NBA Season/Playoffs 2025-26

[Who]

Jalen Williams' amazing 17 ppg and 28 mpg this year

I think you are making too much out of J-Dub's season this year. He was injured throughout the campaign. He played only 33 games. He was limited to only 28mpg in those 33gms because of his injuries. This isn't a good reflection of what he can do when his body is right. His previous 2 seasons before that in 2024-25 and 2023-24 are better examples of what he is capable of.

[Celtics2021]

Walker Kessler likely to re-sign with Utah

Given that neither Jackson nor fellow big man Lauri Markkanen is a full-time center, Kessler remains an important player in Utah's path back to contention in the Western Conference. The consensus is that Kessler is signing a new deal with the Jazz in the range of $25 million to $30 million a year. "It appears Utah is gearing up to keep him," an East scout said. "I don't see an obvious fit in free agency for someone to try to get him. They're going to be in an interesting spot next season, and I'm excited to see how they navigate all of it."
ESPN

Do not fret much.  Teams always put out rumors that they are keeping their restricted free agents to keep the prices down or induce more from trades.  It would have been shocking for a different rumor to come out.

[SparzWizard]

When OKC has to deal with 2nd apron issues, I expect 2 of Hartenstein/JDub/Caruso to be gone, but JDub feels like a definite goner. He starts his 5/239M deal after this season, and I think they got guys like Ajay Mitchell, McCain, etc. who can sort of take over his role and minutes going forward.

Dort is a FA this summer, idk if they'll keep him either, or maybe they can keep him to a reasonable deal but then Hartenstein is a goner down the road.

Fire sale in OKC? Let's nab Caruso and Hartenstein

[Moranis]

When OKC has to deal with 2nd apron issues, I expect 2 of Hartenstein/JDub/Caruso to be gone, but JDub feels like a definite goner. He starts his 5/239M deal after this season, and I think they got guys like Ajay Mitchell, McCain, etc. who can sort of take over his role and minutes going forward.

Dort is a FA this summer, idk if they'll keep him either, or maybe they can keep him to a reasonable deal but then Hartenstein is a goner down the road.

Fire sale in OKC? Let's nab Caruso and Hartenstein

I suggested Hugo, 2028 1st for Caruso in the change thread. Caruso into the TPE. I think that makes some sense for both teams.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

When OKC has to deal with 2nd apron issues, I expect 2 of Hartenstein/JDub/Caruso to be gone, but JDub feels like a definite goner. He starts his 5/239M deal after this season, and I think they got guys like Ajay Mitchell, McCain, etc. who can sort of take over his role and minutes going forward.

Dort is a FA this summer, idk if they'll keep him either, or maybe they can keep him to a reasonable deal but then Hartenstein is a goner down the road.

Fire sale in OKC? Let's nab Caruso and Hartenstein

I suggested Hugo, 2028 1st for Caruso in the change thread. Caruso into the TPE. I think that makes some sense for both teams.

I love Caruso, but what year do you think Hugo will be better than him? As Caruso ages, loses athleticism, and generally gets worse, and Hugo gets better.

I think there is a good chance Hugo is our version of Caruso next year. All the advanced stats and on-off numbers seem to indicate this.

[Vermont Green]

When OKC has to deal with 2nd apron issues, I expect 2 of Hartenstein/JDub/Caruso to be gone, but JDub feels like a definite goner. He starts his 5/239M deal after this season, and I think they got guys like Ajay Mitchell, McCain, etc. who can sort of take over his role and minutes going forward.

Dort is a FA this summer, idk if they'll keep him either, or maybe they can keep him to a reasonable deal but then Hartenstein is a goner down the road.

Gone where?  I don't see how they move him, especially coming off this season.  If OKC doesn't want him because he can't play to his contract, who is going to want him?

[Moranis]

When OKC has to deal with 2nd apron issues, I expect 2 of Hartenstein/JDub/Caruso to be gone, but JDub feels like a definite goner. He starts his 5/239M deal after this season, and I think they got guys like Ajay Mitchell, McCain, etc. who can sort of take over his role and minutes going forward.

Dort is a FA this summer, idk if they'll keep him either, or maybe they can keep him to a reasonable deal but then Hartenstein is a goner down the road.

Fire sale in OKC? Let's nab Caruso and Hartenstein

I suggested Hugo, 2028 1st for Caruso in the change thread. Caruso into the TPE. I think that makes some sense for both teams.

I love Caruso, but what year do you think Hugo will be better than him? As Caruso ages, loses athleticism, and generally gets worse, and Hugo gets better.

I think there is a good chance Hugo is our version of Caruso next year. All the advanced stats and on-off numbers seem to indicate this.

