NBA Season 2021-22

[liam]

Oh I agree that the Sixers have made their bed with Harden and for better or worse are stuck with him, I just don't think they were going to do better in a win now type trade than him.

There are plenty of shooters available for the minimum every year. I think they will add a couple in the off season. Obviously no one as good as Curry but 40% type guys in decent volume. The Sixers need some players like that.

As for Harris, I think they will have at least some options.  Dinwiddie and Bertans for him would seemingly make sense for both Dallas and Philly as an example.

What is your current view on the Celtics' chances to win a championship this season? You have consistently said that they lack the personnel to compete at that level.  (You were not alone in that assessment; many of us felt similarly.)  Have you altered your perspective given how well the team has jelled in 2022?  I have. While it is going to be a battle to get through the East, we seem to match up pretty well vs the other play-off bound teams.

I don't believe Tatum or the team is good enough yet.  I think a lot of the C's recent success has been playing a playoff rotation against largely weaker competition (I was saying all December that the team would close the year with a significantly improved record as the schedule got easier).  When you are only consistently playing 8 guys and playing them big minutes, you do better than the teams that are playing more of their rotation and their starters lesser minutes, especially when the competition isn't as good. 

I think Boston is on the same general tier as Miami which is behind Milwaukee, Philly and Brooklyn.  A Miami series would be a dogfight, which either team could win.  I don't think Boston beats a healthy Milwaukee, Philly, or Brooklyn though.  They just have better top end talent and that matters so much in the post season.  That is why the seeding matters so much this year.  If Boston gets the right draw it could easily be in the ECF or be knocked out in the 1st round.  The actual seed doesn't matter nearly as much as who the competition is this year.  Right now, I like Boston's draw (as long as Brooklyn ends up 7th).  I think Boston would beat Chicago and then would be in a coinflip against Miami (and would beat Toronto, Charlotte, or Atlanta if they end up as 8 and beat Miami).  Hopefully by the ECF whichever team is standing is beaten up enough that Boston can pull it out (I mean right now Milwaukee and Brooklyn could match up in the 1st round and they'd have Philly in round 2).  That is a tough draw for those teams and perhaps Boston could capitalize on it, but I don't think Boston is on their level.

As I've said all year, Milwaukee is the best team in the sport and I expect them to go back to back.  They have the best player in the world and a nicely constructed team around him, especially if they do actually get Lopez and Connaughton back (but even without them they are tough).

C’s just beat Brooklyn and then Brooklyn destroyed Philly last night. C’s have the highest point differential in the East and the best defense in the NBA. Tatum is now a top 10 player and if JB can play at an all star level again, the C’s are absolutely on those other teams level.

KD is better than Giannis and If Kyrie is locked in, he’s better than any other player the Bucks have. I expect Simmons to fit in well with that group and he will make their defense much better. If the Bucks do make it to the finals, good luck taking out Steph, Klay, Wiggins, Green, Wiseman. That’s a ridiculous amount of talent with championship pedigree and the Warriors would more than likely have home court advantage as well.

Defense is a team activity. I don't think adding a good defender (Simmons) to a bad defensive team will make them ( The Nets) a top defense.

[Goldstar88]

Right now, the betting lines say:

1.  PHO   +450
2.  GSW  +550
3.  BKN   +650
4.  PHI    +700
5.  MIL    +800
6.  MIA  +1200
7.  UTA  +1800
8.  BOS  +2200

Hard to argue too much with this.  I would have us closer to MIA but still behind the other top East teams, at least from a general betting standpoint.  You always have to remember that odds reflect how Vegas thinks people will bet, not who Vegas thinks will win.  I think the teams that are overvalued in this are PHO, GSW, and UTA but I can see why people are betting on them.

To me, Milwaukee at 8:1 seems like a good bet.  And, I've finally come around to thinking the Celts have at least as good of a shot as Brooklyn or Philly.  The teams I put clearly ahead of us are Milwaukee, Phoenix and Golden State (assuming Green is healthy).  I'm not sure about Miami, but I like our chances.

I think the Suns are overrated. Booker is a nice player, but I don’t think you can win a title with him and CP3 as your one/two punch. If GS is healthy for the playoffs I see them beating Phoenix handily.

[Roy H.]

