2024-25 NBA Thread: for the second time, somebody in Dallas hits low percentage shot that leads to a generation of conspiracy theories (13 Viewers)

[Kev4029]

I know I've posted my disdain for Jabari Smith before but just heard a stat that on open 3s he's the worst shooter in the NBA at 15%. Shooting was supposedly his strong point but I haven't seen ANY improvement since he's entered the league. Udoka really needs to let the better player start (Tari) and if it wouldn't crush his trade value I'd be open to sending him to the G-League to join Cam. He's that bad

x.com

x.com

He's no KCP, that's for sure.

KCP busting out of his season long slump by hitting TWO threes tonight. About to see his league worst 3pt% make a big jump from 20% to 22%!

 

[General Malaise]

Ummmmmmmm.......guys?

Blazers look kinda good! Clingan just blocked a Twolf and I think I saw his soul depart his body. Jesus.....15/11 and 5 blocks so far.

Can WE play this garbage franchise every night?

 

[General Malaise]

Clingan with a block in 15 straight games ties a rookie franchise record with Bill Walton!

Another block for Clingan!!!!! 6 blocks!

 

[General Malaise]

ANOTHER CLOCK FOR CLINGAN!!!!!!!


7!

 

[General Malaise]

It's a new era in Portland folks.

Also, Boston, thanks for Delano Banton! He good.

Sharpe with 33, Clingan with 8 blocks.

Look out, NBA. New winds are blowing in and their coming from the PNW.

 

[Frostillicus]

I'm not at a panic level yet, but the Wolves are not a good team right now.

A big problem is Finch playing a Thibs like rotation. Ant is playing huge minutes and you can already see it wearing him down as he's played absolutely like *** in the second game of both back-to-backs. McDaniels defense has slipped, DDV cant'do anything, and Conley seems old all of a sudden. Randle has been good, but inconsistent. Naz Reid is awesome offensively, but terrible on defense. Rudy is still awesome on defense, but his offense seems even worse.

I loved KAT but understood the financial need to make the trade and talked myself into it, but it is glarlngly obvious how much they miss him now.

 

[Frostillicus]

Clingan with a block in 15 straight games ties a rookie franchise record with Bill Walton!

Another block for Clingan!!!!! 6 blocks!

Clingan completely owned the paint on both ends. Not sure if that says more about him or the state of the Wolves, but he was awesome tonight. Scoot also starting to look like what we thought he would look like. Shaedon Sharpe is back and looks good too. Nice things happening for the Blazers.

 

[Zigg]

How does Edey look? His stats seem pretty good on a per minute basis.

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

13-0

 

[Dr. Octopus]

13-0

In my fantasy football league we determine the draft order by being randomly assigned an NBA team and whoever’s team has the most wins gets first choice on draft slot, the next most wins gets the second choice and so on…

I drew the Cavilers a few weeks back and wasn’t really thrilled but now I’m feeling pretty good about it.

 

[Jayrod]

How does Edey look? His stats seem pretty good on a per minute basis.

He's slow and fouls a lot, but is highly effective on the glass and not useless offensively.

 

[Jayrod]

I feel like the NBA's aversion away from older college players is just stupid.

That Dalton Knecht fell to the 17th pick is baffling. Yeah he may not last more than 15 years in the NBA, but he'll be closer to his prime on a rookie contract. He was one guy who just looked like an NBA guy last season in college.

 

[SWC]

i like knecht but holy smokes did kenyon martins kid block the hell out of him a few nights back take that to the bank brohans

 

[SWC]

man did barkley shaq and jet take apart embid take that to the bank bromigos

 

[SWC]

dame is four years older than anteater and they need to trade him now for younger parts or picks the bucks are a better team when they run through anteater and what people outside of brew town dont realize is that he is the city and the people here love him more than i will do justice here dame and anteater just dont work together which makes me sad but you have to deal with reality and make smart moves take that to the bank brohans

 

[General Malaise]

Clingan with a block in 15 straight games ties a rookie franchise record with Bill Walton!

Another block for Clingan!!!!! 6 blocks!

Clingan completely owned the paint on both ends. Not sure if that says more about him or the state of the Wolves, but he was awesome tonight. Scoot also starting to look like what we thought he would look like. Shaedon Sharpe is back and looks good too. Nice things happening for the Blazers.

