Solly
Sixth Man
NBL Wolves on Tour 2021
Posts: 104 
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Post by Solly on Mar 30, 2022 16:58:35 GMT
You guys need to watch the Winning Time drama now on Sky.
It certainly makes I laugh.
I particularly chuckled at the re-creation of the scene in Airplane where Kareem plays the pilot and the kid tells him his dad says Kareem can't be arsed to play defense...
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Solly
Sixth Man
NBL Wolves on Tour 2021
Posts: 104
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Post by Solly on Mar 31, 2022 22:16:24 GMT
Just watched Episode 2.
Ep1 focused on Magic whereas Ep2 was a lot about Jerry West - Magic I remember, but West was too far back for me - I know there will be artistic license at play but West is portrayed as very disturbed.
John C Reilly is excellent as Jerry Buss.
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Post by hayesboy on Apr 1, 2022 9:40:15 GMT
Talking of the Lakers they are sliding badly.
I saw a brief thing online suggesting they would actually be better off not making the play in as nobody can see them advancing past the first round proper.
They really are so badly constructed. It takes some doing to mismanage a squad that badly.
I would have thought that at this stage in his career the best way to max Lebrons considerable talent would be to have AD and then lots of young, athletic players who are perhaps unproven but will do the leg work. Would be handy if a couple of them could make a jump shot too.
Surrounding him with his Vet buddies is not going to get it done anymore.
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Post by SamH on Apr 1, 2022 11:52:21 GMT
It is amazing that we're only 2 years removed from the Lakers being champions. I dont think its even a matter of whether they want to make the play in at this point - they're not going to. They have the hardest schedule left of any team and the Spurs have the tie-breaker over them, so they're done. I am just surprised how much air time the media continue to give them - no one talks about the Hawks like this, who sit in 10th in the East. I guess there is the LeBron factor but still.
They probably would have been better if AD hadn't been injured so much, however I think they need to blow it up for next season - try and trade Davis while he still has some value, trade Russ and sign some younger free agents. Let LeBron see out his final year there helping them begin a re-build before he goes to Cleveland/Bronny's team.
For me the talk should be more on the Suns - they seem to be so far ahead of everyone else. They were 2-0 up in the finals last year before the Bucks found something, but it says to me they might well get it done this time. I feel that to some extent they threw it away last year from that position. The only question is when does Chris Paul's annual playoff injury occur and how significant will it be?
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Post by hayesboy on Apr 1, 2022 12:15:41 GMT
99% CP3 is class. He does though as you say get some inconvenient injuries and throw in some sub par performances at inconvenient times.
The Suns and Bucks are in with a great chance of a re-match. Nets and 76ers have the superstar talent to be dangerous. Heat and Celts are very good teams and the Grizz are this years Hawks.
Outside of that I cannot see anyone getting a look in.
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Post by SamH on Apr 1, 2022 13:02:39 GMT
I agree. I think the Celtics and Heat are the X-factor in the East, they might spoil one of the big 3's plans. Not sold on the 76ers really, they haven't been that amazing since acquiring Harden and he's not exactly known for his playoff success down the years, but we'll see.
If the Warriors get everyone healthy then maybe they can challenge the Suns? I dont think Memphis has the experience yet, they'll be more dangerous next year. Utah have been disappointing after nabbing top seed last year and I don't see Denver making much noise this time round.
Thing about CP3 is, the Suns did pretty well just recently with him out - was it 12-4 they went? Something like that. They do need him of course, but he's not their only weapon. What annoys me with the Suns is they refused to pay Ayton, and of course this on-going allegation of sleaze against Robert Sarver. Be interesting watching Adam Silver hand him the Larry O'Brien!
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Solly
Sixth Man
NBL Wolves on Tour 2021
Posts: 104
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Post by Solly on Apr 1, 2022 14:22:46 GMT
Was delighted to see Bucks comeback last night from a sizeable deficit to overcome Nets.
Was funny watching the tv cameras focusing on an old duffer in a Nets vest standing very close to the basket counting down Giannis' free throws.
