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[caffeware]

Lionel Richie
Cutty Flam
bender
Xaero Gravity
Mista
Celcius

Some interesting things going on:

Gordon Hayward to sign 4-year, $120M deal with Charlotte Hornets, AP source says

Gordon Hayward, meanwhile, is heading to a new home.

www.wsoctv.com

Spoiler

 

[Celcius]

Sucks to hear about Rondo and Howard leaving the Lakers, I really liked having them both on the team. Rondo was the 3rd best player on the team and Howard had a great story going from how he first left the team to now winning a championship with them. Oh well... at least I'm glad Rondo didn't go to the Clippers. Picking up Harrel and Schroeder are good moves, and I'll be glad to see Avery Bradley back on the court as well.

It also sucks to hear about Klay Thompson. I was looking forward to seeing what him and Steph could achieve this year, plus Klay has had it rough just about to come back from a major injury.

At least we'll get to watch Christmas Day basketball though and I'm looking forward to it!

 

[Cutty Flam]

I was in shock when Rob Pelinka managed to sign Dennis Schroeder and Montrezl Harrel, perfect pick ups

Getting rid of Danny Green and picking up Wes Matthews is an improvement. Slight improvement. I think getting rid of Kuzma would be a mistake personally, but we'll see what happens later with that

I also hated hearing Klay Thompson injured himself, his achilles of all things too....Was really hoping to see the Warriors, both Steph and Klay lead the team. Now that dumb fuck Draymond is going to think he's second best on the team or anywhere near it. Dude is fucking sorry when he needs to step up. All these years playing with all these lights out shooters and the guy still can't hit or turn on anything to propel his team offensively smh. But the Warriors, I still want to see where they go. Curry and Wiggins might be able to do something. Damion Lee + Eric Pashcall + Marquese Chriss are good players too

 

[bender]

Getting rid of Danny Green and picking up Wes Matthews is an improvement. Slight improvement.

I can't wait to watch the expression on LeBron's face when Wes tries to do too much and dribbles off his foot as he drives to the basket.

 

[Mista]

Lionel Richie
Cutty Flam
bender
Xaero Gravity
Mista
Celcius

Some interesting things going on:

Gordon Hayward to sign 4-year, $120M deal with Charlotte Hornets, AP source says

Gordon Hayward, meanwhile, is heading to a new home.

www.wsoctv.com

Spoiler

Not Rondo and Howard. Should’ve waived Kuzma

 

[EverydayBeast]

Lakers management doing a good little shake up, good champions move past management moves.

 

[caffeware]

 

[caffeware]

lakers are different team

 

[Cutty Flam]

The Lunch Legend what do you think Obi Toppin will do as a New York Knick?

I looked up some highlights and that dude can jump. Not sure what his game or attitude is like, but looks like he could be an animal. 6’9 220 athletic and plays PF so he has some toughness to his game. Wonder if they’ll play him at a SF position?

I’ve also been wondering if Bogdan Bogdanavic will play well for the Hawks. Got a great contract, but will he step up and earn it?

 

[Orpheum]

I seriously hope the CP3 trade works out for the Suns...

got a bad feeling about it. i don't know why

 

[The Lunch Legend]

The Lunch Legend what do you think Obi Toppin will do as a New York Knick?

I see him as a guy who will need to be surrounded by certain players that cover his clear weaknesses to be successful long term.
I could see him being a Kyle Kuzma type guy, but he is 4. He doesn’t make plays for his teammates and he doesn’t really create his own shots.

So pick and pop, occasional highlight dunk and corner three guy. Not essential for the Knicks long-term goal, but if developed, I could see the Knicks using him as trade bait sometime in the future.

