2024-25 NBA Thread: posters rush in to make final bad Bronny takes before thread locks (26 Viewers)

[thecatch]

I was bummed Lakers had to waive Jordan Goodwin to be able to sign Smart. He was a nice success story out of the G league, and played pretty well for the Lakers last year. Nice defensive guard with tons of confidence. Some smart team is going to pick him up for cheap.

Zach Lowe correctly noted that there’s a real good chance Goodwin is a better player at this point.

 

[the moops]

I was bummed Lakers had to waive Jordan Goodwin to be able to sign Smart. He was a nice success story out of the G league, and played pretty well for the Lakers last year. Nice defensive guard with tons of confidence. Some smart team is going to pick him up for cheap.

Zach Lowe correctly noted that there’s a real good chance Goodwin is a better player at this point.

Doubtful. Guy is already 26 years old and has played for 4 teams. He is an NBA player for sure, but Smart is still a way better basketball player

 

[thecatch]

I was bummed Lakers had to waive Jordan Goodwin to be able to sign Smart. He was a nice success story out of the G league, and played pretty well for the Lakers last year. Nice defensive guard with tons of confidence. Some smart team is going to pick him up for cheap.

Zach Lowe correctly noted that there’s a real good chance Goodwin is a better player at this point.

Doubtful. Guy is already 26 years old and has played for 4 teams. He is an NBA player for sure, but Smart is still a way better basketball player

Smart was washed years ago.

 

[Yo Mama]

I was bummed Lakers had to waive Jordan Goodwin to be able to sign Smart. He was a nice success story out of the G league, and played pretty well for the Lakers last year. Nice defensive guard with tons of confidence. Some smart team is going to pick him up for cheap.

Zach Lowe correctly noted that there’s a real good chance Goodwin is a better player at this point.

Doubtful. Guy is already 26 years old and has played for 4 teams. He is an NBA player for sure, but Smart is still a way better basketball player

Goodwin was pretty good last year and was the only player on the Lakers roster who could guard point guards successfully - something Smart doesn’t really help out with any more.

 

[msudaisy26]

I was bummed Lakers had to waive Jordan Goodwin to be able to sign Smart. He was a nice success story out of the G league, and played pretty well for the Lakers last year. Nice defensive guard with tons of confidence. Some smart team is going to pick him up for cheap.

Zach Lowe correctly noted that there’s a real good chance Goodwin is a better player at this point.

Doubtful. Guy is already 26 years old and has played for 4 teams. He is an NBA player for sure, but Smart is still a way better basketball player

Smart was washed years ago.

Smart at 26 was better, but I also believe Smart is washed.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

Charlotte actually won something.

They had a great draft with Knueppel and Clifford.

They also had a helluva trade in how they landed Sexton. I’m certainly not saying they are going to be some sort of contender—but it seems like their recent moves have actually been pretty good.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

Adding Ayton, Smart and that white boy from Sacramento is a pretty good offseason for the Lakers.

I think the best offseason dynamic for the Lakers is not even a personnel thing—I think it’s Luka’s commitment to fitness and getting back into shape. Also, if you look at a lot of what the Lakers are doing—they are setting themselves up to have a lot of room in 2027.

 

[Yo Mama]

I was bummed Lakers had to waive Jordan Goodwin to be able to sign Smart. He was a nice success story out of the G league, and played pretty well for the Lakers last year. Nice defensive guard with tons of confidence. Some smart team is going to pick him up for cheap.

Zach Lowe correctly noted that there’s a real good chance Goodwin is a better player at this point.

Suns picked up Goodwin off waivers. Nice get for them.

 

[the moops]

Way too much Jordan ****ing Goodwin chatter in here

 

[Yo Mama]

Way too much Jordan ****ing Goodwin chatter in here

You’re just lucky I’m not posting Bronny’s summer league per-36 stats.

 

[Mister CIA]

Way too much Jordan ****ing Goodwin chatter in here

Spurs poached Lindy Waters III from the Pistons.

 

[msudaisy26]

The Clippers are now the oldest team in NBA history with an average age of 32.3 years old.

 

[Desert_Power]

Charlotte actually won something.

They had a great draft with Knueppel and Clifford.

They also had a helluva trade in how they landed Sexton. I’m certainly not saying they are going to be some sort of contender—but it seems like their recent moves have actually been pretty good.

