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[Cutty Flam]

One thing I have been thinking about, is how similar Jayson Tatum seems to be in comparison to Kobe Bryant, mentally. And everything else falls into place when you're mentally tough. I'm expecting big things from him this next season. A lot has shifted in the world, all because of a single virus, but he seems one to be focused on the task. Kind of hard to read him, seems very level headed and grounded. I can't tell if he has the same level of fight in him as Kobe once did, but his skill level is off the charts for his age. Two prodigies. He went into the bubble alright and came out injury free from what I remember and had a monster playoffs there so I'm figuring that he starts to send a message this season. Even more so when his teammates are down at the moment and will be relying on him to carry more of the weight momentarily until they get healthy. This should be exciting this upcoming season

 

[caffeware]

Along with the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets star James Harden now also has the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat among his preferred trade destinations, sources with knowledge have told The Athletic .

Harden trade talk, Lakers additions and more: Shams' Inside Pass notebook

NBA Insider Shams Charania empties his notebook and updates us on the Harden situation and more from around the NBA.

theathletic.com

 

[caffeware]

 

[Cutty Flam]

Talen Horton Tucker Jr. is looking lethal

Lakers are coming full force to defend the title; this will be a season filled with excellent competition if they can remain healthy

 

[Cutty Flam]

Kuzma with the 40 million 3 year contract extension. I'm kind of a LeBron hater from moves made in the past and his conduct, but after watching him for two years closer than I ever had previously, I think he truly does build players around him. If they have the right attitude and work ethic, having a player of LeBron's caliber seems to raise your game significantly. Although Kuzma took a dip in efficiency for the 2019-2020 season, I was very surprised with how well he handled the playoffs. I thought he was either going to flop completely or sort of get worked on the floor more time than not; but he held his own and was a factor in the championship run. He actually played very well for his first trip to the NBA Playoffs. I think having players like LeBron and AD to practice with and learn from makes all the difference

 

[juliushandle]

Kuzma with the 40 million 3 year contract extension. I'm kind of a LeBron hater from moves made in the past and his conduct, but after watching him for two years closer than I ever had previously, I think he truly does build players around him. If they have the right attitude and work ethic, having a player of LeBron's caliber seems to raise your game significantly. Although Kuzma took a dip in efficiency for the 2019-2020 season, I was very surprised with how well he handled the playoffs. I thought he was either going to flop completely or sort of get worked on the floor more time than not; but he held his own and was a factor in the championship run. He actually played very well for his first trip to the NBA Playoffs. I think having players like LeBron and AD to practice with and learn from makes all the difference

I agree. 1st thing Kuz needs to do is buy Gasol a gift because Marc is going to be gifting him assist all season and is gonna make Kuz look underpaid. Rondo only fed Kuzma when there was only 5 seconds left on the clock.

 

[Cutty Flam]

I agree. 1st thing Kuz needs to do is buy Gasol a gift because Marc is going to be gifting him assist all season and is gonna make Kuz look underpaid. Rondo only fed Kuzma when there was only 5 seconds left on the clock.

I haven’t watched Marc play much the past few years. Is he that great of a passer? I hope he is that good and makes t he right pass every time, I think Kuzma has what it takes to be the team’s third greatest scorer with efficiency this year

 

[bender]

That Gobert contract is interesting.

 

[Cutty Flam]

That Gobert contract is interesting.

He’s a hell of a force and anchor. Works hard and uses his length to perfection. A great player that you wont see often at all. With his length, his frame, his build, and ability it is very rare to find someone like him who can ball. He also seldom gets injured. Only other player like him, is Andre Drummond imo. Basically the same player. Two monster presences on the floor that can dominate some areas but not all

 

[bender]

He’s a hell of a force and anchor. Works hard and uses his length to perfection. A great player that you wont see often at all. With his length, his frame, his build, and ability it is very rare to find someone like him who can ball. He also seldom gets injured. Only other player like him, is Andre Drummond imo. Basically the same player. Two monster presences on the floor that can dominate some areas but not all

He deserves the contract, I'm just glad it's not my team paying the bill. I'm just not sure you can pay that skillset 40+ million a year in today's NBA.

