NBA Season 2021-22

[Jvalin]

In other news Luka is not playing for Dallas, but the Mavs are up 10 just into the start of the 2nd quarter.

Kudos to Dallas but I feel this says more about the Jazz than anything else. If the Jazz lose this series I expect real changes for them this offseason

I was honestly surprised they didn't trade Gobert last summer after his tiff with Mitchell and their under performance in the playoffs the last few years.  Team seems tapped out even if they beat a Luka-less Dallas.  Aside from moving Gobert I'm not sure what they can do and I'm not sure there is a going to be a huge market for Gobert.

Yeah they gave him a 5/205M contract extension lol

Honestly if Donovan Mitchell wants to demand a trade to Boston to team up with Jaylen and co. then I’d be down!

That is a ton of money, would they do some sort of dump for Wall.  I think he could fill a lot of what Conley.  So Wall and a couple of Houston's 1st's for Gobert.  Not sure that makes a lot of sense for either team, but I really don't know what Gobert's market will be and perhaps Utah's best approach is clearing the cap in the summer of 2023 to try and lure someone to play with Mitchell then.

Maybe try and make a deal with the Lakers involving Westbrook? Something using that framework. I know LAL has AD but that gives them a great front court and Gobert is another great defender

I don't think Westbrook makes sense at all in Utah.  He isn't a good fit and the Lakers don't have any other assets (aside from those way in the future picks) to trade.  Houston has so many draft picks and Wall fits better on their roster, that is why I thought a trade there would make sense, though obviously Gobert doesn't exactly fit Houston's timeline, I think they could hold onto him until they find a trade down the line and I do think his defense would make sense on a young team (he also isn't going to affect their tanking all that much).

A Houston trade doesn't make any sense either.  A bottom-feeder team giving up picks for Gobert so they may be able to trade him down the line.  He's going to be worth less down the line.  I'd say there would be a good chance his defensive limitations get exposed more on a bad team.  He needs to be on a pretty good team which is satisfied with making the playoffs and maybe winning a series.  Like say Utah.

I think Gobert could actually stabilize Houston some.  They have talent and will add more this summer.  A steadying force in the middle (and I think he could play with Wood), could do a lot for the young players growth on the Rockets.  Green, in particular, would benefit a lot from Gobert.

If PHX fails to meet expectations in the postseason, how about a sign and trade of Ayton+filler(s) for Gobert? Haven't put down the numbers, but I bet Utah can stay below the apron after the trade.

Why for each team
- The Suns go all-in with a big 3 of Booker-CP3-Gobert. They were unwilling to pay Ayton the max prior to the 2022 season.
- The Jazz retool on the fly. Mitchell-Ayton are about the same age.

[LatterDayCelticsfan]

I think that we may have forgotten that Glenn  'Doc' Rivers knows a thing or two about setting up ATO plays.

[Birdman]

Never cease to amaze me how a team can blow a 20 plus lead in NBA or college..

[Kiorrik]

I think that we may have forgotten that Glenn  'Doc' Rivers knows a thing or two about setting up ATO plays.

I'll never forget the Rondo oop

Defs one of the highlights of Doc/Rondo's careers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtIduoOib0Y

[Moranis]

Wow, Celtics don't play again until Saturday. 2 games off between Games 1-2 and 2-3. Are they being too generous with this series' schedule or did the NBA try to fix this in favor of the Nets?

That's typical.  The Sixers/Raptors 2 games off is between games 3 and 4.

Yeah its the NBA where I believe they have a rule that the 1st round must take longer than all other rounds combined (obviously I'm kidding, well sort of).  They won't do more than 3 games during the week so there is always a bunch of unnecessary days off.

[Phantom255x]

Golden State and Philadelphia will sweep their series.

Maybe Dallas-Utah goes the distance, but I think the rest of the series could all end in 5 or 6 games. I thought MEM-MIN could go the distance but idk how MIN recovers from last night blowing 20+ point leads not once, but twice in the same game

[Who]

Part of the reason Utah is considering blowing things up is because Donovan Mitchell has been non-committal about staying in Utah. Rumours of wanting to play in a bigger media market. Sick / tired of being overlooked by national media and fans despite his accomplishments.

