BBTF's Newsblog Discussion :: 2022 NBA Playoffs thread

Baseball Primer Newsblog
— The Best News Links from the Baseball Newsstand

Friday, April 15, 2022

2022 NBA Playoffs thread

I estimate the NBA thread only had 10-12 years of content so we’re in reruns already.

Moses Taylor loves a good maim Posted: April 15, 2022 at 11:59 AM | 4354 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: narratives, nba, off-topic, playoffs

Reader Comments and Retorts

Go to end of page

Statements posted here are those of our readers and do not represent the BaseballThinkFactory. Names are provided by the poster and are not verified. We ask that posters follow our submission policy. Please report any inappropriate comments.

Page 37 of 44 pages ‹ First < 35 36 37 38 39 > Last ›

3601. MHS Posted: June 30, 2022 at 09:32 PM (#6084938)

Nice weather, good team, people you like.

Easiest path.

Some of my favorite guys for the Celtics are off the board, most probably weren’t going to fit into the mini mid but a man can dream. Probably more important than the mini mid is what they do withe the Trade Exemptions. Need to build some depth.

3602. asinwreck Posted: June 30, 2022 at 10:16 PM (#6084943)

Shams reporting Andre Drummond to the Bulls, and Chicago media earlier speculated this would be on a minimum deal. I'd rather have him than DeAndre Jordan, though I don't think he meets the front office's stated goal of being able to play alongside Vooch.

The Bulls are also supposedly pursuing Gallinari once he clears waivers. This set of moves may be to the Bulls what signing Yonder Alonso instead of Manny Machado back in 2019 was for Jerry Reinsdorf's other team.

EDIT: KC Johnson: "Reported this AM that Drummond and Gallinari would be targets and that remains case with Bulls one of Gallinari's finalists, per source."

3603. tshipman

Posted: June 30, 2022 at 10:19 PM (#6084945)

I'd rather have him than DeAndre Jordan

Have we found another universal New Yorker cartoon caption?

3604. asinwreck Posted: June 30, 2022 at 10:38 PM (#6084948)

Steph Noh's reaction to the Drummond signing was to repost this remarkable video.

3605. rr would lock Shaq's a$$ up Posted: June 30, 2022 at 10:58 PM (#6084949)

Have to catch up on the other teams--as to the Lakers' moves, I support Jones and feel OK about Toscano-Anderson. A little skeptical about Brown II but it is for the minimum, and he was not born in the 1980s. I don't like Walker IV for the TPMLE.

The Durant thing is not surprising ofc, but it does make the off-season more interesting.

3606. O Tempura, O Morays ('Spos) Posted: June 30, 2022 at 11:57 PM (#6084954)

3604
That’s a thing of beauty. Thanks for sharing.

3607. Moeball Posted: July 01, 2022 at 12:03 AM (#6084955)

I don't realistically see KD with the Suns. People keep trying to pitch various Ayton packages in the hopes that Booker will be retained but that won't happen. The Nets will absolutely demand that Booker comes to Brooklyn or there will be no deal. Phoenix isn't going to go for that so I think that deal is already dead.

3608. spivey Posted: July 01, 2022 at 12:11 AM (#6084956)

3607 - disagree and not even sure Booker can be dealt now that be signed the supermax. Ayton and Bridges or Ayton/Johnson/picks I think is better than many offers especially if they want to deal Kylie for NBA talent.

3609. spivey Posted: July 01, 2022 at 12:14 AM (#6084957)

Athletic reporting GP2 could leave. He deserves an into cap space offer. Very interested to see what he gets. I kind of trust the advanced stats from what I’ve seen. He’s a weird limited player, but he has all star level impact. I think whoever gets him will be giddy.

3610. /muteself 57i66135 Posted: July 01, 2022 at 12:38 AM (#6084958)

I don't realistically see KD with the Suns. People keep trying to pitch various Ayton packages in the hopes that Booker will be retained but that won't happen. The Nets will absolutely demand that Booker comes to Brooklyn or there will be no deal. Phoenix isn't going to go for that so I think that deal is already dead.

this looks like it works.

3611. tshipman

Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:07 AM (#6084960)

3607 - disagree and not even sure Booker can be dealt now that be signed the supermax. Ayton and Bridges or Ayton/Johnson/picks I think is better than many offers especially if they want to deal Kylie for NBA talent.

Why are you getting Bridges as the Nets, though? The suns kind of don't make sense, IMO.

3612. rr would lock Shaq's a$$ up Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:54 AM (#6084963)

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
·
19m
Free agent Gary Payton II is finalizing a three-year, $28 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell
@TheAthletic

@Stadium
.

3613. Fancy Pants Handle struck out swinging Posted: July 01, 2022 at 05:42 AM (#6084964)

Gobert and Simmons on the same team would be....quite an offense.

