NBA Season 2022-23

[Birdman]

Ruh roh!

Tim MacMahon
@espn_macmahon
NBA spokesman Mike Bass:  "The NBA commenced an investigation today into the facts and circumstances surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ roster decisions and game conduct with respect to last night’s Chicago Bulls-Mavericks game, including the motivations behind those actions.”

No surprise.. be hilarious if NBA takes away Dallas first round pick, that would teach theses teams

[Birdman]

https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-luka-doncic-trade-rumblings-get-jolt-after-mavs-disaster-season-ends

Interesting times ahead for Dallas.

Doncic to Celtics make it happen!

Just for fun and not having Tatum be the centerpiece, I think it would take something like this to get it done.

Doncic, Hardaway, Bertans

for

Brown, White, Rob, Pritchard, Gallinari, Muscala, 24 1st, 26 1st, 28 1st, swaps in 25 and 27

So post-trade Boston would be (re-signing Grant)

Starters - Smart, Doncic, Tatum, Grant, Horford
Bench - Brogdon, Hardaway, Bertans, Kornet, Champagnie
Open Spots - 5

That would be an interesting team.  Its success would depend on how well Doncic and Tatum could get along.  Given Doncic's ceiling, I'd probably do that, but it is a lot to give up and the team would need to do very well in free agency to make it fully work.

I do it but having Al & Grant as our starting frontcourt would be awful

[celticsclay]

Grizzlies C Steven Adams out for the year with right knee injury. Sucks for him. But man, a more wide-open West.

Ugh, if the Lakers draw Memphis in the first-round it's gonna be a sweep for LeBron and AD

Feels like they will draw Memphis first round, unless LAC loses and LAL wins which means they play SAC first round. Crazy enough, I think SAC has a better chance at beating LAL than Memphis

Well I do hope they get a 6 vs 7 matchup in the West Semis. Battle of LA, where the Clippers have historically owned the Lakers. Home-court does not matter here. Clippers have the best shot in beating them, followed by Phoenix. 

Still have to determine the West seedings tomorrow obviously, but that's my prediction. I think LAL wins first round, then loses 2nd round to the Clippers. Now I'm rooting for Sacramento to make a deep run (fun team, electric atmosphere), but I'd predict LAC beats SAC in the 1st round assuming that's the matchup (3 vs. 6). Then LAC beats LAL 2nd round

UPDATE: Actually I noticed, LAC has the same number of losses as GSW (just 1 less game played) but they also have the tiebreaker over the Warriors. In that case, if LAC wins out they will be the 5 seed. In that case, I'd still pick LAL to lose 2nd round over Golden State

People just throw out lebrons name like he is a superstar. He really isn’t. All of his advance stats are the worst since his rookie year and his three point shooting is brutal. His defense has gotten even worse since he came back from injury. He is a one way player that can be targeted on defense at this point. Nobody wants to discuss this.

[Phantom255x]

Grizzlies C Steven Adams out for the year with right knee injury. Sucks for him. But man, a more wide-open West.

Ugh, if the Lakers draw Memphis in the first-round it's gonna be a sweep for LeBron and AD

Feels like they will draw Memphis first round, unless LAC loses and LAL wins which means they play SAC first round. Crazy enough, I think SAC has a better chance at beating LAL than Memphis

Well I do hope they get a 6 vs 7 matchup in the West Semis. Battle of LA, where the Clippers have historically owned the Lakers. Home-court does not matter here. Clippers have the best shot in beating them, followed by Phoenix. 

Still have to determine the West seedings tomorrow obviously, but that's my prediction. I think LAL wins first round, then loses 2nd round to the Clippers. Now I'm rooting for Sacramento to make a deep run (fun team, electric atmosphere), but I'd predict LAC beats SAC in the 1st round assuming that's the matchup (3 vs. 6). Then LAC beats LAL 2nd round

UPDATE: Actually I noticed, LAC has the same number of losses as GSW (just 1 less game played) but they also have the tiebreaker over the Warriors. In that case, if LAC wins out they will be the 5 seed. In that case, I'd still pick LAL to lose 2nd round over Golden State

People just throw out lebrons name like he is a superstar. He really isn’t. All of his advance stats are the worst since his rookie year and his three point shooting is brutal. His defense has gotten even worse since he came back from injury. He is a one way player that can be targeted on defense at this point. Nobody wants to discuss this.

For LAL to make a deep run, they definitely need AD to play well AND stay healthy. That's for sure. We'll have to see if it actually happens though.

I think LAC, PHO, DEN and GSW are capable of beating them in a series. I'm just not sure MEM, SAC are and it's very likely LAL will play either of those teams first round. Sacramento has the better roster BUT potential playoff inexperience could be a factor that plays into the Lakers favor there. But boy, I'd LOVE to see SAC beat LAL in a series to sort of avenge 2002 as well lol

[RodyTur10]

https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-luka-doncic-trade-rumblings-get-jolt-after-mavs-disaster-season-ends

Interesting times ahead for Dallas.