If they trade Gobert, Utah may not be looking for someone to pair with Mitchell but more towards a longer term rebuild. More picks and flexibility rather than a star.

And if Gobert does go, I'd expect Mitchell to follow him out the door soon after. Either right away in a full rebuild or in 12-18 months time when Utah realizes how hard it is for them to win without Gobert and Mitchell starts to get angsty about wanting to play for a team with title hopes.

If I am Utah, I would not be betting on a long term marriage with Donovan Mitchell in post-Gobert trade world.

[Phantom255x]

Whoa has anyone seen KAT's postgame comments? All I have to say is... YIKES

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/u9758y/highlight_chuck_crucifies_the_timberwolves_after/

[Atzar]

Whoa has anyone seen KAT's postgame comments? All I have to say is... YIKES

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/u9758y/highlight_chuck_crucifies_the_timberwolves_after/

LOL.  Get this guy away from Anthony Edwards.  I don't want this chump influencing Ant's growth.

[Moranis]

Part of the reason Utah is considering blowing things up is because Donovan Mitchell has been non-committal about staying in Utah. Rumours of wanting to play in a bigger media market. Sick / tired of being overlooked by national media and fans despite his accomplishments.

If they trade Gobert, Utah may not be looking for someone to pair with Mitchell but more towards a longer term rebuild. More picks and flexibility rather than a star.

And if Gobert does go, I'd expect Mitchell to follow him out the door soon after. Either right away in a full rebuild or in 12-18 months time when Utah realizes how hard it is for them to win without Gobert and Mitchell starts to get angsty about wanting to play for a team with title hopes.

If I am Utah, I would not be betting on a long term marriage with Donovan Mitchell in post-Gobert trade world.

And if that is the case, they should just trade Mitchell.  He has way more value than Gobert and they could really get some nice players for him. 

This one seemingly makes sense for both teams

Mitchell for Barrett, Toppin, Quickley, Walker (for salary), 11, 2024 1st

I can see the appeal of that for both the Knicks and Jazz. 

[RJ87]

Part of the reason Utah is considering blowing things up is because Donovan Mitchell has been non-committal about staying in Utah. Rumours of wanting to play in a bigger media market. Sick / tired of being overlooked by national media and fans despite his accomplishments.

If they trade Gobert, Utah may not be looking for someone to pair with Mitchell but more towards a longer term rebuild. More picks and flexibility rather than a star.

And if Gobert does go, I'd expect Mitchell to follow him out the door soon after. Either right away in a full rebuild or in 12-18 months time when Utah realizes how hard it is for them to win without Gobert and Mitchell starts to get angsty about wanting to play for a team with title hopes.

If I am Utah, I would not be betting on a long term marriage with Donovan Mitchell in post-Gobert trade world.

Donovan is in the first year of a five year extension. i don't see why Utah would feel pressure to move him if he hasn't outright requested a trade. Trading him based on speculation that he might look elsewhere in 3 years is shortsighted and not good asset management. If anything, I think they'll try to retool around him first. They could move Gobert because there's clearly still tension between him and Mitchell and they want a refresh in the locker room.

[tazzmaniac]

Part of the reason Utah is considering blowing things up is because Donovan Mitchell has been non-committal about staying in Utah. Rumours of wanting to play in a bigger media market. Sick / tired of being overlooked by national media and fans despite his accomplishments.

If they trade Gobert, Utah may not be looking for someone to pair with Mitchell but more towards a longer term rebuild. More picks and flexibility rather than a star.

And if Gobert does go, I'd expect Mitchell to follow him out the door soon after. Either right away in a full rebuild or in 12-18 months time when Utah realizes how hard it is for them to win without Gobert and Mitchell starts to get angsty about wanting to play for a team with title hopes.

If I am Utah, I would not be betting on a long term marriage with Donovan Mitchell in post-Gobert trade world.

Donovan is in the first year of a five year extension. i don't see why Utah would feel pressure to move him if he hasn't outright requested a trade. Trading him based on speculation that he might look elsewhere in 3 years is shortsighted and not good asset management. If anything, I think they'll try to retool around him first. They could move Gobert because there's clearly still tension between him and Mitchell and they want a refresh in the locker room.

