2024-25 NBA Thread: New Pope shocks world in opening statement by asking why Bulls gave Patrick Williams all that money (21 Viewers)

[Instinctive]

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):

• 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.

Luka usually at or near the top of this list, only 1 this season though. Is this another euros care about winning americans care about stats angle?

 

[Kev4029]

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):

• 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.

Luka usually at or near the top of this list, only 1 this season though. Is this another euros care about winning americans care about stats angle?

I would certainly say that the top of the heaves list is generally full of players that are less concerned with stats and perception. I would also say that the list above (minus Tatum) contains arguably the three players most concerned with their perception in the NBA.

 

[Major]

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.

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.

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.

The original sin was the Gobert trade.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

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.

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.

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.

The original sin was the Gobert trade.

That’s an interesting thought. I certainly was on that bandwagon when the trade occurred—and probably for a decent while after the trade occurred. I’m not so sure that I still feel that way. I know the Wolves are struggling now—but there is no doubt that the direction of that franchise has certainly shifted into an upward trajectory since that deal. They are a young and relevant franchise—and I’m not sure they would be where they are without making that deal. Utah did a great job acquiring a lot of draft currency—but they really haven’t done much at all. I’m not very impressed with their young core and frankly—Utah is feeling like a basketball purgatory. I think the clear sin was the trade that Kawhi effectively forced—-Shai+5 first round picks for Paul George.

 

[Instinctive]

Alright game one of the day was awesome, let's see game two same intensity

 

[Yo Mama]

What a great first game.

Side note - I’m so happy they went with normal uniforms in the NY/SA game. So much better than some kind of cheesy alternate.

Happy Holidays NBA FFA nerds!

 

[pollardsvision]

What a great first game.

Side note - I’m so happy they went with normal uniforms in the NY/SA game. So much better than some kind of cheesy alternate.

Happy Holidays NBA FFA nerds!

It was a fantastic game.

I refuse to watch the NFL on a Christmas Wednesday on Netflix, and it's great the NBA opened with a banger.

 

[Instinctive]

Just so we are all on the same page, Gafford would absolutely whoop that *** in a fight with Gobert.

 

[Mister CIA]

Just so we are all on the same page, Gafford would absolutely whoop that *** in a fight with Gobert.

Yeah, but Gafford's French is pretty sucky.

 

[Instinctive]

Luka hurt. Out.

 

[Desert_Power]

Luka hurt. Out.

My fault for putting him in a parlay.

 

[Yo Mama]

Luka hurt. Out.

If he misses 9 more games this season, he’d be ineligible for MVP or all-nba awards.

 

[Frostillicus]

Completely terrified of Kyrie in this situation.

 

[Frostillicus]

Just so we are all on the same page, Gafford would absolutely whoop that *** in a fight with Gobert.

not a chance

 

[Zow]

Completely terrified of Kyrie in this situation.

 

[Frostillicus]

This team is just a nightmare.

 

[Chemical X]

is wemby gonna become one of the top 5 players of all time?

 

[Long Ball Larry]

is wemby gonna become one of the top 5 players of all time?

He certainly has that potential

 

[identikit]

Some very good games today...

 

[Mister CIA]

Hey Kings fans, how much for De'Aron Fox to the Spurs? I'll open with Devin Vassell, undoing the 2031 swap, any two first rounders from inventory, and useful salary ballast.

 

[Yo Mama]

Don’t like the Celtics, but have to admit that them going with the red socks/accessories with their traditional green unis was pretty sweet.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

LeBron gets some……interesting……calls

 

[Yo Mama]

Draymond is the worst. That flop on the free throw was pathetic. And he’s still arguing it.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Draymond is the worst. That flop on the free throw was pathetic. And he’s still arguing it.

Yeah, that was amazing but not surprising

 

[Mister CIA]

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

Viewership is down 48% since 2012.

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.

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

How were those NFL games today, @Ministry of Pain ?

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Man. The end of that Lakers-Warriors game was wild.

