NBA Regular Season 2016-17

K.O.Kiki

brady23 wrote: »

Bogut breaks his leg during his first game tonight, he obviously would have been an asset in the playoffs, it's a pity.

Harden almost got the Rockets over the line vs the Spurs too, it was a really good game, pretty disappointed they didn't but the Spurs are just so good

All Kawhi
https://streamable.com/4an81

Gregk961

brady23 wrote: »

Harden almost got the Rockets over the line vs the Spurs too, it was a really good game, pretty disappointed they didn't but the Spurs are just so good

It was a very good game should make for a great playoff series if it gets to that point. Every time I've watched the Spurs this year I've been blown away by Leonard he was incredible in the 4th again last night.

brady23

Gregk961 wrote: »

brady23 wrote: »

Harden almost got the Rockets over the line vs the Spurs too, it was a really good game, pretty disappointed they didn't but the Spurs are just so good

It was a very good game should make for a great   playoff series if it gets to that point. Every time I've watched the Spurs this year I've been blown away by Leonard he was incredible in the 4th again last night.

Yeah he's just insane, I read something the other day about how him along with Butler and one other has increased their production every year for the past 5 years based on a few different categories. He's just incredible, not a fan of Aldridge though, not a fan of players who live in the mid-range generally, he obviously does more but I would like to see him out to the 3pt line and I think alongside Gasol they're exposed too. There is definitely a significant gap between GSW/Spurs to Rockets/Clippers/Jazz etc

brady23

Westbrook breaks his scoring record with 58 points and Dirk joins the 30k club.

Westbrook is on the brink with the triple double now down to 10.0 assists obviously still ridiculous but I wonder if he misses the triple double will that pretty much eliminate him in the mind of many for MVP.

It was interesting the other day after chatting about MVP here, Cuban was quoted as saying Westbrook shouldn't even be considered because although he loves him as a player, any guy whos team doesn't have 50 wins plus should never win it.

It's interesting because although Cuban can make some wild statements etc I wonder is that the opinion of many of actually get an MVP vote. No one has won MVP since 1982 when their team won less than 50 games. Robertson didn't even win it the year he averaged a Triple Double.

I think Westbrook should probably get it but I'm starting to move back more towards Harden now

Gregk961

brady23 wrote: »

Westbrook breaks his scoring record with 58 points and Dirk joins the 30k club.

Westbrook is on the brink with the triple double now down to 10.0 assists obviously still ridiculous but I wonder if he misses the triple double will that pretty much eliminate him in the mind of many for MVP.

It was interesting the other day after chatting about MVP here, Cuban was quoted as saying Westbrook shouldn't even be considered because although he loves him as a player, any guy whos team doesn't have 50 wins plus should never win it.

It's interesting because although Cuban can make some wild statements etc I wonder is that the opinion of many of actually get an MVP vote. No one has won MVP since 1982 when their team won less than 50 games. Robertson didn't even win it the year he averaged a Triple Double.

I think Westbrook should probably get it but I'm starting to move back more towards Harden now

OKC were awful with Russell off the court in that game, it was painful to watch at times. Its hard to fathom how that team has 30+ wins every time Ive watched them they have been awful bar Westbrook.

brady23

Gregk961 wrote: »

brady23 wrote: »

Westbrook breaks his scoring record with 58 points and Dirk joins the 30k club.

Westbrook is on the brink with the triple double now down to 10.0 assists obviously still ridiculous but I wonder if he misses the triple double will that pretty much eliminate him in the mind of many for MVP.

It was interesting the other day after chatting about MVP here, Cuban was quoted as saying Westbrook shouldn't even be considered because although he loves him as a player, any guy whos team doesn't have 50 wins plus should never win it.

It's interesting because although Cuban can make some wild statements etc I wonder is that the opinion of many of actually get an MVP vote. No one has won MVP since 1982 when their team won less than 50 games. Robertson didn't even win it the year he averaged a Triple Double.

I think Westbrook should probably get it but I'm starting to move back more towards Harden now

OKC were awful with Russell off the court in that game, it was painful to watch at times. Its hard to fathom how that team has 30+ wins every time Ive watched them they have been awful bar Westbrook.

