2024-25 NBA Thread: Stephen A leading ESPN’s draft coverage by yelling about players he’s never heard of until now (41 Viewers)

[Yo Mama]

Sac gonna find its' way out of this DeRozan debacle? Gonna be tough as theres never been a big market for him. Was an obvious terrible fit in their starting lineup. Guy is a ball stopper offensively (which was perfect for him to be able to do in Chicago)

I'm still completely mystified how anyone thought he'd be a good fit in the starting lineup with that constructed team in Sac.

DeRozan is a bench piece on a good team. Not many good teams wanting a 35 year old $24m/yr bench piece in the first year of his deal. Rebuilding teams won't be interested.

Feels like a thrown together trio like Durant-Booker-Beal. Overlapping skill sets be damned. Neither team is going anywhere as constructed. As hard a pill to swallow for the franchises (and probably the players and any remote chance to deal either), best fit for both Beal and DeRozan is coming off the bench on their current teams.

I'm interested to see if any of Fox-Booker-Durant ask out realizing their current teams aren't going anywhere as built. You could pick a random FBG in this thread and they'd be able to drive to the bucket and score on the Suns.

Hated the fit as well with Sabonis. Not surprised at all they're no better. Equally unsurprising is the Bulls are no worse. Derozan is an iso player where the ball movement just stops. Same problem in Chicago where the ball went to him and rarely left. It's nice seeing ball movement again. The complimentary players suffer. The team is mediocre.

No one here in Chicago is sad he's gone. They needed to get younger. Got the most out of him. Wish they cut bait sooner as it was just a dreadful brand of basketball to watch. Offense just stops when he's got the ball. He's a good iso ball player that isn't good enough or dominant enough to make the team good at this point. As you alluded there's a reason there's never been a huge market for Derozan's services in today's NBA. If you want to be a middling team content with allowing him to stop ball movement and flow on your offense, Derozan is your guy.

They're stuck with DeRozan

Teams aren't lining up for a 35 year old iso ball stopping midrange clogging wing that plays no D that isn't a threat from 3 on the first year of a multi year deal. He's not an asset as an off ball player whatsoever. He's a bench player (on any team with any desire of winning) at this stage of his career. Let him do his iso ball scoring with 'leading' a 2nd unit.

Doug Christie nor anyone else is fixing this with the current starting lineup.

I wouldn’t put it past the Lakers to do something stupid like this.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Michael Malone on the Sacramento Kings firing of Mike Brown:

“No class. No balls.”

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Sac gonna find its' way out of this DeRozan debacle? Gonna be tough as theres never been a big market for him. Was an obvious terrible fit in their starting lineup. Guy is a ball stopper offensively (which was perfect for him to be able to do in Chicago)

I'm still completely mystified how anyone thought he'd be a good fit in the starting lineup with that constructed team in Sac.

DeRozan is a bench piece on a good team. Not many good teams wanting a 35 year old $24m/yr bench piece in the first year of his deal. Rebuilding teams won't be interested.

Feels like a thrown together trio like Durant-Booker-Beal. Overlapping skill sets be damned. Neither team is going anywhere as constructed. As hard a pill to swallow for the franchises (and probably the players and any remote chance to deal either), best fit for both Beal and DeRozan is coming off the bench on their current teams.

I'm interested to see if any of Fox-Booker-Durant ask out realizing their current teams aren't going anywhere as built. You could pick a random FBG in this thread and they'd be able to drive to the bucket and score on the Suns.

Hated the fit as well with Sabonis. Not surprised at all they're no better. Equally unsurprising is the Bulls are no worse. Derozan is an iso player where the ball movement just stops. Same problem in Chicago where the ball went to him and rarely left. It's nice seeing ball movement again. The complimentary players suffer. The team is mediocre.

No one here in Chicago is sad he's gone. They needed to get younger. Got the most out of him. Wish they cut bait sooner as it was just a dreadful brand of basketball to watch. Offense just stops when he's got the ball. He's a good iso ball player that isn't good enough or dominant enough to make the team good at this point. As you alluded there's a reason there's never been a huge market for Derozan's services in today's NBA. If you want to be a middling team content with allowing him to stop ball movement and flow on your offense, Derozan is your guy.