You misspelled "quite offensive."

3614. Der-K's tired of these fruits from poisoned trees Posted: July 01, 2022 at 07:24 AM (#6084978)

I like how every Der-K post about an obscure player basically goes, "I love Malachi Periwinkle. He's one of my favorite people in the world. He's the godfather to my children and I officiated his wedding. I'd give him a max contract if I could. He might be a solid 11th man on a rebuilding roster."

Apart from the contract part, it's a fair cop. :)

In Queen's case, I learned about him as part of an annual search for a favorite exhibit 10 type who's not necessarily a top 100 draft prospect; IIRC, Pelton flagged him as a sleeper out of school as well. (I haven't looked for this year yet.) The big win, such as it is, in past searches was Alex Caruso.

He could become a rotation piece! - he was G League MVP after all... I mean, I wouldn't bet on it (nor are the 76ers, only had a few hundred grand guaranteed), but his profile plays.

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

As much as GP2 in the PNW is fun ... that is a VERY SMALL Blazers rotation. Lillard is small and a bad defender. Simons is small and a very bad defender (I've called Trae the worst defender in the league, Simons is in that class). Payton is small and an excellent defender. Given the havoc he creates, you might want him on the lead guard, but Simons and Lillard also tend to guard ones. Then there's the 6-4 Hart at the three.

3615. Der-K's tired of these fruits from poisoned trees Posted: July 01, 2022 at 07:33 AM (#6084998)

Seems like fair money for SloMo (I'd be happy as a Wolves fan), though I have a nagging feeling that he might be losing a half step. Insert joke here, but he needs that half step!

2/21 is about what I thought Bamba would get. Like those terms given that skill set and his relative youth, was hoping he'd have a change of scenery to see if someone else could speed up his motor.

Jones staying in Memphis makes some sense - and that was going to cost them - but that's a lot of money for a reserve PG.

Knox to Detroit for 2/6 I like as a second draft move. That's too much money for Bagley though - why are they so in love with him?

Monk money is reasonable. Wonder exactly how hurt DD (who is gone from the Kings now) is? Kind of surprised that Milwaukee got Ingles - I get the gamble, but I think I'd go with a healthier guy (even with that trade off that implies).

Muscala going back to OKC for the minimum was a mild surprise -- somebody should've offered more if they'd the opportunity to do so.

3616. Dr Pol is what America needs Posted: July 01, 2022 at 07:42 AM (#6085005)

Like the Ingles pickup and think it's positive the Bucks retained Carter.

3617. JJ1986 Posted: July 01, 2022 at 07:58 AM (#6085047)

I don't think we finished the 2020 mock draft, but I wrote down that I would have taken Trevelin Queen 60th if he'd been available.

3618. Dr Pol is what America needs Posted: July 01, 2022 at 08:03 AM (#6085061)

Thanks to BrewHoop for posting that as of today Bucks no longer paying Larry Sanders. So Milwaukee hoops version of Bobby Bonilla day. Only Bonilla is still getting paid. Sanders finally off the books.

3619. MHS Posted: July 01, 2022 at 08:37 AM (#6085100)

I love this thread so much.

3620. spivey Posted: July 01, 2022 at 09:07 AM (#6085101)

As much as GP2 in the PNW is fun ... that is a VERY SMALL Blazers rotation. Lillard is small and a bad defender. Simons is small and a very bad defender (I've called Trae the worst defender in the league, Simons is in that class). Payton is small and an excellent defender. Given the havoc he creates, you might want him on the lead guard, but Simons and Lillard also tend to guard ones. Then there's the 6-4 Hart at the three.

There's a few guys in the league where size doesn't matter, imo. GP2 is one of them. He seems taller when he's on the court. I dunno if it's his strength/wingspan, and certainly plays that way. Hart I think plays up a bit.

My concern is mostly Lillard and Simons. I mean, you don't have a choice, you bring back Simons. But I did see an amusing take (not sure if it was here or NBA twitter) where someone said "So they broke up Lillard and McCollum to roll with... Lillard and Simons?"

--

Milwaukee - I like Ingles. Milwaukee needs size and another ball handler. Ingles isn't the plus defender he was 4 years ago but I think in a better system he'll look ok-ish there, hopefully. I just want another wing or large guard who is younger than Holiday and Middleton. The team is old and getting older - there's not a lot of room for growth on the roster, and that's concerning to me. Obviously there's more demand than supply for those type of players, but it sounds like JTA got a 1 year vet minimum. Milwaukee should have been able to beat that offer. Maybe he wants to stay in LA. I just feel like there's a good chance as presently constructed the team is going to be relying on Beauchamp in the playoffs, and that's not a great feeling to have. I suppose the good news is Milwaukee should have more mix and matchable contracts this deadline to make a move. But probably wouldn't be able to be more than a salary dump.