I think Westbrook could end up being that guy who's so focused on winning individual games and so committed to doing it for the Thunder that he could forget about the bigger picture. 

I'm not totally convinced he can lead a team to a championship, say you substituted him into the championship GSW team for Curry or into the Cavs for LeBron(assuming positions are irrelevant obviously) I don't know if they win but its his first year really running a team so only time will tell. 

I also think his game doesn't age particularly well, high flyer with a weak 3pt shot(improving though). Again who knows but he should win the scoring title for the next couple of years if nothing else.

NufcNavan

brady23 wrote: »

I think Westbrook could end up being that guy who's so focused on winning individual games and so committed to doing it for the Thunder that he could forget about the bigger picture. 

I'm not totally convinced he can lead a team to a championship, say you substituted him into the championship GSW team for Curry or into the Cavs for LeBron(assuming positions are irrelevant obviously) I don't know if they win but its his first year really running a team so only time will tell. 

I also think his game doesn't age particularly well, high flyer with a weak 3pt shot(improving though). Again who knows but he should win the scoring title for the next couple of years if nothing else.

That's not really the point though. Westbrook is putting up those numbers out of pure necessity. OKC struggle to break 20 wins without him.

brady23

NufcNavan wrote: »

brady23 wrote: »

I think Westbrook could end up being that guy who's so focused on winning individual games and so committed to doing it for the Thunder that he could forget about the bigger picture. 

I'm not totally convinced he can lead a team to a championship, say you substituted him into the championship GSW team for Curry or into the Cavs for LeBron(assuming positions are irrelevant obviously) I don't know if they win but its his first year really running a team so only time will tell. 

I also think his game doesn't age particularly well, high flyer with a weak 3pt shot(improving though). Again who knows but he should win the scoring title for the next couple of years if nothing else.

That's not really the point though. Westbrook is putting up those numbers out of pure necessity. OKC struggle to break 20 wins without him.

What's not the point? 

I'm just saying what I think of him moving forward and what kind of player he is in my view. I understand he has to play the way he's playing in order for his team to have any chance to succeed.


I would argue though that the other players on the Rockets vs the others on OKC aren't far apart on ability prior to this season.


Obviously I don't think Westbrook is having a negative impact by any means but I think Morey and D'Antoni have constructed a roster and system that maximizes their potential more than OKC.

NufcNavan

brady23 wrote: »

What's not the point? 

I'm just saying what I think of him moving forward and what kind of player he is in my view. I understand he has to play the way he's playing in order for his team to have any chance to succeed.


I would argue though that the other players on the Rockets vs the others on OKC aren't far apart on ability prior to this season.


Obviously I don't think Westbrook is having a negative impact by any means but I think Morey and D'Antoni have constructed a roster and system that maximizes their potential more than OKC.

You said you're not convinced if he can lead a team to a championship, but until he has a roster that isn't made up of one or two solid pieces and garbage cans then it is a moot point. Nobody can do it on their own.

brady23

NufcNavan wrote: »

brady23 wrote: »

What's not the point? 

I'm just saying what I think of him moving forward and what kind of player he is in my view. I understand he has to play the way he's playing in order for his team to have any chance to succeed.


I would argue though that the other players on the Rockets vs the others on OKC aren't far apart on ability prior to this season.


Obviously I don't think Westbrook is having a negative impact by any means but I think Morey and D'Antoni have constructed a roster and system that maximizes their potential more than OKC.

You said you're not convinced if he can lead a team to a championship, but until he has a roster that isn't made up of one or two solid pieces and garbage cans then it is a moot point. Nobody can do it on their own.

Well it was simply an opinion of what I think of Westbrook and OKC.

 As I pointed out Morey and D'Antoni have constructed a roster that is arguably challenging for a championship with a group of guys who are close in terms of talent to the rest of the OKC roster based on their historical numbers.

 I was basing my assumptions on my opinion of Westbrook as a player/character and the competency of OKC as an organisation so its not really a moot point per say, its an opinion which is of course speculative and open to argument but I think its based in some fact.

