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.
2601. Howie Menckel
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 02:38 PM (#6131826)
Stephen A., who "flipped" out:
that's the name of the biography about Petrovic, another man with artistic flair from that part of the world. They are not literally on the same plane, and only an imbecile would think so.
Croatia still grieves the athlete who gave them inspiration in some of the nation's darkest hours. give them the damn nickname, at least. they don't have a lot.
also, switching to decaf can greatly improve one's mood.
Alright, hold on just a minute here. Just wait one doggone minute. Now you're getting personal. You've got some nerve calling me, Stephen A. Smith, an imbecile for making a legitimate argument.
The name of the biography... Artistic Flair? Really? Listen, we all know Drazen Petrovic was a remarkable basketball player with an incredible finesse in his game. But equating his basketball prowess to the artistic genius of Mozart is hyperbole. It's sensationalist. It's preposterous. It's an injustice to both men and their respective crafts.
And trust me, I understand the pain of Croatia. I have very dear Croatian friends. Very dear. I recognize the profound impact Drazen Petrovic had on his homeland, especially during their most trying times. There's no question that he inspired his nation and helped put Croatian basketball on the map. No question. But let's give the man his due without appropriating the legacy of another icon.
And as for your suggestion to switch to decaf — please. This isn't about caffeine. This is about passion. This is about respect for the greats in their own arenas. It's about honoring the legacies of extraordinary individuals without diluting their achievements by making outlandish comparisons.
I'll tell you what, though. I'll consider decaf when the world stops with these absurd analogies. Until then, I'll keep doing what I do best: speaking my mind, speaking my truth, no matter what. I'm not going anywhere.
That is distressingly plausible as a sample of Screamin' A.
2606. Howie Menckel
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 03:42 PM (#6131834)
Stephen A, as a noted poet laureate, perhaps can relate to this:
"The quality of mercy is not strain’d,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice."
Oh, really? We're bringing Shakespeare into this now? Listen up! I don't have time for this nonsense. You're quoting "The Merchant of Venice" at me? Really? I happen to be very good friends with a Mr. Alfredo James Pacino. "The quality of mercy is not strained." Oh, I get it. I'm supposed to be merciful in my critique, is that it?
But let me tell you something: It’s not about mercy here, it’s about the truth. I have the utmost respect for Drazen Petrovic and his legacy. I’ve spent the entirety of my career fighting for respect for athletes and their accomplishments. But comparing Petrovic to Mozart? That's just a bridge too far.
And listen, you want to quote Shakespeare at me? Fine. But remember, Shakespeare also wrote, "This above all: to thine own self be true." So, let’s be true to the legacies of these two great men and stop the comparisons.
And here's another one for you, since you like quoting the Bard so much: "Brevity is the soul of wit." So I'll be brief: Stop with the nonsense. This is Stephen A. Smith. And I've had it with the foolishness!
MOZART IS A BONAFIDE SCRUB. NO DISRESPECT INTENDED WHATSOEVER, BUT HE CAN'T PLAY MUSIC. HE HAS SMALL HANDS.
Oh lord have mercy, Donald Trump has weighed in. Now I've seen it all. I gotta tell you, I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be discussing Mozart with Donald Trump.
First of all, Mr. Trump, calling Mozart a "bonafide scrub"? Really? Do you even know what scrub means? Mozart was a master of his craft, a prodigy who composed over 800 works of music in his lifetime. And you say he "can't play music"? Sir, the man didn't just play music, he CREATED it.
And as for his "small hands" — let me tell you something: it's not about the size of your hands, it's about the artistry in your heart and the creativity in your mind. Mozart was crafting symphonies while you and I were still learning to tie our shoes.
And before I forget: Tom Lehrer, the brilliant satirist and songwriter, a dear friend indeed. If you know anything about Tom, you know that he appreciates wit, he appreciates intelligence, and he certainly appreciates the profound artistry of Mozart. I'm sure Tom would agree with me that this comparison — this attack on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — is beneath us.
This isn't a game, Mr. Trump. This isn't politics. This is about respecting the genius of Mozart, the skill of Drazen Petrovic, and the sanctity of their respective legacies. They both deserve better than being reduced to punchlines in a debate they didn't ask to be a part of.
In the immortal words of Lehrer himself, "Life is like a sewer... what you get out of it depends on what you put into it." So let's put some respect into it, shall we? This is Stephen A. Smith, and I'm done playing games.
2615. Hombre Brotani
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 04:37 PM (#6131848)
Well in another important news, I would encourage you all to find out why Zion is trending on twitter.
Low-impact exercise is an important part of the rehab process!
2617. Howie Menckel
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 04:49 PM (#6131852)
The happy medium - truth in all things - is no longer either known or valued;
to gain applause, one must say things so inane that they might be backed by barrel-organs;
or so unintelligible that no rational being can comprehend them;
though on that very account, they are likely to please.
Passions, whether violent or not,
should never be so expressed as to reach the point of causing disgust;
and rhetoric, even in situations of the greatest horror,
should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it,
and thereby always remain rhetoric.