Curry deserves better teammates.

 

[Yo Mama]

Man. The end of that Lakers-Warriors game was wild.

Curry deserves better teammates.

Lakers really wanted to give that one away.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

Great slate of games today. They have all been exciting with the exception of this Denver Phoenix night cap. I can’t help but notice that Jamal Murray seems off. He doesn’t look very interested or explosive. While Westbrook looks sloppy at times, I feel like his energy and pace are evident on the court. Murray just seems like a guy that is hard to trust to be great over the course of a year. He now just gives the vibes of being a good player that has the ability to have elite moments or stretches.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

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

Viewership is down 48% since 2012.

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.

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

How were those NFL games today, @Ministry of Pain ?

Didn't watch a single second of the Netflix games, didn't watch any highlights yet either.
Just being honest but I enjoyed my time with the Mrs and family on Christmas
looked at my phone once or twice but it seemed like mostly lopsided football despite winning records from all 4 teams

-Didn't watch a single minute of the NBA either

 

[Juxtatarot]

When people mention moving back the three-point line, what do they want to do about the corner three?

I think they should just extend the current arc to the side sides and eliminate the corner three. That would make it so much easier for defenses to defend 3-point shots. I think they’d be willing to give up open corner twos.

 

[the moops]

When people mention moving back the three-point line, what do they want to do about the corner three?

I think they should just extend the current arc to the side sides and eliminate the corner three. That would make it so much easier for defenses to defend 3-point shots. I think they’d be willing to give up open corner twos.

They would give up open twos but teams wouldn't take them. The reason the spacing works is that teams need to guard that corner three - it being the most valuable shot in basketball. It loses so much offensive appeal if it is just a two pointer. Defensives would collapse and the lane would be clogged. The court would need to wider which should happen anyway. Players are so long and athletic compared to what they used to be.

 

[the moops]

Draymond is the worst. That flop on the free throw was pathetic. And he’s still arguing it.

Just saw this

He should have gotten two fouls and a flopping tech for this. My god

x.com

x.com

 

[identikit]

When people mention moving back the three-point line, what do they want to do about the corner three?

I think they should just extend the current arc to the side sides and eliminate the corner three. That would make it so much easier for defenses to defend 3-point shots. I think they’d be willing to give up open corner twos.

Get rid of the corner 3...

Nothing looks dumber than a guy standing in the corner for 24 seconds

 

[SWC]

When people mention moving back the three-point line, what do they want to do about the corner three?

I think they should just extend the current arc to the side sides and eliminate the corner three. That would make it so much easier for defenses to defend 3-point shots. I think they’d be willing to give up open corner twos.

Get rid of the corner 3...

Nothing looks dumber than a guy standing in the corner for 24 seconds

the modern game and the way offenses are coached and run depends on that corner three heck a lot of coaches look at a stat called efg% which is a shooting percentage stat that accounts for threes being worth more than twos i defer to our guy instinctive on this but i like what it adds to the game as i appreciate three point shooting and the way it opens the middle take that to the bank bromigos

 

[identikit]

When people mention moving back the three-point line, what do they want to do about the corner three?

I think they should just extend the current arc to the side sides and eliminate the corner three. That would make it so much easier for defenses to defend 3-point shots. I think they’d be willing to give up open corner twos.

Get rid of the corner 3...

Nothing looks dumber than a guy standing in the corner for 24 seconds

the modern game and the way offenses are coached and run depends on that corner three heck a lot of coaches look at a stat called efg% which is a shooting percentage stat that accounts for threes being worth more than twos i defer to our guy instinctive on this but i like what it adds to the game as i appreciate three point shooting and the way it opens the middle take that to the bank bromigos

3s do add to/help the game

Just not that glorified 3-point corner shot.

It just promotes standing around IMO

Agree to disagree, brochacho

 

[SWC]

When people mention moving back the three-point line, what do they want to do about the corner three?