I've liked how the new ownership's front office has done. A lot of savvy trades and few bad contracts. Last year's #1 might be a whiff, but they got a couple of rotation guys in this draft at least.

There is enough depth to learn more about what Lamelo and Miller really are (they've only played 39 games together). More bullish on Miller as Lamelo's injury stuff is just so consistent.

 

[msudaisy26]

LeBron James reuniting with Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis? Lakers star has interest in Mavericks, per report

James' future in Los Angeles is in question as he reportedly isn't thrilled with the team's direction

www.cbssports.com

I am so conflicted. I want to see the Mavs mess up another draft, but I don't want the Lakers to benefit again from it.

 

[Yo Mama]

LeBron James reuniting with Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis? Lakers star has interest in Mavericks, per report

James' future in Los Angeles is in question as he reportedly isn't thrilled with the team's direction

www.cbssports.com

I am so conflicted. I want to see the Mavs mess up another draft, but I don't want the Lakers to benefit again from it.

There’s really no reporting here - just the writer guessing at a bunch of stuff based on the fact LeBron is friends with AD and Kyrie. If LeBron really wanted to go to Dallas he could have declined his player option. A couple key points in the article:

“There's been no reporting to suggest that James would request a trade or that the Lakers are putting him on the trading block.”

“Leading up to James picking up his player option, there were reports suggesting the Mavericks were interested in James, though that's been clarified to note that their interest is only if he gets bought out and becomes a free agent.”

There is no incentive for the Lakers to buy out LeBron, so that will never happen. He’d have to be traded there.

 

[msudaisy26]

LeBron James reuniting with Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis? Lakers star has interest in Mavericks, per report

James' future in Los Angeles is in question as he reportedly isn't thrilled with the team's direction

www.cbssports.com

I am so conflicted. I want to see the Mavs mess up another draft, but I don't want the Lakers to benefit again from it.

There’s really no reporting here - just the writer guessing at a bunch of stuff based on the fact LeBron is friends with AD and Kyrie. If LeBron really wanted to go to Dallas he could have declined his player option. A couple key points in the article:

“There's been no reporting to suggest that James would request a trade or that the Lakers are putting him on the trading block.”

“Leading up to James picking up his player option, there were reports suggesting the Mavericks were interested in James, though that's been clarified to note that their interest is only if he gets bought out and becomes a free agent.”

There is no incentive for the Lakers to buy out LeBron, so that will never happen. He’d have to be traded there.

I know it is all conjecture, but I don't follow baseball and I am still a little disappointed at the NBA off season, so I take what I can get.

 

[msudaisy26]

Lock up his a– because he needs to be under the jail" - Victor Wembanyama reposts video criticizing Karl Malone on his 62nd birthday.

Starting to like Wemby even more.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Adding Ayton, Smart and that white boy from Sacramento is a pretty good offseason for the Lakers.

I think the best offseason dynamic for the Lakers is not even a personnel thing—I think it’s Luka’s commitment to fitness and getting back into shape. Also, if you look at a lot of what the Lakers are doing—they are setting themselves up to have a lot of room in 2027.

Imagine Mavs fans seeing. the cover of the new Men’s Health magazine…

 

[Frostillicus]

Time for a new thread, @Capella ?

 

[Mister CIA]

Go Spurs Go!

 

[Kev4029]

Time for a new thread, @Capella ?

I vote we just keep this one so we can remember all you guys (and gal) and your terrible takes throughout the year.

 

[Capella]

Time for a new thread, @Capella ?

Yea I usually do it after the draft. I’ll get it going.

 

[Capella]

Time for a new thread, @Capella ?

I vote we just keep this one so we can remember all you guys (and gal) and your terrible takes throughout the year.

So many memories. All bad, but memories.

 

[identikit]

Time for a new thread, @Capella ?

I vote we just keep this one so we can remember all you guys (and gal) and your terrible takes throughout the year.

So many memories. All bad, but memories.

Still!!!

 

[Jayrod]

I'm still super annoyed that Boston choked away a chance at a repeat. Tatum's Achilles was probably going to pop even if they hadn't blown the first game vs the Knicks, but things looked dire even before that happened.

They were just too old/injury prone, honestly. Relying on Horford and Porzingis to man the post wasn't a great plan and when they weren't ever consistent from 3 during the playoffs it spelled danger.