Clingan actually got more than 12 minutes with Ayton out and he responded quite well. For the first time in what feels like forever the home crowd went bananas for a player. There's finally some excitement back in the building. He was blocking everything.

 

[General Malaise]

Donovan Clingan is the eighth rookie in NBA history with at least 17 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks in a game. The others include six Hall of Famers: Ralph Sampson, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning, Tim Duncan, and Victor Wembanyama.

LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 

[Capella]

dame is four years older than anteater and they need to trade him now for younger parts or picks the bucks are a better team when they run through anteater and what people outside of brew town dont realize is that he is the city and the people here love him more than i will do justice here dame and anteater just dont work together which makes me sad but you have to deal with reality and make smart moves take that to the bank brohans

I don’t think they can trade Dame bromigo. He makes too much money. They may have to eat that one.

 

[Anarchy99]

I haven't had a chance to watch the Cavs yet. Are they just on a heater or is this run sustainable all season? IIRC, last year they went 18-1 in a mid-season stretch at one point . . . but they went 30-33 the rest of the season. Their expected record so far is 10-3 (which is the same as Boston) and ranks tied for 3rd overall. OKC ranks 1st at 10-2 and GSW is 2nd at 9-2.

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

I haven't had a chance to watch the Cavs yet. Are they just on a heater or is this run sustainable all season? IIRC, last year they went 18-1 in a mid-season stretch at one point . . . but they went 30-33 the rest of the season. Their expected record so far is 10-3 (which is the same as Boston) and ranks tied for 3rd overall. OKC ranks 1st at 10-2 and GSW is 2nd at 9-2.

I’m sure part of this run is that the majority of their games (I think 10 of the 13) have been against the awful east. But that is also the reason this might be sustainable.

From everything I’ve read, the big differences in this team from last year is:

1. A healthy Garland
2. A very good head coach

 

[thecatch]

dame is four years older than anteater and they need to trade him now for younger parts or picks the bucks are a better team when they run through anteater and what people outside of brew town dont realize is that he is the city and the people here love him more than i will do justice here dame and anteater just dont work together which makes me sad but you have to deal with reality and make smart moves take that to the bank brohans

I don’t think they can trade Dame bromigo. He makes too much money. They may have to eat that one.

The Wolves were able to trade KAT

 

[Zow]

Ummmmmmmm.......guys?

Blazers look kinda good! Clingan just blocked a Twolf and I think I saw his soul depart his body. Jesus.....15/11 and 5 blocks so far.

Can WE play this garbage franchise every night?

Another beer bet that the Wolves finish better than the garbage Trailblazers franchise?

 

[General Malaise]

dame is four years older than anteater and they need to trade him now for younger parts or picks the bucks are a better team when they run through anteater and what people outside of brew town dont realize is that he is the city and the people here love him more than i will do justice here dame and anteater just dont work together which makes me sad but you have to deal with reality and make smart moves take that to the bank brohans

I don’t think they can trade Dame bromigo. He makes too much money. They may have to eat that one.

Heat culture might offer the Bucks Duncan Robinson, Udonis Haslem, some sand from South Beach and a few timeouts Eric Spoelstra thinks he has in his pocket for Dame.

 

[the moops]

Lebron was drafted in 2003. You have to go all the way to 2011 draft to find the next #1 pick (Kyrie) that is still playing in the NBA. Crazy

 

[General Malaise]

Ummmmmmmm.......guys?

Blazers look kinda good! Clingan just blocked a Twolf and I think I saw his soul depart his body. Jesus.....15/11 and 5 blocks so far.

Can WE play this garbage franchise every night?

Another beer bet that the Wolves finish better than the garbage Trailblazers franchise?

Negative, ghost rider. I'm just trying to stir chit up in here so it's not dominated by Celtics and Bronny talk. I'm realistic about what the Blazers are currently but excited to see a glimpse into the future. They sat Simons, Williams, Ayton and gave the Baby Blazers extended run and what do you know! Looked pretty damn good!

I expect Simons, Williams and Grant to all get moved during the season and maybe even Ayton too, though I doubt he would net the return the Blazers would want back. With our picks, the Bucks' future picks and continued development of the Portland Minnows, I like what the future holds.