I think they should just extend the current arc to the side sides and eliminate the corner three. That would make it so much easier for defenses to defend 3-point shots. I think they’d be willing to give up open corner twos.

Get rid of the corner 3...

Nothing looks dumber than a guy standing in the corner for 24 seconds

the modern game and the way offenses are coached and run depends on that corner three heck a lot of coaches look at a stat called efg% which is a shooting percentage stat that accounts for threes being worth more than twos i defer to our guy instinctive on this but i like what it adds to the game as i appreciate three point shooting and the way it opens the middle take that to the bank bromigos

3s do add to/help the game

Just not that glorified 3-point corner shot.

It just promotes standing around IMO

Agree to disagree, brochacho

yes this is a big opinion question for sure take that to the bank bromigo

 

[Juxtatarot]

When people mention moving back the three-point line, what do they want to do about the corner three?

I think they should just extend the current arc to the side sides and eliminate the corner three. That would make it so much easier for defenses to defend 3-point shots. I think they’d be willing to give up open corner twos.

They would give up open twos but teams wouldn't take them. The reason the spacing works is that teams need to guard that corner three - it being the most valuable shot in basketball. It loses so much offensive appeal if it is just a two pointer. Defensives would collapse and the lane would be clogged. The court would need to wider which should happen anyway. Players are so long and athletic compared to what they used to be.

Yeah, I can see how widening the court would be better.

 

[SWC]

When people mention moving back the three-point line, what do they want to do about the corner three?

I think they should just extend the current arc to the side sides and eliminate the corner three. That would make it so much easier for defenses to defend 3-point shots. I think they’d be willing to give up open corner twos.

They would give up open twos but teams wouldn't take them. The reason the spacing works is that teams need to guard that corner three - it being the most valuable shot in basketball. It loses so much offensive appeal if it is just a two pointer. Defensives would collapse and the lane would be clogged. The court would need to wider which should happen anyway. Players are so long and athletic compared to what they used to be.

Yeah, I can see how widening the court would be better.

it would be more interesting that is for sure as it would open the lane even more for cutters and drive and kickers but think of the impractibility asking grade schools high schools and colleges to all change thier court dimensions cripes here in wisconsin we get whining that small schools cant afford shot clocks so we dont have them i cant imagine the reception asking teams to widen courts would get take that to the bank bromigos

 

[Instinctive]

This was a fun piece that seems on topic to the killing corner threes discussion:

The Big Four Sports Leagues’ Players Have Gotten Too Good

And a suspiciously exclusive press release says their commissioners could be ready to make major changes

theringer.com

 

[the moops]

When people mention moving back the three-point line, what do they want to do about the corner three?

I think they should just extend the current arc to the side sides and eliminate the corner three. That would make it so much easier for defenses to defend 3-point shots. I think they’d be willing to give up open corner twos.

They would give up open twos but teams wouldn't take them. The reason the spacing works is that teams need to guard that corner three - it being the most valuable shot in basketball. It loses so much offensive appeal if it is just a two pointer. Defensives would collapse and the lane would be clogged. The court would need to wider which should happen anyway. Players are so long and athletic compared to what they used to be.

Yeah, I can see how widening the court would be better.

it would be more interesting that is for sure as it would open the lane even more for cutters and drive and kickers but think of the impractibility asking grade schools high schools and colleges to all change thier court dimensions cripes here in wisconsin we get whining that small schools cant afford shot clocks so we dont have them i cant imagine the reception asking teams to widen courts would get take that to the bank bromigos

This would only be NBA. Grade school through college all have different 3 point line anyway

 

[SWC]

When people mention moving back the three-point line, what do they want to do about the corner three?

I think they should just extend the current arc to the side sides and eliminate the corner three. That would make it so much easier for defenses to defend 3-point shots. I think they’d be willing to give up open corner twos.

