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Friday, October 05, 2018

OT - NBA Thread (2018-19 season kickoff edition)

I estimate only 10-12 Primates care about the NBA, none of whom knew the old thread would get closed, thus detracting from what this site is really about: the baseball playoffs, maybe?

Moses Taylor loves a good maim Posted: October 05, 2018 at 03:43 PM | 6856 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: basketball, nba, off-topic

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1. Moses Taylor loves a good maim Posted: October 05, 2018 at 03:45 PM (#5761278)

Since the other one was closed, guess we didn't have a choice but start a new one.

2. It's regretful that PASTE was able to get out Posted: October 05, 2018 at 05:04 PM (#5761349)

Oh, the baseball playoffs are on now?

3. This is going to be state of the art wall Posted: October 05, 2018 at 05:54 PM (#5761396)

Kickoff? Really!

4. puck Posted: October 05, 2018 at 06:01 PM (#5761401)

Luka Doncic 1st preseason game highlights.

5. JC in DC Posted: October 05, 2018 at 06:01 PM (#5761402)

Why was the other'n closed?

6. Moses Taylor loves a good maim Posted: October 05, 2018 at 06:04 PM (#5761404)

Kickoff? Really!

We're talking basketball on a baseball site. Why not?

Why was the other'n closed?

I don't know. Sometimes when you set up a thread, there's a default to close the thread. I make sure I don't put a date in, but I didn't submit that one.

7. This is going to be state of the art wall Posted: October 05, 2018 at 06:57 PM (#5761422)

uka Doncic 1st preseason game highlights.

thanks for the link. Scouting report looks really accurate on him. Competitive, good motor, big, smooth, great vision, crafty finisher with a solid shot -- not athletic.

Reminds me of Kukoc but tougher all around and I think he'll have a great career. Might not be a superstar but a long time starter with an ASG or two sprinkled in.

8. Athletic Supporter's restaurant with Ted Danson Posted: October 05, 2018 at 07:00 PM (#5761425)

Alright, y'all. BBTF Wacky Prediction Thread, 2018-2019:

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play?
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be?
3. Who will be the first coach fired?
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game)
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh?
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have?
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley?
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field?
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time.
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+?

Fine print: points awarded, max 10 per question:
1. 10 minus the difference between your guess and the answer, down to 0
2. 10 minus one point for every .005 you're off, down to 0. Question invalidated if Fultz shoots fewer than 50 FGA.
3. 10 if you pick the first coach fired, 5 if your pick is fired; all firings must occur before end of season and after start of season (if someone gets fired before start of season, you can revise your prediction)
4. 10 if you pick first place, 8-6-4-2 for second-third-fourth-fifth
5. 10 points, all or nothing. Only counts trades after game 1 and before game 82 (eg if Whiteside is traded for Butler preseason that doesn't count, but you will have the chance to revise your prediction)
6. 10 minus the difference between your guess and the answer, down to 0
7. 10 for the first place choice, 5 for the second
8. 10 points, all or nothing
9. 5 points for each successful choice
10. 10 points for the right bracket. 5 points if you're off by a bracket.

9. It's regretful that PASTE was able to get out Posted: October 05, 2018 at 07:13 PM (#5761435)

Here are the worst predictions you'll find in this thread, guaranteed or your money back:

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 47
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? .412
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Scott Brooks
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Trae Young
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? Yes (Whiteside, because even if it doesn't turn out to be Glen Taylor, Riley will find a sucker)
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 6
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? Stephenson, of course
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? The field (I believe in Andrew Wiggins!)
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 5-19

10. Fourth True Outcome Posted: October 05, 2018 at 07:27 PM (#5761439)

All right, let's see how wrong I can be:

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 55
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? .455
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Thibs
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Doncic
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? nope
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 11
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? I want to pick SuperCoolBeas, but I think it'll be JaVale
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? The field
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Tatum and Ingram
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 1-4

11. aberg Posted: October 05, 2018 at 07:34 PM (#5761442)

WAGs:

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 64
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? 41
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Dave Joerger
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Trae Young
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? Yes
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 7
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? Rondo
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? Field
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Simmons, Tatum
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 20-81

12. tshipman (The Viscount of Variance)

Posted: October 05, 2018 at 07:43 PM (#5761449)

Wait, who won the last wacky prediction contest? I can't find the update.