Hugo cannot defend the pont of attack. If the Celtics goal is to try and build a co tender around Tatum and Brown, they need someone that can guard players like Maxey, Brunson, etc.  Caruso can provide that, Hugo cannot.  I'd rather love Walsh or Scheierman but I don't think they are enough value for OKC to move Caruso even with the cost savings. 

[DefenseWinsChamps]

When OKC has to deal with 2nd apron issues, I expect 2 of Hartenstein/JDub/Caruso to be gone, but JDub feels like a definite goner. He starts his 5/239M deal after this season, and I think they got guys like Ajay Mitchell, McCain, etc. who can sort of take over his role and minutes going forward.

Dort is a FA this summer, idk if they'll keep him either, or maybe they can keep him to a reasonable deal but then Hartenstein is a goner down the road.

Fire sale in OKC? Let's nab Caruso and Hartenstein

I suggested Hugo, 2028 1st for Caruso in the change thread. Caruso into the TPE. I think that makes some sense for both teams.

I love Caruso, but what year do you think Hugo will be better than him? As Caruso ages, loses athleticism, and generally gets worse, and Hugo gets better.

I think there is a good chance Hugo is our version of Caruso next year. All the advanced stats and on-off numbers seem to indicate this.

Hugo cannot defend the pont of attack. If the Celtics goal is to try and build a co tender around Tatum and Brown, they need someone that can guard players like Maxey, Brunson, etc.  Caruso can provide that, Hugo cannot.  I'd rather love Walsh or Scheierman but I don't think they are enough value for OKC to move Caruso even with the cost savings.

Yes, the 19 year old rookie could not do something in his rookie season.

[Who]

I think there is a good chance Hugo is our version of Caruso next year. All the advanced stats and on-off numbers seem to indicate this.

Which advanced stats show this?

B-ref.com's BPM and VORP have Hugo at -1.5 and 0.1 respectively. EPM has Hugo at -1.3.

Both BPM (+1.6) and EPM (+1.1) show Hugo as a strong defender but a terrible offensive player (-3.1 and -2.4) which drags down his overall score.

His on/off's are great. +7.5 for 91st percentile.

[Who]

I suggested Hugo, 2028 1st for Caruso in the change thread. Caruso into the TPE. I think that makes some sense for both teams.

I love Caruso, but what year do you think Hugo will be better than him? As Caruso ages, loses athleticism, and generally gets worse, and Hugo gets better.

I was wondering the same thing when I saw Moranis' trade idea in the other thread. I was looking up Caruso to see how old he was. 32 years of age. How much longer does Caruso have at this level?

I am not as bullish on Hugo. He has a chance to become a highly impactful player but he has a lot of work to do in order to get there. His offensive game is very poor.

I am not expecting a huge leap from Hugo next year. More slower progress next year. Maybe year 3 or year 4. We need him to be much better offensively. That is what limited his playing time so much last season.

[SparzWizard]

When OKC has to deal with 2nd apron issues, I expect 2 of Hartenstein/JDub/Caruso to be gone, but JDub feels like a definite goner. He starts his 5/239M deal after this season, and I think they got guys like Ajay Mitchell, McCain, etc. who can sort of take over his role and minutes going forward.

Dort is a FA this summer, idk if they'll keep him either, or maybe they can keep him to a reasonable deal but then Hartenstein is a goner down the road.

Gone where?  I don't see how they move him, especially coming off this season.  If OKC doesn't want him because he can't play to his contract, who is going to want him?

I'm sure there's a contender out there who'll overpay for him. Seeing how well he played with SGA and Chet, they prob see him as a No. 3 guy on their team

[keevsnick]

I feel sort of bad for Jalen Williams at this point. Just has not been able to get healthy for any extended period this year after playing through an injury during the playoffs last year.

At least he doesn't have to worry about his contract, he's got that 5/240 locked up.

Feels like he may end up being the od man out in OKC with the emergence of Mitchell.

[Who]

OKC Thunder forward Jalen Williams has been ruled out for Game 7 of the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs at 7 p.m. CT Saturday.

OKC Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell will miss his fourth consecutive game Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals.

Mitchell remains sidelined with a right soleus (calf) strain as the Thunder and Spurs play for a spot in the NBA Finals.

Meanwhile, San Antonio has a clean injury report.

[SparzWizard]

OKC Thunder forward Jalen Williams has been ruled out for Game 7 of the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs at 7 p.m. CT Saturday.

OKC Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell will miss his fourth consecutive game Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals.

Mitchell remains sidelined with a right soleus (calf) strain as the Thunder and Spurs play for a spot in the NBA Finals.

