser.  I still see the GSW as championship favorites this year.

All of this makes sense but Chiozza is 100% expendable. Why wouldn't he be?

 

[Charlie Harper]

An argument could be made that Chris Chiozza is expendable for a better back up point guard or maybe a big body rim protector who is a ring chaser.  I still see the GSW as championship favorites this year.

It's more difficult to make an argument to keep Chiozza on the roster at this point that doesn't go back to the luxury tax. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Simmons might end up getting traded again. Harden too. Both Philly and NJ needed to dump high profile players who wanted out and needed to do it quickly. IMHO, it was more about trying to get value rather than both players being a seamless fit.

That being said, if Simmons was going to play with anyone who could shade his negative trade offs, it would be Durant or healthy Porzingis ( rim protectors who can create their own shot and space the floor)  So ending up with Durant will only help Simmons. Simmons can't defend the rim and he hasn't played in a while and how fast he can gel with that team is more than questionable for the rest of this year. He's also clearly a head case type player.

If I were Joe Tsai, I'd offer Simmons to the Lakers for LeBron James and picks. It's clear Simmons wants to play in LA and Simmons/AD might be something interesting. And Durant and LBJ would be a push now move for the Nets.

The Warriors have the advantage of team chemistry. Shaking up team chemistry too much at this point of the season is kind of a dangerous move. Embiid had a nice balance and rapport with Seth Curry. Things that like don't go away so easily in highly contested playoff games.

An argument could be made that Chris Chiozza is expendable for a better back up point guard or maybe a big body rim protector who is a ring chaser.  I still see the GSW as championship favorites this year.

Losing Curry hurts. I don’t see Isaiah Joe or Kork being able to make up those 3s. And they still need a backup pg it seems. Curry finally replaced JJ — Harden needs to get that 3% back up. 

 

[Juxtatarot]

Are the Sixers going to keep Millsap?

 

[Tom Hagen]

Mills was not included in the trade. 

Forget it, he's rolling.

 

[Jayrod]

Spurs got out from under White's contract and got a first round pick. Langford has one more year on his rookie deal and Richardson is expiring.

Spurs obviously want to get Primo and Vassell as much clearance for pure burn as possible.

I'm not a White fan at all. Much bigger fan of Keldon Johnson on that roster.

I just don't see the Celtics making great moves here. The Tatum/Brown problem still isn't going away.

With the right 3rd star, the "problem" becomes a huge advantage.  A PG that can control the offensive flow and distribute to keep them both playing efficiently is the key.  If wikkid sees White as a move in the right direction, it probably is a good addition.

I've watched the Jays a lot and there isn't a better 2-way wing tandem in the league outside of a healthy Kawhi/PG13 combo.  When they are both playing well, they will beat anybody.  Getting that consistently has been the hardest part and a lot of it is between the ears of Tatum and I don't see signs that he is unfixable (yet).

 

[jvdesigns2002]

