OT: NBA Offseason

[eebmg]

Golden State, Denver, Houston, Portland, Utah are all definitely ahead. OKC and San Antonio are probably close, though I'd also put them ahead so that's already 7. I'd put them in the mix with Dallas and New Orleans for the 8 seed assuming Kawhi is a Raptor in this scenario.

So in short, probably not

If Lebron and AD are healthy and near their capacity, I think they make the playoffs even without Kawai. I think Kuzma will take a further step forward in his development towards being an All-Star and decent shooters and role players will come from all sides to accept minimum level contracts for the opportunity to play there.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

If Lebron and AD are healthy and near their capacity, I think they make the playoffs even without Kawai. I think Kuzma will take a further step forward in his development towards being an All-Star and decent shooters and role players will come from all sides to accept minimum level contracts for the opportunity to play there.

Kuzma is an all star now?

 

[eebmg]

Kuzma is an all star now?

I am just saying I think he will be in the future and he seems to have the drive to improve his game. I think he will be improved this season since now Lebron has a better feel for him and can "make him better"

Just an opinion.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Golden State, Denver, Houston, Portland, Utah are all definitely ahead. OKC and San Antonio are probably close, though I'd also put them ahead so that's already 7. I'd put them in the mix with Dallas and New Orleans for the 8 seed assuming Kawhi is a Raptor in this scenario.

So in short, probably not

OKC's big 2 are better than the Lakers' big 2 with LeBron getting older, and OKC has a good team around them. I like San Antonio other than it looks like Derozan is still adjusting to Pop's system.

The West is deep next year if Prozingis returns at 100%. You know the Pelicans will have a massive chip on their shoulder when they play LA. Ball could have 15 dimes and Holiday is going to go off. Zion is going to be a beast with the talent he will have around him, and the Pelicans go like 10 deep.

The only team on your list I am skeptical about is Portland. I don't like Whiteside's consistency. Nurkic may not return this season. Actually, he probably shouldn't return this season.

 

[djct1999]

Andre Iguodala when he's bought out by Memphis in a week

 

[bballgrda]

Imagine thinking Westbrook + PG > LBJ + AD. Either Lakers player is better than either OKC player.

 

[superjohn]

Imagine thinking Westbrook + PG > LBJ + AD. Either Lakers player is better than either OKC player.

I'm convinced some of these people have never watched a basketball game outside of UConn.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

What has Davis ever won? How did LeBron do last season?

 

[johnhuskies95]

What has Davis ever won? How did LeBron do last season?

What have Paul George and Russell Westbrook ever won?

Also LeBron was better than Westbrook last year, and I'm saying that as a guy who likes Westbrook a lot more than most. George was obviously really good, was probably one of the 5 best players in the league last year.

 

[the Q]

Houston has been quiet considering this is the best chance they’re gonna get

 

[traitor71]

Houston has been quiet considering this is the best chance they’re gonna get

It may end up being a case where bringing back the same team is just what they need. Outside of Nene, it looks like their entire roster will be back. If they stay healthy they will have one of the best records in the West for sure. I do think this year is probably the end of their window though.

 

[UconnFanNVa]

RJ vs. Zion tonight. Knicks are favored to win the championship this year!!!

 

[Lefty2one]

LAL's big issue is depth if they don't land Kawhi. LeBron is into his mid-30's load management phase and AD has never been durable. They're gonna need both guys to play 75+ games to get into the postseason. AD's career average is 66.5 games per season. He's going to have to be on the floor more than that IMO.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

LAL's big issue is depth if they don't land Kawhi. LeBron is into his mid-30's load management phase and AD has never been durable. They're gonna need both guys to play 75+ games to get into the postseason. AD's career average is 66.5 games per season. He's going to have to be on the floor more than that IMO.

Tomorrow is the official beginning of the signing period. It is safe to assume that there are another 10+ signings that weren't announced.

LA is really screwed if they don't land Kawhi. LeBron doesn't have a lot of rebuilding years left in him.

 

[ihatepants]

I know y’all are probably sleeping by now, but insanity just happened. PG and Kawhi to the Clippers. Having them and Beverly is a good start to building an NBA defense.