ButtersSuki

brady23 wrote: »

Well it was simply an opinion of what I think of Westbrook and OKC.

As I pointed out Morey and D'Antoni have constructed a roster that is arguably challenging for a championship with a group of guys who are close in terms of talent to the rest of the OKC roster based on their historical numbers.
I was basing my assumptions on my opinion of Westbrook as a player/character and the competency of OKC as an organisation so its not really a moot point per say, its an opinion which is of course speculative and open to argument but I think its based in some fact.

Unless we're talking about LeBron......

ButtersSuki

Boston once again shut down Curry when it counts...super defensive performance from Bradley in the 4th particularly. Would be an interesting Finals if Boston got out of the East but I don't see that happening (despite being a Celtics fan).

If Durant is out I see the Spurs coming out of the West. Depending on how long he's out for, they may not be able to hold the 1 seed.

The Pelicans have been hugely disappointing since getting Boogie. One interesting thing however is if they improve quickly they're 3 games behind Denver in the 8th slot AND play Denver 3 times in the last 2 weeks of the regular season. They could be VERY interesting games.

One last note on Denver, the building I stay in when there is a multi-use residential facility. Juan Hernangomez lives there. Shared a lift with him last week. He's bigger and wider than he looks on TV, but he could do with putting on a bit of weight.

Lt Dan

ButtersSuki wrote: »

Boston once again shut down Curry when it counts...super defensive performance from Bradley in the 4th particularly. Would be an interesting Finals if Boston got out of the East but I don't see that happening (despite being a Celtics fan).

If Durant is out I see the Spurs coming out of the West. Depending on how long he's out for, they may not be able to hold the 1 seed.

The Pelicans have been hugely disappointing since getting Boogie. One interesting thing however is if they improve quickly they're 3 games behind Denver in the 8th slot AND play Denver 3 times in the last 2 weeks of the regular season. They could be VERY interesting games.

One last note on Denver, the building I stay in when there is a multi-use residential facility. Juan Hernangomez lives there. Shared a lift with him last week. He's bigger and wider than he looks on TV, but he could do with putting on a bit of weight.

Funny really, by August of 2016, the NBA world thought, let us give up on the NBA until the play offs . But, the season has been pretty interesting so far

Philly and Denver are showing some signs of life for the future, Westbrook had been outstanding for OKC, who I thought had a reasonably good team but without him :eek:New York are predictable , Washington have recovered from last year; Miami oh dear how the days of their Big 3 fled as quick as their "fanbase"; Jazz are on the up, and Boston beat both finalists in the space of three weeks :cool:

K.O.Kiki

Got this from Reddit

brady23

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/18859162/is-brandon-ingram-future-lakers-star-major-trade-candidate-nba

Pretty good article on Ingram and where he's at thus far. I like him although he's close to one of the worst players in the NBA statistically this year. Again if anyone wants a login for espn insider drop me a pm.

I read an article similar to the visual the other day. It looks like bad news for the Cavs in alot of ways that they have two other perennial all stars who can't do much without LeBron. Obviously rotations figure into those numbers alot but 15pts is ridiculous for a championship contender

ButtersSuki

brady23 wrote: »

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/18859162/is-brandon-ingram-future-lakers-star-major-trade-candidate-nba

Pretty good article on Ingram and where he's at thus far. I like him although he's close to one of the worst players in the NBA statistically this year. Again if anyone wants a login for espn insider drop me a pm.

I read an article similar to the visual the other day. It looks like bad news for the Cavs in alot of ways that they have two other perennial all stars who can't do much without LeBron. Obviously rotations figure into those numbers alot but 15pts is ridiculous for a championship contender

They discussed all 4 of the main MVP candidates on the Openfloor Podcast in the last 2 weeks (can't remember which one exactly and they're doing 2 per week now). The real surprise for me was how little the Spurs differ with Leonard on and off the court, which again says more about Pop and his system and culture than anything else as Leonard is truly elite.