I’m in the minority—but I like the deal for Philadelphia. Long term—it probably will give them cap issues—but we have to be realistic here. That team was not going to get past the second round this year with their roster construction/depth.  Embiid is playing the best basketball of his career—but the reality is—who knows how many healthy and dominant seasons he has left in his career.  I love Seth Curry—but effectively—they ended up trading him and Drummond away for Harden (as Simmons was not coming back on the court as a Sixer)—which even at Harden’s age—is a massive upgrade.  I fully believe that Harden has a lot left in his tank when he feels like he’s playing on a contender.  The Nets were becoming Houston version 2.0 for him with KD getting injured and Kyrie playing sparingly.  I do think that Harden will play better once he gets some playing time and chemistry with the Sixers. I also think that his presence in that lineup inherently makes things better for Maxey and Harris.  Curry is a great shooter—but he’s not an elite playmaker.  Harden provides a lot of the shooting range they shipped off with curry—but gives the Sixers what they were lacking—a true elite playmaker.  The Sixers best chance at a chip is probably going to be this season or next season.  They had to go all out to give themselves the best chance—and if overpaying a bit for Harden gives them the best chance—I can’t really blame them. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I’m in the minority—but I like the deal for Philadelphia. Long term—it probably will give them cap issues—but we have to be realistic here. That team was not going to get past the second round this year with their roster construction/depth.  Embiid is playing the best basketball of his career—but the reality is—who knows how many healthy and dominant seasons he has left in his career.  I love Seth Curry—but effectively—they ended up trading him and Drummond away for Harden (as Simmons was not coming back on the court as a Sixer)—which even at Harden’s age—is a massive upgrade.  I fully believe that Harden has a lot left in his tank when he feels like he’s playing on a contender.  The Nets were becoming Houston version 2.0 for him with KD getting injured and Kyrie playing sparingly.  I do think that Harden will play better once he gets some playing time and chemistry with the Sixers. I also think that his presence in that lineup inherently makes things better for Maxey and Harris.  Curry is a great shooter—but he’s not an elite playmaker.  Harden provides a lot of the shooting range they shipped off with curry—but gives the Sixers what they were lacking—a true elite playmaker.  The Sixers best chance at a chip is probably going to be this season or next season.  They had to go all out to give themselves the best chance—and if overpaying a bit for Harden gives them the best chance—I can’t really blame them. 

I don't disagree.  I do think that if Simmons gets his act together (and Kyrie) that the Nets are scary.  Simmons can hide on this team.

The Sixers still need to figure out their rotation/PG for the second unit and a backup C that can limit Embiid's time so he is fresh come playoffs.  Do they stagger Harden and Maxey?  Do they go after a Bledsoe, Augustine, or Dragic if bought out?  Tristan Thompsan or Lopez if bought out?

 

[jvdesigns2002]

I don't disagree.  I do think that if Simmons gets his act together (and Kyrie) that the Nets are scary.  Simmons can hide on this team.

The Sixers still need to figure out their rotation/PG for the second unit and a backup C that can limit Embiid's time so he is fresh come playoffs.  Do they stagger Harden and Maxey?  Do they go after a Bledsoe, Augustine, or Dragic if bought out?  Tristan Thompsan or Lopez if bought out?

The Nets would have been a scary playoff team with Durant, Harden and Kyrie healthy. Ben doesn’t change that dynamic imo.   People seem to forget that we really haven’t seen how the Nets would have looked playing healthy and with some chemistry.   A lot of states will probably drop vaccination/mask mandates by the time the NBA playoffs start—so the Kyrie not playing home games could change at some point.  

The Sixers have some options. They could put Green into the starting lineup and bring Maxey off of the bench until Milton gets healthy.  I also think that getting Harden does put them in play in regards to potentially getting buyout players—as their situation just got a lot more appealing.  With or without Harden—the Sixers were either going to need to win a chip in the next 2 years or rebuild—so maximizing their chances at a chip in this window makes a lot of sense.  

 

[Kiddnets]

After sleeping on it I like this deal for the Nets even more - makes them a much more well rounded and deep team.  Assuming the big 2 are playing every game and healthy for the playoffs I dont see why they cant go on a run.  Very interested to watch them gel once KD returns.  

 

[jvdesigns2002]

After sleeping on it I like this deal for the Nets even more - makes them a much more well rounded and deep team.  Assuming the big 2 are playing every game and healthy for the playoffs I dont see why they cant go on a run.  Very interested to watch them gel once KD returns.  