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 52
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? .430--This is a sneaky one. If his shot is better, he'll shoot more 3s, which will lower his fg%. If his shot is completely broken, he might only attack the rim and pass out of midrangers.
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Dave Joerger
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Bagley
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? Yes--and I'll say it's McCollum, Wiggins or Conley that are the most likely.
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 15 (he had 18 last year)
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? Easy Beasley for me here.
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? If you can't handle me at my WESTBROOK, you don't deserve me at my BESTBROOK.
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Ben Simmons, Mike Conley
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 0. 1-4 is probably the smarter bet tho.

13. Athletic Supporter's restaurant with Ted Danson Posted: October 05, 2018 at 07:50 PM (#5761456)

jmurph and stevegamer tied with 50 out of a possible 100 points in the inaugural edition last year. I think I posted, but if not, congrats again guys!

Nero Wolfe, tship, and TFTIO all had 45.

14. Hombre Brotani

Posted: October 05, 2018 at 08:08 PM (#5761472)

100% accuracy. Bet on it:

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 61
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? 41%
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Tom Thibodeau
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Deandre Ayton
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? Yes. Miami will move Whiteside in a heartbeat
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 17
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? JaVale McGee
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? Westbrook
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Ben Simmons, Al Horford
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 5-19

15. Willard Baseball Posted: October 05, 2018 at 08:25 PM (#5761478)

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play?67
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? 46%
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Fred Hoiberg
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Collin Sexton
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? Yes(Otto Porter)
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 13
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? Javale
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? Westbrook
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Simmons/Tatum
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 5-19

16. Booey Posted: October 05, 2018 at 09:00 PM (#5761506)

9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Ben Simmons, Al Horford

First time, Hombre, not 6th time.

The season hasn't even started yet and your 100% accuracy prediction is already shot! ;-)

17. Hombre Brotani

Posted: October 05, 2018 at 09:04 PM (#5761509)

First time with Boston? Everything's right, if you look at it from a certain point of view.

18. Booey Posted: October 05, 2018 at 09:15 PM (#5761513)

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 65
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? 40%
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Thibs
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Doncic, I guess.
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? Yes
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 9
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? Rondo. He seems like a "Magic" type of player, so he'll get more PT than his play deserves.
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? The field. Russ shot less last year with George on board, so I expect more of the same. WB seems to like/respect PG enough to allow him to share the spotlight (yeah, Westbrook jacked 43 shots in an elimination game last playoffs, but PG went 2-16 himself, so more George shots wasn't really the answer that night).
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Simmons and Jokic seem like the most obvious picks to me.*
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 1-4

19. Booey Posted: October 05, 2018 at 09:17 PM (#5761515)

First time with Boston? Everything's right, if you look at it from a certain point of view.

Nope. He still made it last year. With Gorman Harvard out of commission, Boston's record warranted a 2nd All Star (weren't they the #1 seed at the All Star break?)

20. Hombre Brotani

Posted: October 05, 2018 at 09:22 PM (#5761518)

First time with Boston?

Nope. He still made it last year.

First time that I predict he will. Take that!

21. Booey Posted: October 05, 2018 at 09:38 PM (#5761523)

* To expand on the 1st time All Stars question, here's the guys I feel are most likely:

1) Simmons - The East sucks, and the Sixers should be a top 3 seed, so they'll get a 2nd All Star. Seems like a lock.

2) Jokic - Denver should be competing for a playoff spot, and he's far and away their most prominent player (I think Millsap's All Star days are over), so if they get one, it's Jokic.

3) Gobert - The Jazz should be good enough to nab their first All Star selection of the post Gorwin Hammond era, and if they only get one, I think the veteran who carries their all-world defense is more likely than a 2nd year wing...

4) Mitchell - ...however, Utah could be a 3rd or 4th seed, which might be enough a warrant a 2nd All Star. And as the focal point of the offense, Spida could average 25 ppg. My guess is that he's another year away from his first AS appearance, though.

5) Tatum - I think he's going to be a stud, but with Irving and Hargrove back, and Horford still in the house, he might not get the shots he needs to really shine this year.

6) Middleton - The East still sucks, and Middleton averaged 20 ppg last year for a team that could be improved enough to nap a top 4 seed and earn a second All Star.

