2024-25 NBA Thread: Thunder starting to question having 140 pound guy playing in post in Finals (63 Viewers)

[General Malaise]

Top 5 2024-2025

Jokic
Weby
SGA
AD
Hali

 

[Gally]

I know we have a long way to go still, but let's say Indiana wins and Haliburton takes Finals MVP. Does he become the best player in the 2020 draft class? (Ant would be his competition)

I'd still take Ant in a heartbeat.

Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2024-2025

Haliburton #5
Edwards #15


Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2023-2024

Haliburton #10
Edwards #35

Makes sense as Fantasy Basketball you want a well rounded guy that puts stats in many categories. Ant is the more exciting put butts in the seats type player with highlights and athleticism but he doesn't fill up the FB box score

 

[boilerdave]

That was the Mathurin game imo

If I had to narrow it to one player

Oh for sure. But if you don't want to narrow it to one player TJ sparked em and Obi had some key buckets.

 

[Jayrod]

140 lb

 

[General Malaise]

I know we have a long way to go still, but let's say Indiana wins and Haliburton takes Finals MVP. Does he become the best player in the 2020 draft class? (Ant would be his competition)

I'd still take Ant in a heartbeat.

Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2024-2025

Haliburton #5
Edwards #15


Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2023-2024

Haliburton #10
Edwards #35

Makes sense as Fantasy Basketball you want a well rounded guy that puts stats in many categories. Ant is the more exciting put butts in the seats type player with highlights and athleticism but he doesn't fill up the FB box score

Well, he also watches the finals with his butt in a seat so there's that....

 

[Major]

I know we have a long way to go still, but let's say Indiana wins and Haliburton takes Finals MVP. Does he become the best player in the 2020 draft class? (Ant would be his competition)

I'd still take Ant in a heartbeat.

Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2024-2025

Haliburton #5
Edwards #15


Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2023-2024

Haliburton #10
Edwards #35

If you're talking fantasy, James Harden is probably ranked ahead of both of them lol

 

[Zeppelin]

Fantastic series so far.

We need 7.

When is game 7 scheduled? August?

 

[General Malaise]

I know we have a long way to go still, but let's say Indiana wins and Haliburton takes Finals MVP. Does he become the best player in the 2020 draft class? (Ant would be his competition)

I'd still take Ant in a heartbeat.

Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2024-2025

Haliburton #5
Edwards #15


Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2023-2024

Haliburton #10
Edwards #35

If you're talking fantasy, James Harden is probably ranked ahead of both of them lol

I provided the guys above Haliburton this year. Beard wasn't on there.

He might be ahead of Ant, tho.....I didn't list anything past top 5, which isn't Ant territory.

 

[Major]

I know we have a long way to go still, but let's say Indiana wins and Haliburton takes Finals MVP. Does he become the best player in the 2020 draft class? (Ant would be his competition)

I'd still take Ant in a heartbeat.

Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2024-2025

Haliburton #5
Edwards #15


Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2023-2024

Haliburton #10
Edwards #35

If you're talking fantasy, James Harden is probably ranked ahead of both of them lol

I provided the guys above Haliburton this year. Beard wasn't on there.

He might be ahead of Ant, tho.....I didn't list anything past top 5, which isn't Ant territory.

I'm not seeing it but whatever: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/fantasy-basketball-top-200-2024-185111658.html

 

[General Malaise]

Top 5 2024-2025

Jokic
Weby
SGA
AD
Hali

@Major

 

[Major]

Top 5 2024-2025

Jokic
Weby
SGA
AD
Hali

@Major

See my link

 

[General Malaise]

I know we have a long way to go still, but let's say Indiana wins and Haliburton takes Finals MVP. Does he become the best player in the 2020 draft class? (Ant would be his competition)

I'd still take Ant in a heartbeat.

Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2024-2025

Haliburton #5
Edwards #15


Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2023-2024

Haliburton #10
Edwards #35

If you're talking fantasy, James Harden is probably ranked ahead of both of them lol

I provided the guys above Haliburton this year. Beard wasn't on there.

He might be ahead of Ant, tho.....I didn't list anything past top 5, which isn't Ant territory.

I'm not seeing it but whatever: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/fantasy-basketball-top-200-2024-185111658.html

Ahhhh, this metric doesn't factor in turnovers. Yahoo Fantasy leagues I'm in use turnovers and that hurts Harden (and Ant) while rewarding Tyrese, who turns it over far less than those two.

 

[Major]

I know we have a long way to go still, but let's say Indiana wins and Haliburton takes Finals MVP. Does he become the best player in the 2020 draft class? (Ant would be his competition)

I'd still take Ant in a heartbeat.

Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2024-2025

Haliburton #5
Edwards #15


Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2023-2024

Haliburton #10
Edwards #35

If you're talking fantasy, James Harden is probably ranked ahead of both of them lol

I provided the guys above Haliburton this year. Beard wasn't on there.

He might be ahead of Ant, tho.....I didn't list anything past top 5, which isn't Ant territory.

I'm not seeing it but whatever: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/fantasy-basketball-top-200-2024-185111658.html

Ahhhh, this metric doesn't factor in turnovers. Yahoo Fantasy leagues I'm in use turnovers and that hurts Harden (and Ant) while rewarding Tyrese, who turns it over far less than those two.

That is a valuable stat for Haliburton. Amazing how little he turns it over for a PG dishing out so many assists.

 

[General Malaise]

I know we have a long way to go still, but let's say Indiana wins and Haliburton takes Finals MVP. Does he become the best player in the 2020 draft class? (Ant would be his competition)

I'd still take Ant in a heartbeat.

Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2024-2025

Haliburton #5
Edwards #15


Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2023-2024

Haliburton #10
Edwards #35

If you're talking fantasy, James Harden is probably ranked ahead of both of them lol

I provided the guys above Haliburton this year. Beard wasn't on there.

He might be ahead of Ant, tho.....I didn't list anything past top 5, which isn't Ant territory.

I'm not seeing it but whatever: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/fantasy-basketball-top-200-2024-185111658.html

Ahhhh, this metric doesn't factor in turnovers. Yahoo Fantasy leagues I'm in use turnovers and that hurts Harden (and Ant) while rewarding Tyrese, who turns it over far less than those two.

That is a valuable stat for Haliburton. Amazing how little he turns it over for a PG dishing out so many assists.

I had Harden and Westbrook in their primes in a dynasty league and while great, it was like rolling out Jameis Winston and Daniel Jones out there every night. Just turnover machines.

 

[msudaisy26]

I know we have a long way to go still, but let's say Indiana wins and Haliburton takes Finals MVP. Does he become the best player in the 2020 draft class? (Ant would be his competition)

I'd still take Ant in a heartbeat.

Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2024-2025

Haliburton #5
Edwards #15


Yahoo! Fantasy Rankings 2023-2024

Haliburton #10
Edwards #35

If you're talking fantasy, James Harden is probably ranked ahead of both of them lol

I provided the guys above Haliburton this year. Beard wasn't on there.

He might be ahead of Ant, tho.....I didn't list anything past top 5, which isn't Ant territory.

I'm not seeing it but whatever: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/fantasy-basketball-top-200-2024-185111658.html

Ahhhh, this metric doesn't factor in turnovers. Yahoo Fantasy leagues I'm in use turnovers and that hurts Harden (and Ant) while rewarding Tyrese, who turns it over far less than those two.

That is a valuable stat for Haliburton. Amazing how little he turns it over for a PG dishing out so many assists.

It is why so many people compare him to prime Nash. I don't see it, but the high assist to turnover ratio is hard to ignore.

 

[the moops]

I know we have a long way to go still, but let's say Indiana wins and Haliburton takes Finals MVP. Does he become the best player in the 2020 draft class? (Ant would be his competition)

Ant goes ahead of him in a re-draft 100/100 times, IMO.

This is the answer, but Haliburton would enter the discussion.

The other Tyrese enters the chat

No he doesn’t

 

[identikit]

Happy Gameday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Jayrod]

Happy Gameday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is this madness?!? Only 1 day in between games?

 

[identikit]

Happy Gameday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is this madness?!? Only 1 day in between games?

Absolutely crazy

 

[Major]

Happy Gameday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Imagine if Indy goes up 3-1?

CANT WAIT! (Bart Scott voice).

 

[Jayrod]

Happy Gameday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Imagine if Indy goes up 3-1?

CANT WAIT! (Bart Scott voice).

I think they do. And they then are in the drivers' seat to finish it at home in game 6.

 

[cheese]

That was the Mathurin game imo

If I had to narrow it to one player

Ben is almost a lock to play somewhere else next year, but last night cemented his legacy as a Pacer. Nesmith is clearly injured and we're getting more and more from Ben on offense so we barely notice.

He is restricted and they hold birds rights on him. If they win the title I would think there would be a push to keep him around

I am not that focused on the future while my team is playing in the finals, but I can't think of anything but Pacers today so I'll lay out my 2 cents.

Ben can be an all star next year somewhere else or the 7th man on the Pacers. I really believe that. He believes that. The league probably believes that. I think he can get to a Brunson level of head down, go get a bucket no matter what, as a scorer. Even if he falls short of that, he can excel as a 23ppg main option in an offense that allows it. He's not going to do that in Indy for a million reasons and frankly he doesn't fit with their offense at all. Most of his minutes he is tasked with holding down the fort and making sure we still score points while Hali is resting.