3621. spivey Posted: July 01, 2022 at 09:09 AM (#6085102)

Why are you getting Bridges as the Nets, though?

Why'd they give up a FRP for Royce O'Neale?

I presume they want to stay somewhat competitive? Though there's no answer to the O'Neale contract other than they don't know what they're doing, so I don't really trust them to get good value back for KD/Kyrie.

3622. Athletic Supporter is USDA certified lean Posted: July 01, 2022 at 09:32 AM (#6085103)

I guess we'll see if there are any get-out clauses, but man, giving a max rookie extension to someone (Zion) who has played 85 games in 3 years... whew.

3623. Dr Pol is what America needs Posted: July 01, 2022 at 09:40 AM (#6085104)

3622--The games played number I heard and did a what the what was that Kyrie and Durant have played 44 games together. As in total. I mean I kind of knew that but there is knowing and then 'knowing'. Wow

3624. Der-K's tired of these fruits from poisoned trees Posted: July 01, 2022 at 09:56 AM (#6085105)

There's a few guys in the league where size doesn't matter, imo. GP2 is one of them. He seems taller when he's on the court. I dunno if it's his strength/wingspan, and certainly plays that way. Hart I think plays up a bit.

My concern is mostly Lillard and Simons. I mean, you don't have a choice, you bring back Simons. But I did see an amusing take (not sure if it was here or NBA twitter) where someone said "So they broke up Lillard and McCollum to roll with... Lillard and Simons?"

Oh that's my worry too. With Payton it's more "you probably want him guarding ones when possible, but that means that Dillard/Simons would be consigned to guard a presumably bigger player and getting run over"
---
Jingles - I like that pickup if he is at his pre-injury level. But he's old and won't be ready for several months at the earliest and - how good will he be at that point (injury recovery isn't a binomial outcome)? There's even a non-trivial chance he doesn't play at all this year...
---
Rubio stays in CLE: 3/18.4

3625. PJ Martinez Posted: July 01, 2022 at 10:06 AM (#6085107)

Payton looked pretty good guarding the Celtics' wings in the Finals. The Warriors maybe don't win that series without him.

3626. spivey Posted: July 01, 2022 at 10:06 AM (#6085108)

Jingles - I like that pickup if he is at his pre-injury level. But he's old and won't be ready for several months at the earliest and - how good will he be at that point (injury recovery isn't a binomial outcome)? There's even a non-trivial chance he doesn't play at all this year...

Yeah. I don't don't know the specifics but I'd hope they did their homework on that.

Rubio - another guy that would have been nice to fit into Milwaukee's MLE. Of course recovering from his own injury as well, but is also a guy that could help for a couple of years, not just a 1 year flyer.

Anyways, I don't really have a lot of faith in the Milwaukee FO. I don't think they've gotten the stuff on the margins right the last few years.

3627. spivey Posted: July 01, 2022 at 10:07 AM (#6085109)

Payton looked pretty good guarding the Celtics' wings in the Finals. The Warriors maybe don't win that series without him.

That's my thought. In playoff basketball I want him guarding a large wing in a lot of matchups.

3628. TFTIO was writing C programs in the '90s Posted: July 01, 2022 at 10:25 AM (#6085111)

Mitchell Robinson back to NYK, 60/4

3629. PJ Martinez Posted: July 01, 2022 at 10:29 AM (#6085113)

Bruce Brown to Nuggets, 2 years, 13 million. That's a nice move.

3630. /muteself 57i66135 Posted: July 01, 2022 at 10:29 AM (#6085114)

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Two years of #sixers twitter typing Daniel House. <<<

3631. Harlond Posted: July 01, 2022 at 10:30 AM (#6085115)

I don't think we finished the 2020 mock draft, but I wrote down that I would have taken Trevelin Queen 60th if he'd been available.

I had Kenneth Lofton Jr pencilled in for the 57th pick.

3632. DCA Posted: July 01, 2022 at 10:37 AM (#6085116)

Cleveland was looking at Ron Harper Jr with #58 in the mock.

3633. asinwreck Posted: July 01, 2022 at 10:39 AM (#6085117)

Bruce Brown to Nuggets, 2 years, 13 million. That's a nice move.

In the last 24 hours, Denver has picked up two guys who've played center for the Nets in the recent past. This is the guy who can still play the position, even though he's 6'4".

3634. Hot Wheeling American Posted: July 01, 2022 at 10:41 AM (#6085118)

I don't think we finished the 2020 mock draft, but I wrote down that I would have taken Trevelin Queen 60th if he'd been available.

Collin Gillespie for the Wiz.

3635. MHS Posted: July 01, 2022 at 10:58 AM (#6085122)

Denver getting browns a real nice pickup - but makes that KCP deal worse than it already was.

3636. PJ Martinez Posted: July 01, 2022 at 11:25 AM (#6085128)

Otto Porter to the Raptors on a two-year deal.