 

[Major]

I know I've posted my disdain for Jabari Smith before but just heard a stat that on open 3s he's the worst shooter in the NBA at 15%. Shooting was supposedly his strong point but I haven't seen ANY improvement since he's entered the league. Udoka really needs to let the better player start (Tari) and if it wouldn't crush his trade value I'd be open to sending him to the G-League to join Cam. He's that bad

x.com

x.com

He's no KCP, that's for sure.

KCP busting out of his season long slump by hitting TWO threes tonight. About to see his league worst 3pt% make a big jump from 20% to 22%!

Cam Whitmore was "leading" the league at 5% before he got demoted and joined Bronny. The Rockets are fun to watch but man they have some awful shooters and efficiency in their core unit

I really think it's time Udoka brings on an offensive coordinator type assistant to help out.

 

[Zow]

Ummmmmmmm.......guys?

Blazers look kinda good! Clingan just blocked a Twolf and I think I saw his soul depart his body. Jesus.....15/11 and 5 blocks so far.

Can WE play this garbage franchise every night?

Another beer bet that the Wolves finish better than the garbage Trailblazers franchise?

Negative, ghost rider. I'm just trying to stir chit up in here so it's not dominated by Celtics and Bronny talk. I'm realistic about what the Blazers are currently but excited to see a glimpse into the future. They sat Simons, Williams, Ayton and gave the Baby Blazers extended run and what do you know! Looked pretty damn good!

I expect Simons, Williams and Grant to all get moved during the season and maybe even Ayton too, though I doubt he would net the return the Blazers would want back. With our picks, the Bucks' future picks and continued development of the Portland Minnows, I like what the future holds.

Seems like unnecessarily kicking bullying a smaller kid by calling the Timberwolves a "garbage franchise" after they just had their best season in 20 years.

 

[Major]

Donovan Clingan is the eighth rookie in NBA history with at least 17 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks in a game. The others include six Hall of Famers: Ralph Sampson, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning, Tim Duncan, and Victor Wembanyama.

LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

He's pretty much the opposite of Ayton - hustles, smart, scrappy, blue collar type or whatever adjective you want to describe a stereotypical white athlete. Loved seeing his highlight reel last night and the Portland fans rally around him. Impressive considering he was facing Gobert.

 

[Gr00vus]

The officiating in the Grizzlies / Lakers game last night was remarkably bad. It's anomalous, I'm not a chronic complainer about reffing, I think they generally do a really good job. Last night was - not good. I don't think it affected the outcome, the bad calls were pretty evenly distributed, it just made the game really hard to watch.

 

[the moops]

KCP busting out of his season long slump by hitting TWO threes tonight. About to see his league worst 3pt% make a big jump from 20% to 22%!

Dude helped you win a championship and leaves because your owner was too damn cheap to keep him and here you are dunking on him after a slow start. Weak

 

[Kev4029]

Lebron was drafted in 2003. You have to go all the way to 2011 draft to find the next #1 pick (Kyrie) that is still playing in the NBA. Crazy

Players left from each draft class:

2003 - 1 (Lowry)
2004 - 0
2005 - 1 (Paul)
2006 - 1 (Lowry) + technically PJ Tucker, although he may never see the court again
2007 - 4 (including Durant)
2008 - 6 (down 4 from last year - Rose, Gallo, Hill, McGee... I could see McGee getting signed to a 10 day by OKC or something)
2009 - 5 + James Johnson who technically counts
2010 - 1 (George)
2011 - There is a bunch left, but they have an unbelievable amount of old guys that are on contracts but provide zero production (the ****tier Morris twin, Reggie Jackson, Cory Joseph, Alec Burks, soon Isaiah Thomas and Bismack Biyombo will get 10 day contracts) PLUS Davis Bertans is still getting paid this year although he isn't in the NBA and Bojan Bogdanovic's corpse is still on Nets roster waiting to get Frankenstein'ed back together. Still some legit NBA players too - Irving, Klay, Butler, Vucevic, Tobias Harris, JV, Kawhi if he decides to play.

 

[General Malaise]

Ummmmmmmm.......guys?

Blazers look kinda good! Clingan just blocked a Twolf and I think I saw his soul depart his body. Jesus.....15/11 and 5 blocks so far.

Can WE play this garbage franchise every night?

Another beer bet that the Wolves finish better than the garbage Trailblazers franchise?