Jaylen Brown is a good #2, but all of the talk of him being better than Tatum was always foolish. Without Tatum, the Celtics are at best a top 15 team in the league because he is a more efficient scorer and twice the playmaker & rebounder Brown is. I'd give Brown a slight edge in defensive consistency, but they have different strengths there also as Tatum can handle bigger guys while Jaylen is better on the perimeter. Both have defensive letdowns, but that's mostly due being tired from their offensive workload.

I HATE that Holiday had to go, but the cost of keeping him would have been stupid unless he just garnered nothing in return. Porzingis was also an obvious one as his potential was always much greater than his reality. Sad to see Al Horford possibly go elsewhere but that still hasn't been finalized but a "pause" year for Boston while Tatum rehabs and they try to build back up doesn't make much sense at his age. Really bummed about Kornet who showed flashes of greatness, but honestly he isn't a consistent level starter in the league.

Still, Tatum, JB, D-White and Pritchard is a nice foundation but I'm not sure what pieces can be brought in around them. Can Pritchard move into a starting role? I have doubts he'd be good enough vs starting guards night in and night out. And having no real post presence right now is a real hole. The Celtics need to add better depth honestly but not sure the Tatum/Brown/White contracts will allow it.

Still, onward and upward with Brad Stevens we march. If there is a way contractually to build up another championship team by 2026-27, he can make it happen.

This will be the first season since I've become a Celtics fan where going into it I think we'll be worse than the year before. Strange ground for me.

 

[identikit]

I'm still super annoyed that Boston choked away a chance at a repeat. Tatum's Achilles was probably going to pop even if they hadn't blown the first game vs the Knicks, but things looked dire even before that happened.

They were just too old/injury prone, honestly. Relying on Horford and Porzingis to man the post wasn't a great plan and when they weren't ever consistent from 3 during the playoffs it spelled danger.

Jaylen Brown is a good #2, but all of the talk of him being better than Tatum was always foolish. Without Tatum, the Celtics are at best a top 15 team in the league because he is a more efficient scorer and twice the playmaker & rebounder Brown is. I'd give Brown a slight edge in defensive consistency, but they have different strengths there also as Tatum can handle bigger guys while Jaylen is better on the perimeter. Both have defensive letdowns, but that's mostly due being tired from their offensive workload.

I HATE that Holiday had to go, but the cost of keeping him would have been stupid unless he just garnered nothing in return. Porzingis was also an obvious one as his potential was always much greater than his reality. Sad to see Al Horford possibly go elsewhere but that still hasn't been finalized but a "pause" year for Boston while Tatum rehabs and they try to build back up doesn't make much sense at his age. Really bummed about Kornet who showed flashes of greatness, but honestly he isn't a consistent level starter in the league.

Still, Tatum, JB, D-White and Pritchard is a nice foundation but I'm not sure what pieces can be brought in around them. Can Pritchard move into a starting role? I have doubts he'd be good enough vs starting guards night in and night out. And having no real post presence right now is a real hole. The Celtics need to add better depth honestly but not sure the Tatum/Brown/White contracts will allow it.

Still, onward and upward with Brad Stevens we march. If there is a way contractually to build up another championship team by 2026-27, he can make it happen.

This will be the first season since I've become a Celtics fan where going into it I think we'll be worse than the year before. Strange ground for me.

I'd add that Coach Joe's stubbornness/unwillingness to have a Plan B for the games when they're laying bricks was also a negative

Will likely still be IMO

 

[Frostillicus]

I'm just posting so that Celtics screed isn't the last post in this thread.

 

[Jayrod]

I'm just posting so that Celtics screed isn't the last post in this thread.

AND ANOTHER THING.....

 

[Mister CIA]

Thanks for Luke Kornet.

 

[Major]

Rockets v. Magic 2026 NBA Finals. Book it!

 

[Juxtatarot]

I've been thinking about this since the playoffs. Better get it in now before it's too late.

We often hear about how getting a very high pick in the draft is so important to having a great team. You need that superstar. Some teams tank for years to increase lotto ball chances.

There is no doubt that the higher the pick, the better the player you are expected to get. But there is a ton of variability. Let's look at what pick the best player was on the playoff teams last year:

Finalists: 11, 12
Conference finalists: 1, 33
2nd round losers: 41, 7, 13, 3
1st round losers: 2, 15, 3, 16, 13, 15, 1, 1

So, out of the 16 teams, we have 5 top 3 picks, 1 mid-lotto, 4 late lotto, 3 just out of the lottery, and 2 second round picks. Only one of those top 3 picks made it out of the 2nd round.