3637. tshipman

Posted: July 01, 2022 at 11:27 AM (#6085129)

Denver getting browns a real nice pickup - but makes that KCP deal worse than it already was.

KCP move was about saving $$ on the cap, not about talent.

***

I think the GPII move is maybe my favorite signing of the offseason? He had superstar impact last year, and you got him for 9 million. Obviously there are risks, but I don't think his size is one of them. I would be more concerned that GPII needs a pretty specific role and ecosystem, and I don't know that I think Chauncey Billups is a great "put them in a position to succeed" guy.

***

Why'd they give up a FRP for Royce O'Neale?

I presume they want to stay somewhat competitive? Though there's no answer to the O'Neale contract other than they don't know what they're doing, so I don't really trust them to get good value back for KD/Kyrie.

This is totally fair to say. I don't understand the Nets, and their actions in the offseason give off a whiff of Dan Gilbert declaring that he'd win a championship before LeBron did.

3638. PJ Martinez Posted: July 01, 2022 at 11:28 AM (#6085130)

"What's going on in Utah?"

3639. Rally Posted: July 01, 2022 at 11:30 AM (#6085131)

You are the Trevelin Queen
Take to the rim since you were seventeen
See him dribble
See him drive
Take 3 steps then one more
Digging the Trevelin Queen

3640. PJ Martinez Posted: July 01, 2022 at 11:36 AM (#6085132)

Woj:

Once the San Antonio Spurs finalize the expected release on forward Danilo Gallinari, his preference is to join the Boston Celtics upon clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN.

3641. Rally Posted: July 01, 2022 at 11:42 AM (#6085135)

I was shocked to see that instead of a speedy PG, Kenneth Lofton Jr is a 280 pound big man.

Then I found out he’s not the son of the should-be MLB hall of famer and former Arizona Wildcat.

3642. tshipman

Posted: July 01, 2022 at 11:48 AM (#6085138)

I feel like Gallo is a poor fit on a contender, but maybe I'm underrating him.

3643. MHS Posted: July 01, 2022 at 11:52 AM (#6085139)

I agree Tship. I’m not enthusiastic about that one. Maybe the one bright side is he may reduce the regular season minutes burden on Tatum, but I don’t see that from Gallo at this point.

I don’t see how he can get on the floor on a defense first team in the post season.

8 or 10 guys I would have preferred.

For the Celtics, it’s less about the FA but how they use those exceptions.

3644. Der-K's tired of these fruits from poisoned trees Posted: July 01, 2022 at 12:06 PM (#6085140)

Payton - it's not that I don't like signing him (he might be the best perimeter defender in the world!), it's that Portland's roster limits how he can be used. Defensively, he guarded points more often than a lot of the other smaller PGs to change teams this offseason (like Ty Jones and Monte Morris, to name two).

Gallo - if you struggle to create offense and can hide him on d, he can help you. That's some Boston lineups!, though - truthfully - I'd like go elsewhere with that roster spot if I ran the Celts.

Aaron Holiday for the minimum was a nice get for my Hawks.

Bol got 2 years from Orlando. Pinson 1 from Dallas.

I don't like those Robinson terms, though I guess the cap is going up. The middle will remained clogged at MSG.

Brown to Denver is interesting - I certainly like the price and think he could succeed in a role other than PF on O, PG on D if need be.

3645. Harlond Posted: July 01, 2022 at 12:06 PM (#6085141)

I was shocked to see that instead of a speedy PG, Kenneth Lofton Jr is a 280 pound big man.

Then I found out he’s not the son of the should-be MLB hall of famer and former Arizona Wildcat.

He tested out at the combine at almost 16% body fat. He measured out at 6"6" without shoes and a 6"11" wingspan. I watched him at the FIBA under 19 tournament (Holmgren won MVP), and thought he was one of the U.S.'s best players. He was one of the players who played their way into the NBA combine from the G League combine. As they say, he just knows how to play. I don't know if he has any future in the NBA, but he's a fun player to watch.

3646. Der-K's tired of these fruits from poisoned trees Posted: July 01, 2022 at 12:09 PM (#6085142)

He tested out at the combine at almost 16% body fat.

And people were like "he looks thinner!"

I love dudes like this, like Harlond said, he knows how to play.

3647. Der-K's tired of these fruits from poisoned trees Posted: July 01, 2022 at 12:20 PM (#6085143)

Nurkic 4/70 to stay in POR, LaVine 5/215.2 to stay in CHI
Wonder if KD stuff might delay a Zion announcement...
Also wonder what the Porter terms in Toronto are. He's really good.
Wall's 2/13.2 w/ LAC announced.

