NBA Thread

[Krylian]

Raptors sucked for how many years and did they win a championship from it? Did those lottery picks turn into anything special? Other than Chris Bosh in 2003 and Demar DeRozan in 2009, the Raptors high draft picks after sucking all those years really weren't franchise changing players. The Raptors the past 4-5 years have been able to remain competitive and draft solid players like OG, Siakam, and Poeltl (who was used as a trade chip in the KL deal).

 

Ya. They f***ed up a lot of their picks. Doesn't mean the strategy is wrong...means their scouting was ass and they should've all been fired.

[Dick_Pole]

MLSE won't allow a complete tank to happen even though basketball is the easiest sport in which to turn a franchise around. If you bottom out and/or draft really well, a couple of home runs picks and you're right back in it.

 

Is it???? Let's take a look at recent anecdotal evidence.

 

Minnesota tanked for Wiggins...well they've tanked this whole decade really. How has that worked out for them?

 

The Lakers had to bottom out for 5 years between Bryant and drafting the new guys. Even with LeBron playing a part of the season, they're still barely a playoff team in the West.

 

And then the most notorious tankers, the 76ers. Three really embarrassing years bookended by two bad years, so that was neither a fast nor easy turnaround (well not easy for anyone outside their front office who coasted with "Trust the Process" line to appease their gorilla fan base). What do they have to show? They are the East's Portland Trail Blazers. Great job guys. Could have gotten to that level while be a good team like the Blazers have during that time.

 

Yeah the Spurs had Duncan and the Cavs James but those examples are from years ago. Is there an example of a tank that worked? Maybe the Bucks but they drafted Giannis with the 15th pick. So it's still more about skill than tanking. I guess that goes back to your second sentence about doing things WELL. But that's the key. Not tanking.

[Krylian]

Is it???? Let's take a look at recent anecdotal evidence.

 

Minnesota tanked for Wiggins...well they've tanked this whole decade really. How has that worked out for them?

 

The Lakers had to bottom out for 5 years between Bryant and drafting the new guys. Even with LeBron playing a part of the season, they're still barely a playoff team in the West.

 

And then the most notorious tankers, the 76ers. Three really embarrassing years bookended by two bad years, so that was neither a fast nor easy turnaround (well not easy for anyone outside their front office who coasted with "Trust the Process" line to appease their gorilla fan base). What do they have to show? They are the East's Portland Trail Blazers. Great job guys. Could have gotten to that level while be a good team like the Blazers have during that time.

 

Yeah the Spurs had Duncan and the Cavs James but those examples are from years ago. Is there an example of a tank that worked? Maybe the Bucks but they drafted Giannis with the 15th pick. So it's still more about skill than tanking. I guess that goes back to your second sentence about doing things WELL. But that's the key. Not tanking.

 

Minnesota traded for Wiggins. Cleveland drafted Wiggins then traded him for Love and did win a Championship a couple of years later.

 

And who's saying it happens every time. The point is from a mathematical standpoint.

 

The NBA has the smallest rosters so from that perspective one or two great draft picks makes the biggest impact to your roster.

Also, your starters are on the court for what, 35-40 of the 48 minutes in a game? They're out there for basically 80% of the game...unlike hockey where your best players are on the ice for maybe 33%...and baseball, where a position player usually gets 4 AB's a game and it's completely random as to how much they get to impact a given game defensively. In basketball, your starters are involved more than in other sports. So yes, from a mathematical standpoint, the right pick or two can impact your roster very quickly. Now, it's up to your scouting department to make sure that happens of course...the but if they do their job right, they can make a bigger impact, faster, than in other sports.

 

As to whether it works every time? Of course it doesn't. Nothing in this world is 100%. Thinking that is retarded. But I stand by the theory that a good draft or two can impact an NBA team much faster than in other sports.

[Dick_Pole]

Minnesota traded for Wiggins. Cleveland drafted Wiggins then traded him for Love and did win a Championship a couple of years later.

 

And who's saying it happens every time. The point is from a mathematical standpoint.

 

The NBA has the smallest rosters so from that perspective one or two great draft picks makes the biggest impact to your roster.

Also, your starters are on the court for what, 35-40 of the 48 minutes in a game? They're out there for basically 80% of the game...unlike hockey where your best players are on the ice for maybe 33%...and baseball, where a position player usually gets 4 AB's a game and it's completely random as to how much they get to impact a given game defensively. In basketball, your starters are involved more than in other sports. So yes, from a mathematical standpoint, the right pick or two can impact your roster very quickly. Now, it's up to your scouting department to make sure that happens of course...the but if they do their job right, they can make a bigger impact, faster, than in other sports.