To talk well and eloquently is a very great art,
but an equally great one is to know the right moment to stop.
2618. asinwreck
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 05:27 PM (#6131861)
Think LeBron has already texted CP3?
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
BREAKING: Phoenix Suns have notified star Chris Paul that he will be waived, making the future Hall of Famer one of the top free agents this offseason, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
See, this is exactly what happens when there are too many days between Finals games.
2620. DCA
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 05:47 PM (#6131864)
Except how are the Lakers going to pay him?
They can't offer more than the $5m TPMLE. He's going to be able to get a lot more than that on the open market (and likely from teams with better title shots).
I'm not surprised the Suns are moving on from Paul. But I am surprised they aren't guaranteeing his deal and then offering him around in trade.
They can't offer more than the $5m TPMLE. He's going to be able to get a lot more than that on the open market (and likely from teams with better title shots).
Is he?
Who would give Chris Paul more than $5m?
2623. jmurph
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 06:34 PM (#6131875)
Yeah I can't imagine him getting more than mid-level offers at this point and he would surely prioritize teammates/location/winning in some order over a slightly higher offer (TP vs regular MLE)?
2624. sardonic
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 06:37 PM (#6131876)
I’ll just say that every indication I’ve gotten from the Warriors, before and after Myers’ decision to leave, has been that they aren’t dying to start tearing this apart, and I presume that Dunleavy has much the same opinion. If somebody wants to call them about Poole, I’m sure they’d listen. But I don’t foresee Joe Lacob ordering a salary purge just to make the books look better. If they trade Poole, they’d want to make it at least partly a basketball decision. And if that’s the case, I’ve been pointing to Toronto as an interesting potential partner because of all the talented tall wings on that roster. And if the decisions are all about basketball, I don’t think the Warriors are going to trade Kuminga at all.
From Kawakami, noted ownership mouthpiece -- this is how I thought they'd approach things as well, and generally how I'll approach the BBTF Warriors in the upcoming draft.
2625. DCA
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 06:46 PM (#6131877)
Who would give Chris Paul more than $5m? I don't know who would, but here's who should.
Sixers, if Harden leaves.
Nets, if they can offload Simmons or a wing.
Grizzlies, if Morant is out for a while.
Bulls
Raptors
Any bad team that he's willing to play for - IMO the best thing you can do to develop young players is put them with a good and experienced PG. Great fit on the Spurs and they might be good again, quick.
2626. DCA
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 06:50 PM (#6131879)
(TP vs regular MLE)?
Under the new CBA, the regular MLE is almost 2x the TPMLE. It's a big difference.
2627. asinwreck
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 06:51 PM (#6131880)
Shams now saying the Suns are exploring "multiple options" with Paul:
The Suns and Paul are exploring multiple options, league sources tell The Athletic, including a trade, waiving and stretching his contract over multiple years, or waiving and potentially re-resigning him in free agency, league sources say.
Sixers, if Harden leaves.
Nets, if they can offload Simmons or a wing.
Grizzlies, if Morant is out for a while.
Bulls
Raptors
Any bad team that he's willing to play for - IMO the best thing you can do to develop young players is put them with a good and experienced PG. Great fit on the Spurs and they might be good again, quick.
Of this list, the only one that even remotely makes sense is the Grizzlies.
2631. DCA
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 07:34 PM (#6131892)
Beasley is a salary match with Paul's guarantee. Question: could PHX/LAL swap Beasley and Paul now, while Paul is only guaranteed $16m?
I think so, but that also seems like a sneaky way to get around cap limits and those are generally anticipated and prevented.
2632. DCA
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 07:52 PM (#6131899)
Who says no?
CHI: Paul
IND: Ayton, P.Williams
PHX: Turner, Hield, Ball
2633. Spivey
Posted: June 07, 2023 at 08:12 PM (#6131902)
I felt the Nuggets figured out a lot both offensively and defensively tonight. They wiped out Miami on the glass. The Heat had four turnovers total (!!!) and still lost by 15. Jokic dominated. Porter Jr. had a dud of a game, but Braun picked him up.
Miami has to come up with answers in 48 hours, or the series will end in five as I originally predicted.
2639. jmurph
Posted: June 08, 2023 at 07:34 AM (#6131976)
Miami has to come up with answers in 48 hours, or the series will end in five as I originally predicted.
My goodness some people will never learn. 40 point Caleb Martin game incoming.
2640. jmurph
Posted: June 08, 2023 at 07:38 AM (#6131977)
Under the new CBA, the regular MLE is almost 2x the TPMLE. It's a big difference.
Interesting, thanks for posting. That is a big difference.
Old guys seem to do one of three things: maximize earnings, pick based on location, or chase rings. So I don't see OKC, Brooklyn, Memphis, Chicago, etc., making any sense.
Miami is probably another option that I don't think was mentioned yet.