Doncic to Celtics make it happen!

Just for fun and not having Tatum be the centerpiece, I think it would take something like this to get it done.

Doncic, Hardaway, Bertans

for

Brown, White, Rob, Pritchard, Gallinari, Muscala, 24 1st, 26 1st, 28 1st, swaps in 25 and 27

So post-trade Boston would be (re-signing Grant)

Starters - Smart, Doncic, Tatum, Grant, Horford
Bench - Brogdon, Hardaway, Bertans, Kornet, Champagnie
Open Spots - 5

That would be an interesting team. Its success would depend on how well Doncic and Tatum could get along. Given Doncic's ceiling, I'd probably do that, but it is a lot to give up and the team would need to do very well in free agency to make it fully work.

You're forgetting Hauser and Griffin. Having an extraordinary shooter like Hauser would create an extra dimension to that offense. And I'd trade Smart and keep White. But that's my preference.

Thus my starters + main bench would be: White/Doncic/Hauser/Tatum/Horford + (Brogdon, Hardaway, G.Williams/Bertans, Griffin).

The offense with Doncic and Tatum mainly running it with always one of them on the court surrounded by shooters as Brogdon, White, Hardaway, Hauser, Horford, G-Will or Bertans would be historic to watch.

The question is our rebounding and defense. Our front court is old and thin. Nonetheless I see a championship in there, but we may already have it.

[hpantazo]

Ruh roh!

Tim MacMahon
@espn_macmahon
NBA spokesman Mike Bass:  "The NBA commenced an investigation today into the facts and circumstances surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ roster decisions and game conduct with respect to last night’s Chicago Bulls-Mavericks game, including the motivations behind those actions.”

No surprise.. be hilarious if NBA takes away Dallas first round pick, that would teach theses teams

That would be the most appropriate punishment.

[Neurotic Guy]

Ruh roh!

Tim MacMahon
@espn_macmahon
NBA spokesman Mike Bass:  "The NBA commenced an investigation today into the facts and circumstances surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ roster decisions and game conduct with respect to last night’s Chicago Bulls-Mavericks game, including the motivations behind those actions.”

No surprise.. be hilarious if NBA takes away Dallas first round pick, that would teach theses teams

That would be the most appropriate punishment.

That really would be fantastic. it might actually be a more appropriate response to move their pick to the end of the first round.  It would be a sensible and I think much more doable consequence.

I wonder if there is any direct language pertaining to “tanking” in NBA by-laws.

[Who]

Ruh roh!

Tim MacMahon
@espn_macmahon
NBA spokesman Mike Bass:  "The NBA commenced an investigation today into the facts and circumstances surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ roster decisions and game conduct with respect to last night’s Chicago Bulls-Mavericks game, including the motivations behind those actions.”

No surprise.. be hilarious if NBA takes away Dallas first round pick, that would teach theses teams

What about Portland?

I read they rested their top 11 guys!! Eleven!!

[gouki88]

https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-luka-doncic-trade-rumblings-get-jolt-after-mavs-disaster-season-ends

Interesting times ahead for Dallas.

Doncic to Celtics make it happen!

Rockets, Thunder and Nuggets to me makes a lot of sense. Nuggets for a guaranteed winning situation alongside Jokic, but Rockets/Thunder have a ton of assets to potentially dangle and they also have enough to probably find a co-star (or draft one) next to Doncic

I think OKC with SGA, Doncic, Chet could legitimately contend for a title. They still have a boatload of picks and young players to surround them as well even after a potential Doncic deal

I would love to see the Nuggets nab him. The wizardry between Jokic & Doncic would be silly.

But, ultimately, I want Doncic in green. Brown & Smart plus picks is a good starting spot.

[Who]

Grizzlies C Steven Adams out for the year with right knee injury. Sucks for him. But man, a more wide-open West.

Ugh, if the Lakers draw Memphis in the first-round it's gonna be a sweep for LeBron and AD

Meh, Memphis weren't going anywhere no ways.

I have 5 teams ahead of them in the West in PHO, DEN, LAC, GSW and LAL. Then MEM. Then SAC. Then whoever the 8th seed is.

Memphis still got a fair bit of growing up to do in order to be a contender. Especially their main two guys Morant and JJJ. Morant needs to play better D and become more efficient on offense. JJJ needs to learn how to pass better to become a reliable go-to guy on offense. His offense is still too basic.

[tazzmaniac]

Grizzlies C Steven Adams out for the year with right knee injury. Sucks for him. But man, a more wide-open West.

Ugh, if the Lakers draw Memphis in the first-round it's gonna be a sweep for LeBron and AD

Feels like they will draw Memphis first round, unless LAC loses and LAL wins which means they play SAC first round. Crazy enough, I think SAC has a better chance at beating LAL than Memphis

Well I do hope they get a 6 vs 7 matchup in the West Semis. Battle of LA, where the Clippers have historically owned the Lakers. Home-court does not matter here. Clippers have the best shot in beating them, followed by Phoenix. 