 

[Cutty Flam]

I seriously hope the CP3 trade works out for the Suns...

got a bad feeling about it. i don't know why

I always thought CP3 was kind of overrated. He let his ego get in the way and never got past the second round, seems like an abrasive teammate too. If you’re as skilled as he, you have to figure it out and win. There’s a major flaw in his game or approach, and I think it must have been his attitude much of the time. I could be wrong but that’s all I can think of, he’s a lot like Westbrook and will let his emotions go freely on the floor. It’s not a good habit on the floor a lot of times. IMO the game is simple, but you have to approach it like chess and every action must be calculated. Entire season is like a chess game. CP3 is skilled but something’s wrong with that dude’s approach in the realm of teamwork, somewhere...Maybe not now, but in the past especially on the Clippers I felt like that was the case

I see him as a guy who will need to be surrounded by certain players that cover his clear weaknesses to be successful long term.
I could see him being a Kyle Kuzma type guy, but he is 4. He doesn’t make plays for his teammates and he doesn’t really create his own shots.

So pick and pop, occasional highlight dunk and corner three guy. Not essential for the Knicks long-term goal, but if developed, I could see the Knicks using him as trade bait sometime in the future.

Dolan doesn’t give a damn lol. Feel bad for any player that goes there. I was so surprised Fizdale was the coach at one point, that guy had zero business operating as a head coach. He experimented the entire fucking season, all of the games, with different lineups lmao. Seeing him get fired was a relief, whoever called the shot to hand him the job should be fired too

Maybe coach Thibs can bring up the team some though. Seems like Knicks players just wilt over there, and once they get traded out they’re barely able to function as role players after their stint in NY...Hope that will end now that Tom Thibodeau is running the team

 

[The Lunch Legend]

Dolan doesn’t give a damn lol. Feel bad for any player that goes there.

That's the sad reality for us Knick fans. .

 

[MatrixReloaded101]

I seriously hope the CP3 trade works out for the Suns...

got a bad feeling about it. i don't know why

His chances of winning a NBA title is pretty much over. The Suns will be fighting just to get into the playoffs.

I think CP3 will tough it out or request a trade mid- way through the season.

 

[juliushandle]

Lakers just need to add Pau Gasol and give him another ring.

 

[Cutty Flam]

What does everyone think about the Warriors?

I've been thinking about who will become the team's #2 and #3 option for a bit. It should be Andrew Wiggins following Steph Curry's lead right? Kelly Oubre Jr. will eventually fall in place as the third best, I'm assuming? It seems likely this is the case, but does anyone have any idea of what the pecking order will be on this roster? This is what I think

1. Steph Curry
2. Andrew Wiggins
3. Kelly Oubre Jr.
4. Eric Pashchall
5. Draymond Green
6. Marquese Chriss

Rest of team

 

[caffeware]

 

[Cutty Flam]

LaMelo Ball is gonna be a bust 1st year

 

[Cutty Flam]

Interesting that there's a player prodigy coming into the NBA that some liken towards Luka Doncic, 9th pick in the NBA Draft, Deni Avdija, selected by the Washington Wizards. A lot of people think he's comparable to Luka, but personally he looks like a scrub in comparison to me. Maybe in a couple years he will be great but I don't see him taking the Washington Wizards to the next level with his contributions. That's a great team for him though

My guess from what I've seen of him is that he struggles to find minutes in the rotation. A lot of people talking about him but I don't really see it. We'll see

 

[Lionel Richie]

LaMelo Ball is gonna be a bust 1st year

Amazing so many pundits had him going 1st overall, I legit don't see the hype and I'd take Killian Hayes over him all day erryday.

 

[Rickyiez]

Another flop from the Ball family . It is less annoying if Lavar can stop hyping up his sons .

 

[Cutty Flam]

This dude has the body of Reggie Miller but his control of the court with the ball in his hands and his vision / ability to pass is impressive. He could be a leader for the Sacremento Kings if he can adapt to the physicality of the NBA



This year's rookie class seems kind of interesting. Not sure if there are any superstars year one going in but there are some great talents. I still have a lot more to look into but this dude Tyrese Haliburton seems like the steal of the draft

 

[Cutty Flam]

bender what are the chances Tim Hardaway Jr. steps up big time for this Mavs squad this season?