2641. Rally
Posted: June 08, 2023 at 08:37 AM (#6131982)
There are some players who get overpaid by a large margin because teams are over the cap, don’t have any way to replace them if they don’t, so give them 30 million because “it’s only money”.
Then there’s Chris Paul. 18 years into the league, I don’t think he has ever not been worth the money he was paid. Sure, he’s not perfect. He’s old and can’t be relied on to play every game. But even last year, he had the same WS per 48 minutes as Booker, and actually played more minutes than Booker did for the regular season.
I’d love to see him finally play for the Lakers. He’s still a good investment for any team. His contract is reasonable by NBA standards, his 30 million is only half of what a max player can get now. I don’t understand how the Suns think waiving him and paying half could possibly be a good move.
And I still don’t understand how teams have undervalued him in the past, like thinking his contract was so bad that you need to send 4 first rounders out to swap him for a guy who was worse and making the same kind of money. Dumb Rockets. Then Phoenix gets him for a single first rounder, which ended up as the last pick of the round since Paul helped make the Suns so good.
2642. sardonic
Posted: June 08, 2023 at 09:15 AM (#6131987)
If the Warriors could get off Jordan Poole (which I think gets them under the second apron?) while adding Chris Paul for a fraction of the price, I think that'd low key be a move that improves their 2024 title odds while getting them cheaper. There are many reasons this won't happen of course, but if I'm Mike Dunlevy Jr. or Kirk Lacob I'm interested in a move like that.
2643. DCA
Posted: June 08, 2023 at 10:48 AM (#6132000)
Under the new CBA, the regular MLE is almost 2x the TPMLE. It's a big difference.
Interesting, thanks for posting. That is a big difference.
Actually it's bigger than that (original text was a typo on my part). Almost 2.5x the TPMLE ($12m vs $5m). The chance seems to me to be trying to funnel that tier of player to the non-taxpaying teams. In the last CBA, the difference was small enough (about 1.5x) that it was common for guys to turn down the full MLE for a slightly smaller deal from a taxpaying team. Now it's a much bigger sacrifice to do that.
2644. jmurph
Posted: June 08, 2023 at 10:57 AM (#6132001)
I feel like there was a period where people thought the players did okay in this deal. Not looking great at the moment. Between this and the new hard cap scenarios, I think a lot of veterans are going to be surprised to find themselves with much more limited options.
I feel like there was a period where people thought the players did okay in this deal. Not looking great at the moment. Between this and the new hard cap scenarios, I think a lot of veterans are going to be surprised to find themselves with much more limited options.
It depends on what your goals are as a player, and which player we're talking about.
If you are a veteran, and your goal is additional flexibility, and being able to play for contenders, it seems like you're going to make less money comparatively than you would have before.
However, rookies will make more. Midlevel guys will make more, and players as a group will make a lot more. In addition, although it's distasteful, stars will make a #### ton more money by being able to take endorsements from gambling and drug companies.
So if your goal is winning as a vet, you lose. If your goal is making money, you win.
2646. Spivey
Posted: June 08, 2023 at 12:19 PM (#6132016)
There may be so much parity in the future that in general taking the full MLE vs. the TP MLE may not significantly decrease your chance of winning anyways. I mean, that's ultimately what the league is driving towards.
I'm also not sure how many guys are turning down 3 year full MLEs for TPMLEs. That's a lot of money left on the table for a player type where that money is likely super valuable - unless it's someone who was a max player earlier in their career.
2647. . . . . . .
Posted: June 08, 2023 at 01:10 PM (#6132022)
Everyone's goal is making money. Vets opted for winning where the marginal dollar was immaterial.
Wednesday's livestream, which ran for two hours and 39 minutes, did at least provide us with the most complete picture yet of what it's like to hang out with Paul Pierce for an extended period of time. Have you ever found yourself trapped on a couch with a deliriously drunk friend who just keeps yammering in your ear while you are trying to watch sports? I'm talking about one of those nights where you can't take your eyes off the TV, not because the game is so captivating but because it's the only way to avoid engaging with the person next to you, who won't stop leaning over and slurring things like "You gotta go up strong." That's what watching sports with Paul Pierce is like, except that he will also keep asking you if he should call some escorts.
Paul/Lakers: Like Moses Taylor would say, "it depends on what the guy wants." Supposedly back in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics, the Banana Boat Bros. made a "pact" that they would all eventually play together. Paul is ofc the only one who has not played with James. Given how much Phoenix hates the Lakers, there might be some PR flack for Phoenix if they facilitate it, but given Paul and James being ancient and that Phoenix might be able to get some assets themselves, maybe it happens. As a Lakers fan, I would be ambivalent about it simply due to Paul's age although he remains an effective offensive player.
Finals: If Murray plays like that, Denver is very hard to beat, and he has been able to do it a lot.
I am trying to imagine the fit between Zion and Dame. I am failing. Well except on defense, that I can imagine.
Inverted 4/1 PnR, where Dame pops.
Spain PnR where the center pops and Zion rolls.
The fit on offense is phenomenal.
