NBA Thread

[jaysblue]

2 minutes ago, Spanky99 said:

The Raptors have lost a lot of lottery balls the last couple weeks or so, they're playing like they could make the play in... Oof!

They finally healthy now. I thought before the season they were good enough for a play-in, though they never had a healthy rotation. Guys like Barnes, Barrett, Quickley all missed time at some points. Figured they dug themselves in a deep hole so they would focus on the lottery. But yeah these last two weeks, things look different now. 

[Spanky99]

2 hours ago, Spanky99 said:

 

Dallas were taken behind the woodshed.

Are you laughing at the joke or do you disagree, Silvio?

[Spanky99]

2 hours ago, jaysblue said:

They finally healthy now. I thought before the season they were good enough for a play-in, though they never had a healthy rotation. Guys like Barnes, Barrett, Quickley all missed time at some points. Figured they dug themselves in a deep hole so they would focus on the lottery. But yeah these last two weeks, things look different now. 

Yeah 8-31 was a massive hole, and I knew of all the injuries, Quickley just got back and is on limited minutes, I think this is the first time the last 2 games with their full rotation, all of a sudden they're 16-33, lol. It's pretty wild is my point, nice young team to look forward to. When's the trade deadline, will Poetl be moved? 

[jaysblue]

14 hours ago, Spanky99 said:

Are you laughing at the joke or do you disagree, Silvio?

At the joke haha

[jaysblue]

14 hours ago, Spanky99 said:

Yeah 8-31 was a massive hole, and I knew of all the injuries, Quickley just got back and is on limited minutes, I think this is the first time the last 2 games with their full rotation, all of a sudden they're 16-33, lol. It's pretty wild is my point, nice young team to look forward to. When's the trade deadline, will Poetl be moved? 

February 6th. 

Poetl is under control for two more seasons after this one at $19.5M AAV. Having a career year so would be trading him at his highest value. 

[Masterbather]

There's nobody on this Raptors team I would consider untouchable. 

They are a ways away from real championship talent. The only guys I think can be championship level starters are Barnes (as a glue guy, Jack of all trades, NOT as a first or second scoring option) and Poeltl can find a place on any well built championship team. Quickley I think is better suited in the role he had in New York but is way too overpaid for that now. RJ is too inefficient and too expensive and not nearly good enough defensively. The other guys are just other guys.

[jaysblue]

9 minutes ago, Masterbather said:

There's nobody on this Raptors team I would consider untouchable. 

They are a ways away from real championship talent. The only guys I think can be championship level starters are Barnes (as a glue guy, Jack of all trades, NOT as a first or second scoring option) and Poeltl can find a place on any well built championship team. Quickley I think is better suited in the role he had in New York but is way too overpaid for that now. RJ is too inefficient and too expensive and not nearly good enough defensively. The other guys are just other guys.

Dick is untouchable. 

[Masterbather]

9 hours ago, jaysblue said:

Dick is untouchable. 

I...can't tell if you're serious or not. He's not a very efficient scorer, and for a guy who was drafted to be a three-point sniper he really hasn't been. He might still be a three-point sniper in time, he might still end up being a very useful role player for a good team at some point but I haven't seen anything yet that says he should be untouchable. Kind of seems like just a guy to me so far. Scored a lot early because the team had so many injuries, but struggles to get his offense off when he's playing alongside some decent talent. Great name though. Endless fun.

[jaysblue]

3 hours ago, Masterbather said:

I...can't tell if you're serious or not. He's not a very efficient scorer, and for a guy who was drafted to be a three-point sniper he really hasn't been. He might still be a three-point sniper in time, he might still end up being a very useful role player for a good team at some point but I haven't seen anything yet that says he should be untouchable. Kind of seems like just a guy to me so far. Scored a lot early because the team had so many injuries, but struggles to get his offense off when he's playing alongside some decent talent. Great name though. Endless fun.

Endless fun indeed haha. Never going to have this opportunity again in any sport!