Negative, ghost rider. I'm just trying to stir chit up in here so it's not dominated by Celtics and Bronny talk. I'm realistic about what the Blazers are currently but excited to see a glimpse into the future. They sat Simons, Williams, Ayton and gave the Baby Blazers extended run and what do you know! Looked pretty damn good!

I expect Simons, Williams and Grant to all get moved during the season and maybe even Ayton too, though I doubt he would net the return the Blazers would want back. With our picks, the Bucks' future picks and continued development of the Portland Minnows, I like what the future holds.

Seems like unnecessarily kicking bullying a smaller kid by calling the Timberwolves a "garbage franchise" after they just had their best season in 20 years.

Oh please, it's not like Portland is any good. You can trash them all you want I won't get my feelings hurt.

 

[Capella]

I know I've posted my disdain for Jabari Smith before but just heard a stat that on open 3s he's the worst shooter in the NBA at 15%. Shooting was supposedly his strong point but I haven't seen ANY improvement since he's entered the league. Udoka really needs to let the better player start (Tari) and if it wouldn't crush his trade value I'd be open to sending him to the G-League to join Cam. He's that bad

x.com

x.com

He's no KCP, that's for sure.

KCP busting out of his season long slump by hitting TWO threes tonight. About to see his league worst 3pt% make a big jump from 20% to 22%!

Magic playing well without Paolo. If he were around spacing would be better. Worry about the 50M you all gave Jamal Murray for some reason.

 

[Kev4029]

KCP busting out of his season long slump by hitting TWO threes tonight. About to see his league worst 3pt% make a big jump from 20% to 22%!

Dude helped you win a championship and leaves because your owner was too damn cheap to keep him and here you are dunking on him after a slow start. Weak

He's catching strays, this was more toward the commentary of how bad the Nuggets ****ed up letting him walk - KCP was awesome for their title run and the trade for him was arguably the biggest development between 2021 and 2022 for them. That said they 100% made the right choice to let him walk.

I don't think I gave a grand opinion here when it happened because I saw it as something of a neutral move - they would have been better with him in 2024 if he would have taken his player option, but it was bad business for the Nuggets to pay him on a similar contract to Orlando. I viewed/view it in a similar light to Klay going to the Mavs - the right choice by all three parties.

 

[Joe Schmo]

Lebron was drafted in 2003. You have to go all the way to 2011 draft to find the next #1 pick (Kyrie) that is still playing in the NBA. Crazy

Players left from each draft class:

2003 - 1 (Lowry)
2004 - 0
2005 - 1 (Paul)
2006 - 1 (Lowry) + technically PJ Tucker, although he may never see the court again
2007 - 4 (including Durant)
2008 - 6 (down 4 from last year - Rose, Gallo, Hill, McGee... I could see McGee getting signed to a 10 day by OKC or something)
2009 - 5 + James Johnson who technically counts
2010 - 1 (George)
2011 - There is a bunch left, but they have an unbelievable amount of old guys that are on contracts but provide zero production (the ****tier Morris twin, Reggie Jackson, Cory Joseph, Alec Burks, soon Isaiah Thomas and Bismack Biyombo will get 10 day contracts) PLUS Davis Bertans is still getting paid this year although he isn't in the NBA and Bojan Bogdanovic's corpse is still on Nets roster waiting to get Frankenstein'ed back together. Still some legit NBA players too - Irving, Klay, Butler, Vucevic, Tobias Harris, JV, Kawhi if he decides to play.

How awful was that 2010 draft with only one player left, eesh.

 

[Kev4029]

I know I've posted my disdain for Jabari Smith before but just heard a stat that on open 3s he's the worst shooter in the NBA at 15%. Shooting was supposedly his strong point but I haven't seen ANY improvement since he's entered the league. Udoka really needs to let the better player start (Tari) and if it wouldn't crush his trade value I'd be open to sending him to the G-League to join Cam. He's that bad

x.com

x.com

He's no KCP, that's for sure.

KCP busting out of his season long slump by hitting TWO threes tonight. About to see his league worst 3pt% make a big jump from 20% to 22%!

Magic playing well without Paolo. If he were around spacing would be better. Worry about the 50M you all gave Jamal Murray for some reason.

The Murray contract was a bit of a trap for management and I am a bit torn on it.

On one hand, he would be no worse than the 5th best UFA next offseason (James, Butler, Irving, Ingram - for most teams, I would say he would have been the #2 behind Irving) and somebody would be willing to also overpay him on a full 30% max. If he walked, they were still close to the cap and would have had a hard time making a run at anybody much above the Brogdon or Russell level of lead guard. So they 100% had to find a way to keep him.

