NBA Season 2021-22

[celticsclay]

so the Lakers only have a good team when used to diminish Lebron, but any other time they are old and terrible.  You can't have it both ways, either they are old and terrible or they are not?
  They fall apart when Lebron isn't in the game in a very large part because Davis has regressed significantly.  If you want to talk about one of the Lakers big 2 that has clearly taken a step back, it is Davis.  Davis is nowhere near a top 10 player this year and that was before he got injured and will miss at least a month.  Without Davis being a legit #2 option, the Lakers roster is a disaster. They absolutely needed Davis to look like a MVP candidate, and he did not. 

I'm not glossing over anything.  Anthony Davis is better than Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.

Because I said so!!!! Now go to your room. Lol. You are really twisting yourself in knots trying to defend the Lakers and Lebron. Has Davis regressed significantly or is he clearly better than the best two players on a team that is 25-9? 

[celticsclay]

I take a healthy Davis or Durant over anyone

Pretty insane to take Davis over Giannis, jokic or curry at this point.

[Moranis]

so the Lakers only have a good team when used to diminish Lebron, but any other time they are old and terrible.  You can't have it both ways, either they are old and terrible or they are not?
  They fall apart when Lebron isn't in the game in a very large part because Davis has regressed significantly.  If you want to talk about one of the Lakers big 2 that has clearly taken a step back, it is Davis.  Davis is nowhere near a top 10 player this year and that was before he got injured and will miss at least a month.  Without Davis being a legit #2 option, the Lakers roster is a disaster. They absolutely needed Davis to look like a MVP candidate, and he did not. 

I'm not glossing over anything.  Anthony Davis is better than Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.

Because I said so!!!! Now go to your room. Lol. You are really twisting yourself in knots trying to defend the Lakers and Lebron. Has Davis regressed significantly or is he clearly better than the best two players on a team that is 25-9 team? 

He isn't playing like a top 10 player or looking like a MVP candidate, but I believe he still is one and is absolutely a better player than Gobert and Mitchell. 

[celticsclay]

so the Lakers only have a good team when used to diminish Lebron, but any other time they are old and terrible.  You can't have it both ways, either they are old and terrible or they are not?
  They fall apart when Lebron isn't in the game in a very large part because Davis has regressed significantly.  If you want to talk about one of the Lakers big 2 that has clearly taken a step back, it is Davis.  Davis is nowhere near a top 10 player this year and that was before he got injured and will miss at least a month.  Without Davis being a legit #2 option, the Lakers roster is a disaster. They absolutely needed Davis to look like a MVP candidate, and he did not. 

I'm not glossing over anything.  Anthony Davis is better than Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.

Because I said so!!!! Now go to your room. Lol. You are really twisting yourself in knots trying to defend the Lakers and Lebron. Has Davis regressed significantly or is he clearly better than the best two players on a team that is 25-9 team? 

He isn't playing like a top 10 player or looking like a MVP candidate, but I believe he still is one and is absolutely a better player than Gobert and Mitchell.

Can you actually make a stronger argument than this boorish "just cause i said so"? (plus adding in absolutely for no reason lol)
The advanced stats and team performance strongly favor Gobert. In fact, gobert leads the entire league in offensive win shares, defensive win shares and rebounding rate. One of Davis' biggest advantages in the past was he could stretch the floor, but he is shooting a mind boggling 18% on threes through a third of the season. This isn't just a small sample size either, he shot 26% last year on 4 attempts. I actually gave a reason why I think this is happening as the Lakers announcers and other commentators have all noted he has bulked up over the season and is not the same player. He probably isn't coming back super thin with excellent conditioning from an injury. So do you have anything better than stomping your feet and just saying my opinion is better than yours even though are actually providing facts/stats to support your opinion?

[celticsclay]

I predict the Blazers make a trade in the next two weeks or Lillard starts to make demands/leak stuff about wanting out. They have lost ten out of 11 and are playing some of the worst defense you will ever see in an NBA game right now. They just look dispirited and disinterested. (lillard doesn't look like the same player himself, but I am not sure if it is injury, frustration or a mixture of both).

Will add Lebron did have a really nice game.

