2023-24 NBA (Playoffs!) Thread: Message board poster furiously types out one more horrible post before thread closes (14 Viewers)

[jvdesigns2002]

Suns win in GS with no Beal

Centers that do something other than pout and quit

I love this game.

So odd that so many Suns fans blame all of their teams former shortcomings on a player that was arguably their 4th option. Not only do the fans do this in regards to Ayton—but the fact that the star players (Booker, Paul, Bridges—then Durant) allowed him absorb all of the blame is exactly why I don’t believe that they can win a ring. Did you ever see Jordan blame a shortcoming of the team on the Bulls fourth option? Over the course of his career with the Suns—Ayton averaged 18.3pts, 10.5 rebounds, 2 assists versus the Warriors—and yet he’s somehow still chastised.

In any case, after watching last nights game—my biggest takeaway was not the Suns. My biggest takeaway was how surprised I am about how good I think the Warriors can be once they get some time on the court together and develop more chemistry. Sure, the Suns were missing Beal—but the Warriors missed a lot of open threes—they hit only 23% of their 3’s last night, didn’t get much out of Wiggins, and Green will give them another facilitator. If the Warriors manage to stay healthy and can get close to clicking on all cylinders—they are going to be really scary imo. The level of ball movement, player movement, shooting, ball handling, quickness is going to be a matchup nightmare for a lot of teams.

 

[Jayrod]

In any case, after watching last nights game—my biggest takeaway was not the Suns. My biggest takeaway was how surprised I am about how good I think the Warriors can be once they get some time on the court together and develop more chemistry. Sure, the Suns were missing Beal—but the Warriors missed a lot of open threes—they hit only 23% of their 3’s last night, didn’t get much out of Wiggins, and Green will give them another facilitator. If the Warriors manage to stay healthy and can get close to clicking on all cylinders—they are going to be really scary imo. The level of ball movement, player movement, shooting, ball handling, quickness is going to be a matchup nightmare for a lot of teams.

Durant had a bad game and Grayson Allen went 0-6. The Suns have a lot of room for improvement as well.

I didn't watch a ton of the game, but it seemed like a very sloppy game both ways with lots of turnovers and fouls.

Nuggets-Lakers seemed like a smoother, higher quality game with better flow.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

In any case, after watching last nights game—my biggest takeaway was not the Suns. My biggest takeaway was how surprised I am about how good I think the Warriors can be once they get some time on the court together and develop more chemistry. Sure, the Suns were missing Beal—but the Warriors missed a lot of open threes—they hit only 23% of their 3’s last night, didn’t get much out of Wiggins, and Green will give them another facilitator. If the Warriors manage to stay healthy and can get close to clicking on all cylinders—they are going to be really scary imo. The level of ball movement, player movement, shooting, ball handling, quickness is going to be a matchup nightmare for a lot of teams.

Durant had a bad game and Grayson Allen went 0-6. The Suns have a lot of room for improvement as well.

I didn't watch a ton of the game, but it seemed like a very sloppy game both ways with lots of turnovers and fouls.

Nuggets-Lakers seemed like a smoother, higher quality game with better flow.

I’d agree with this to a certain extent. Sure—Durant had a bad game numbers-wise—but a lot of that was due to Golden State defending him really well. He was forced into a lot of contested step backs and fadeaways. Secondly—I expected the Suns to win the game when Beal got announced as being OUT. Sure, he is talented—but his addition also throws a wrench into chemistry and finding a way to fit him in. Without him, I felt like the Suns played a more natural game—similar to how they played in last seasons playoffs. Golden State was effectively running a game with a lot of new lineups and schemes and trying to integrate in somebody who is a masterful ball handler. Booker also had a huge game—going for 32 points on 65% from the field. My point is that I expect the Suns to be really good in the regular season and in some of the playoffs—but I don’t trust them to win a ring. I didn’t know what to expect from the Warriors—but the potential glimpse of upside that I saw last night was eye opening Imo. They should not be slept on.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Suns win in GS with no Beal

Centers that do something other than pout and quit

I love this game.

