2024-25 NBA Thread: Game 7!! (44 Viewers)

[Frostillicus]

Donte DiVincenzo is one of the worst NBA players I have ever seen.

 

[GOB]

LaMelo Ball is a bucket.

 

[Major]

Loving the Rockets defense and their attack in transition but the shots they're settling for on set plays is awful. Lucky to be in this.

edit: 11-0 Rockets run. Ignore what I just posted. They're great

Rockets in for a rude awakening tonight

Maxey is such a joy to watch. I'd be willing to trade Van Vleet and a few picks for him.

 

[Frostillicus]

Throwing out his rookie year and 2021 when he only played 17 games, DDV is shooting a career worst from 3, from the field, and having his worst season from the line since 2020 with a career low in points and rebounds per game.

 

[Kev4029]

2024 Russell Westbrook might be better than 2024 Jamal Murray. That's problematic.

 

[Kev4029]

But at least both are better than DDV.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Loving the Rockets defense and their attack in transition but the shots they're settling for on set plays is awful. Lucky to be in this.

edit: 11-0 Rockets run. Ignore what I just posted. They're great

Rockets in for a rude awakening tonight

Maxey is such a joy to watch. I'd be willing to trade Van Vleet and a few picks for him.

Reject

 

[Kev4029]

Alternatively, Jokic might be Jesus reincarnated in the Balkans to raise horses and dabble in basketball.

 

[GOB]

Orlando hasn't lost at home this season. They are officially good.

As a show of support I have been adopting Jamahl Mosley's hairstyle.

 

[Capella]

LaMelo Ball is a bucket.

On both sides of the court

 

[Instinctive]

Fourth quarter Mavs Knicks and PJail Washington reminding us that he owns KAT in a major way.

 

[Frostillicus]

@Zow You can panic now. They're flat out bad.

 

[Zow]

@Zow You can panic now. They're flat out bad.

Two home losses against playoff teams. Not good.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

When you're playing the likes of McDaniels, Divincenzo, and Alexander-Walker over Reid, TSJ and Dillingham, you deserve to lose and suck.

Sad to see. Tons of talent. Terrific 2024 draft (arguably the best IMO). Garbage coaching playing inferior players. But they're "vets". GLWT

That TSJ can't even get off the bench for the likes of Divincenzo, McDaniels, Alexander-Walker is FN laughable. As is Dillingham playing 8 minutes/game.

 

[Frostillicus]

When you're playing the likes of McDaniels, Divincenzo, and Alexander-Walker over Reid, TSJ and Dillingham, you deserve to lose and suck.

Sad to see. Tons of talent. Terrific 2024 draft (arguably the best IMO). Garbage coaching playing inferior players. But they're "vets". GLWT

That TSJ can't even get off the bench for the likes of Divincenzo, McDaniels, Alexander-Walker is FN laughable. As is Dillingham playing 8 minutes/game.

I'm not quite ready to say those guys should be benched for Dillingham and Shannon, but those two need more minutes for sure. Dillingham was aswesome in the loss to Houston - and was +26 in 24 minutes. Gave them a hell of a boost and was a big reason they came back in that game. Shannon hasn't seen a single minute of non garbage time and was sent down to the G leavue last week and put up a 34/6/6 in his only game. He needs to get some run for sure.

Finch is only play an 8 man rotation and in some ways I get why. He wants the main 8 guys to figure out how to play together since we got two new big pieces with almost zero training camp time to gel. Makes sense.

But at this point the Wolves are not going to be competing for the 1 seed. It's time to sacrifice a bit of the get the new guys to gel in order to try to see if they can expand the rotation. They used the last bit of draft capitol they had to get Dillingham. So ****ing play him.

 

[Frostillicus]

4 losses in a row. I'm almost certain they never had a 4 game losing steak last year. sad!

 

[Frostillicus]

When you're playing the likes of McDaniels, Divincenzo, and Alexander-Walker over Reid, TSJ and Dillingham, you deserve to lose and suck.