Right now, the betting lines say:

1.  PHO   +450
2.  GSW  +550
3.  BKN   +650
4.  PHI    +700
5.  MIL    +800
6.  MIA  +1200
7.  UTA  +1800
8.  BOS  +2200

Hard to argue too much with this.  I would have us closer to MIA but still behind the other top East teams, at least from a general betting standpoint.  You always have to remember that odds reflect how Vegas thinks people will bet, not who Vegas thinks will win.  I think the teams that are overvalued in this are PHO, GSW, and UTA but I can see why people are betting on them.

To me, Milwaukee at 8:1 seems like a good bet.  And, I've finally come around to thinking the Celts have at least as good of a shot as Brooklyn or Philly.  The teams I put clearly ahead of us are Milwaukee, Phoenix and Golden State (assuming Green is healthy).  I'm not sure about Miami, but I like our chances.

I think the Suns are overrated. Booker is a nice player, but I don’t think you can win a title with him and CP3 as your one/two punch. If GS is healthy for the playoffs I see them beating Phoenix handily.

I don’t know.  The best regular season record this year, second best last year, a Final’s appearance.  They may not win, but I don’t think they’re overrated.

[Goldstar88]

Oh I agree that the Sixers have made their bed with Harden and for better or worse are stuck with him, I just don't think they were going to do better in a win now type trade than him.

There are plenty of shooters available for the minimum every year. I think they will add a couple in the off season. Obviously no one as good as Curry but 40% type guys in decent volume. The Sixers need some players like that.

As for Harris, I think they will have at least some options.  Dinwiddie and Bertans for him would seemingly make sense for both Dallas and Philly as an example.

What is your current view on the Celtics' chances to win a championship this season? You have consistently said that they lack the personnel to compete at that level.  (You were not alone in that assessment; many of us felt similarly.)  Have you altered your perspective given how well the team has jelled in 2022?  I have. While it is going to be a battle to get through the East, we seem to match up pretty well vs the other play-off bound teams.

I don't believe Tatum or the team is good enough yet.  I think a lot of the C's recent success has been playing a playoff rotation against largely weaker competition (I was saying all December that the team would close the year with a significantly improved record as the schedule got easier).  When you are only consistently playing 8 guys and playing them big minutes, you do better than the teams that are playing more of their rotation and their starters lesser minutes, especially when the competition isn't as good. 

I think Boston is on the same general tier as Miami which is behind Milwaukee, Philly and Brooklyn.  A Miami series would be a dogfight, which either team could win.  I don't think Boston beats a healthy Milwaukee, Philly, or Brooklyn though.  They just have better top end talent and that matters so much in the post season.  That is why the seeding matters so much this year.  If Boston gets the right draw it could easily be in the ECF or be knocked out in the 1st round.  The actual seed doesn't matter nearly as much as who the competition is this year.  Right now, I like Boston's draw (as long as Brooklyn ends up 7th).  I think Boston would beat Chicago and then would be in a coinflip against Miami (and would beat Toronto, Charlotte, or Atlanta if they end up as 8 and beat Miami).  Hopefully by the ECF whichever team is standing is beaten up enough that Boston can pull it out (I mean right now Milwaukee and Brooklyn could match up in the 1st round and they'd have Philly in round 2).  That is a tough draw for those teams and perhaps Boston could capitalize on it, but I don't think Boston is on their level.

As I've said all year, Milwaukee is the best team in the sport and I expect them to go back to back.  They have the best player in the world and a nicely constructed team around him, especially if they do actually get Lopez and Connaughton back (but even without them they are tough).

C’s just beat Brooklyn and then Brooklyn destroyed Philly last night. C’s have the highest point differential in the East and the best defense in the NBA. Tatum is now a top 10 player and if JB can play at an all star level again, the C’s are absolutely on those other teams level.

KD is better than Giannis and If Kyrie is locked in, he’s better than any other player the Bucks have. I expect Simmons to fit in well with that group and he will make their defense much better. If the Bucks do make it to the finals, good luck taking out Steph, Klay, Wiggins, Green, Wiseman. That’s a ridiculous amount of talent with championship pedigree and the Warriors would more than likely have home court advantage as well.

Defense is a team activity. I don't think adding a good defender (Simmons) to a bad defensive team will make them ( The Nets) a top defense.

That’s true, but one elite defensive player can have a huge impact on how a team plays defense. Look at how much the C’s defense changes when they are missing Timelord or Smart. It’s significant.

[liam]

Oh I agree that the Sixers have made their bed with Harden and for better or worse are stuck with him, I just don't think they were going to do better in a win now type trade than him.