Here's a thought though - LeBron plays crazy minutes and has never had a major injury: imagine if he got injured how much that would affect Cleveland? I'm not wishing the guy gets an injury (I wouldn't wish any player gets injured) but seeing on how much Curry's injury affected GS in the Finals last year and Durant's injury is affecting them this year it would blow everything wide open.

For Forks Sake

Bad news for LMA and big blow for the Spurs: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2659662-lamarcus-aldridge-out-indefinitely-with-heart-arrhythmia

ButtersSuki

For Forks Sake wrote: »

Bad news for LMA and big blow for the Spurs: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2659662-lamarcus-aldridge-out-indefinitely-with-heart-arrhythmia

That's pretty serious by any standards.

brady23

For Forks Sake wrote: »

Bad news for LMA and big blow for the Spurs: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2659662-lamarcus-aldridge-out-indefinitely-with-heart-arrhythmia

Yeah read that, huge blow, the heart issues have been around since 2007 I think but this is the worst so far they fear.

On Westbrook, I think beating the Spurs and Jazz has really increased his claims for the MVP.

It's interesting assuming Aldridge doesn't come back, the Rockets can make a run at 2nd and OKC looks good now for 6th, it's really shaping up for a great postseason lots of underlying stories.

Cavs issues(looks like they're signing Sanders) increased depth in the East, the West looks so much more open too if Aldridge and Durant struggle. It could be one of the more open postseasons in years given the fact that GSW arguably looked like the best team ever assembled at the start of the year

brady23

Harden with a huge game to beat the Cavs, it was a fun game to watch.

Bulls are in serious trouble. Hoiberg told Mirotic he was out of the rotation for the foreseeable future but to "stay ready".

Hoiberg was my pick for 1st coach to get fired and irrespective if he does or doesn't go first, he was handed a poison chalice with that roster.

A team of guards who can't shoot the 3, vets with huge personalities and an inability to show any foresight towards a rebuild.

Even after they signed Wade and Rondo which was silly, they should have blown up as much as they could at the deadline and instead they make a move for Lauvergue(who I like) but not for a decent expiring deal in Gibson and McDermott who has the ability to be a decent player in the Korver mould.

I think they're in bad shape, not Kings or Nets bad but I can't think of too many teams in worst shape for the next couple of years unless Wade and Butler convince a decent free agent to get on board

ButtersSuki

brady23 wrote: »

. What's the most surprising team in the Eastern Conference?

Tom Haberstroh, ESPN Insider: That's easy: the Chicago Bulls. After three games, they have the top 3-point percentage in the East (42.5 percent) and they're defending at a high level. They're shooting a league-high 54.2 percent on what NBA.com classifies as wide-open 3s. That won't last, but it sure is fun.

David Thorpe, ESPN Insider: I'm sure a lot of us are noticing the Bulls. Let's not mitigate their three wins by pointing out who and where they played. Nor do we need to focus on the long-term challenge of Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade playing together. As long as Wade is making perimeter shots (and 3s!) they can co-exist.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler has to love being the focal point of an offense that features a point guard who feeds his scorers (rather than the open guy) while having Wade as a secondary option. It also looks as if Doug McDermott might become a legit scoring and shooting threat this season.

Bradford Doolittle, ESPN Insider: I know the schedule has been soft, but I am stunned by the numbers the Bulls are putting up as a group. Every time this fall someone asked me how they'd do this season, I said, "Aggressively mediocre." The roster makes no sense, but the proof is in the pudding, as they say. I've been busy with another Chicago team lately, but I can't wait to spend some time with the Bulls next week.

Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com: I assume everyone is saying the Bulls here so I'm going to try to add a little to the conversation. The Cavs are actually somewhat surprising. LeBron James had never been 4-0 before. His teams, even the truly great ones, usually start a little slow. They already have a quality road win in Toronto.

Meanwhile it's worth watching to see whether Kyrie Irving can do something no James teammate has ever done: lead the team in scoring. LeBron is willing to let this happen while he continues to put up great all-around numbers.

