NBA Playoffs

[MadDogRevival]

"LeBron should have done more in the 2nd half."
Guy's only negative in this game was that he was 1-6 from 3.
He played 47 minutes, goes 12-22 from 2, triple double, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 6 of 7 from the line for 33 total points.
"Kobe would have guarded Durant."
"Jordan would have found a way."
"Jordan is better."

I took a random look at the Supersonics series for Jordan (4th ring). Guy averaged about 42 minutes a game. In the game 5 loss by 11, Jordan was 11 for 22 from 2, 0 for 4 from 3, 4 of 5 from the line, 4 boards, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 43 minutes, and 26 points. Against the historically top notch Supersonics, starting Payton, Kempf, Shrempf, Hawkins and Brickowski.

"Kobe would have guarded Durant." That's gold right there.

LeBron plays all but 1 minute, puts up a triple double, has dog-s---t for help on the team offensively, is part of a defense that gave up about 15 or 20 dunks and uncontested layups in the 2nd half, all while playing a super-charged offense that brings guys off the bench who would probably start for the Cavs, and the complaint is that LeBron doesn't take the challenge of fighting over screens to guard Kevin Durant. Kevin Durant.

Look at Jordan's numbers again in that close-out game against the Supersonics (26 points, 4 boards, 1 assist). If LeBron posted those numbers guys would literally be saying that he was mailing it in. Think about that - if LeBron posted Jordan numbers last night people would be saying he folded. Some clown on the radio, after the Cavs dropped 2 to the Celtics, questioned whether LeBron really wanted to get back to the finals. Holy canoli batman.

Everybody needs to take a step back and really think about what this guy is doing.

He close to single-handedly dragged a lottery team to the finals by playing two of the greatest playoff series that we have ever seen, and then follows that up by posting one of the greatest single game performances in posting 51 in a massive night in game one only to straight up be robbed of the win at gunpoint, which would have put massive pressure on the W's last night, and when he comes up and puts up numbers that only a handful of guys who have ever played could put up in a finals against a team like the Warriors, the complaint is that he could have done more and he had an off night. Rodney Hood was his #2 guy last night!!! Rodney freaking Hood!

Unreal. A lot of you don't deserve to watch the man play the game.

 

[champs99and04]

Ha, exactly! That's like when I make "Auror" and he's 7'2" with 100 in shooting and agility.



Jordan lost rock fights. MJ had single digit Game Scores in 2/3 years in the Finals during the 2nd 3-peat (low shooting %s, low 20s points, sub 5 rebounds & assists, and a few turnovers) in losses. This is probably LeBron's worst game of the last 2 Finals and he had a 33/10/11 with 2 steals and 2 blocks on 46% shooting while playing 47 minutes. Potentially on a twisted ankle. The difference is that when LeBron has played well the other games, they've still lost because the other team is better and his teammates are worse than Jordan's.

Without LeBron, this Cavs team wins.... 35 games? Kevin Love won 40 games once in 6 years in Minnesota and this team is about as good as his best one there (but Love himself is not as good anymore).

OK. The bit about MJ winning "those type of games" could have just been me pulling something out of my ass based on some hazy second hand accounts (honestly probably from some posters ITT).

I agree with the overall point that LeBron is amazing.

 

[mike012]

Lebron should just join the Warriors for the next 2 or 3 years. Get 2 or 3 more rings and say "what do you want from me"? MJ isn't taking this Cavs team to a title either. RJ Smith wont allow it......

 

[champs99and04]

Although I could quibble with @MadDogRevival possibly misquoting me, I have to say he pretty much nailed it with that last post. LeBron is graded by a lot of people on an entirely different scale than Jordan. That doesn't mean he's better, necessarily, but I don't see how you can argue that these last two finals' have done anything but enhanced LeBron's legacy.

 

[superjohn]

Although I could quibble with @MadDogRevival possibly misquoting me, I have to say he pretty much nailed it with that last post. LeBron is graded by a lot of people on an entirely different scale than Jordan. That doesn't mean he's better, necessarily, but I don't see how you can argue that these last two finals' have done anything but enhanced LeBron's legacy.

People seem to want to make the comparison all the time. Lebron is amazing just when compared to Jordan he always comes up short. You had it right the first time when you said Jordan finds a way to win that game last night.

 

[MadDogRevival]

RJ Smith wont allow it.

