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2024-25 NBA Thread: incredible playoffs so far! (201 Viewers)
- Thread starter Capella
- Start date
Major
Footballguy
Yeah, I only watched them v. HOU but they looked great that game. A lot better team than their record indicates but far from a legit contender like I thought they would be a few years back.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Just checking in since Christmas week is sometimes when I start watching more basketball
I haven't watched a single second this season and don't see myself tuning in anytime soon
I guess maybe when the Playoffs start, maybe?
I can't say exactly why since I use to enjoy the NBA quite. a lot in the 00s and 10s but just not much about it feels exciting right now
I wonder how their ratings are currently
I haven't watched a single second this season and don't see myself tuning in anytime soon
I guess maybe when the Playoffs start, maybe?
I can't say exactly why since I use to enjoy the NBA quite. a lot in the 00s and 10s but just not much about it feels exciting right now
I wonder how their ratings are currently
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Viewership is down 48% since 2012.
Jayrod
Footballguy
That's wild. I think the game is better now than in the early 2010's.
the moops
Footballguy
Yet the teams and players are making more money than ever before.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
They chuck up a lot of 3s now, I like to watch guys drive more to the hoop
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
I’m an nba fan and have been forever but it is a hard product to watch imo right now. Boring. 
Capella
Footballguy
They’ll move the 3 point line back eventually. 82 games is too many for any sport, I’ll start locking in after the Super Bowl.I’m an nba fan and have been forever but it is a hard product to watch imo right now. Boring.
That said I don’t get why anybody cares about the ratings. I’m not a team owner and they just signed a mega billions tv deal like 3 months ago.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Viership for almost everything is way down with so many streaming services and viewing options. Not sure the NBA was really effected more than other sports, shows, or entertainment.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
NFL ratings are way down?
Hockey is way down from their usual 4th place numbers?
I'm just asking and I want those who like the NBA to know, I'm not trying to make any disparaging comments or trying to take it away from just the pure athleticism but certainly the push for WNBA when folks just want to watch the men and get the WNBA constantly advertised to make you somehow feel guilty for not wanting to watch, i won't go any further with it but it certainly is not appealing to casual NBA fans...I can't imagine a woman's league alongside the NFL and constant advertising for it like it's the same thing
If you are watching currently, this post isn't meant for you, more the casual fan even if they were a semi-serious fan back a decade or two or three ago
Mister CIA
Footballguy
Shouldn't you be watching a Fan Duel commercial?
the moops
Footballguy
Guys drive more to the hoop now than before because of the space created by the threes. What has disappeared from the game is the long two point jump shots
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Excellent point
Major
Footballguy
The NBA makes it near impossible to follow your home team. You can buy league pass and still not get most of the games which is frustrating. This has pushed many including myself to just say f it and stream from free pirated sites. As a result, many viewers aren't even being counted.
Long Ball Larry
Footballguy
Alex Caruso, the final piece that guarantees OKC a championship, has signed a 4 yr, $81 million extension
Kev4029
Footballguy
The Nuggets make not ******* sense. They looked like they were having a lot more fun in the 4th and OT. They need a trade so bad.
Yo Mama
Footballguy
I can’t believe they came back. They looked like they quit earlier in the game. I guess having all the remaining Pelicans get hurt helped.
Kev4029
Footballguy
And once the bench isn't playing, they look a lot better. Also, MPJ who doesn't look to be doing good with the swirling trade rumors and he was benched for the last 1.5 quarters for some reason or another.
Navin Johnson
Footballguy
They do that too.
Navin Johnson
Footballguy
And the rugby scrums
Craig_MiamiFL
Footballguy
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.
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.
Craig_MiamiFL
Footballguy
Amazing the Pellies are 5-25.
Better shot Zion is done for the season with a 6 month hamstring injury or dealt?
Pellies gonna be one of the more interesting trade teams in recent memory. Theyve got a **** load of current talent and positioned for high pick in a strong 2025 class
Better shot Zion is done for the season with a 6 month hamstring injury or dealt?