On the other hand, he's constantly out of shape which also leads to some of his injuries, so they should have pinched a little bit and got some sort of concession to paying him over $200M. Without ostracizing him, what could that have reasonably been? A $20m discount over 4 years? That means nothing to anybody but Kroenke. A team option on the 4th year? Unlikely the Nuggets are going to be in championship contention that far out. Just a plain 3 year extension and I think he tests FA. Same with significantly less money.

Ultimately, they are stuck because of the MPJ contract, not anything else. I suspect they'll be paying somebody to take MPJ one of the next two offseasons to make money for Watson/Braun extensions kicking in for the 26-27 seasons followed by Strawther in 27-28.

 

[Kev4029]

Lebron was drafted in 2003. You have to go all the way to 2011 draft to find the next #1 pick (Kyrie) that is still playing in the NBA. Crazy

Players left from each draft class:

2003 - 1 (Lowry)
2004 - 0
2005 - 1 (Paul)
2006 - 1 (Lowry) + technically PJ Tucker, although he may never see the court again
2007 - 4 (including Durant)
2008 - 6 (down 4 from last year - Rose, Gallo, Hill, McGee... I could see McGee getting signed to a 10 day by OKC or something)
2009 - 5 + James Johnson who technically counts
2010 - 1 (George)
2011 - There is a bunch left, but they have an unbelievable amount of old guys that are on contracts but provide zero production (the ****tier Morris twin, Reggie Jackson, Cory Joseph, Alec Burks, soon Isaiah Thomas and Bismack Biyombo will get 10 day contracts) PLUS Davis Bertans is still getting paid this year although he isn't in the NBA and Bojan Bogdanovic's corpse is still on Nets roster waiting to get Frankenstein'ed back together. Still some legit NBA players too - Irving, Klay, Butler, Vucevic, Tobias Harris, JV, Kawhi if he decides to play.

How awful was that 2010 draft with only one player left, eesh.

Bad draft with some back luck as well. Wall, Cousins, and Hayward were HOF-caliber but had their careers torn down by injuries. 75% terrible draft, 20% what could have been, 5% Paul George.

 

[MAC_32]

I haven't had a chance to watch the Cavs yet. Are they just on a heater or is this run sustainable all season? IIRC, last year they went 18-1 in a mid-season stretch at one point . . . but they went 30-33 the rest of the season. Their expected record so far is 10-3 (which is the same as Boston) and ranks tied for 3rd overall. OKC ranks 1st at 10-2 and GSW is 2nd at 9-2.

I’m sure part of this run is that the majority of their games (I think 10 of the 13) have been against the awful east. But that is also the reason this might be sustainable.

From everything I’ve read, the big differences in this team from last year is:

1. A healthy Garland
2. A very good head coach

I think those are 2 of the 5 primary reasons. I'll add

#3 bench depth
#4 blowout wins have been 1st half fueled so starters have been able to rest more
#5 they brought the band back together, so they're able to take advantage of opposition that brought in new pieces and still need time to gel

I also wouldn't read much into the team's record after the AS break last year. When Mitchell played, he wasn't healthy.

 

[General Malaise]

Clingan +3000 for ROY? I'll take some of that.

 

[Mister CIA]

Clingan +3000 for ROY? I'll take some of that.

Castle vs Clingan

If Castle finishes above Clingan in ROTY voting, you buy me a Sal and Phil's po'boy w/onion rings and bread pudding; if Cliingan finishes atop ...??

 

[Kev4029]

Lebron was drafted in 2003. You have to go all the way to 2011 draft to find the next #1 pick (Kyrie) that is still playing in the NBA. Crazy

Players left from each draft class:

2003 - 1 (Lowry)
2004 - 0
2005 - 1 (Paul)
2006 - 1 (Lowry) + technically PJ Tucker, although he may never see the court again
2007 - 4 (including Durant)
2008 - 6 (down 4 from last year - Rose, Gallo, Hill, McGee... I could see McGee getting signed to a 10 day by OKC or something)
2009 - 5 + James Johnson who technically counts
2010 - 1 (George)
2011 - There is a bunch left, but they have an unbelievable amount of old guys that are on contracts but provide zero production (the ****tier Morris twin, Reggie Jackson, Cory Joseph, Alec Burks, soon Isaiah Thomas and Bismack Biyombo will get 10 day contracts) PLUS Davis Bertans is still getting paid this year although he isn't in the NBA and Bojan Bogdanovic's corpse is still on Nets roster waiting to get Frankenstein'ed back together. Still some legit NBA players too - Irving, Klay, Butler, Vucevic, Tobias Harris, JV, Kawhi if he decides to play.