There are plenty of shooters available for the minimum every year. I think they will add a couple in the off season. Obviously no one as good as Curry but 40% type guys in decent volume. The Sixers need some players like that.

As for Harris, I think they will have at least some options.  Dinwiddie and Bertans for him would seemingly make sense for both Dallas and Philly as an example.

What is your current view on the Celtics' chances to win a championship this season? You have consistently said that they lack the personnel to compete at that level.  (You were not alone in that assessment; many of us felt similarly.)  Have you altered your perspective given how well the team has jelled in 2022?  I have. While it is going to be a battle to get through the East, we seem to match up pretty well vs the other play-off bound teams.

I don't believe Tatum or the team is good enough yet.  I think a lot of the C's recent success has been playing a playoff rotation against largely weaker competition (I was saying all December that the team would close the year with a significantly improved record as the schedule got easier).  When you are only consistently playing 8 guys and playing them big minutes, you do better than the teams that are playing more of their rotation and their starters lesser minutes, especially when the competition isn't as good. 

I think Boston is on the same general tier as Miami which is behind Milwaukee, Philly and Brooklyn.  A Miami series would be a dogfight, which either team could win.  I don't think Boston beats a healthy Milwaukee, Philly, or Brooklyn though.  They just have better top end talent and that matters so much in the post season.  That is why the seeding matters so much this year.  If Boston gets the right draw it could easily be in the ECF or be knocked out in the 1st round.  The actual seed doesn't matter nearly as much as who the competition is this year.  Right now, I like Boston's draw (as long as Brooklyn ends up 7th).  I think Boston would beat Chicago and then would be in a coinflip against Miami (and would beat Toronto, Charlotte, or Atlanta if they end up as 8 and beat Miami).  Hopefully by the ECF whichever team is standing is beaten up enough that Boston can pull it out (I mean right now Milwaukee and Brooklyn could match up in the 1st round and they'd have Philly in round 2).  That is a tough draw for those teams and perhaps Boston could capitalize on it, but I don't think Boston is on their level.

As I've said all year, Milwaukee is the best team in the sport and I expect them to go back to back.  They have the best player in the world and a nicely constructed team around him, especially if they do actually get Lopez and Connaughton back (but even without them they are tough).

C’s just beat Brooklyn and then Brooklyn destroyed Philly last night. C’s have the highest point differential in the East and the best defense in the NBA. Tatum is now a top 10 player and if JB can play at an all star level again, the C’s are absolutely on those other teams level.

KD is better than Giannis and If Kyrie is locked in, he’s better than any other player the Bucks have. I expect Simmons to fit in well with that group and he will make their defense much better. If the Bucks do make it to the finals, good luck taking out Steph, Klay, Wiggins, Green, Wiseman. That’s a ridiculous amount of talent with championship pedigree and the Warriors would more than likely have home court advantage as well.

Defense is a team activity. I don't think adding a good defender (Simmons) to a bad defensive team will make them ( The Nets) a top defense.

That’s true, but one elite defensive player can have a huge impact on how a team plays defense. Look at how much the C’s defense changes when they are missing Timelord or Smart. It’s significant.

We have plus defenders at every position.

[Goldstar88]

Oh I agree that the Sixers have made their bed with Harden and for better or worse are stuck with him, I just don't think they were going to do better in a win now type trade than him.

There are plenty of shooters available for the minimum every year. I think they will add a couple in the off season. Obviously no one as good as Curry but 40% type guys in decent volume. The Sixers need some players like that.

As for Harris, I think they will have at least some options.  Dinwiddie and Bertans for him would seemingly make sense for both Dallas and Philly as an example.

What is your current view on the Celtics' chances to win a championship this season? You have consistently said that they lack the personnel to compete at that level.  (You were not alone in that assessment; many of us felt similarly.)  Have you altered your perspective given how well the team has jelled in 2022?  I have. While it is going to be a battle to get through the East, we seem to match up pretty well vs the other play-off bound teams.

I don't believe Tatum or the team is good enough yet.  I think a lot of the C's recent success has been playing a playoff rotation against largely weaker competition (I was saying all December that the team would close the year with a significantly improved record as the schedule got easier).  When you are only consistently playing 8 guys and playing them big minutes, you do better than the teams that are playing more of their rotation and their starters lesser minutes, especially when the competition isn't as good. 