I was thinking about the Mavs and Luka Doncic earlier. I think he’s the man who will take the torch and lead this game into new heights. Basketball in general, I think he’s the one

The only thing is, will his teammates follow and make the most of this and not squander Luka’s talents and efforts? Kristaps is injury prone, and Mavs need someone that’s willing to take their game to the next level. I’m betting Tim Hardaway Jr. is going to be that guy. Can’t say for certain, because I don’t know his attitude, but this should be the year he explodes

 

[bender]

bender what are the chances Tim Hardaway Jr. steps up big time for this Mavs squad this season?

I was thinking about the Mavs and Luka Doncic earlier. I think he’s the man who will take the torch and lead this game into new heights. Basketball in general, I think he’s the one

The only thing is, will his teammates follow and make the most of this and not squander Luka’s talents and efforts? Kristaps is injury prone, and Mavs need someone that’s willing to take their game to the next level. I’m betting Tim Hardaway Jr. is going to be that guy. Can’t say for certain, because I don’t know his attitude, but this should be the year he explodes

I think we saw the best version of THJ last season. I could honestly see a regression. I have to give him, his dad, and the coaching staff a lot of credit though. They made his contract feel not ridiculous and almost worthy. I'd watch the trade deadline for THJ since he is expiring and Mavs do their best work via trades.

Mavs had a weird offseason. The Josh Richardson trade is interesting. I know we needed defense but the team is going to lack so much offensive punch with KP missing time. I'm impressed they got rid of Delon's contract without giving up assets plus the contract they returned feels a positional need and will fuck you up if you pull the shit that Morris/Harrell pulled with Luka in the playoffs. Love the resigning of Burke, he certainly earned it in the bubble. Resigning Barea wasn't the best move, but he's the last holdover from the championship team and I think the team could use the veteran leadership and he could be a great teacher for Terry (love this pick, he feels like he could be 6th man Steph Curry/Tre Young). Also loved the Tyler Bey pick. Not real sure what to think of Josh Allen, he just doesn't pop for me. Pretty sure the Mavs tried to trade up for Haliburton once he slipped.

I think the team might regress as a whole. West is probably tougher (maybe a little less than we though with Klay's injury) but they have a lot of injuries an a lot of new pieces.

 

[Cutty Flam]

I think we saw the best version of THJ last season. I could honestly see a regression. I have to give him, his dad, and the coaching staff a lot of credit though. They made his contract feel not ridiculous and almost worthy. I'd watch the trade deadline for THJ since he is expiring and Mavs do their best work via trades.

Mavs had a weird offseason. The Josh Richardson trade is interesting. I know we needed defense but the team is going to lack so much offensive punch with KP missing time. I'm impressed they got rid of Delon's contract without giving up assets plus the contract they returned feels a positional need and will fuck you up if you pull the shit that Morris/Harrell pulled with Luka in the playoffs. Love the resigning of Burke, he certainly earned it in the bubble. Resigning Barea wasn't the best move, but he's the last holdover from the championship team and I think the team could use the veteran leadership and he could be a great teacher for Terry (love this pick, he feels like he could be 6th man Steph Curry/Tre Young). Also loved the Tyler Bey pick. Not real sure what to think of Josh Allen, he just doesn't pop for me. Pretty sure the Mavs tried to trade up for Haliburton once he slipped.

I think the team might regress as a whole. West is probably tougher (maybe a little less than we though with Klay's injury) but they have a lot of injuries an a lot of new pieces.

Interested to see how Josh Richardson does this year too, he regressed last season

Do you think Tyrell Terry will be that impactful and become the sixth man this season or will it likely be next season?

I hope that Cuban can whip something up in no time for Doncic, he needs to learn from squandering Dirk’s best years. He’s lucky Dirk was able to accomplish what he had for the Mavs. This boy Luka, telling you he’s the one. If Mark Cuban screws this one up...man I’ll be pissed. Even more than when the Twolves threw scraps to Kevin Garnett his entire time in Minnesota

 

[bender]

Interested to see how Josh Richardson does this year too, he regressed last season

Do you think Tyrell Terry will be that impactful and become the sixth man this season or will it likely be next season?