He's made some improvements from last season which is encouraging. He's still young so definitely more room to grow and improve.

So far this season averaging 15.7 PPG, 3.3 REB, 2.0 AST, 41.9 FG%, and 34.9 3P%. 

If he could end up being a 18-20PPG guy, get a little more physical and pad his REB stats where he is averaging around 5-6 per game, and shoot mid-to-high 40's in FG% and get his 3P% around 40 or higher, then he definitely can be a solid cornerstone in a 5-man rotation. Still room for that to happen in the next couple of years. If not, worst case then he's a solid role-player to have like you said, who can come off the bench as a 6th man. 

[jaysblue]

12 hours ago, Masterbather said:

There's nobody on this Raptors team I would consider untouchable. 

They are a ways away from real championship talent. The only guys I think can be championship level starters are Barnes (as a glue guy, Jack of all trades, NOT as a first or second scoring option) and Poeltl can find a place on any well built championship team. Quickley I think is better suited in the role he had in New York but is way too overpaid for that now. RJ is too inefficient and too expensive and not nearly good enough defensively. The other guys are just other guys.

They definitely need to move RJ when the time comes to go on a run. Don't think he can be a main piece you can build around. Need to make a DeRozan/Leonard type trade again haha. As much as I like him, you're not winning a Championship with him as one of your "key" guys. Not good enough defensively and expensive for just a volume scorer. 

Quickley isn't anything special. Borderline starter/6th man who has been injured most of the season. 

Barnes definitely, but yeah he's not your first or second scoring option on a Championship caliber team. He's more of a second piece. So would be nice to acquire another super star who you can play with him. 

Poeltl is reasonable for the next two seasons, but yeah not sure if he could be this efficient again. Still a valuable piece to have on a Playoff team. 

[Masterbather]

I don't really get the Brandon Ingram hype. 

A really nice player don't get me wrong, but he's never really fully healthy and I just don't know if he really moves the needle on a rebuilding team.

I'd rather have used that first rounder as part of a move for a bigger player down the road. If I'm taking my chances with an injury-prone player from New Orleans I'd go all in after Zion.

If RJ was going the other way I would feel much better about this deal.

[BB17]

Yeah the Raptors don't make much sense. They have some "good" players but none of these pieces are championship contending players outside maybe Barnes and Poetle. And they are going to be a tax team if they sign Ingram so its just kind of bleh. They're only real shot of getting out of the mud is getting a star through the draft and they likely just made their odds of getting a high pick worse.

[Masterbather]

1 hour ago, BB17 said:

Yeah the Raptors don't make much sense. They have some "good" players but none of these pieces are championship contending players outside maybe Barnes and Poetle. And they are going to be a tax team if they sign Ingram so its just kind of bleh. They're only real shot of getting out of the mud is getting a star through the draft and they likely just made their odds of getting a high pick worse.

That's the thing, it's like, are you aiming to be a sixth place team in the Eastern Conference for years to come? Because that's the kind of ceiling you're putting together right now while paying a lot in salary, giving up ping pong balls and draft capital.

 

[BB17]

1 hour ago, Masterbather said:

That's the thing, it's like, are you aiming to be a sixth place team in the Eastern Conference for years to come? Because that's the kind of ceiling you're putting together right now while paying a lot in salary, giving up ping pong balls and draft capital.

 

Yeah exactly. The NBA system is one of the toughest to go from being bad to good because you basically need a top 10 even top 5 player. And Toronto's only real shot of getting one is through the draft or trade. And since contracts are capped to 4-5 years its tough to get surplus value on any deals for a long enough time as well. Basically you have to take shots on signing guys to contracts and hoping they really improve in that timeframe and when they do if you aren't in that competing window you should trade them to improve your chances of getting a star if you don't have one.

[Abomination]

A few interesting moves by the Raps.  I like the pickup of Wiseman, and getting a 2nd for Mitchell seems like pretty good value (it's basically Wiseman for Mitchell and eating an expiring contract). Not sure about Ingram, but the Raps have actually looked pretty good when they've been healthy and he definitely adds some legit scoring punch to that.

