2024-25 NBA Thread: ESPN ready to debate if Warriors blowing 3-1 lead to meager Rockets diminishes LeBron’s legacy (26 Viewers)

[Jayrod]

I watched parts of several games yesterday. It seems like Boston was playing a different sport on Tuesday. (yes, I know 50%+ from 3 is unsustainable)

However, when you consider...

• Best team last season
• NBA champs
• Brings back entire roster
• Best 2 players felt disrespected in the offseason

...feels like a repeat is likely.


I know it's early, but I think only injuries can stop this train. Sixers, Knicks, Bucks, Mavs and TWolves all have stuff to figure out with new pieces. Boston has basically picked up where they left off in game 5 of the Finals and still seemed hungry. As much as I liked Udoka, I think Mazzulla is a great fit for them mentally. He's a little crazy.

 

[the moops]

He's a little crazy.

A little? That guy is completely bonkers

 

[Capella]

crappy how are our magic looking take that to the bank bromigo

Pretty much the same as last year so far bromigo. Feels like the same team.

Brother, they are dog walking their nemesis like it's Pat Riley night.

82-0 szn

Paolo is going to make the leap this year. All-NBA incoming. Deep team. Think they could make the ECF.

 

[Mister CIA]

Opening night for Dallas! I'm totally ready to have Wemby make this a flat night and get off to everybody-freaking-out season right away.

You're Mavs are probably good enough to beat a lotto team.

 

[the moops]

Paolo is going to make the leap this year. All-NBA incoming.

Could for sure see this. No Kawhi or Embiid or PG and probably a couple other ineligible vets

 

[Anarchy99]

I watched parts of several games yesterday. It seems like Boston was playing a different sport on Tuesday. (yes, I know 50%+ from 3 is unsustainable)

However, when you consider...

• Best team last season
• NBA champs
• Brings back entire roster
• Best 2 players felt disrespected in the offseason

...feels like a repeat is likely.


I know it's early, but I think only injuries can stop this train. Sixers, Knicks, Bucks, Mavs and TWolves all have stuff to figure out with new pieces. Boston has basically picked up where they left off in game 5 of the Finals and still seemed hungry. As much as I liked Udoka, I think Mazzulla is a great fit for them mentally. He's a little crazy.

It's a long way until June, but Boston seems to have carried over their success from last year and further embraced the math (3 > 2). I know they won't make threes at the same clip as the other night, but I take some exception to the narrative from that game. Sports talk after Game 1 has mostly concentrated on the lack of defensive effort from the Knicks. From what I saw, BOS ran a pretty basic halfcourt offense and moved the ball around really well. NY just couldn't keep up.

That's that part that people haven't quite figured out how to describe and deal with. They almost always have 5 guys on the court that can make threes, play defense, and can switch onto anyone. On offense, against most teams, they end up getting a ton of open looks and often look like they aren't expending a ton of energy or effort to do it. I don't think it's a lack of defensive effort from opponents . . . they just keep guys and the ball moving until someone ends up with a great shot. (As we know, until late game situations when they don't pass, and Tatum chucks up a 30-footer with a second on the shot clock). Other teams are in the process of trying to replicate that philosophy, but that doesn't mean that will work (or if they are better off trying to play the style they are better suited for).

 

[General Malaise]

Day one of shorting the Blazers was a rousing success.

1-0

+$50

:mansion:

our guy dame was pretty darned good last night seems like doc has a better mix and that they played together better last night take that to the bank maisemigo

That makes me happy ol buddy and I'll be rooting him on since there ain't much to root for here in Rose City and sadly we have to take that to the bank like a bad shot from Scoot.

 

[Major]

I watched parts of several games yesterday. It seems like Boston was playing a different sport on Tuesday. (yes, I know 50%+ from 3 is unsustainable)

However, when you consider...

• Best team last season
• NBA champs
• Brings back entire roster
• Best 2 players felt disrespected in the offseason

...feels like a repeat is likely.


I know it's early, but I think only injuries can stop this train. Sixers, Knicks, Bucks, Mavs and TWolves all have stuff to figure out with new pieces. Boston has basically picked up where they left off in game 5 of the Finals and still seemed hungry. As much as I liked Udoka, I think Mazzulla is a great fit for them mentally. He's a little crazy.