They would give up open twos but teams wouldn't take them. The reason the spacing works is that teams need to guard that corner three - it being the most valuable shot in basketball. It loses so much offensive appeal if it is just a two pointer. Defensives would collapse and the lane would be clogged. The court would need to wider which should happen anyway. Players are so long and athletic compared to what they used to be.

Yeah, I can see how widening the court would be better.

it would be more interesting that is for sure as it would open the lane even more for cutters and drive and kickers but think of the impractibility asking grade schools high schools and colleges to all change thier court dimensions cripes here in wisconsin we get whining that small schools cant afford shot clocks so we dont have them i cant imagine the reception asking teams to widen courts would get take that to the bank bromigos

This would only be NBA. Grade school through college all have different 3 point line anyway

thats a fair point to be honest i guess soccer does this with field sizes at different levels take that to the bank bromigos

 

[thecatch]

When people mention moving back the three-point line, what do they want to do about the corner three?

I think they should just extend the current arc to the side sides and eliminate the corner three. That would make it so much easier for defenses to defend 3-point shots. I think they’d be willing to give up open corner twos.

They would give up open twos but teams wouldn't take them. The reason the spacing works is that teams need to guard that corner three - it being the most valuable shot in basketball. It loses so much offensive appeal if it is just a two pointer. Defensives would collapse and the lane would be clogged. The court would need to wider which should happen anyway. Players are so long and athletic compared to what they used to be.

I agree. The corner would be totally dead space if the 3 there were eliminated. They should widen the courts.

 

[Instinctive]

When people mention moving back the three-point line, what do they want to do about the corner three?

I think they should just extend the current arc to the side sides and eliminate the corner three. That would make it so much easier for defenses to defend 3-point shots. I think they’d be willing to give up open corner twos.

They would give up open twos but teams wouldn't take them. The reason the spacing works is that teams need to guard that corner three - it being the most valuable shot in basketball. It loses so much offensive appeal if it is just a two pointer. Defensives would collapse and the lane would be clogged. The court would need to wider which should happen anyway. Players are so long and athletic compared to what they used to be.

I agree. The corner would be totally dead space if the 3 there were eliminated. They should widen the courts.

I mean idk that I automatically agree there.

I'd be open to a stat that those short or even longer corner 2s get made at a 45% clip, whereas a much longer three is only going in at 30%, so they're about even expected points? Right now a corner three is around 40+ right? So less aggressively defended could go up a bit...longer above break threes are the lowest % anyway so moving the line back lowers it a bit...

I think it could easily bring back the 15-22 foot shots

 

[Anarchy99]

I hate to ever acknowledge anything offered up by Nick Wright, but he did have an interesting suggestion. He mentioned that MLB parks all have different dimensions. Why not have each franchise determine where the 3-point line is in their own building for that particular season? Don't have any three-point shooters that year? Set the 3-point line at half court. Have a ton of corner shooters? Leave the line there but extend the line at the top of the key back 15 feet. I get it, the league would never go for this. But it would make things a lot more interesting.

 

[the moops]

I think it could easily bring back the 15-22 foot shots

Great. A bunch of contested Kobe turnaround mid range jumpers in our future

 

[the moops]

I hate to ever acknowledge anything offered up by Nick Wright, but he did have an interesting suggestion. He mentioned that MLB parks all have different dimensions. Why not have each franchise determine where the 3-point line is in their own building for that particular season? Don't have any three-point shooters that year? Set the 3-point line at half court. Have a ton of corner shooters? Leave the line there but extend the line at the top of the key back 15 feet. I get it, the league would never go for this. But it would make things a lot more interesting.

MLB parks being different dimensions is dumb though. They should standardize

 

[Gr00vus]

When people mention moving back the three-point line, what do they want to do about the corner three?

I think they should just extend the current arc to the side sides and eliminate the corner three. That would make it so much easier for defenses to defend 3-point shots. I think they’d be willing to give up open corner twos.

They would give up open twos but teams wouldn't take them. The reason the spacing works is that teams need to guard that corner three - it being the most valuable shot in basketball. It loses so much offensive appeal if it is just a two pointer. Defensives would collapse and the lane would be clogged. The court would need to wider which should happen anyway. Players are so long and athletic compared to what they used to be.

