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

[gblews]

I usually tune out when they talk about these tournaments. They have to be for the lesser teams in the league. I can't see legit contenders going all out to win some random tournament. They are nothing but consolation prizes.

If they shorten the regular season, I don't think it will be by eliminating games. That would mean a loss in revenue. Neither the players, or the league would go for that. Now, they could lessen the length of the season by turning preseason games into regular season games. But unless the owners and the league are willing to play regular season games in place Ontario, California, that won't happen. What they might do is simply eliminate those preseason games in those odd locations. That'll sure go over big for folks who never get to see live NBA games unless it's the preseason.

 

[Jim Klag]

KD says he's going to the Nets. 4 years/$141 million.

 

[Captain Clark Terrell]

^The Nets might live to regret that move, as KD will likely miss most if not all of next season and will be thirty two when his next full season of basketball begins.

 

[Jim Klag]

^The Nets might live to regret that move, as KD will likely miss most if not all of next season and will be thirty two when his next full season of basketball begins.

Apparently, they're also going to sign Kyrie Irving.

 

[Jim Klag]

Apparently, they're also going to sign Kyrie Irving.

And Deandre Jordan.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

So Nets get three superstars one of whom misses next season. If KD can come back all the way, and Irving can last a season without getting unhappy again, they could be a force.

My Celts get Kemba Walker. Incredible offensive performer with defensive issues, but at least Stevens knows how to work with that. And now Celts are exploring ways to free up cap space to get a big man.

I like Rozier but shocked to see the size of his deal. Nearly 20 a year? He’s a good enough player to be the starting PG on a team like Charlotte. That still seems like a lot for him.

 

[BlueStuff]

Clippers get Kawhi and Paul George and immediately become one of the best teams in the league (if I’m not overreacting a little too much). Next season, particularly in the west, looks like it’ll be an absolute bloodbath.

 

[gblews]

I would agree. For the first time since they've been in existence, the Clippers are a legit elite team. Kind of shocking. That the Lakers didn't get Kawhi is a big disappointment, but I have to admit, after getting LeBron last season and AD a few months ago, hoping to add Kawhi Leonard (and being disappointed when we didn't) was so Laker-fan. I think we were pushing it and the basketball gods pulled us up short.

Fortunately the Lakers FO had a back up plan and are filling out the roster with Danny Greene, Boogie, Quin Cook, Jared Dudley, re-signed Javale McGee, etc.

We've still got two of the top 5 players in the league and Clips have 2 of top 7 or 8. Barring injury it's gonna be epic.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

I’m excited that we are finally going into an NBA season without a clear overwhelming favorite.

Celts obviously not in championship mix but still probably in best position we could be in after a terrible season and loss of two stars. If there’s good locker room culture this year I think players will play more the way they did in 2017-2018. And Kemba’s sure not going to be dissing his teammates on Twitter.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

If Tacko Fall becomes successful in the NBA, I think we will have a coining of the new phrase "Hacko Tacko". (Modern Hack a Shaq).

 

[Captain Clark Terrell]

Grayson Allen deserves to be stuffed in a garbage can.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Kobe be like “I would have 12 rings if Shaq had just murdered LeBron James and Tim Duncan and I had passed more!”

 

[gblews]

Please. LeBron wasn't ready to win a championship back then and we brushed aside the Spurs twice. Kobe's right. Shaq was the big reason we only won 3 rings with Shaq. If he had been as focused and as driven as Kobe, I think we win at least 7 or 8 rings assuming no major injuries. Keep in mind Kobe averaged shooting in the mid forties from the field and almost 5 assists per game and was clutch as hell, so he wasn't the problem.

Shaq would also have needed to realize that his time as being the "big dog" on the Lakers was over as of about 2003 or 2004 (albeit hastened by his failure to take care of himself). The baton was inherited by Kobe. That's why the Lakers traded him instead of Kobe and as a result, one 2 more rings.

Shaq could, and should, have left the game with only one player with a comparable record of dominance; Wilt Chamberlain (or maybe Abdul-Jabbar). Instead, you could make a plausible case that Tim Duncan was better and that is a travesty. Duncan was nowhere near as dominant a player as Shaquille. Instead, Shaq is just a top 10 all time player, and is almost never in anyone's top 5.


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