loopdokter

He must have been courted by Philly because these deals don’t happen overnight. I was surprised this was announced as quickly as it was after his sacking from the Clippers.

Agreed. Philly had been courting D’Antoni for months. Thrilled about this as I both like and respect Doc, but also think D’Antoni is a loser who will never get over the hump. And regardless of either man’s potential, I just think Doc is a better fit for the Sixers. I agree with Jon that Joel is quite possibly the best player in the league, if fit. Doc has the best chance of making that happen. Oh and he has the best chance of attracting vets, too.

      jonattonyeah Dunno what you do with Simmons.

      he HAS to develop a KG style jump shot. If he does, he becomes a perennial mvp contender. Problem with Ben and the Sixers is that every year pans out the same. The team starts off looking like a contender. But as time passes, guys around the league become more and more comfortable with the fact that “Ben just can’t and won’t shoot.” After that it all tapers off. The hot hand is always double teamed, Ben starts to regress offensively, and Joel starts trying to do everything himself.

          zackster

          Even just a floater/hook shot thing like Draymond Green has. He could be a superstar, much taller Draymond now that I think of it. Excellent playmaker and an perennial DPOY candidate. But Draymond at least shoots threes. Not great percentage wise but he can keep the defense at least somewhat honest. Simmons doesn’t even try. And you know who shoots too many threes, IMO…Joel. All world footwork, absolutely massive, and he’s floating about on the perimeter like he’s Paul George or something. Sixers have the roster to win a championship. Lakers this year have shown you can win without bombing threes left and right. And with Simmons, Embiid, and Thybulle, the defense should be in the top 5 easily.

            This is trending one way. #sad

            Yep. Would love for it to be a decent competition but this year has been a bust for obvious reasons anyway. AD will get finals MVP at least. He deserves it.

            Doc just gave a virtuoso performance on Philly radio. Rolled out stats with ease, and didn’t falter once. Said three things I absolutely loved hearing:

            1. When asked why he was in Philly the very first words out of his mouth were “Ben Simmons”. Said he doesn’t think he’s ever had someone who moved the ball better on one of his rosters.
            2. The current starters have the ability to man match almost any other team out of a game. Couldn’t agree more.
            3. He thinks Joel can become the best pick and roll player in the league. Fans have ben begging for this his entire career. Brett Brown never EVER used the pick and roll, but preferred to have Joel get tuff under the rim. That does not and cannot work in the current NBA.

            Lets Fucking Go!

              If he can get Joel and Ben working like Stockton and Mallone I can see the appeal I must admit. Would love to see the league move to a low post/mid range game like the good old days, but the stats seem to favour the 3 point Harden 3 step step back routine atm

              zackster

              I think Steve Kerr is a good coach (and a better person) but I never understood why the Dubs didn’t run more Durant/Curry PnR. Completely unstoppable. But hey they went to five straight finals and probably would’ve won 4 without injuries.

                I’m really tiring of seeing the Lakers winning this thing what feels like every three years or so.

                Fuck the Lakers!

                The Raptors are going to be an interesting team come next season. I’m really curious what they’re going to do. GM Masai Ujuri (sp?) is up for a contract renewal. Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka are free agents and there’s a few others who are questionable. Fred Van Fleet is rumoured that he’s being chased by several teams.

                I’m kind of concerned they won’t have as good of a team as they have in the past few years.

                  loopdokter

                  Siakam is very good, even if he disappeared in the playoffs, so he’s a keeper. Anunoby is a decent piece. Lowry at $31M comes off the books next year. Given the dearth of FA options, I’d expect FVL to get an absurd contract from some idiot team - north of $20M (depending on how the salary cap shakes out). I’d just roll it back next year, maybe sign some big one-year deals if Ibaka goes to Miami or something. Gasol seems washed so maybe get him a one-year deal. Plan for the 2021-22 season with OJ, Pascal, some bench players like Powell, and try and get some mid-tiered starter level FA’s (or one huge player like a Giannis - doubtful, there).

                  Nurse is an excellent coach who seems good at development. Maybe score on some later round picks. The top end of this draft is awful, but there will be some good players to come out of it, once you’re out of the lottery.

                    zackster

                    Even in a league of egregious flopping….wow does he stick out. Between him and Marcus Smart in that one playoff series, I was worried the earth might tilt on its axis given how much the slightest of touching seems to dominate the gravity of two extraordinary (and strong) athletes. You’d think it was La Liga.

                        jonattonyeah he’s beyond annoying. Gets under your skin like no one. I wish he and Ben would have fought two years ago.

                            zackster

                            As an aside, best cheesesteak? I was there two years ago around now and took the bus up from downtown to Dalessandro’s on a recommendation. Was damn good. I then went to this bar in South Philly that was also recommended. Don’t remember the name, but I was standing outside figuring out what to do, and these three dudes came walking up and one gets in my face saying, “I know you I know you - you look just like that dickhead I know.” I was like, “hey hey, my man, I’m not even from here.” He says, “Yeah I know, I’m just fucking with you.” Haha. Damn, Philly! Also have a Kensington story. I should just move there. Excellent town.

                                jonattonyeah Dalessandro’s

                                Thats the one man. No better place. Did they give you a bag of stuffed hot peppers? They randomly come with steaks, and totally whip ass.

                                    Its technically not in Philly, but absolutely the correct answer.

                                    Always been a Jimmy guy, to the point where I thought I was wrong about how high I rated him. He’s been amazing.

                                    They also win this series with Dragic.

                                    But that’s how it goes. Raps don’t win last year with a healthy Dubs. Dubs might not win in ’16 with a healthy Love and Kyrie.

                                    But damn I wish the Heat had Goran. He’s such a great player to watch beyond what he brings to the team.

                                    Goran is brilliant. Totally underrated and brings a load of energy. Great win for Heat last night