So odd that so many Suns fans blame all of their teams former shortcomings on a player that was arguably their 4th option. Not only do the fans do this in regards to Ayton—but the fact that the star players (Booker, Paul, Bridges—then Durant) allowed him absorb all of the blame is exactly why I don’t believe that they can win a ring. Did you ever see Jordan blame a shortcoming of the team on the Bulls fourth option? Over the course of his career with the Suns—Ayton averaged 18.3pts, 10.5 rebounds, 2 assists versus the Warriors—and yet he’s somehow still chastised.

In any case, after watching last nights game—my biggest takeaway was not the Suns. My biggest takeaway was how surprised I am about how good I think the Warriors can be once they get some time on the court together and develop more chemistry. Sure, the Suns were missing Beal—but the Warriors missed a lot of open threes—they hit only 23% of their 3’s last night, didn’t get much out of Wiggins, and Green will give them another facilitator. If the Warriors manage to stay healthy and can get close to clicking on all cylinders—they are going to be really scary imo. The level of ball movement, player movement, shooting, ball handling, quickness is going to be a matchup nightmare for a lot of teams.

Jordan would just punch the fourth option in the face every day during practice.

I don't know if everyone was allowing Ayton to absorb all of the blame. My general sense is that people throughout the team just didn't really vibe with him in general and that perhaps he didn't want to do the things that the coaches wanted him to do. I'm sure from his side there were times when he might have felt that they were too negative on him and that counteracted his desire to improve, but it still seems like he was unwilling or unable to fully do what they wanted on defense or generally be physical in the interior on either end. This is just my vague perception from the random commentary that I hear and read, so I'm certainly not saying it is gospel.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

Suns win in GS with no Beal

Centers that do something other than pout and quit

I love this game.

So odd that so many Suns fans blame all of their teams former shortcomings on a player that was arguably their 4th option. Not only do the fans do this in regards to Ayton—but the fact that the star players (Booker, Paul, Bridges—then Durant) allowed him absorb all of the blame is exactly why I don’t believe that they can win a ring. Did you ever see Jordan blame a shortcoming of the team on the Bulls fourth option? Over the course of his career with the Suns—Ayton averaged 18.3pts, 10.5 rebounds, 2 assists versus the Warriors—and yet he’s somehow still chastised.

In any case, after watching last nights game—my biggest takeaway was not the Suns. My biggest takeaway was how surprised I am about how good I think the Warriors can be once they get some time on the court together and develop more chemistry. Sure, the Suns were missing Beal—but the Warriors missed a lot of open threes—they hit only 23% of their 3’s last night, didn’t get much out of Wiggins, and Green will give them another facilitator. If the Warriors manage to stay healthy and can get close to clicking on all cylinders—they are going to be really scary imo. The level of ball movement, player movement, shooting, ball handling, quickness is going to be a matchup nightmare for a lot of teams.

Jordan would just punch the fourth option in the face every day during practice.

I don't know if everyone was allowing Ayton to absorb all of the blame. My general sense is that people throughout the team just didn't really vibe with him in general and that perhaps he didn't want to do the things that the coaches wanted him to do. I'm sure from his side there were times when he might have felt that they were too negative on him and that counteracted his desire to improve, but it still seems like he was unwilling or unable to fully do what they wanted on defense or generally be physical in the interior on either end. This is just my vague perception from the random commentary that I hear and read, so I'm certainly not saying it is gospel.