3648. spivey Posted: July 01, 2022 at 12:34 PM (#6085145)

I don't "get" Nurkic. He has injury problems. He's an offense first player who isn't particularly efficient, and well below average efficiency for a C. Can't shoot. Not a good defender. Rebounds and assists are good, but given how deep center is I'm surprised he's a guy who will make well over $100 million in his career.

3649. DCA Posted: July 01, 2022 at 12:35 PM (#6085146)

Not happy with the Warriors offseason so far. The draft was a bunch of stretches that I wouldn't have made. In FA, I don't mind losing Payton, or Porter, or JTA, but W's could have given Payton the contract he got, and maybe Porter the contract he got (real GSW only offering the minimum). Not making JTA a qualifying offer to be a contingency for losing both of the P juniors was an unforced error. He signed for the minimum! If you run out of space because of that just give Rollins a two-way instead of a regular deal. He's still just 19 (for a few days), he's gonna be in the G League most of the season anyway.

3650. Moses Taylor loves a good maim Posted: July 01, 2022 at 12:38 PM (#6085147)

Bulls signing Drummond is very underwhelming. He doesn't really help them with the problems they had (and they have to use part of the ML after using the BAE on Tristan Thompson during the season). Lots of people pointing out how it sure appears like the Bulls are doing everything they can to dodge the tax (which they'd have to pay if they use the full MLE), and then there's some hoping there's some sort of trade that'll save everything.

I think these are good and fair points about Bulls ownership (including the fan anger part):

Ricky O'Donnell @SBN_Ricky ·16h
Bulls not offering the full mid-level exception in free agency to duck the tax after trading three first round picks to build this roster is apex loser Jerry Reinsdorf ####, no other way to say it.

TheMoncadaArmada @HashTagWhiteSox .16h
Zach Lavine is going to be the first ever $100 million dollar contract for Jerry Reinsdorf as Bulls or White Sox owner. He’s owned the #Bulls for 37 years and the #WhiteSox for 41 years. He’s 86 years old.

3651. Rally Posted: July 01, 2022 at 12:47 PM (#6085148)

A little surprising, but for about half of Reinsdorf’s tenure, a 100 million contract just wasn’t a thing, for anybody in either sport.

3652. Der-K's tired of these fruits from poisoned trees Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:03 PM (#6085154)

Robin Lopez to CLE for the minimum
Drew Eubanks goes back to POR (where he played nicely after getting picked up off the scrap heap)

3653. Der-K's tired of these fruits from poisoned trees Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:11 PM (#6085156)

Kevin Huerter to Sacramento for Justin Holiday, Mo Harkless and a future first round pick (Woj)

3654. asinwreck Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:13 PM (#6085157)

If Lopez is healthy, he is a great option to back up Mobley. Really like that signing.

I could go into all things Reinsdorf, but that would run the risk of me derailing this thread with White Sox talk. It is a miracle that the Bulls hired competent outsiders to oversee the roster and coaches.

3655. tshipman

Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:22 PM (#6085160)

Kevin Huerter to Sacramento for Justin Holiday, Mo Harkless and a future first round pick (Woj)

...Kind of a good move by Sac? I mean obviously they shouldn't be making win now moves, but in comparison to some of their other moves, this is pretty reasonable value.

3656. . . . . . . Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:33 PM (#6085165)

I don't like those Robinson terms, though I guess the cap is going up. The middle will remained clogged at MSG.

<shrug> he's a useful player, home grown, young enough that he's not projected to decline over the life of the contract. I think the contract has some positive value, and at worst neutral. Its fine.

3657. PJ Martinez Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:37 PM (#6085166)

Pacers trading Brogdon to Celtics, per Woj.

Edit: for Theis, Nesmith, and a 2023 first-rounder, apparently.

Second edit: Plus Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts, and Juwan Morgan.

3658. spivey Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:41 PM (#6085168)

Ugh, like that move for the Celtics quite a bit (depending on what they give up on their current team). If it's just Theis + Pritchard + draft capital, I think they have to be the favorites out of the East.

3659. asinwreck Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:45 PM (#6085170)

My last comment somehow led to my amnesia that Jarrett Allen is the 5 in Cleveland. That frontcourt just got even better with Lopez.

As NBA talk is dominated by speculation on what a Durant package will look like, it occurred to me that there's a team out there with a ton of young talent and draft capital that could offer a massive haul to the Nets. What happens if this process lands Durant in Oklahoma City?

Brogdon should help Boston's offense function a lot better next year.

3660. tshipman

Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:52 PM (#6085173)

Pacers trading Brogdon to Celtics, per Woj.

Edit: for Theis, Nesmith, and a 2023 first-rounder, apparently.

Second edit: Plus Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts, and Juwan Morgan.

That's a pretty good deal. Brogdon has a bad injury history, but they didn't give up anything worthwhile.

3661. Der-K's tired of these fruits from poisoned trees Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:55 PM (#6085176)

...Kind of a good move by Sac? I mean obviously they shouldn't be making win now moves, but in comparison to some of their other moves, this is pretty reasonable value.