I'd take OKC over Boston but they need to get to the Finals which is a taller order in the West.

 

[Major]

crappy how are our magic looking take that to the bank bromigo

Pretty much the same as last year so far bromigo. Feels like the same team.

Brother, they are dog walking their nemesis like it's Pat Riley night.

82-0 szn

Paolo is going to make the leap this year. All-NBA incoming. Deep team. Think they could make the ECF.

I still look in disgust at Jabari Smith everyday and think what could have been

 

[Jayrod]

I watched parts of several games yesterday. It seems like Boston was playing a different sport on Tuesday. (yes, I know 50%+ from 3 is unsustainable)

However, when you consider...

• Best team last season
• NBA champs
• Brings back entire roster
• Best 2 players felt disrespected in the offseason

...feels like a repeat is likely.


I know it's early, but I think only injuries can stop this train. Sixers, Knicks, Bucks, Mavs and TWolves all have stuff to figure out with new pieces. Boston has basically picked up where they left off in game 5 of the Finals and still seemed hungry. As much as I liked Udoka, I think Mazzulla is a great fit for them mentally. He's a little crazy.

I'd take OKC over Boston but they need to get to the Finals which is a taller order in the West.

Oh OK.

 

[Mister CIA]

I watched parts of several games yesterday. It seems like Boston was playing a different sport on Tuesday. (yes, I know 50%+ from 3 is unsustainable)

However, when you consider...

• Best team last season
• NBA champs
• Brings back entire roster
• Best 2 players felt disrespected in the offseason

...feels like a repeat is likely.


I know it's early, but I think only injuries can stop this train. Sixers, Knicks, Bucks, Mavs and TWolves all have stuff to figure out with new pieces. Boston has basically picked up where they left off in game 5 of the Finals and still seemed hungry. As much as I liked Udoka, I think Mazzulla is a great fit for them mentally. He's a little crazy.

I'd take OKC over Boston but they need to get to the Finals which is a taller order in the West.

Oh OK.

No OK, OKC.

 

[Eephus]

crappy how are our magic looking take that to the bank bromigo

Pretty much the same as last year so far bromigo. Feels like the same team.

Brother, they are dog walking their nemesis like it's Pat Riley night.

82-0 szn

Paolo is going to make the leap this year. All-NBA incoming. Deep team. Think they could make the ECF.

I still look in disgust at Jabari Smith everyday and think what could have been

Jabari was a decent pick at 1.03. There's no reason for disgust.

Nobody taken after him that year would have been an appreciably better choice. Jalen Williams maybe but Smith is younger, taller and could turn out better in the long run.

 

[Major]

crappy how are our magic looking take that to the bank bromigo

Pretty much the same as last year so far bromigo. Feels like the same team.

Brother, they are dog walking their nemesis like it's Pat Riley night.

82-0 szn

Paolo is going to make the leap this year. All-NBA incoming. Deep team. Think they could make the ECF.

I still look in disgust at Jabari Smith everyday and think what could have been

Jabari was a decent pick at 1.03. There's no reason for disgust.

Nobody taken after him that year would have been an appreciably better choice. Jalen Williams maybe but Smith is younger, taller and could turn out better in the long run.

It was a little different experience if you were following that draft closely. Orlando was expected to draft Jabari so us Rockets fans were getting ready for Banchero only to have the rug pulled on draft day. Jabari was the right pick but seeing how much better Banchero is stlll stings a bit.

Personally, I don't think Jabari will amount to much more than a role player. He's shown flashes but overall a terrible line drive shot and way too timid/passive.

 

[the moops]

Nobody taken after him that year would have been an appreciably better choice. Jalen Williams maybe

I don't think there is anything close to a maybe about this. Jalen Williams is a borderline all-NBA player who would fit in and start on 30 teams in the league. Houston would have to throw in every pick they own with Jabari to get OKC to even pick up the phone

 

[Eephus]

Nobody taken after him that year would have been an appreciably better choice. Jalen Williams maybe

I don't think there is anything close to a maybe about this. Jalen Williams is a borderline all-NBA player who would fit in and start on 30 teams in the league. Houston would have to throw in every pick they own with Jabari to get OKC to even pick up the phone

Fair but Williams wasn't really on anyone's radar at 1.03.