I hope that Cuban can whip something up in no time for Doncic, he needs to learn from squandering Dirk’s best years. He’s lucky Dirk was able to accomplish what he had for the Mavs. This boy Luka, telling you he’s the one. If Mark Cuban screws this one up...man I’ll be pissed. Even more than when the Twolves threw scraps to Kevin Garnett his entire time in Minnesota

Josh seems like a good dude and has a relationship with Luka. He did regress last season but I think he was probably asked to do too much offensively when he's more of a defensive guy. Playing next to Luka should help (just look at THJ).

Terry is a long term play, I think. It's the one reason I'm okay with the Barea signing. Terry is a smart kid, but Carlisle is a hard ass, especially with point guards. Brunson is back from injury so minutes are going to be harder to come by, but with Seth gone, the team needs shooting and as much as I like Burke, he's shooting in the bubble was a little bit of a fluke.

Cuban and Donnie better figure this out. Luka is not going to have Dirk's patience. We have one more offseason with Luka on his rookie deal. I think they are dreaming of Giannis which is ridiculous.

 

[MaestroMike]

Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards agree to Russell Westbrook-John Wall trade

The Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets have agreed to trade two disgruntled star point guards, John Wall and Russell Westbrook, in a blockbuster deal, the teams announced Wednesday.

The Wizards are sending Wall and a lottery-protected 2023 first-round NBA draft pick to the Rockets for Westbrook in a deal that both players wanted and had been simmering for weeks.

The 2023 first-round pick is lottery protected for the Wizards. If it doesn't convey in that year, it has a succession of protections that include picks Nos. 1-12 in 2024, picks 1-10 in 2025 and picks 1-8 in 2026, sources said. If it hasn't conveyed as a first-round pick to Houston by 2026, it becomes a second-round pick in each of 2026 and 2027, sources told ESPN.

Discussions had been stalled since mid-November, sources said, until the two general managers, Washington's Tommy Sheppard and Houston's Rafael Stone, decided to get on the phone Tuesday afternoon. They worked out a deal within hours, sources said.

For the Wizards and Rockets, there's hope that the exchange of guards will play a role in convincing the two franchise shooting guards on each team, Washington's Bradley Beal and Houston's James Harden, to want to stay long term with their teams. Harden has privately asked for a trade, and Beal could become a free agent in 2021.

Westbrook and Wizards coach Scott Brooks have a long history, spending seven years as player and coach together in Oklahoma City.

Westbrook's partnership with Harden in Houston lasted only one season after the recent MVPs played leading roles in orchestrating a 2019 summer trade that sent Chris Paul to Oklahoma City along with two first-round picks and two first-round swap rights in exchange for Westbrook.

Westbrook and Harden both informed the Rockets this offseason that they wished to be moved to other destinations, specifically the Brooklyn Nets in Harden's case, sources have said.

Houston's stance on Harden has not changed, a high-ranking Rockets source told ESPN, saying the team hoped to be competitive with the perennial MVP candidate on the roster this season and does not envision a scenario in which Harden would be traded before the opener. The Rockets have let it be known that they would require a return that included a young, potential franchise cornerstone and a massive picks package in any potential deal for Harden, according to sources.

Sources said that Westbrook cited a desire to "play my game" and concerns about the Rockets' casual culture. Westbrook was a third-team All-NBA selection during his season with the Rockets, averaging 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game, despite getting off to a slow start while recovering from knee surgery and adapting to a new franchise following an 11-year tenure in Oklahoma City.

Westbrook's season ended on a sour note after he reported late to the NBA's Walt Disney World bubble because he had contracted the coronavirus and he strained his right quadriceps during the seeding schedule. The injury caused Westbrook to miss the first four games of the first-round playoff series against the Thunder, his former team. He struggled upon his return, averaging 17.9 points and 4.6 assists while shooting 42.1% from the floor during the playoffs.

Westbrook, 32, has $133 million over three seasons remaining on his contract, with a player option for the final year. He has been an All-Star in nine of the past 10 seasons and joined Oscar Robertson as the only players to average a triple-double for a season, doing so his last three campaigns for the Thunder.