This is hilariously true. I don't fault "RJ" for gaffing on the final shot. Refs jobbed the Cavs, Hill missed the Free, and JR, after all, grabbed the O-Board and there was no guarantee that they were going to hit the shot. In the end, guy takes too much heat for that and he did the refs a service by taking the spotlight off the canard they pulled.

That said, JR Smith, on the Ws, wouldn't play a minute. Not because he "doesn't" fit, but because he's not good enough. When the guy has the ball and has to dribble it's an adventure akin to when GWB went off script on a live mic and tried to ad lib - you just never knew what kind of hot mess would be created - like watching an already-crying toddler stumble, eyes half closed, while screaming - you're expecting the crash and greater scream.
JR Smith is a massive liability when he's not spot up shooting a 3. And he's streaky to boot, which means he's the kind of guy who can go out there and give you 40 minutes of nothing.

 

[Dogdeacon]

FWIW, chances are if JR knows the score and follows his instincts he puts up a 12 foot fadeaway that is short and game 1 goes to OT anyway.
IF he knew the score I'd say 75%-ish JR shoots it and maybe 40% chance he makes it. The other 25% is he passes to LeBron and we all assume 100% LeBron caps his incredible game, but reality is that its a 50%-ish shot - good look at an open 3.

Hot take is JR kinda bailed LeBron out of blame game. The Cavs were losing the series regardless, if LeBron misses its on him. If LeBron makes it then everyone suddenly thinks the Cavs have a legit chance in the series and it looks worse for LeBron when they lose in 5 or 6 tops.

Of course the blame game is stupid and LeBron is great and this circle of logic that always ends in a Cavs loss is why LeBron has to leave. I honestly think Houston is the leader in the clubhouse right now especially in light of ESPN's Durant vs LeBron flipping the script matchup. If I'm LeBron I want to beat own that guy and whereas Houston and GState essentially played for the title this year it'd be good odds if LeBron is in Houston that repeats in 19.

#2 is LeBron adds PG-13 as a free agent and the Cavs retool hoping Boston & Philly are still one year away.

 

[superjohn]

This is hilariously true. I don't fault "RJ" for gaffing on the final shot. Refs jobbed the Cavs, Hill missed the Free, and JR, after all, grabbed the O-Board and there was no guarantee that they were going to hit the shot. In the end, guy takes too much heat for that and he did the refs a service by taking the spotlight off the canard they pulled.

That said, JR Smith, on the Ws, wouldn't play a minute. Not because he "doesn't" fit, but because he's not good enough. When the guy has the ball and has to dribble it's an adventure akin to when GWB went off script on a live mic and tried to ad lib - you just never knew what kind of inanity would follow.
JR Smith is a massive liability when he's not spot up shooting a 3. And he's streaky to boot, which means he's the kind of guy who can go out there and give you 40 minutes of nothing.

And the entire reason he's on the Cavs is because of GM Lebron.

 

[champs99and04]

People seem to want to make the comparison all the time. Lebron is amazing just when compared to Jordan he always comes up short. You had it right the first time when you said Jordan finds a way to win that game last night.

I stand by my statement that Jordan finds a way to win last night's game. LeBron had 33, but it took him 28 shots to get there. That's not good enough against a team that scores like the Warriors.

That being said, the fact that this is considered a bad game for LeBron goes to show how ridiculous he is. Perhaps Jordan wins game three, but I also don't see him duplicating what LeBron did in game one.

It's hard to know because Jordan played in a different time. As good as Golden State is defensively, you sometimes get the sense that they're something of a gimmick. Even if Jordan played in today's game, I don't think smaller guys would switch onto him as liberally as they do LeBron.

 

[Rocktheworld]

I stand by my statement that Jordan finds a way to win last night's game. LeBron had 33, but it took him 28 shots to get there. That's not good enough against a team that scores like the Warriors.

27, because the NBA counts that backboard self-assist as a missed shot and rebound.

So he went 12 of 21 from inside 3, was 6/7 from the line, got a triple double to extend the record of Finals triple doubles he already holds, and “That’s not good enough”.

Per ESPN, Bron has now registered at least 25 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists in each of his past 10 Finals games. No other player in Finals history has even done that in two consecutive games.

That’s not an indictment on Bron; it’s an indictment on his team and how much he has to do to even keep games competitive.

 

[champs99and04]

27, because the NBA counts that backboard self-assist as a missed shot and rebound.

So he went 12 of 21 from inside 3, was 6/7 from the line, got a triple double, and “That’s not good enough”.

Per ESPN, Bron has now registered at least 25 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists in each of his past 10 Finals games. No other player in Finals history has even done that in two consecutive games.