My point was Jabari isn't a bust worthy of disgust. I saw a tweet from Matt Moore today that compared him to Marvin Williams which seems apropos. Marvin was a high draft pick who was criticized early on because of the players picked immediately after him which was outside of his control. He never was a star but went on to have a long and productive career.

 

[GOB]

crappy how are our magic looking take that to the bank bromigo

Pretty much the same as last year so far bromigo. Feels like the same team.

Brother, they are dog walking their nemesis like it's Pat Riley night.

82-0 szn

Paolo is going to make the leap this year. All-NBA incoming. Deep team. Think they could make the ECF.

I still look in disgust at Jabari Smith everyday and think what could have been

Jabari was a decent pick at 1.03. There's no reason for disgust.

Nobody taken after him that year would have been an appreciably better choice. Jalen Williams maybe but Smith is younger, taller and could turn out better in the long run.

It was a little different experience if you were following that draft closely. Orlando was expected to draft Jabari so us Rockets fans were getting ready for Banchero only to have the rug pulled on draft day. Jabari was the right pick but seeing how much better Banchero is stlll stings a bit.

Personally, I don't think Jabari will amount to much more than a role player. He's shown flashes but overall a terrible line drive shot and way too timid/passive.

If you want to play the "almost drafted" game Orlando has like 6 banners to show you.

Sixers really blew it with drafting Fultz and Simmons. People forget that but not ol Gob

 

[Brunell4MVP]

This will be my only Wiz focused post of the season. This is what tanking looks like. True tanking. We suck. Like suck so bad it's comical. Less than a 20 win season forthcoming. I'm pretty sure the Japanese Olympic team could beat us. Sarr and Coulibaly aren't that talented. Poole and Kuzma have permission to jack up 25 shots a game to become trade bait. DMV residents are more interested in who will be Georgetown's token white guy at the end of the bench. At least we have the Caps and Washington Football Team. And I'll happily take those.

 

[Eephus]

This will be my only Wiz focused post of the season. This is what tanking looks like. True tanking. We suck. Like suck so bad it's comical. Less than a 20 win season forthcoming. I'm pretty sure the Japanese Olympic team could beat us. Sarr and Coulibaly aren't that talented. Poole and Kuzma have permission to jack up 25 shots a game to become trade bait. DMV residents are more interested in who will be Georgetown's token white guy at the end of the bench. At least we have the Caps and Washington Football Team. And I'll happily take those.

Coulibaly looks noticeably bigger this year. Don't know if he'll be better but at least he looks more physically ready to compete.

That's all I got

 

[Mister CIA]

I'm not booing. It's Coooooooper

 

[Instinctive]

Wife's opinions tonight have been absolute gold. For example, here's her unprompted take on Zach Collins:

"That number 23 looks like a jerk."
Me: what?
"On the other team. He just gives off strong I don't want my friend to go home with him from a bar vibes."

 

[Jayrod]

Wife's opinions tonight have been absolute golf. For example, here's her unprompted take on Zach Collins:

"That number 23 looks like a jerk."
Me: what?
"On the other team. He just gives off strong I don't want my friend to go home with him from a bar vibes."

 

[PIK95]

Denver is going to so regret not dumping MPorter Jr. Dude is SO LAZY. His body language is horrible 98% of the time. He is constantly out of position, and he's already been yanked out once or twice tonight by Malone for straight lazy play.

Where have you gone Bruce Brown...

Chet is a monster, and OKC is probably the team to beat this go around.

 

[Jayrod]

So, OKC looks really good tonight but Denver is a flawed team at this point.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

Boston looks top notch. Great start for Klay in Dallas, but it’s hard to gauge how good they are against that competition. OKC is legit scary. Such an active team on both ends of the court. Denver looked sluggish—but I think they are still going to be good. I might be in the minority—but I liked the energy that Westbrook brought them off of the bench tonight. He had a bad shooting night, but I thought he looked spry and I think he’ll get better as they develop more chemistry.