The last year is a player option so really only 3 years left.  He won't wait until the last offseason to demand a trade.  If you think he wants to go somewhere else better to be proactive about it this offseason.  If no potential trades look good, try again next offseason. 

[RJ87]

Part of the reason Utah is considering blowing things up is because Donovan Mitchell has been non-committal about staying in Utah. Rumours of wanting to play in a bigger media market. Sick / tired of being overlooked by national media and fans despite his accomplishments.

If they trade Gobert, Utah may not be looking for someone to pair with Mitchell but more towards a longer term rebuild. More picks and flexibility rather than a star.

And if Gobert does go, I'd expect Mitchell to follow him out the door soon after. Either right away in a full rebuild or in 12-18 months time when Utah realizes how hard it is for them to win without Gobert and Mitchell starts to get angsty about wanting to play for a team with title hopes.

If I am Utah, I would not be betting on a long term marriage with Donovan Mitchell in post-Gobert trade world.

Donovan is in the first year of a five year extension. i don't see why Utah would feel pressure to move him if he hasn't outright requested a trade. Trading him based on speculation that he might look elsewhere in 3 years is shortsighted and not good asset management. If anything, I think they'll try to retool around him first. They could move Gobert because there's clearly still tension between him and Mitchell and they want a refresh in the locker room.

The last year is a player option so really only 3 years left.  He won't wait until the last offseason to demand a trade.  If you think he wants to go somewhere else better to be proactive about it this offseason.  If no potential trades look good, try again next offseason.

Why Ray Allen him? Don't put him on the block unless you're going to 100% pull the trigger. That just creates tension and hard feelings. Again, I don't see the point of moving him this early into his contract unless he is telling you he wants to go. Try putting pieces around him that fit his style - pairing him with a big that can play on the perimeter and has a good shot would unlock so much of his game. If it doesn't work, you have time to pivot and trade him.

[tonydelk]

Part of the reason Utah is considering blowing things up is because Donovan Mitchell has been non-committal about staying in Utah. Rumours of wanting to play in a bigger media market. Sick / tired of being overlooked by national media and fans despite his accomplishments.

If they trade Gobert, Utah may not be looking for someone to pair with Mitchell but more towards a longer term rebuild. More picks and flexibility rather than a star.

And if Gobert does go, I'd expect Mitchell to follow him out the door soon after. Either right away in a full rebuild or in 12-18 months time when Utah realizes how hard it is for them to win without Gobert and Mitchell starts to get angsty about wanting to play for a team with title hopes.

If I am Utah, I would not be betting on a long term marriage with Donovan Mitchell in post-Gobert trade world.

And if that is the case, they should just trade Mitchell.  He has way more value than Gobert and they could really get some nice players for him. 

This one seemingly makes sense for both teams

Mitchell for Barrett, Toppin, Quickley, Walker (for salary), 11, 2024 1st

I can see the appeal of that for both the Knicks and Jazz.

I can't see Ainge doing that deal.  None of those players are all stars and the 11 is not in Ainge's wheelhouse.  If Mitchell is being moved its for a player like Cade Cunningham/Scottie Barnes and picks.  or a superstar for superstar like Mitchell for Jaylen Brown, Miles Bridges, Shai, Edwards, KAT, Ball, Bam etc.  I'm not saying any of the teams would do those deals I just think that's what you ask for for Mitchell.  DM is a top 18 - 22 player in the league.  If Ainge was going to blow it up he could do a deal like Goebert for Ayton/Kat then Mitchell for Bridges and Rozier.  Of course I didn't trade machine it but that's the kind of blow up for current stars.  If he's blowing it up for picks he needs a haul of picks with at least 1 top 3 for Mitchell.

[tonydelk]

JAMES BORREGO
HC, UNSIGNED FREE AGENT

The Hornets dismissed head coach James Borrego on Friday, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
After getting blown put in the play-in tournament for the second consecutive year, the Hornets have decided to move on from their head coach. Borrego helped the team develop a lot, which is why he was rewarded with a three year extension this past offseason. However, it appears that Charlotte wasn't satisfied with the results of the past two postseasons and feel that they'll need someone else leading the charge to be more successful.

This surprises me a bit.  He was considered a top coach at one point.  Just given a 3 year extension.  They had a lot of injuries this year.  Someone will pick this guy up and get a good coach.