That’s not an indictment on Bron; it’s an indictment on his team and how much he has to do to even keep games competitive.

It's not an indictment on LeBron in a general sense, but if we're trying to fit him for the title of greatest player ever, you have to be ruthless. With Thompson and Curry struggling, that was a winnable game. The counting numbers are going to be somewhat inflated by the fact that he plays an unprecedented amount of minutes (though that's exactly what makes it so impressive).

Perhaps he was simply worn down. Maybe he was hurting. Either way, there was some meat left on the bone. It doesn't really influence my take big picture, but if I'm going to tout the merits of LeBron as the greatest basketball player I've ever seen, I have to be fair and concede that last night isn't going on page one of the bio. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[tzznandrew]

In the game 5 loss by 11, Jordan was 11 for 22 from 2, 0 for 4 from 3, 4 of 5 from the line, 4 boards, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 43 minutes, and 26 points. Against the historically top notch Supersonics, starting Payton, Kempf, Shrempf, Hawkins and Brickowski.

They were up 3-0 in that series...

 

[superjohn]

"LeBron should have done more in the 2nd half."
Guy's only negative in this game was that he was 1-6 from 3.
He played 47 minutes, goes 12-22 from 2, triple double, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 6 of 7 from the line for 33 total points.
"Kobe would have guarded Durant."
"Jordan would have found a way."
"Jordan is better."

I took a random look at the Supersonics series for Jordan (4th ring). Guy averaged about 42 minutes a game. In the game 5 loss by 11, Jordan was 11 for 22 from 2, 0 for 4 from 3, 4 of 5 from the line, 4 boards, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 43 minutes, and 26 points. Against the historically top notch Supersonics, starting Payton, Kempf, Shrempf, Hawkins and Brickowski.

"Kobe would have guarded Durant." That's gold right there.

LeBron plays all but 1 minute, puts up a triple double, has dog-s---t for help on the team offensively, is part of a defense that gave up about 15 or 20 dunks and uncontested layups in the 2nd half, all while playing a super-charged offense that brings guys off the bench who would probably start for the Cavs, and the complaint is that LeBron doesn't take the challenge of fighting over screens to guard Kevin Durant. Kevin Durant.

Look at Jordan's numbers again in that close-out game against the Supersonics (26 points, 4 boards, 1 assist). If LeBron posted those numbers guys would literally be saying that he was mailing it in. Think about that - if LeBron posted Jordan numbers last night people would be saying he folded. Some clown on the radio, after the Cavs dropped 2 to the Celtics, questioned whether LeBron really wanted to get back to the finals. Holy canoli batman.

Everybody needs to take a step back and really think about what this guy is doing.

He close to single-handedly dragged a lottery team to the finals by playing two of the greatest playoff series that we have ever seen, and then follows that up by posting one of the greatest single game performances in posting 51 in a massive night in game one only to straight up be robbed of the win at gunpoint, which would have put massive pressure on the W's last night, and when he comes up and puts up numbers that only a handful of guys who have ever played could put up in a finals against a team like the Warriors, the complaint is that he could have done more and he had an off night. Rodney Hood was his #2 guy last night!!! Rodney freaking Hood!

Unreal. A lot of you don't deserve to watch the man play the game.

You're right, a Supersonics team that won 64 regular season games and had Payton finish 6th in MVP voting and Kemp finish 8th in MVP voting isn't any good. Hersey Hawkins and Detlef were also damn good nba players.

Nice little factoid- Lebron never defeated 3 50+ win teams or 2 60+ win teams in the playoffs, Jordan did it 5 of his 6 championship years.

 

[Rocktheworld]

Nice little factoid- Lebron never defeated 3 50+ win teams or 2 60+ win teams in the playoffs, Jordan did it 5 of his 6 championship years.

And despite going up against these allegedly weaker teams, Bron has been favored in what, two of his nine finals?

In how many finals was MJ an underdog?

 

[Dogdeacon]

LeBron's playoff run, especially games 6-7 in Eastern Conf finals and game 1 of finals were Jordan-esque and order qualifiers for the conversation. In my mind he's in the GOAT debate right now and although the d-measuring contest has begun, where Jordan v LeBron stands on 6/18 will ultimately be irrelevant. No one talks about when Jordan surpassed Kareem or Bill Russell. Its on and the durability, length of career and counting stats are going to start to get crazy in LeBron's favor. I'm really interested to see where it goes. I personally believe in the Jordan peak as more transcendent than what we are seeing now = Even though LeBron's overall offensive game might be stronger, peak Jordan is a better late-game closer than Durant and I agree with those that say he finds a way to win game 3. Yet I also don't think Jordan ever played as complete a game as LeBron did in game 1.