I think the trade makes sense for both sides. Every trade doesn’t necessarily involve there having to be a “winner” and a “loser”. I think we’ve all been in fantasy leagues where trades went down that benefitted both teams.  A motivated and healthy Simmons is probably better for the Nets than a disgruntled Harden.  A newly motivated Harden is better for the Sixers than a non-playing Simmons and Seth curry/Drummond. If Simmons is healthy—he can provide them some of the playmaking lost with Harden, and Curry can supplement them with the shooting that Harden possessed. Simmons can actually give them an inside presence that they are lacking.  Sure he doesn’t shoot well—but do they need perimeter shooting with a roster that has KD, Kyrie, Mills,  Curry, and possibly Harris?   I think the biggest thing for the Nets is their mental strength and maturity.    Their three leaders are going to be KD, Kyrie, and Simmons—and they are playing under a first time coach.  There is a lot of talent there—but there are also a lot of personalities and egos to manage. 

 

[Kiddnets]

I think the trade makes sense for both sides. Every trade doesn’t necessarily involve there having to be a “winner” and a “loser”. I think we’ve all been in fantasy leagues where trades went down that benefitted both teams.  A motivated and healthy Simmons is probably better for the Nets than a disgruntled Harden.  A newly motivated Harden is better for the Sixers than a non-playing Simmons and Seth curry/Drummond. If Simmons is healthy—he can provide them some of the playmaking lost with Harden, and Curry can supplement them with the shooting that Harden possessed. Simmons can actually give them an inside presence that they are lacking.  Sure he doesn’t shoot well—but do they need perimeter shooting with a roster that has KD, Kyrie, Mills,  Curry, and possibly Harris?   I think the biggest thing for the Nets is their mental strength and maturity.    Their three leaders are going to be KD, Kyrie, and Simmons—and they are playing under a first time coach.  There is a lot of talent there—but there are also a lot of personalities and egos to manage. 

definitely agree - I think Harden can be a top 10 NBA player if in shape and motivated which he would not be in Brooklyn.  He gives Philly their 2d star so they have a big 2 and they have some solid role players.  Gives Philly a legit chance to win the title so I think its a good deal for them as well.  

 

[wikkidpissah]

all i know is Shaq has got his Kobe and Kobe's got his Shaq and my money say Harden shakes his pot belly, beardboogers, where-my-strippers-at irascibility and playoff gutlessness to bring it home for the CoBL

and anyone who thinks Simple Simmons (who i spent 5 yrs hyping here and is indeed the best zone defender in NBA history) is gonna collect hisself in the Borough, read Othello and sub Kyrie for Iago. this is gonna be fun...

 

[identikit]

Are the two first round picks that Philly gave up a factor here?

Very little mention of them in here.

I lean towards the Nets winning this deal.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Are the two first round picks that Philly gave up a factor here?

Very little mention of them in here.

I lean towards the Nets winning this deal.

It would end up being either a low pick this year, or they can defer the 2022 pick until 2023.  The 2027 pick is top 8 protected, then it would move into 2028 where is is also top 8 protected, then it would convert to 2 seconds.  So not material.

The winner of the deal is whoever wins a title.  If nobody does with these guys, then nobody cares.

 

[Jayrod]

all i know is Shaq has got his Kobe and Kobe's got his Shaq and my money say Harden shakes his pot belly, beardboogers, where-my-strippers-at irascibility and playoff gutlessness to bring it home for the CoBL

and anyone who thinks Simple Simmons (who i spent 5 yrs hyping here and is indeed the best zone defender in NBA history) is gonna collect hisself in the Borough, read Othello and sub Kyrie for Iago. this is gonna be fun...

I think a motivated and healthy KD/Kyrie/Simmons team can be good enough to win it all as can a motivated and healthy Embiid/Harden/Harris team.  There is also the defending champs with their big 3 already healthy and motivated (although they are really missing Lopez) and the best coach in the conference currently sitting in the #1 spot with a good all around team.  I think Philly gets it together and makes it to at least the ECF, leaving one of the other 3 with a chance to go to the Finals.

The plucky Bulls/Cavs/Raptors/Celtics teams will make for some interesting early rounds and maybe one upset of the above group, but I don't think any of them have a realistic shot at ECF, much less the Finals.