 

[UconnU]

15 million per for Danny Green? lol.

 

[aceboon]

Kawhi saved us, now next season is one of the most anticipated in quite some time. Even with all major players remaining healthy we really don't know who wins next year.

 

[uconnbaseball]

Lakers just spent 23 of their available 32 million on aging vets Danny Green and KCP (the latter of whom would be in China if not for Rich Paul). They still need to add several players to fill out their roster, so their signings will all be vet minimums from here on out.

Lakers are done.

1. Clippers
2. Nuggets
3. Rockets
4. Jazz
5. Trail Blazers
6. Lakers
7. Warriors
8. Spurs

 

[Walker11]

Lakers just spent 23 of their available 32 million on aging vets Danny Green and KCP (the latter of whom would be in China if not for Rich Paul). They still need to add several players to fill out their roster, so their signings will all be vet minimums from here on out.

Lakers are done.

1. Clippers
2. Nuggets
3. Rockets
4. Jazz
5. Trail Blazers
6. Lakers
7. Warriors
8. Spurs

I think I am in a fever dream and not ready to process this trade but fwiw KCP is somehow 26 years old and is a fine contact at 2 for 16. China? Lol.

 

[eebmg]

Pat Beverly, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the same team. 3 great no nonsense players who like hard work and defense.


Thank you Kawhi. Gave the Prima Donna Lakers the Middle Finger

and Toronto goes back to where it belongs. A good but limited team.

Now, more room for Phili, Boston. Milwaukee and Indiana to fight it out.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Lakers just spent 23 of their available 32 million on aging vets Danny Green and KCP (the latter of whom would be in China if not for Rich Paul). They still need to add several players to fill out their roster, so their signings will all be vet minimums from here on out.

Lakers are done.

1. Clippers
2. Nuggets
3. Rockets
4. Jazz
5. Trail Blazers
6. Lakers
7. Warriors
8. Spurs

The Lakers suck so badly after their top 4 players that 6th place feels kind of high.

I haven't seen an analysis of Paul George trade, but how does it not violate the Stepien Rule about trading future draft picks?

OKC was tired of paying luxury tax. This was a really good trade for them.

Marc Gasol is on the trade block. Raptors don't win the championship without him, but they don't need him now. He doesn't really fit in Rockets' system, but I would not be surprised if the Raptors were contacted last night about him. The Rockets need a 3rd scorer, and they can afford to manage his minutes during the season because they are deep. The Rockets window is closing, but Gasol only has one year left on his contract so he is not expensive long term.

I would ask for a trade if I was LeBron. He turns 35 this season and there is no reason for him to become part of a rebuilding project. The Lakers are challenging the Suns and Knicks for worst run franchise in the NBA. Why would LeBron end his career on a team like this?

AD may want out too.

 

[ihatepants]

Edit: LOL I just remembered that PG dated and then cheated on Doc's daughter

 

[navery12]

I haven't seen an analysis of Paul George trade, but how does it not violate the Stepien Rule about trading future draft picks?

It's 2021 and 2023 from Miami and 2022, 2024, 2026 of their own picks so they still have a pick in every other year

 

[tzznandrew]

I haven't seen an analysis of Paul George trade, but how does it not violate the Stepien Rule about trading future draft picks?

OKC was tired of paying luxury tax. This was a really good trade for them.

The Clippers are sending their own picks in 2022, 2024, 2026. That's all fine.
In 2023 and 2025, it is pick swaps. Like the Nets-Celtics trade. So far so good.
In 2021 and 2023 the picks going are from Miami, not LAC, so the picks don't violate the rule and they still have their own picks (though in 2023 if the pick is better than OKC's the Thunder get it).

 

[nelsonmuntz]

The Lakers ended the 2018 with a good young team that had won 35 games in a tough West despite Lonzo Ball and Ingram missing over a quarter of the season each, and they barely played Brook Lopez. Then they add LeBron. If they had stopped right there, they would have won 55+ games this past season and challenged the Warriors in the West.

Instead they made stupid move after stupid move, until now they have gutted their roster and their future for what is effectively one year of Anthony Davis. Ball, Ingram, Hart, Randle, and Lopez are gone, in addition to 3 first round draft picks.