 

[Major]

So, OKC looks really good tonight but Denver is a flawed team at this point.

Oh OK

 

[Major]

Nobody taken after him that year would have been an appreciably better choice. Jalen Williams maybe

I don't think there is anything close to a maybe about this. Jalen Williams is a borderline all-NBA player who would fit in and start on 30 teams in the league. Houston would have to throw in every pick they own with Jabari to get OKC to even pick up the phone

Fair but Williams wasn't really on anyone's radar at 1.03.

My point was Jabari isn't a bust worthy of disgust. I saw a tweet from Matt Moore today that compared him to Marvin Williams which seems apropos. Marvin was a high draft pick who was criticized early on because of the players picked immediately after him which was outside of his control. He never was a star but went on to have a long and productive career.

I could see that but I'm looking at this from a Jabari or Banchero standpoint. Imagine Jabari on Orlando. That would be a 30 win team and the Rockets would be challenging OKC. Disgusted

I'm hopeful HOU can package Jabari because whatever potential he has is being wasted in Houston. He's going to want Sengun money and it's just not there.

 

[the moops]

That would be a 30 win team and the Rockets would be challenging OKC

Houston would not be challenging OKC if you swapped those two.

 

[Capella]

Starting 5 doc on Netflix is really good. I fast forward through the Butler and Sabonis stuff (they’re boring) but Ant and Bron are fascinating. Ant is just a child in a man’s body who happens to be an unbelievable basketball player. He is realllllllllllly immature off the court though. Not in a bad way, just in a 13 year old I want to play video games all day kinda way.

 

[Mister CIA]

Starting 5 doc on Netflix is really good. I fast forward through the Butler and Sabonis stuff (they’re boring) but Ant and Bron are fascinating. Ant is just a child in a man’s body who happens to be an unbelievable basketball player. He is realllllllllllly immature off the court though. Not in a bad way, just in a 13 year old I want to play video games all day kinda way.

AE's personality alone, being super-likable, is going to net him 9-figures.

 

[Kev4029]

I think the death of the Nuggets might be a bit overstated. They lost to the best team in the conference and missed way more shots, even from the bad shooters, than they will in a typical game. Some of my thoughts:

• The Westbrook experience was on full display. He brings much needed energy and defense. At his best he was pushing the pace and getting easy shots for others as he got into the teeth of the defense. At his worst, he is hugely destructive as he can't stop himself from taking bad shots (which is most shots available to him).
• Christian Braun is a better player than KCP but he needs to shoot better. He was the second best Nugget last night and it probably wasn't close.
• Strawther, despite his +/-, looked good offensively and defensively. I think his development and ability (along with Braun) is why they were comfortable letting KCP go.
• Malone needs to do better with rotations. Gordon and Westbrook can't be on the court at the same time unless Gordon is playing center and the other three are shooters. MPJ needs to play with the bench to give them enough shooting to function.
• SGA was happily taking threes off the bounce - I think that could be a huge development for him and OKC.
• Chet is a menace defensively. Not that we didn't know that, but he was great last night.
• I think the Nuggets will figure it out and still be a top 4 seed, but to go anywhere in the playoffs they need to be better shooters. At least they were taking threes... other than Westbrook. He can skip it.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Starting 5 doc on Netflix is really good. I fast forward through the Butler and Sabonis stuff (they’re boring) but Ant and Bron are fascinating. Ant is just a child in a man’s body who happens to be an unbelievable basketball player. He is realllllllllllly immature off the court though. Not in a bad way, just in a 13 year old I want to play video games all day kinda way.

Play video games and make babies all day it seems.

 

[Moe.]

Starting 5 doc on Netflix is really good. I fast forward through the Butler and Sabonis stuff (they’re boring) but Ant and Bron are fascinating. Ant is just a child in a man’s body who happens to be an unbelievable basketball player. He is realllllllllllly immature off the court though. Not in a bad way, just in a 13 year old I want to play video games all day kinda way.

I think Ant is rumored to have 3 or 4 kids with 3 different mothers, so maybe a little bit in a bad way.

