NBA 2018-19: Does the Least-ern Conference Have avChance?

[YellowSubmarine]

Drake's Dell Curry jersey was some master level trolling. It makes him even more of a jackass for sure, but at least it was a good one this.

Some of these players are giving me trouble, though. I still can't figure out who Tent and Faift Oshoot are, and they always have Seven of Nine from the line, but I haven't seen her or any of the other Borg mentioned shoot any free throws ?????

 

[BlueStuff]

The Raptors really deserve credit for taking advantage of their opportunities here with the Warriors' bleak injury situation. Other teams (Rockets, I'm looking at you...) would totally fail to capitalize against depleted Warriors teams but Toronto is making this a very interesting Finals...

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Not Boring is up 2-1. Go Toronto!

This reminds me of the baseball episode of the Simpsons, when Burns brought in a team of ringers to replace the original players, but then the ringers all got hurt, imprisoned, sick or disappeared somehow and the original players got to play.

 

[gblews]

The Rockets never had the benefit of playing the Warriors without AD AND Klay. I imagine that series might have gone a bit differently without him. What is admirable about what the Raps are doing is that they're showing that they are a team against whom the Dubs need to be at or near full strength in order to beat.

Injuries have certainly distorted the way this series appeared poised to go, credit to the Raps for not faltering, but I think if the Dubs can get reasonably healthy, they ultimately win. If they don't get healthy , well...

 

[BlueStuff]

Was that the final game at Oracle Arena? The Raptors are just one win away from their first title, and they can do it in Toronto in game 5.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Ooh, it’s happening! It’s happening!

If Bruins lose it will be worth it to see the Warriors finally not win.

 

[Borgminister]

Kawhi would do well to remain King of the North in Toronto...

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Damn it, so close. Thanos may win after all. Two more chances.

To continue the fun Avengers metaphor:

Warriors: Thanos
Rest of league: Avengers
Kevin Durant: Gamora (Just got thrown off the cliff)
And hopefully

Spoiler

Kawhi Leonard: Ironman

 

[YellowSubmarine]

So that makes Draymond Green Nebula?

 

[gblews]

Raps' fans need to check themselves. Cheering Durant's injury was pretty despicable. I understand their burning desire to win a NBA championship, but it looks like they've gone off the deep end.

Never have I seen a more vivid example of a fandom that truly wants to win at any cost. And i thought Utah Jazz fans were bad. I imagine the Raptors' org is hoping their fans haven't inadvertently given the Dubs an unexpected psychological boost.

I can see the Warriors winning two in a row and forcing a 7th game. Raps won two in a row as well. But winning 3 in a row (and another title) with the 3rd in Toronto, is another class of benefits.

Gonna be fun, and I suspect, very emotional.

 

[Borgminister]

Championship experience can make the difference. Dubs have it as a team, Kawhi as a player. Be interesting to see.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

YES!!!!!

Warriors: I’m inevitable.
Kawhi Leonard: *snap*

 

[Borgminister]

Take that, Za Za!

 

[BlueStuff]

Lakers are in win-now mode, trading most of their young core to New Orleans in return for Anthony Davis. I must admit that LA looks compelling, especially as this gives them even more clout in attracting top free agents and they still have plenty of cap space to acquire more solid players to surround LeBron, Davis and Kuzma.

 

[Borgminister]

Lakers are in win-now mode, trading most of their young core to New Orleans in return for Anthony Davis. I must admit that LA looks compelling, especially as this gives them even more clout in attracting top free agents and they still have plenty of cap space to acquire more solid players to surround LeBron, Davis and Kuzma.

Probably a win-win, but the long-term edge goes to the Pels. If this thing pans out like the Nash-Mailman era, the Lakers will have mortgaged their future on a roll of the dice.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

One day and people are already making Celtics/Nets comparisons.

I legitimately can’t wait to see how Lavar Ball adjusts to Pelicans life.

 

[gblews]

One day and people are already making Celtics/Nets comparisons.

Anyone comparing this one to the Bos/Nets trade must not have understood that trade or doesn't understand the Pels/Lakers trade, or the NBA, or basketball, or life, or they're a Celtics fan.

The Lakers didn't stupidly give up major assets for a couple of over the hill stiffs, not to mention the fact that the Nets didn't have one of the top five players in the league waiting to pair up with a top 3 acquisition.

The Nets failed to see that trading for Garnett and "Wheelchair" Pierce pretty much insured the picks they gave up would be made more valuable (not that Ainge has done anything with those picks ).

Not saying this deal can't fail, but save for the Nash/Dwight fiasco in 2012, whenever the Lakers have made a bold move like this it has resulted in championships. If things even partially work out, and there is a much better chance of that than the Nets had, the picks we gave up will not be worth much.

People all over the internet are having to scramble to fit this into their flawed narratives, including Adrian Wojnarowski who said back in Feb, the Lakers' young core wasn't good enough to get the deal done. Now he's saying that the Pels acquisition of those same 'average to below average' players represents a "steal" for the Pels. Same with ESPN's Bobby Marks.

If things work out right, and it's complicated, the Lakers could have enough cap to sign another max or close to max, free agent. Or we'll use that money to fill out the roster.

Needless to say, I'll miss Zo, BI, and JHart, and I expect them to ball out in NOLA, but the fact that we got AD makes up for the loss. As for the draft picks; picks represent a possible future. With LeBron on a 3 year deal, the Lakers' real future is right now.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

True, it’s not as lopsided as that trade, but it’s still assuming that they can attract enough other talent to complement AD before Bron fades.

Lakers could easily win a championship next year but they’re also an injury to either a 35 year old or injury prone 26 year old away from disaster.

 

[gblews]

True, it’s not as lopsided as that trade,

"Not as lopsided"?

The trade is not lopsided at all,for either side, at least from what anyone can see in the near future.

Barring injury, or, god forbid, AD leaving after next season, it's hard to see this move resulting in anything less than perennial playoff appearances, which increases the possibities of championships.

For the Pelicans, they have a solid start on a rebuild around some solid young pieces and potential future draft picks, although, if things go right for the Lakers, those future picks won't be that valuable.

In fact, people are too hung up on the picks. I think it's because their thinking is skewed because of the last few years, with the Lakers' picks all being in the lottery. Those days are very likely over for a long time.

but it’s still assuming that they can attract enough other talent to complement AD before Bron fades.

Oh yes, we'll have to fill out the roster with complementary guys who can play, but that task is a lot less difficult with Bron, AD, Kuzma, as our core.

Lakers could easily win a championship next year but they’re also an injury to either a 35 year old or injury prone 26 year old away from disaster.

Everyone is an injury away from oblivion. Dubs found that out in the Finals. But if there are no major injuries, for the Lakers the sky's the limit. Bron had one serious injury in his career last season and he not only is known for taking care of his body, he has also had the most rest since his season ended that he has ever had.

Frankly, I think AD will improve in this area as well with Bron as a role model.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

They’re talking about the stupid ass play-in tournament again. Ugh.

I’m all for shortening the regular season. But there already is s play in tournament. It’s called the regular season.