Sad to see. Tons of talent. Terrific 2024 draft (arguably the best IMO). Garbage coaching playing inferior players. But they're "vets". GLWT

That TSJ can't even get off the bench for the likes of Divincenzo, McDaniels, Alexander-Walker is FN laughable. As is Dillingham playing 8 minutes/game.

Also McDaniels and NAW are pretty good. McDaniels hasn't had a great start to his year but he is all-defense for a reason. Walker is a bit inconsistent but he is a really good bench player who can bring elite defense for stretches and has some really good offensive games.

 

[Major]

4 losses in a row. I'm almost certain they never had a 4 game losing steak last year. sad!

The Wolves are a talented squad individually but they just don't strike fear in me this year. Crazy how far they have fallen since that amazing Denver series. They looked ready to challenge Boston for the crown. That being said a HOU v. MIN playoff series would be a lot of fun. That game was a great watch.

 

[Capella]

4 losses in a row. I'm almost certain they never had a 4 game losing steak last year. sad!

So why’d they do this trade. They were 3 games away from the finals for the first time ever, the furthest they’ve come and they…..broke it up?

I think Towns is just ok and he’s way overpaid but it is pretty wild to think about.

 

[thecatch]

When you're playing the likes of McDaniels, Divincenzo, and Alexander-Walker over Reid, TSJ and Dillingham, you deserve to lose and suck.

Sad to see. Tons of talent. Terrific 2024 draft (arguably the best IMO). Garbage coaching playing inferior players. But they're "vets". GLWT

That TSJ can't even get off the bench for the likes of Divincenzo, McDaniels, Alexander-Walker is FN laughable. As is Dillingham playing 8 minutes/game.

Also McDaniels and NAW are pretty good. McDaniels hasn't had a great start to his year but he is all-defense for a reason. Walker is a bit inconsistent but he is a really good bench player who can bring elite defense for stretches and has some really good offensive games.

Yep, those two are players any team in the league would love to have. I've only watched the Wolves games against the Kings this year, but Randle and Edwards are both such inconsistent players. Randle is either bullying guys down low on 6 straight possessions or randomly throwing the ball into the third row early in offensive possessions. Edwards looked like prime Kobe for the first quarter yesterday and then I forgot he was on the floor the rest of the game.

 

[Jayrod]

When you're playing the likes of McDaniels, Divincenzo, and Alexander-Walker over Reid, TSJ and Dillingham, you deserve to lose and suck.

Sad to see. Tons of talent. Terrific 2024 draft (arguably the best IMO). Garbage coaching playing inferior players. But they're "vets". GLWT

That TSJ can't even get off the bench for the likes of Divincenzo, McDaniels, Alexander-Walker is FN laughable. As is Dillingham playing 8 minutes/game.

Also McDaniels and NAW are pretty good. McDaniels hasn't had a great start to his year but he is all-defense for a reason. Walker is a bit inconsistent but he is a really good bench player who can bring elite defense for stretches and has some really good offensive games.

Yep, those two are players any team in the league would love to have. I've only watched the Wolves games against the Kings this year, but Randle and Edwards are both such inconsistent players. Randle is either bullying guys down low on 6 straight possessions or randomly throwing the ball into the third row early in offensive possessions. Edwards looked like prime Kobe for the first quarter yesterday and then I forgot he was on the floor the rest of the game.

I really don't mean to besmudge the name and game of ANT so much, but he just wasn't as close to great as the hype train indicated last season.

Too inconsistent and his game isn't that deep (doesn't have a lot of ways to impact winning).

He is still very young and can develop more but it seemed like people believed he had arrived already. In the words of the great Lee Corso, "not so fast, my friend."

 

[thecatch]

When you're playing the likes of McDaniels, Divincenzo, and Alexander-Walker over Reid, TSJ and Dillingham, you deserve to lose and suck.

Sad to see. Tons of talent. Terrific 2024 draft (arguably the best IMO). Garbage coaching playing inferior players. But they're "vets". GLWT

That TSJ can't even get off the bench for the likes of Divincenzo, McDaniels, Alexander-Walker is FN laughable. As is Dillingham playing 8 minutes/game.