Is the importance of this overstated?

 

[Zow]

I've been thinking about this since the playoffs. Better get it in now before it's too late.

We often hear about how getting a very high pick in the draft is so important to having a great team. You need that superstar. Some teams tank for years to increase lotto ball chances.

There is no doubt that the higher the pick, the better the player you are expected to get. But there is a ton of variability. Let's look at what pick the best player was on the playoff teams last year:

Finalists: 11, 12
Conference finalists: 1, 33
2nd round losers: 41, 7, 13, 3
1st round losers: 2, 15, 3, 16, 13, 15, 1, 1

So, out of the 16 teams, we have 5 top 3 picks, 1 mid-lotto, 4 late lotto, 3 just out of the lottery, and 2 second round picks. Only one of those top 3 picks made it out of the 2nd round.

Is the importance of this overstated?

Not that I'm making you do further work, but I question whether one season is a viable enough of a sample size to analyze the question you ask.

 

[Mister CIA]

I've been thinking about this since the playoffs. Better get it in now before it's too late.

We often hear about how getting a very high pick in the draft is so important to having a great team. You need that superstar. Some teams tank for years to increase lotto ball chances.

There is no doubt that the higher the pick, the better the player you are expected to get. But there is a ton of variability. Let's look at what pick the best player was on the playoff teams last year:

Finalists: 11, 12
Conference finalists: 1, 33
2nd round losers: 41, 7, 13, 3
1st round losers: 2, 15, 3, 16, 13, 15, 1, 1

So, out of the 16 teams, we have 5 top 3 picks, 1 mid-lotto, 4 late lotto, 3 just out of the lottery, and 2 second round picks. Only one of those top 3 picks made it out of the 2nd round.

Is the importance of this overstated?

Timing is everything.

-- Spurs fan.

 

[Juxtatarot]

I've been thinking about this since the playoffs. Better get it in now before it's too late.

We often hear about how getting a very high pick in the draft is so important to having a great team. You need that superstar. Some teams tank for years to increase lotto ball chances.

There is no doubt that the higher the pick, the better the player you are expected to get. But there is a ton of variability. Let's look at what pick the best player was on the playoff teams last year:

Finalists: 11, 12
Conference finalists: 1, 33
2nd round losers: 41, 7, 13, 3
1st round losers: 2, 15, 3, 16, 13, 15, 1, 1

So, out of the 16 teams, we have 5 top 3 picks, 1 mid-lotto, 4 late lotto, 3 just out of the lottery, and 2 second round picks. Only one of those top 3 picks made it out of the 2nd round.

Is the importance of this overstated?

Not that I'm making you do further work, but I question whether one season is a viable enough of a sample size to analyze the question you ask.

You’re right about sample size, of course. I’m pretty sure other years would favor higher picks more. It was more of an interesting (to me!) observation.

 

[the moops]

Relying on Horford and Porzingis to man the post wasn't a great plan and when they weren't ever consistent from 3 during the playoffs it spelled danger.

Al Horford shot 42% from three against Orlando and 39% from three against New York.

Porzingis had the plague and that really ****ed them

 

[CletiusMaximus]

a fond farewell to Inside the NBA on TNT: 18 minutes of Chuck making Shaq laugh

 

[identikit]

Mikal Bridges extends with the Knicks:

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1951036775868080529

 

[Frostillicus]

Only one of those top 3 picks made it out of the 2nd round.

Which one?

 

[Jayrod]

Relying on Horford and Porzingis to man the post wasn't a great plan and when they weren't ever consistent from 3 during the playoffs it spelled danger.

Al Horford shot 42% from three against Orlando and 39% from three against New York.

Porzingis had the plague and that really ****ed them

My "they" referred to the whole team, not just Al and KP. Al was one of their better shooters.

But needing him to protect the rim or consistently play 25+ mpg was an issue. And yes, KP's illness was a disaster.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Mikal Bridges extends with the Knicks:

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1951036775868080529

Still can’t believe the sixers traded him.

 

[Jayrod]

Mikal Bridges extends with the Knicks:

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1951036775868080529

Still can’t believe the sixers traded him.

I think the Suns should have given up anything BUT him (or Booker of course) when they traded for Durant.

They needed him to be a legitimate contender and without him they became an overpriced mess. Not saying the would have won a title but Bridges fit better with KD and Book than what the ended up with.