Meanwhile, San Antonio has a clean injury report.

San Antonio might turn things around tonight with injuries piling up on OKC

[Who]

Wemby vs SGA shot numbers

Wemby = 114 FGA 50 FTA 35 3PTA
SGA = 116 FGA 54 FTA 23 3PTA

Interesting how close the shooting attempts and free throw attempts are. Wemby doing well to get to the foul line as much as (the flopper) SGA.

Wemby has been far more efficient with 169 points on his shot attempts compared to 146 points for SGA.

SGA shooting only 38% FG and 26% from 3PT. His FTs are keeping him relevant as a scorer with 52 makes out of 54 attempts. His TS% is 52.2%. His eFG% is only 40.5%.

Wemby is shooting 48.2% FG 37% 3PT and is making an unreal 92% of his FTs. That is incredible FT shooting from both players. Extra remarkable for a center. Wemby has made 46-50 FTA. His TS% is 62.1%. That is a huge gap. 62% to 52% in favour of Wemby.

Other numbers

Wemby has 27 stocks in 6 games. 4.5 stocks per game. 18 blocks (3 per game) and 9 steals (1.5 per game).

The next closest leaders in stocks for San Antonio is D Vassell with 18 stocks (10 steals, 8 blocks). Two thirds the number of stocks Wemby has. For OKC, Cason Wallace leads the way with 18 (16 steals, 2 blocks). SGA has 15 (10 steals, 5 blocks). Caruso has 14 (9 steals, 5 blocks). Castle the only other Spur in double digits with 11 stocks (8 steals 3 blocks). Chet only has 9 stocks. 6 blocks and 3 steals. That is disappointing.

Wemby leads all players with 69 rebounds. Hartenstein has 50 boards and Chet 46 rebounds. Nobody else for OKC averaging over 5rpg. Champagnie 2nd for Spurs with 6rpg.

Spurs have a 288 to 259 rebounding edge. Almost 30 rebounds extra (5 extra possessions per game). However, OKC has fewer turnovers with 86 turnovers to 100 for San Antonio. 14 extra possessions (2.33 per game).

SGA's distribution has been impressive. Creating many shots for his teammates. He has 53 assists (8.8apg) vs 19 turnovers. Wemby is roughly 1:1 AST:TOV with 20ast 18tov. SGA's passing has been his main offensive value in the series rather than his scoring due to his bad shot making.

OKC's Leading Scorers

The other stat I find interesting is how little help SGA is getting on the scoreboard.

SGA = 24.3ppg

Chet = 11.8ppg

J-Dub has played 3 games in this series but he only played real minutes in 1 of the 3 games. J-Dub had 26pts in that game. He played only 7min before leaving injured in the next game and managed only 10 minutes where he was clearly limited in Gm 6. Without J-Dub, they do not have any reliable 2nd option.

Chet needs to step up and give OKC a 2nd scorer. He is not doing enough especially without J-Dub there.

Caruso (15.3ppg, 2nd leading scorer) and McCain (13.3ppg, 3rd leading scorer) have been the ones stepping up in J-Dub's absence. However, they are not consistent. Caruso had a 31pt game, 22pt game, 17pt game, 15 pt game. So 4 good scoring nights. The other two games he had 7pts and went scoreless. McCain has had two big nights with 24pts and 22pts. Two games with 12-13pts. Two games with 4pts and 7pts. McCain's shooting overall has been among the worst on the team. His FG is 35.8% and his 3PT is 28.2%. His TS% is 46%.

Ajay Mitchell played 3 games in the series. He played 34, 28 and 17 minutes in those games. I can't remember if he left early with injury in that 3rd game or whether he just didn't play much because he was playing so badly. Ajay is averaging 5.3ppg. He has 16pts in 79min while shooting 39% FG 0% 3PT. He was 2-2 FTA. His TS% was 42.4% as he struggled to score with Wemby locking down the paint. Ajay didn't have good enough counters to score effectively when he was unable to get to the rim. He is still a relatively poor jump-shooter.

Wemby's Scoring Help

S Castle has delivered for San Antonio with 18.3ppg on a TS% of 62.1%. Their other scorers have not.

D Fox only 10ppg in 30mpg in his 4 games with only 37.9% TS. Fox needs to step up for San Antonio. He has been going downhill scoring wise since the start of his series. 15pts, 12pts, 9pts, 5pts in his four games.

D Harper with 12ppg in 26mpg. He had two big games with 24pts and 18pts. One game with 12pts. 3 games with under 10pts with 5-7pts in each of them. So 2 strong games and 4 quiet games. D Vassell has been their 3rd best scorer with 14.3ppg on 62.2% TS.