Also McDaniels and NAW are pretty good. McDaniels hasn't had a great start to his year but he is all-defense for a reason. Walker is a bit inconsistent but he is a really good bench player who can bring elite defense for stretches and has some really good offensive games.

Yep, those two are players any team in the league would love to have. I've only watched the Wolves games against the Kings this year, but Randle and Edwards are both such inconsistent players. Randle is either bullying guys down low on 6 straight possessions or randomly throwing the ball into the third row early in offensive possessions. Edwards looked like prime Kobe for the first quarter yesterday and then I forgot he was on the floor the rest of the game.

I really don't mean to besmudge the name and game of ANT so much, but he just wasn't as close to great as the hype train indicated last season.

Too inconsistent and his game isn't that deep (doesn't have a lot of ways to impact winning).

I don't know about that last part. When he's engaged I don't see many holes in his game.

 

[Frostillicus]

4 losses in a row. I'm almost certain they never had a 4 game losing steak last year. sad!

So why’d they do this trade. They were 3 games away from the finals for the first time ever, the furthest they’ve come and they…..broke it up?

I think Towns is just ok and he’s way overpaid but it is pretty wild to think about.

I've explained this many times in here, but since you have the memory retention of a gold fish I'll do it again.

The new CBA murdered them. They had 3 max contract guys or close to it in Ant, KAT, and Rudy which would have been doable before. Now it's not. They had a choice. Run it back for one year, lose Naz and Naw after the season and be forced to trade KAT anyway, or trade KAT now and retain future flexibility. Doing the trade when they did means they can probably keep the team together and have flexiibility to retool around Ant. The whole thing is a bet on Ant and making sure they have the ability to make moves to make the team compliment him. It's also why they extended Rudy - less money per year = more flexibility.

Without the trade, they'd get one year to run it back, then the team likely becomes Edwards and a bunch of stiffs with zero draft picks to rebuild. This way they were hoping to remain at the same level (not looking like it) but with the ability to stay competitive in the future. And, if DDV is even remotely the same player he was last year, we probably aren't even worried about the team at this point.

 

[thecatch]

4 losses in a row. I'm almost certain they never had a 4 game losing steak last year. sad!

So why’d they do this trade. They were 3 games away from the finals for the first time ever, the furthest they’ve come and they…..broke it up?

I think Towns is just ok and he’s way overpaid but it is pretty wild to think about.

I've explained this many times in here, but since you have the memory retention of a gold fish I'll do it again.

The new CBA murdered them. They had 3 max contract guys or close to it in Ant, KAT, and Rudy which would have been doable before. Now it's not. They had a choice. Run it back for one year, lose Naz and Naw after the season and be forced to trade KAT anyway, or trade KAT now and retain future flexibility. Doing the trade when they did means they can probably keep the team together and have flexiibility to retool around Ant. The whole thing is a bet on Ant and making sure they have the ability to make moves to make the team compliment him. It's also why they extended Rudy - less money per year = more flexibility.

Without the trade, they'd get one year to run it back, then the team likely becomes Edwards and a bunch of stiffs with zero draft picks to rebuild. This way they were hoping to remain at the same level (not looking like it) but with the ability to stay competitive in the future. And, if DDV is even remotely the same player he was last year, we probably aren't even worried about the team at this point.

I'm pretty sure DDV's year last year was an outlier, but that was still an amazing trade. They have a sustainable roster now. NY gave them a get out of cap jail free card by taking KAT.

 

[Frostillicus]

When you're playing the likes of McDaniels, Divincenzo, and Alexander-Walker over Reid, TSJ and Dillingham, you deserve to lose and suck.

Sad to see. Tons of talent. Terrific 2024 draft (arguably the best IMO). Garbage coaching playing inferior players. But they're "vets". GLWT

That TSJ can't even get off the bench for the likes of Divincenzo, McDaniels, Alexander-Walker is FN laughable. As is Dillingham playing 8 minutes/game.

Also McDaniels and NAW are pretty good. McDaniels hasn't had a great start to his year but he is all-defense for a reason. Walker is a bit inconsistent but he is a really good bench player who can bring elite defense for stretches and has some really good offensive games.