 

[the moops]

Bridges is good, but he has shown that he can be the 4th best player on a championship contender. That is way too much money, in this CBA environment, to be paying your 4th best player. And they gave him a player option in his age 32 year. oof

 

[Kanil]

Adding Ayton, Smart and that white boy from Sacramento is a pretty good offseason for the Lakers.

I think the best offseason dynamic for the Lakers is not even a personnel thing—I think it’s Luka’s commitment to fitness and getting back into shape. Also, if you look at a lot of what the Lakers are doing—they are setting themselves up to have a lot of room in 2027.

Imagine Mavs fans seeing. the cover of the new Men’s Health magazine…

For the hilarity I hope it completely messes up his game. Can't hit a shot to save his life, tripping all over himself, gets bullied constantly. Please lord, ONE TIME.

 

[msudaisy26]

Bridges is good, but he has shown that he can be the 4th best player on a championship contender. That is way too much money, in this CBA environment, to be paying your 4th best player. And they gave him a player option in his age 32 year. oof

I agree with your first part, but 32 isn't old in the NBA anymore.

 

[msudaisy26]

Mikal Bridges extends with the Knicks:

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1951036775868080529

Still can’t believe the sixers traded him.

Have you not been watching this front office for the last 4 decades?

 

[thecatch]

Warriors are offering Kuminga 2/45 with the second year non guaranteed. Which suggests that they agree with me that he’s not that good. On the other hand, they are apparently offended by the Kings’ sign and trade offer of Monk and a lottery protected first because they think he’s a future all star. Seems like they need to pick a lane. (IMO the Kings offer is an overpay).

 

[Juxtatarot]

Warriors are offering Kuminga 2/45 with the second year non guaranteed. Which suggests that they agree with me that he’s not that good. On the other hand, they are apparently offended by the Kings’ sign and trade offer of Monk and a lottery protected first because they think he’s a future all star. Seems like they need to pick a lane. (IMO the Kings offer is an overpay).

Warriors think he isn’t a good fit with Curry, Butler and Green. That’s probably true. However, it’s painfully obvious no team is going to meet their asking price.

All four of the remaining RFAs are kind of screwed. It will be interesting to see if any take the QO.

 

[thecatch]

Warriors are offering Kuminga 2/45 with the second year non guaranteed. Which suggests that they agree with me that he’s not that good. On the other hand, they are apparently offended by the Kings’ sign and trade offer of Monk and a lottery protected first because they think he’s a future all star. Seems like they need to pick a lane. (IMO the Kings offer is an overpay).

Warriors think he isn’t a good fit with Curry, Butler and Green. That’s probably true. However, it’s painfully obvious no team is going to meet their asking price.

All four of the remaining RFAs are kind of screwed. It will be interesting to see if any take the QO.

The Warriors are almost equally screwed if Kuminga takes the QO so that's a real interesting situation.

 

[Navin Johnson]

Warriors are offering Kuminga 2/45 with the second year non guaranteed. Which suggests that they agree with me that he’s not that good. On the other hand, they are apparently offended by the Kings’ sign and trade offer of Monk and a lottery protected first because they think he’s a future all star. Seems like they need to pick a lane. (IMO the Kings offer is an overpay).

Warriors think he isn’t a good fit with Curry, Butler and Green. That’s probably true. However, it’s painfully obvious no team is going to meet their asking price.

All four of the remaining RFAs are kind of screwed. It will be interesting to see if any take the QO.

The Warriors are almost equally screwed if Kuminga takes the QO so that's a real interesting situation.

I think Brooklyn will still be the only team below th cap next summer

 

[Yo Mama]

Warriors are offering Kuminga 2/45 with the second year non guaranteed. Which suggests that they agree with me that he’s not that good. On the other hand, they are apparently offended by the Kings’ sign and trade offer of Monk and a lottery protected first because they think he’s a future all star. Seems like they need to pick a lane. (IMO the Kings offer is an overpay).

Warriors think he isn’t a good fit with Curry, Butler and Green. That’s probably true. However, it’s painfully obvious no team is going to meet their asking price.

All four of the remaining RFAs are kind of screwed. It will be interesting to see if any take the QO.

The Warriors are almost equally screwed if Kuminga takes the QO so that's a real interesting situation.

I think Brooklyn will still be the only team below th cap next summer

Washington should also have a ton of space too I think.