NBA Season - now 24/25
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@voodoo said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@mariner4life said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
oh, and the rumours of LeBron getting traded out aren't going away
Be pretty funny to watch him get pissy if they trade him to Toronto
I'm pretty sure he goes where he wants, but fuck i would admire the stones on the Lakers if they sent him to ever was willing to give up the most (rather than joining another contender)
The other one to watch is what the Warriors do with Klay and maybe even Green. Surely they can't just let this continue indefinitely. The Warriors lost the other day because Steph his 60, and Klay hit 4 of 19.
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KOC's fake predictions (if that's a thing)
Seven NBA Observations on Joel Embiid’s Injury, LeBron’s Future, and the Trade Deadline
Are the Philadelphia 76ers more or less likely to make a trade after the Embiid news? Plus, deadline dilemmas for the Hawks, Bulls, Suns, and Clippers (and five fake LeBron trades because we can’t resist).
- Five Fake LeBron Trades, Just for Fun
Last Tuesday, I wrote about the dilemma that LeBron and the Lakers are facing. Here’s a quote from that story:
If a breakup is inevitable, I can’t help but wonder whether the best time for both LeBron and the Lakers to make a change is now, ahead of the deadline: James could join a contender, and Los Angeles could get something in return. … Changing teams would allow LeBron to take advantage of one of his final years and would allow the Lakers to recoup some value and help lay the groundwork to pursue Luka Doncic later this decade.
I couldn’t have anticipated that later that night, LeBron would post a telling hourglass emoji on X. Or that two days later, Rich Paul would tell ESPN that LeBron won’t request a trade or be traded. Or that LeBron would later post New York–related emojis. Or that Klutch would reportedly patch up its shaky relationship with the Knicks. Or that LeBron would wrap a Knicks towel around his shoulders after the Lakers beat them. Or that LeBron would respond “no” when asked whether he’s decided what he would do with his player option this summer.
Needless to say, it’s been quite a week for the Lakers, but clearly LeBron is just using his same old playbook to pressure the front office into making moves ahead of the deadline. In my piece last week, I proposed a more moderate approach for the Lakers by suggesting that they pursue Hawks guard Dejounte Murray and Jazz center Kelly Olynyk. That way, Los Angeles could get assets for a big move this summer while also boosting its odds now.
But just for fun, let’s pretend that this week gets even crazier and the Lakers do entertain trades for LeBron. Here are the five teams that might want him and what they could theoretically offer:
Golden State Warriors: LeBron for Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, a 2026 First, a 2028 First, and a 2028 Second
LeBron has long said that the player he’d most like to play with is Stephen Curry, and he’s BFFs with Draymond Green. But the Warriors’ supporting cast feels so depleted at this point that the team would need to make an additional deal using its remaining assets. A LeBron-Steph two-man game could be glorious to watch. But the Warriors look like a sinking ship right now, and the team could turn into a laughingstock if things don’t work out.Dallas Mavericks: LeBron for Tim Hardaway Jr., Grant Williams, Richaun Holmes, a 2027 First, a 2029 Swap, and a 2025 Second
LeBron would get the chance to form a Big Three with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, his former running buddy. There would be diminishing returns, however, as all three have overlapping skills. But the offense would be devastating as long as Irving and James are willing to sacrifice touches behind Doncic. Still, the fit is iffy.Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron for Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, a 2030 First-Round Swap, a 2024 Second, a 2025 Second, a 2027 Second, and a 2029 Second
I’m coming home … again? LeBron could handle creation duties alongside Donovan Mitchell, and they’d be flanked by a defensive frontcourt of Isaac Okoro, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. That would be a championship starting five. But questions about the fit between Allen and Mobley would remain, though the latter is showing strides as a shooter. This group could become the favorite in the East if it all clicked. And boy, what a story it’d be for LeBron to go back to where it all began to finish out his career.New York Knicks: LeBron for Julius Randle, Evan Fournier, a 2024 First, a 2025 First, and a 2030 First
I understand that some Knicks fans want to pursue a championship with the core as is. But if you can turn draft picks, a salary filler, and an injured player into LeBron Freaking James, you do it every single time. As good as the Knicks are, Jalen Brunson could still use another shot creator by his side to add more dynamism to the offense. This could become an issue if New York’s roster stays as is.Philadelphia 76ers: LeBron and Taurean Prince for Tobias Harris, Marcus Morris, a 2026 First, a 2028 First, and a 2030 First
LeBron himself admitted that he thought “long and hard” about lining up alongside Embiid before he decided to join the Lakers. Embiid’s injury could be enough to scare both sides away, but imagine if the Sixers upgraded from Harris to James, giving them another shot creator next to Maxey. There would be a “don’t FIT OUT, just FIT IN” element for LeBron in Philly, though. Things are working so well with Embiid, Maxey, and a bunch of bought-in role players who screen, cut, and move. If LeBron were willing to come off an Embiid handoff or screen and roll for Maxey, then they could thrive. If things got worse, LeBron would get blamed and never be forgiven. But champions are immortalized forever in Philadelphia.The odds are that LeBron will finish the year out in Los Angeles and then review his options this summer, when more suitors could emerge. But hey, you never know. It’s deadline week.