2657. jmurph
Posted: June 09, 2023 at 09:01 AM (#6132143)
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne said that the Suns going after Harden was "in the wind" over the last month or so. Shelburne also suggested that Phoenix wouldn't waive Paul "unless they feel pretty good about someone else".
2659. jmurph
Posted: June 09, 2023 at 11:39 AM (#6132154)
Well this is weird:
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
NBA Finals trade: The Denver Nuggets are acquiring the least favorable of Oklahoma City's first-round picks in 2024, the 37th pick in the 2023 draft and 2024 second-round pick for a protected 2029 first-round, sources tell ESPN.
2660. jmurph
Posted: June 09, 2023 at 11:40 AM (#6132155)
And an explanation:
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Denver is a tax team entering the offseason and have limited means adding to their roster outside of the draft and veteran minimum exception.
that is a weird trade. Denver gets to move up from 2029 to 2024, keeps protections on the pick and gets two second rounders, one of which is quite good.
2662. asinwreck
Posted: June 09, 2023 at 12:01 PM (#6132159)
Nice work by Booth. When was the last time a team in the Finals made a trade during the Finals?
2664. Spivey
Posted: June 09, 2023 at 01:07 PM (#6132169)
Like this for Denver assuming future pick is like at least top-3 protected. Not sure how they're going to operate since they're mostly a team that's been reluctant to pay the tax, but as I think about the new rules, especially second apron stuff - I think if you want to be a tax team you're generally best off trying to build your 1-9 roster ahead of hitting that apron and then you're much more able to fade some of the restrictions like no TPMLE, buyouts, draft pick trading, etc.
Also, while next year's draft is supposed to be very weak, I believe (?) that sort of distinction usually mostly applies to top 5/lottery type talents.
Yeah, I think it makes a lot of sense for OKC to done some NFL-style trades to convert some their upcoming low-value picks into higher value picks later. Even if they managed to draft a prospect with a second-round pick in the next year or two, it'd be really hard for that player to get around all the first round picks that will presumably be absorbing organizational minutes and roster spots.
Seems like a sensible play for Denver; the jockeying teams do around the looming CBA this offseason is going to be fascinating.
2667. Spivey
Posted: June 09, 2023 at 01:52 PM (#6132177)
I also agree a deal like this for OKC makes way more sense than using a FRP to move up from like 15 to 12.
The individual actions by both teams are rational, but I don't understand the timing.
For OKC in particular, I get that they want to declutter their first round, but this seems like the kind of deal they could have had at any point. They give up a ton of value to move back.
I also agree a deal like this for OKC makes way more sense than using a FRP to move up from like 15 to 12.
IMO, the goal should be to move up from 12 to 3 (or something like that to be clear), not back in time.
IMO, the goal should be to move up from 12 to 3 (or something like that to be clear), not back in time.
I get how that would be ideal for OKC from a value perspective, but I'm skeptical an NBA team with the #3 pick would trade back to 12 without OKC overpaying. Teams pretty much only trade off a pick that high to get talent for now, so who would OKC even attach? I don't think Dort is valuable enough, SGA is much too good, and basically everyone else is 22. I think moving back in time is kind of the only way to move up to 3 paying only draft equity. It'll be interesting to see what kind of protections they agreed to.
I get how that would be ideal for OKC from a value perspective, but I'm skeptical an NBA team with the #3 pick would trade back to 12 without OKC overpaying.
Well, this is an overpay, too. I would look to overpay dramatically to go up, rather than overpay a little to go back.
I think moving back in time is kind of the only way to move up to 3 paying only draft equity.
I think OKC could orchestrate more of a 3 team deal.
So team A contributes the high draft pick, OKC contributes the bulk of the value, and team C contributes the guy that Portland (or whoever) is targeting.
2671. Spivey
Posted: June 09, 2023 at 03:29 PM (#6132188)
IMO, the goal should be to move up from 12 to 3 (or something like that to be clear), not back in time.
Fair - I just think these deals are really, really rare, and that's not because there aren't teams that want to move up. Like, I don't know how much of their draft capital they'd have to use in a draft like this year to do it, but I don't think it's unreasonable to say it'd be most of it.
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic asked if these playoffs and being in the Finals is the most important moment in his career. He said, yes becuase of the chance to get the Nuggets' veterans -- Jeff Green, DeAndre Jordan, Ish Smith -- to the Finals and a championship: "It's maybe now or never."
"win one for ish smith" isn't the greatest rallying cry i've ever heard.
To whoever recommended the “Hero Ball”, that was a really enjoyable show. No discernible plot, but plenty of gags, my favorite was either Giannis endlessly twirling his nunchucks, or Trae’s signature dagger, the “Coach Killer”
2676. Tony S
Posted: June 09, 2023 at 10:07 PM (#6132229)
Is it my imagination or are there a lot of empty seats in Miami tonight?
The Heat are masters of guerrilla warfare, but they're just getting rolled. I'll be blown away if Jokic, Murray, and Gordon don't close it out Monday night.