I agree. The corner would be totally dead space if the 3 there were eliminated. They should widen the courts.

I mean idk that I automatically agree there.

I'd be open to a stat that those short or even longer corner 2s get made at a 45% clip, whereas a much longer three is only going in at 30%, so they're about even expected points? Right now a corner three is around 40+ right? So less aggressively defended could go up a bit...longer above break threes are the lowest % anyway so moving the line back lowers it a bit...

I think it could easily bring back the 15-22 foot shots

Yeah I'd like the line moved back, the corner 3s eliminated in the process. Run that for five six years then adjust if needed. Watching people run breaks for kick out corner threes sucks.

 

[Rustoleum]

I hate to ever acknowledge anything offered up by Nick Wright, but he did have an interesting suggestion. He mentioned that MLB parks all have different dimensions. Why not have each franchise determine where the 3-point line is in their own building for that particular season? Don't have any three-point shooters that year? Set the 3-point line at half court. Have a ton of corner shooters? Leave the line there but extend the line at the top of the key back 15 feet. I get it, the league would never go for this. But it would make things a lot more interesting.

MLB parks being different dimensions is dumb though. They should standardize

Just moving the line back and eliminating the corner 3 is probably the easiest to achieve, facilities-wise, but a wider court would be something to behold.

the NBA could really lean into it:
-eliminate not only the corner three, but ALL the corners and round off the courts

- make the court wider at the baselines and funnel towards mid court. More courtside seating!! (obstructed as all get out, but so what? $$$$)

- do the same thing with the free throw lane - make everyone figure out to box out all over again.

 

[Anarchy99]

I hate to ever acknowledge anything offered up by Nick Wright, but he did have an interesting suggestion. He mentioned that MLB parks all have different dimensions. Why not have each franchise determine where the 3-point line is in their own building for that particular season? Don't have any three-point shooters that year? Set the 3-point line at half court. Have a ton of corner shooters? Leave the line there but extend the line at the top of the key back 15 feet. I get it, the league would never go for this. But it would make things a lot more interesting.

MLB parks being different dimensions is dumb though. They should standardize

Just moving the line back and eliminating the corner 3 is probably the easiest to achieve, facilities-wise, but a wider court would be something to behold.

the NBA could really lean into it:
-eliminate not only the corner three, but ALL the corners and round off the courts

- make the court wider at the baselines and funnel towards mid court. More courtside seating!! (obstructed as all get out, but so what? $$$$)

- do the same thing with the free throw lane - make everyone figure out to box out all over again.

If we are going bonkers, why not extend the court but leave the baskets where they are. Sort of like hockey or lacrosse. Give them some room to roam behind the backboard.

 

[Rustoleum]

I hate to ever acknowledge anything offered up by Nick Wright, but he did have an interesting suggestion. He mentioned that MLB parks all have different dimensions. Why not have each franchise determine where the 3-point line is in their own building for that particular season? Don't have any three-point shooters that year? Set the 3-point line at half court. Have a ton of corner shooters? Leave the line there but extend the line at the top of the key back 15 feet. I get it, the league would never go for this. But it would make things a lot more interesting.

MLB parks being different dimensions is dumb though. They should standardize

Just moving the line back and eliminating the corner 3 is probably the easiest to achieve, facilities-wise, but a wider court would be something to behold.

the NBA could really lean into it:
-eliminate not only the corner three, but ALL the corners and round off the courts

- make the court wider at the baselines and funnel towards mid court. More courtside seating!! (obstructed as all get out, but so what? $$$$)

- do the same thing with the free throw lane - make everyone figure out to box out all over again.

If we are going bonkers, why not extend the court but leave the baskets where they are. Sort of like hockey or lacrosse. Give them some room to roam behind the backboard.

Heck yeah! Do we even really need backboards while we are at it?