NBA thread….down the stretch here in 2023 **Update, 2-5** Irving traded to Mavs

Lots to unpack here, don’t worry about too much talk, BH, it’s the NBA so I’m like you, no prob.

I’ll go graph to graph with your stuff, and go until I get tired, lol….I might tap out but I’ll be back.

-yep, Rip Hamilton averaged 20 for many seasons with nothing more than a mid-range game and his ability to move constantly in an attempt to get open. Demar DeRozan is that guy now, though he can create his own shot better than Hamilton. Jimmy Butler can shoot the 3 but not consistently so the mid range is where his offense is best; but Butler is a player, you can run your offense with him and he plays D, and he ain’t afraid to challenge anybody in the paint; just a solid all-around player. Durant, Leonard, Beal: all those guys can shoot the 3 but know when to step in for the easier, makeable 2, and they can create their own shot; Durant and Kawhi at an elite level; Beal at a very high above average levels- Beal is a sharpshooter too and capable passer, Durant is a good passer and Kawhi, at best, a very average distributor. Those three guys and a few others are exceptions. Many guys who shoot 3s are specialists; that’s all they can do. Some are what they call 3-and-D guys, but that seems to be dwindling too. Also, it can be frustrating when a 7-footer just shoots 3s; that’s partially to blame on how they came up, coaches let them do what they want because at 7 feet, if you have a modicum of ability, you’ll at least get a look and possibly a NBA roster spot. Post games and footwork like Olajuwon or David Robinson- it sucks but so many guys don’t learn good footwork. Jokic and Embiid, that’s why they”re All-NBA stalwarts, well-rounded games (along with 3-point shot, mind you) with excellent footwork. DeMarcus Cousins, a hothead no doubt, a good post game and footwork with an outside shot. But he’s out of the league after some injury issues. We spoke of this before: as a result of D’Antoni’s offensive influence over the league, spacing and quick shots are accepted, though the Warriors can run the offense for much of the shot clock and still get a good look because of spacing and movement- and, admittedly, it helps to have two of the greatest shooters the NBA has ever seen.

I agree with what you observe here, but respectfully, I’m not as bothered by it because every team has incorporated some of D’Antoni’s philosophy. But yeah, some guys should accept that 3s aren’t always the answer. But the mentality is hard to bust. Guys want to get paid and get their numbers. You would think offensive versatility would be a good thing. But dudes come in and have their priorities out of whack, and sometimes, it poisons their team and messes with the flow of an offense. I say it too when watching a game: “Step in, make it an easier 2”; or when a defense adjusts and they run you off the line I’m like “pump fake , get your feet right and blow past him.” I know, it’s frustrating when they settle for the lower percentage shot. And the footwork and a fake or when you bring the ball down- I know you’ve noticed refs call more travels this year than in the past. If players had the fundamentals of solid footwork down, that wouldnt be happening but, here we are, a game where 3s are encouraged and rewarded.

Re: your Laker take

Sure , Los Angeles’ blue-blood marquee team shows a sliver of light here and there but I’m thinking the beam to this Lake Show dimmers and before you know it, dark times loom.

Not only Davis, but the solid and run and gun flier Lonnie Walker, along with undrafted find Austin Reaves and others solid rotation players missing a game or two; the Lakers have been unable to field a team necessary to compete night in, night out. But nobody, no one, no time, nowhere will ever feel sorry for the Lakers, nor should they receive pity. As you mentioned, front office decisions along with its deference to James’ whims will probably result in a not-so-distant bleak future. I think, just my opinion, that now is not even the worst of it. At least now, LA has assets, although some good assets are depreciating (Lebron, AD); others marginal (PatBev on a short deal, Westbrook’s expiring MAX contract, Thomas Bryant); and others for the future (Reaves, Gabriel, and a middling first round pick). But James is at the point of where anything he gives, which undoubtedly is a lot , can be the end of what he gives. AD, ballin’ before the foot injury, can get hurt just picking up the banana peel before he even has the chance to slip on it. The team has shown heart in recent weeks, winning some and losing a few close ones (Mavs in OT, Sacto last night), but it’ll take much more than just trying hard.

I don’t like calling for heads, but your point about the front office has merit. Despite James’ input and passive/aggressive statements, Pelinka probably on the chopping block. He didn’t have to listen to Lebron (remember, management wanted and could’ve had DeRozan- LBJ wanted Russ). Along with the inclusion of Pope and Kuzma in the Westbrook deal, and the astronomical price paid for Davis (you mentioned them, Ingram and Ball, but also solid contributor Josh Hart, the rights to De’Andre Hunter AND TWO future first rounds picks)- basketball heads are shaking those noggins., Now, was it worth it? A championship victory says “yes.” But that was a helluva steep price.

Point being, these are the type of deals that look good when it happens , and it did cash early dividends, but when the bank calls for its notes later on, and the wallet is bare— that’s when the guy at the head of this starts thinking about where to vacation for the upcoming summer.

I think the Los Angeles Lakers are screwed and the shyt gets worse if short-sighted decision-making and bad luck aren’t avoided. Lebron James MUST play at this exact level the next two seasons, minimum. And Anthony Davis….I’m thinking become the Man of Steel (Clark Kent or Shaq, not Dwight Howard). And hit on the draft picks your team kept by not dumping Westbrook. Do those things and maybe hope stays alive. If not, oh well, shyt happens. But don’t worry, at least the arena is full.

Monday morning quarterbacking, well yeah, likely. These basketball literary dumpings are long because two NBA nuts like us will spec on anything in this game. Keep it going. Trade deadline always interesting. Is Jerami Grant still on his perennial journey to the top of Trade Rumor Mountain/Volcano?