2682. asinwreck
Posted: June 10, 2023 at 10:23 AM (#6132252)
"win one for ish smith" isn't the greatest rallying cry i've ever heard.
His Homeric quest for continued employment across the continent makes this a most inspiring campaign.
2683. KronicFatigue
Posted: June 10, 2023 at 10:34 AM (#6132254)
i wonder if the NBA is going to take a look at kickball violations this summer.
maybe throw them into the "delay of game" basket, along with that ryan hollins bullshit.
Had exactly the same thought, I bet we had it at the same time, on one particular Jokic kick where he not only swung his foot, soccer style, but had a look on his face that said "I could do this all night".
Intentional kick balls should not be allowed. I'm shocked it's been allowed for so long
2684. Tony S
Posted: June 10, 2023 at 10:57 AM (#6132255)
I love Ish! He was a good solid Detroit Piston for three seasons. He has such an old-school feel for running the point.
2686. jmurph
Posted: June 10, 2023 at 12:45 PM (#6132261)
Tough series for Spoelstra's legacy. Why he would go away from the peak Curry/Durant Warriors offense back to the 2022-23 Heat offense in the Finals, of all times, just doesn't make any sense.
(I'm kidding, of course, they're obviously going to win the next 3.)
2687. Gaelan
Posted: June 10, 2023 at 12:48 PM (#6132262)
Once again the Heat get every imaginable call, thank goodness it isn't enough. That was a great fourth quarter for the Nuggets.
The reason I've come to prefer basketball is that in basketball the better team wins the game. That doesn't mean that upsets don't happen, but when they do like when Iowa beat South Carolina in the women's tourney, it is because they played better. Unlike in hockey, where playing better does not mean you win the game. Over time the game itself becomes pointless.
Thank you to the Nuggets for persevering against the officials, justice is restored.
Thank you to the Nuggets for persevering against the officials, justice is restored.
The talent disparity between Denver and Miami is big enough to overcome home-cooked officiating. If Michael Porter Jr. weren't in a funk, this would've been yet another series sweep.
2690. asinwreck
Posted: June 10, 2023 at 04:18 PM (#6132288)
I have no idea what this means for the team's upcoming roster decisions or style of play, but the Raptors have a coach.
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN Sources: The Toronto Raptors are finalizing a deal to hire Memphis Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic as the franchise’s next coach.
2691. Gaelan
Posted: June 10, 2023 at 05:18 PM (#6132317)
Gaelan, in a short series, what's the difference between a hot goalie and a few hot 3 & D guys?
A couple of things. I think luck in hockey goes beyond hot goaltending, and has to do with having so few scoring events. You can outplay a team for an entire period and the score not change, that doesn't happen in basketball.
Second, I think there is a difference between variance and luck. Shooting has a natural variance around it, but you actually make the shot or don't, and making the shot or don't is a real thing that happens. Whether a goal goes in or not is more than just variance, a lot of the time it is just luck. Now luck also has variance around it, so it seems like the same phenomenon, but I don't think it is. Compare a puck going off someone's skate and into the net to someone making a three point shot. Both have variance, but one of them is luck.
Huh. So basically a sport involving slippery, often crowded ice and a hard disc of vulcanized rubber just fundamentally involves more randomness? That's probably right.
(I imagine you'd say soccer, especially under current interpretations of the hand ball rule, suffers from the same flaw.)
Tough series for Spoelstra's legacy. Why he would go away from the peak Curry/Durant Warriors offense back to the 2022-23 Heat offense in the Finals, of all times, just doesn't make any sense.
Spo making a terrible decision to not tell his team to shoot 50% from 3 in these losses. I really question the coaching.
If I were coaching the Heat, I would simply tell Max Strus to start hitting 3pers.
Huh. So basically a sport involving slippery, often crowded ice and a hard disc of vulcanized rubber just fundamentally involves more randomness? That's probably right. (I imagine you'd say soccer, especially under current interpretations of the hand ball rule, suffers from the same flaw.)
i don't think any american sports fan would even consider bringing up soccer.
you'd probably have to go to some hipster bar in brooklyn to find someone who'd ever think to bring it up.
2695. jmurph
Posted: June 10, 2023 at 09:38 PM (#6132340)
Spo making a terrible decision to not tell his team to shoot 50% from 3 in these losses. I really question the coaching.
If I were coaching the Heat, I would simply tell Max Strus to start hitting 3pers.
The adjustment is right there, obvious to anyone, and yet... too stubborn to change it up? smh
2697. jmurph
Posted: June 12, 2023 at 07:49 AM (#6132434)
I might have posted this the first time I saw it, can't remember, but it's interesting:
Kyle Grondin @bykylegrondin
The highest usage rate for a player to make the finals is 21st all time (2001 Iverson). The highest usage rate for a player to win an NBA title is 43rd all time (1993 Jordan). I’m not saying it’s a direct correlation, but it’s also not great to support this style of play
(I didn't check the numbers, but am assuming it's correct.)