They're stuck with DeRozan

Teams aren't lining up for a 35 year old iso ball stopping midrange clogging wing that plays no D that isn't a threat from 3 on the first year of a multi year deal. He's not an asset as an off ball player whatsoever. He's a bench player (on any team with any desire of winning) at this stage of his career. Let him do his iso ball scoring with 'leading' a 2nd unit.

Doug Christie nor anyone else is fixing this with the current starting lineup.

I wouldn’t put it past the Lakers to do something stupid like this.

They have been pretty restrained the past few years though. Maybe if they don’t really have to give up anything

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Michael Malone on the Sacramento Kings firing of Mike Brown:

“No class. No balls.”

In that same conversation he pointed out that when Sacramento won, Fox and Sabonis got all the credit, but when Sacramento lost it was all Brown's fault.

 

[Desert_Power]

Michael Malone on the Sacramento Kings firing of Mike Brown:

“No class. No balls.”

Some Kings fan I follow called it: Doing the right thing the wrong way.

 

[the moops]

They're stuck with DeRozan

Most definitely not. They won't get super positive value, but he is at worst a neutral contract. He is like 15% of the cap for two more years. Its actually a really good deal

 

[Frostillicus]

Ant!

 

[Zow]

Ant!

Little Woz had to go to bed. He’s going to lose his mind when I let him watch the ending tomorrow.

 

[Major]

Ant!

Little Woz had to go to bed. He’s going to lose his mind when I let him watch the ending tomorrow.

That was some happy horsesh*t. I was chilling up 16 with four minutes left only to see the good guys self destruct. Naz single handedly led that comeback and Ant put the cherry on the top with the winning three. Shame to waste such a dominant game by Sengun who made Gobert look silly.

 

[Instinctive]

Mavs guys band together and actually swing at Nurkic. Suns frustrated they were getting their asses kicked yet again. Spicy!

Suns/warriors were so amazing at like 12-3, 8-1 starts...not so hot since.

Dallas holding together with bubblegum and shoestrings with the volume of injuries. Last night no Luka and no Lively, no problem still.

 

[thecatch]

They're stuck with DeRozan

Most definitely not. They won't get super positive value, but he is at worst a neutral contract. He is like 15% of the cap for two more years. Its actually a really good deal

The third year only has a partial guarantee on it too. According to Hoopshype he's the 70th highest paid player in the league. He's fine.

 

[millertyme1]

Sac gonna find its' way out of this DeRozan debacle? Gonna be tough as theres never been a big market for him. Was an obvious terrible fit in their starting lineup. Guy is a ball stopper offensively (which was perfect for him to be able to do in Chicago)

I'm still completely mystified how anyone thought he'd be a good fit in the starting lineup with that constructed team in Sac.

DeRozan is a bench piece on a good team. Not many good teams wanting a 35 year old $24m/yr bench piece in the first year of his deal. Rebuilding teams won't be interested.

Feels like a thrown together trio like Durant-Booker-Beal. Overlapping skill sets be damned. Neither team is going anywhere as constructed. As hard a pill to swallow for the franchises (and probably the players and any remote chance to deal either), best fit for both Beal and DeRozan is coming off the bench on their current teams.

I'm interested to see if any of Fox-Booker-Durant ask out realizing their current teams aren't going anywhere as built. You could pick a random FBG in this thread and they'd be able to drive to the bucket and score on the Suns.

Hated the fit as well with Sabonis. Not surprised at all they're no better. Equally unsurprising is the Bulls are no worse. Derozan is an iso player where the ball movement just stops. Same problem in Chicago where the ball went to him and rarely left. It's nice seeing ball movement again. The complimentary players suffer. The team is mediocre.