Kevin Pelton, ESPN Insider: The Bulls. What concerns about outside shooting? The Bulls have made at least nine 3-pointers on 40 percent-plus shooting in each of their three games so far, and their offensive rating is the league's best.

No, that's probably not going to continue, but this is an optimistic 5-on-5: Chicago has plenty of room to regress and still be far better than anyone outside the front office expected.

2. Who's the most surprising player in the East?

Haberstroh: Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. I had to write out the full name because I'm not sure it's the same player. He's firing up three 3-pointers per game, which is about the same rate as Kevin Durant, Jamal Crawford and C.J. McCollum thus far. And Wade's making them. Small sample size? OK, but since the 2016 postseason started (including this preseason), Wade is 24-of-48 from deep. I love it.

Pelton: DeMar DeRozan. It's not just that DeRozan has scored 30-plus points in all three games this season. It's the efficiency with which he has done it. He has shot better than 50 percent from the field in two of his first three games, something DeRozan did over just three different three-game spans all of 2015-16.

Windhorst: Joel Embiid looks as if he's going to be a force. He's like a baby giraffe out there at times, fumbling into mistakes because he's clearly not yet comfortable -- but he's still, you know, gigantic. That he's already so skilled and such a difference-maker is a surprise to me.

Doolittle: Myles Turner has been amazing. It's one thing to average 18 points as a 20-year-old center, but to do it with a .623 true shooting percentage? Oh yeah, and leading the league in blocks? I don't know that Turner can sustain these numbers, especially the shooting, but he looks like a special player.

Thorpe: I like how Avery Bradley just seems to keep getting better. In one game he hit eight 3s and snagged 11 rebounds. Brad Stevens continues to work the magic that I like to call "coaching" -- he gives his guys a quality system in which to shine while also providing them the time and temperament (from the staff) to continue to grow their games. Bradley can be this year's Isaiah Thomas.

3. What's the most surprising team in the Western Conference?

Thorpe: Seems silly of me to be surprised by anything the Spurs are doing, but it is unexpected that they have been rolling -- notwithstanding a Tuesday home loss to a good Utah team -- despite getting next to nothing from Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. They still do Spurs things on defense (execution!), and their offense is now looking to feature two amazing bucket-getters rather than just moving the ball around and making a smart play. That's new.

Windhorst: An easy answer here is Oklahoma City. But the Thunder have played a favorable schedule.

I've also been impressed by the Grizzlies. OK, so they got crushed Tuesday in Minny when coach David Fizdale rested Marc Gasol and Mike Conley. But Gasol looks good coming off the foot injury and he's making 3s now, Zach Randolph off the bench is working. Vince Carter, who continues his fascinating career, is defending and hitting 3s too. And they they look to be deeper than they've been in years. Their outlook is better than I thought it was.

Pelton: The Memphis Grizzlies. Although a 2-1 start was hardly unrealistic (before they rested Conley and Gasol and took a loss Tuesday in Minnesota), in the context of the Grizzlies playing without starting wings Tony Allen and Chandler Parsons it's impressive nonetheless. Memphis has received good minutes from fill-ins Vince Carter, James Ennis and Jarell Martin, and a 3-point barrage from Marc Gasol, which bodes well for when all the starters return.

Haberstroh: The San Antonio Spurs. OKC is 3-0 against maybe the three worst teams in the NBA, so I'm going with the team that blasted Golden State in the Warriors' building. They have one of the best net ratings in the NBA while resting their key players during a Tuesday-to-Tuesday stretch with five games. That's impressive.

Doolittle: I don't think the Thunder are a great team, and their schedule hasn't been too tough, but they are fascinating in their post-Kevin Durant version. Billy Donovan's formula is to give the ball to Russell Westbrook, surround him with athletes and play lightning-fast, messy basketball. The way they've played so far stylistically makes you wonder if Westbrook really could average a triple-double.

4. Who's the most surprising player in the West?

Thorpe: Kawhi Leonard edges out Marc Gasol's 3-point shooting onslaught. Leonard now is at the top of his game and he has the Kobe Bryant-like mentality of every opponent looking like a target when he has the ball. Getting 27 free throws in two road games (and making 25) tips us off to his mindset. Just over two years ago he proved to be the MVP of the Finals. He has ascended into a very serious league MVP candidate.

