Did we crown Ant-Man too soon? - Page 2

Nomad · 05-29-2025, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sethc1020

For so long the NBA has been a 3 point contest and Ant came in attacking the rim like MJ and made the game a little more exciting to watch. I feel like people are sick of watching guys just chuck 3s all game. Same reason Ja was blowing up before he decided to go thuga thuga.

There's an argument to be made that this approach leads to a lot of injuries and a shortened NBA career, the way defense is programmed physically these days. I mean, Mathurin is the Pacers' equivalent to that and I cringe every time I see him head into traffic.

Nesmith has that ability, but I have seen him pass up sketchy drives in clogged paint again and again, because he needs to be 100 percent on defense for the team to thrive. Helps that we have hinge- and fall-master Siakam on the attack.

Of course, Double A did get a bad ankle twist on a drive against Brunson in G3 anyway and the Pacers predictably fell apart on defense.

sethc1020 · 05-29-2025, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spurs50fan

And why is Wemby injury prone all of a sudden? Y'all swore something would break on day 1 but it's a blood clot. He's played more games than Chet in 1 less season. With more load and responsibility but he's Mr Glass all of a sudden lmao

Just because of his body type, historically guys built like him don't last. Too long and lanky just like Chet. Wimby has also had knee and shoulder injuries that have caused him to miss games. He may turn out to be the exception to this injury plagued body type but the odds are against him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cms11

Edwards takes almost as many 3's as he does 2's.

True but he attacks the rim more than anyone in the league and those highlights are electric and what draws people to watch games.

Wolves4Life · 05-29-2025, 11:49 AM

No. The greatest players ever had help. Ant had NO help this series. Randle might as well been a DNP. TSJ would have done better in his minutes.

Nomad · 05-29-2025, 11:50 AM

So Ant may be the greatest of them all. But without a team behind him, he's an also ran. Basketball is such a team sport.

yiguiri2002 · 05-29-2025, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjforce

Don't forget about Magic, and Bird, and Kahwi, and Duncan, and Wade. I guess they were all 'special cases'?

This is less directed at Ant, since he's only 23, but building a resume before 26 isn't just about championships, its about MVPs too. Luka has none. Ant has finished 7th and 8th in voting. Meanwhile, guys like LeBron, Curry, Giannis, Jokic, Durant, and SGA all at least had an MVP by 26, if not a title to go with it.

This. People get obsessed with championships and young players. Truth is, it won't move the needle until they are in their late 20s.

What you need are players that are in MVP conversations (at the very least) with yearly All-Star/All-NBA berths. Antman's never been there. Luka has but he came out so hot that he needs an MVP next season to justify the hype. Wemby should be fine next season making the playoffs, being 1st/2nd team All-NBA and top 10 in MVP voting.

Nomad · 05-29-2025, 12:37 PM

Or you just need flashes. Reggie never won a championship, but he did that choke thing and everyone thinks he won that series.

Haliburton did the choke thing and everyone cringe, and they actually probably will win that series.

Retired hobbist · 05-29-2025, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmf

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKPeycLO...F5N2x3ZXh2bg==

This is baby Jordan? This is the new face of the league?

Harold Minor was "baby Jordan" for all of half a season until people found all he could do was dunk and not much else...

Cactuspies · 05-29-2025, 02:13 PM

I heard MJ told Ant to go back and play with Marcus for a little longer and announced Shai is really his kid.

bmf · 05-30-2025, 07:44 AM

For those acting like Edwards is on a team all by himself, just remember that Julius Randle is 3-time All-Star and 2-time All-NBA. And remember that Rudy Gobert is also a 3-time All-Star, not to mention 4-time defensive player of the year. The Timberwolves literally have a BIG THREE. Edwards is not out there by himself. He was completely exposed this postseason, just like he was last year. Yes, he looked good against the Warriors...a team that did not have Stephen Curry. Obviously the Wolves did not play great as a team and there were many failures, not just Edwards. But the talk about him being the face of the league is beyond laughable. Maybe he will be one day... but he is nowhere close now.

Boo · 05-30-2025, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmf

For those acting like Edwards is on a team all by himself, just remember that Julius Randle is 3-time All-Star and 2-time All-NBA. And remember that Rudy Gobert is also a 3-time All-Star, not to mention 4-time defensive player of the year. The Timberwolves literally have a BIG THREE. Edwards is not out there by himself. He was completely exposed this postseason, just like he was last year. Yes, he looked good against the Warriors...a team that did not have Stephen Curry. Obviously the Wolves did not play great as a team and there were many failures, not just Edwards. But the talk about him being the face of the league is beyond laughable. Maybe he will be one day... but he is nowhere close now.

You didn't just bring up Rudy Gobert. Dude can't move, in the new NBA he is essentially worthless.

kipgen · 05-30-2025, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boo

You didn't just bring up Rudy Gobert. Dude can't move, in the new NBA he is essentially worthless.