- Five Fake LeBron Trades, Just for Fun
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@voodoo said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@mariner4life said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
And the All Star selections prove once again what complete bullshit they are, and that anyone using AS selections as a barometer of greatness for a modern player are deluded.
And that's before you get to the game itself which will be a farce.
And the worst AS "selection" of all ? Doc for the East coaching job after 3 games back. What a slap in the face for the rest of the east coaches - they should have bent the rules to give it to Bickerstaff, the Cavs are on a 14-1 streak
That is a fucking joke. I'm pissed at the Bucks for not just getting the right coach at the start, but firing anyone for Doc seems like desperation central.
My biggest fuck you though is to my Mavs - we finally found a guard to play with / off Luka and they wouldn't fucking pay him. He's now showing exactly how fucking good he is and we got fucking nothing. Terrible.
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@gt12 said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@voodoo said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@mariner4life said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
And the All Star selections prove once again what complete bullshit they are, and that anyone using AS selections as a barometer of greatness for a modern player are deluded.
And that's before you get to the game itself which will be a farce.
And the worst AS "selection" of all ? Doc for the East coaching job after 3 games back. What a slap in the face for the rest of the east coaches - they should have bent the rules to give it to Bickerstaff, the Cavs are on a 14-1 streak
That is a fucking joke. I'm pissed at the Bucks for not just getting the right coach at the start, but firing anyone for Doc seems like desperation central.
My biggest fuck you though is to my Mavs - we finally found a guard to play with / off Luka and they wouldn't fucking pay him. He's now showing exactly how fucking good he is and we got fucking nothing. Terrible.
Cuban deserves a LOT more criticism as an owner
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@voodoo said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@mariner4life said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
And the All Star selections prove once again what complete bullshit they are, and that anyone using AS selections as a barometer of greatness for a modern player are deluded.
And that's before you get to the game itself which will be a farce.
And the worst AS "selection" of all ? Doc for the East coaching job after 3 games back. What a slap in the face for the rest of the east coaches - they should have bent the rules to give it to Bickerstaff, the Cavs are on a 14-1 streak
I think I read a quote from Doc himself saying his selection was ridiculous
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@gt12 said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@voodoo said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@mariner4life said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
And the All Star selections prove once again what complete bullshit they are, and that anyone using AS selections as a barometer of greatness for a modern player are deluded.
And that's before you get to the game itself which will be a farce.
And the worst AS "selection" of all ? Doc for the East coaching job after 3 games back. What a slap in the face for the rest of the east coaches - they should have bent the rules to give it to Bickerstaff, the Cavs are on a 14-1 streak
That is a fucking joke. I'm pissed at the Bucks for not just getting the right coach at the start, but firing anyone for Doc seems like desperation central.
My biggest fuck you though is to my Mavs - we finally found a guard to play with / off Luka and they wouldn't fucking pay him. He's now showing exactly how fucking good he is and we got fucking nothing. Terrible.
Cuban did the same thing when he let Steve Nash go
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@canefan said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@gt12 said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@voodoo said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@mariner4life said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
And the All Star selections prove once again what complete bullshit they are, and that anyone using AS selections as a barometer of greatness for a modern player are deluded.
And that's before you get to the game itself which will be a farce.
And the worst AS "selection" of all ? Doc for the East coaching job after 3 games back. What a slap in the face for the rest of the east coaches - they should have bent the rules to give it to Bickerstaff, the Cavs are on a 14-1 streak
That is a fucking joke. I'm pissed at the Bucks for not just getting the right coach at the start, but firing anyone for Doc seems like desperation central.
My biggest fuck you though is to my Mavs - we finally found a guard to play with / off Luka and they wouldn't fucking pay him. He's now showing exactly how fucking good he is and we got fucking nothing. Terrible.
Cuban did the same thing when he let Steve Nash go
Okc and Harden!
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JJ let him have it on first take, did you see it?
In other news, the Warriors made some switches and now look like a basketball team, and Kerr apparently got an extension.