He hasn't been very happy with his role since being demoted and I don't see the Pacers giving him a bigger role or going out of their way to hold him back.

100 people on this board know more about the money than me including the one I'm replying to, but here's the dumbed down version as I see it. Indy is a small market team with 2 max players and a franchise icon up for free agency this year. They're going to be limited on extension money. They're going to be in win now mode this offseason. Everyone's going to want Ben.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Happy Gameday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is this madness?!? Only 1 day in between games?

Fortunately they will get an extra day for game 5 to recover from that arduous Indy to OKC flight.

 

[identikit]

Wondering if Coach Daigneault will stick to this same starting lineup tonight.

Kind of feels like he stuck with it so as to not have to admit is wasn't the smart move to begin with

 

[Harry Frogfish]

Happy Gameday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is this madness?!? Only 1 day in between games?

Fortunately they will get an extra day for game 5 to recover from that arduous Indy to OKC flight.

You guys finally talking about the two month playoff schedule with the mile long grand finale? Good to hear.

 

[Moe.]

Wondering if Coach Daigneault will stick to this same starting lineup tonight.

Kind of feels like he stuck with it so as to not have to admit is wasn't the smart move to begin with

I think the fact that he was willing to do it in the first place is probably a good sign he won’t stick with it due to ego, but who knows. Chet was so bad in game 3 but maybe he thinks it’s not an emergency situation just yet.

Pacers moneyline is the bet tonight for me.

 

[identikit]

Scott 'The Extender' Foster is one of the refs tonight



W-L records with each ref for the Pacers and the Thunder

 

[Mister CIA]

I expect to be entertained tonight.

Maybe start with a Monty Python foot coming down on Stephen A.

 

[identikit]

Wondering if Coach Daigneault will stick to this same starting lineup tonight.

Kind of feels like he stuck with it so as to not have to admit is wasn't the smart move to begin with

I think the fact that he was willing to do it in the first place is probably a good sign he won’t stick with it due to ego, but who knows. Chet was so bad in game 3 but maybe he thinks it’s not an emergency situation just yet.

Pacers moneyline is the bet tonight for me.

Back to Hartenstein in the starting lineup for the Thunder

 

[dickey moe]

No games this weekend? That's wack!

 

[identikit]

No games this weekend? That's wack!

Teams will be busing it back to OKC over the weekend...

 

[GroveDiesel]

Caitlin Clark clearly been chatting with Hali quite a bit.

 

[identikit]

Ouch on that rolled ankle for Chet

 

[GroveDiesel]

Why is Doris Burke such a Pacers hater?

 

[GroveDiesel]

The Thunder are in trouble if they keep giving Indy all those wide open corner threes. Indy is being smart taking advantage of OKC’s super aggressive defense by driving hard and then kicking it to that corner guy when the defense has to crash down to stop the penetrator.

 

[AAABatteries]

lol at the Dumb and Dumber guys courtside

ETA - wearing Steven A. and Perkins fatheads

 

[scoobus]

So much seems difficult on offense for OKC outside of SGA.

Feels like Pacers should be up by more.

 

[identikit]

Offensive rebounds are hurting the Pacers

Gotta tighten that up

 

[identikit]

Giving up a ton of layups, Pacers

Oy

 

[scoobus]

How many times in this series do you think Chet can drive on Myles Turner without scoring until he stops? 15? 25? Infinity?

 

[identikit]

Can't stand Foster

 

[GroveDiesel]

That’s a joke. That was just an everyday foul.

 

[identikit]

The Thunder are in trouble if they keep giving Indy all those wide open corner threes. Indy is being smart taking advantage of OKC’s super aggressive defense by driving hard and then kicking it to that corner guy when the defense has to crash down to stop the penetrator.

There was one

 

[identikit]

Gotta be a flagrant

 

[GroveDiesel]

First free throw for Hali in the Finals. And it’s Game 4. That’s wild.

 

[dickey moe]

That reverse layup by Halliburton was insane.

 

[identikit]

That reverse layup by Halliburton was insane.

I don't think he realizes that he could drive to the basket much more often than he does

Would get at least some more free throws out of it

 

[identikit]

OKC 1-10 from 3

 

[Major]

That reverse layup by Halliburton was insane.

Indeed. That was on some MJ sh*t

 

[boilerdave]

The Pacers are up in the series 2 games to 1 and leading Game 4 at halftime but still getting no respect from the talking heads….idiots.