I've really enjoyed watching LeBron play this post-season, he's unquestionably gotten better since even his late Miami days and I think there might even be more coming for at least a season or two - especially if he gets himself to a team where they can manage his minutes. That seems vital at this point for both longevity (a certain goal for him as he wants to play with his son) and effectiveness. I think next year will see a return to that crazy super-efficient LeBron that we saw in his last two Heat seasons. Its too bad LeBron isn't also on a juggernaut team where he can play 35 regular season minutes and be fresher & play an intense 40-ish in playoffs. IF that were the case he could have been employed to cover KD last night in a non-switching scheme and try to shut him down while the rest of the team scheme focused on Steph. That's a reason LeBron would be a good fit for the Rockets (how you fit that with Harden's ball dominance is a stumbling block).

 

[champs99and04]

Is LeBron serious about Boston or is he just humoring them?

I don’t know why he insists on meeting with Golden State. He knows he’s not going there and he’s just opening himself up to criticism. Maybe for material when he’s talking trash to Klay Thompson or Draymond in the finals next year?

Houston would be gross. That team does enough pouting for calls as it is and while I’m willing to put up with one of them on a team, three ball dominant guys of that nature could be nails on a chalkboard.

The thought of him on the Lakers might be worse. That would just be so cliche and insufferable, especially when you add in Lonzo and his entourage.

Philly has made the most sense from the start. I don’t want to hear about how ball dominant Simmons and Embiid are. They’re skilled, high IQ players who can make up for some of the spacing concerns. I just feel like people are going to spend a month overthinking this when he already knows where he’s going.

 

[the Q]

Is LeBron serious about Boston or is he just humoring them?

I don’t know why he insists on meeting with Golden State. He knows he’s not going there and he’s just opening himself up to criticism. Maybe for material when he’s talking trash to Klay Thompson or Draymond in the finals next year?

Houston would be gross. That team does enough pouting for calls as it is and while I’m willing to put up with one of them on a team, three ball dominant guys of that nature could be nails on a chalkboard.

The thought of him on the Lakers might be worse. That would just be so cliche and insufferable, especially when you add in Lonzo and his entourage.

Philly has made the most sense from the start. I don’t want to hear about how ball dominant Simmons and Embiid are. They’re skilled, high IQ players who can make up for some of the spacing concerns. I just feel like people are going to spend a month overthinking this when he already knows where he’s going.

only way he comes to boston is if he opts into his deal like CP3 and Boston trades Kyrie or Horford in the deal.

 

[Dogdeacon]

Is LeBron serious about Boston or is he just humoring them?

I don’t know why he insists on meeting with Golden State. He knows he’s not going there and he’s just opening himself up to criticism. Maybe for material when he’s talking trash to Klay Thompson or Draymond in the finals next year?

Houston would be gross. That team does enough pouting for calls as it is and while I’m willing to put up with one of them on a team, three ball dominant guys of that nature could be nails on a chalkboard.

The thought of him on the Lakers might be worse. That would just be so cliche and insufferable, especially when you add in Lonzo and his entourage.

Philly has made the most sense from the start. I don’t want to hear about how ball dominant Simmons and Embiid are. They’re skilled, high IQ players who can make up for some of the spacing concerns. I just feel like people are going to spend a month overthinking this when he already knows where he’s going.

Heard a good point on Lowe post podcast with Doris Burke. Why does the fact that KD and LeBron are so talented allow us all to opine on where they go? If they were less talented we'd be fine with any free agency choice. Its simply not within a fans right to impose an obligation based on someone else's talent.

As a Celtics fan I don't want LeBron to come to Boston, they have to give up Kyrie in my opinion and at least partially abandon the system they've put in place. Maybe its worth if for the 3-ish titles he might bring and the entertainment of watching him - but simply aesthetically I'm interested in something different. I'm against Philly for similar 'fit' reasons (its not spacing, its usage rate AND stifling growth of their stars skillsets) and I think the recent GM crap show will not help.
I'm in favor of either staying in Cleveland (more and more doubtful given workload), LA or Houston in around that order. Even though Houston would mess with Celtics title chances I don't think LeBron + Harden + CP3 will last long enough to be an insurmountable barrier to Boston's future title chances.

