2016-2017 around the league thread

[bleedspeed]

I was pro Noah when he came out. He has been a huge bust so far, but is showing signs of life,

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18985014/zach-lowe-10-things-like-featuring-nikola-jokic-nba

Noah Vonleh, showing stuff

You hear a version of the refrain from team execs all the time: "The hardest thing to do in the NBA is be patient."

Vonleh is finishing his third season, and second as something of a token starter in Portland. He has looked for large parts of that time like a bust. Charlotte hasn't sweated flipping Vonleh for Nicolas Batum, even as Batum has dropped off during the first year of a mega-deal.

But Vonleh would show flashes: a smooth long jumper, good footwork switching onto point guards.

The flashes have appeared more over the past two weeks, including in three straight double-digit scoring games. That doesn't sound like much, but Vonleh is still just 21. The NBA is hard for young big men who don't get the ball, and have to cycle through a bunch of rapid-fire decisions on every defensive possession.

Vonleh looks more comfortable posting up smaller guys after switches:

That sideways hook doesn't look pretty, but it works. He's getting more confident passing, the area of his game in which he has the furthest to go; Vonleh has just 55 career dimes:

Portland trusted him to guard Antetokounmpo for parts of Tuesday's game, and it's using him more as a backup center. He's rebounding at a career-best rate.

Vonleh is still raw. His jumper is unproven, though the Blazers hope he can eventually hit open 3s. But he looks like he should grow into a useful rotation player.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I was pro Noah when he came out. He has been a huge bust so far, but is showing signs of life,

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18985014/zach-lowe-10-things-like-featuring-nikola-jokic-nba

Noah Vonleh, showing stuff

You hear a version of the refrain from team execs all the time: "The hardest thing to do in the NBA is be patient."

Vonleh is finishing his third season, and second as something of a token starter in Portland. He has looked for large parts of that time like a bust. Charlotte hasn't sweated flipping Vonleh for Nicolas Batum, even as Batum has dropped off during the first year of a mega-deal.

But Vonleh would show flashes: a smooth long jumper, good footwork switching onto point guards.

The flashes have appeared more over the past two weeks, including in three straight double-digit scoring games. That doesn't sound like much, but Vonleh is still just 21. The NBA is hard for young big men who don't get the ball, and have to cycle through a bunch of rapid-fire decisions on every defensive possession.

Vonleh looks more comfortable posting up smaller guys after switches:

That sideways hook doesn't look pretty, but it works. He's getting more confident passing, the area of his game in which he has the furthest to go; Vonleh has just 55 career dimes:

Portland trusted him to guard Antetokounmpo for parts of Tuesday's game, and it's using him more as a backup center. He's rebounding at a career-best rate.

Vonleh is still raw. His jumper is unproven, though the Blazers hope he can eventually hit open 3s. But he looks like he should grow into a useful rotation player.

So basically, now Portland has Aminu = Harkless = Vonleh... all pretty much about the same with the same strengths and weaknesses.

Cool.

[bleedspeed]

They seems to be able to take young guys and get them to the point they can play rotation minutes when they were busts with other teams.

[Monster]

Noah suspended for violating the drug policy. I know the Wolves REALLY REALLY needed and still need some vets but I'm really glad we aren't stuck with some terrible contracts going forward.

[Monster]

Did you guys see the reports the Kings have interest in hiring Sam Hienkie? It sounds like might not be interested. Some things have gone pretty well for the Sixers his process doesn't look like a joke right now and so would guess he will have some opportunities. I don't think I would go to the Kings unless I was pretty desperate if I had a decent resume like he does.

Speaking of guys without jobs...I heard David Kahn's name supposedly came up for UNLV's athletic director. Yikes. Part of me doesn't want to see that happen and part of me wants badly to see it happen and how it would crash and burn.

[bleedspeed]

Saw that. It would be an improvement for Kings.

Anyone else think that Pops was playing games last night in the loss to the Warriors and didn't show what he plans to do in the playoffs when they match up with Warriors?

[Monster]

Saw that. It would be an improvement for Kings.

Anyone else think that Pops was playing games last night in the loss to the Warriors and didn't show what he plans to do in the playoffs when they match up with Warriors?

I was listening to the local radio station and they were all giving the Warriors a spot in the finals because they beat the top 2 teams in he west back to back. Yeah it's impressive but it doesn't mean anything. Again it's just one game neither team is trying desperately to win and they certainly aren't wasting any specific scheming they can use in a playoff series now. Plus when Durant comes back...it might not work out super well at first.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Saw that. It would be an improvement for Kings.

Anyone else think that Pops was playing games last night in the loss to the Warriors and didn't show what he plans to do in the playoffs when they match up with Warriors?

I was listening to the local radio station and they were all giving the Warriors a spot in the finals because they beat the top 2 teams in he west back to back. Yeah it's impressive but it doesn't mean anything. Again it's just one game neither team is trying desperately to win and they certainly aren't wasting any specific scheming they can use in a playoff series now. Plus when Durant comes back...it might not work out super well at first.

While all true... the Warriors are playing very well right now.

They've won 9 in a row. They're ranked #1 on offense. #2 on defense. That doesn't mean they skate into the Finals... but they should still be considered the favorites from the West.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Saw that. It would be an improvement for Kings.

Anyone else think that Pops was playing games last night in the loss to the Warriors and didn't show what he plans to do in the playoffs when they match up with Warriors?

I was listening to the local radio station and they were all giving the Warriors a spot in the finals because they beat the top 2 teams in he west back to back. Yeah it's impressive but it doesn't mean anything. Again it's just one game neither team is trying desperately to win and they certainly aren't wasting any specific scheming they can use in a playoff series now. Plus when Durant comes back...it might not work out super well at first.

While all true... the Warriors are playing very well right now.

They've won 9 in a row. They're ranked #1 on offense. #2 on defense. That doesn't mean they skate into the Finals... but they should still be considered the favorites from the West.

Agreed. These guys are going to be really tough to beat. They are peaking at the right time.

[Monster]

Saw that. It would be an improvement for Kings.

Anyone else think that Pops was playing games last night in the loss to the Warriors and didn't show what he plans to do in the playoffs when they match up with Warriors?

I was listening to the local radio station and they were all giving the Warriors a spot in the finals because they beat the top 2 teams in he west back to back. Yeah it's impressive but it doesn't mean anything. Again it's just one game neither team is trying desperately to win and they certainly aren't wasting any specific scheming they can use in a playoff series now. Plus when Durant comes back...it might not work out super well at first.

While all true... the Warriors are playing very well right now.

They've won 9 in a row. They're ranked #1 on offense. #2 on defense. That doesn't mean they skate into the Finals... but they should still be considered the favorites from the West.

Agreed. These guys are going to be really tough to beat. They are peaking at the right time.

I agree with that.

Will the Cavs figure out their D in time?