[Orgfiller]

14 hours ago, Abomination said:

A few interesting moves by the Raps.  I like the pickup of Wiseman, and getting a 2nd for Mitchell seems like pretty good value (it's basically Wiseman for Mitchell and eating an expiring contract). Not sure about Ingram, but the Raps have actually looked pretty good when they've been healthy and he definitely adds some legit scoring punch to that.

You actually thought they would keep Wiseman? He was out for the season on an expiring contract (with a club option that nobody was picking up).

[Abomination]

2 hours ago, Orgfiller said:

You actually thought they would keep Wiseman? He was out for the season on an expiring contract (with a club option that nobody was picking up).

Yeah, I did. WTF did we give up a 2nd round pick just to dump him? How much cash did he come with, or does it create an exemption or something?

[Orgfiller]

31 minutes ago, Abomination said:

Yeah, I did. WTF did we give up a 2nd round pick just to dump him? How much cash did he come with, or does it create an exemption or something?

I think literally just the money they got for him in the deal. The 2nd round pick is top 55 protected which might as well be literally nothing. I think they were just doing Indiana a solid.

Can't say I understand it from a tax calculations perspective but I'm sure there was something minor to it.

[jaysblue]

On 2/6/2025 at 12:07 PM, Masterbather said:

That's the thing, it's like, are you aiming to be a sixth place team in the Eastern Conference for years to come? Because that's the kind of ceiling you're putting together right now while paying a lot in salary, giving up ping pong balls and draft capital.

 

The Eastern Conference isn't as strong as the West. Outside of Boston and Cleveland right now, and maybe the Knicks, there aren't any other dominant or scary teams. The Raptors could likely hold their own in a series against the Pacers, Pistons or Magic let's say. 

Raptors under Lowry/DeRozan were always a 4th/5th place team pretty much who some seasons got lucky and finished 2nd/3rd and were 1-2 pieces away (which ended up being Leonard/Green and then trading for Gasol at the trade deadline that season). 

Thinking Masai wants to do the same by keeping the Raps relevant where they win 48-50 or so games per season and maybe win a Playoff Round or two. Then make a bold move/trade and try to go for it if a deal is there (like the Leonard/DeRozan trade). 

Plus, having the Raptors relevant is at least better for ticket sales and TV viewership and attracting FA's. Tanking in the NBA doesn't always work and it could be a lengthy timeline like almost a decade. Look at the Wizards, Pistons and some other teams. 

[Laika]

That's exactly it. 

[Masterbather]

 

On 2/8/2025 at 1:53 PM, jaysblue said:

The Eastern Conference isn't as strong as the West. Outside of Boston and Cleveland right now, and maybe the Knicks, there aren't any other dominant or scary teams. The Raptors could likely hold their own in a series against the Pacers, Pistons or Magic let's say. 

Raptors under Lowry/DeRozan were always a 4th/5th place team pretty much who some seasons got lucky and finished 2nd/3rd and were 1-2 pieces away (which ended up being Leonard/Green and then trading for Gasol at the trade deadline that season). 

Thinking Masai wants to do the same by keeping the Raps relevant where they win 48-50 or so games per season and maybe win a Playoff Round or two. Then make a bold move/trade and try to go for it if a deal is there (like the Leonard/DeRozan trade). 

Plus, having the Raptors relevant is at least better for ticket sales and TV viewership and attracting FA's. Tanking in the NBA doesn't always work and it could be a lengthy timeline like almost a decade. Look at the Wizards, Pistons and some other teams. 

I get that and I'm coming around to the Ingram trade a little bit but only if it serves to have Ingram replace Barrett. I think there's too much duplication between them. Ingram is Barrett but better. Literally I think Ingram does everything Barrett does, but does it better and I think there's things that Ingram does that Barrett can't. I don't think it makes sense to tie up cap space in both of them especially considering what you're paying Quickley and Barnes.