No one here in Chicago is sad he's gone. They needed to get younger. Got the most out of him. Wish they cut bait sooner as it was just a dreadful brand of basketball to watch. Offense just stops when he's got the ball. He's a good iso ball player that isn't good enough or dominant enough to make the team good at this point. As you alluded there's a reason there's never been a huge market for Derozan's services in today's NBA. If you want to be a middling team content with allowing him to stop ball movement and flow on your offense, Derozan is your guy.

They're stuck with DeRozan

Teams aren't lining up for a 35 year old iso ball stopping midrange clogging wing that plays no D that isn't a threat from 3 on the first year of a multi year deal. He's not an asset as an off ball player whatsoever. He's a bench player (on any team with any desire of winning) at this stage of his career. Let him do his iso ball scoring with 'leading' a 2nd unit.

Doug Christie nor anyone else is fixing this with the current starting lineup.

Kings were suckers for giving Derozan that money.

Should be in a Westbrook role and pay grade where their games are better suited at this stage as primary bench scorers and spot starters.

Nuggets paying Westbrook $3.3m this season. Kings paying Derozan $23.4m this season then at least another $35m guaranteed after this one. Maybe they'll be able to attach someone of value on their roster with Derozan to get a better fit. There's a lot of bad deals around the league.

Coaches will always take the first fall. Even though obviously should be GM who thought it was a great idea giving Derozan that contract despite being an awful fit as a starter there

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Ant!

Little Woz had to go to bed. He’s going to lose his mind when I let him watch the ending tomorrow.

I had to go to bed also. Figured it was safe … oops

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Ratings for the Christmas Day games were way up

This actually may be a little fake since all of the games were available on ABC, which hasn’t been the case for a while (and maybe ever when they’ve had 5 games?)

 

[General Malaise]

Mavs guys band together and actually swing at Nurkic. Suns frustrated they were getting their asses kicked yet again. Spicy!

Suns/warriors were so amazing at like 12-3, 8-1 starts...not so hot since.

Dallas holding together with bubblegum and shoestrings with the volume of injuries. Last night no Luka and no Lively, no problem still.

And then, they get alley whooped by the craptastic Blazers.

 

[Instinctive]

Mavs guys band together and actually swing at Nurkic. Suns frustrated they were getting their asses kicked yet again. Spicy!

Suns/warriors were so amazing at like 12-3, 8-1 starts...not so hot since.

Dallas holding together with bubblegum and shoestrings with the volume of injuries. Last night no Luka and no Lively, no problem still.

And then, they get alley whooped by the craptastic Blazers.

Yeah the bubblegum and shoestrings came apart when Marshall and Washington were added to the list of guys not available. So Dallas played without 4 of their top 6 or 7 guys (I'd say Kyrie is 2, Klay is 5, you could argue whether Marshall is 6 or maybe it's someone else and he's 7)

That 4 point "alley whooping" was sure painful though! Blazers are a weird team. I was gonna post last week when the Mavs beat the living **** out of them that Portland is suuuuuuuper long and athletic. If Ayton wasn't Ayton he could do so much more too. Just an odd place to be right now. Not good enough in the West but not the worst either, and better than all the bad East teams. Purgatory.

 

[Chemical X]

jalen brunson now has more 50 point games as a knick than patrick ewing (3>2).

 

[Jayrod]

jalen brunson now has more 50 point games as a knick than patrick ewing (3>2).

He is now even with Richie Guerin.

Willis Reed had 1. Clyde Frazier, Earl Monroe and Latrell Sprewell all never broke 50 as a Knick.

 

[Juxtatarot]

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

The Lakers are sending their own second-round picks in 2027, 2030 and 2031 to the Nets, sources told ESPN.


Good trade although I wonder if the Lakers should have waited closer to the deadline to see what was available before cashing in Russell’s expiring and those seconds.

 

[Kev4029]

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

The Lakers are sending their own second-round picks in 2027, 2030 and 2031 to the Nets, sources told ESPN.


Good trade although I wonder if the Lakers should have waited closer to the deadline to see what was available before cashing in Russell’s expiring and those seconds.

This will also give them enough flexibility below the 2nd apron to release one of their worthless contracts and pick up somebody like Lonnie Walker that would instantly be in their rotation. Shake Milton might also still be an NBA player as well, so that's a probably win for them as well.