7) McCollum - Similar to Middleton, except that the West doesn't suck and the Blazers will probably regress a bit and won't have the record to warrant a 2nd All Star.

22. . . . . . . Posted: October 05, 2018 at 11:20 PM (#5761558)

I’m surprised by how bad Doncic looks in those highlights. So unathletic. I feel like he’s a guy who peaks early with old player skills - like he’s a valuable starter from day 1 - but tops out at just that, and falls off a cliff after 30.

23. puck Posted: October 06, 2018 at 12:20 AM (#5761573)

I recorded the game but when I saw those Doncic highlights, I figured I'd better watch them as what are the chances I get to the game with all the baseball going on.

I was surprised he looked so slow, too. He had definite skills, and if he is able to get the going that will help a lot. But I wonder if he'll be a bit like Jokic--really good on offense and a great playmaker, but always challenged on D.

24. Athletic Supporter's restaurant with Ted Danson Posted: October 06, 2018 at 12:56 AM (#5761578)

+1 for Doncic looking like old man skills. I still think it would have been right to draft him #1, just because having a good starter during cost controlled years is so valuable, but, we shall see.

25. tshipman (The Viscount of Variance)

Posted: October 06, 2018 at 12:57 PM (#5761637)

I’m surprised by how bad Doncic looks in those highlights. Such a gym rat. I feel like he’s a guy who is like a coach on the floor - like he’s a real locker room guy from day 1 - but tops out at just that, and sells insurance after 30.

(I think Doncic has looked really good. His PnR passing is already ++ at an NBA level.)

26. i don't vibrate on the frequency of the 57i66135 Posted: October 06, 2018 at 01:56 PM (#5761645)

doncic is (at least) 230 lbs. i suspect he'll drop some of that weight next summer, but for now, he's not running past or jumping over anyone.

27. TFTIO was writing C programs in the '90s Posted: October 06, 2018 at 06:30 PM (#5761728)

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 49
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? 41%
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Thibs
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Kevin Knox
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? Yes
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 6
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? Beasley
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? Westbrook, with a bullet
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Jokic, Mitchell
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 5-19

28. Mellow Mouse, Benevolent Space Tyrant Posted: October 06, 2018 at 08:28 PM (#5761762)

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 55
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? 41.50
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Thibs
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Deandre Ayton
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? Yes
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 4
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? Lance
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? Westbrook
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Simmons, Tatum
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 20-81

29. Davo Posted: October 06, 2018 at 09:41 PM (#5761786)

The season starts on October 16th? Nice! I thought it was always right around Halloween--shows how little I've followed the league the last few years!

30. Hombre Brotani

Posted: October 07, 2018 at 12:35 AM (#5761867)

A lot of very smart people say a lot of very good things about Brandon Ingram. Yet another game tonight that I'm still not seeing it.

31. rr: over-entitled starf@ck3r Posted: October 07, 2018 at 01:21 AM (#5761869)

I remember last year when the Lakers moved Russell to get Mozgov off the books, Pelton was saying that he thought that they should have considered moving Ingram instead. Lowe likes Ingram and wrote a lot about him after the Lakers got James. I like some things about Ingram but ultimately I see him the same way I see Russell: not great at any one thing, and not a great athlete by NBA standards.

32. Crosseyed and Painless Posted: October 07, 2018 at 11:22 AM (#5761910)

Wolves just won't budge on this Butler trade despite Butler's agent/Miami/Woj's best efforts.

33. It's regretful that PASTE was able to get out Posted: October 07, 2018 at 11:38 AM (#5761915)

Could be because Miami is trying to insist on making Minnesota swallow Whiteside.

I mean, that's probably not it, but we really have no idea what is going on, what is actually being offered, etc.

34. Hombre Brotani

Posted: October 07, 2018 at 05:01 PM (#5762012)

According to Sedano, Riley was not amused with the Wolves front office or their head coach:
“Pat Riley my understanding, he may or may not have told Thibs a week or so ago to ‘get your f—— house in order’ and hung up the phone.”

Link.

35. i don't vibrate on the frequency of the 57i66135 Posted: October 07, 2018 at 06:22 PM (#5762040)

The season starts on October 16th? Nice! I thought it was always right around Halloween--shows how little I've followed the league the last few years!

they changed it after the last lockout because players complained about the number of back to back road games and stretches of playing 4 games in 5 nights.