Also, with Ingram continuing to be out for what will probably be a few more weeks, it doesn't really hurt the tank.

[jaysblue]

If anyone is interested, looking to sell half of my Raps season tickets for 2025/2026. Great seats in the upper level - Sec 323, Row 3, aisle seats. Can DM me for more details. 

[BB17]

Did MLSE increase the price on your seats? Heard they increased some leafs tickets like 20% lol. Basically have gone up double in the last 6-7 years which is insane. And they give season ticket holders like nothing of value for being a season ticket holder lol.

[jaysblue]

12 hours ago, BB17 said:

Did MLSE increase the price on your seats? Heard they increased some leafs tickets like 20% lol. Basically have gone up double in the last 6-7 years which is insane. And they give season ticket holders like nothing of value for being a season ticket holder lol.

They've been increasing the prices every year. 

I started off paying $4500 for the pair of tickets back in 2014. Now I'm paying $9800 (including taxes) for next season. There is still a waiting list for season tickets and my seats are aisle seats so don't want to give them up. But yeah paying close to 10K for upper bowls is ridiculous especially given how poorly they've played. 

[Brownie19]

On 3/8/2025 at 10:50 AM, jaysblue said:

If anyone is interested, looking to sell half of my Raps season tickets for 2025/2026. Great seats in the upper level - Sec 323, Row 3, aisle seats. Can DM me for more details. 

Have you sold all your remaining tickets for the year?  I'd love to take my kid down to a Raps game, but tickets seem really expensive.  What do you charge for a game?

[jaysblue]

2 hours ago, Brownie19 said:

Have you sold all your remaining tickets for the year?  I'd love to take my kid down to a Raps game, but tickets seem really expensive.  What do you charge for a game?

Only 5 home games left after tonight. Games are dynamic pricing, so varies depending on matchup and date. These are the remaining games.

Sun March 23rd - vs. San Antonio 

Fri March 28th - vs. Charlotte 

Thu April 3rd vs. Portland

Fri April 4th vs. Detroit 

Wed April 9th vs. Charlotte (sold)

Could do $120 per pair to either the San Antonio or Portland game. The Friday games against Charlotte or Detroit, could do $150 per pair. 

 

[Brownie19]

Cool - that's reasonable enough.  However, after seeing the G-League lineup they played last night, I think I better wait until the start of the next season to go...

[jaysblue]

43 minutes ago, Brownie19 said:

Cool - that's reasonable enough.  However, after seeing the G-League lineup they played last night, I think I better wait until the start of the next season to go...

Yeah I don't blame you. Just saw yesterday Barnes, Barrett and Quickley were out. Plus the remaining opponents suck anyways lol. Raptors have one of the easiest schedules remaining, so it's going to be tough to tank haha. 

But yeah if you want your kid to experience an NBA game, probably a good time to go in terms of ticket prices. Also, the experience more than anything at Raptors games is fun. I'm sure they won't bench all their starters for the remaining home games coming up. Just probably will limit their minutes. 

[Masterbather]

The Raptors have to be the absolute dumbest organization in basketball at the moment. And this is a league that includes the Dallas Mavericks. I thought the Jays had the dumbest front office in Toronto but clearly I was wrong.

Tantalizingly close to securing a high pick in a great draft and they piss it all away with a half-assed tank. We're apparently the only team in the NBA that doesn't know how to tank.

Why the hell are we playing our starters into the fourth quarter of games, building up nice leads just to ensure we win the game with a bunch of G-leaguer journeyman. 

Why didn't we play these half-assed lineups earlier in the year when we faced good teams to build a buffer for this bad  part of the schedule?  Why are we letting division rivals get a better chance at higher draft odds?

This is active self-harm and I don't know how ownership isn't stepping in and smacking them all across the face for this.

Garbage organization. It's a miracle these clowns won a title.

[Spanky99]

Shai's the MVP right?