I think Boston is on the same general tier as Miami which is behind Milwaukee, Philly and Brooklyn.  A Miami series would be a dogfight, which either team could win.  I don't think Boston beats a healthy Milwaukee, Philly, or Brooklyn though.  They just have better top end talent and that matters so much in the post season.  That is why the seeding matters so much this year.  If Boston gets the right draw it could easily be in the ECF or be knocked out in the 1st round.  The actual seed doesn't matter nearly as much as who the competition is this year.  Right now, I like Boston's draw (as long as Brooklyn ends up 7th).  I think Boston would beat Chicago and then would be in a coinflip against Miami (and would beat Toronto, Charlotte, or Atlanta if they end up as 8 and beat Miami).  Hopefully by the ECF whichever team is standing is beaten up enough that Boston can pull it out (I mean right now Milwaukee and Brooklyn could match up in the 1st round and they'd have Philly in round 2).  That is a tough draw for those teams and perhaps Boston could capitalize on it, but I don't think Boston is on their level.

As I've said all year, Milwaukee is the best team in the sport and I expect them to go back to back.  They have the best player in the world and a nicely constructed team around him, especially if they do actually get Lopez and Connaughton back (but even without them they are tough).

C’s just beat Brooklyn and then Brooklyn destroyed Philly last night. C’s have the highest point differential in the East and the best defense in the NBA. Tatum is now a top 10 player and if JB can play at an all star level again, the C’s are absolutely on those other teams level.

KD is better than Giannis and If Kyrie is locked in, he’s better than any other player the Bucks have. I expect Simmons to fit in well with that group and he will make their defense much better. If the Bucks do make it to the finals, good luck taking out Steph, Klay, Wiggins, Green, Wiseman. That’s a ridiculous amount of talent with championship pedigree and the Warriors would more than likely have home court advantage as well.

Defense is a team activity. I don't think adding a good defender (Simmons) to a bad defensive team will make them ( The Nets) a top defense.

That’s true, but one elite defensive player can have a huge impact on how a team plays defense. Look at how much the C’s defense changes when they are missing Timelord or Smart. It’s significant.

We have plus defenders at every position.

Lol. I’m not comparing the two. The Celtics have the best defense in the NBA. Just saying that the Nets defense is going to be quite a bit better adding a first team all defensive player in Simmons. He can literally guard 1-5. Im not sure if there are any other players that can do that in the NBA.

[liam]

Oh I agree that the Sixers have made their bed with Harden and for better or worse are stuck with him, I just don't think they were going to do better in a win now type trade than him.

There are plenty of shooters available for the minimum every year. I think they will add a couple in the off season. Obviously no one as good as Curry but 40% type guys in decent volume. The Sixers need some players like that.

As for Harris, I think they will have at least some options.  Dinwiddie and Bertans for him would seemingly make sense for both Dallas and Philly as an example.

What is your current view on the Celtics' chances to win a championship this season? You have consistently said that they lack the personnel to compete at that level.  (You were not alone in that assessment; many of us felt similarly.)  Have you altered your perspective given how well the team has jelled in 2022?  I have. While it is going to be a battle to get through the East, we seem to match up pretty well vs the other play-off bound teams.

I don't believe Tatum or the team is good enough yet.  I think a lot of the C's recent success has been playing a playoff rotation against largely weaker competition (I was saying all December that the team would close the year with a significantly improved record as the schedule got easier).  When you are only consistently playing 8 guys and playing them big minutes, you do better than the teams that are playing more of their rotation and their starters lesser minutes, especially when the competition isn't as good. 

I think Boston is on the same general tier as Miami which is behind Milwaukee, Philly and Brooklyn.  A Miami series would be a dogfight, which either team could win.  I don't think Boston beats a healthy Milwaukee, Philly, or Brooklyn though.  They just have better top end talent and that matters so much in the post season.  That is why the seeding matters so much this year.  If Boston gets the right draw it could easily be in the ECF or be knocked out in the 1st round.  The actual seed doesn't matter nearly as much as who the competition is this year.  Right now, I like Boston's draw (as long as Brooklyn ends up 7th).  I think Boston would beat Chicago and then would be in a coinflip against Miami (and would beat Toronto, Charlotte, or Atlanta if they end up as 8 and beat Miami).  Hopefully by the ECF whichever team is standing is beaten up enough that Boston can pull it out (I mean right now Milwaukee and Brooklyn could match up in the 1st round and they'd have Philly in round 2).  That is a tough draw for those teams and perhaps Boston could capitalize on it, but I don't think Boston is on their level.

As I've said all year, Milwaukee is the best team in the sport and I expect them to go back to back.  They have the best player in the world and a nicely constructed team around him, especially if they do actually get Lopez and Connaughton back (but even without them they are tough).

