timschochet's thread - Ranking hemorrhoids (2 Viewers)

[sbonomo]

Great article on SBnation about what the Cavs are doing on defense. It's nothing ground breaking.

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/6/10/8755837/nba-finals-2015-cleveland-cavaliers-defense-golden-state-warriors

Here's another nice article - this one about how Draymond Green is Killing the Warriors.

Good writeup. He's been terrible for both easily explainable reasons (matchup against the Mozgov-Thompson lineup limits his role) and totally baffling reasons (complete loss of confidence from a guy usually overflows with it).

I posted the still of the three he passed up in that possession yesterday. Here it is. Unbelievable to not take that shot down 4 at the 2 minute mark. You're being handed a greater than 40% chance to make it a one point game and you decline. I hadn't considered the fact that his lack of confidence also is probably the reason Curry's behind the back pass later in the possession went out of bounds- its likely that he basically just chickened out of the pick and pop three. Great call by that writer. Also great insight into why the David Lee solution is probably fool's gold.

Can't wait to see how Green responds tonight. I think his play over the next 2-4 games may be what decides the series.

The more I think about it the more I like David Lee playing....if Green and Bogut continue to play like crap. Again, Green and Bogut playing at their usual level are worlds better than David Lee but you have to have options.

Lee is the best offensive big man the Dubs have. He is also the worst on defense. However, the Warriors have been losing grind it out games already...so why not just try to outscore the Cavs? If the Warriors offense is humming, I don't think Cavs ISO ball has enough weapons to keep up.

It's a scary thought of having David Lee trying to stop LeBron from scoring 60 points, but I might be tempted to try it just as long as it gets the pace going in the Dubs favor.

Is this the tool slang for the Warriors or are you trying to start a new trend?

 

[sbonomo]

My head said Warriors in 6.

My heart wants this win for Cleveland badly.

I think the Cav's have to win tonight to win the series.

If GS trails after the 1st quarter again, like they have all series they may get that here we go again mentality that will help the Cavs.

So you think that the Warriors rattle off three in a row? Given that the could be down 3-0 fairly easily at this point i just don't understand this rationale.

GS could also be up 3-0. All three games have come down to the final few possessions. Admittedly CLE has played better through three quarters each game.

I am an outsider looking in so i have no dog in the fight. I honestly think that the warriors are the better team however, lebron is by far the best player in the series. As much as i love what steph does, he cannot take over a game like lebron does. I would give the edge to the Cav's at this point. I will say the three's that steph hit at the end of the last game were unreal. that kid is absolutely lights out to watch.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Another thing that makes the NBA great is that all the Game 4 talk on my twitter feed has been completely usurped by the news that Kyrie Irving has a FRIENDS tattoo on his arm.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Great article on SBnation about what the Cavs are doing on defense. It's nothing ground breaking.

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/6/10/8755837/nba-finals-2015-cleveland-cavaliers-defense-golden-state-warriors

Here's another nice article - this one about how Draymond Green is Killing the Warriors.

Good writeup. He's been terrible for both easily explainable reasons (matchup against the Mozgov-Thompson lineup limits his role) and totally baffling reasons (complete loss of confidence from a guy usually overflows with it).

I posted the still of the three he passed up in that possession yesterday. Here it is. Unbelievable to not take that shot down 4 at the 2 minute mark. You're being handed a greater than 40% chance to make it a one point game and you decline. I hadn't considered the fact that his lack of confidence also is probably the reason Curry's behind the back pass later in the possession went out of bounds- its likely that he basically just chickened out of the pick and pop three. Great call by that writer. Also great insight into why the David Lee solution is probably fool's gold.

Can't wait to see how Green responds tonight. I think his play over the next 2-4 games may be what decides the series.

The more I think about it the more I like David Lee playing....if Green and Bogut continue to play like crap. Again, Green and Bogut playing at their usual level are worlds better than David Lee but you have to have options.

Lee is the best offensive big man the Dubs have. He is also the worst on defense. However, the Warriors have been losing grind it out games already...so why not just try to outscore the Cavs? If the Warriors offense is humming, I don't think Cavs ISO ball has enough weapons to keep up.

It's a scary thought of having David Lee trying to stop LeBron from scoring 60 points, but I might be tempted to try it just as long as it gets the pace going in the Dubs favor.

Is this the tool slang for the Warriors or are you trying to start a new trend?

Did you just emerge from under a rock on Mars?