 

[Cutty Flam]

He deserves the contract, I'm just glad it's not my team paying the bill. I'm just not sure you can pay that skill 40+ million a year in today's NBA.

I think in the Utah Jazz’s situation it makes sense. Donovan Mitchell is 6’2 maybe 6’3 and 1/2 on his absolute best day and unless he becomes a destroyer on defense, commits heavily to that part of the game this year and next year I really can’t see the Jazz taking the Western Conference and going to play in the NBA Finals. I’ve seen a few 6’3 guards get close to winning it all as the man but it rarely materializes. Dwyane Wade got lucky that Stern meant to send a message that he was in charge so I think it’s almost unfair to say he fully earned his ring. Then he was lucky enough to land his buddies LBJ and Bosh...I’m not a fan of Wade. Russell Westbrook was the closest to do it. And look at the guy’s playing style, dude plays the game like he needs to win or he wont eat for days. Westbrook was a terror and not even he could get it done with KD and at Harden

I think it’s tough for small dudes to win in this league. Nearly impossible. Only Steph Curry has proven to me that it is possible to be a 6’3 guard and control the game. Before him, 5’10 A.I. might have been able to if he had one more player to back him up on offense. So I think that securing Gobert was something they 100% needed to do to make sure they stay competitive

 

[bender]

I think in the Utah Jazz’s situation it makes sense. Donovan Mitchell is 6’2 maybe 6’3 and 1/2 on his absolute best day and unless he becomes a destroyer on defense, commits heavily to that part of the game this year and next year I really can’t see the Jazz taking the Western Conference and going to play in the NBA Finals. I’ve seen a few 6’3 guards get close to winning it all as the man but it rarely materializes. Dwyane Wade got lucky that Stern meant to send a message that he was in charge so I think it’s almost unfair to say he fully earned his ring. Then he was lucky enough to land his buddies LBJ and Bosh...I’m not a fan of Wade. Russell Westbrook was the closest to do it. And look at the guy’s playing style, dude plays the game like he needs to win or he wont eat for days. Westbrook was a terror and not even he could get it done with KD and at Harden

I think it’s tough for small dudes to win in this league. Nearly impossible. Only Steph Curry has proven to me that it is possible to be a 6’3 guard and control the game. Before him, 5’10 A.I. might have been able to if he had one more player to back him up on offense. So I think that securing Gobert was something they 100% needed to do to make sure they stay competitive

The issue with Gobert is that he's a liability on perimeter defense and smart teams will eat the Jazz alive on PNR to close out games, especially in the playoffs. His offensive game is also really limited. They just aren't going to go anywhere with the core of Mitchell/Gobert as the foundation of the team.

 

[Cutty Flam]

The issue with Gobert is that he's a liability on perimeter defense and smart teams will eat the Jazz alive on PNR to close out games, especially in the playoffs. His offensive game is also really limited. They just aren't going to go anywhere with the core of Mitchell/Gobert as the foundation of the team.

True, he’s not on the same level as Bam when guarding PNR but his ability to protect the rim is unbelievable. Strong body to be going against two in the paint. That fool is built like a fucking tank for a 7’1 player. I hope the Jazz can make something happen, would be great to see them form a rivalry with the Denver Nuggets / play a classic series each year. Can’t even remember the last great rivalry besides GSW/CLE. That, was really exciting. Until KD showed up of course lol

 

[Cutty Flam]

NBA season starts tmrw

I’ve been hearing a lot about James Wiseman but personally I think M. Chriss and K. Looney will be taking the bulk of the minutes

Was watching some preseason clips earlier and couldn’t help but be amused when Blake Griffin punked Thomas Bryant lmao. That’s good though, now Bryant has a reason to go hard at that team and keep the paint locked down whenever Blake’s on the floor haha