 

[Yo Mama]

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

The Lakers are sending their own second-round picks in 2027, 2030 and 2031 to the Nets, sources told ESPN.


Good trade although I wonder if the Lakers should have waited closer to the deadline to see what was available before cashing in Russell’s expiring and those seconds.

I like the timing because it gives them a little time to see how things fit and how aggressive they should be with their first rounders. Solid move IMO.

 

[thecatch]

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

The Lakers are sending their own second-round picks in 2027, 2030 and 2031 to the Nets, sources told ESPN.


Good trade although I wonder if the Lakers should have waited closer to the deadline to see what was available before cashing in Russell’s expiring and those seconds.

Memphis was apparently offering a protected first for DFS which seems like it would have been a better return.

 

[the moops]

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

The Lakers are sending their own second-round picks in 2027, 2030 and 2031 to the Nets, sources told ESPN.


Good trade although I wonder if the Lakers should have waited closer to the deadline to see what was available before cashing in Russell’s expiring and those seconds.

Memphis was apparently offering a protected first for DFS which seems like it would have been a better return.

Wonder what the salary going back was going to be?
Sometimes these protected firsts aren't really firsts at all. In that if it doesn't convey it turns into a 2nd or sometimes nothing at all.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

The Lakers are sending their own second-round picks in 2027, 2030 and 2031 to the Nets, sources told ESPN.


Good trade although I wonder if the Lakers should have waited closer to the deadline to see what was available before cashing in Russell’s expiring and those seconds.

Memphis was apparently offering a protected first for DFS which seems like it would have been a better return.

Wonder what the salary going back was going to be?
Sometimes these protected firsts aren't really firsts at all. In that if it doesn't convey it turns into a 2nd or sometimes nothing at all.

Supposedly Kennard and konchar. I agree that the protected first is not always so valuable. Scotto says that this was a top-15 protected pick, which seems not great

 

[thecatch]

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

The Lakers are sending their own second-round picks in 2027, 2030 and 2031 to the Nets, sources told ESPN.


Good trade although I wonder if the Lakers should have waited closer to the deadline to see what was available before cashing in Russell’s expiring and those seconds.

Memphis was apparently offering a protected first for DFS which seems like it would have been a better return.

Wonder what the salary going back was going to be?
Sometimes these protected firsts aren't really firsts at all. In that if it doesn't convey it turns into a 2nd or sometimes nothing at all.

Supposedly Kennard and konchar. I agree that the protected first is not always so valuable. Scotto says that this was a top-15 protected pick, which seems not great

Yeah but better than a bunch of seconds, right?

 

[Kev4029]

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

The Lakers are sending their own second-round picks in 2027, 2030 and 2031 to the Nets, sources told ESPN.


Good trade although I wonder if the Lakers should have waited closer to the deadline to see what was available before cashing in Russell’s expiring and those seconds.

Memphis was apparently offering a protected first for DFS which seems like it would have been a better return.

Wonder what the salary going back was going to be?
Sometimes these protected firsts aren't really firsts at all. In that if it doesn't convey it turns into a 2nd or sometimes nothing at all.

Supposedly Kennard and konchar. I agree that the protected first is not always so valuable. Scotto says that this was a top-15 protected pick, which seems not great

Yeah but better than a bunch of seconds, right?

Sounds like the Grizz wanted "second round considerations" back. Debatable if a late pick in the first round in 2025 is better than three future Lakers 2nds.

Russell is a great bad team, good stats guy, and I think BK fans actually like him, so he might give just enough to make them almost competitive but not so competitive that they keep winning. Also, John Konchar is all but dead salary at this point and he has two years after this season at just over $6m.

To me, the Lakers deal seems better all around. I don't understand the cap logistics well enough to know if they can flip Russell, but I assume that he'll ultimately either be bought out or traded again before February 6th. He might actually be useful for a team like the Magic or Pistons if they could get him for nothing of real value.

 

[thecatch]

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

The Lakers are sending their own second-round picks in 2027, 2030 and 2031 to the Nets, sources told ESPN.