A lot of very smart people say a lot of very good things about Brandon Ingram. Yet another game tonight that I'm still not seeing it.

he's a lot like kyle anderson and otto porter, except his defense isn't as good and his BBIQ is not nearly as high.

from the last thread:

Hey steagles, is Fultz's shot "fixed" now?

Still a bad, low release but actually has a legit motion now and no hitch. Certainly looks a lot better. Looks viable.

we don't know whether fultz had "the yips", but if he did, that kind of thing can come and go. if that was his issue, he'll always be a sneeze (or whatever) away from shooting like someone who has parkinson's disease.

if that's not what was wrong with him, then it's like you said, his release is slow and low, but it's viable.

36. Harlond Posted: October 07, 2018 at 09:22 PM (#5762093)

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 68
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? 37%
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Thibs
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Trae Young
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? No
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 4
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? Beasley
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? The field
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Jokic, Mitchell
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 20-81

37. NJ in NJ Posted: October 07, 2018 at 11:12 PM (#5762172)

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 63
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? 43.5
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Thibs
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Kevin Knox
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? No
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 13
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? Beasley
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? Westbrook
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Jokic, Simmons
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 5-19

38. TFTIO was writing C programs in the '90s Posted: October 08, 2018 at 08:04 AM (#5762217)

I know it’s preseason and all but holy Moses do the Wolves look terrible.

39. Der-K's enjoying the new boygenius album. Posted: October 08, 2018 at 09:28 AM (#5762245)

doncic is (at least) 230 lbs. i suspect he'll drop some of that weight next summer, but for now, he's not running past or jumping over anyone.

I think he's underrated as a defender (which is to say, adequate in some matchups - will be fine once he learns the league and gets toned) and that his body will change over time but, yes.

---

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 67
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? 43.0
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Tricky one. Should be Thibs. Joerger is a bad fit for Sac, I think. DC is a mess. I'll say Scott Brooks.
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Ayton. Watch it be Giles and we don't know what to do with this one.
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? Yes
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 11
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? Beasley. I feel a strong lack of confidence in this one.
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? Field (I almost always bet field.)
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Jokic, Simmons. Considered Mitchell/Gobert, Tatum (Leastern conference and all that)
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 5-19

40. PJ Martinez Posted: October 08, 2018 at 09:35 AM (#5762249)

"Luka being Ben Simmons without all the athleticism but with a decent jumper is a good experiment to determine what's most important"

41. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 09:45 AM (#5762254)

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 41
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? 39.4%
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Stotts
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Trae Young
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? Yes (McCollum)
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 19
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? Beasley
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? Field (only because Russ is injured)
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Simmons, Jokic
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 5-19

42. Crosseyed and Painless Posted: October 08, 2018 at 09:45 AM (#5762255)

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 63
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? 42.5%
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Doc Rivers
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Marvin Bagley
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here), with the explicit exceptions of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh? No
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 14
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, or Michael Beasley? Beasley
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook, or the field? Field
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time.
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 0, 1-4, 5-19, 20-81, or 82+? 5-19 Gobert and Simmons

43. Der-K's enjoying the new boygenius album. Posted: October 08, 2018 at 09:46 AM (#5762257)

pj/40: It's not either/or, tho! They're both snowflakes...

44. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 10:01 AM (#5762263)

I haven't seen enough of Doncic yet to have an opinion, but I was also pretty shocked by the highlights that people were breathlessly sharing on twitter. He looked extremely unathletic to me. But as of now I definitely defer to his performance record and all the draft experts who loved him coming in.

45. JC in DC Posted: October 08, 2018 at 10:19 AM (#5762270)

Y'all are overrating athleticism; I see a guy who methodically gets by people and gets to the basket.

NJ (and other Knicks fans): What do you think so far of Fizdale? I'm totally in the bag for the guy and called for his hire as soon as Memphis let him go. You guys have any impressions so far?

46. Der-K's enjoying the new boygenius album. Posted: October 08, 2018 at 10:27 AM (#5762274)

He looks like the same guy I saw in Europe. I love what I saw in Europe.

I have broader thoughts about athleticism, but feel like I ought to run a mini study to validate them before I ramble. (It's unlikely that I'll do this.) Part of it is: speed is overrated.