I think that most elite/championship caliber players would step up and say something to the effect that “it’s on me” or “we have got to be better to reach the next level”. That did not happen. The coach, the star players for the most part just sat around and allowed a 3rd or 4th option on a team to receive the majority of the blame for the teams shortcomings. Deandre Ayton averages like 16pts-10rebs on like 55+% from the field, and 75+% from the free throw line. Name me ONE championship caliber player or coach that would blame the teams lack of success from that kind of production from its 4th option. That to me smells like a franchise that has a star player that is unwilling to accept responsibility and is looking to find a scapegoat—even if that scapegoat is a teammate. Maybe that will change this year—but I have doubts. If they don’t win it all—let’s see who the team/fan base tries to pin it on.

 

[Jayrod]

I think that most elite/championship caliber players would step up and say something to the effect that “it’s on me” or “we have got to be better to reach the next level”. That did not happen. The coach, the star players for the most part just sat around and allowed a 3rd or 4th option on a team to receive the majority of the blame for the teams shortcomings. Deandre Ayton averages like 16pts-10rebs on like 55+% from the field, and 75+% from the free throw line. Name me ONE championship caliber player or coach that would blame the teams lack of success from that kind of production from its 4th option. That to me smells like a franchise that has a star player that is unwilling to accept responsibility and is looking to find a scapegoat—even if that scapegoat is a teammate. Maybe that will change this year—but I have doubts. If they don’t win it all—let’s see who the team/fan base tries to pin it on.

I agree with this. Booker wants to be that guy until the criticism comes and Durant has proven his character several times over now. I think the Suns are going to be tough, but their ultimate success will hinge on Booker and Durant, not Nurkic and Beal. I'm doubtful they will take that on their shoulders when things don't go well and we may see more of the same.

Getting rid of Monty for Vogel seemed insane to me as well.

 

[gruecd]

Draymond and Chris Paul is going to make for a very hateable lineup.

Easily the most hateable in the league, now that Boston got rid of Marcus Smart and Grant Williams.

 

[FatMax]

didn’t get much out of Wiggins

That's an understatement. Ten points, one rebound, one block in 27 minutes. Oh and three PF's. That adds up to a +/- of -22. If he had just a below average game, the Warriors probably win. But this was putrid.

 

[offdee]

So odd that so many Suns fans blame all of their teams former shortcomings on a player that was arguably their 4th option

And also a former #1 overall pick. That comes with different expectations and it’s not to be a 4th option.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

So odd that so many Suns fans blame all of their teams former shortcomings on a player that was arguably their 4th option

And also a former #1 overall pick. That comes with different expectations and it’s not to be a 4th option.

This definitely plays a part—but Ayton even at the number 1 overall pick was never going to be the #1 option on the Suns. The Suns drafted him based on need and not “best available“. They knew he wasn’t going to be Shaq or Tim Duncan—they just wanted a young efficient big that would provide a presence in the paint both offensively and defensively to couple with Booker. The dude became an efficient double double machine for them with limited opportunity. Regardless of his draft position—he never got any credit for when things were going right for the Suns and would routinely get all of the blame when things went wrong—which is odd for a 3rd or 4th option. In any case, I’m glad he’s moved on—but let’s see how the Suns perform moving forward. My guess is that they will have a solid regular season, will do well for a round or two in the playoffs—and when things go wrong—either the coach, Beal, Nurkic or somebody aside from Booker or Durant will get blamed. Until Booker and KD are willing to say “this is our team—and it’s on us if we don’t win a ring”, I just don’t see or feel championship mentality. That’s the biggest frustration with the Suns—as they clearly have had championship caliber talent.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

didn’t get much out of Wiggins

That's an understatement. Ten points, one rebound, one block in 27 minutes. Oh and three PF's. That adds up to a +/- of -22. If he had just a below average game, the Warriors probably win. But this was putrid.