I think so. Not so much as a win now move, but Huerter has more grow room imo. I guess as a win now move too, in that they're desperate and he's the best player in the deal.
As for Atlanta, they gotta shed salary (and likely will shed a little more) and draft picks from Sac are normally nice things to have.

3662. tshipman

Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:57 PM (#6085180)

As NBA talk is dominated by speculation on what a Durant package will look like, it occurred to me that there's a team out there with a ton of young talent and draft capital that could offer a massive haul to the Nets. What happens if this process lands Durant in Oklahoma City?

I thought about that at the beginning of all of this, because they have the most assets, but I think there's no way Durant does that.

3663. DCA Posted: July 01, 2022 at 01:59 PM (#6085181)

Does Durant have a choice? OKC isn't going to win this year, so they have leverage to play chicken.

3664. Fourth True Outcome Posted: July 01, 2022 at 02:12 PM (#6085188)

Does Durant have a choice? OKC isn't going to win this year, so they have leverage to play chicken.

I'm curious about this too. I've mentioned a few times in the thread that I'll be curious to see what happens when a team ignores a player under contract's request. In the same way that the new CBA negotiation is going to be a mess because of things like the Simmons fiasco, there's no reason OKC couldn't acquire Durant and tell him that he can sit out the year if he wants but they're planning to keep him for his contract and there's nothing he can do about it. I'm rarely on the side of the employer over the worker, but teams don't have to accede to trade demands the way they have been in the last few years, so I kind of want to see what happens if a team feels it's in position to ignore one.

3665. Fourth True Outcome Posted: July 01, 2022 at 02:17 PM (#6085191)

Also I am of course thrilled by the Brogdon trade. I imagine his availability kept the price low, but getting a player that good for non-rotation parts and next year's first is a great move for the Cs. I don't mind the Gallo acquisition; part of his value will be regular season minutes, as part of the reason I think they ran out of steam in the Finals was Udoka going to an 8 man rotation in January, but agree that he may not be able to stay on the court much in the playoffs. Adding both of those guys should go a long way for the Celtics next season, and they still have the 17m TPE if anyone comes available they want to fit into it.

3666. Athletic Supporter is USDA certified lean Posted: July 01, 2022 at 02:21 PM (#6085192)

I mean, if OKC is acquiring Durant against his will because they think it'll work out, surely it's make more sense for Brooklyn to just play the same game.

3667. My name is Votto, and I love to get Moppo Posted: July 01, 2022 at 02:30 PM (#6085193)

Huerter is about as good as the Bogdanovich who used to play for Sacramento, and now his salary is about to catch up (making 14/15/16/17 over his contract).

I kind of get it for both teams, Sacramento gets (probably) the best player in the deal, and Atlanta saves some $$$. The Hawks should be trying to consolidate their rotation, and may have more moves coming.

EDIT: unsurprisingly, quality poster Der-K beat me to it

3668. Mike A Posted: July 01, 2022 at 02:33 PM (#6085195)

Kevin Huerter to Sacramento for Justin Holiday, Mo Harkless and a future first round pick (Woj)

So much for my 'Red Velvet' t-shirt.

I mean, I get it, the Hawks didn't have much room for Huerter after the Murray trade...but I'm still gonna miss him. Thought he might be part of a bigger package somewhere.

Also gonna miss Gallo, he was kind of a chucker but was fun to watch. He's still got decent offensive moves and can post up with a nice fadeaway, but his defense was matador. I think he'll be OK on the Celtics because they can cover for him.

Hawks making moves to get better defensively, is (half-joking) Ben Simmons next?

3669. DCA Posted: July 01, 2022 at 02:34 PM (#6085196)

3666: The difference is that Brooklyn needs to acquire assets, and OKC needs to get rid of assets.

3670. DCA Posted: July 01, 2022 at 02:43 PM (#6085200)

Re: The Fournier trade exemption. Obviously, trading garbage for Brogdon is a better move, but I thought acquiring Huerter into the TE would be a move that works for both teams.

Bringing back Olynyk from Detroit would be a nice move. Duncan Robinson fits.

3671. asinwreck Posted: July 01, 2022 at 02:44 PM (#6085201)

Airplane Mode returned to the Bulls on a two-year, 6.6m deal (second year a player option), which is funny because one of the reasons the Bulls traded for Derrick Jones Jr. is he was an expiring contract.

AKME love giving player options, and the result is a second season of the Tony Bradley Jr. experience.

3672. /muteself 57i66135 Posted: July 01, 2022 at 02:45 PM (#6085202)

Kevin Huerter to Sacramento for Justin Holiday, Mo Harkless and a future first round pick (Woj)

seems like a pretty great move for SAC, as long as the pick doesn't wind up in the top half of the lottery.

definitely a cap compliance move from ATL because they didn't have the money to extend him.