47. Der-K's enjoying the new boygenius album. Posted: October 08, 2018 at 11:04 AM (#5762295)

Grizz added DJ Stephens on a 2-way deal. On the court, he's a player I've long liked - a phenomenal leaper who is both fast and somewhat quick who was too small to play the four (he's 6-5 and not bulky) but has added a solid enough three point shot to go with his usual array of hustle plays and can now function as a 3-and-D wing despite very limited ballhandling/passing skills. However, he also has a domestic assault charge in his past (I haven't found how that resolved) so...

48. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 11:10 AM (#5762301)

Y'all are overrating athleticism; I see a guy who methodically gets by people and gets to the basket.

Well yeah, me too, but having basically never seen him play I was still surprised by the movement, body, etc. But his track record speaks for itself.

49. The Good Face Posted: October 08, 2018 at 11:30 AM (#5762319)

Y'all are overrating athleticism; I see a guy who methodically gets by people and gets to the basket.

Well yeah, me too, but having basically never seen him play I was still surprised by the movement, body, etc. But his track record speaks for itself.

We're not selling jeans here.

50. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 11:33 AM (#5762321)

Me: I think he'll be good.
Literally three of you: Why don't you think he'll be good?

51. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 11:41 AM (#5762326)

Ugh, I missed the Dejounte Murray knee injury last night, hopefully that isn't as bad as it looked.

52. JC in DC Posted: October 08, 2018 at 12:00 PM (#5762348)

I like jmurph's self-interpretation posts. Taking analysis to a new meta!

53. Der-K's enjoying the new boygenius album. Posted: October 08, 2018 at 12:03 PM (#5762352)

jmurph, I wasn't addressing you, fwiw.

54. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 12:09 PM (#5762358)

Sorry I was like 54% kidding, no worries.

I haven't seen many of the other rookies yet, either. How are Ayton, Bagley, etc. looking?

55. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 12:12 PM (#5762362)

Really strange timing, but the Suns just fired Ryan McDonough, according to Shams.

56. Der-K's enjoying the new boygenius album. Posted: October 08, 2018 at 12:14 PM (#5762364)

ayton is putting up #s. (top 5 in the league in ppg, rpg, bpg) haven't seen phoenix yet but...
---
whoa. weird timing on mcdonough.

57. JC in DC Posted: October 08, 2018 at 12:15 PM (#5762366)

I was just kidding as well, jmurph.

58. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 12:43 PM (#5762383)

Robert Sarver Increasingly Involved In Day-To-Day Operations Of Suns

Seems like a bad headline for Suns fans.

59. JJ1986 Posted: October 08, 2018 at 12:51 PM (#5762390)

James Jones is a pretty high-up in the Suns front office. I wonder if he gets the job so they don't have to pay a high salary for an outsider.

60. DCA Posted: October 08, 2018 at 12:52 PM (#5762392)

The only way to win these is by guessing far away from the crowd often, where there's not a strong centering incentive.

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 20
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? 42%
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Walton
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game) Doncic
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded? Yes
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 23
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Rondo
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Westbrook
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time: Mitchell, Gobert
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 1-4

61. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 12:56 PM (#5762396)

I wonder if he gets the job so they don't have to pay a high salary for an outsider.

I thought the same thing about the timing- they did this with the coach last year and just went the interim route for 70+ games.

62. Der-K's enjoying the new boygenius album. Posted: October 08, 2018 at 01:04 PM (#5762402)

Murray: torn ACL

63. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 01:12 PM (#5762412)

God that sucks so much.

64. JC in DC Posted: October 08, 2018 at 01:27 PM (#5762427)

So, does Pops announce his retirement?

65. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 01:31 PM (#5762430)

It's still so hard to imagine them missing the playoffs, but man, that's just not a good roster right now.

66. aberg Posted: October 08, 2018 at 01:45 PM (#5762442)

I thought the same thing about the timing- they did this with the coach last year and just went the interim route for 70+ games.

They're actually going to let Brett Brown function as the GM for the rest of the year.

67. puck Posted: October 08, 2018 at 01:58 PM (#5762454)

Y'all are overrating athleticism; I see a guy who methodically gets by people and gets to the basket.

Luka Doncic highlights, part ii. Hit a few 3's. Nifty drive to the basket at 1:48.

68. JC in DC Posted: October 08, 2018 at 02:02 PM (#5762457)

The guy just knows how to put the ball in the basket. Right by Embiid.