2698. Spivey
Posted: June 12, 2023 at 08:45 AM (#6132439)
It feels very reductive to say this, but I actually don't think NBA analysts are emphasizing enough how much Miami is here solely because of the 3pt variance. I'm sure this may feel a bit like sour grapes.. and it kind of is.
To drive it home - if Miami and Milwaukee shot the same % from 3 in round 1, Milwaukee would have outscored Miami by 2pts/game. This with Butler probably having his best series of his career, Giannis being hurt the whole series, and Milwaukee not playing well.
If Miami and Boston shot the same % from 3, Boston would have outscored Miami by ~7-8pts/game (exact number depends a bit on what percentage you use).
So it should by no means be surprisingly they're getting pretty comfortably beaten by a very good team that is beating them from 3.
As parity grows, I do expect many more playoff series - even on-paper lopsided ones - to mostly come down to 3pt variance. If you don't have a LeBron or Curry, weathering a 6 pt/game swing in expectation - which is really not uncommon in a 5-7 game sample - is actually pretty tricky.
I am pretty happy that Denver looks like they're going to win this though.
2699. jmurph
Posted: June 12, 2023 at 10:13 AM (#6132447)
It feels very reductive to say this, but I actually don't think NBA analysts are emphasizing enough how much Miami is here solely because of the 3pt variance. I'm sure this may feel a bit like sour grapes.. and it kind of is.
I think we can hopefully air sour grapes while also making legit points while also criticizing our own teams. I'm certainly right there with you. I can be disgusted at the Celtics for turning Caleb Martin into Kobe for 7 games while also throwing up my hands that Gabe ####### Vincent went 16-31 from 3.
EDIT: One does not air sour grapes but I couldn't figure out how to say that!
It's fascinating to me the degree to which sports media is uncomfortable with the simple fact that sometimes three pointers don't go in.
It's kinda reminiscent of DIPS and the crazy pushback it got. Even smart, analytical focused commentators avoid discussing it at almost all costs, and it gets sort of nodded at towards the end of a segment.
This thread was also highly resistant. Just saying. I've been beating this drum since 2011. The Mavs just kept it up through the finals.
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.
that's the name of the biography about Petrovic, another man with artistic flair from that part of the world. They are not literally on the same plane, and only an imbecile would think so.
Croatia still grieves the athlete who gave them inspiration in some of the nation's darkest hours. give them the damn nickname, at least. they don't have a lot.
also, switching to decaf can greatly improve one's mood.
:)
- mozart
The name of the biography... Artistic Flair? Really? Listen, we all know Drazen Petrovic was a remarkable basketball player with an incredible finesse in his game. But equating his basketball prowess to the artistic genius of Mozart is hyperbole. It's sensationalist. It's preposterous. It's an injustice to both men and their respective crafts.
And trust me, I understand the pain of Croatia. I have very dear Croatian friends. Very dear. I recognize the profound impact Drazen Petrovic had on his homeland, especially during their most trying times. There's no question that he inspired his nation and helped put Croatian basketball on the map. No question. But let's give the man his due without appropriating the legacy of another icon.
And as for your suggestion to switch to decaf — please. This isn't about caffeine. This is about passion. This is about respect for the greats in their own arenas. It's about honoring the legacies of extraordinary individuals without diluting their achievements by making outlandish comparisons.
I'll tell you what, though. I'll consider decaf when the world stops with these absurd analogies. Until then, I'll keep doing what I do best: speaking my mind, speaking my truth, no matter what. I'm not going anywhere.
"The quality of mercy is not strain’d,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice."
But let me tell you something: It’s not about mercy here, it’s about the truth. I have the utmost respect for Drazen Petrovic and his legacy. I’ve spent the entirety of my career fighting for respect for athletes and their accomplishments. But comparing Petrovic to Mozart? That's just a bridge too far.
And listen, you want to quote Shakespeare at me? Fine. But remember, Shakespeare also wrote, "This above all: to thine own self be true." So, let’s be true to the legacies of these two great men and stop the comparisons.
And here's another one for you, since you like quoting the Bard so much: "Brevity is the soul of wit." So I'll be brief: Stop with the nonsense. This is Stephen A. Smith. And I've had it with the foolishness!
Tom Lehrer, still alive, said that almost 60 years ago.
Oh lord have mercy, Donald Trump has weighed in. Now I've seen it all. I gotta tell you, I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be discussing Mozart with Donald Trump.
First of all, Mr. Trump, calling Mozart a "bonafide scrub"? Really? Do you even know what scrub means? Mozart was a master of his craft, a prodigy who composed over 800 works of music in his lifetime. And you say he "can't play music"? Sir, the man didn't just play music, he CREATED it.
And as for his "small hands" — let me tell you something: it's not about the size of your hands, it's about the artistry in your heart and the creativity in your mind. Mozart was crafting symphonies while you and I were still learning to tie our shoes.