In the West its basically the Suns or the Warriors.  I don't see anyone else making it out of there.

That's 6 teams with a legit shot to win the title this season, IMO.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

To Summarize:

2. They gave up too much for Harden
 

Despite the centerpiece of the deal for the Nets being the worst player of all-time? Makes sense.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Yeah, Mills is still with the Nets and seems to be happy he is with Simmons.

I believe DJax.

 

[Jayrod]

So just looked up the title odds and they are sitting with this as the top 6:

Brooklyn Nets+375

Golden State Warriors+450

Phoenix Suns+450

Milwaukee Bucks+650

Philadelphia 76ers+700

Miami Heat+1200

 

[Jayrod]

I believe DJax.

That he got traded to the Sixers or that he doesn't like Simmons?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

So just looked up the title odds and they are sitting with this as the top 6:

Brooklyn Nets+375

Golden State Warriors+450

Phoenix Suns+450

Milwaukee Bucks+650

Philadelphia 76ers+700

Miami Heat+1200

People are sleeping on the Heat.

 

[Jayrod]

People are sleeping on the Heat.

I think the Nets have the most question marks and the most difficult path.  Them as the favorites seems ridiculous.  But the Heat have to get through a lot of really good teams and are really just a poor man's version of the Suns.

I'd give the Suns the best odds to win it all vs. the field.  They were right there last year, are healthy, playing great basketball and have the most depth.

Gun to my head rankings as of right now:

1. Suns
   
2. Bucks
   
3. Warriors
   
4. Sixers
   
5. Heat
   
6. Nets
   

 

[Dr. Octopus]

That he got traded to the Sixers or that he doesn't like Simmons?

I guess it was a bad joke - I was being sarcastic.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I get the Stephen A. Smith rants that the trade makes the Nets so much better, and this was a mistake because of that EXCEPT that when he says it is an issue because if the Nets are the team in their way, Philly is worse than them -- because there is NO WAY Ben survives on the road in Philly during the playoffs.  He won't show up.

 

[gruecd]

After sleeping on it I like this deal for the Nets even more - makes them a much more well rounded and deep team.  Assuming the big 2 are playing every away game and healthy for the playoffs I dont see why they cant go on a run.  Very interested to watch them gel once KD returns.  

FYP

 

[Jayrod]

I get the Stephen A. Smith rants that the trade makes the Nets so much better, and this was a mistake because of that EXCEPT that when he says it is an issue because if the Nets are the team in their way, Philly is worse than them -- because there is NO WAY Ben survives on the road in Philly during the playoffs.  He won't show up.

So much in the air in Brooklyn:

• Is Durant going to actually stay healthy and not have any lingering knee issues for the rest of the year whenever he finally does come back?
  
• Is Kyrie going to remain on road games only and will the on/off with him create chemistry or continuity issues?
  
• Can Simmons get himself playing well by the playoffs after all of this time off?
  
• Will Simmons flake out with the Nets like he did with the Sixers?
  

I think at least some of this will be a problem for the Nets chances and if 2 or 3 of these questions go the wrong way, they won't be able to even make the Finals much less win.

 

[gruecd]

Interesting how the Suns seemed to approach last night's matchup with playoff intensity, whereas for the Bucks it was just another regular season game.  No chance in hell that a 2-way guy like Lindell Wigginton even sniffs the floor in an actual playoff game, much less plays 17 minutes.  That said, it's clear that the Bucks really miss Lopez against certain teams, and this is one of them.  Getting Ibaka will help, but I really hope the the reports of Brook possibly being back later next month are true, because they're gonna need him.  

I still like the Bucks to come out of the East, but Connaughton breaking his hand last night certainly isn't gonna help that cause.  Hoping Horst can call up his old buddy John Hammond in Orlando and orchestrate a buyout of Gary Harris.