69. Der-K's enjoying the new boygenius album. Posted: October 08, 2018 at 02:13 PM (#5762469)

i'm not sold on his jump shot just yet. it looks good and he's been fine in preseason, but his 3 point numbers in europe weren't great, partly (as i understand it) due to shot selection.

70. It's regretful that PASTE was able to get out Posted: October 08, 2018 at 02:15 PM (#5762472)

I watched yesterday's Portland-Utah game and took notice of both team's prominent rookies:

I admit to being biased against Anfernee Simons because he has stupid hair, but he flashed the talent to score from all three levels on an NBA floor. If he develops the basketball savvy to match his talent, he'll be a player.

Grayson Allen didn't look nearly as good. It's early days, but he seemed to really be struggling to keep up on an NBA floor. Also I don't watch college basketball so I'm sure I'm the six millionth person to say something along these lines, but: is he related to Ted Cruz? No? Are you sure?

Also, Zach Collins is a stiff. If he develops a decent jump shot, then he'll be a stiff with a decent jump shot. Portland spent two mid-first rounders on him. They blew that one. But at least Meyers Leonard has someone to hang out with now.

Also also, they have Nurkic shooting threes this preseason and he actually looks pretty good doing it!

71. billyshears Posted: October 08, 2018 at 02:28 PM (#5762491)

NJ (and other Knicks fans): What do you think so far of Fizdale? I'm totally in the bag for the guy and called for his hire as soon as Memphis let him go. You guys have any impressions so far?

I think the Knicks now have management and coaching that is solidly average and within the mainstream of conventional modern NBA though. Which seems like a ####### revelation. I'm as (cautiously) optimistic as I have been about the Knicks in some time. But they're still also like 3 major and 2 moderate developments away from even mattering again.

72. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 02:37 PM (#5762500)

Also, Zach Collins is a stiff. If he develops a decent jump shot, then he'll be a stiff with a decent jump shot. Portland spent two mid-first rounders on him. They blew that one.

I thought he showed some stuff last year, and he's still just shy of 21. He's mobile, stretchy, I don't know, there's some potential there.

73. aberg Posted: October 08, 2018 at 02:51 PM (#5762519)

Who wins a series between a team built from the 84 draft vs the 03 draft?

84:
PG- Stockton, Vern Fleming
Wings- Jordan, Barkley, Jerome Kersey, Alvin Robertson
Bigs- Olajuwon, Kevin Willis, Otis Thorpe, Sam Perkins

03
PG- Lebron, Kirk Hinrich
Wings- Wade, Carmelo, Korver, James Jones (Lebron made sure he's on the team)
Bigs- Bosh, David West, Diaw, Zaza/Collison/Kendrick Perkins

74. i don't vibrate on the frequency of the 57i66135 Posted: October 08, 2018 at 02:52 PM (#5762521)

“I am not a real patient person,” Sarver says. “You don’t have the kind of success that allows you to buy an NBA team by being a patient person in business. But it’s just a personality trait, and you try not to make decisions based on that.”
...
“Most of the time, to play the cap space game, you have to strip down your roster,” McDonough says. “That won’t be the case for us. We want to win quickly, but we also want to build something sustainable.”

link

75. This is going to be state of the art wall Posted: October 08, 2018 at 02:56 PM (#5762525)

Is Sarver a worse owner than Dolan?

76. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 03:00 PM (#5762530)

Is Sarver a worse owner than Dolan?

What are the knocks against Sarver, other than that (I think) that he doesn't want to go into the tax? I don't follow them but he doesn't appear to be overly meddlesome.

77. It's regretful that PASTE was able to get out Posted: October 08, 2018 at 03:10 PM (#5762539)

aberg: the team with Michael Jordan on it wins. (Also the '03 team has no one on it that a properly motivated Barkley wouldn't destroy, other than LeBron.)

As for Sarver, he seems to be the closest thing basketball has to Jeff Loria.

78. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 03:19 PM (#5762551)

Looking back at the over/unders from the last thread, I tried to find 10 I liked and then remembered I'd be a terrible gambler and gave up after 8:

Boston 58.5 UNDER
Philadelphia 54 UNDER
Cleveland 30.5 OVER (though I'd worry they'll fully blow it up to try to keep their pick)

Golden State 63.5 UNDER
Houston 55.5 UNDER
Utah 49.5 OVER
Clippers 36.5 OVER
Memphis 33.5 UNDER

79. Mellow Mouse, Benevolent Space Tyrant Posted: October 08, 2018 at 03:22 PM (#5762555)

Who wins a series between a team built from the 84 draft vs the 03 draft?