3673. asinwreck Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:04 PM (#6085206)

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Free agent center Kevon Looney has agreed to a three-year, $25.5M deal to return to Golden State, sources tell ESPN.

3674. Moses Taylor loves a good maim Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:15 PM (#6085208)

Will Gottlieb @wontgottlieb ·2m
Clarifying @YossiGozlan's DJJ tweet

-Renounce DJJ's Early Bird Rights to Non-Bird to give him 2nd year player option

-Signing him with cap space, not MLE

-Still have $7.3M left of MLE

-$3.5M below tax

-Can only use $3.1M more of MLE before they become hard capped

Bulls also have 14 guys under contract. Unless there's a trade coming, I really don't understand this offseason (including draft).

3675. asinwreck Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:32 PM (#6085211)

I wonder if they will try to consolidate Coby and Simonović into a bench vet from a rebuilding team. But, yes, this is underwhelming.

3676. asinwreck Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:38 PM (#6085214)

Whoa-jbomb.

Adrian Wojnarowski
@wojespn
·
13s
Utah is trading Rudy Gobert to Minnesota, sources tell ESPN.

Wolves fans, are you enjoying the Tim Connelly experience yet?

EDIT: More Woj:

Adrian Wojnarowski@wojespn
The Timberwolves are sending Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt and multiple first-round picks for Gobert, sources tell ESPN.
Adrian Wojnarowski
@wojespn
·
21s
Leandro Bolmaro is also in the deal to the Jazz, source said.

Yeah, I'd do that if I'm running the Wolves. Hell of a frontcourt.

3677. Der-K's tired of these fruits from poisoned trees Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:39 PM (#6085215)

Bjelica to Fenerbahce.

3678. MHS Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:41 PM (#6085216)

Rudy to Minnesota!!

3679. Moses Taylor loves a good maim Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:44 PM (#6085218)

Helluva deal for the Wolves. That's a terrible return.

3680. Tom Cervo, backup catcher Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:44 PM (#6085219)

@wojespn
The Timberwolves are sending Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt and multiple first-round picks for Gobert, sources tell ESPN.

Not a fan really unless the picks are better than I expect, but at this point you've got to go for the full rebuild and move Donovan too.

3681. Der-K's tired of these fruits from poisoned trees Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:48 PM (#6085221)

nice deal, minny

3682. PJ Martinez Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:48 PM (#6085222)

at this point you've got to go for the full rebuild and move Donovan too

This seemed to be the implication of Windhorst's tour de force TV appearance. Get a promising coach on a long-term contract with a blank slate and draft assets on the horizon — the Ainge plan.

Edit: "The picks going to Utah, per sources: unprotected 1sts in 23, 25, 27, a swap in ‘26 and a top 5 protected in ‘29" — Jon Krawczynski.

3683. Moses Taylor loves a good maim Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:50 PM (#6085223)

4 firsts and this year's first pick. Ok, looks better for the jazz now.

3684. MHS Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:51 PM (#6085224)

Peloton in his draft guide has the Celtics getting a protected T
2024 1st back from the pacers… didn’t expect that.

3685. spivey Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:51 PM (#6085225)

Gobert was making a lot of money. I think it's an ok deal (for Utah). Beverley and Vanderbilt could likely get you *something* this deadline, too.

Edit: Said this when I thought multiple was probably 2.

3686. spivey Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:51 PM (#6085227)

Hate that deal for Minnesota, actually.

3687. asinwreck Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:52 PM (#6085229)

That's actually less draft capital than I would have thought (would have guessed one more pick swap).

If Ainge is betting on the Wolves being the Wolves and those firsts turn into high picks, then I see the appeal. But this is not the KG-PP deal of aging stars, and there's a very good chance KAT and Gobert lead this franchise on a sustained run of success over the next 5-6 years.

I like that Connelly and Karnišovas made a point of building the Nuggets through the draft and then veered strongly in the other direction once they got to new teams.

3688. spivey Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:57 PM (#6085230)

Gobert is 30, down seasons happen, 5 and 7 years are very long away, their roster from 4 down is pretty much empty now. And that's assuming the fit is great and nobody asks for a trade in in that timeframe, which isn't a guarantee for any team.

3689. tshipman

Posted: July 01, 2022 at 03:59 PM (#6085231)

Hate that deal for Minnesota, actually.

Yup, I think this is a great ####### deal for Utah. 4 firsts for Gobert is great. The matching salary stuff doesn't matter.

Edit:

But this is not the KG-PP deal of aging stars, and there's a very good chance KAT and Gobert lead this franchise on a sustained run of success over the next 5-6 years.

Sustained run of success to where? All the way to the second round of the playoffs? I think there's significantly greater chance that the Wolves miss the playoffs in two years than that they make a conference finals. You're paying 80 million dollars to two different centers in 2023! That is insane.