My Mavs are looking good enough to give us hope before they inevitably lose in the first or second round.
And the Joker continues to do Joker things.
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@gt12 said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
JJ let him have it on first take, did you see it?
In other news, the Warriors made some switches and now look like a basketball team, and Kerr apparently got an extension.
My Mavs are looking good enough to give us hope before they inevitably lose in the first or second round.
And the Joker continues to do Joker things.
I did mate, he’s on the money!
How about your Mavs - you saw Brunson this week I assume?
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@voodoo said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@gt12 said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
JJ let him have it on first take, did you see it?
In other news, the Warriors made some switches and now look like a basketball team, and Kerr apparently got an extension.
My Mavs are looking good enough to give us hope before they inevitably lose in the first or second round.
And the Joker continues to do Joker things.
I did mate, he’s on the money!
How about your Mavs - you saw Brunson this week I assume?
@voodoo said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@gt12 said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
JJ let him have it on first take, did you see it?
In other news, the Warriors made some switches and now look like a basketball team, and Kerr apparently got an extension.
My Mavs are looking good enough to give us hope before they inevitably lose in the first or second round.
And the Joker continues to do Joker things.
I did mate, he’s on the money!
How about your Mavs - you saw Brunson this week I assume?
I did not, but I'm getting hopeful, which means I'm definitely getting set up for disappointment.
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@gt12 said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@voodoo said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@gt12 said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
JJ let him have it on first take, did you see it?
In other news, the Warriors made some switches and now look like a basketball team, and Kerr apparently got an extension.
My Mavs are looking good enough to give us hope before they inevitably lose in the first or second round.
And the Joker continues to do Joker things.
I did mate, he’s on the money!
How about your Mavs - you saw Brunson this week I assume?
@voodoo said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
@gt12 said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
JJ let him have it on first take, did you see it?
In other news, the Warriors made some switches and now look like a basketball team, and Kerr apparently got an extension.
My Mavs are looking good enough to give us hope before they inevitably lose in the first or second round.
And the Joker continues to do Joker things.
I did mate, he’s on the money!
How about your Mavs - you saw Brunson this week I assume?
I did not, but I'm getting hopeful, which means I'm definitely getting set up for disappointment.
Oh, sorry man. Didn’t mean to get you excited…
He just confirmed that the Mavs rejected his ludicrously undervalued offer twice because Cuban is dumb/tight
“Not once but twice did Brunson and his camp go to the Mavericks looking to sign a four-year, $55 million deal, Brunson said. “
Brunson wanted to sign the four-year, $55 million extension with the Mavericks, but he ended up getting much, much more from the Knicks.
The guard signed a four-year, $104 million contract with New York in the 2022 free agency, with a player option for the final year of the agreement. The total value of the signing is just under double what the deal would have been in Dallas.
Jalen Brunson wanted to sign extension with Mavs: Knicks guard rejected twice by Dallas front office, he says
The 27-year-old point guard detailed the leadup to his free agency decision, which ultimately resulted in the 2024 All-Star leaving Dallas for New York.
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Must be time for an NBA hot take
Luka Doncic, for all his offensive skill, is not a player who can lead a team to success. His brand of basketball does nothing for his teammates, and he puts in absolutely zero effort at the defensive end. It might be possible to build a winning roster with Luka in it, but it would need very specific guys to do it, and your star is not raising anyones floor.
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@mariner4life said in NBA Season - now 23/24:
Must be time for an NBA hot take
Luka Doncic, for all his offensive skill, is not a player who can lead a team to success. His brand of basketball does nothing for his teammates, and he puts in absolutely zero effort at the defensive end. It might be possible to build a winning roster with Luka in it, but it would need very specific guys to do it, and your star is not raising anyones floor.
It took MJ a while to get it, maybe he will in future.
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That's some shot.
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Spurs got a rare win on the back of another absurd Wemby stat line.
Only about 15 games left in the regular season. Celtics are miles clear in the East, and it is hard to see anyone in that conference beating them in a series. It would be a monumental choke for them not to make the finals.
In the West it is still a shitfight. The Thunder just keep winning, and have first place at the moment. The T-wolves aren't dead yet, even without KAT. The Clippers are sliding now, and have been since the ASB. The Pelicans are being slept on, but they are quietly climbing the table.
Fuck knows who comes out of all that, it may just be match-up dependent. I still think it's the Nuggets. They have the best player, and they just seem to have a level that the others don't. I'll watch them sleep walk games for three quarters, and then roll over a team. -
Wemby is already in the top 20 players in the league