Wall, 30, hasn't played since Dec. 26, 2018, missing two seasons with injuries to his Achilles tendon and knee. He's still owed three years and $132 million on his contract. Once, Wall and Beal were considered the league's best young backcourt, but that future was derailed with the series of injuries to Wall, who has shown himself in the offseason to have regained a great deal of his quickness and explosion.

ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Ohm Youngmisuk contributed to this report.

Rockets, Wizards agree to Westbrook-Wall trade

Houston has agreed to trade Russell Westbrook to Washington for John Wall and a first-round draft pick.

www.espn.com

lol holy sh!t !! Wizards getting west brook!! I wonder if thats good news for them? lol holy shiz!!

 

[Cutty Flam]

Wizards are going to be great, that’s a steal. John Wall is probably going to be a shell of himself this season and soon fall off the face of earth. Two crazy injuries he had to endure, plus he’s 30 now I think

Lionel Richie what are your thoughts on Tristan Thompson joining the Celtics? I think he’ll claim Theis’ minutes pretty early in the season and become the starting Center

 

[Lionel Richie]

Lionel Richie what are your thoughts on Tristan Thompson joining the Celtics? I think he’ll claim Theis’ minutes pretty early in the season and become the starting Center

I'm a fan! Not a huge fan, but a fan. He's by all accounts a better version of Theis and he should grab rebounds like a maniac. That being said, he's a marginal upgrade over Theis and I still think Danny could have added a big with a bit more game. I would have LOVED Myles Turner. He's like 23 or something, he has a good inside game and can shoot from deep. Good defender, physical presence. TT is not bad, but we needed something better than not bad.

 

[Reptars Revenge]

Vice Versa. That is all

 

[juliushandle]

 

[SpiceRacz]

Makes sense for the Rockets to pick up a better distributor. Having someone that can keep the offense going while Harden rests is critical. I just hope Wall can be effective playing off the ball. I don't think the move elevates the Rockets enough though.

 

[Cutty Flam]

Makes sense for the Rockets to pick up a better distributor. Having someone that can keep the offense going while Harden rests is critical. I just hope Wall can be effective playing off the ball. I don't think the move elevates the Rockets enough though.

Is Harden getting traded? I thought he was upset with Houston?

I like Christian Wood joining the team. And you’re right, John Wall makes more sense than Russell Westbrook being on the team

 

[Cutty Flam]

Harden is under contract to stay with Houston for two more years, I think he’s probably just upset that Westbrook didn’t perform. Westbrook had a quad strain apparently but was playing through it I had read somewhere...

Harden hasn’t worked out with his teammates yet despite them all practicing. But he also opened up a new restaurant called “Thirteen” in Houston. He probably just wants to win and is upset atm

I doubt he refuses to play, just needs some time to think. This reminds me of the time Kobe wanted out of the Lakers when they were trash after ‘04. Except I don’t know how competent the GM for Houston is...All I know is that if there wasn’t a fire under his ass before, there is certainly one now. Personally, I think it would great to see Houston very competitive. Harden, Doncic, Booker, and Young are all my favorite players to watch. Keeping an eye on Michael Porter Jr. as well. There are some insane ballers in the NBA coming up rn

 

[Cutty Flam]

The Lunch Legend I think coach Tom Thibodeau is going to propel the New York Knicks into better times bro. I was reflecting back at what he had accomplished with some of the worst offensive players I can think of basically operating as a top 3-5 team all those years on the Chicago Bulls. If there’s anyone who is going to capitalize on getting the most out of his players and holding them accountable it’s coach Tom Thibodeau

A player like Julius Randle is going to thrive under the culture he’ll bring to the ball club. I can’t even remember a time when the Knicks had a strong defensive minded coach at the helm?

Redirect Notice

He has some solid picks for his coaches he wishes to assemble. I think the team should compete harder this year and we’ll get to see more of what they’re capable of

What do you think bro?

 

[The Lunch Legend]

The Lunch Legend I think coach Tom Thibodeau is going to propel the New York Knicks into better times bro. I was reflecting back at what he had accomplished with some of the worst offensive players I can think of basically operating as a top 3-5 team all those years on the Chicago Bulls. If there’s anyone who is going to capitalize on getting the most out of his players and holding them accountable it’s coach Tom Thibodeau

A player like Julius Randle is going to thrive under the culture he’ll bring to the ball club. I can’t even remember a time when the Knicks had a strong defensive minded coach at the helm?

