2024 NBA Season and Playoffs

[Moranis]

People say Dillon Brooks is a villain. I think the big villain is Draymond Green. Can't seem to get his name off the headlights.

I don't pay much attention but I can't recall any off-court incidents that Draymond has had.  If Draymond is controlling himself off-court, why can't he do so on-court?   

He was arrested years ago for slapping a guy at a club, and he sent some pictures of his junk that went public.  That's all I recall.

Draymond is an undersized big, he has to play with an edge to be successful and those guys often have issues.  Draymond has mostly kept them on the court, but with violence.  While a guy like Rodman did some crazy stuff both on and off the floor (though little violence).  Big Ben seemed to have found the right balance.  I do actually counseling could help Draymond as he clearly has control issues which manifest with violence and rage.

[Moranis]

I don't think the Cavs have the right balance on their team yet particularly at their SF position with Strus, LeVert and Okoro. I consider all 3 to be wrong for this position.

Strus is a SG. Not a SF. He does not provide the wing defense or rebounding the Cavs need at SF alongside two small guards in the backcourt. It makes Cleveland too lightweight. Strus would be a good backup combo guard for CLE but not fit to be a starting SF.

LeVert is a nice player but he is fit dependent. He doesn't work everywhere. He has good ball skills but is a low efficiency player. This can work well on offensively limited teams who can get a positive value out of a player. On a team with a good offense, he is simply a drag. He requires too much time on the ball and too much shot attempts. This is true of his role in Cleveland. He also does not provide the wing defense they need. He would be better off elsewhere.

Okoro is the strong defensive wing & rebounder that Cleveland but his offensive game is too limited. He is a limited and unreliable floor spacer. A limited ball-handler and passer. He rates as one of the worst offensive players among starting SFs in the league. He is not fit to be a starter. He is closer to our Lamar Stevens than he is a starting SF.

----------------------

I would love to see Cleveland keep their nucleus together and concentrate on getting the right piece around their star players. Around Garland, D Mitchell, Mobley and J Allen. They have a nucleus there that can be a title contender but they do not have the right supporting cast in place for them to be a title contender. They are a non-contender, a pretender, as currently built.

The Cavs don't have a true 1 and Mitchell and Garland are too similar.  I thought Mobley might become the guy, but he hasn't and it doesn't look like he will.  I think they should trade Mitchell to NY or Brooklyn.  Both those teams would be interested and both could give the Cavs players and draft picks which woukd make the trade worthwhile. 

[Who]

I don't think the Cavs have the right balance on their team yet particularly at their SF position with Strus, LeVert and Okoro. I consider all 3 to be wrong for this position.

Strus is a SG. Not a SF. He does not provide the wing defense or rebounding the Cavs need at SF alongside two small guards in the backcourt. It makes Cleveland too lightweight. Strus would be a good backup combo guard for CLE but not fit to be a starting SF.

LeVert is a nice player but he is fit dependent. He doesn't work everywhere. He has good ball skills but is a low efficiency player. This can work well on offensively limited teams who can get a positive value out of a player. On a team with a good offense, he is simply a drag. He requires too much time on the ball and too much shot attempts. This is true of his role in Cleveland. He also does not provide the wing defense they need. He would be better off elsewhere.

Okoro is the strong defensive wing & rebounder that Cleveland but his offensive game is too limited. He is a limited and unreliable floor spacer. A limited ball-handler and passer. He rates as one of the worst offensive players among starting SFs in the league. He is not fit to be a starter. He is closer to our Lamar Stevens than he is a starting SF.

----------------------

I would love to see Cleveland keep their nucleus together and concentrate on getting the right piece around their star players. Around Garland, D Mitchell, Mobley and J Allen. They have a nucleus there that can be a title contender but they do not have the right supporting cast in place for them to be a title contender. They are a non-contender, a pretender, as currently built.

The Cavs don't have a true 1 and Mitchell and Garland are too similar.  I thought Mobley might become the guy, but he hasn't and it doesn't look like he will.  I think they should trade Mitchell to NY or Brooklyn.  Both those teams would be interested and both could give the Cavs players and draft picks which woukd make the trade worthwhile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70VhZHsebk0

Kevin O'Connor and Chris Vernon discuss this on The Ringer youtube channel.

[Who]

League personnel believes Lauri Markkanen is no longer untouchable and Utah would be willing to listen to trade offers.

League personnel believes Sacramento, Atlanta and OKC would show interest in Markkanen.

———

Source: Jake Fischer

Miami should inquire, not sure they have the pieces assuming the Jazz wouldn't have interest in Herro although Danny did want to draft him. But Markennan would make a ton of sense next to Bam.

Yeah, I completely agree! Sounds like a win for both teams.