 

[Kiddnets]

FYP

I think there is a good chance the vax mandate in NYC is dropped by playoffs - but we'll see

 

[wikkidpissah]

So much in the air in Brooklyn:

• Is Durant going to actually stay healthy and not have any lingering knee issues for the rest of the year whenever he finally does come back?
  
• Is Kyrie going to remain on road games only and will the on/off with him create chemistry or continuity issues?
  
• Can Simmons get himself playing well by the playoffs after all of this time off?
  
• Will Simmons flake out with the Nets like he did with the Sixers?
  

I think at least some of this will be a problem for the Nets chances and if 2 or 3 of these questions go the wrong way, they won't be able to even make the Finals much less win.

it's a clusterdunk!

 

[identikit]

Interesting how the Suns seemed to approach last night's matchup with playoff intensity, whereas for the Bucks it was just another regular season game.  No chance in hell that a 2-way guy like Lindell Wigginton even sniffs the floor in an actual playoff game, much less plays 17 minutes.  That said, it's clear that the Bucks really miss Lopez against certain teams, and this is one of them.  Getting Ibaka will help, but I really hope the the reports of Brook possibly being back later next month are true, because they're gonna need him.  

I still like the Bucks to come out of the East, but Connaughton breaking his hand last night certainly isn't gonna help that cause.  Hoping Horst can call up his old buddy John Hammond in Orlando and orchestrate a buyout of Gary Harris.

Enjoyable game to watch, though I was hoping for a closer contest late.

Nothing wrong with having an intense mindset.

 

[Jayrod]

Interesting how the Suns seemed to approach last night's matchup with playoff intensity, whereas for the Bucks it was just another regular season game.  No chance in hell that a 2-way guy like Lindell Wigginton even sniffs the floor in an actual playoff game, much less plays 17 minutes.  That said, it's clear that the Bucks really miss Lopez against certain teams, and this is one of them.  Getting Ibaka will help, but I really hope the the reports of Brook possibly being back later next month are true, because they're gonna need him.  

I still like the Bucks to come out of the East, but Connaughton breaking his hand last night certainly isn't gonna help that cause.  Hoping Horst can call up his old buddy John Hammond in Orlando and orchestrate a buyout of Gary Harris.

I honestly think this is just how they are playing right now.  They have won 15 of their last 16 games with nine of those wins over playoff teams.

The Bucks missed Lopez, but they also shot poorly.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Yeah, I'm probably in on this.  Winning Time

 

[Tom Hagen]

Yesterday a piece on The Athletic had this anecdote which probably doesn't mean much but cracked me up.
 

1. The Nets were in Cleveland Jan. 17. In their locker room before the game, Kyrie Irving lit ablaze some sage — a Native American ritual Irving has embraced to cleanse negative energy. Irving doesn't do this before every game, but he apparently still feels haunted by parts of his past on the Cavs. So he lit his torch.

2. Harden, according to sources who were in the room when it happened, was seated in front of his locker, watching Irving, and looked at Kyrie like he had three heads.

3. "Definitely a weird vibe between them," one source said. "You could tell Harden was annoyed, and Kyrie wasn't feeling James."

 

[offdee]

March 10th:  76ers vs. Nets 

 

[Instinctive]

I would find it very amusing if the Nets/Raptors is a series and/or if Kyrie has to sit out a home game 7 at any point. 

 

[jvdesigns2002]

I think a motivated and healthy KD/Kyrie/Simmons team can be good enough to win it all as can a motivated and healthy Embiid/Harden/Harris team.  There is also the defending champs with their big 3 already healthy and motivated (although they are really missing Lopez) and the best coach in the conference currently sitting in the #1 spot with a good all around team.  I think Philly gets it together and makes it to at least the ECF, leaving one of the other 3 with a chance to go to the Finals.

The plucky Bulls/Cavs/Raptors/Celtics teams will make for some interesting early rounds and maybe one upset of the above group, but I don't think any of them have a realistic shot at ECF, much less the Finals.

