Around the NBA (non-Wolves talk)

[Monster]

Clippers, Utah, and Phoenix losing + a Wolves win......VERY good night!

Blazers beat OKC and now the Grizz somehow have pulled to within 3 and they were down like 10 points with 2 mins to go. Conley has been money since coming back into the game. Rookie Dillon Brooks is getting crunch time minutes. The Grizz couldn't pull it out but they had their chances. I probably feel better and then losing for the Wolves playoff chances though so that's good. Wolves tied for 2nd in the WC just as we all planned. :)

[Lipoli390]

I'm continuing my John Collins watch in this threat. Tonight, Collins had 12 points 13 boards and 2 blocks in 24 minutes to help beat the Cavs.

The Lakers beat a tough Memphis team tonight and are now 5-4 on the season. It's early, but I don't think what we've seen from the Lakers has been a fluke. They are young, but really talented with B. Lopez, Ingram, Ball, KCP, Randle, Clarkson and Kuzma. Oh, and there's their recently injured PF, Larry Nance Jr., who's been playing really well for them so far this season. The Kuzma pick this past June was brilliant. I also think Luke Walton is a talented coach in the mold of a Brad Stevens. I can see where the Lakers might actually be in the playoff picture this season. I shutter to think of how good they'll be next season if LeBron signs there as expected next summer.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I'm continuing my John Collins watch in this threat. Tonight, Collins had 12 points 13 boards and 2 blocks in 24 minutes to help beat the Cavs.

The Lakers beat a tough Memphis team tonight and are now 5-4 on the season. It's early, but I don't think what we've seen from the Lakers has been a fluke. They are young, but really talented with B. Lopez, Ingram, Ball, KCP, Randle, Clarkson and Kuzma. Oh, and there's their recently injured PF, Larry Nance Jr., who's been playing really well for them so far this season. The Kuzma pick this past June was brilliant. I also think Luke Walton is a talented coach in the mold of a Brad Stevens. I can see where the Lakers might actually be in the playoff picture this season. I shutter to think of how good they'll be next season if LeBron signs there as expected next summer.

I just don't see the LeBron move to the Lakers... despite the rumors.

I don't know why he leaves the East if he's chasing Jordan's legacy... and he has a direct path to the Finals year after year vs. fighting GSW and others just to get there.

And I don't even like the fit with LAL considering the team really does like Ball's future.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

I'm continuing my John Collins watch in this threat. Tonight, Collins had 12 points 13 boards and 2 blocks in 24 minutes to help beat the Cavs.

The Lakers beat a tough Memphis team tonight and are now 5-4 on the season. It's early, but I don't think what we've seen from the Lakers has been a fluke. They are young, but really talented with B. Lopez, Ingram, Ball, KCP, Randle, Clarkson and Kuzma. Oh, and there's their recently injured PF, Larry Nance Jr., who's been playing really well for them so far this season. The Kuzma pick this past June was brilliant. I also think Luke Walton is a talented coach in the mold of a Brad Stevens. I can see where the Lakers might actually be in the playoff picture this season. I shutter to think of how good they'll be next season if LeBron signs there as expected next summer.

I just don't see the LeBron move to the Lakers... despite the rumors.

I don't know why he leaves the East if he's chasing Jordan's legacy... and he has a direct path to the Finals year after year vs. fighting GSW and others just to get there.

And I don't even like the fit with LAL considering the team really does like Ball's future.

I don't think Lebron's move is going to have much to do with winning. He's been to 7 straight finals. He's lost too many to ever catch Jordan. He'll go to LA to build his brand even more and then retire and hopefully have banked enough to buy a team or be a major investor. Also, Ball is a team player and not a ball dominator so he would still fit next to Lebron and PG13 if they manage to land both.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

During the offseason, we lamented the continuing migration of future HOFers to the West, concluding that this trend was only going to make the West stronger and the Wolves' path to the playoffs more difficult. But what is the reality roughly 10 games into the season? The two conferences are almost even in head-to-head competition, despite two Eastern teams we expected to be very good (the Cavs and the Bucks) being under .500!

So, what's going on here? My thought is that years of superiority by the West is catching up with them in the draft, and that the East is adding more of the young talent. I also think there is a trend where the establishment (and older) coaches are choosing to go to the more established West teams, while the new breed of coaches like Brad Stevens are going to the younger East. As older "stars" like Carmelo Anthony search for a title in their waning years, they generally choose to go to a Western team. But I would argue that a player like Anthony tends to make a team worse rather than better (certainly the early returns bear this out).