Good trade although I wonder if the Lakers should have waited closer to the deadline to see what was available before cashing in Russell’s expiring and those seconds.

Memphis was apparently offering a protected first for DFS which seems like it would have been a better return.

Wonder what the salary going back was going to be?
Sometimes these protected firsts aren't really firsts at all. In that if it doesn't convey it turns into a 2nd or sometimes nothing at all.

Supposedly Kennard and konchar. I agree that the protected first is not always so valuable. Scotto says that this was a top-15 protected pick, which seems not great

Yeah but better than a bunch of seconds, right?

Sounds like the Grizz wanted "second round considerations" back. Debatable if a late pick in the first round in 2025 is better than three future Lakers 2nds.

Russell is a great bad team, good stats guy, and I think BK fans actually like him, so he might give just enough to make them almost competitive but not so competitive that they keep winning. Also, John Konchar is all but dead salary at this point and he has two years after this season at just over $6m.

To me, the Lakers deal seems better all around. I don't understand the cap logistics well enough to know if they can flip Russell, but I assume that he'll ultimately either be bought out or traded again before February 6th. He might actually be useful for a team like the Magic or Pistons if they could get him for nothing of real value.

Unless the draft is truly dreadful, I don’t think you can flip 3 second rounders 6 years in the future for the, say, 24th pick in the draft. And I don’t doubt you’ve appraised Russell’s value roughly accurately but I wouldn’t want him anywhere near my team.

 

[Gr00vus]

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

The Lakers are sending their own second-round picks in 2027, 2030 and 2031 to the Nets, sources told ESPN.


Good trade although I wonder if the Lakers should have waited closer to the deadline to see what was available before cashing in Russell’s expiring and those seconds.

I like the timing because it gives them a little time to see how things fit and how aggressive they should be with their first rounders. Solid move IMO.

I think it makes them slightly better for this season, but it doesn't make them close to a legit championship contender. This move also will cost Knecht minutes. They weren't going anywhere with Russel, seems like JJ really likes Finney-Smith, so a chance for improvement.

 

[Major]

Even though Houston blew another one in the 4th I did get satisfaction with Amen tossing Herro to the floor. Had shades of Andre Johnson with Cortland Finnegan and totally unexpected from the mild mannered Thompson. He'll probably get 3-5 games though: https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/43216861

 

[Frostillicus]

Wemby is ridiculous.

 

[Jayrod]

Wemby is ridiculous.

That's harsh. I think playing chess in the park in NYC is a cool thing.

 

[Mister CIA]

It's gonna be an interesting offseason. Wemby still has more game to develop, but for all intensive purposes, he's arrived.

He'll continue to fill out his body and figure out how minimize the leverage advantages of more stout players (leaving him with ridiculous matchups eveywhere). Kind of hoping we see a sky hook eventually too.

They need to get him some help though. Definitely need a creator or two, as the offense stagnates pretty badly at times. Not sure what trade options will be available, but outside of possibly Fox (and even that seems unlikely since they let him kill a coach), there's not much to get excited about, yet. They have their own first rounder plus Atlanta's; and Chicago's #1 with top 10 protection (gonna be close), plus lot's more capital down the road.

I'll be on the couch eating popcorn, waiting for a sky hook.

 

[Zow]

Wemby is ridiculous.

That's harsh. I think playing chess in the park in NYC is a cool thing.

Definitely. Didn't look so comfortable though in the rain and he violates some basic opening chess principles with some of his early pawn moves.

 

[identikit]

It's gonna be an interesting offseason. Wemby still has more game to develop, but for all intensive purposes, he's arrived.

He'll continue to fill out his body and figure out how minimize the leverage advantages of more stout players (leaving him with ridiculous matchups eveywhere). Kind of hoping we see a sky hook eventually too.

They need to get him some help though. Definitely need a creator or two, as the offense stagnates pretty badly at times. Not sure what trade options will be available, but outside of possibly Fox (and even that seems unlikely since they let him kill a coach), there's not much to get excited about, yet. They have their own first rounder plus Atlanta's; and Chicago's #1 with top 10 protection (gonna be close), plus lot's more capital down the road.