 

As to whether it works every time? Of course it doesn't. Nothing in this world is 100%. Thinking that is retarded. But I stand by the theory that a good draft or two can impact an NBA team much faster than in other sports.

 

Fair enough, next time I'll actually consult player transaction histories instead of relying on ******** false memories. Minnesota still sucks though even with multiple high draft picks over the years.

 

Yes of course a couple of players make the largest impact. No one is debating that. What's up for debate is the necessity to tank for that, or that tanking enables/speeds up a turnaround. Rather than just being a well run team in the first place.

[Bobthe4th]

Minnesota traded for Wiggins. Cleveland drafted Wiggins then traded him for Love and did win a Championship a couple of years later.

 

And who's saying it happens every time. The point is from a mathematical standpoint.

 

The NBA has the smallest rosters so from that perspective one or two great draft picks makes the biggest impact to your roster.

Also, your starters are on the court for what, 35-40 of the 48 minutes in a game? They're out there for basically 80% of the game...unlike hockey where your best players are on the ice for maybe 33%...and baseball, where a position player usually gets 4 AB's a game and it's completely random as to how much they get to impact a given game defensively. In basketball, your starters are involved more than in other sports. So yes, from a mathematical standpoint, the right pick or two can impact your roster very quickly. Now, it's up to your scouting department to make sure that happens of course...the but if they do their job right, they can make a bigger impact, faster, than in other sports.

 

As to whether it works every time? Of course it doesn't. Nothing in this world is 100%. Thinking that is retarded. But I stand by the theory that a good draft or two can impact an NBA team much faster than in other sports.

 

But by the same logic, a few good trades / free agents / players making a step up can transform a team. The mentality of either we’re a challenger for the championship or we need to tank is defeatist in basketball IMO.

[jaysblue]

Minnesota traded for Wiggins. Cleveland drafted Wiggins then traded him for Love and did win a Championship a couple of years later.

 

And who's saying it happens every time. The point is from a mathematical standpoint.

 

The NBA has the smallest rosters so from that perspective one or two great draft picks makes the biggest impact to your roster.

Also, your starters are on the court for what, 35-40 of the 48 minutes in a game? They're out there for basically 80% of the game...unlike hockey where your best players are on the ice for maybe 33%...and baseball, where a position player usually gets 4 AB's a game and it's completely random as to how much they get to impact a given game defensively. In basketball, your starters are involved more than in other sports. So yes, from a mathematical standpoint, the right pick or two can impact your roster very quickly. Now, it's up to your scouting department to make sure that happens of course...the but if they do their job right, they can make a bigger impact, faster, than in other sports.

 

As to whether it works every time? Of course it doesn't. Nothing in this world is 100%. Thinking that is retarded. But I stand by the theory that a good draft or two can impact an NBA team much faster than in other sports.

 

Yes, but it still doesn't happen overnight like you're suggesting. You probably still need 4-5 years until you're a serious contender for an NBA championship.

 

Tanking won't work in Toronto. Fans won't come to the games and as well it'll even be a lot more tougher to sign FA's or keep players here. It's better that the Raptors stay relevant even if that means coming in 4th or 5th and getting eliminated in the second round for 2-3 years after KL leaves. Because when a player like KL or AD become available with one-year left on their contract, you likely will able to swing something and greatly improve your team. We're talking about the East here which has been pretty weak for some time. Even after KL leaves, there is no reason for the Raptors to tank. They still have Siakam, OG and Freddy, along with solid veterans in Lowry, Ibaka, Gasol and they likely will re-sign Green. Masai could get creative again and make another trade this offseason to bring in a solid player to replace KL. As well, might be able to sign a middle-tier FA that could help as well. If the Raptors didn't have Siakam and OG, and if Lowry and Gasol were in serious decline, then sure blow it up.

[Abomination]

Boucher gets a multi-year deal with the Raps. Still have some slots to fill though.

 

[jaysblue]

Omri Casspi would be a nice pickup. Has had success in the past shooting 3's. Last season he was a solid bench player on Golden State.

[Krylian]

Fair enough, next time I'll actually consult player transaction histories instead of relying on ******** false memories. Minnesota still sucks though even with multiple high draft picks over the years.