 

[Spartans Rule]

Good writeup. He's been terrible for both easily explainable reasons (matchup against the Mozgov-Thompson lineup limits his role) and totally baffling reasons (complete loss of confidence from a guy usually overflows with it).

And another reason - back spasms

 

[sbonomo]

Great article on SBnation about what the Cavs are doing on defense. It's nothing ground breaking.

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/6/10/8755837/nba-finals-2015-cleveland-cavaliers-defense-golden-state-warriors

Here's another nice article - this one about how Draymond Green is Killing the Warriors.

Good writeup. He's been terrible for both easily explainable reasons (matchup against the Mozgov-Thompson lineup limits his role) and totally baffling reasons (complete loss of confidence from a guy usually overflows with it).

I posted the still of the three he passed up in that possession yesterday. Here it is. Unbelievable to not take that shot down 4 at the 2 minute mark. You're being handed a greater than 40% chance to make it a one point game and you decline. I hadn't considered the fact that his lack of confidence also is probably the reason Curry's behind the back pass later in the possession went out of bounds- its likely that he basically just chickened out of the pick and pop three. Great call by that writer. Also great insight into why the David Lee solution is probably fool's gold.

Can't wait to see how Green responds tonight. I think his play over the next 2-4 games may be what decides the series.

The more I think about it the more I like David Lee playing....if Green and Bogut continue to play like crap. Again, Green and Bogut playing at their usual level are worlds better than David Lee but you have to have options.

Lee is the best offensive big man the Dubs have. He is also the worst on defense. However, the Warriors have been losing grind it out games already...so why not just try to outscore the Cavs? If the Warriors offense is humming, I don't think Cavs ISO ball has enough weapons to keep up.

It's a scary thought of having David Lee trying to stop LeBron from scoring 60 points, but I might be tempted to try it just as long as it gets the pace going in the Dubs favor.

Is this the tool slang for the Warriors or are you trying to start a new trend?

Did you just emerge from under a rock on Mars?

So this is a common name for the team? Is this a local thing because i have never heard it before (i watch the games in the city not Oakland)?

 

[tommyGunZ]

Anyone want Clev +2 for a couple hundred tonight? It will save me a phone call to my MIL in Vegas.

 

[Hoss Style]

Great article on SBnation about what the Cavs are doing on defense. It's nothing ground breaking.

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/6/10/8755837/nba-finals-2015-cleveland-cavaliers-defense-golden-state-warriors

Here's another nice article - this one about how Draymond Green is Killing the Warriors.

Good writeup. He's been terrible for both easily explainable reasons (matchup against the Mozgov-Thompson lineup limits his role) and totally baffling reasons (complete loss of confidence from a guy usually overflows with it).

I posted the still of the three he passed up in that possession yesterday. Here it is. Unbelievable to not take that shot down 4 at the 2 minute mark. You're being handed a greater than 40% chance to make it a one point game and you decline. I hadn't considered the fact that his lack of confidence also is probably the reason Curry's behind the back pass later in the possession went out of bounds- its likely that he basically just chickened out of the pick and pop three. Great call by that writer. Also great insight into why the David Lee solution is probably fool's gold.

Can't wait to see how Green responds tonight. I think his play over the next 2-4 games may be what decides the series.

The more I think about it the more I like David Lee playing....if Green and Bogut continue to play like crap. Again, Green and Bogut playing at their usual level are worlds better than David Lee but you have to have options.

Lee is the best offensive big man the Dubs have. He is also the worst on defense. However, the Warriors have been losing grind it out games already...so why not just try to outscore the Cavs? If the Warriors offense is humming, I don't think Cavs ISO ball has enough weapons to keep up.

It's a scary thought of having David Lee trying to stop LeBron from scoring 60 points, but I might be tempted to try it just as long as it gets the pace going in the Dubs favor.

Is this the tool slang for the Warriors or are you trying to start a new trend?

Did you just emerge from under a rock on Mars?

It's hipster vs crabby old guy. Let's let this play out - maybe they'll both beat each other into submission.

 

[Hoss Style]

Good writeup. He's been terrible for both easily explainable reasons (matchup against the Mozgov-Thompson lineup limits his role) and totally baffling reasons (complete loss of confidence from a guy usually overflows with it).

And another reason - back spasms

This is interesting, as almost everyone at this point is injured. And not to say that I'm old (I am), but I've seen a lot of basketball and guys with bad back spasms, and none of them hurtled themselves down the lane like Green did multiple times this last game. Maybe the spasms acted up after those plays, but those plays are a big part of his bad showing.