How awful was that 2010 draft with only one player left, eesh.

Bad draft with some back luck as well. Wall, Cousins, and Hayward were HOF-caliber but had their careers torn down by injuries. 75% terrible draft, 20% what could have been, 5% Paul George.

Looking back on this draft - something I forgot. Kentucky had FIVE first round picks. #1 John Wall, #5 DeMarcus Cousins, #14 Patrick Patterson (somehow played the 6th most games of the draft class), #18 Eric Bledsoe, #29 Daniel Orton.

 

[Kev4029]

Clingan +3000 for ROY? I'll take some of that.

He would be higher but the Blazers are going to want to showcase the other two centers to hopefully get something of value for Williams (which means threading a pretty needle of playing him enough to show him off but not so much that he gets hurt again) and to dump Ayton for expirings or something.

I'm excited for the twin towers defensive alignments that are bound to be coming with Williams and Clingan. The offense will be laughable, but the defense will be fun.

 

[General Malaise]

Clingan +3000 for ROY? I'll take some of that.

Castle vs Clingan

If Castle finishes above Clingan in ROTY voting, you buy me a Sal and Phil's po'boy w/onion rings and bread pudding; if Cliingan finishes atop ...??

Oh wow! Now THIS is a bet I can get behind! God, I miss that place. My good buddy/frat little bro lives in Seattle now but was in Jackson last week. Took a picture from Keifers(Kiefers?). Super jealous. Best gyros I've ever had.

Alright, you're on! I'll come up with something comparable from here but I'm not sure Oregon has anything close to Sal and Phil's Po'boy.

 

[General Malaise]

Clingan +3000 for ROY? I'll take some of that.

He would be higher but the Blazers are going to want to showcase the other two centers to hopefully get something of value for Williams (which means threading a pretty needle of playing him enough to show him off but not so much that he gets hurt again) and to dump Ayton for expirings or something.

I'm excited for the twin towers defensive alignments that are bound to be coming with Williams and Clingan. The offense will be laughable, but the defense will be fun.

Yeah, I know he has major headwinds to sustained minutes and the team wants to showcase trade assets but....

What happened last night was what fans have been starving for since Dame was playing meaningful games. I know teams don't bend at the knee for fans but the biggest enemy of any franchise is apathy. It's a disease that spreads and becomes incurable. Want to sell season tickets? Increase TV viewership? Sell ads? Be relevant? The path forward for all of that is now clear and obvious.

Portland hasn't had a DOG like this in a long time. In one night, Sharpe, Scoot and Clingan gave something this town hasn't had in a long long time: HOPE.

+3000 is a lottery ticket. I'll update these odds periodically.

 

[Kev4029]

Clingan +3000 for ROY? I'll take some of that.

He would be higher but the Blazers are going to want to showcase the other two centers to hopefully get something of value for Williams (which means threading a pretty needle of playing him enough to show him off but not so much that he gets hurt again) and to dump Ayton for expirings or something.

I'm excited for the twin towers defensive alignments that are bound to be coming with Williams and Clingan. The offense will be laughable, but the defense will be fun.

Yeah, I know he has major headwinds to sustained minutes and the team wants to showcase trade assets but....

What happened last night was what fans have been starving for since Dame was playing meaningful games. I know teams don't bend at the knee for fans but the biggest enemy of any franchise is apathy. It's a disease that spreads and becomes incurable. Want to sell season tickets? Increase TV viewership? Sell ads? Be relevant? The path forward for all of that is now clear and obvious.

Portland hasn't had a DOG like this in a long time. In one night, Sharpe, Scoot and Clingan gave something this town hasn't had in a long long time: HOPE.

+3000 is a lottery ticket. I'll update these odds periodically.

The thing he has going for him is the draft class is off to a sloooow start otherwise. There definitely isn't anybody out there puling away from the pack.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

I feel like the NBA's aversion away from older college players is just stupid.