It always depends on what rules/style is being played, but the 84 team looks better to this old guy.

80. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 03:27 PM (#5762561)

Speaking of 1984, since it's been a couple days since I mentioned the Basketball: A Love Story documentary, I watched the Jordan episode last night and it has footage from the scrimmages between the 84 Olympic Team, featuring MJ and Ewing, among others, and teams of NBA stars. It does not disappoint. Many of you likely know this already, but the NBA guys got tired of losing and started fouling the #### out of the college guys in one of the scrimmages. Ewing almost decked someone and Bob Knight (coaching the Olympic guys) held the ball behind his back while he berated the refs and then, after giving it back to them, slapped it out of a ref's hand.

81. Fridas Boss Posted: October 08, 2018 at 03:30 PM (#5762563)

1. How many games will Joel Embiid play? 55
2. What will Markelle Fultz's FG% be? .420
3. Who will be the first coach fired? Dave Joerger
4. Which rookie will have the most total points? (NOT points per game): Trey Young
5. Will any of the top 25 contracts in the NBA be traded (see here): NO
6. How many triple-doubles will LeBron James have? 15
7. Which Clown or Bastard will score the most points this year: Michael Beasley
8. Who will lead the league in missed field goals: Russell Westbrook
9. Pick two players who will make the All-Star game for the first time. Jokic and Booker
10. How many 3-pointers will Ben Simmons make this year: 1-4

82. Der-K's enjoying the new boygenius album. Posted: October 08, 2018 at 03:35 PM (#5762573)

Supposedly, Sarver does like to meddle - and he's been problematically cheap in the past.

83. jmurph Posted: October 08, 2018 at 03:36 PM (#5762574)

and he's been problematically cheap in the past.

I definitely remember the selling of draft picks in the Kerr era.

84. Der-K's enjoying the new boygenius album. Posted: October 08, 2018 at 03:38 PM (#5762575)

Agree w/ Mellow Mouse/79.

85. aberg Posted: October 08, 2018 at 05:43 PM (#5762661)

Supposedly, Sarver does like to meddle - and he's been problematically cheap in the past.

Old Mr. McdDonough from the haunted basketball team was trying to trick the city into supporting a team built around young big men with no PG, and he would've gotten away with it too, if it wasn't for that meddling owner.

86. Hombre Brotani

Posted: October 08, 2018 at 07:42 PM (#5762729)

Who wins a series between a team built from the 84 draft vs the 03 draft?

1984. The '03 team has no one who can remotely check Hakeem. Having both Jordan and Robertson to check Lebron on the perimeter is nice.

87. i don't vibrate on the frequency of the 57i66135 Posted: October 08, 2018 at 08:11 PM (#5762755)

the 2011 draft would be a sneaky great roster:

G: kyrie, kemba, isaiah, jackson, knight
W: kawhi, butler, klay, harris, bogdanovic, shumpert
B: vucevic, kanter, valanciunas, thompson, morris, morris, faried, mirotic, bertans

88. i don't vibrate on the frequency of the 57i66135 Posted: October 08, 2018 at 08:16 PM (#5762764)

this is a fun headline:

Markelle Fultz Is A Deranged Weirdo Who Doesn't Know How To Use His Limbs

89. Mellow Mouse, Benevolent Space Tyrant Posted: October 08, 2018 at 08:29 PM (#5762779)

So the more I read and hear about the Wolves behind the scenes the bigger train wreck it sounds like.

Ugh.

But on the happy side I feel better about my Thibs firing prediction. I do have a question though, if Thibs quits does that count, or does he have to be fired?

90. Booey Posted: October 08, 2018 at 08:32 PM (#5762781)

Who wins a series between a team built from the 84 draft vs the 03 draft?

The '03 team, but only cuz all the players from the '84 draft are in their mid 50's.

91. tshipman (The Viscount of Variance)

Posted: October 08, 2018 at 08:34 PM (#5762783)

What rules are we playing with for the '84 vs. '03?