Bad back spasms can take you out of the game, literally. Mild ones are just another injury that a player deals with, probably similar to pains all the players are battling at this point.

 

[[icon]]

Is this the tool slang for the Warriors or are you trying to start a new trend?

Did you just emerge from under a rock on Mars?

It's hipster vs crabby old guy. Let's let this play out - maybe they'll both beat each other into submission.

at sbonomo being an old crabby guy

 

[sbonomo]

Is this the tool slang for the Warriors or are you trying to start a new trend?

Did you just emerge from under a rock on Mars?

It's hipster vs crabby old guy. Let's let this play out - maybe they'll both beat each other into submission.

at sbonomo being an old crabby guy

I am definitely old......didn't think i was that crabby......I guess i am not a huge fan of the hipster so i will wear it......

 

[Hoss Style]

Is this the tool slang for the Warriors or are you trying to start a new trend?

Did you just emerge from under a rock on Mars?

It's hipster vs crabby old guy. Let's let this play out - maybe they'll both beat each other into submission.

at sbonomo being an old crabby guy

Young at heat is a saying.... maybe old at heart is too?

Besides, it wouldn't be fair if he was actually old. I'm pulling for the hipster to get a good beat down.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Is this the tool slang for the Warriors or are you trying to start a new trend?

Did you just emerge from under a rock on Mars?

It's hipster vs crabby old guy. Let's let this play out - maybe they'll both beat each other into submission.

at sbonomo being an old crabby guy

I am definitely old......didn't think i was that crabby......I guess i am not a huge fan of the hipster so i will wear it......

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=dubs+warriors+shirt&tbm=shop

http://www.nba.com/warriors/tickets/promotions/2013/dubnation

 

[sbonomo]

Is this the tool slang for the Warriors or are you trying to start a new trend?

Did you just emerge from under a rock on Mars?

It's hipster vs crabby old guy. Let's let this play out - maybe they'll both beat each other into submission.

at sbonomo being an old crabby guy

I am definitely old......didn't think i was that crabby......I guess i am not a huge fan of the hipster so i will wear it......

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=dubs+warriors+shirt&tbm=shop

http://www.nba.com/warriors/tickets/promotions/2013/dubnation

Definitely hipster nations.....now i see why i had no idea.....Most the people i watch the games with show up, like myself, to the bar in a suit. That being said, i still think it is the cav's in six.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

FYI, Dub and Dubs are not hipster terms.

 

[Hoss Style]

FYI, Dub and Dubs are not hipster terms.

Originally? No. I remember dubs as this: DUBS

But like many things, the term has been adopted, and is now even routinely used by Sportscenter anchors, which always seems weird when I hear it.

 

[Donkey Derp]

Dub is short for W.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

My head said Warriors in 6.

My heart wants this win for Cleveland badly.

I think the Cav's have to win tonight to win the series.

If GS trails after the 1st quarter again, like they have all series they may get that here we go again mentality that will help the Cavs.

So you think that the Warriors rattle off three in a row? Given that the could be down 3-0 fairly easily at this point i just don't understand this rationale.

GS could also be up 3-0. All three games have come down to the final few possessions. Admittedly CLE has played better through three quarters each game.

Hard to be up 3-0 when they have not even led at the end of any quarter yet. They should be thankful it's 2-1.

 

[Donkey Derp]

My head said Warriors in 6.

My heart wants this win for Cleveland badly.

I think the Cav's have to win tonight to win the series.

If GS trails after the 1st quarter again, like they have all series they may get that here we go again mentality that will help the Cavs.

So you think that the Warriors rattle off three in a row? Given that the could be down 3-0 fairly easily at this point i just don't understand this rationale.

GS could also be up 3-0. All three games have come down to the final few possessions. Admittedly CLE has played better through three quarters each game.

Hard to be up 3-0 when they have not even led at the end of any quarter yet. They should be thankful it's 2-1.

That makes zero sense.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

which part are you having trouble with?

 

[Anarchy99]

My head said Warriors in 6.

My heart wants this win for Cleveland badly.

I think the Cav's have to win tonight to win the series.

If GS trails after the 1st quarter again, like they have all series they may get that here we go again mentality that will help the Cavs.

So you think that the Warriors rattle off three in a row? Given that the could be down 3-0 fairly easily at this point i just don't understand this rationale.

GS could also be up 3-0. All three games have come down to the final few possessions. Admittedly CLE has played better through three quarters each game.

Hard to be up 3-0 when they have not even led at the end of any quarter yet. They should be thankful it's 2-1.