Still have to determine the West seedings tomorrow obviously, but that's my prediction. I think LAL wins first round, then loses 2nd round to the Clippers. Now I'm rooting for Sacramento to make a deep run (fun team, electric atmosphere), but I'd predict LAC beats SAC in the 1st round assuming that's the matchup (3 vs. 6). Then LAC beats LAL 2nd round

UPDATE: Actually I noticed, LAC has the same number of losses as GSW (just 1 less game played) but they also have the tiebreaker over the Warriors. In that case, if LAC wins out they will be the 5 seed. In that case, I'd still pick LAL to lose 2nd round over Golden State

People just throw out lebrons name like he is a superstar. He really isn’t. All of his advance stats are the worst since his rookie year and his three point shooting is brutal. His defense has gotten even worse since he came back from injury. He is a one way player that can be targeted on defense at this point. Nobody wants to discuss this.

Lebron has obviously declined due to age and injuries.  However it depends on how you define superstar.  There are plenty of one way star players who can be targeted on defense.  Luka fits the bill and Morant, Lillard, Irving, Young most definitely fit the bill.  Then you have a 2-way star in AD who has never led his teams anywhere. 

[Birdman]

Ruh roh!

Tim MacMahon
@espn_macmahon
NBA spokesman Mike Bass:  "The NBA commenced an investigation today into the facts and circumstances surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ roster decisions and game conduct with respect to last night’s Chicago Bulls-Mavericks game, including the motivations behind those actions.”

No surprise.. be hilarious if NBA takes away Dallas first round pick, that would teach theses teams

What about Portland?

I read they rested their top 11 guys!! Eleven!!

Its getting ridiculous..if I was a season ticket owner, I would want some of my money back

[Moranis]

Ruh roh!

Tim MacMahon
@espn_macmahon
NBA spokesman Mike Bass:  "The NBA commenced an investigation today into the facts and circumstances surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ roster decisions and game conduct with respect to last night’s Chicago Bulls-Mavericks game, including the motivations behind those actions.”

No surprise.. be hilarious if NBA takes away Dallas first round pick, that would teach theses teams

What about Portland?

I read they rested their top 11 guys!! Eleven!!

Portland was at least eliminated before the game started

[Who]

Grizzlies C Steven Adams out for the year with right knee injury. Sucks for him. But man, a more wide-open West.

Ugh, if the Lakers draw Memphis in the first-round it's gonna be a sweep for LeBron and AD

Feels like they will draw Memphis first round, unless LAC loses and LAL wins which means they play SAC first round. Crazy enough, I think SAC has a better chance at beating LAL than Memphis

Well I do hope they get a 6 vs 7 matchup in the West Semis. Battle of LA, where the Clippers have historically owned the Lakers. Home-court does not matter here. Clippers have the best shot in beating them, followed by Phoenix. 

Still have to determine the West seedings tomorrow obviously, but that's my prediction. I think LAL wins first round, then loses 2nd round to the Clippers. Now I'm rooting for Sacramento to make a deep run (fun team, electric atmosphere), but I'd predict LAC beats SAC in the 1st round assuming that's the matchup (3 vs. 6). Then LAC beats LAL 2nd round

UPDATE: Actually I noticed, LAC has the same number of losses as GSW (just 1 less game played) but they also have the tiebreaker over the Warriors. In that case, if LAC wins out they will be the 5 seed. In that case, I'd still pick LAL to lose 2nd round over Golden State

People just throw out lebrons name like he is a superstar. He really isn’t. All of his advance stats are the worst since his rookie year and his three point shooting is brutal. His defense has gotten even worse since he came back from injury. He is a one way player that can be targeted on defense at this point. Nobody wants to discuss this.

Lebron has obviously declined due to age and injuries.  However it depends on how you define superstar.  There are plenty of one way star players who can be targeted on defense.  Luka fits the bill and Morant, Lillard, Irving, Young most definitely fit the bill.  Then you have a 2-way star in AD who has never led his teams anywhere.

I still rate LeBron as a top 10 (or close to it) player in the league when he is on the court. Even with a drop-off, he is still playing at a very high level.

[Celtics2021]

Ruh roh!

Tim MacMahon
@espn_macmahon
NBA spokesman Mike Bass:  "The NBA commenced an investigation today into the facts and circumstances surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ roster decisions and game conduct with respect to last night’s Chicago Bulls-Mavericks game, including the motivations behind those actions.”

I wondered if this would happen. I was thrilled cause I knew Dallas badly wanted to lose and was able to get bulls at +350 when it was clear Dallas was throwing game.

Yeah, I also jumped in that, and then was fretting when it seemed the Bulls were out-tanking them most of the game.