If Zone principles are allowed, the '03 draft team wipes the floor with the '84 team.

i'm not sold on his jump shot just yet. it looks good and he's been fine in preseason, but his 3 point numbers in europe weren't great, partly (as i understand it) due to shot selection.

Allegedly his catch and shoot numbers were solid, but his pull up numbers were bad.

He's looked absolutely fantastic as a PnR passer.

92. Mellow Mouse, Benevolent Space Tyrant Posted: October 08, 2018 at 08:39 PM (#5762792)

If Zone principles are allowed, the '03 draft team wipes the floor with the '84 team.

I think Jordan, Stockton, and Dream play in any era. Barkley ain't bad either.

93. It's regretful that PASTE was able to get out Posted: October 08, 2018 at 08:50 PM (#5762802)

If Zone principles are allowed, the '03 draft team wipes the floor with the '84 team.

Even if the '84 team gets a top tier coach and a few months to prepare?

94. i don't vibrate on the frequency of the 57i66135 Posted: October 08, 2018 at 09:50 PM (#5762856)

No other team has experienced the kind of roster upheaval the Clippers have over the past two years (Wesley Johnson is the longest-tenured player, at three seasons)

Rivers ended up as the Clippers head coach largely because he didn’t want to go through another rebuilding process in Boston. He also traded away a future first-round pick for a few months of human Band-Aid Jeff Green. Rivers is no longer making personnel decisions

95. King Mekong Posted: October 08, 2018 at 10:51 PM (#5762898)

My two biggest reasons to watch the spurs this year are out with big knee injuries in the preseason. This sucks.

Hopefully white can translate his g league play to the nba.

96. tshipman (The Viscount of Variance)

Posted: October 08, 2018 at 11:22 PM (#5762912)

I think Jordan, Stockton, and Dream play in any era. Barkley ain't bad either.

Even if the '84 team gets a top tier coach and a few months to prepare?

None of those guys can shoot. You can just pack the paint and double team everyone, 2008 Celtics-style. You'll give up some offensive rebounds and have to play big, but you'll contest so many shots it would be crazy. The '84 team will be taking 70 midrangers/game. It's tough to win against an offense that shoots 3 pointers when you're shooting 45% on 2. The bigs on that '03 team are pretty shaky, admittedly.

97. Eric J can SABER all he wants to Posted: October 08, 2018 at 11:43 PM (#5762917)

None of those guys can shoot.

Stockton shot 38% from deep for his career, close to 40% if you leave out his first few years (during which he shot 3's very rarely and probably has some higher-than-normal fraction of clock-running-down heaves in there). Jordan, Barkley, and Hakeem, sure (although Jordan had a few non-embarrassing years from 3 as well, it wasn't a strength for his whole career).

Also, for what it's worth, the '03 team isn't necessarily loaded with deep threats either. Korver obviously is great from behind the arc, and Hinrich and Jones are fine, but how often do you have two of those three guys on the floor? James, Anthony, and Wade all spend more time inside the arc than outside, and the only big who spaces the floor much is Bosh, I think.

98. Slivers of Maranville descends into chaos (SdeB) Posted: October 09, 2018 at 12:02 AM (#5762921)

I'm confused. Are we supposing the '84 draftees and the '03 draftees are playing as rookies? Or as mature, developed players? Or all the same age, whatever that might be?

99. Booey Posted: October 09, 2018 at 12:20 AM (#5762925)

Stockton shot 38% from deep for his career, close to 40% if you leave out his first few years (during which he shot 3's very rarely and probably has some higher-than-normal fraction of clock-running-down heaves in there). Jordan, Barkley, and Hakeem, sure (although Jordan had a few non-embarrassing years from 3 as well, it wasn't a strength for his whole career).

Perkins wasn't bad from deep, either. Though to be fair, all the 90's guys would see their percentages drop with the extended arc. Most their best seasons came with the shorter distance.

OTOH, that '84 team has a lot of guys with a great mid-range j. It's only a bad shot in today's game because most players can't hit it with regularity. It'd still be a legit weapon with a team full of players who can. For example, Paul and Harden neutralized Gobert's effectiveness and killed the Jazz with that shot last year in the playoffs.

And yeah, Olajuwon and Barkley are wreaking havoc in the post with these match ups.

100. rr: over-entitled starf@ck3r Posted: October 09, 2018 at 12:37 AM (#5762926)

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