GS won one game, went to OT in the next game, and were within a point with 2:45 to go in the next game (and within a basket with 18 seconds to go). I don't think it is so crazy to think that with a make or a miss either way that either team could be 3-0 or 0-3. I also will agree that CLE has had the better of each game up until the 4th quarter, but the scores of each game ended up about as close as you could get.

 

[Todem]

James is awesome. This is the best performance I've ever seen by a single player. When he went out, Cleveland was absolutely lost on offense.

I know we can all be prone to hyperbole, but this is far from the best performance ever by a player. Hell, this isn't even the best performance from LeBron James.

It's as if some people have just started watching LeBron play. Or maybe the script of losing 2 stars has finally made it obvious enough that everyone is finally acknowledging it.

Ok, give me an example. Not a huge NBA fan, but I generally watch the playoffs every year. I'm 37 years old, so that means I have watched probably the last 25 playoffs. Give me an example of a 3-game stretch of a player playing better than James this series. And if James played better than this, please point me to those games and I will gladly go back and rewatch.

And please don't give me this sabermetric efficiency crap that says he played better in Miami than this. Sometimes a guy in his position is going to have to take some inefficient shots with the group of guys he's playing with and the style Cleveland has to play to have a chance this series.

LeBron in the 2009 playoffs was as good as any player I've ever seen, but it tends to be forgotten because the Cavs lost in the ECF. I'm not looking up exact 3 game stretches, but he's had other periods in which he's been better including 2007 vs. Detroit, closeouts vs Boston and San Antonio, 2011 vs. Miami, 2012 vs. Indiana, etc, That's not even counting the many monster performances he's had in earlier rounds when his teams cruised to victories. And while he's still an excellent defender, his impact and intensity on that end was off the charts when he was with Miami.

At minimum, he's going to be on the short list of greatest players ever when he retires. He has set such a ridiculous standard that it should hardly be surprising that he is capable of doing what he is in these Finals.

Lebron next to Jordan is the best player I have had the pleasure to watch. He is an absolute monster. And in some ways better than Jordan.

When he was here in Miami.....absolute assassin and able to play at the highest level of efficiency that any player in the history of the game could play at on their way to multiple titles.

He is a different player in this series though. He has to be. But I don't see The Cav's pulling this off tonight. I saw GS wake up in the 4th quarter of game 3. It finally kicked in and I think they will play at a furious pace that one man can not keep up with. If however The Cav's manage a huge win tonight...and it would be huge. They are on their way to IMO the most improbable NBA title's in the modern era (or any era for that matter). Lebron would then have to get massive massive props as one of the GOAT from his haters.

This would be bigger than anything he has ever done in his already glorious career.

And the officiating has been just dreadful for both sides in this series.

 

[Donkey Derp]

Anarchy is correct.

 

[Jayrod]

In an overtime game, had either team scored one more point in regulation, they would have won. Similarly, if a team loses a close game, had they just scored more points than the other team, they would have won. I don't know why more coaches don't utilize these basic principles to win more games.

 

[ArbyMelt]

It could easily be 3-0 GSW. Lebron could have torn an ACL in the first quarter of game 1.

 

[Donkey Derp]

Cleveland's point differential in the 4TH/OT is -21 through three games. Their short bench and starters (mainly James) is a real issue. His FG% falls over 10% after the first three quarters. Doesn't seem reasonable to analyze three quarters in a four quarter game when one team has a clear advantage over the other late in the game.

 

[Bobcat10]

GS hasn't carried over any positive momentum from any game yet. Will be interesting to see if they can tonight, but I wouldn't be predicting it.

 

[Todem]

GS hasn't carried over any positive momentum from any game yet. Will be interesting to see if they can tonight, but I wouldn't be predicting it.

That's my thinking. Watching that 4th quarter a ton and compare it with the first 3 quarters. If they play 4th quarter game 3 GS ball.....they run the Cav's off the court. They have got to get into transition, and for the love of god they have to hit open shots. They are shooting something awful in this series. And that has plenty to do with the physical defense the Cav's have imposed and that the Ref's are allowing for the series. I have not seen this type of physical defense allowed in quite some time.

It was looking like 1989 (Bad Boys era) out on the court in game 3 at times.

 

[the moops]

Green has tens of millions riding on the next 3-4 games.

He is getting a max deal regardless

 

[Donkey Derp]

GS hasn't carried over any positive momentum from any game yet. Will be interesting to see if they can tonight, but I wouldn't be predicting it.

lol. Momentum?