Yeah he's honestly a negative at this point on everything except defense

I watched him in a couple of those games, he can't even catch passes anymore

Literal brick hands

Asian62150 · 05-30-2025, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sethc1020

What about him being quoted right after the game saying that no one is going to work harder than him this off season. I guess that doesn't count?

Could be a very busy NBA summer.

Who is going to work harder this summer? Ant or Luka?
When will we hear about Wemby putting on that "10-15 lbs of muscle"?
Who is going overseas to get that PRP treatment?
When does the annual Ben Simmons 3-point video release on IG?

Looking forward to it all. But as far as face of the league...you gotta win stuff before that happens. MVPs, then rings.

ninjacookies · 05-30-2025, 09:20 PM

Nobody should be crowned anything short of an MVP + title combo. That should be the barebones minimum.

The rest is sheer hopium. Lest we forget strip club patron copped his mvp at age 27. And it got no better for him after that. Zero guarantees.

Nomad · 05-31-2025, 12:12 AM

I kind of dig Edwards in a way I don't really get Zion. He has a humor and sense of destiny. I like how he rose up to Kneesmiff's challenge last season and prevailed. Though some say that particular game ruined his chances at a ring.

tjforce · 05-31-2025, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asian62150

Could be a very busy NBA summer.

Who is going to work harder this summer? Ant or Luka?
When will we hear about Wemby putting on that "10-15 lbs of muscle"?
Who is going overseas to get that PRP treatment?
When does the annual Ben Simmons 3-point video release on IG?

Looking forward to it all. But as far as face of the league...you gotta win stuff before that happens. MVPs, then rings.

Luka weight loss updates are the new Ben Simmons 3 point videos.

Nomad · 05-31-2025, 10:58 AM

Did we crown Ant-Man too soon? the new off-off playoff losers thread? this is getting confusing.

boxbuster7 · 05-31-2025, 11:06 AM

Ant is 23 and made back to back conference finals

that is elite.

he needs one more option so he isn't always double teamed and he will be a perennial finals contender.

Nomad · 05-31-2025, 11:25 AM

Maybe Wolves think they could attract Mathurin with the opportunity to play alongside Ant. That is one move that would really get under the Pacers skin.

PokeyAndG · 06-02-2025, 08:54 AM

probably be like KG and go somewhere else to get a ring

Leggo · 06-02-2025, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmf

For those acting like Edwards is on a team all by himself, just remember that Julius Randle is 3-time All-Star and 2-time All-NBA. And remember that Rudy Gobert is also a 3-time All-Star, not to mention 4-time defensive player of the year. The Timberwolves literally have a BIG THREE. Edwards is not out there by himself. He was completely exposed this postseason, just like he was last year. Yes, he looked good against the Warriors...a team that did not have Stephen Curry. Obviously the Wolves did not play great as a team and there were many failures, not just Edwards. But the talk about him being the face of the league is beyond laughable. Maybe he will be one day... but he is nowhere close now.

Did you really just try to talk up Randle and Gobert? Did you watch the OKC series? Did you not see the BOTH on ball and off ball doubles on Ant with consistent blitzes in any PnR? If Shai saw that defense the whole series like Ant did, J Dub and Chet would be putting up MVP numbers. The spacing and playmaking situation needs to get fixed for Minny. Ant also needs to develop a post game to help out on the doubles but I have a strong feeling that is what he will focus on in the offseason.

To say he isn't close is ridiculous. There is a reason OKC and a lot of other teams sell out to stop him. He had the highest off ball help in the league in the regular season as well... at 23... with 2 deep playoff runs for experience... It would not be surprising if he is the best player in the league in 1 to 2 years.

SandStoneSports · 06-02-2025, 03:17 PM

Only by marketing people. Ant is a great player and he is still incredibly young. The issue is the NBA, marketing people, and announcers want to make him into MJ when he is more likely Dominique Wilkins. He is young, American, and appeals to the NBA's diverse demographic.

He's a top 5 player in the league and the only one who is from the States. The real contenders for face of the league should be SGA, Joker, or Giannis. But none of those guys are American. Outside of Giannis, they also don't sell shoes or jerseys.

sethc1020 · 06-03-2025, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SandStoneSports

Only by marketing people. Ant is a great player and he is still incredibly young. The issue is the NBA, marketing people, and announcers want to make him into MJ when he is more likely Dominique Wilkins. He is young, American, and appeals to the NBA's diverse demographic.

He's a top 5 player in the league and the only one who is from the States. The real contenders for face of the league should be SGA, Joker, or Giannis. But none of those guys are American. Outside of Giannis, they also don't sell shoes or jerseys.

This right here is what it all boils down to. Who can sell the most merchandise and rake in the most money for the NBA. Of all of the possible new "face of the league" candidates out there only Any and Luka are bread winners for the NBA.

Nomad · 06-03-2025, 07:17 AM

Yes, but also ESPN and other networks have no idea how to market new/emerging faces.