That Dalton Knecht fell to the 17th pick is baffling. Yeah he may not last more than 15 years in the NBA, but he'll be closer to his prime on a rookie contract. He was one guy who just looked like an NBA guy last season in college.

He may just be the next Chris Duarte

 

[Long Ball Larry]

I haven't had a chance to watch the Cavs yet. Are they just on a heater or is this run sustainable all season? IIRC, last year they went 18-1 in a mid-season stretch at one point . . . but they went 30-33 the rest of the season. Their expected record so far is 10-3 (which is the same as Boston) and ranks tied for 3rd overall. OKC ranks 1st at 10-2 and GSW is 2nd at 9-2.

I’m sure part of this run is that the majority of their games (I think 10 of the 13) have been against the awful east. But that is also the reason this might be sustainable.

From everything I’ve read, the big differences in this team from last year is:

1. A healthy Garland
2. A very good head coach

Garland looked extremely spry last night. I am still not totally sure about how they will work in the playoffs, but Atkinson does seem to be getting more out of them defensively and they have some quality depth.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Ummmmmmmm.......guys?

Blazers look kinda good! Clingan just blocked a Twolf and I think I saw his soul depart his body. Jesus.....15/11 and 5 blocks so far.

Can WE play this garbage franchise every night?

Another beer bet that the Wolves finish better than the garbage Trailblazers franchise?

Negative, ghost rider. I'm just trying to stir chit up in here so it's not dominated by Celtics and Bronny talk. I'm realistic about what the Blazers are currently but excited to see a glimpse into the future. They sat Simons, Williams, Ayton and gave the Baby Blazers extended run and what do you know! Looked pretty damn good!

I expect Simons, Williams and Grant to all get moved during the season and maybe even Ayton too, though I doubt he would net the return the Blazers would want back. With our picks, the Bucks' future picks and continued development of the Portland Minnows, I like what the future holds.

Seems like unnecessarily kicking bullying a smaller kid by calling the Timberwolves a "garbage franchise" after they just had their best season in 20 years.

Lighten up francis

 

[Frostillicus]

Clingan +3000 for ROY? I'll take some of that.

He would be higher but the Blazers are going to want to showcase the other two centers to hopefully get something of value for Williams (which means threading a pretty needle of playing him enough to show him off but not so much that he gets hurt again) and to dump Ayton for expirings or something.

I'm excited for the twin towers defensive alignments that are bound to be coming with Williams and Clingan. The offense will be laughable, but the defense will be fun.

Yeah, I know he has major headwinds to sustained minutes and the team wants to showcase trade assets but....

What happened last night was what fans have been starving for since Dame was playing meaningful games. I know teams don't bend at the knee for fans but the biggest enemy of any franchise is apathy. It's a disease that spreads and becomes incurable. Want to sell season tickets? Increase TV viewership? Sell ads? Be relevant? The path forward for all of that is now clear and obvious.

Portland hasn't had a DOG like this in a long time. In one night, Sharpe, Scoot and Clingan gave something this town hasn't had in a long long time: HOPE.

+3000 is a lottery ticket. I'll update these odds periodically.

Love your enthuisiasm but don't forget he did that against a garbage franchise.

 

[Major]

Clingan +3000 for ROY? I'll take some of that.

He would be higher but the Blazers are going to want to showcase the other two centers to hopefully get something of value for Williams (which means threading a pretty needle of playing him enough to show him off but not so much that he gets hurt again) and to dump Ayton for expirings or something.

I'm excited for the twin towers defensive alignments that are bound to be coming with Williams and Clingan. The offense will be laughable, but the defense will be fun.

Yeah, I know he has major headwinds to sustained minutes and the team wants to showcase trade assets but....

What happened last night was what fans have been starving for since Dame was playing meaningful games. I know teams don't bend at the knee for fans but the biggest enemy of any franchise is apathy. It's a disease that spreads and becomes incurable. Want to sell season tickets? Increase TV viewership? Sell ads? Be relevant? The path forward for all of that is now clear and obvious.

Portland hasn't had a DOG like this in a long time. In one night, Sharpe, Scoot and Clingan gave something this town hasn't had in a long long time: HOPE.

+3000 is a lottery ticket. I'll update these odds periodically.

Love your enthuisiasm but don't forget he did that against a garbage franchise.

I really love the homerism in the NBA thread.