———

Heat: Markkanen, Horton-Tucker

Jazz: Herro, Jovic, 2027 Heat 1st round pick

———

Miami Heat

Lowry
Robinson
Butler
Markkanen
Adebayo

Love, Richardson, Jaquez Jr, Martin, Bryant, Horton-Tucker

It would take a lot more 1sts and swaps. Probably C Martin as well. Similar to the max offer they could make for Lillard. Make that same offer for Markkanen. That might get it done.

Ainge does like Herro. He was trying to get Herro this summer in that Portland deal. Trying to be a 3rd team to land Herro. Although ideally to couple Herro with Markkanen rather than to replace Markkanen with Herro.

[Moranis]

I don't think the Cavs have the right balance on their team yet particularly at their SF position with Strus, LeVert and Okoro. I consider all 3 to be wrong for this position.

Strus is a SG. Not a SF. He does not provide the wing defense or rebounding the Cavs need at SF alongside two small guards in the backcourt. It makes Cleveland too lightweight. Strus would be a good backup combo guard for CLE but not fit to be a starting SF.

LeVert is a nice player but he is fit dependent. He doesn't work everywhere. He has good ball skills but is a low efficiency player. This can work well on offensively limited teams who can get a positive value out of a player. On a team with a good offense, he is simply a drag. He requires too much time on the ball and too much shot attempts. This is true of his role in Cleveland. He also does not provide the wing defense they need. He would be better off elsewhere.

Okoro is the strong defensive wing & rebounder that Cleveland but his offensive game is too limited. He is a limited and unreliable floor spacer. A limited ball-handler and passer. He rates as one of the worst offensive players among starting SFs in the league. He is not fit to be a starter. He is closer to our Lamar Stevens than he is a starting SF.

----------------------

I would love to see Cleveland keep their nucleus together and concentrate on getting the right piece around their star players. Around Garland, D Mitchell, Mobley and J Allen. They have a nucleus there that can be a title contender but they do not have the right supporting cast in place for them to be a title contender. They are a non-contender, a pretender, as currently built.

The Cavs don't have a true 1 and Mitchell and Garland are too similar.  I thought Mobley might become the guy, but he hasn't and it doesn't look like he will.  I think they should trade Mitchell to NY or Brooklyn.  Both those teams would be interested and both could give the Cavs players and draft picks which woukd make the trade worthwhile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70VhZHsebk0

Kevin O'Connor and Chris Vernon discuss this on The Ringer youtube channel.

didn't watch whole thing, but with Mobley and Garland now hurt, they absolutley should trade Mitchell now with 1.5 years before his player option. Should probably trade Allen as well if they can get value.  Mitchell would get interest from a lot of teams with that much time left. Not just the 2 NY teams, but all the usual suspects i.e. Miami l, both LA teams, GS, and probably 4 or 5 other playoff level teams (like the Kings doing a 1.5 year rental).  I could even see the Sixers making Maxey available to upgrade their short term window.  Frankly, Boston, Milwaukee, and Denver are the only good teams that likely wouldn't be seriously interested (for different reasons obviously - if Boston doesn't win this year and Mitchell is still on Cavs this summer, I think something with Brown and Mitchell makes more sense)

Cavs gave it try with Mitchell, they should give up on that experiment and cash out at the apex which is now.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

I don't think the Cavs have the right balance on their team yet particularly at their SF position with Strus, LeVert and Okoro. I consider all 3 to be wrong for this position.

Strus is a SG. Not a SF. He does not provide the wing defense or rebounding the Cavs need at SF alongside two small guards in the backcourt. It makes Cleveland too lightweight. Strus would be a good backup combo guard for CLE but not fit to be a starting SF.

LeVert is a nice player but he is fit dependent. He doesn't work everywhere. He has good ball skills but is a low efficiency player. This can work well on offensively limited teams who can get a positive value out of a player. On a team with a good offense, he is simply a drag. He requires too much time on the ball and too much shot attempts. This is true of his role in Cleveland. He also does not provide the wing defense they need. He would be better off elsewhere.

Okoro is the strong defensive wing & rebounder that Cleveland but his offensive game is too limited. He is a limited and unreliable floor spacer. A limited ball-handler and passer. He rates as one of the worst offensive players among starting SFs in the league. He is not fit to be a starter. He is closer to our Lamar Stevens than he is a starting SF.

----------------------

I would love to see Cleveland keep their nucleus together and concentrate on getting the right piece around their star players. Around Garland, D Mitchell, Mobley and J Allen. They have a nucleus there that can be a title contender but they do not have the right supporting cast in place for them to be a title contender. They are a non-contender, a pretender, as currently built.

The Cavs don't have a true 1 and Mitchell and Garland are too similar.  I thought Mobley might become the guy, but he hasn't and it doesn't look like he will.  I think they should trade Mitchell to NY or Brooklyn.  Both those teams would be interested and both could give the Cavs players and draft picks which woukd make the trade worthwhile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70VhZHsebk0

Kevin O'Connor and Chris Vernon discuss this on The Ringer youtube channel.

It Mitchell and Garland are similar, wouldn't Brunson and Mitchell be similar also?