This whole fixation on "role players" means that traditional upward mobility is severely curtailed.

View Poll Results: Did we crown Ant-Man too soon?
Yes.	36	60.00%
No.	15	25.00%
Ask me back in a year.	10	16.67%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 60. You may not vote on this poll

05-29-2025, 02:13 PM	#33
Cactuspies Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: meepos Posts: 9,833 azcentral_sports	I heard MJ told Ant to go back and play with Marcus for a little longer and announced Shai is really his kid. __________________ SUPPORT #BostonStrong The One Fund & Parkinson's Research http://sportlots.com/dealers/?dealer=AzPats10 RIP Mom-2009, Dad-2021, Grandma-2018, PAPAJIM 11/22/10 Patriots 6 time Champs catching up to johnmabry47: are you on my ignore list too? 76 and counting

05-30-2025, 09:20 PM	#38
ninjacookies Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: All the girls see the (boi)/ Look at his flips / Look at his kards / All they say is (oh boi). Posts: 57,067	Nobody should be crowned anything short of an MVP + title combo. That should be the barebones minimum. The rest is sheer hopium. Lest we forget strip club patron copped his mvp at age 27. And it got no better for him after that. Zero guarantees. __________________ #5 world ranked Ledell Eackles superclection as recognized by Tuff Stuff junior managing editor, Barry McCaulkinner. Somethin' like a cross between Teddy Aguhob and Kaboom Mystery Packs. I got that Givenchy denim flow.

05-31-2025, 11:06 AM	#42
boxbuster7 Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 12,865 boxbuster777	Ant is 23 and made back to back conference finals that is elite. he needs one more option so he isn't always double teamed and he will be a perennial finals contender. __________________ Psa 9 > psa 10

05-29-2025, 11:49 AM	#28
Wolves4Life Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 12,458	No. The greatest players ever had help. Ant had NO help this series. Randle might as well been a DNP. TSJ would have done better in his minutes.

05-29-2025, 11:50 AM	#29
Nomad Banned Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Fomenting FOMO on the down low. Posts: 8,094	So Ant may be the greatest of them all. But without a team behind him, he's an also ran. Basketball is such a team sport.

05-29-2025, 12:37 PM	#31
Nomad Banned Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Fomenting FOMO on the down low. Posts: 8,094	Or you just need flashes. Reggie never won a championship, but he did that choke thing and everyone thinks he won that series. Haliburton did the choke thing and everyone cringe, and they actually probably will win that series.

05-30-2025, 07:44 AM	#34
bmf Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 3,207	For those acting like Edwards is on a team all by himself, just remember that Julius Randle is 3-time All-Star and 2-time All-NBA. And remember that Rudy Gobert is also a 3-time All-Star, not to mention 4-time defensive player of the year. The Timberwolves literally have a BIG THREE. Edwards is not out there by himself. He was completely exposed this postseason, just like he was last year. Yes, he looked good against the Warriors...a team that did not have Stephen Curry. Obviously the Wolves did not play great as a team and there were many failures, not just Edwards. But the talk about him being the face of the league is beyond laughable. Maybe he will be one day... but he is nowhere close now.

05-31-2025, 12:12 AM	#39
Nomad Banned Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Fomenting FOMO on the down low. Posts: 8,094	I kind of dig Edwards in a way I don't really get Zion. He has a humor and sense of destiny. I like how he rose up to Kneesmiff's challenge last season and prevailed. Though some say that particular game ruined his chances at a ring.

05-31-2025, 10:58 AM	#41
Nomad Banned Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Fomenting FOMO on the down low. Posts: 8,094	Did we crown Ant-Man too soon? the new off-off playoff losers thread? this is getting confusing.

05-31-2025, 11:25 AM	#43
Nomad Banned Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Fomenting FOMO on the down low. Posts: 8,094	Maybe Wolves think they could attract Mathurin with the opportunity to play alongside Ant. That is one move that would really get under the Pacers skin.

06-02-2025, 08:54 AM	#44
PokeyAndG Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 1,084	probably be like KG and go somewhere else to get a ring

06-02-2025, 03:17 PM	#46
SandStoneSports Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: Albion, NY Posts: 897 sandstonesports	Only by marketing people. Ant is a great player and he is still incredibly young. The issue is the NBA, marketing people, and announcers want to make him into MJ when he is more likely Dominique Wilkins. He is young, American, and appeals to the NBA's diverse demographic. He's a top 5 player in the league and the only one who is from the States. The real contenders for face of the league should be SGA, Joker, or Giannis. But none of those guys are American. Outside of Giannis, they also don't sell shoes or jerseys.

06-03-2025, 07:17 AM	#48
Nomad Banned Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Fomenting FOMO on the down low. Posts: 8,094	Yes, but also ESPN and other networks have no idea how to market new/emerging faces. This whole fixation on "role players" means that traditional upward mobility is severely curtailed.