Absolutely. That game was also two missed Kuminga free throws from having a different result. With that said—I’m not just looking at one game—it will take time for the Warriors to develop chemistry and optimize their system with the new pieces and roles they have. In general, the thing that I think is the most scary about the Warriors is the upside to how fast they can play, shoot and move the ball once they figure things out. They could have legitimate lineups where anybody that grabs a defensive board is capable of running the ball up the court and triggering the offense/starting a break. Out of all of the Warriors players last night—I felt like Wiggins was the one that seemed to have a hard time finding his spots and integrating himself into the flow of the offense. If and when Kerr sorts things out (and this includes when Draymond gets back and integrated)—I think they have the ability to be really tough.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

 

[Jayrod]

Heat culture?

 

[Yo Mama]

Heat culture?

Harden at the Sixers practice facility while the rest of his team travels for their opening game?

 

[msudaisy26]

I really wanted to see how many time Ayton was brought up when the Suns won. I guess we will have to settle for a 1 for 1 because now the jury is tainted.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Heat culture?

We did nothing
Another wasted Jimmy Buckets season
Love the heart of this team but there isn't much to see until at least Feb or whenever the Phins are officially out of it
The Heat lost players, they likely will be somewhere in the 6-7-8-9-10 area and be overlooked again in the Playoffs, for good reason
Still likely a team most would rather avoid in the 1st Round, they seem to get up for upsets in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
They could easily have played in 3 of the last 4 NBA Finals, still made 2 of them but there is nothing here to make anyone think they can repeat last year's Playoff heroics.

 

[General Malaise]

Ahhhhh, the Jusuf Nurkic honeymoon phase. I'll be sure to circle back on this one.

Update?

Sir, with all due respect, Britney Spears has had longer honeymoons in Vegas than this.

 

[General Malaise]

Suns win in GS with no Beal

Centers that do something other than pout and quit

I love this game.

Oh son.....you're in for a ride.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Was Dwight Howard openly gay when playing in the NBA? Not that it matters one way or another but I was not aware.

Dwight Howard denies sexual assault allegations

Former NBA star Dwight Howard has denied sexual assault and battery allegations filed against him earlier this year and asked a court to dismiss a civil lawsuit he is facing Georgia.

www.espn.com

 

[caustic]

I enjoy doing a little NBA betting at the start of each season - it usually takes Vegas a few games to correctly price everything. A few things stuck out to me today:

Quentin Grimes o8.5 points. The Celtics' defense is tough and the Knicks' backcourt is crowded, but Grimes averaged 11.3 ppg as a rookie and his 3 ball looks even better this year.
Chet Holmgren o14.5 points + assists. Don't want to put too much stock in preseason ball, but he averaged 17.5 pts + ast in just 19 minutes per game.
Jaren Jackson Jr o18.5 points. Someone other than Desmond Bane has to score points for this team. The only concern here would be foul trouble.
Keegan Murray o12.5 points. Averaged 12.2 as a rookie and will likely have a bigger role this year.
Scoot Henderson o13.5 points. Not much quantitative analysis on this one, I just love Scoot and this number seems low for a guy who will be allowed to take a bunch of shots.
This is my first year with League Pass, so I'm excited to bounce around tonight's loaded slate. Might go 1-4 on these picks but I'll love every minute of it.

 

[Major]

Was Dwight Howard openly gay when playing in the NBA? Not that it matters one way or another but I was not aware.

Dwight Howard denies sexual assault allegations

Former NBA star Dwight Howard has denied sexual assault and battery allegations filed against him earlier this year and asked a court to dismiss a civil lawsuit he is facing Georgia.

www.espn.com

I always had my doubts. I remember seeing him at my gym during his Houston days looking a little fruity, strolling around the gym not really working out just talking to dudes. NTTAWT but he definitely gave out that vibe that he was looking for fresh meat.