Pellies gonna be one of the more interesting trade teams in recent memory. Theyve got a **** load of current talent and positioned for high pick in a strong 2025 class
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Kev4029
Footballguy
I think his salary is unguaranteed as long as he plays less than something like half of the season's games. I think they hold him for the offseason (because he has zero value currently) to see if somebody will give them literally anything of value, if not, I think he'll get waived.Amazing the Pellies are 5-25.
Better shot Zion is done for the season with a 6 month hamstring injury or dealt?
Pellies gonna be one of the more interesting trade teams in recent memory. Theyve got a **** load of current talent and positioned for high pick in a strong 2025 class
Nobody who has watched the Kings this year thinks Derozan has been the problem.
the moops
Footballguy
I think his salary is unguaranteed as long as he plays less than something like half of the season's games. I think they hold him for the offseason (because he has zero value currently) to see if somebody will give them literally anything of value, if not, I think he'll get waived.Amazing the Pellies are 5-25.
Better shot Zion is done for the season with a 6 month hamstring injury or dealt?
Pellies gonna be one of the more interesting trade teams in recent memory. Theyve got a **** load of current talent and positioned for high pick in a strong 2025 class
- Guaranteed seasons became non-guaranteed due to games played clause:
- 2024-25: 50% guaranteed, fully guaranteed 1/7/25
- 2025-26: non-guaranteed, fully guaranteed 7/15/25
- 2026-27: non-guaranteed, fully guaranteed 7/15/26
- 2027-28: non-guaranteed, fully guaranteed 7/15/27
- Guarantee triggers exist if certain criteria has been met:
- 20% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if passes all six of his weigh-in checkpoints during the 2024-25 season
- 40% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if plays >= 41 games during 2024-25 season, additional 20% if plays >= 51 games, remaining 20% if plays >= 61 games.
- Salaries for 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons can be re-guaranteed if above metrics are hit the season prior
Kev4029
Footballguy
That is a crazy contract.I think his salary is unguaranteed as long as he plays less than something like half of the season's games. I think they hold him for the offseason (because he has zero value currently) to see if somebody will give them literally anything of value, if not, I think he'll get waived.Amazing the Pellies are 5-25.
Better shot Zion is done for the season with a 6 month hamstring injury or dealt?
Pellies gonna be one of the more interesting trade teams in recent memory. Theyve got a **** load of current talent and positioned for high pick in a strong 2025 class
- Guaranteed seasons became non-guaranteed due to games played clause:
- 2024-25: 50% guaranteed, fully guaranteed 1/7/25
- 2025-26: non-guaranteed, fully guaranteed 7/15/25
- 2026-27: non-guaranteed, fully guaranteed 7/15/26
- 2027-28: non-guaranteed, fully guaranteed 7/15/27
- Guarantee triggers exist if certain criteria has been met:
- 20% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if passes all six of his weigh-in checkpoints during the 2024-25 season
- 40% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if plays >= 41 games during 2024-25 season, additional 20% if plays >= 51 games, remaining 20% if plays >= 61 games.
- Salaries for 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons can be re-guaranteed if above metrics are hit the season prior
Kev4029
Footballguy
Speaking of what the problem is, what the **** is wrong with Keegan Murray? His rookie year he looked like he was going to be plus shooter and scorer. Last year his shooting dipped, but the rest of his game looked better, especially defensively. Now it seems like it's all cratered. The rest of their role players under performing is an issue, but Murray becoming a pumpkin is the most concerning.
If this was any franchise other than Sacramento, I would say blow it up. But Sacramento supports their team through mediocre performance better than any city in the NBA and I don't think the franchise can afford a rebuild that takes 19 seasons or whatever again.
millertyme1
Footballguy
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.
It's baffling. It seems like he really committed to being a good defensive player, which he improbably has become, but he's become worthless on offense in the process. I cringe when he launches open corner threes, which is insane given how awesome he was as a rookie.