 

[Eephus]

Dear Elon
If I was going to install the NBA: Live Games and Scores app, I would have done so by now.
Your pal,
Eephus

 

[Major]

I think the death of the Nuggets might be a bit overstated. They lost to the best team in the conference and missed way more shots, even from the bad shooters, than they will in a typical game. Some of my thoughts:

• The Westbrook experience was on full display. He brings much needed energy and defense. At his best he was pushing the pace and getting easy shots for others as he got into the teeth of the defense. At his worst, he is hugely destructive as he can't stop himself from taking bad shots (which is most shots available to him).
• Christian Braun is a better player than KCP but he needs to shoot better. He was the second best Nugget last night and it probably wasn't close.
• Strawther, despite his +/-, looked good offensively and defensively. I think his development and ability (along with Braun) is why they were comfortable letting KCP go.
• Malone needs to do better with rotations. Gordon and Westbrook can't be on the court at the same time unless Gordon is playing center and the other three are shooters. MPJ needs to play with the bench to give them enough shooting to function.
• SGA was happily taking threes off the bounce - I think that could be a huge development for him and OKC.
• Chet is a menace defensively. Not that we didn't know that, but he was great last night.
• I think the Nuggets will figure it out and still be a top 4 seed, but to go anywhere in the playoffs they need to be better shooters. At least they were taking threes... other than Westbrook. He can skip it.

What's up with Jamal Murray? Is he going Ben Simmons light on us? Faded away late last year, trash in the Olympics and seems to have lost his shot. Hope he figures it out for Denver's sake. That's an ugly contract for a non performer.

 

[Major]

Starting 5 doc on Netflix is really good. I fast forward through the Butler and Sabonis stuff (they’re boring) but Ant and Bron are fascinating. Ant is just a child in a man’s body who happens to be an unbelievable basketball player. He is realllllllllllly immature off the court though. Not in a bad way, just in a 13 year old I want to play video games all day kinda way.

I think Ant is rumored to have 3 or 4 kids with 3 different mothers, so maybe a little bit in a bad way.

At this pace he's going to give Shawn Kemp a run for his money.

 

[Moe.]

If you’re wondering, the Nuggets and Thunder are still blacked out in Kansas City on League Pass, even where there is no provider here that carries their local broadcasts. Infuriating

 

[the moops]

Christian Braun is a better player than KCP but he needs to shoot better.

Oh come on. If he’s not gonna shoot better there is zero chance he is better than KCP.

 

[thecatch]

I was never much of a fan of the Ringer's Mismatch podcast with Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor, mainly because I didn't like KOC. But now they have Vernon and Jacoby together and it's become one of my favorites. FYI for anyone looking for an NBA pod.

 

[Moe.]

I was never much of a fan of the Ringer's Mismatch podcast with Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor, mainly because I didn't like KOC. But now they have Vernon and Jacoby together and it's become one of my favorites. FYI for anyone looking for an NBA pod.

Thank you, I have a Lowe Post sized hole in my podcast rotation right now

 

[Major]

If you’re wondering, the Nuggets and Thunder are still blacked out in Kansas City on League Pass, even where there is no provider here that carries their local broadcasts. Infuriating

I use a pretty reliable/slightly illegal streaming site that avoids the blackouts. PM me if you want a link.

 

[Mister CIA]

If you’re wondering, the Nuggets and Thunder are still blacked out in Kansas City on League Pass, even where there is no provider here that carries their local broadcasts. Infuriating

Could be worse. My Spurs are blacked out on League Pass for Hawks, Grizzlies, and Pelicans because apparently I live in all three tv markets at the same time. I live 175 miles or more from all three. Running on my free week at the moment, but I need to break out a schedule, a napkin, and a pencil and see if I am going to sign up for a full season, or do month-to-month.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

If you’re wondering, the Nuggets and Thunder are still blacked out in Kansas City on League Pass, even where there is no provider here that carries their local broadcasts. Infuriating

It’s FANtastic

 

[mr. furley]

I was never much of a fan of the Ringer's Mismatch podcast with Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor, mainly because I didn't like KOC. But now they have Vernon and Jacoby together and it's become one of my favorites. FYI for anyone looking for an NBA pod.