1. Surely the old git shouldn't have been permitted to be so close to the court - maybe no-one felt comfortable challenging him precisely because he was an old git.
2. The old git seemed to be starting his count as soon as he realised Giannis was about to go to the line, meaning he (the old git, not Giannis) would have reached the permitted time-limit for taking the free throws way way before the permitted time-limit.
3. Giannis made both of his final free throws that meant that Bucks took the single-point W anyway.
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Post by SamH on Apr 1, 2022 14:48:48 GMT
haha I'll have to watch that on League Pass, sounds good. I don't mind the Nets but I obviously still have issues with KD over his bitch move to GS and obviously like most people I think Kyrie is a selfish SOB, though I do like watching him play. So on that basis I'm up for the Bucks, C's or Heat to win the East.
What about Dallas in the west? They're going under the radar a bit - I thought it was a dumb move trading KP away, but they're still top 4 at the moment. Could be a dark horse but hard to see them beating the Suns in a series.
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Post by hayesboy on Apr 1, 2022 15:43:18 GMT
I think you are closer to mark with GSW Sam. If they are all healthy they could be dangerous. Curry has to be good for at least 1 win himself.
I love how you hold a grudge Sam. Even the mighty Lebron cannot play with Westbrick. No wonder KD wanted out :-)
What are your feelings about Kobe these days? You used to hate him with a rare passion back in the good 'ol WB days? Fanboys was a term I recall you often throwing at those who liked him? Now he is St Kobe of the Lakers what is your view of his legacy?
Was never a fan of Kobe the man. He was always good to watch...even when he was bad. Games mattered when he played. I got a grudging respect for him watching the documentary about him and his short film. Given a relatively privileged upbringing he was not afraid of work that's for sure.
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Post by SamH on Apr 3, 2022 23:13:16 GMT
I'm not sure KD left because of Russ though - those guys led the Thunder to fantastic seasons every year and should never have blown that 3-1 lead against golden state in 2016, they should have went to the finals. Now most competitive sports people would be keen, after a massive disappointment like that, to put things right the next year and get another bite of the cherry, right? But not KD, oh no - he leaves town...and goes joins the very team he lost to! Come on, if there's ever been a bigger bitch move in the history of the NBA, I'm still waiting to hear about it. Possibly Melo throwing a punch at the Knicks (while with Denver) and running away to the other end of the court...maybe.
As for Kobe, I actually had a bigger issue with his fans more so than the man himself. I couldn't stand how over-hyped he was. Kobe fans would talk about how he was the GOAT, how he was MVP every year, this that and the other - when the stats and evidence clearly said otherwise. I think he had to be the most over-hyped player of all time, and yes I do have him in my all time top 20 as I say that. Top 20, not top 1 like the fanboys would tell us. Maybe top 15 but he's not top 10 for me. I also felt that Tim Duncan was constantly overlooked throughout their respective careers yet he was more successful and had better all around stats, an extra MVP and finals MVP - yet never got half the amount of coverage Kobe got just because he wasn't flash. That irked me a lot too. The fact he's passed away doesn't change any of that discussion but obviously I'm not going to slag the guy off when he's passed away, that would be pretty poor form!
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Post by milehigh on Apr 4, 2022 2:15:29 GMT
Having watched the Lakers, live, this afternoon, I'd be very surprised if the coac and many of the players were back next season.
Also, having seem him play "in the flexh, I have no doubt whatsoever the Jokic should be the league MVP. He really is a remarkable, and consistant player who contributes in all aspects of the game night after night.
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Post by hayesboy on Apr 4, 2022 6:48:51 GMT
I think The Joker and Embiid are the two best players in the league this season. Closely followed by Giannis and then Stef and KD.
Either Jokic or Embiid would be worthy MVP winners and are the epitome of the the modern basketball centre combined with the classic skills of centres of old.
I would give Embiid the edge defensively but Jokic is a sublime passer.
Embiid will have a massive hissy fit if he does not win. I suspect The Joker could stomach it better after last seasons success.