Will the conference parity continue as we get deeper into the season? I don't know. But as a season ticket holder, I know it's fun to look forward to watching a Philly or Milwaukee team come to town because their style of play is very watchable. I hope the trend continues and the conferences remain equal as the season progresses...both from the perspective of a Wolves' fan hungry for the playoffs and a season ticket holder not interested in watching inept teams.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I'm continuing my John Collins watch in this threat. Tonight, Collins had 12 points 13 boards and 2 blocks in 24 minutes to help beat the Cavs.

The Lakers beat a tough Memphis team tonight and are now 5-4 on the season. It's early, but I don't think what we've seen from the Lakers has been a fluke. They are young, but really talented with B. Lopez, Ingram, Ball, KCP, Randle, Clarkson and Kuzma. Oh, and there's their recently injured PF, Larry Nance Jr., who's been playing really well for them so far this season. The Kuzma pick this past June was brilliant. I also think Luke Walton is a talented coach in the mold of a Brad Stevens. I can see where the Lakers might actually be in the playoff picture this season. I shutter to think of how good they'll be next season if LeBron signs there as expected next summer.

I just don't see the LeBron move to the Lakers... despite the rumors.

I don't know why he leaves the East if he's chasing Jordan's legacy... and he has a direct path to the Finals year after year vs. fighting GSW and others just to get there.

And I don't even like the fit with LAL considering the team really does like Ball's future.

I don't think Lebron's move is going to have much to do with winning. He's been to 7 straight finals. He's lost too many to ever catch Jordan. He'll go to LA to build his brand even more and then retire and hopefully have banked enough to buy a team or be a major investor. Also, Ball is a team player and not a ball dominator so he would still fit next to Lebron and PG13 if they manage to land both.

Here's my "hot take"... because I agree it's about more than winning. It has to be the right kind of winning.

Following in the footsteps of Kobe, Magic, Kareem, Wilt, et al in the glitziest place on our media-driven planet? Sure. But he's not stepping outside anybody's shadow. LAL is already a marquee spot. They already have a promising future. And one where I simply don't see the fit with Ball who hasn't shown he can shoot to be legit off the ball. Despite the signs of growth... they still don't have a superstar level guy there. And if one comes in WITH James, they're sharing the glory.

So if he stays East. And is looking to create his NEXT story, or narrative, with ONLY upside. One where he can create his own path. One where things can change immediately. One where he could get even MORE publicity than in LA on a worldwide stage.

And one where he can team with arguably a Top 5 player in the making who's growing by leaps and bounds... literally.

New York. Porzingis has scored 30+ in 7 of his 9 games. Dump everybody and anybody else... and team them with the usual LeBron-type of players who can shoot around them. That's STILL a Finals team coming out of the East.

And if James takes the Knicks from where they were/are to the Finals -- EVERYBODY will hear about it.



[Note: Now, about Dolan... that guy is so inept he could foil anything.]

[Monster]

I'm continuing my John Collins watch in this threat. Tonight, Collins had 12 points 13 boards and 2 blocks in 24 minutes to help beat the Cavs.

The Lakers beat a tough Memphis team tonight and are now 5-4 on the season. It's early, but I don't think what we've seen from the Lakers has been a fluke. They are young, but really talented with B. Lopez, Ingram, Ball, KCP, Randle, Clarkson and Kuzma. Oh, and there's their recently injured PF, Larry Nance Jr., who's been playing really well for them so far this season. The Kuzma pick this past June was brilliant. I also think Luke Walton is a talented coach in the mold of a Brad Stevens. I can see where the Lakers might actually be in the playoff picture this season. I shutter to think of how good they'll be next season if LeBron signs there as expected next summer.

I just don't see the LeBron move to the Lakers... despite the rumors.

I don't know why he leaves the East if he's chasing Jordan's legacy... and he has a direct path to the Finals year after year vs. fighting GSW and others just to get there.

And I don't even like the fit with LAL considering the team really does like Ball's future.

I don't think Lebron's move is going to have much to do with winning. He's been to 7 straight finals. He's lost too many to ever catch Jordan. He'll go to LA to build his brand even more and then retire and hopefully have banked enough to buy a team or be a major investor. Also, Ball is a team player and not a ball dominator so he would still fit next to Lebron and PG13 if they manage to land both.

Here's my "hot take"... because I agree it's about more than winning. It has to be the right kind of winning.

