[JDB12Participant]

This NBA season has been interesting so far. What are your biggest takeaways, season-end predictions, and future outlooks?

The Warriors are in trouble without Steph. It’s something we’ve noticed over the last three years but this year really shows the void left when he’s out. Again, I think KD is still the second best player in the league and the best player on the Warriors, but the Warriors can win a title without KD, but not without Steph. It will also be interesting to see what happens when Cousins starts playing! At the end of the day, as long as Steph, Klay, and Draymond are healthy for the playoffs the championship still runs thru the Bay.

Zach LaVine is my next topic. While I know he doesn’t have the greatest team around him and he could improve his efficiency and turnovers, are you guys ready to not neg me a crazy points when I say he’ll be competing to be a top 3-5 SG in the league while he is in his prime? Because I have mentioned before how great of a basketball player LaVine actually is and you guys really let me have it. Again, he still has a lot to improve on, but the guy isn’t just an athlete. And is just as efficient as a guy named Russ that many of you think is the best PG in the league…

Mike Conley, Mark Gasol, and the Grizzlies. It’s nice to see a little bit of those old 2010s Grizzlies back. Mike Conley while healthy has always quietly been on the cusp of elite PG’s in the league. While he isn’t elite anymore he is playing some very good basketball and is the clear leader of this team. Gasol is also putting himself back into DPOY position with his play so far. JJJ also looks like a piece to build around for the future. Happy the Grizz didn’t have to just blow everything up and start a rebuild from the bottom.

Wolves again making the wrong move, or making the move at the wrong time… I’m not sure there is a team in NBA history that has made nearly all the wrong transactions they possibly could. Whether its’s trades, drafting, signings the most detrimental to team success far outweigh positive moves… I’m glad we traded Bulter but again, could have gotten way more months ago when everyone knew he should be moved besides Thibs. Thibs needs to go. Wiggins needs to perform like a 1st overall pick and the talent he is, and Towns needs to be more consistent and improve as a defensive presence. Wolves likely won’t be what us Wolves fans hoped we’d be 3 years ago unless there’s a drastic culture change…

Cardiac Kemba. I think he put himself into the position to be considered the 3rd best PG in the league right now behind Steph and Russ. He one of my favorite players of all-time because of the chip he’s had on his shoulder since high school. No one plays with more heart than Kemba and it’s so fun to see him succeed. Now I’d like to see what he can do with a team around him. One of the great players in the league without drama or complaining about his situation. Just plays hard and does what his team needs of him.

What do you guys think of this season so far? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ChammesParticipant]

Thats am interesting take that is bold, but I like it. I would like to see his 3 point % go up and his defense, but I think a top 3-5 SG is definitely realistic. As long as his efficiency and defense improve I think he could Ben a potential all star sooner then later.  

[JDB12Participant]

I respect you’re opinion, but I don’t think it’s very bold at all. I think in 3+ years it will be Booker, LaVine and Mitchell competing for that top spot while guys like Harden, DeRozan, and Klay are on their decline. I’m sure a couple guys coming into the league in the next couple years can put themselves in the same position like Barrett. But LaVine has all the skills to be a great 2. One of the sweetest shooting strokes in the league and unbelievable elevation for those mid-range shots. Not to mention he has a good handle and can play the lead guard if the team needs. And he puts good effort in on defense and is usually guarding the opponents best guard so I think he’s a lot better at defense than people think. He just needs to improve the efficiency like you said, be more careful with the ball and put himself in better situations on defense because the effort is there.

[ChammesParticipant]

I wasn’t meanings bold in a bad way cause I agree with you that he can be a top 3-5 Shooting guard. He’s the MIP right now, he’s a very good athlete so I’m sure his defense will catch up with his offense if he puts in the work (heard he was the hardest worker out of him, Wiggins and Kat) 

[r377Participant]

 Memphis, Clippers and even Orlando at 500 are all doing well.

Also The Kings are over 500 !!!

I had Tobias Harris in the all-star game this year.  He has lived up to that. Also Kris Middleton has been impressive again flying under the radar.

Rudy Gay for Comeback Player of the Year

 

 

 

[ChammesParticipant]

SGA is absolutely balling, he may be the lottery pick breakout type that Mitchell was last year. Clippers are looking really good right now 

[RUDEBOY-Participant]

 Memphis being 1 of the best teams in the West, doesn’t surprise me. Memphis on top in the west has surprised even their hardcore followers like myself. But if u remember they were playing well at the start of last year before Conley got hurt. They made a bunch of underrated signings during the offseason that was panned by many including the selection of JJJ. But he’s looking like a future all starZ 

[r377Participant]

 Also my Pistons Blake Griffin having a career year 25-11-5 on 47% and 40% 3pt. ( overhyped sharpshooter Devin Booker is only shooting 32% )

He has really carried the Pistons, I would hate to think how bad their record would be without him

 

[ThenilonatorParticipant]

 I disagree that the warriors can win this year without KD. I understand what your saying because they have been so bad without Steph but I doubt they win last year without KD and the year they did win it without KD they had Bogut and Barnes and a 30 year old Iguodala. From what I’ve seen so far, unless boogie comes in late and changes everything, they need to be at near full strength to win it all this year, which is great for the league!

 

[frogmanParticipant]

I think a story noone is talking about is the Utah Jazz.  They impressed us all last year and I thought they would have top 3 record in the west with that home court advantage, Donovan Mitchell with a year of NBA experience and no changes from last years squad.  They should have all grown together under a good coach however now sitting 8-11.

Rockets, Lakers, Celtics, Raptors have all had to adjust to new key players/coaches however the Jazz don’t have that excuse.

On paper they look really good, just wondering what is going wrong at this point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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