In the West its basically the Suns or the Warriors.  I don't see anyone else making it out of there.

That's 6 teams with a legit shot to win the title this season, IMO.

In general—I agree with a lot of this. Before the Harden/Simmons trade—I had the Bucks and Heat as being a tier above a devolving Nets, the Sixers without Simmons, and the Bulls (they are having a nice regular season—but I’m not ready to call them true contenders until I see more playoff success from their primary players).  With the Simmons for Harden trade—assuming decent health for the Nets and the Sixers—I think this deal puts both teams back up in the top tier in the East with the Bucks and Miami. 

The trade deadline didn’t really have major impacts on the top tier Western Conference teams imo.   I agree that Phoenix and Golden State are the cream of the crop. With that said—I still have a hard time ruling Utah completely out. Losing Ingles hurts them—but I do like them getting Nickeil Alexander Walker for basically free. If Mitchell and Gobert and fully healthy—I’d give them a chance—and if Jamaal Murray and Michael porter jr. are able to come back and look halfway decent—Denver also has a chance to be a disruptor. 

 

[ShamrockPride]

I would find it very amusing if the Nets/Raptors is a series and/or if Kyrie has to sit out a home game 7 at any point. 

I'm 100% convinced Kyrie would sit out a home game 7 in the Finals. Guy is such a ####.

 

[MAC_32]

Yesterday a piece on The Athletic had this anecdote which probably doesn't mean much but cracked me up.
 

Sorrano was just waking up his bat  

 

[DJackson10]

If he even suits up the fans should get a free cheeseburger. 

I don't think Ben plays at all that game and I don't think he plays for the Nets until at least mid to late March at Best. I just find it funny how all these fans are dropping huge money like it's NBA finals game 7 on the line hoping to see a guy who not only probably won't play in the game but may not even travel with the team. 

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Suns

Keep sleeping league.

 

[DJackson10]

Mills was not included in the trade. 

Yeah I didn't realize till today he wasn't included. My one manager yesterday confused Milsap with Mills because he was overtly excited about getting Harden and like lost it when I said the Sixers overpaid for Harden. DIdn't realize till this morning it was Milsap. That's gonna be a bigger #### show then I thought now in Brooklyn with Mills still there. 

 

[DJackson10]

Did your buddy's cousin's barber tell you that?

No I watch the games Ben got light up constantly. 

 

[DJackson10]

Simmons might end up getting traded again. Harden too. Both Philly and NJ needed to dump high profile players who wanted out and needed to do it quickly. IMHO, it was more about trying to get value rather than both players being a seamless fit.

That being said, if Simmons was going to play with anyone who could shade his negative trade offs, it would be Durant or healthy Porzingis ( rim protectors who can create their own shot and space the floor)  So ending up with Durant will only help Simmons. Simmons can't defend the rim and he hasn't played in a while and how fast he can gel with that team is more than questionable for the rest of this year. He's also clearly a head case type player.

If I were Joe Tsai, I'd offer Simmons to the Lakers for LeBron James and picks. It's clear Simmons wants to play in LA and Simmons/AD might be something interesting. And Durant and LBJ would be a push now move for the Nets.

The Warriors have the advantage of team chemistry. Shaking up team chemistry too much at this point of the season is kind of a dangerous move. Embiid had a nice balance and rapport with Seth Curry. Things that like don't go away so easily in highly contested playoff games.

An argument could be made that Chris Chiozza is expendable for a better back up point guard or maybe a big body rim protector who is a ring chaser.  I still see the GSW as championship favorites this year.

I think Lebron is stuck in LA at this point. Ben wants to play with Lebron. 

 

[DJackson10]

Yeah, Mills is still with the Nets and seems to be happy he is with Simmons.

I mean Joel said the same thing till he realized what a selfish ####### and headache he was. What else is Mills going to say? Mills is being a good teammate for now. They just got rid of one head case in Harden.