3690. asinwreck Posted: July 01, 2022 at 04:00 PM (#6085232)

Sure, but they have a young backcourt (and we don't know if D'Angelo Russell might be part of another trade) and if the internal evaluation is Ant Edwards and KAT are good enough to build around, they have a foundation to lure useful vets as free agents as depth. (This assumes a front office that can identify useful vets; now the Wolves are led by someone with a good track record on that front.)

I'd be thrilled to be a Wolves fan right now. The different skillsets of the two centers are fascinating, and I am curious to see how they'll deploy both of them and the new power forward they just picked up.

3691. jmurph Posted: July 01, 2022 at 04:04 PM (#6085235)

At first glance, that Gobert deal is basically the worst trade I can think of in my entire adult life.

3692. Der-K's tired of these fruits from poisoned trees Posted: July 01, 2022 at 04:05 PM (#6085237)

oh nvm that's a lot of picks

3693. Tom Cervo, backup catcher Posted: July 01, 2022 at 04:07 PM (#6085238)

Okay my opinion on the deal has changed a lot since the first report. Now I just hope they get an even bigger haul for Donovan.

And I guess move Conley but now that's more for his sake.

3694. TFTIO was writing C programs in the '90s Posted: July 01, 2022 at 04:08 PM (#6085239)

Egad

3695. jmurph Posted: July 01, 2022 at 04:10 PM (#6085240)

I mean Gobert is 30 and is owed like 190 million over the next 4 years and you're just absolutely not running Towns and Gobert out in crunch time of a meaningful playoff series. This is a terrible idea.

3696. aberg Posted: July 01, 2022 at 04:12 PM (#6085241)

Whoa.

Whoa to getting Gobert. There was enough smoke over the last few weeks that it makes sense that there was some fire. Still, if you said a year, 6 months, or 2 months ago that the Wolves would cash in virtually all of their assets, I would not guess it would be for a 30 year old center. Still, it makes some sense that if KAT's biggest flaw is his defense, that you'd want to be able to minimize that against the other team's worst player than as the position with the most help defense responsibility. Whatever flaws we saw on the boards and defending the middle against Memphis are going to look a lot different this year. Likewise, Rudy's lack of ability on offense shouldn't really be an issue with the more creative offensive talent around him on this roster.

Also whoa to the return. Didn't give up McDaniels or Nowell, so that talk about them being the young core probably came from somewhere. It's still terrifying for a franchise that has been so bad to give up that much draft equity.

Odds of extending DLo have to be higher now. He was on the block because teams that aren't a FA destination basically have to use expiring contracts to trade for guys rather than signing them outright. Now, whatever they would've attached to Russell to get something back is out the window.

As I see it, rotation now will be:
Russell-McLaughlin
Edwards-Nowell
McDaniels-Prince
Towns-Anderson
Gobert-Reid

That's actually reasonably good depth for a team that just traded four-for-one. The ceiling of the team comes down to two things: how well can Towns and Gobert function together (and is Towns at the 4 a fatal flaw?) and how much does Edwards improve. The ceiling had a lot to do with whether Edwards because an All-NBA guy before and that hasn't changed .

3697. tshipman

Posted: July 01, 2022 at 04:15 PM (#6085242)

I wish I had more hands so I could give this trade four thumbs down for Minnesota.

1. You pay two centers the super max next year. Borderline franchise malpractice.
2. You take Towns, whose biggest weakness is being played off the court on defense in the playoffs, and pair him with another CENTER (!) who also gets played off the court on defense in the playoffs.
3. You trade all your draft capital going forward to improve a team that was in the play-in and lost in the first round.
4. It's not even clear you improve your team in the regular season? You traded away Pat Bev, who was a big part of your regular season success, and minimize Jarred Vanderbilt, who was another big part. You have zero depth now and are extremely vulnerable to injury, and guess what your whole team is injury prone except Anthony Edwards

Edit: THIS IS ALL BEFORE YOU TALK ABOUT THE PICKS!

3698. King Mekong Posted: July 01, 2022 at 04:21 PM (#6085244)

Clearly they are going to be running a 3 - 2 zone when it matters /s

3699. rr would lock Shaq's a$$ up Posted: July 01, 2022 at 04:24 PM (#6085245)

Gobert to Minnesota was something I did not expect. Want to see what the Wolves guys here have to say.

3700. rr would lock Shaq's a$$ up Posted: July 01, 2022 at 04:25 PM (#6085246)

flip

Page 37 of 44 pages ‹ First < 35 36 37 38 39 > Last ›

You must be Registered and Logged In to post comments.

<< Back to main

Friday, April 15, 2022

2022 NBA Playoffs thread

Reader Comments and Retorts

BBTF Partner

Support BBTF

Hot Topics