 

[Anarchy99]

Green has tens of millions riding on the next 3-4 games.

He is getting a max deal regardless

Wait, what? A guy with one season averaging 11 points and 8 rebounds is going to get a max deal? Really?

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Cleveland's point differential in the 4TH/OT is -21 through three games. Their short bench and starters (mainly James) is a real issue. His FG% falls over 10% after the first three quarters. Doesn't seem reasonable to analyze three quarters in a four quarter game when one team has a clear advantage over the other late in the game.

You're right. It's only reasonable to analyze the parts where Golden State has been better. Makes total sense.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Green has tens of millions riding on the next 3-4 games.

He is getting a max deal regardless

Wait, what? A guy with one season averaging 11 points and 8 rebounds is going to get a max deal? Really?

Most likely, yes.

 

[Anarchy99]

Green has tens of millions riding on the next 3-4 games.

He is getting a max deal regardless

Wait, what? A guy with one season averaging 11 points and 8 rebounds is going to get a max deal? Really?

Most likely, yes.

FWIW (which is not usually much), Rotoworld has him getting in the neighborhood of $15 million a season (which would obviously not be a max contract).

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Also Draymond Green looks like Biz Markie

 

[Donkey Derp]

Cleveland's point differential in the 4TH/OT is -21 through three games. Their short bench and starters (mainly James) is a real issue. His FG% falls over 10% after the first three quarters. Doesn't seem reasonable to analyze three quarters in a four quarter game when one team has a clear advantage over the other late in the game.

You're right. It's only reasonable to analyze the parts where Golden State has been better. Makes total sense.

The overall point differential is one whole point for the series. Who cares what team leads after specific quarters except at the end of the game?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Green has tens of millions riding on the next 3-4 games.

He is getting a max deal regardless

Wait, what? A guy with one season averaging 11 points and 8 rebounds is going to get a max deal? Really?

Most likely, yes.

FWIW (which is not usually much), Rotoworld has him getting in the neighborhood of $15 million a season (which would obviously not be a max contract).

That is very close to a first year max for a first contract. KD's first year in his max extension was $15.5.

 

[TobiasFunke]

We're currently watching a team that lost Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love and seemingly hasn't lost a step overall; everything they're missing from those two on offense (which is substantial) they seem to be getting back by not having to play them on defense. I think this season and this series is kind of a watershed moment for fans and maybe even front offices understanding the value of defensive contributions and the problems presented by players who can't hold their own on that end. Everyone always gave lip service to defense but when it came down to it the all-star ballots and All-NBA team spots and paydays went to the guys who put up big traditional numbers and literally half the game was basically ignored other than the occasional respect for big men who blocked shots.

Anyway, that's why the runner-up DPOY is looking at a max deal.

 

[Jayrod]

Also Draymond Green looks like Biz Markie

Now I'll never be able to keep "Oh baby, yooooouuuuuuuu!" out of my head while watching him play.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Green has tens of millions riding on the next 3-4 games.

He is getting a max deal regardless

Wait, what? A guy with one season averaging 11 points and 8 rebounds is going to get a max deal? Really?

He's a great defender and has a really high basketball IQ. Analytics will put his value way beyond what counting numbers do. There was a time when guys like that would be undervalued, but those days are gone.

Plus, if the Warriors are willing to pay luxury tax, there's no reason for them not to match any offer up to and including a max. Why mess with the chemistry they have now?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Green has tens of millions riding on the next 3-4 games.

He is getting a max deal regardless

Wait, what? A guy with one season averaging 11 points and 8 rebounds is going to get a max deal? Really?

Most likely, yes.

FWIW (which is not usually much), Rotoworld has him getting in the neighborhood of $15 million a season (which would obviously not be a max contract).

That is very close to a first year max for a first contract. KD's first year in his max extension was $15.5.

And remember, the cap could jump $30M in 2016 making a max signed this summer just a slightly above average deal.

 

[Donkey Derp]

The problem with Draymond is I look at the tape of game 3 down 84-80. He is a 40% 3 point shooter when not contested and he passes the shot up? If I am a NBA exec, I say I don't care how many regular season games he has helped won - the dude is SCARED of the big stage.

 

[hxperson]

The problem with Draymond is I look at the tape of game 3 down 84-80. He is a 40% 3 point shooter when not contested and he passes the shot up? If I am a NBA exec, I say I don't care how many regular season games he has helped won - the dude is SCARED of the big stage.

Or, maybe he just felt he was not shooting well and didn't feel that presented the best opportunity to score at the time, and overthought it.