Either way, fans are wrong to place blame, burden and expectation for how someone else chooses to employ their talents. The talent does not belong to us.

 

[the Q]

Heard a good point on Lowe post podcast with Doris Burke. Why does the fact that KD and LeBron are so talented allow us all to opine on where they go? If they were less talented we'd be fine with any free agency choice. Its simply not within a fans right to impose an obligation based on someone else's talent.

As a Celtics fan I don't want LeBron to come to Boston, they have to give up Kyrie in my opinion and at least partially abandon the system they've put in place. Maybe its worth if for the 3-ish titles he might bring and the entertainment of watching him - but simply aesthetically I'm interested in something different. I'm against Philly for similar 'fit' reasons (its not spacing, its usage rate AND stifling growth of their stars skillsets) and I think the recent GM crap show will not help.
I'm in favor of either staying in Cleveland (more and more doubtful given workload), LA or Houston in around that order. Even though Houston would mess with Celtics title chances I don't think LeBron + Harden + CP3 will last long enough to be an insurmountable barrier to Boston's future title chances.

Either way, fans are wrong to place blame, burden and expectation for how someone else chooses to employ their talents. The talent does not belong to us.

The last sentence is all that matters IMO. It's entirely on point.

The problem I have is when guys will try to BS everyone. Just admit it's about the money (if it is). Or admit it's the best place to win.

People will care less if you're just honest and upfront about it. The reason Johnny Damon took so much grief for signing with the yankees was all the showy comments he made beforehand.

 

[the Q]

Heard a good point on Lowe post podcast with Doris Burke. Why does the fact that KD and LeBron are so talented allow us all to opine on where they go? If they were less talented we'd be fine with any free agency choice. Its simply not within a fans right to impose an obligation based on someone else's talent.

As a Celtics fan I don't want LeBron to come to Boston, they have to give up Kyrie in my opinion and at least partially abandon the system they've put in place. Maybe its worth if for the 3-ish titles he might bring and the entertainment of watching him - but simply aesthetically I'm interested in something different. I'm against Philly for similar 'fit' reasons (its not spacing, its usage rate AND stifling growth of their stars skillsets) and I think the recent GM crap show will not help.
I'm in favor of either staying in Cleveland (more and more doubtful given workload), LA or Houston in around that order. Even though Houston would mess with Celtics title chances I don't think LeBron + Harden + CP3 will last long enough to be an insurmountable barrier to Boston's future title chances.

Either way, fans are wrong to place blame, burden and expectation for how someone else chooses to employ their talents. The talent does not belong to us.

the best move for CLE with so few assets is basically that 8 pick and JR Smith for an optin season of Paul George.

CLE is so limited capwise that's basically the move. If George is willing to pull what CP3 did last year to get over there to play with Bron.

Idk if they go for Kemba, but they could also do that. And hope that Hill also heals up to take some time at the 2 as well.

 

[intlzncster]

Heard a good point on Lowe post podcast with Doris Burke. Why does the fact that KD and LeBron are so talented allow us all to opine on where they go? If they were less talented we'd be fine with any free agency choice. Its simply not within a fans right to impose an obligation based on someone else's talent.

I'd argue that fans have the right to opine whatever they want vis a vis pro sports. We the fans are the only reason these guys have a job. The player himself has the right to do whatever he wants, but if the fans don't like it, he's going to here about it. That's part of the gig.

The reason LeBron and KD draw so many heated opinions, is because their choice determines the next few NBA championships. KD's choice sealed the deal on 2-3 championships at minimum. LeBron's could do the same next year.

Given the impact guys like this has, it affects everyone's enjoyment of the league. Playing for 2nd isn't fun.

Either way, fans are wrong to place blame, burden and expectation for how someone else chooses to employ their talents. The talent does not belong to us.

But the game does. We don't watch, LeBron (and everyone else) is doing something else. As the consumers, we have the ultimate choice and voice.

 

[the Q]

I'd argue that fans have the right to opine whatever they want vis a vis pro sports. We the fans are the only reason these guys have a job. The player himself has the right to do whatever he wants, but if the fans don't like it, he's going to here about it. That's part of the gig.

The reason LeBron and KD draw so many heated opinions, is because their choice determines the next few NBA championships. KD's choice sealed the deal on 2-3 championships at minimum. LeBron's could do the same next year.

Given the impact guys like this has, it affects everyone's enjoyment of the league. Playing for 2nd isn't fun.

i do love how the owners complete shortsightedness continues to bite them in the ass though.