I've posted this several times in this thread, but I certainly won't pass up an invitation to vent again
(1) Keon Ellis's insertion into the starting lineup last year almost single-handedly made this team a top 5 defense while shooting 42% on threes. He was legit one of the most underrated and valuable players in the league. So what happens this year? He's routinely getting DNP-CDs, has started only 4 games and is averaging only 20 mpg. And he's playing just as well or better in the minutes he's getting this year. Kevin Huerter routinely plays over him despite the fact that he's shooting 31% from deep and is playing Kevin Huerter defense. And then rather than going back to Ellis, the team borrowed the lynchpin of the bench unit in Monk and put him in the starting lineup despite the fact that the team already had a top 10 offense and didn't need to juice the opening lineup.
(2) This team only goes 7 deep in terms of NBA rotation players. There's a couple more guys who can play in a pinch but shouldn't be regularly relied upon (Huerter, Len). 1-2 guys of that group have been hurt at various points most of the year, which means the Kings are routinely rolling out a total of ~5 guys who should be playing in an NBA game on any given night. That has meant the bench has been a total disaster. Jae Crowder, Doug McDermott, undrafted rookie Isaac Jones, underwhelming second rounder Colby Jones, etc. are all getting meaningful minutes on any given night. I think they were really counting on one the perceived steals-of-the-draft Devin Carter to be in the rotation right away, and were a bit blindsided this summer about how bad his shoulder injury was. And they just gave away Davion Mitchell, Sasha Vezenkov, and Chris Duarte over the summer. To be clear, I don't like any of those players (well, Vezenkov could have had a nice role if he could have reconciled himself with not being a star), but they could give you replacement level on-court production, which is better than what those bench spots have been provided.
(3) All that said, and even after this last 4 game crap-show, the Kings are 9th on offense and 15th on defense. You can count the people who thought Mike Brown could get this team playing top 25 defense on one hand. I think they've just improbably lost a ton of close games and morale is sinking as a result. Fox is at that point in his career where he's not going to put up with being on a bad team, and he and his new agents at Klutch have an itchy trigger finger. I think he's made his situation into a bit of a cancer recently.
I don't think the fan support issue should be the reason they don't blow this up. We'd be happier cheering for a plucky team of underdogs than a talented team with expectations that is underperforming. They got booed really badly last night. I wanted to take my basketball-crazed kids to a game as a Christmas present this year, but I'm not going to pay good team prices (~$1000 for a family of four for decent lower-level tickets) to watch this product out of principle.
That said, this team is too close to seriously consider a blow up, at least in-season. They have draft picks to trade and I think I'd they should go get a few rotation players with them instead of keeping their powder dry for a star later (I'm thinking possibly something akin to the trades the Mavs made last year). That, plus Carter getting back at some point relatively soon (assuming he's as good as the draftniks thought), should get them back in serious contention for the playoffs.
Kev4029
Footballguy
I appreciate the writeup - good info.
I think part of the perception issue with the Kings, beyond the fact that you mentioned that their record is underperforming their performance, is that when they finished 3rd in the west a couple seasons ago, they still only had 48 wins and a somewhat uninspiring net rating of +2.6 (they are +1.2 this season). They were and still are an above average team but they were never a high end team. If they were in the east, they would be looking a lot better right now, just like in the west in 22-23.
Yeah, being in the East has been a franchise cheat code for the last 20 years.
Jayrod
Footballguy
I'm withholding my comments, but curious what others actually think of this contract.
Juxtatarot
Footballguy
I don’t contribute that to DeRozan. Main reasons the Bulls haven’t been worse despite losing DeRozan and Caruso IMO is LaVine being healthy and shooting well (50/44) and a tremendous turnaround in Vucevic’s offensive game (58/44 this year compared to 48/29 last year).
Instinctive
Footballguy
At the risk of speaking too early in a game, man DeAndre Ayton is not good. He's fallen a loooooong way since Arizona. Not that many guys Dallas just has Gafford just attack a guy off the dribble from outside much.
Frostillicus
Footballguy
Wolves just completely broken, and it's starting to show in their body language. Miserable experience watching them right now. Some major changes need to be made.