Haberstroh: Rudy Gay. I did not foresee this fully energized start out of Gay, who made it clear this summer he wanted out of Sacramento. He's been more active defensively (six blocks) than usual and getting to the line twice as often as he did last season. His all-around game is far more surprising than his 23.8 scoring average. He's doing nothing but helping his trade stock.

Doolittle: I guess nothing that happens in San Antonio should ever truly qualify as a surprise, but how about Kawhi Leonard? His transition to superstardom looks complete.

Gregg Popovich has turned the keys of the offense over to him. He might lead the league in free throws made and looks as if he'll make his biggest scoring leap yet in his sixth season -- and he's a guy who has improved his average ever single year. Most impressive of all: We've said the missing piece for Leonard is setting up others. He's doing that now, too.

Pelton: Rudy Gay. Despite trade rumors, DeRozan's former teammate is averaging 23.8 points with a 54.3 percent effective field goal percentage. Gay is getting to the basket on a regular basis, taking 30 of his 82 shot attempts (36.6 percent) in the restricted area, per NBA.com/Stats.

Windhorst: Again, I'm not sure surprise is the word for me, but Rudy Gay is off to an excellent start. He's disgruntled, as we all know, but he's pretty clearly playing for that next contract. He's shooting better than 50 percent early on and has the team's best plus-minus. Small sample, but if he puts together a career year he's going to be a major focus in both February (at the trade deadline) and July (as a potential free agent).

From espn Insider first assessment. Lots of praise for Bulls

What a difference a few months makes!

NOT a dig at the original poster btw (PROMISE): I just recalled there was some hype about the Bulls at the start of the year and I know there were others who weren't buying it.

ButtersSuki

I have a strange feeling the Cavs will repeat.

Given all that's happening in the West (Durant and LMA injured) and the fact they'll beat the crap out of each other in the West before reaching the Finals I think the Cavs arrive there fresher than anyone. At full strength and healthy I see the Spurs or GSW taking them, but other than that it's the Cavs.

brady23

I made the post regarding the Bulls after only seeing highlights but happened to watch repeats of Bulls/Celtics and Cavs/Rockets.

The Bulls are even worse than I thought, the ball movement is painfully slow and their inability to stretch the floor is ridiculous, Rondo, Wade and Butler all had multiple post up isos and their first 5 shots of the game were 1 vs 1 airballs, bricks or easily blocked shots, they're the polar opposite to the Celtics movement.

Rondo even tried a step back 3 pointer it was that bad, I never realised how small Cameron Payne is but Thomas makes him look like a child he's as skinny as Ingram.

Sanders officially signed too, really interested to see how he does, he's only 28, long time off the court but the athleticism is obviously still there

Gregk961

ButtersSuki wrote: »

I have a strange feeling the Cavs will repeat.

Given all that's happening in the West (Durant and LMA injured) and the fact they'll beat the crap out of each other in the West before reaching the Finals I think the Cavs arrive there fresher than anyone. At full strength and healthy I see the Spurs or GSW taking them, but other than that it's the Cavs.

The way its looking the Cavs will play either Toronto or Atlanta in the 2nd round, followed by Washington or Boston in the conf finals. I dont see either being walkovers and they could drag to 6 or 7 games. Certainly looks like a tougher run than the last 2 years.

K.O.Kiki

ButtersSuki wrote: »

I have a strange feeling the Cavs will repeat.

Given all that's happening in the West (Durant and LMA injured) and the fact they'll beat the crap out of each other in the West before reaching the Finals I think the Cavs arrive there fresher than anyone. At full strength and healthy I see the Spurs or GSW taking them, but other than that it's the Cavs.

Gregk961 wrote: »

The way its looking the Cavs will play either Toronto or Atlanta in the 2nd round, followed by Washington or Boston in the conf finals. I dont see either being walkovers and they could drag to 6 or 7 games. Certainly looks like a tougher run than the last 2 years.