IMO any Coach/GM that judges a player on one play, or even one game, is a poor one.

 

[TobiasFunke]

The problem with Draymond is I look at the tape of game 3 down 84-80. He is a 40% 3 point shooter when not contested and he passes the shot up? If I am a NBA exec, I say I don't care how many regular season games he has helped won - the dude is SCARED of the big stage.

Or, maybe he just felt he was not shooting well and didn't feel that presented the best opportunity to score at the time, and overthought it.

IMO any Coach/GM that judges a player on one play, or even one game, is a poor one.

And frankly, even if he is scared of the big stage (which I find hard to believe considering his play in the playoffs thus far, particularly Game 4 in Memphis), that's not gonna keep him from getting a max deal. No GM is going to say "well, this guy can be a great help in getting us to the NBA Finals, but that's just not good enough for me. I'm only writing him a big check if he can also win it for us once we get there!" Reaching the Finals is huge. It sells thousands of season tickets. It sends your TV ratings soaring. It secures front office jobs for years to come.

 

[Donkey Derp]

The problem with Draymond is I look at the tape of game 3 down 84-80. He is a 40% 3 point shooter when not contested and he passes the shot up? If I am a NBA exec, I say I don't care how many regular season games he has helped won - the dude is SCARED of the big stage.

Or, maybe he just felt he was not shooting well and didn't feel that presented the best opportunity to score at the time, and overthought it.IMO any Coach/GM that judges a player on one play, or even one game, is a poor one.

His entire finals performance has been pathetic. Not only that, he has been crying about every foul. He was such an integral piece to that team's success this season but some players have that big game presence - so far nothing has told me otherwise.

Did you see that play? There is NO ONE near him. We aren't talking about Bogut or Mozgov. Draymond Green is a perfectly capable three point shooter. You only pass that up when you have no confidence. He decided to drive and throw up a contested brick bashing into Mozgov. Yeah, that was a much higher expected value play.

 

[hxperson]

The problem with Draymond is I look at the tape of game 3 down 84-80. He is a 40% 3 point shooter when not contested and he passes the shot up? If I am a NBA exec, I say I don't care how many regular season games he has helped won - the dude is SCARED of the big stage.

Or, maybe he just felt he was not shooting well and didn't feel that presented the best opportunity to score at the time, and overthought it.IMO any Coach/GM that judges a player on one play, or even one game, is a poor one.

His entire finals performance has been pathetic. Not only that, he has been crying about every foul. He was such an integral piece to that team's success this season but some players have that big game presence - so far nothing has told me otherwise.

Did you see that play? There is NO ONE near him. We aren't talking about Bogut or Mozgov. Draymond Green is a perfectly capable three point shooter. You only pass that up when you have no confidence. He decided to drive and throw up a contested brick bashing into Mozgov. Yeah, that was a much higher expected value play.

I saw it. I can only think of one exception to this rule, and that was not it.

 

[Jack White]

I'm in favor of the college closely-guarded 5-second rule. Cavs are probably playing optimally considering personnel limitations, but Barkley Ball (~15 seconds of back-to-basket dribbling per trip) isn't the most aesthetically pleasing product.

Not necessary with a 24-second shot clock.

Plus, LeBron in his current situation is the only player in the league who can make this work.

No need to change any rules.

 

[Jack White]

What is LeBron's secret motivation?

In his postgame interview with Wade after Game 3, LeBron went out of his way to mention he finished third in MVP voting behind Curry and Harden.

Also possible it's proving to Pat Riley he could win a title away from Miami. Riley hasn't been cordial about LeBron's departure; not full middle school ##### Dan Gilbert was after The Decision, but Riley has been a ##### about it.

Windhorst had this scoop days ago.

But, LeBron is a student of the game and its history. He knows that just because he's the best player in the world, that doesn't mean he's going to win the MVP every year. See Jordan, Michael vis a vis Barkley, Charles and Malone, Karl.

The Pat Riley angle seems more likely.

Of course, it could be something else entirely.

 

[Jack White]

What is LeBron's secret motivation?

He's retiring.

Assume you're kidding here.

As Pop said after Game 7 against the Clippers, "The paycheck's pretty good."

 

[Jack White]

Thought this was interesting

http://streamable.com/hvy6

video on the various illegal screens GS has been setting.

I agree that there's a lot of movement on those "screens." Now, can we see montage of all the extended forearms that Lebron dishes out?

Every team in the league sets screens like that.

Why?

Because guys know the refs are not going to call a foul every time down the court.