[moiso]

I predict the Blazers make a trade in the next two weeks or Lillard starts to make demands/leak stuff about wanting out. They have lost ten out of 11 and are playing some of the worst defense you will ever see in an NBA game right now. They just look dispirited and disinterested. (lillard doesn't look like the same player himself, but I am not sure if it is injury, frustration or a mixture of both).

Will add Lebron did have a really nice game.

Whatever is going on with Lillard is going to make teams hesitant to make great offers in a trade.  Small and athletic doesn't generally age well unless you are Chris Paul.  Before the season I could have at least seen some logic in a Jaylen for Lillard trade to shuffle things up, but I'd never want to make that trade right now.

[radiohead]

I predict the Blazers make a trade in the next two weeks or Lillard starts to make demands/leak stuff about wanting out. They have lost ten out of 11 and are playing some of the worst defense you will ever see in an NBA game right now. They just look dispirited and disinterested. (lillard doesn't look like the same player himself, but I am not sure if it is injury, frustration or a mixture of both).

Will add Lebron did have a really nice game.

Whatever is going on with Lillard is going to make teams hesitant to make great offers in a trade.  Small and athletic doesn't generally age well unless you are Chris Paul.  Before the season I could have at least seen some logic in a Jaylen for Lillard trade to shuffle things up, but I'd never want to make that trade right now.

I agree. With the way Lillard’s playing now, is this really a “buy low” opportunity or is Lillard actually on the decline?

[moiso]

I predict the Blazers make a trade in the next two weeks or Lillard starts to make demands/leak stuff about wanting out. They have lost ten out of 11 and are playing some of the worst defense you will ever see in an NBA game right now. They just look dispirited and disinterested. (lillard doesn't look like the same player himself, but I am not sure if it is injury, frustration or a mixture of both).

Will add Lebron did have a really nice game.

Whatever is going on with Lillard is going to make teams hesitant to make great offers in a trade.  Small and athletic doesn't generally age well unless you are Chris Paul.  Before the season I could have at least seen some logic in a Jaylen for Lillard trade to shuffle things up, but I'd never want to make that trade right now.

I agree. With the way Lillard’s playing now, is this really a “buy low” opportunity or is Lillard actually on the decline?

I keep thinking he's going to snap out of it, but he really hasn't.  He'd need to show me a lot more to make any kind of move for him.  I hope he didn't start coasting once he got his payday.  He's still shooting only 32% from 3 which isn't much better than Westbrook's 31%.  Strange.

[jambr380]

I predict the Blazers make a trade in the next two weeks or Lillard starts to make demands/leak stuff about wanting out. They have lost ten out of 11 and are playing some of the worst defense you will ever see in an NBA game right now. They just look dispirited and disinterested. (lillard doesn't look like the same player himself, but I am not sure if it is injury, frustration or a mixture of both).

Will add Lebron did have a really nice game.

Whatever is going on with Lillard is going to make teams hesitant to make great offers in a trade.  Small and athletic doesn't generally age well unless you are Chris Paul.  Before the season I could have at least seen some logic in a Jaylen for Lillard trade to shuffle things up, but I'd never want to make that trade right now.

I agree. With the way Lillard’s playing now, is this really a “buy low” opportunity or is Lillard actually on the decline?

I keep thinking he's going to snap out of it, but he really hasn't.  He'd need to show me a lot more to make any kind of move for him.  I hope he didn't start coasting once he got his payday.  He's still shooting only 32% from 3 which isn't much better than Westbrook's 31%.  Strange.

At least with Kemba, we only needed to use cap space to sign him. With Lillard, you are faced with giving up Jaylen, and that seems like a recipe for disaster. Perhaps all he needs is a change of scenery, but we would need to go much younger (Trae [lol], Murray, Murray, SGA, Fox, etc) if we are going all-in on a PG/G.

[Who]

I predict the Blazers make a trade in the next two weeks or Lillard starts to make demands/leak stuff about wanting out. They have lost ten out of 11 and are playing some of the worst defense you will ever see in an NBA game right now. They just look dispirited and disinterested. (lillard doesn't look like the same player himself, but I am not sure if it is injury, frustration or a mixture of both).

Will add Lebron did have a really nice game.

Whatever is going on with Lillard is going to make teams hesitant to make great offers in a trade.  Small and athletic doesn't generally age well unless you are Chris Paul.  Before the season I could have at least seen some logic in a Jaylen for Lillard trade to shuffle things up, but I'd never want to make that trade right now.

