The Official NBA Regular Season Thread—-21/22 Edition

[eastbayak]

Originally Posted by Spacemanspif

People are REALLY banking on the Warriors being a contender this year. Klay NT RPA BGS 9 went for almost $10k last night. That's about 2-3x what it was earlier this year, and 10x from 2 years ago when I got mine... and he hasn't played a game in that entire span.

Damn, I regret not buying one when they were $400-$800 per!!

[rhigh2390]

Warriors will be fun to watch with the Splash Bros together again, but they aren't competing for anything, but a playoff spot.

[KhalDrogo]

Shams reporting that most of the Sixers players were ready to travel to LA this week to convince Simmons to play, and he told them not to bother.

Trade value goes lower and lower. Morey really proving to be the basketball genius everyone thinks he is.

[Kobefan]

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

Shams reporting that most of the Sixers players were ready to travel to LA this week to convince Simmons to play, and he told them not to bother.

Trade value goes lower and lower. Morey really proving to be the basketball genius everyone thinks he is.

About the penalty, if he doesn't play a single game this season, can he lose more than his whole year of salary?

[daeve]

Originally Posted by jcardstore

I think the Nets are gonna be fine for the regular season.

I do have the Hawks as the 3 seed fwiw just don't see them over either Nets/Bucks

I'm just very skeptical... we know Kyrie won't be getting vaccinated, so that means he won't be available or even be allowed to practice with the team for 40-50% of the season unless something big changes quickly.

Then there's all the minutes KD just put down... plus Olympics, and he turns 33 in a few days and has played 73 or more games once since 13-14... so without Kyrie most nights, they'll be leaning on KD more, and odds are he's going to miss some time at some point... so then it comes down to how you feel about a big 3 of Harden, Griffin, and Mills. I don't see them as a top 2 seed with that many things that can go wrong.

[ballhawkdawk]

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

Shams reporting that most of the Sixers players were ready to travel to LA this week to convince Simmons to play, and he told them not to bother.

Trade value goes lower and lower. Morey really proving to be the basketball genius everyone thinks he is.

A quick search shows the Blazers would consider McCollum, Covington, and a couple firsts (https://sircharlesincharge.com/2021/...azers-simmons/). Those firsts won’t be top 10s, but that offer seems about as good as you’ll get for Simmons right now. Holding out on the off chance that Dame wants out is a pipe dream at this point, in my opinion.

I think the main problem is that Simmons isn’t as good as he thinks he is, and isn’t willing to put in the work to be as great as he could potentially be. After enough time, you have to call it like you see it. I don’t see Ben evolving into a more willing and more capable scorer at this point, at least not in a significant capacity.

Having a star point guard who you can’t put on the floor at the end of games once the games start to really matter is a handicap that I’m not sure there’s a workaround for, and he’s never publicly admitted that his flaws are a huge problem, instead choosing to focus on his strengths. Those strengths are great, but when your team is structured in a way that requires you to be the driving force of the offense, those strengths aren’t good enough. I think there’s a lot of confusion of what the standard is for Ben Simmons and whether or not he meets that standard. He’s an All-Star, but the 76ers simply needed him to be more.

[ballhawkdawk]

Originally Posted by daeve

I'm just very skeptical... we know Kyrie won't be getting vaccinated, so that means he won't be available or even be allowed to practice with the team for 40-50% of the season unless something big changes quickly.

Then there's all the minutes KD just put down... plus Olympics, and he turns 33 in a few days and has played 73 or more games once since 13-14... so without Kyrie most nights, they'll be leaning on KD more, and odds are he's going to miss some time at some point... so then it comes down to how you feel about a big 3 of Harden, Griffin, and Mills. I don't see them as a top 2 seed with that many things that can go wrong.

I agree with this. We all know the Nets are the best when in shape, healthy, and actually playing. But those things lining up for long stretches seems unlikely.

[tjforce]

Originally Posted by ballhawkdawk

A quick search shows the Blazers would consider McCollum, Covington, and a couple firsts (https://sircharlesincharge.com/2021/...azers-simmons/). Those firsts won’t be top 10s, but that offer seems about as good as you’ll get for Simmons right now. Holding out on the off chance that Dame wants out is a pipe dream at this point, in my opinion.

I think the main problem is that Simmons isn’t as good as he thinks he is, and isn’t willing to put in the work to be as great as he could potentially be. After enough time, you have to call it like you see it. I don’t see Ben evolving into a more willing and more capable scorer at this point, at least not in a significant capacity.

Having a star point guard who you can’t put on the floor at the end of games once the games start to really matter is a handicap that I’m not sure there’s a workaround for, and he’s never publicly admitted that his flaws are a huge problem, instead choosing to focus on his strengths. Those strengths are great, but when your team is structured in a way that requires you to be the driving force of the offense, those strengths aren’t good enough. I think there’s a lot of confusion of what the standard is for Ben Simmons and whether or not he meets that standard. He’s an All-Star, but the 76ers simply needed him to be more.

The highlighted portion is significant.

Look at the shooting guards Simmons has been paired with over his career:
-JJ Reddick
-Josh Richardson
-Seth Curry

None of those guys are ball handlers or create their own shot. Not really good compliments for Simmons' shortcomings.

This is why I'm really hoping Cleveland finds a way to get the deal done. Simmons and Darius Garland would be a great backcourt IMO. They cover each other's deficiency. Simmons defends and gets to the rim, while Garland shoots 3s and can create at the end of games.