Redirect Notice

He has some solid picks for his coaches he wishes to assemble. I think the team should compete harder this year and we’ll get to see more of what they’re capable of

What do you think bro?

I hope you're right, bro.

Thibodeau is a good coach for a young team, I agree. He usually does a good job of instilling strong defensive principals in a team, which is important in a young team like the Knicks have. But, eventually his act wears thin on players, which means he won't likely see the end of his contract.; the next coach will have more to work with than Thibodeau will.

 

[Cutty Flam]

I hope you're right, bro.

Thibodeau is a good coach for a young team, I agree. He usually does a good job of instilling strong defensive principals in a team, which is important in a young team like the Knicks have. But, eventually his act wears thin on players, which means he won't likely see the end of his contract.; the next coach will have more to work with than Thibodeau will.

I can see that happening too. He’s going to put everything into this team and bring out more than anyone else has but I think his style is pretty abrasive for some players and that might eventually wear on upper management to kick him out because of a player’s feelings towards his approach. But I do think the guy is going to bring the best out of a lot of players on the roster if they’re there to improve their game and simply go out there playing to win. I was looking at all the Knicks’ prior coaches and Thibodeau is the strongest candidate the NYK have had in almost fifteen years

 

[Cutty Flam]

I think Jalen Brown is going to have to score a lot more this season to keep the team strong. Him and Tatum. Kemba Walker seems like he's going to be patient with his knee

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/20...p-me-to-get-back-to-who-i-am-as-a-player.html

I'm guessing he wont play for another 3-4 months? And Tristan Thompson, who I was excited to see play on the Celtics, now is dealing with a hamstring injury

https://nba.nbcsports.com/2020/12/0...ost-of-training-camp-with-strained-hamstring/

So it's likely a lot of the offensive workload go entirely on Tatum and Brown for a long while, I'm assuming, since Theis is also trying to come back from a knee injury that required surgery

Lionel Richie what do you see for the Celtics the first three to four months on this 2020-2021 NBA season for them? I don't recall the Celtics ever having so many key players down at once. Is Smart going to become a point god? Or do you think Tatum will carry much of this burden and Jaylen Brown the same will pick up the slack until their teammates start to rejoin the effort to finish a long season ahead? It's going to be a long, tough season this year

 

[Lionel Richie]

Lionel Richie what do you see for the Celtics the first three to four months on this 2020-2021 NBA season for them? I don't recall the Celtics ever having so many key players down at once. Is Smart going to become a point god? Or do you think Tatum will carry much of this burden and Jaylen Brown the same will pick up the slack until their teammates start to rejoin the effort to finish a long season ahead? It's going to be a long, tough season this year

It's up to Tatum and Brown to continue taking strides towards superstardom. The team really lacks depth and scoring options, so there will be a heavy burden on the young duo. Marcus Smart is who he is at this point, I don't expect him to up his offensive game.

Honestly, I think Danny probably regrets "trading" Rozier for Kemba. It made sense at the time and Terry was absolute ass in his final season as Celtic, but he makes too much sense for this roster. Kemba knees might be FUBAR for all we know.

 

[diffusionx]

I'm kind of over the NBA. It has nothing to do with the politics either, ok a little to do with it. The "player empowerment" thing has gone too far. James Harden demanding a trade after a few bad breaks, after the Rockets spent years trying to build a winning team around him (while he gagged in every big playoff game), is just ridiculous.

I live in Brooklyn and attend Nets games all the time, but if this soulless team of mercenaries wins a championship (I say that as a huge Kevin Durant fan), I can't say I would be excited. It really has become too much like that old Seinfeld joke about rooting for laundry. There's nothing to hold on to permanently and these players bail and form super teams at the first hint of difficulty.

LeBron James ruined the league, basically.

 

[caffeware]

 

[The Lunch Legend]

LeBron James ruined the league, basically.