I agree. With the way Lillard’s playing now, is this really a “buy low” opportunity or is Lillard actually on the decline?

I keep thinking he's going to snap out of it, but he really hasn't.  He'd need to show me a lot more to make any kind of move for him.  I hope he didn't start coasting once he got his payday.  He's still shooting only 32% from 3 which isn't much better than Westbrook's 31%.  Strange.

At least with Kemba, we only needed to use cap space to sign him. With Lillard, you are faced with giving up Jaylen, and that seems like a recipe for disaster. Perhaps all he needs is a change of scenery, but we would need to go much younger (Trae [lol], Murray, Murray, SGA, Fox, etc) if we are going all-in on a PG/G.

I don't think we'll need to give up Jaylen to get Lillard. Lots of future picks & Rob Williams should do it.

I don't expect Portland to get great offers for Lillard given his age and massive salary. I expect them to be in a position similar to Houston when trading Harden so I like viewing that trade package as an example of Portland can expect to get.

Now maybe they get lucky and get a better offer ... but I believe it is more likely they struggle to get a top offer for Lillard due to his age and price tag.

[Who]

With the way Lillard’s playing now, is this really a “buy low” opportunity or is Lillard actually on the decline?

Lillard's shooting has been improving since the bad start

Oct - 6gm - 35% FG% 23% 3PT% 49% TS%
Nov - 14gm - 41% FG% 33% 3PT% 55% TS%
Dec - 9gm - 41% FG% 36% 3pt% 59% TS%

That 59% TS% is well above league average (55%) so his scoring efficiency is doing a lot better now. That is encouraging and suggests more a bad start than old age decline.

[Phantom255x]

I predict the Blazers make a trade in the next two weeks or Lillard starts to make demands/leak stuff about wanting out. They have lost ten out of 11 and are playing some of the worst defense you will ever see in an NBA game right now. They just look dispirited and disinterested. (lillard doesn't look like the same player himself, but I am not sure if it is injury, frustration or a mixture of both).

Will add Lebron did have a really nice game.

Whatever is going on with Lillard is going to make teams hesitant to make great offers in a trade.  Small and athletic doesn't generally age well unless you are Chris Paul.  Before the season I could have at least seen some logic in a Jaylen for Lillard trade to shuffle things up, but I'd never want to make that trade right now.

I agree. With the way Lillard’s playing now, is this really a “buy low” opportunity or is Lillard actually on the decline?

I keep thinking he's going to snap out of it, but he really hasn't.  He'd need to show me a lot more to make any kind of move for him.  I hope he didn't start coasting once he got his payday.  He's still shooting only 32% from 3 which isn't much better than Westbrook's 31%.  Strange.

At least with Kemba, we only needed to use cap space to sign him. With Lillard, you are faced with giving up Jaylen, and that seems like a recipe for disaster. Perhaps all he needs is a change of scenery, but we would need to go much younger (Trae [lol], Murray, Murray, SGA, Fox, etc) if we are going all-in on a PG/G.

I don't think we'll need to give up Jaylen to get Lillard. Lots of future picks & Rob Williams should do it.

I don't expect Portland to get great offers for Lillard given his age and massive salary. I expect them to be in a position similar to Houston when trading Harden so I like viewing that trade package as an example of Portland can expect to get.

Now maybe they get lucky and get a better offer ... but I believe it is more likely they struggle to get a top offer for Lillard due to his age and price tag.

Yeah at this point if you have to give up Jaylen in a trade to acquire Lillard, I hang up. Lillard just isn't the same guy anymore. Yes, he's still a great player and I've love him as a 3rd star to the Jays, but it's also not like Lillard alone is just elevating this team greatly where moving Jaylen for him is a clear upgrade.

I would try to give up Smart, a salary piece like Shroder/Richardson and then a boatload of future picks for him. I'd try to hold on to Timelord if you can.

I think people need to realize that gone are the days where these kinds of stars cost a huge amount. What have guys like Harden, etc. gone for recently? Not as much. Especially if the player is aging/declining and seems disinterested in his current team and it's publicly known.