I'll be on the couch eating popcorn, waiting for a sky hook.

Maybe Pops needs to go?

 

[Mister CIA]

It's gonna be an interesting offseason. Wemby still has more game to develop, but for all intensive purposes, he's arrived.

He'll continue to fill out his body and figure out how minimize the leverage advantages of more stout players (leaving him with ridiculous matchups eveywhere). Kind of hoping we see a sky hook eventually too.

They need to get him some help though. Definitely need a creator or two, as the offense stagnates pretty badly at times. Not sure what trade options will be available, but outside of possibly Fox (and even that seems unlikely since they let him kill a coach), there's not much to get excited about, yet. They have their own first rounder plus Atlanta's; and Chicago's #1 with top 10 protection (gonna be close), plus lot's more capital down the road.

I'll be on the couch eating popcorn, waiting for a sky hook.

Maybe Pops needs to go?

Given how long his recovery from the stroke has taken (I assume this indicates severity), and his age, it's probably time.

I'm not sure Mitch Johnson is the guy, but he seems to be searching for solutions - the problem is, he needs more talent.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Josh Giddey had a triple-double in under 30 minutes the other night, including fifteen rebounds.

He may not be worth the 30 million per year he is seeking, but he has been a plus for the Bulls, so far. His defense is ungood but he is putting in the effort, at the very least using his length to be disruptive.

 

[Kev4029]

Sounds like Fox soft requested a trade - who all is going to be in on the bidding? San Antonio and Houston are sure to be interested. I would kick the tires if I were Orlando (not exactly what they need though) and Detroit (move Cade off-ball). The Lakers would certainly make their two firsts and three swaps available but I don't think they could make it work even with Reeves included. The Warriors might have just enough to be competitive in negotiations and could make the salary work without including Curry/Wiggins/Green but I don't love the fit. Miami would be interested but I don't think they have enough draft capitol (29 & 31 picks with swaps in 26,28,30). Anybody else to get seriously in on the bidding?

San Antonio has to be the front runners, right?

 

[Mister CIA]

I think Houston can offer a sweeter deal, but San Antonio has a lot of accumulated draft capital. It's a problem that he can be a free agent as soon as the 2026 season. I would not give up a lot for him without a long(er) term contract in place.

 

[the moops]

The Lakers would certainly make their two firsts and three swaps available but I don't think they could make it work even with Reeves included.

Vanderbilt, Vincent, and Rui gets you there with the money. Not sure their 2 firsts and swaps are enough though.

 

[thecatch]

I think Houston can offer a sweeter deal, but San Antonio has a lot of accumulated draft capital. It's a problem that he can be a free agent as soon as the 2026 season. I would not give up a lot for him without a long(er) term contract in place.

The local beat guy says the Kings don't like San Antonio's younger players, so there'd have to be a boatload of draft capital. The 8th hand rumor was that the Rockets weren't wiling to put their top young players out there but would do Reed Sheppard, Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore + some draft compensation. If I'm the Kings I'm holding out for premium stuff - Fox is really good and is right in his prime.

 

[Frostillicus]

Send Fox to the East please.

 

[Major]

I think Houston can offer a sweeter deal, but San Antonio has a lot of accumulated draft capital. It's a problem that he can be a free agent as soon as the 2026 season. I would not give up a lot for him without a long(er) term contract in place.

The local beat guy says the Kings don't like San Antonio's younger players, so there'd have to be a boatload of draft capital. The 8th hand rumor was that the Rockets weren't wiling to put their top young players out there but would do Reed Sheppard, Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore + some draft compensation. If I'm the Kings I'm holding out for premium stuff - Fox is really good and is right in his prime.

True, Fred Van Vleet would probably get this done.

 

[Chemical X]

I think Houston can offer a sweeter deal, but San Antonio has a lot of accumulated draft capital. It's a problem that he can be a free agent as soon as the 2026 season. I would not give up a lot for him without a long(er) term contract in place.

okc screams as a fit……dort, wiggins, topic and draft picks for fox. topic is your pg of the future, get some extra ones and team fox with sga.