And before I forget: Tom Lehrer, the brilliant satirist and songwriter, a dear friend indeed. If you know anything about Tom, you know that he appreciates wit, he appreciates intelligence, and he certainly appreciates the profound artistry of Mozart. I'm sure Tom would agree with me that this comparison — this attack on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — is beneath us.
This isn't a game, Mr. Trump. This isn't politics. This is about respecting the genius of Mozart, the skill of Drazen Petrovic, and the sanctity of their respective legacies. They both deserve better than being reduced to punchlines in a debate they didn't ask to be a part of.
In the immortal words of Lehrer himself, "Life is like a sewer... what you get out of it depends on what you put into it." So let's put some respect into it, shall we? This is Stephen A. Smith, and I'm done playing games.
Low-impact exercise is an important part of the rehab process!
to gain applause, one must say things so inane that they might be backed by barrel-organs;
or so unintelligible that no rational being can comprehend them;
though on that very account, they are likely to please.
Passions, whether violent or not,
should never be so expressed as to reach the point of causing disgust;
and rhetoric, even in situations of the greatest horror,
should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it,
and thereby always remain rhetoric.
To talk well and eloquently is a very great art,
but an equally great one is to know the right moment to stop.
They can't offer more than the $5m TPMLE. He's going to be able to get a lot more than that on the open market (and likely from teams with better title shots).
I'm not surprised the Suns are moving on from Paul. But I am surprised they aren't guaranteeing his deal and then offering him around in trade.
Is he?
Who would give Chris Paul more than $5m?
From Kawakami, noted ownership mouthpiece -- this is how I thought they'd approach things as well, and generally how I'll approach the BBTF Warriors in the upcoming draft.
Sixers, if Harden leaves.
Nets, if they can offload Simmons or a wing.
Grizzlies, if Morant is out for a while.
Bulls
Raptors
Any bad team that he's willing to play for - IMO the best thing you can do to develop young players is put them with a good and experienced PG. Great fit on the Spurs and they might be good again, quick.
Under the new CBA, the regular MLE is almost 2x the TPMLE. It's a big difference.
Of this list, the only one that even remotely makes sense is the Grizzlies.
I think so, but that also seems like a sneaky way to get around cap limits and those are generally anticipated and prevented.
CHI: Paul
IND: Ayton, P.Williams
PHX: Turner, Hield, Ball
Miami has to come up with answers in 48 hours, or the series will end in five as I originally predicted.
My goodness some people will never learn. 40 point Caleb Martin game incoming.
Interesting, thanks for posting. That is a big difference.
Old guys seem to do one of three things: maximize earnings, pick based on location, or chase rings. So I don't see OKC, Brooklyn, Memphis, Chicago, etc., making any sense.
Miami is probably another option that I don't think was mentioned yet.
Then there’s Chris Paul. 18 years into the league, I don’t think he has ever not been worth the money he was paid. Sure, he’s not perfect. He’s old and can’t be relied on to play every game. But even last year, he had the same WS per 48 minutes as Booker, and actually played more minutes than Booker did for the regular season.
I’d love to see him finally play for the Lakers. He’s still a good investment for any team. His contract is reasonable by NBA standards, his 30 million is only half of what a max player can get now. I don’t understand how the Suns think waiving him and paying half could possibly be a good move.
And I still don’t understand how teams have undervalued him in the past, like thinking his contract was so bad that you need to send 4 first rounders out to swap him for a guy who was worse and making the same kind of money. Dumb Rockets. Then Phoenix gets him for a single first rounder, which ended up as the last pick of the round since Paul helped make the Suns so good.
Interesting, thanks for posting. That is a big difference.
Actually it's bigger than that (original text was a typo on my part). Almost 2.5x the TPMLE ($12m vs $5m). The chance seems to me to be trying to funnel that tier of player to the non-taxpaying teams. In the last CBA, the difference was small enough (about 1.5x) that it was common for guys to turn down the full MLE for a slightly smaller deal from a taxpaying team. Now it's a much bigger sacrifice to do that.
It depends on what your goals are as a player, and which player we're talking about.
If you are a veteran, and your goal is additional flexibility, and being able to play for contenders, it seems like you're going to make less money comparatively than you would have before.
However, rookies will make more. Midlevel guys will make more, and players as a group will make a lot more. In addition, although it's distasteful, stars will make a #### ton more money by being able to take endorsements from gambling and drug companies.
So if your goal is winning as a vet, you lose. If your goal is making money, you win.
I'm also not sure how many guys are turning down 3 year full MLEs for TPMLEs. That's a lot of money left on the table for a player type where that money is likely super valuable - unless it's someone who was a max player earlier in their career.
Guys regularly decide to sign vet minimums to contend. David West, Cousins, etc.
Finals: If Murray plays like that, Denver is very hard to beat, and he has been able to do it a lot.
Pelicans:
+ Anfernee Simons
+ Shadeon Sharpe
+ 2023 #3 overall pick
TrailBlazers:
+ Zion Williamson
Moriah Mills.
Inverted 4/1 PnR, where Dame pops.