Kind of makes me wish the NBA Playoffs would switch to full-on "best 16 teams in the league" rather than the convoluted 4-division set up they have going.

LuckyLloyd

ButtersSuki wrote: »

I have a strange feeling the Cavs will repeat.

Given all that's happening in the West (Durant and LMA injured) and the fact they'll beat the crap out of each other in the West before reaching the Finals I think the Cavs arrive there fresher than anyone. At full strength and healthy I see the Spurs or GSW taking them, but other than that it's the Cavs.

I think they have a very solid roster now ahead of the playoffs:

PG: Kyrie; DWill
SG: JR Smith; Shumpert
SF: LeBron; Korver; RJefferson
PF: Love; Williams; Frye
C: Tristan Thompson; Sanders; Frye

They're having a rough March with all the roster injuries and changes but I believe it will settle down before Playoff basketball gets going. I would confidently argue it's the most complete roster LeBron has gone into the playoffs with anyway. Their big weakness is something the Warriors are excellent at exploiting however - transition Defense.

Of course, they might not gel and KLove and JR might not get back to 100% before the playoffs. Similarly, KD might not get back fit and humming before the playoffs either. So a bit of additional Championship jeopardy has been injected again into the season due to injuries for the third consecutive year.

brady23

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

ButtersSuki wrote: »

I have a strange feeling the Cavs will repeat.

Given all that's happening in the West (Durant and LMA injured) and the fact they'll beat the crap out of each other in the West before reaching the Finals I think the Cavs arrive there fresher than anyone. At full strength and healthy I see the Spurs or GSW taking them, but other than that it's the Cavs.

I think they have a very solid roster now ahead of the playoffs:

PG: Kyrie; DWill
SG: JR Smith; Shumpert
SF: LeBron; Korver; RJefferson
PF: Love; Williams; Frye
C: Tristan Thompson; Sanders; Frye

They're having a rough March with all the roster injuries and changes but I believe it will settle down before Playoff basketball gets going. I would confidently argue it's the most complete roster LeBron has gone into the playoffs with anyway. Their big weakness is something the Warriors are excellent at exploiting however - transition Defense.

Of course, they might not gel and KLove and JR might not get back to 100% before the playoffs. Similarly, KD might not get back fit and humming before the playoffs either. So a bit of additional Championship jeopardy has been injected again into the season due to injuries for the third consecutive year.

I know injuries happen in every sportthere are some strong indications over the past few years that some sort of measurements to reduce the schedule would be warranted. Not much point having the best guys playing the first 50 games and then breaking down.
I know Silver talked about changes coming soon, I'd be curious if this is an area. I doubt it given lost revenue but there may come a time that they'll need to look at it

NufcNavan

brady23 wrote: »

I know injuries happen in every sportthere are some strong indications over the past few years that some sort of measurements to reduce the schedule would be warranted. Not much point having the best guys playing the first 50 games and then breaking down.
I know Silver talked about changes coming soon, I'd be curious if this is an area. I doubt it given lost revenue but there may come a time that they'll need to look at it

Lessening the games could have an effect, but the star players in the league are playing less minutes than ever. I'm not sure it's as simple as the 82 game schedule being the reason.

brady23

NufcNavan wrote: »

brady23 wrote: »

I know injuries happen in every sportthere are some strong indications over the past few years that some sort of measurements to reduce the schedule would be warranted. Not much point having the best guys playing the first 50 games and then breaking down.
I know Silver talked about changes coming soon, I'd be curious if this is an area. I doubt it given lost revenue but there may come a time that they'll need to look at it

Lessening the games could have an effect, but the star players in the league are playing less minutes than ever. I'm not sure it's as simple as the 82 game schedule being the reason.

Yes playing less minutes but the game is far more physically demanding as time has gone on, fewer games won't happen given lost revenue but it's been suggested as the best solution for a while. 
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/16009898/nba-injury-problem-scheduling-one

brady23

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18869287/wonky-tonkiest-nitty-grittiest-most-analytically-correct-mvp-debate-all
Guess who doesn't get one vote