 

[Dogdeacon]

I'd argue that fans have the right to opine whatever they want vis a vis pro sports. We the fans are the only reason these guys have a job. The player himself has the right to do whatever he wants, but if the fans don't like it, he's going to here about it. That's part of the gig.

The reason LeBron and KD draw so many heated opinions, is because their choice determines the next few NBA championships. KD's choice sealed the deal on 2-3 championships at minimum. LeBron's could do the same next year.

Given the impact guys like this has, it affects everyone's enjoyment of the league. Playing for 2nd isn't fun.

But the game does. We don't watch, LeBron (and everyone else) is doing something else. As the consumers, we have the ultimate choice and voice.

I agree mostly, I wish KD had not chosen GState b/c it made these last two years defacto championships and the finals less compelling. But the seasons were still great and to this point the playoffs were very good, so I'm not too upset about just one series and missing 3-ish competitive games (games 1 and 3 were good entertaining games, game 1 epic-ly so). But there's a big difference between that and fans hating on players, calling names, labeling etc... That stuff I think is just over-the-top. I've 'forgiven' LeBron for the stupid The Decision debacle and I've enjoyed watching him play much more after Ray was in Miami to give me a reason or excuse to root for and enjoy LeBron. KD I was always on his bandwagon due to the Oden draft debate, I like watching him play and I don't see any reason to disparage his choice of playing somewhere that best suites his skills and gives him the best chance to win.

Q: I don't care what he says about why he chose Golden State and I disagree that players have some obligation to tell me or the fans the truth about personal reasons and decisions. Any personal decision is multi-faceted and short of a breakdown that for Durant's example says (25% Russ ball-hoggery, 49% championship desire/certainty, 10% city & commercial interest, 16% chicks in that town) is always going to be incomplete and subject to debate. In same way as fans we got over the Celtics trading Isaiah and don't demand an explanation of their motivation. We just deal with it and move on b/c of laundry and frankly intellectually laziness that makes it harder to blame 1 person for a team's decision & easier to understand a team's decisions change and/or take multiple factors into account.

Yet at same time every time an overabundance of top recruits from one class go to Kentucky or Duke I justifiably love to root for those teams to lose !

 

[Rocktheworld]

Heard a good point on Lowe post podcast with Doris Burke. Why does the fact that KD and LeBron are so talented allow us all to opine on where they go? If they were less talented we'd be fine with any free agency choice. Its simply not within a fans right to impose an obligation based on someone else's talent.

As a Celtics fan I don't want LeBron to come to Boston, they have to give up Kyrie in my opinion and at least partially abandon the system they've put in place. Maybe its worth if for the 3-ish titles he might bring and the entertainment of watching him - but simply aesthetically I'm interested in something different. I'm against Philly for similar 'fit' reasons (its not spacing, its usage rate AND stifling growth of their stars skillsets) and I think the recent GM crap show will not help.
I'm in favor of either staying in Cleveland (more and more doubtful given workload), LA or Houston in around that order. Even though Houston would mess with Celtics title chances I don't think LeBron + Harden + CP3 will last long enough to be an insurmountable barrier to Boston's future title chances.

Either way, fans are wrong to place blame, burden and expectation for how someone else chooses to employ their talents. The talent does not belong to us.

Nobody needs talent to criticize one’s general decision-making. I don’t need to have ever played basketball to see how KD ruined the league for however long he is in GS.

Imagine how many teams could compete for a title if he went to DC, his home town. You got them, Bron, and (healthier) Boston with a rising Philly out of the East. Then in the West, GS, Portland, OKC, Houston and even maybe (healthier) Minnesota all have chances, with a rising Utah; or at least the West isn’t a foregone conclusion.

Because he is in GS, it’s them, Bron, and maybe Houston. That’s it.

 

[intlzncster]

Nobody needs talent to criticize one’s general decision-making. I don’t need to have ever played basketball to see how KD ruined the league for however long he is in GS.

Imagine how many teams could compete for a title if he went to DC, his home town. You got them, Bron, and (healthier) Boston with a rising Philly out of the East. Then in the West, GS, Portland, OKC, Houston and even maybe (healthier) Minnesota all have chances, with a rising Utah; or at least the West isn’t a foregone conclusion.

Because he is in GS, it’s them, Bron, and maybe Houston. That’s it.

That's actually pretty interesting to think about, and underscores the point I was making earlier. One guy's decision changes the shape of the ENTIRE league. Pretty amazing actually.