Following in the footsteps of Kobe, Magic, Kareem, Wilt, et al in the glitziest place on our media-driven planet? Sure. But he's not stepping outside anybody's shadow. LAL is already a marquee spot. They already have a promising future. And one where I simply don't see the fit with Ball who hasn't shown he can shoot to be legit off the ball. Despite the signs of growth... they still don't have a superstar level guy there. And if one comes in WITH James, they're sharing the glory.

So if he stays East. And is looking to create his NEXT story, or narrative, with ONLY upside. One where he can create his own path. One where things can change immediately. One where he could get even MORE publicity than in LA on a worldwide stage.

And one where he can team with arguably a Top 5 player in the making who's growing by leaps and bounds... literally.

New York. Porzingis has scored 30+ in 7 of his 9 games. Dump everybody and anybody else... and team them with the usual LeBron-type of players who can shoot around them. That's STILL a Finals team coming out of the East.

And if James takes the Knicks from where they were/are to the Finals -- EVERYBODY will hear about it.



[Note: Now, about Dolan... that guy is so inept he could foil anything.]

Interesting Abe. The narrative that was presented this offseason is that LeBron is looking for a fun place to play. The Knicks with KP could be that team. Frank'N might be a PG that fits with LeBron well it sounds like he already has had a good game working with KP last night. It will be interesting to see how this Cavs season unfolds. It's still early but it hasn't gone too well so far.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

I'm continuing my John Collins watch in this threat. Tonight, Collins had 12 points 13 boards and 2 blocks in 24 minutes to help beat the Cavs.

The Lakers beat a tough Memphis team tonight and are now 5-4 on the season. It's early, but I don't think what we've seen from the Lakers has been a fluke. They are young, but really talented with B. Lopez, Ingram, Ball, KCP, Randle, Clarkson and Kuzma. Oh, and there's their recently injured PF, Larry Nance Jr., who's been playing really well for them so far this season. The Kuzma pick this past June was brilliant. I also think Luke Walton is a talented coach in the mold of a Brad Stevens. I can see where the Lakers might actually be in the playoff picture this season. I shutter to think of how good they'll be next season if LeBron signs there as expected next summer.

I just don't see the LeBron move to the Lakers... despite the rumors.

I don't know why he leaves the East if he's chasing Jordan's legacy... and he has a direct path to the Finals year after year vs. fighting GSW and others just to get there.

And I don't even like the fit with LAL considering the team really does like Ball's future.

I don't think Lebron's move is going to have much to do with winning. He's been to 7 straight finals. He's lost too many to ever catch Jordan. He'll go to LA to build his brand even more and then retire and hopefully have banked enough to buy a team or be a major investor. Also, Ball is a team player and not a ball dominator so he would still fit next to Lebron and PG13 if they manage to land both.

Here's my "hot take"... because I agree it's about more than winning. It has to be the right kind of winning.

Following in the footsteps of Kobe, Magic, Kareem, Wilt, et al in the glitziest place on our media-driven planet? Sure. But he's not stepping outside anybody's shadow. LAL is already a marquee spot. They already have a promising future. And one where I simply don't see the fit with Ball who hasn't shown he can shoot to be legit off the ball. Despite the signs of growth... they still don't have a superstar level guy there. And if one comes in WITH James, they're sharing the glory.

So if he stays East. And is looking to create his NEXT story, or narrative, with ONLY upside. One where he can create his own path. One where things can change immediately. One where he could get even MORE publicity than in LA on a worldwide stage.

And one where he can team with arguably a Top 5 player in the making who's growing by leaps and bounds... literally.

New York. Porzingis has scored 30+ in 7 of his 9 games. Dump everybody and anybody else... and team them with the usual LeBron-type of players who can shoot around them. That's STILL a Finals team coming out of the East.

And if James takes the Knicks from where they were/are to the Finals -- EVERYBODY will hear about it.



[Note: Now, about Dolan... that guy is so inept he could foil anything.]

I don't think Lebron really has to worry about a new story or his legacy anymore. He brought a title to Cleveland. He's won multiple titles overall. He's been to a bunch of finals in a row. I think he's beyond basketball legacy at this point and he's on to the cashing out part of his career. Does another title really do anything for his legacy? And I don't see NY having nearly the pieces to win one with him. Basketball is more than 2 players nowadays. You need 3-4 and a couple good role players to even have a chance. Lebron/KP/Hardaway Jr doesn't beat Boston imo. And it probably struggles with Toronto and Washington. He would need to work his way on to a better team in the East like Washington or Toronto to really have a chance to win in the East. In LA he'd have Ball, Ingram, Nance as a role player maybe PG13. That seems much better than just KP. I would say the real hot take would be to go to Philly with Embid and Simmons to keep him at the 3 and give him the defensive anchor he needs to take the season off and turn it on in the playoffs.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I'm continuing my John Collins watch in this threat. Tonight, Collins had 12 points 13 boards and 2 blocks in 24 minutes to help beat the Cavs.

