NBA: *** 2024 NBA thread ***
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If you are not an Ant Man fan you are completely dead inside.
In the Jordan vs MJ debate the defense angle is very interesting.
Over the full course of the career Jordan was more consistent on defense mostly because he was just WAY more of a dog mindset, but in certain moments and matchups at the peak of his skills LeBron really might have been the greatest defender ever in the sport. He was straight up the only guy who could defend Rose that MVP season. Nobody could stay in front of Rose but LeBron could stay close enough that his length could still shut him down. His floor speed and first step quickness, while never as quick as guys like MJ or Rose, was INSANE for the size of his frame.
Right, they were able to hide Lebron on the weak matchup before Luka, now he gets the second easiest matchup. It's made a big difference.
Of every team in West i think Timberwolves could be biggest challenge to the Thunder. They can match their depth, size and athleticism in a way Golden State can't and they have a Star that Rockets don't. That said I still see Thunder as heavy favorites to win West.
East 1 round in I see Celts and Cavs almost neck and neck. I may even lean Cavs
East 1 round in I see Celts and Cavs almost neck and neck. I may even lean Cavs
He's incredile and an electric personality. Let's be real though, the Ant Man love has ton to do with the team he's on. If he were on a big name team like LA for example, people would HATE his guts haha. Hell Luka is getting tons more hate simply because he's on the Lakers compared to the way he was viewed in Dallas.
I'm a person who always cheers against the Yankees and Lakers but if a Laker was walking the streets waxing poetic about the movie Matilda I would freaking love it.
Laker's offseason will be an interesting one. Lots of folks laughing at them just ignore how poorly constructed their roster was to really compete. A lot of that has to do with the fact that a trade for Luka was simply dropped in their laps by Nico Harrison and they simply couldn't pass that up. It left that roster a mess however and a trio of Luka/LeBron/Reaves with no rim protector was always going to be a serious defensive issue.
Will be really curious to see what they do, as they actually have a lot of assets to work with really and (likely) get a Luka extension done.
Will be really curious to see what they do, as they actually have a lot of assets to work with really and (likely) get a Luka extension done.
- Lebron likely opts out of his player option and waits to see how things unfold before signing a new 1+1. He's been willing to take a reasonably big pay cut to help facilitate adding the right guys before and might be again.
- They stayed under the 2nd apron so they can still aggregate contracts in a trade
- They have several easily usable expiring contracts for trade purposes - Hachimura $18.2mil, DFS $15.4mil (if he opts in), Vincent $11.5mil, Kleber $11mil
- Reaves has one of the best value contracts in the NBA given his production compared to his $14mil salary, so that's a big trade asset
- Vanderbilt is a useful player/trade chip but has 2yr/$24mil left plus a player option for $13.2mil
- Knecht has real trade value
- Still have a 1st round pick (good work Nico Harrison) and 5 pick swaps
- Should have at least the tax payer MLE but maybe full MLE depending on LeBron/DFS options
- Have the bi-annual exception available
I felt same way about Luka in Dallas. No matter the jersey he wears he is a whining *****.
I love watching Luka play...it will be interesting to see what he looks like in the fall? Luka's body is a bit "soft"...which has been a big criticism. Has he heard that enough? Will it motivate him to come in with a bit of that weight off?
Nico is so bad he made Pelinka look competent.
Terrible call, Brunson just fell down and flopped. So glad the replay/challenge rules have improved but you can’t count on them always getting it right.
Quality flopper chant from Detroit fans, he certainly is the most skilled intentional falling human in sports these days.
Knicks are one of my least favorite teams but a game 7 at MSG is must see TV.
I’d give NBA refs about a 90% grade getting replay right.
I’d give college football about a 40% grade.
I’d give college football about a 40% grade.