C’s just beat Brooklyn and then Brooklyn destroyed Philly last night. C’s have the highest point differential in the East and the best defense in the NBA. Tatum is now a top 10 player and if JB can play at an all star level again, the C’s are absolutely on those other teams level.

KD is better than Giannis and If Kyrie is locked in, he’s better than any other player the Bucks have. I expect Simmons to fit in well with that group and he will make their defense much better. If the Bucks do make it to the finals, good luck taking out Steph, Klay, Wiggins, Green, Wiseman. That’s a ridiculous amount of talent with championship pedigree and the Warriors would more than likely have home court advantage as well.

Defense is a team activity. I don't think adding a good defender (Simmons) to a bad defensive team will make them ( The Nets) a top defense.

That’s true, but one elite defensive player can have a huge impact on how a team plays defense. Look at how much the C’s defense changes when they are missing Timelord or Smart. It’s significant.

We have plus defenders at every position.

Lol. I’m not comparing the two. The Celtics have the best defense in the NBA. Just saying that the Nets defense is going to be quite a bit better adding a first team all defensive player in Simmons. He can literally guard 1-5. Im not sure if there are any other players that can do that in the NBA.

I agree they will be better.

[Goldstar88]

Right now, the betting lines say:

1.  PHO   +450
2.  GSW  +550
3.  BKN   +650
4.  PHI    +700
5.  MIL    +800
6.  MIA  +1200
7.  UTA  +1800
8.  BOS  +2200

Hard to argue too much with this.  I would have us closer to MIA but still behind the other top East teams, at least from a general betting standpoint.  You always have to remember that odds reflect how Vegas thinks people will bet, not who Vegas thinks will win.  I think the teams that are overvalued in this are PHO, GSW, and UTA but I can see why people are betting on them.

To me, Milwaukee at 8:1 seems like a good bet.  And, I've finally come around to thinking the Celts have at least as good of a shot as Brooklyn or Philly.  The teams I put clearly ahead of us are Milwaukee, Phoenix and Golden State (assuming Green is healthy).  I'm not sure about Miami, but I like our chances.

I think the Suns are overrated. Booker is a nice player, but I don’t think you can win a title with him and CP3 as your one/two punch. If GS is healthy for the playoffs I see them beating Phoenix handily.

I don’t know.  The best regular season record this year, second best last year, a Final’s appearance.  They may not win, but I don’t think they’re overrated.

If/when healthy, the Warriors, Clippers and Nuggets are better in the western conference. Those teams have been decimated by injuries this season and last. In the East, I would pick Boston, Milwaukee, Brooklyn, Philly to beat Phoenix in a series. Miami would be a push.

[JSD]

I really how things are falling for the Celtics right now. If the playoffs begin today they’d be the fifth seed playing the fourth seated Chicago Bulls. Next they would play the winner of the Miami, versus eighth seed.

Let BKN, Philly and the Bucks battle it out in the lower portion of the bracket and we’ll avoid each until the ECF

[nickagneta]

I have no fear of any team in the East. The Celtics can beat every EC team in a 7 game series if healthy.

So win as many games as possible, guys, and whoever they put in front of you, take down.

C's in the Finals. I believe.

[Birdman]

Think as of now we are 3rd best team in East behind Nets & Bucks…Philly is so overrated, Miami are to up & down, Bulls can be a tough series if they are healthy

[SparzWizard]

Another 50 burger from the PED-taking old man against the Wiz

[Phantom255x]

So even against mediocre teams, the Lakers literally need Lebron to put up 50+ to have a chance.

I'm curious to see how this lasts. I mean the last time Lebron put up 56 on the Warriors, the next game he was out due to soreness or something.

[SHAQATTACK]

So even against mediocre teams, the Lakers literally need Lebron to put up 50+ to have a chance.

I'm curious to see how this lasts. I mean the last time Lebron put up 56 on the Warriors, the next game he was out due to soreness or something.

It’s not about the Lakers , if it was he would let them shut him down for the rest of the season.

It’s about personal stats he is trying build ,  he wants to increase them by playing as much as humanly possible .  It’s his mission now , not Lakers he is tending to.   He knows season is over for a ring .

[Moranis]

Why would the Lakers shut Lebron down? They are in the play in tournament and don't own their pick.  Now maybe if they get eliminated from the play in shutting him down makes sense but there is literally no benefit to shutting him down now.