 

[Mister CIA]

I think Houston can offer a sweeter deal, but San Antonio has a lot of accumulated draft capital. It's a problem that he can be a free agent as soon as the 2026 season. I would not give up a lot for him without a long(er) term contract in place.

okc screams as a fit……dort, wiggins, topic and draft picks for fox. topic is your pg of the future, get some extra ones and team fox with sga.

That would be a surprising development.

 

[Mister CIA]

I think Houston can offer a sweeter deal, but San Antonio has a lot of accumulated draft capital. It's a problem that he can be a free agent as soon as the 2026 season. I would not give up a lot for him without a long(er) term contract in place.

The local beat guy says the Kings don't like San Antonio's younger players, so there'd have to be a boatload of draft capital. The 8th hand rumor was that the Rockets weren't wiling to put their top young players out there but would do Reed Sheppard, Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore + some draft compensation. If I'm the Kings I'm holding out for premium stuff - Fox is really good and is right in his prime.

True, Fred Van Vleet would probably get this done.

A FVV fathead would make an awesome gift.

 

[Instinctive]

Dallas on a 63-win pace when they have Luka, Kyrie, PJ, Lively, and Klay.

They've only had all five in 43% of games played.

Just bookmarking now to return to this in March when they're a 6-seed and everyone says they have no chance.

If they can keep above water for playoffs and then get healthy they're gonna be dangerous again.

 

[Capella]

Send Fox to the East please.

Worried about losing out on the 10 seed?

 

[Kev4029]

Nuggets rose-colored glasses post of the day - I was curious how slow Murray started the last few seasons as I know he is a notorious slow starter so I took a look at this season vs the last three (the trend held mostly true in 19-20 as well but 18-19 and 17-18 were even more apparent).

20-21 Season: First 18 - 19.1 PPG/4.4 APG/4.0 RPG on .456/.352/.783 (.557 TS%)

Full Season – 21.2 PPG/4.8 APG/4.0 RPG on .477/.408/.869 (.592 TS%)

22-23 Season: First 18 - 17.9 PPG/4.9 APG/3.7 RPG on .448/.380/.784 (.538 TS%)

Full Season – 20.0 PPG/6.2 APG/4.0 RPG on .454/.398/.833 (.571 TS%)

23-24 Season: First 18 – 19.8 PPG/5.7 APG/4.0 RPG on .470/.449/.906 (.587 TS%)

Full Season – 20.0 PPG/6.5 APG/4.1 RPG on .481/.425/.853 (.586 TS%)

24-25 Season: First 18 – 17.9 PPG/6.1 APG/4.1 RPG on .425/.337/.809 (.531 TS%)

Literally every year of his career other than last season he has has a slow start and worked himself into form by mid-to-late season. If the trend continues (and he builds of of the last game vs LAC), I think we could see something closer to borderline All-Star level Murray which may get the Nuggets back into title contention, especially if they can make a trade to give them a little bump as well.

Since I posted this, Murray has played 7 games with averages of 24.7/7.3/4.4 on .470/.432/.909 (.589 TS%) and raised his season averages to 19.8/6.4/4.2 on .440/.365/.842 (.551 TS%).

He still doesn't look back but he definitely looks like he is on his way back - creating separation again and making a couple athletic moves a game.

 

[Kev4029]

Dallas on a 63-win pace when they have Luka, Kyrie, PJ, Lively, and Klay.

They've only had all five in 43% of games played.

Just bookmarking now to return to this in March when they're a 6-seed and everyone says they have no chance.

If they can keep above water for playoffs and then get healthy they're gonna be dangerous again.

According to NBA.com, that lineup has a net rating of +23.5 in 119 minutes on the court. Good for best lineup in the NBA with more than 100 minutes played together. Number 2 is Lillard/Trent/Green/Portis/Lopez at +22.3... would not have guessed that.

 

[Frostillicus]

Send Fox to the East please.

Worried about losing out on the 10 seed?

Yes