Spain PnR where the center pops and Zion rolls.
The fit on offense is phenomenal.
Also, while next year's draft is supposed to be very weak, I believe (?) that sort of distinction usually mostly applies to top 5/lottery type talents.
Seems like a sensible play for Denver; the jockeying teams do around the looming CBA this offseason is going to be fascinating.
For OKC in particular, I get that they want to declutter their first round, but this seems like the kind of deal they could have had at any point. They give up a ton of value to move back.
IMO, the goal should be to move up from 12 to 3 (or something like that to be clear), not back in time.
I get how that would be ideal for OKC from a value perspective, but I'm skeptical an NBA team with the #3 pick would trade back to 12 without OKC overpaying. Teams pretty much only trade off a pick that high to get talent for now, so who would OKC even attach? I don't think Dort is valuable enough, SGA is much too good, and basically everyone else is 22. I think moving back in time is kind of the only way to move up to 3 paying only draft equity. It'll be interesting to see what kind of protections they agreed to.
Well, this is an overpay, too. I would look to overpay dramatically to go up, rather than overpay a little to go back.
I think OKC could orchestrate more of a 3 team deal.
So team A contributes the high draft pick, OKC contributes the bulk of the value, and team C contributes the guy that Portland (or whoever) is targeting.
Fair - I just think these deals are really, really rare, and that's not because there aren't teams that want to move up. Like, I don't know how much of their draft capital they'd have to use in a draft like this year to do it, but I don't think it's unreasonable to say it'd be most of it.
"win one for ish smith" isn't the greatest rallying cry i've ever heard.
maybe throw them into the "delay of game" basket, along with that ryan hollins bullshit.
Had exactly the same thought, I bet we had it at the same time, on one particular Jokic kick where he not only swung his foot, soccer style, but had a look on his face that said "I could do this all night".
Intentional kick balls should not be allowed. I'm shocked it's been allowed for so long
(I'm kidding, of course, they're obviously going to win the next 3.)
The reason I've come to prefer basketball is that in basketball the better team wins the game. That doesn't mean that upsets don't happen, but when they do like when Iowa beat South Carolina in the women's tourney, it is because they played better. Unlike in hockey, where playing better does not mean you win the game. Over time the game itself becomes pointless.
Thank you to the Nuggets for persevering against the officials, justice is restored.
A couple of things. I think luck in hockey goes beyond hot goaltending, and has to do with having so few scoring events. You can outplay a team for an entire period and the score not change, that doesn't happen in basketball.
Second, I think there is a difference between variance and luck. Shooting has a natural variance around it, but you actually make the shot or don't, and making the shot or don't is a real thing that happens. Whether a goal goes in or not is more than just variance, a lot of the time it is just luck. Now luck also has variance around it, so it seems like the same phenomenon, but I don't think it is. Compare a puck going off someone's skate and into the net to someone making a three point shot. Both have variance, but one of them is luck.
(I imagine you'd say soccer, especially under current interpretations of the hand ball rule, suffers from the same flaw.)
Spo making a terrible decision to not tell his team to shoot 50% from 3 in these losses. I really question the coaching.
If I were coaching the Heat, I would simply tell Max Strus to start hitting 3pers.
you'd probably have to go to some hipster bar in brooklyn to find someone who'd ever think to bring it up.
The adjustment is right there, obvious to anyone, and yet... too stubborn to change it up? smh
Erik Spoelstra is excited for Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami: "Hopefully I can get a ticket"
(I didn't check the numbers, but am assuming it's correct.)
To drive it home - if Miami and Milwaukee shot the same % from 3 in round 1, Milwaukee would have outscored Miami by 2pts/game. This with Butler probably having his best series of his career, Giannis being hurt the whole series, and Milwaukee not playing well.
If Miami and Boston shot the same % from 3, Boston would have outscored Miami by ~7-8pts/game (exact number depends a bit on what percentage you use).
So it should by no means be surprisingly they're getting pretty comfortably beaten by a very good team that is beating them from 3.
As parity grows, I do expect many more playoff series - even on-paper lopsided ones - to mostly come down to 3pt variance. If you don't have a LeBron or Curry, weathering a 6 pt/game swing in expectation - which is really not uncommon in a 5-7 game sample - is actually pretty tricky.
I am pretty happy that Denver looks like they're going to win this though.
I think we can hopefully air sour grapes while also making legit points while also criticizing our own teams. I'm certainly right there with you. I can be disgusted at the Celtics for turning Caleb Martin into Kobe for 7 games while also throwing up my hands that Gabe ####### Vincent went 16-31 from 3.
EDIT: One does not air sour grapes but I couldn't figure out how to say that!
It's kinda reminiscent of DIPS and the crazy pushback it got. Even smart, analytical focused commentators avoid discussing it at almost all costs, and it gets sort of nodded at towards the end of a segment.
This thread was also highly resistant. Just saying. I've been beating this drum since 2011. The Mavs just kept it up through the finals.
You must be Registered and Logged In to post comments.
<< Back to main