A package around Sexton + could get it done. Maybe a 3rd team gets involved... Imagine finding a trade partner who wants to pick up assets...Toronto or Indiana... Cavs get Simmons, 76ers get Sexton + Brogdon or Van Vleet, Indiana/Toronto gets loaded up with draft picks and young pieces from both Cleveland and the 76ers.

[minnesotachill]

the Sixers really dropped the ball on this one.

they spent years losing and built a real contender.

then threw it all away over some missed free throws.

[eastbayak]

Nice, the Dubs signed Avery Bradley. I like it!!

[rhigh2390]

Originally Posted by eastbayak

Nice, the Dubs signed Avery Bradley. I like it!!

Solid vet pickup.

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by Kobefan

About the penalty, if he doesn't play a single game this season, can he lose more than his whole year of salary?

I don't believe so seeing as half gets paid in October some time. But he could lose the rest.

I get Simmons' being butthurt. But a team would have to be really high on him or get him for cheap to trade for him now.

Plus he'll have even more pressure on him to perform. Unless he's happy to go to Houston and waste away there. They'd be fun to watch I guess.

Wall to Philly???

[packman80]

Originally Posted by Kobefan

About the penalty, if he doesn't play a single game this season, can he lose more than his whole year of salary?

In contract he gets 25% of salary paid out in July another 25% gets paid out Oct 1st so before a game is played he gets $16.5 million paid to him. Now he does not show up all year then I am guessing Philly could take him to court and sue him to have him pay back $16.5 million for breach of contract for failing to show up and play.

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by minnesotachill

the Sixers really dropped the ball on this one.

they spent years losing and built a real contender.

then threw it all away over some missed free throws.

Don't forget them trading to get Fultz when they coyld have had Tatum or Mitchell or any other player in that draft better than Fultz..

[drobfan8]

Philly is a mess.

I don't think they can make it out of the 2nd round. In saying that, I think if they stay as is and play without Simmons they'll be fine. They have a bit of depth now.

[minnesotachill]

Originally Posted by drobfan8

Don't forget them trading to get Fultz when they coyld have had Tatum or Mitchell or any other player in that draft better than Fultz..

The Sixers fans went thru years of misery. Being a Wolves fan, I can definitely relate.

But even without drafting Tatum, they got themselves a team with a lot of talent, and I think most of their fans got extremely entitled.

They watched Simmons and Embiid mature into NBA stars. Then a few years later, the honeymoon was over and Philly fans wanted nothing less than an NBA title.

I would love to see Simmons in Minnesota. I'm sure our fans, if there are any left, would appreciate him alot more.

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by minnesotachill

The Sixers fans went thru years of misery. Being a Wolves fan, I can definitely relate.

But even without drafting Tatum, they got themselves a team with a lot of talent, and I think most of their fans got extremely entitled.

They watched Simmons and Embiid mature into NBA stars. Then a few years later, the honeymoon was over and Philly fans wanted nothing less than an NBA title.

I would love to see Simmons in Minnesota. I'm sure our fans, if there are any left, would appreciate him alot more.

I actually think Simmons to Minny is such a great fit. Other than Simmons seems to want the playboy lifestyle of Cali.

But as far as on the court, him and KAT with the pieces there is a great combo. Less pressure to contend also. Making the Playoffs and winning a series becomes the goal.

[Mattsurewood]

Word out of Miami is Herro had a kid and has been working out relentlessly, adding muscle..we will see how it pays off..

[brothertona]

Looks like Kyrie isn't going to get vaxed. If they don't grant him a waiver he'll be ineligible for all of his games in NY. This is absolutely a terrible situation for Brooklyn.

[brothertona]

Dangerous deal - I don't love it for Denver but they don't have any other options.

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1...925374467?s=20

[Scottish Punk]

Originally Posted by brothertona

Looks like Kyrie isn't going to get vaxed. If they don't grant him a waiver he'll be ineligible for all of his games in NY. This is absolutely a terrible situation for Brooklyn.

We all know Kyrie is a dipsh!t. The Nets should really only pay him half is salary. I can't see how he won't get peer pressured to taking the shot. If either KD or Harden are out for any length and the Nets starts to struggle, will the team be happy about a healthy Kylie not playing? I, of course, am rooting for a season full of controversy and strife on the team.

[Scottish Punk]

Originally Posted by brothertona

Dangerous deal - I don't love it for Denver but they don't have any other options.

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1...925374467?s=20

Michael Porter, Jr is nowhere near a max player. Half the l league just cheered from that news,

[brothertona]

Originally Posted by Scottish Punk

Michael Porter, Jr is nowhere near a max player. Half the l league just cheered from that news,

I don't know who is playing defense for the Nuggets. MPJ has the defensive acumen of Trae Young.


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[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by Scottish Punk

We all know Kyrie is a dipsh!t. The Nets should really only pay him half is salary. I can't see how he won't get peer pressured to taking the shot. If either KD or Harden are out for any length and the Nets starts to struggle, will the team be happy about a healthy Kylie not playing? I, of course, am rooting for a season full of controversy and strife on the team.

I don’t think they can take away pay for not being vaccinated, nor should they.

[asujbl]

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

I don’t think they can take away pay for not being vaccinated, nor should they.

Why can’t they?

They absolutely should if he isn’t available