The Lakers beat a tough Memphis team tonight and are now 5-4 on the season. It's early, but I don't think what we've seen from the Lakers has been a fluke. They are young, but really talented with B. Lopez, Ingram, Ball, KCP, Randle, Clarkson and Kuzma. Oh, and there's their recently injured PF, Larry Nance Jr., who's been playing really well for them so far this season. The Kuzma pick this past June was brilliant. I also think Luke Walton is a talented coach in the mold of a Brad Stevens. I can see where the Lakers might actually be in the playoff picture this season. I shutter to think of how good they'll be next season if LeBron signs there as expected next summer.

I just don't see the LeBron move to the Lakers... despite the rumors.

I don't know why he leaves the East if he's chasing Jordan's legacy... and he has a direct path to the Finals year after year vs. fighting GSW and others just to get there.

And I don't even like the fit with LAL considering the team really does like Ball's future.

I don't think Lebron's move is going to have much to do with winning. He's been to 7 straight finals. He's lost too many to ever catch Jordan. He'll go to LA to build his brand even more and then retire and hopefully have banked enough to buy a team or be a major investor. Also, Ball is a team player and not a ball dominator so he would still fit next to Lebron and PG13 if they manage to land both.

Here's my "hot take"... because I agree it's about more than winning. It has to be the right kind of winning.

Following in the footsteps of Kobe, Magic, Kareem, Wilt, et al in the glitziest place on our media-driven planet? Sure. But he's not stepping outside anybody's shadow. LAL is already a marquee spot. They already have a promising future. And one where I simply don't see the fit with Ball who hasn't shown he can shoot to be legit off the ball. Despite the signs of growth... they still don't have a superstar level guy there. And if one comes in WITH James, they're sharing the glory.

So if he stays East. And is looking to create his NEXT story, or narrative, with ONLY upside. One where he can create his own path. One where things can change immediately. One where he could get even MORE publicity than in LA on a worldwide stage.

And one where he can team with arguably a Top 5 player in the making who's growing by leaps and bounds... literally.

New York. Porzingis has scored 30+ in 7 of his 9 games. Dump everybody and anybody else... and team them with the usual LeBron-type of players who can shoot around them. That's STILL a Finals team coming out of the East.

And if James takes the Knicks from where they were/are to the Finals -- EVERYBODY will hear about it.



[Note: Now, about Dolan... that guy is so inept he could foil anything.]

I don't think Lebron really has to worry about a new story or his legacy anymore. He brought a title to Cleveland. He's won multiple titles overall. He's been to a bunch of finals in a row. I think he's beyond basketball legacy at this point and he's on to the cashing out part of his career. Does another title really do anything for his legacy? And I don't see NY having nearly the pieces to win one with him. Basketball is more than 2 players nowadays. You need 3-4 and a couple good role players to even have a chance. Lebron/KP/Hardaway Jr doesn't beat Boston imo. And it probably struggles with Toronto and Washington. He would need to work his way on to a better team in the East like Washington or Toronto to really have a chance to win in the East. In LA he'd have Ball, Ingram, Nance as a role player maybe PG13. That seems much better than just KP. I would say the real hot take would be to go to Philly with Embid and Simmons to keep him at the 3 and give him the defensive anchor he needs to take the season off and turn it on in the playoffs.

Maybe. Right now it's basically LeBron and Love.

LeBron and Porzingis seems infinitely better. And who knows... Chris Paul might be looking for a home. Or another marquee player.

And with nearly 10 years left in his career... and clear intentions that Jordan is still in his sights... I do not think for a minute that he's looking for "fun" or "cashing in" parts of his career just yet. LeBron can't go 6 - 6 in the Finals. But making the Finals over and over again for 10+ years is something that Jordan didn't do. And if James can do that + win close to 6 + save the city of Cleveland + save the world's basketball mecca?

That's a legacy. He's simply not there yet. Some don't even have him ahead of Kareem or Russell or even Magic yet.

[Lipoli390]

Jason Tatum finished with 21 highly efficient points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks tonight against the Hawks. It's looked like a two-man competition for ROY between Tatum and Simmons. Did anyone here believe the Celtics would be 9-2 after Hayward went down in the opener? Hats off the Danny Ainge for his drafting and other player personnel decisions, including the Irving trade and for his decision to hire Brad Stevens.