Yep, those two are players any team in the league would love to have. I've only watched the Wolves games against the Kings this year, but Randle and Edwards are both such inconsistent players. Randle is either bullying guys down low on 6 straight possessions or randomly throwing the ball into the third row early in offensive possessions. Edwards looked like prime Kobe for the first quarter yesterday and then I forgot he was on the floor the rest of the game.

I really don't mean to besmudge the name and game of ANT so much, but he just wasn't as close to great as the hype train indicated last season.

Too inconsistent and his game isn't that deep (doesn't have a lot of ways to impact winning).

I don't know about that last part. When he's engaged I don't see many holes in his game.

This has been the problem. Maybe I'm expecting too much from him at 23, but his focus just seems to come and go. I thought the Olympics and being around those guys would help him laser beam in, but I haven't seen any change.

That being said, this is also the best season of his career to date, and that's saying something. He's not the issue.

 

[Frostillicus]

4 losses in a row. I'm almost certain they never had a 4 game losing steak last year. sad!

So why’d they do this trade. They were 3 games away from the finals for the first time ever, the furthest they’ve come and they…..broke it up?

I think Towns is just ok and he’s way overpaid but it is pretty wild to think about.

I've explained this many times in here, but since you have the memory retention of a gold fish I'll do it again.

The new CBA murdered them. They had 3 max contract guys or close to it in Ant, KAT, and Rudy which would have been doable before. Now it's not. They had a choice. Run it back for one year, lose Naz and Naw after the season and be forced to trade KAT anyway, or trade KAT now and retain future flexibility. Doing the trade when they did means they can probably keep the team together and have flexiibility to retool around Ant. The whole thing is a bet on Ant and making sure they have the ability to make moves to make the team compliment him. It's also why they extended Rudy - less money per year = more flexibility.

Without the trade, they'd get one year to run it back, then the team likely becomes Edwards and a bunch of stiffs with zero draft picks to rebuild. This way they were hoping to remain at the same level (not looking like it) but with the ability to stay competitive in the future. And, if DDV is even remotely the same player he was last year, we probably aren't even worried about the team at this point.

I'm pretty sure DDV's year last year was an outlier, but that was still an amazing trade. They have a sustainable roster now. NY gave them a get out of cap jail free card by taking KAT.

This is a much more succint way of putting it.

 

[Frostillicus]

Bascially the league conspired to rewrite the new CBA to **** over the Wolves. Probably because of the Joe Smith thing.

 

[Capella]

I've explained this many times in here, but since you have the memory retention of a gold fish I'll do it again.

No it’s just that your posts are terrible and I do not read them.

 

[Mister CIA]

Go Spurs Go!

 

[Frostillicus]

I've explained this many times in here, but since you have the memory retention of a gold fish I'll do it again.

No it’s just that your posts are terrible and I do not read them.

I don't believe you.

 

[millertyme1]

When you're playing the likes of McDaniels, Divincenzo, and Alexander-Walker over Reid, TSJ and Dillingham, you deserve to lose and suck.

Sad to see. Tons of talent. Terrific 2024 draft (arguably the best IMO). Garbage coaching playing inferior players. But they're "vets". GLWT

That TSJ can't even get off the bench for the likes of Divincenzo, McDaniels, Alexander-Walker is FN laughable. As is Dillingham playing 8 minutes/game.

Doesn't make the least bit of sense what they're doing with Dillingham and Shannon Jr.

The first 3 guys you mentioned above are okay bench pieces. Nothing wrong with that and needed on every team. They are what they are.

Got to believe in time it'll change.

 

[Frostillicus]

When you're playing the likes of McDaniels, Divincenzo, and Alexander-Walker over Reid, TSJ and Dillingham, you deserve to lose and suck.

Sad to see. Tons of talent. Terrific 2024 draft (arguably the best IMO). Garbage coaching playing inferior players. But they're "vets". GLWT

That TSJ can't even get off the bench for the likes of Divincenzo, McDaniels, Alexander-Walker is FN laughable. As is Dillingham playing 8 minutes/game.