[Phantom255x]

The Suns just have a "Nets Big 3" vibe to me, and ironically both teams had Durant.

Beal is getting hurt often, and hasn't been available as much. The team clearly still has chemistry issues even with Booker/Durant putting up numbers, and right now they are 13-12. Their frontcourt and bench are still very thin too and there isn't much resistance on defense.

I had the Suns making the Finals but now I'm starting to think they might be in the play-in tournament (which the Kyrie/Durant/Simmons Nets were in 2022 btw). Feel like they'll be that team where you think they will be dangerous when they figure it out but it may never happen + not all their guys will be available due to health/injuries.

[hpantazo]

The Suns just have a "Nets Big 3" vibe to me, and ironically both teams had Durant.

Beal is getting hurt often, and hasn't been available as much. The team clearly still has chemistry issues even with Booker/Durant putting up numbers, and right now they are 13-12. Their frontcourt and bench are still very thin too and there isn't much resistance on defense.

I had the Suns making the Finals but now I'm starting to think they might be in the play-in tournament (which the Kyrie/Durant/Simmons Nets were in 2022 btw). Feel like they'll be that team where you think they will be dangerous when they figure it out but it may never happen + not all their guys will be available due to health/injuries.

I agree. Also, they would have to have better defense to be a legit threat, and that is not going to happen with that group.

[Moranis]

I don't think the Cavs have the right balance on their team yet particularly at their SF position with Strus, LeVert and Okoro. I consider all 3 to be wrong for this position.

Strus is a SG. Not a SF. He does not provide the wing defense or rebounding the Cavs need at SF alongside two small guards in the backcourt. It makes Cleveland too lightweight. Strus would be a good backup combo guard for CLE but not fit to be a starting SF.

LeVert is a nice player but he is fit dependent. He doesn't work everywhere. He has good ball skills but is a low efficiency player. This can work well on offensively limited teams who can get a positive value out of a player. On a team with a good offense, he is simply a drag. He requires too much time on the ball and too much shot attempts. This is true of his role in Cleveland. He also does not provide the wing defense they need. He would be better off elsewhere.

Okoro is the strong defensive wing & rebounder that Cleveland but his offensive game is too limited. He is a limited and unreliable floor spacer. A limited ball-handler and passer. He rates as one of the worst offensive players among starting SFs in the league. He is not fit to be a starter. He is closer to our Lamar Stevens than he is a starting SF.

----------------------

I would love to see Cleveland keep their nucleus together and concentrate on getting the right piece around their star players. Around Garland, D Mitchell, Mobley and J Allen. They have a nucleus there that can be a title contender but they do not have the right supporting cast in place for them to be a title contender. They are a non-contender, a pretender, as currently built.

The Cavs don't have a true 1 and Mitchell and Garland are too similar.  I thought Mobley might become the guy, but he hasn't and it doesn't look like he will.  I think they should trade Mitchell to NY or Brooklyn.  Both those teams would be interested and both could give the Cavs players and draft picks which woukd make the trade worthwhile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70VhZHsebk0

Kevin O'Connor and Chris Vernon discuss this on The Ringer youtube channel.

It Mitchell and Garland are similar, wouldn't Brunson and Mitchell be similar also?

Yes, but the Knicks are dumb.  I think Brooklyn makes a lot of sense, but it would take Bridges and they seem to really like him. 

GS could really be a sleeper something like Mitchell for Wiggins, Kuminga, Moody (and a couple of 1st's).  That would be an interesting trade for both teams. 

[Who]

Luka has been on a tear with Kyrie out. He is now averaging 32ppg 9apg 8rpg on 48% FG% 38% 3PT% for the season. Incredible.

Meanwhile, Bradley Beal has gotten hurt again and will be out for a few more weeks.

[Goldstar88]

Hate to say it, as I can’t stand Harden.. But the Clippers might be the best team in the West. They are gelling and have won 7 in a row now.

[Phantom255x]

Hate to say it, as I can’t stand Harden.. But the Clippers might be the best team in the West. They are gelling and have won 7 in a row now.

Yeah they look good. Health will be the key but if they can stay healthy, they're dangerous.

Theis has also been pretty solid for them since joining.

The difference with the Clippers and Suns is that the Clippers actually have some depth to work with. Plus having Westbrook as like a 6th man ain't bad. I would love to see an LA playoff series (Lakers-Clippers) early on.

[hpantazo]

Hate to say it, as I can’t stand Harden.. But the Clippers might be the best team in the West. They are gelling and have won 7 in a row now.

Any team out west that makes it harder for the Lakers is great with me

[SHAQATTACK]

Hate to say it, as I can’t stand Harden.. But the Clippers might be the best team in the West. They are gelling and have won 7 in a row now.

Any team out west that makes it harder for the Lakers is great with me

+1

[Birdman]

Didn’t think Spurs make the playoffs but didn’t think they be this bad plus lost to pelicans today by like 30 points