Moe.
Footballguy
I see no downside, will be super easy to trade if it comes to it. It makes sense for the Thunder to go for it as much as possible before Jalen and Chet get super expensive and they have to retool. They can be aggressive without compromising long-term flexibility. Presti is really good and has them in an amazing spot.
As far as basketball I think Caruso has been awesome for the Thunder this year. His effort is contagious, and when him and Dort are out there I sometimes get annoyed on behalf of the other team. Hopefully he'll start to shoot it a little better. Giddey has not been good this year - trading him for Caruso (and then signing him to this extension) was the better option without question.
Instinctive
Footballguy
DANIEL GAFFORD just absolutely man moding the Blazers tonight.
jvdesigns2002
Footballguy
The problem is that the moves that they need to make are uncomfortable. They traded a big piece of their team for Randle and Donte—and it feels like they are trying to force things to work with Randle being a big peg in their starting lineup. At the same time, their superstar player whose best qualities are his energy, leadership and athleticism has fallen in love with perimeter shooting. They really need to replace Randle with Reid in their starting lineup imo. I feel like that will help the ball movement and the chemistry amongst the starters. I also think that Reid is a better fit as he isn’t the “ball stopper” that Randle is—he generally either is a quick catch and shoot guy—or he attacks the basket (similar to what Kat did). I think you then bring Randle off of the bench along with Donte and Nickeil—which is very solid. The question is if there is enough courage and enough ability to put ego aside to make those moves.
Frostillicus
Footballguy
This would go a long way, but I think the thought is that you tank Randle's trade value by putting him into a bench role, but I'm not exactly sure you're boosting his value watching the team go into the ****ter either. I know for sure it's time to start playing Dillingham.
jvdesigns2002
Footballguy
I don’t think the Wolves can boost or hurt Randle’s trade value much. Every other franchise in the league already knows and has an already established position of what Randle is worth. If anything, Randle putting his ego aside and doing what it takes for his team to win might be the only way his trade value rises. Going to the bench does not necessarily result in diminished production. The Hawks moved Deandre Hunter to the bench and he’s having one of his best seasons. I’m personally not ready to give Dillingham the complete green light just yet. I think he has a lot of talent, but he’s still very young, raw and unpolished imo. I feel like he can learn a lot from guys like Conley and Donte. I like when young players develop in organized winning situations, and the Wolves are not that right now. The Wolves are a mess right now—but I think their issues require some setting aside of egos to fix. I don’t see the need for massive roster moves or throwing young players (like rebuilding franchises would do) in there.
SWC
Bromigo
they lost to a bucks team without anteaternintendo or dolla dame last night i mean id trade its not working get lean financially and start over take that to the bank brohans
Juxtatarot
Footballguy
SWC
Bromigo
yeah thats odd it could be because the chicago fans are some of the biggest fairweather fans in the universe and are only good fans when their team is winning as proof of that just turn on 670 the score at any point in time and you will learn that everyone on every chicago sports team that is not right then winning a championship needs to be fired immediately i remember listening after the bears lost the superbowl to the colts and every caller and baffore and obranovich called everyone a bum and wanted everyone fired immediately i mean they had just come in second place in the nfl come on you dorks take that to the bank brochachos
Kev4029
Footballguy
Some Christmas Eve Jokic statistics:
Jokic is leading the NBA is 3PT% @ 51.4% while also leading the NBA in heaves (8) - taking out those heaves (shots beyond half court), he is shooting 55.6%.
Speaking of heaves (via Reddit):
Jokic is leading the NBA is 3PT% @ 51.4% while also leading the NBA in heaves (8) - taking out those heaves (shots beyond half court), he is shooting 55.6%.
Speaking of heaves (via Reddit):
- This year, Jokic has 8 end of quarter “heaves” in 24 games. He also lead the NBA in heaves last year
- LeBron has 5 in his last 892 (since the start of the 2011-2012 season).
- KD as 9 in his entire career, 1079 games.
- Embiid has 12 in 441.
- Tatum has 6 in 539.
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