 

[msudaisy26]

I enjoy doing a little NBA betting at the start of each season - it usually takes Vegas a few games to correctly price everything. A few things stuck out to me today:

Quentin Grimes o8.5 points. The Celtics' defense is tough and the Knicks' backcourt is crowded, but Grimes averaged 11.3 ppg as a rookie and his 3 ball has looked even better this year.
Chet Holmgren o14.5 points + assists. Don't want to put too much stock in preseason ball, but he averaged 17.5 pts + ast in just 19 minutes per game.
Jaren Jackson Jr o18.5 points. Someone other than Desmond Bane has to score points for this team. The only concern here would be foul trouble.
Keegan Murray o12.5 points. Averaged 12.2 as a rookie and will likely have a bigger role this year.
Scoot Henderson o13.5 points. Not much quantitative analysis on this one, I just love Scoot and this number seems low for a guy who will be allowed to take a bunch of shots.
This is my first year with League Pass, so I'm excited to bounce around tonight's loaded slate. Might go 1-4 on these picks but I'll love every minute of it.

What is Cade's over point or points and assists. No Bogdan so he should have everything running through him tonight.

 

[caustic]

I enjoy doing a little NBA betting at the start of each season - it usually takes Vegas a few games to correctly price everything. A few things stuck out to me today:

Quentin Grimes o8.5 points. The Celtics' defense is tough and the Knicks' backcourt is crowded, but Grimes averaged 11.3 ppg as a rookie and his 3 ball has looked even better this year.
Chet Holmgren o14.5 points + assists. Don't want to put too much stock in preseason ball, but he averaged 17.5 pts + ast in just 19 minutes per game.
Jaren Jackson Jr o18.5 points. Someone other than Desmond Bane has to score points for this team. The only concern here would be foul trouble.
Keegan Murray o12.5 points. Averaged 12.2 as a rookie and will likely have a bigger role this year.
Scoot Henderson o13.5 points. Not much quantitative analysis on this one, I just love Scoot and this number seems low for a guy who will be allowed to take a bunch of shots.
This is my first year with League Pass, so I'm excited to bounce around tonight's loaded slate. Might go 1-4 on these picks but I'll love every minute of it.

What is Cade's over point or points and assists. No Bogdan so he should have everything running through him tonight.

Draftkings has Cade's lines at:

19.5 pts
25.5 pts + ast
30.5 pts + reb + ast
1.5 3pm

 

[msudaisy26]

I enjoy doing a little NBA betting at the start of each season - it usually takes Vegas a few games to correctly price everything. A few things stuck out to me today:

Quentin Grimes o8.5 points. The Celtics' defense is tough and the Knicks' backcourt is crowded, but Grimes averaged 11.3 ppg as a rookie and his 3 ball has looked even better this year.
Chet Holmgren o14.5 points + assists. Don't want to put too much stock in preseason ball, but he averaged 17.5 pts + ast in just 19 minutes per game.
Jaren Jackson Jr o18.5 points. Someone other than Desmond Bane has to score points for this team. The only concern here would be foul trouble.
Keegan Murray o12.5 points. Averaged 12.2 as a rookie and will likely have a bigger role this year.
Scoot Henderson o13.5 points. Not much quantitative analysis on this one, I just love Scoot and this number seems low for a guy who will be allowed to take a bunch of shots.
This is my first year with League Pass, so I'm excited to bounce around tonight's loaded slate. Might go 1-4 on these picks but I'll love every minute of it.

What is Cade's over point or points and assists. No Bogdan so he should have everything running through him tonight.

Draftkings has Cade's lines at:

19.5 pts
25.5 pts + ast
30.5 pts + reb + ast
1.5 3pm

Points seems high, but points and assists seem low.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Was Dwight Howard openly gay when playing in the NBA? Not that it matters one way or another but I was not aware.

Dwight Howard denies sexual assault allegations

Former NBA star Dwight Howard has denied sexual assault and battery allegations filed against him earlier this year and asked a court to dismiss a civil lawsuit he is facing Georgia.

www.espn.com

I always had my doubts. I remember seeing him at my gym during his Houston days looking a little fruity, strolling around the gym not really working out just talking to dudes. NTTAWT but he definitely gave out that vibe that he was looking for fresh meat.

well, maybe bi anyway, considering that he has like 5 kids with 5 different mothers.

there might be something to it, because it seems like he was never really well-liked by his teammates anywhere and it seemed like the main rap was that he was "immature" and annoying. But maybe some of that was borderline sexual or something.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

so upset capella does not think jordan poole will bring my wiz a title

 

[Jayrod]

Jaren Jackson Jr o18.5 points. Someone other than Desmond Bane has to score points for this team. The only concern here would be foul trouble.

