bosstrabs Fucking hell, this league changes more quickly than the Premiership (glacial) or NHL or NFL.

The Raptors (Go Raps) had a tough go with the Celtics, but I felt as if their season hadn’t been interrupted a la Covid, they’d have made it to the final again.

Based upon what I saw of the Celtics vs. Raptors, I thought they were going to win the whole lot.

I gotta say though, this year’s playoffs has been the superstar rising of Denver Nuggets and Kitchener, ON, Canada (born and raised like me) native, Jamal Murray’s year. He just blew the fuck up for them.

      Millsy college basketball mate. Arguably more exciting than the NBA.

      Not even arguably. Way more exciting!

          zackster The beat reporters have identified big problems for the Lakers, that will be exposed in the coming games, so its safe to say that LA are going to sweep the series.

          So one of the younger superstar players is going to out LeBron having a mistress then? Haha.

            loopdokter Joker was Nuggets best player by a mile. Carried them. But don’t let me stop you shoehorning in a Canada reference.

              loopdokter

              Used to be. The quality of college basketball has gone in the shitter with the one-and-done rule. One can say March Madness is exciting, and it is, but the quality of the sport is really, really poor. These aren’t the days of UNLV and the Fab Five where guys stayed at least two years.

                zackster

                Embiid just needs to get in shape and get his head right. He’s possibly the best player in the league if he’d pull it together. Rivers might be able to pull that off. Dunno what you do with Simmons. But maybe shifting the NBA from an outside-in league back to an inside-out (given they both can’t shoot - despite how much Joel tries) they could have a contrarian advantage. Lebron and Davis both aren’t great shooters (Davis is good). We know where they’re at right now. Those Harris and Horford contracts are an abortion, ’though. Westbrook level.

                    jonattonyeah Those Harris and Horford contracts are an abortion, ’though. Westbrook level.

                    ☝🏼

                      Millsy Lots of time for Doc Rivers. Great coach.

                      Have you seen his thing on Netflix Millsy? It’s a good shout if you’re looking to start coaching your lads. The whole series is great - coaches at the top of their game giving away the mantra to their coaching philosophy.

                        zackster

                        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. It was roughly three days ago he was let go from the Clippers.

                        I’m more excited seeing what my homie Steve Nash does with Brooklyn. He’s done a lot for the Canada Basketball team as a general manager and guys naturally follow him. An entire nation of ballers from Canada credit his leadership to them becoming what they’ve become. Jamal Murray from the Nuggets has worked extensively with Nash and he blew the fuck up in the playoffs. I hope he has success in the NBA as a head coach.

                            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