Thank you, I have a Lowe Post sized hole in my podcast rotation right now

is The Crossover dead, too?

 

[Kev4029]

I think the death of the Nuggets might be a bit overstated. They lost to the best team in the conference and missed way more shots, even from the bad shooters, than they will in a typical game. Some of my thoughts:

• The Westbrook experience was on full display. He brings much needed energy and defense. At his best he was pushing the pace and getting easy shots for others as he got into the teeth of the defense. At his worst, he is hugely destructive as he can't stop himself from taking bad shots (which is most shots available to him).
• Christian Braun is a better player than KCP but he needs to shoot better. He was the second best Nugget last night and it probably wasn't close.
• Strawther, despite his +/-, looked good offensively and defensively. I think his development and ability (along with Braun) is why they were comfortable letting KCP go.
• Malone needs to do better with rotations. Gordon and Westbrook can't be on the court at the same time unless Gordon is playing center and the other three are shooters. MPJ needs to play with the bench to give them enough shooting to function.
• SGA was happily taking threes off the bounce - I think that could be a huge development for him and OKC.
• Chet is a menace defensively. Not that we didn't know that, but he was great last night.
• I think the Nuggets will figure it out and still be a top 4 seed, but to go anywhere in the playoffs they need to be better shooters. At least they were taking threes... other than Westbrook. He can skip it.

What's up with Jamal Murray? Is he going Ben Simmons light on us? Faded away late last year, trash in the Olympics and seems to have lost his shot. Hope he figures it out for Denver's sake. That's an ugly contract for a non performer.

He looked really good in his first stint last night. Better than he's looked since just after the all-star break. He had one or two heaves (I don't know if one counted) last night and another couple grenades from other players at the end of the shot clock. He was more fine than bad last night overall - not what they need to win the title again but mostly better than the last 6 months. He'll look better once they start making some shots around him and Jokic and once Malone figures out that he should minimize Westbrook and Murray together.

I'm not sure if he'll ever be playoff Murray again, but he's definitely trending to be better than last playoffs and the Olympics.

 

[the moops]

99 free throws in the PHI/TOR game, 66 fouls. 3 guys fouled out for TOR. A total of 10 guys had at least 4 personal fouls.

What the hell?

 

[Kev4029]

Christian Braun is a better player than KCP but he needs to shoot better.

Oh come on. If he’s not gonna shoot better there is zero chance he is better than KCP.

I stand by what I said. He might not be better for THIS team because KCP is a better (but also a bit overrated because he doesn't shoot enough), but I think he is a better player overall because I think he is a slightly better defender (KCP is elite at sliding around screens, Braun is better otherwise and against bigger wings significantly better), moves without the ball much better, and is a higher effort player.

I'm a believer in Braun developing into an average shooter as a SG, and sooner rather than later. I don't think he'll ever be a knock down shooter, but if he can hold 37/38% (his current career average) but get up 2 more a game or something, he'll start getting enough gravity to open up the offense, and to open up his drive game which is actually halfway decent.

 

[Capella]

Big big Joker fan but wouldn’t mind seeing the nuggets struggle this year. Magic have their first next year.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

Boy, I’m starting to think that Utah made a big mistake by not trading away Markannen and Clarkson when they had a chance to get a boatload for them. I know they played Memphis tough the first game—but I just don’t see this team going anywhere. I looked at their schedule—and it is pretty brutal to start the a season. I would not be surprised to see this team buried in the standings 15-20 games in.

 

[Frostillicus]

Watching Lebron tonight and once again just amazed how good he still is at this age. He has a legitimate chance to finish his career 1st in points, 2nd in assists, 20th in rebounds, 5th in steals, 1st in FG made, 5th in 3PFG made, and 2nd in FT made.

 

[Yo Mama]

It’s only two games but I’m liking what I’m seeing from JJ Redick so far. Lineups and rotations that make sense, well defined roles and game plans, halftime adjustments, and sounds like great communication with the players. Seems like basic stuff but haven’t seen that with the Lakers for a while.