Doesn't make the least bit of sense what they're doing with Dillingham and Shannon Jr.

The first 3 guys you mentioned above are okay bench pieces. Nothing wrong with that and needed on every team. They are what they are.

Got to believe in time it'll change.

Right. I wouldn't play Dillingham nor Shannon over Reid, DDV, McDaniels, or NAW. But I would play them because you can't get through a season playing 8 guys - which seems to be Finch's strategy so far. One was a lottery pick, the other is an "old" guy who, if he's ever going to be a rotatoin guy should be a rotation guy like, today. They need to be playing.

 

[Frostillicus]

Actually that's wrong. I'd play any random person from any random gym over DDV.

 

[Frostillicus]

Wolves win! Thanksgiving miracle!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Banchero getting hurt is actually going to help the Magic long term.

 

[Yo Mama]

Banchero getting hurt is actually going to help the Magic long term.

They’re a NBA Cup powerhouse - 3-0 with a +60 point differential.

 

[GOB]

I try to always say nice things about other teams but Ben Simmons.

He is the Green bean casserole of the league.

Also, T&Ps to @Kev4029 watching KCP lately.

 

[Major]

Don't look now but the Rockets are 2nd in the West. Really impressive start. Sengun has stepped up his defensive prowess and All-Star worthy for the way he can take over games. Loved seeing the +/- leaders in the NBA and him being 3rd behind SGA and Tatum.

Amen has also been sensational. I doubt the stat sheet will tell the whole story of how he effects games. Definitely 1st team All Defense at this point. Easily one of my favorite players to watch for all the things he does off ball.

They're really only missing a high efficiency scorer/playmaker. Jalen Green shows flashes but I don't think he'll ever be that consistent and/or efficient. Watching Maxey torch them made me envious. I'd be willing to trade the farm for a guy like that as he'd complete this team - take Jalen, Jabari plus picks and I wouldn't bat an eye.

 

[Kev4029]

I try to always say nice things about other teams but Ben Simmons.

He is the Green bean casserole of the league.

Also, T&Ps to @Kev4029 watching KCP lately.

Thanks for your concern. My family is wishing for privacy at this time.

 

[Major]

Banchero getting hurt is actually going to help the Magic long term.

They’re a NBA Cup powerhouse - 3-0 with a +60 point differential.

would love to see them battle the other powerhouse in the NBA Cup Finals. 1995 #NeverForget

 

[Navin Johnson]

Never seen anything like this. A full court tip in attempt by Jokic. This guy is so awesome

x.com

x.com

I've been waiting for this for decades. No joke, ha! Having played a lot of volleyball, I've always wondered why hoops players haven't tried to "bump" a shot in, when the clock won't allow a catch-and-shoot. This wasn't technically a bump, but similar and the thought process the same.

In a similar vein, I am still waiting to see our first "Spike-Dunk" in the NBA. It will start with an alley-oop, and finish with a spike of the ball down into the hoop. Look out, it's comin baby (with or without a broken wrist)!

Anyway, leave it to Jokic to make my dreams come true.

The Warriors ran a SLOB play with 0.2 a few years back. Curry inbounding, and they ran a screen the screener with Iggy slipping to the rim. Curry shot the ball from OB and Iggy was just supposed to get a finger on it in the cylinder before it went in. Iggy missed and the ball went in so it was a violation.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

They're really only missing a high efficiency scorer/playmaker

That's not (or will be) Reed Sheppard?

 

[Major]

They're really only missing a high efficiency scorer/playmaker

That's not (or will be) Reed Sheppard?

That's the hope but definitely not this year - looks timid and small out there plus Udoka doesn't trust his defense.

 

[Harry Frogfish]

17 free throws in the last 34 seconds of the Bos / Cle game. Finishing with 1/2 an hour of stoppage and FT's? Yuck. That is a crap product.

 

[Capella]

Magic are just womping teams. We love to see it.

 

[identikit]

17 free throws in the last 34 seconds of the Bos / Cle game. Finishing with 1/2 an hour of stoppage and FT's? Yuck. That is a crap product.

