NBA Playoffs

[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.

 

[champs99and04]

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.

Are we accomplishing anything with self-evident comments of that nature, though? Does anybody think the talent belongs to them?

"Man, KD is the worst for leaving."

"Now let me tell you something about America and what liberty means. Our ancestors fought tooth and nail for his right to make that choice!"

"I'm going to talk to somebody else."

 

[Scoe]

Thats a foul really LMAO

 

[Scoe]

The 3rd quarter of death hasn't even begun yet.

 

[Rocktheworld]

Starting to hit home that we are watching LeBron's last game in Cleveland. If I were him I'm taking 20 shots this half

 

[Yardigan]

Starting to hit home that we are watching LeBron's last game in Cleveland. If I were him I'm taking 20 shots this half

...in each quarter.

 

[Scoe]

the only thing worth watching is who will win MVP

 

[Scoe]

The sad thing is GS is beating the Cavs at their own game.

 

[superjohn]

Well the Cavs certainly quit in this one.

 

[MadDogRevival]

Saw 2 minutes of this game. LeBron comes down, Thompson shoulders him off his line 12 feet from the rim, no call. Clear and obvious foul. Durant comes down, gets breathed on heavy, foul. Announcers spend a minute talking about the double standard and pointing out that that would have been 4 on Thompson.
Turned game off. It's tough enough to beat the Ws 5 on 5. Stick Man Durant gets more calls than Jordan, and I'm not even kidding when I say that.

 

[Scoe]

Well the Cavs certainly quit in this one.

Yeah its just a complete joke man I would have loved to see the Celtics in the Finals yeah they would get their @$$es kicked and get swept but at least you would see some effort and a well coached team out there.

 

[Scoe]

If I were Lebron I would leave right now like right now take the fine.

 

[Yardigan]

If I were Lebron I would leave right now like right now take the fine.

Nah, creates a bad impression for his future teammates on the Warriors...

 

[Scoe]

Its so bad that even GS looks bored out there.

 

[Rocktheworld]

Man this is exactly what that idiot Rob Parker predicted

 

[methodology]

Where's LeBron gonna go he's not leaving the east. Cleveland can make some moves/ trades in the off-season and they have a high draft pick. West is too loaded his best chance at playing in the finals is staying in the east. He already regretted leaving Cleveland the first time.

He can sign a 1 year deal and make decisions yearly if a better opportunity opens.

 

[Rocktheworld]

Where's LeBron gonna go he's not leaving the east. Cleveland can make some moves/ trades in the off-season and they have a high draft pick. West is too loaded his best chance at playing in the finals is staying in the east. He already regretted leaving Cleveland the first time.

He can sign a 1 year deal and make decisions yearly if a better opportunity opens.

All the Sixers need to do is trade away two backups and there will be enough cap room

I don't know why LeBron has taken two shots all half... is he gassed? Maybe it really is time for him to start coming off the ball more. He can't shoulder the burden he has for 100+ games anymore

Of course now he drives twice in a row down 25+

 

[Scoe]

Lebron looking like Kobe in that playoff game where he refused to shoot the ball, I gotta say I'm pretty disappointed in him yes I know Cleveland would still get their asses kicked and I know Lebron is surrounded by human garbage.

 

[superjohn]

Saw 2 minutes of this game. LeBron comes down, Thompson shoulders him off his line 12 feet from the rim, no call. Clear and obvious foul. Durant comes down, gets breathed on heavy, foul. Announcers spend a minute talking about the double standard and pointing out that that would have been 4 on Thompson.
Turned game off. It's tough enough to beat the Ws 5 on 5. Stick Man Durant gets more calls than Jordan, and I'm not even kidding when I say that.

That's too bad, you should have stuck around to watch your hero take 12 shots in a closeout game.

 

[Rocktheworld]

Damn, checking out with 4 minutes to go

 

[Dogdeacon]

All the Sixers need to do is trade away two backups and there will be enough cap room

I don't know why LeBron has taken two shots all half... is he gassed? Maybe it really is time for him to start coming off the ball more. He can't shoulder the burden he has for 100+ games anymore

Of course now he drives twice in a row down 25+

LeBron played the most minutes in the league this year and in the playoffs and carried his team throughout both. He is of course gassed as any idiot knows this series was over at 3-0. Whatever he picks next year playing WAY less minutes and having lots more primary ball handling help has to be a huge priority.