[nickagneta]

Lillard is definitely the veteran, playoff hardened, great outside shooting, floor general you need to put next to both Jays. Empty out the roster of assets Portland would need and any vets you are sending out, send them to a third team to get Portland more prospects.

Smart, Rob Williams, Richardson rights to Yam and Begarin and their choice of Romeo or Nesmith plus every pick and pick swap it takes. If it takes moving Smart and Richardson to another team for youth(GSW seems like a good place to start), do it.

But Lillard, Brown, Tatum, Grant, Horford as a starting unit with Pritchard, a re-signed Freedom and one of Nesmith or Romeo, off the bench, seems like an amazing place to start next season.

[RodyTur10]

I predict the Blazers make a trade in the next two weeks or Lillard starts to make demands/leak stuff about wanting out. They have lost ten out of 11 and are playing some of the worst defense you will ever see in an NBA game right now. They just look dispirited and disinterested. (lillard doesn't look like the same player himself, but I am not sure if it is injury, frustration or a mixture of both).

Will add Lebron did have a really nice game.

Whatever is going on with Lillard is going to make teams hesitant to make great offers in a trade.  Small and athletic doesn't generally age well unless you are Chris Paul.  Before the season I could have at least seen some logic in a Jaylen for Lillard trade to shuffle things up, but I'd never want to make that trade right now.

I agree. With the way Lillard’s playing now, is this really a “buy low” opportunity or is Lillard actually on the decline?

I keep thinking he's going to snap out of it, but he really hasn't.  He'd need to show me a lot more to make any kind of move for him.  I hope he didn't start coasting once he got his payday.  He's still shooting only 32% from 3 which isn't much better than Westbrook's 31%.  Strange.

At least with Kemba, we only needed to use cap space to sign him. With Lillard, you are faced with giving up Jaylen, and that seems like a recipe for disaster. Perhaps all he needs is a change of scenery, but we would need to go much younger (Trae [lol], Murray, Murray, SGA, Fox, etc) if we are going all-in on a PG/G.

I don't think we'll need to give up Jaylen to get Lillard. Lots of future picks & Rob Williams should do it.

I don't expect Portland to get great offers for Lillard given his age and massive salary. I expect them to be in a position similar to Houston when trading Harden so I like viewing that trade package as an example of Portland can expect to get.

Now maybe they get lucky and get a better offer ... but I believe it is more likely they struggle to get a top offer for Lillard due to his age and price tag.

Yeah at this point if you have to give up Jaylen in a trade to acquire Lillard, I hang up. Lillard just isn't the same guy anymore. Yes, he's still a great player and I've love him as a 3rd star to the Jays, but it's also not like Lillard alone is just elevating this team greatly where moving Jaylen for him is a clear upgrade.

I would try to give up Smart, a salary piece like Shroder/Richardson and then a boatload of future picks for him. I'd try to hold on to Timelord if you can.

I think people need to realize that gone are the days where these kinds of stars cost a huge amount. What have guys like Harden, etc. gone for recently? Not as much. Especially if the player is aging/declining and seems disinterested in his current team and it's publicly known.

Your assessment of Lillard seems realistic to me. He would make a huge difference though and Portland has to get something in return that they can sell to their strong fanbase. With Houston/Harden it was a bit different as Harden really demanded out on bad terms. Lillard has been a fan favourite and loyal guy, besides that a trade of him right now is a bit radical to swallow for the public (even if it's the right move). Don't see it happening, but if it does Boston should really be involved in talks.

[Surferdad]

Lillard is definitely the veteran, playoff hardened, great outside shooting, floor general you need to put next to both Jays. Empty out the roster of assets Portland would need and any vets you are sending out, send them to a third team to get Portland more prospects.

Smart, Rob Williams, Richardson rights to Yam and Begarin and their choice of Romeo or Nesmith plus every pick and pick swap it takes. If it takes moving Smart and Richardson to another team for youth(GSW seems like a good place to start), do it.

But Lillard, Brown, Tatum, Grant, Horford as a starting unit with Pritchard, a re-signed Freedom and one of Nesmith or Romeo, off the bench, seems like an amazing place to start next season.

Sorry to say that trading these players seems like an odd take on the day after those very players made key contributions to beating the best team in the league.  I guess I'm not so high on Lillard as to be willing to gut the team and its future.