Dude, they have Marcus Smart. He's good for at least 15 points on 20 shots tonight. JJJ will need to hit the offensive glass to get to 20.

 

[AAABatteries]

Was Dwight Howard openly gay when playing in the NBA? Not that it matters one way or another but I was not aware.

Dwight Howard denies sexual assault allegations

Former NBA star Dwight Howard has denied sexual assault and battery allegations filed against him earlier this year and asked a court to dismiss a civil lawsuit he is facing Georgia.

www.espn.com

Had that same thought when this news came out - definitely don’t care whether he’s straight, gay or bi but I would wonder if he’s the best or most famous gay professional if he decided to come out.

 

[mr. furley]

Draymond and Chris Paul is going to make for a very hateable lineup.

would be fun if one of the early opponents outfit their players with noticeable cups. at least until the first stoppage in play.

 

[Moe.]

League pass free for a week or so? I might actually subscribe for the first time in awhile

 

[Long Ball Larry]

League pass free for a week or so? I might actually subscribe for the first time in awhile

Been trying to figure this out. Is it free on the nba app?

 

[Mister CIA]

League pass free for a week or so? I might actually subscribe for the first time in awhile

Been trying to figure this out. Is it free on the nba app?

It shows on youtube.tv home screen.

 

[Mister CIA]

McDonalds is peddling narcotics. Damn!

 

[Nathan R. Jessep]

Zion looking fierce. Yes, I know. Don't say it. Just enjoy it. Back to back poster on JJJ and half court alley from B.I.

https://x.com/TheHoopCentral/status/1717349011248885764?s=20

 

[Long Ball Larry]

League pass free for a week or so? I might actually subscribe for the first time in awhile

Been trying to figure this out. Is it free on the nba app?

It shows on youtube.tv home screen.

Liar!

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Honestly not seeing it, but I will mention that fanduel Sportsbook has a deal that if you make a $5 nba bet you get 3 Months of league pass for free

 

[Mister CIA]

League pass free for a week or so? I might actually subscribe for the first time in awhile

Been trying to figure this out. Is it free on the nba app?

It shows on youtube.tv home screen.

Liar!

Yeah, I don't see it either.

 

[Instinctive]

WTF is Porzingis supposed to do there?

 

[Instinctive]

WTF is Porzingis supposed to do there?

Doris says the same thing like 3 times. Totally agree.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Can we just start the spurs game?

 

[the moops]

Can we just start the spurs game?

This is a great game. Shut your face

 

[Mister CIA]

No tie.

Thank you, God.

 

[whoknew]

Great comeback by the Pistons - lead by Cade's 30 points and 9 assists so far.

 

[Mister CIA]

Man, Karate Kid is all grown up.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Luka looks about fifteen pounds slimmer than last season.

 

[whoknew]

Great comeback by the Pistons - lead by Cade's 30 points and 9 assists so far.

Damn. They came up just short. Valiant effort.

 

[Mister CIA]

Spurs looking pretty, pretty good.

 

[msudaisy26]

Great comeback by the Pistons - lead by Cade's 30 points and 9 assists so far.

If he can stay healthy he will be a top 20ish player in the league.... He hasn't so far.

 

[msudaisy26]

Spurs looking pretty, pretty good.

He doesn't get much love, but Keldon Johnson is underrated and the Spurs got a good deal on his extension. Would have loved to see him as a Piston.

 

[Major]

Spurs looking pretty, pretty good.

A lot better than my Rockets