Wow, that's a hot take. You're saying that LeBron's "decision" back in 2010 had an irrevocable effect on the NBA? There were super-teams before LeBron made that decision, though:

 

[Cutty Flam]

diffusionx it’s true man, superteams have been around. LeBron is the first that I know of that decided to join with others all in their prime, though

KD actually went a step further than LeBron with his joining of the GSW imo. That was pretty weak if you ask me. There's way more respect going out towards a player that holds down their city and makes things happen organic from the ground up; a proper rebuild. If you ask me, LeBron had his pick of players coming in each draft every year. I think he was involved heavily in the decision making in Cleveland. He was a big part of bringing in talent, I believe. So when nothing materialized and he just sort of jumped ship, it was kind of lame

Was also lame seeing Kevin Durant go straight to the team that finished him off in the playoffs. I remember the day that game 7 OKC vs GSW took place. Was at a restaurant / bar in Irvine, some friends and my bro decided to visit our friend and we went there to see the game. That place was fucking rowdy. You would have thought it was a Lakers playoff game in taking place in a bar right next to Staples Center if you were just a typical customer that went for the food not knowing there was a game that night. That was a series. And one hell of a finish. When KD left Westbrook and jumped right into the arms of his newly formed rivals? Dude. Personally, that was the weakest thing I've ever seen from a superstar in the NBA. I recognize it's all a business and it's all about winning but that shit was pathetic. In the end, all he was doing was 1-upping LeBron at his own game but the way he went about doing it was pathetic. KD ruined two rivalries in a single move of his lol

 

[diffusionx]

I freely admit my feelings are more emotional than objective. I actually think more of James not when he left Cleveland for Miami but when he left Miami after he got smoked in the NBA Finals. As soon as players hit some potential rough patch they decide to use their "leverage" to plant bad stories, cause chaos behind the scenes, then leave a team a smoking crater to go and do it somewhere else. I don't think it is good for fans, or the game. Like I said I think I have some skin in this, because my team is a big beneficiary of it right now, but they will probably leave in 1-2 years and leave the team a hot mess.

Different sport but I feel the same way when the papers keep talking about which big free agents the Mets should sign, well ok maybe sign one or two but if the Mets win a WS on the backs of a bunch of mercs I can't say it will feel the same as it would have had they won with home grown talent.

Wow, that's a hot take. You're saying that LeBron's "decision" back in 2010 had an irrevocable effect on the NBA? There were super-teams before LeBron made that decision, though:

Two old guys at the end of long careers spent with one team (each taking their team to the NBA finals) going to one franchise to chase rings is NOT the same thing as what players do now.

 

[DeepBreath87]

Lebron just really made it all about himself more than any player I have ever seen. They are all selfish, but no one is more quick to throw everyone in an organization under the bus than Lebron. He does not persevere through any adversity. He gets out of dodge.

He and his media sycophants will make excuses for why it’s everyone else’s fault, but Lebron demands teams make moves and pay certain guys all the time. When those moves turn out to be stupid, he leaves them holding the bag. He did it in Miami, he did it in Cleveland, and the agency that ostensibly works for him not been able to force Anthony Davis to LA, he would’ve done it again.

No player has ever had the ability to manipulate the league to his advantage like Lebron. I guess it’s a testament to his savvy or something. But the guy is either the first or second best player ever. Yet he’s never been a part of a winning team that wasn’t essentially cherry picked just for him. Ever since he left Cleveland the first time, he’s been stacking the deck in his favor.

That is smart. It’s also completely different from what every other great player has ever done. So it makes it difficult to compare their accomplishments.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

Russell Westbrook is a journeyman NBA player.

Ricky Rubio is not.

Therefore Rubio > Westbrook.

 

[Cutty Flam]

Russell Westbrook is a journeyman NBA player.

Ricky Rubio is not.

Therefore Rubio > Westbrook.

They have both been to three teams

 

[bender]

Mailman and The Glover were beyond their primes when they went ring chasing.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

They have both been to three teams

Damn it! FFS, I hate Westbrook so GD much...

 

[bender]

Damn it! FFS, I hate Westbrook so GD much...