Loved the game.

Excellent strategery at the end, though the free throw exhibition was on the boring side

 

[Major]

Magic are just womping teams. We love to see it.

I'm rooting for you guys in the East. Seems like Houston and Orlando have been on similar timetables so it's fun to see the organic growth of the two while teams like Philly are still processing.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Don't look now but the Rockets are 2nd in the West. Really impressive start. Sengun has stepped up his defensive prowess and All-Star worthy for the way he can take over games. Loved seeing the +/- leaders in the NBA and him being 3rd behind SGA and Tatum.

Amen has also been sensational. I doubt the stat sheet will tell the whole story of how he effects games. Definitely 1st team All Defense at this point. Easily one of my favorite players to watch for all the things he does off ball.

Amen

Best on ball defender in the game right now IMO. Guy's a future star on an absolutely loaded team. He'd be a walking triple double in other situations. If he continues to improve his mid-range & outside, he's going to be a superstar. One of my favorite players to watch play in the league. Straight dawg that is a championship level player you want on your team. Scottie Pippen's kid actually plays in Houston...

If I'm trying to rebuild and unload a current superstar, Amen is at the top of guys I'd want to build a package with to start a rebuild. I'm actually hoping the Suns would/will explore it as they're going nowhere now as constructed. If I'm the Rockets, no shot in hell I'd deal him. Would easily be the dumbest trade involving a "6th man" since James Harden

 

[Major]

Don't look now but the Rockets are 2nd in the West. Really impressive start. Sengun has stepped up his defensive prowess and All-Star worthy for the way he can take over games. Loved seeing the +/- leaders in the NBA and him being 3rd behind SGA and Tatum.

Amen has also been sensational. I doubt the stat sheet will tell the whole story of how he effects games. Definitely 1st team All Defense at this point. Easily one of my favorite players to watch for all the things he does off ball.

Amen

Best on ball defender in the game right now IMO. Guy's a future star on an absolutely loaded team. He'd be a walking triple double in other situations. If he continues to improve his mid-range & outside, he's going to be a superstar. One of my favorite players to watch play in the league. Straight dawg that is a championship level player you want on your team. Scottie Pippen's kid actually plays in Houston...

If I'm trying to rebuild and unload a current superstar, Amen is at the top of guys I'd want to build a package with to start a rebuild. I'm actually hoping the Suns would/will explore it as they're going nowhere now as constructed. If I'm the Rockets, no shot in hell I'd deal him. Would easily be the dumbest trade involving a "6th man" since James Harden

Yeah, I don't think Sengoat or Amen will be part of any trade. I've been hearing a lot of rumors about De'Aaron Fox lately. I'd imagine some combo of Jalen and/or Jabari plus most of those PHX picks would get it done.

 

[thecatch]

Don't look now but the Rockets are 2nd in the West. Really impressive start. Sengun has stepped up his defensive prowess and All-Star worthy for the way he can take over games. Loved seeing the +/- leaders in the NBA and him being 3rd behind SGA and Tatum.

Amen has also been sensational. I doubt the stat sheet will tell the whole story of how he effects games. Definitely 1st team All Defense at this point. Easily one of my favorite players to watch for all the things he does off ball.

Amen

Best on ball defender in the game right now IMO. Guy's a future star on an absolutely loaded team. He'd be a walking triple double in other situations. If he continues to improve his mid-range & outside, he's going to be a superstar. One of my favorite players to watch play in the league. Straight dawg that is a championship level player you want on your team. Scottie Pippen's kid actually plays in Houston...

If I'm trying to rebuild and unload a current superstar, Amen is at the top of guys I'd want to build a package with to start a rebuild. I'm actually hoping the Suns would/will explore it as they're going nowhere now as constructed. If I'm the Rockets, no shot in hell I'd deal him. Would easily be the dumbest trade involving a "6th man" since James Harden

Yeah, I don't think Sengoat or Amen will be part of any trade. I've been hearing a lot of rumors about De'Aaron Fox lately. I'd imagine some combo of Jalen and/or Jabari plus most of those PHX picks would get it done.

I don't think it would.