 

Yes of course a couple of players make the largest impact. No one is debating that. What's up for debate is the necessity to tank for that, or that tanking enables/speeds up a turnaround. Rather than just being a well run team in the first place.

 

I don't think we necessarily need to tank, but I do think we need to get younger if Ibaka, Lowry, and Gasol are 3 of our core pieces, with no superstar to lead them.

[Horses Fart]

Lin ready to sign with the Raps. Love it!

[TRM]

Jeremy Lin is a massive get. Great fit (the PR bonus is nice too)

[Terminator]

Lin was probably the best guy on the buyout market. Very nice pickup.

[Dick_Pole]

The Gasol deal was already a win for most of us. Now you consider they upgraded Miles to Lin with no commitment past this year. Very good series of moves. An upgrade to center, an upgrade to the backcourt, less total dollar commitment beyond this season and all it took was Delon Wright, who was very likely headed out anyways considering the Raptors cap situation.

 

Then if we look past this year there is an option to re-sign Lin so that he becomes the new FVV and FVV becomes the new Lowry should they decide to go the trade route there.

[Terminator]

Van Fleet out 3 weeks, Lin really helping out in a big way now.

[Horses Fart]

Van Fleet out 3 weeks, Lin really helping out in a big way now.

 

This sux donkey dick.

[dineke]

The Gasol deal was already a win for most of us. Now you consider they upgraded Miles to Lin with no commitment past this year. Very good series of moves. An upgrade to center, an upgrade to the backcourt, less total dollar commitment beyond this season and all it took was Delon Wright, who was very likely headed out anyways considering the Raptors cap situation.

 

Then if we look past this year there is an option to re-sign Lin so that he becomes the new FVV and FVV becomes the new Lowry should they decide to go the trade route there.

 

FVV is probably not even a starting caliber pg much less the new lowry. It'd be a good tanking move though.

[Abomination]

Did not expect McCaw to be our leading scorer lol. He's looked good today.

[Horses Fart]

Who’s got the weirdest shot in the NBA? Current player.

[Abomination]

Who’s got the weirdest shot in the NBA? Current player.

 

I don't remember the name, but there's someone who hucks 3 pointers basically from their waist. Looks weird as hell.

[Orgfiller]

I don't remember the name, but there's someone who hucks 3 pointers basically from their waist. Looks weird as hell.

 

I believe Kevin Martin is who you might be referring to. Him or Shawn Marion.

 

[Orgfiller]

Who’s got the weirdest shot in the NBA? Current player.

 

Currently, probably Lonzo Ball, if we exclude Markelle Fultz since he has some combination of the yips and a potential shoulder injury.

[Abomination]

I believe Kevin Martin is who you might be referring to. Him or Shawn Marion.

 

 

I don't think it's either of them. I just recall seeing a few games this year where I was like wow, was that a shot?

[Bobthe4th]

Who’s got the weirdest shot in the NBA? Current player.

 

Joakim Noah

 

[Horses Fart]

Is it time we sit Leonard for a while to heal his knee?? We need this guy in full health come playoff time. He should also sit out the All Star game.

[jaysblue]

Is it time we sit Leonard for a while to heal his knee?? We need this guy in full health come playoff time. He should also sit out the All Star game.

 

Against weaker teams, Raptors could get by with KL, though playoff positioning is really still important. I don't have a problem with them resting him to make sure he's fully healthy for the playoffs. If he sits out tonight, he shouldn't be allowed to play in the All-Star Game then. Plain and simple. If he's good enough to play on Sunday, then he is good enough to suit up tonight.

[Spanky99]

Against weaker teams, Raptors could get by with KL, though playoff positioning is really still important. I don't have a problem with them resting him to make sure he's fully healthy for the playoffs. If he sits out tonight, he shouldn't be allowed to play in the All-Star Game then. Plain and simple. If he's good enough to play on Sunday, then he is good enough to suit up tonight.

 

He's not playing tonight, guess we'll see, I doubt he goes to be honest, or goes but doesn't play.

[dineke]

we really traded for marc gasol to be a bench player wtf

[Abomination]

we really traded for marc gasol to be a bench player wtf

 

That may change after the break. He's gonna have lots of practice time, along with everyone else.

[dineke]

That may change after the break. He's gonna have lots of practice time, along with everyone else.

 

I just hope they don't keep ibaka as the starter out of "respect"

[Orgfiller]

we really traded for marc gasol to be a bench player wtf

 

He literally just joined the team dude. Give it a few games.