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Post by hayesboy on Apr 4, 2022 6:54:12 GMT
I'm not sure KD left because of Russ though - those guys led the Thunder to fantastic seasons every year and should never have blown that 3-1 lead against golden state in 2016, they should have went to the finals. Now most competitive sports people would be keen, after a massive disappointment like that, to put things right the next year and get another bite of the cherry, right? But not KD, oh no - he leaves town...and goes joins the very team he lost to! Come on, if there's ever been a bigger bitch move in the history of the NBA, I'm still waiting to hear about it. Possibly Melo throwing a punch at the Knicks (while with Denver) and running away to the other end of the court...maybe. As for Kobe, I actually had a bigger issue with his fans more so than the man himself. I couldn't stand how over-hyped he was. Kobe fans would talk about how he was the GOAT, how he was MVP every year, this that and the other - when the stats and evidence clearly said otherwise. I think he had to be the most over-hyped player of all time, and yes I do have him in my all time top 20 as I say that. Top 20, not top 1 like the fanboys would tell us. Maybe top 15 but he's not top 10 for me. I also felt that Tim Duncan was constantly overlooked throughout their respective careers yet he was more successful and had better all around stats, an extra MVP and finals MVP - yet never got half the amount of coverage Kobe got just because he wasn't flash. That irked me a lot too. The fact he's passed away doesn't change any of that discussion but obviously I'm not going to slag the guy off when he's passed away, that would be pretty poor form! Given how almost every great NBA player never to win a ring gets battered over the head with that in debates I don't think I can blame any modern NBA player for chasing a ring when the chance presents. That's hypocritical of me as at the time I recall being inclined more to your point of view but looking back I think fair enough. Same with Lebron. I've got to say I have a different recollection of your feelings on Kobe but I agree he has been over rated at times. Particularly since his untimely death. |
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Post by SamH on Apr 4, 2022 16:03:35 GMT
But I maintain that OKC was a contender and would have been in 2017 if KD had re-upped, and it would have meant far more to both him personally (I reckon, if he was completely honest) and certainly for his legacy, to deliver even just one championship to Oklahoma, than the two combined meant that he got in Golden State. He gets very little credit for those 2 rings since they won before he got there and won 73 games without him. It'll do his legacy a lot of good if he can get one in Brooklyn now, a bit like with LeBron - not too much credit for forming a super team and winning 2 rings, but the one he went back and delivered for Cleveland really moved him up the all time greats list.
Anyway talking about the MVP race, got me thinking - who would you say are the best 10 players in the league right now? It's amazing how it changes year on year. Last season you'd have had AD, possibly Westbrook. No way now. I think mine would be (not in any order):
Giannis
Embiid
Jokic
DeRozan
Morant
Curry
KD
Booker
Doncic
LeBron
Pretty tough call though, you could also include Harden, CP3, Kyrie maybe...probably 1 or 2 others!
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Post by hayesboy on Apr 5, 2022 10:45:57 GMT
I think if you are talking about this season then you are not far wrong there.
I think Harden has dropped his level this season (still very good at times), Kyrie has not played enough but I would suggest is more talented than some of the players on your list. CP3 is possibly a purists choice over Morant or Booker.
What is really good about your top 10 is that there is representation from all the basketball positions. Actual centres, and actual power forward, wings and point guards.
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Post by hayesboy on Apr 6, 2022 7:56:53 GMT
So Lebron and his dysfunctional Lakers get to take an earlier than planned holiday.
Some would say he tapped out 4 games ago with his "sore ankle" that he could not play through even with the season on the line.
One of the worst cases of roster building in recent NBA memory. There were no pundits and few fans that felt Westbrook would work in that team.
Had Lebron and AD not missed so many games injured I am sure they would have qualified but what a poor return with 4 players in their squad who were voted into the NBA 75.......
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Post by SamH on Apr 6, 2022 9:15:33 GMT
Good, hopefully everyone can stop talking about them now and talk about the teams that are actually doing well! That result also gives the Suns their franchise mark for wins in a season. Very impressive for a team that only 3 years ago was still irrelevant and had been for a decade. Amazing to think they've bettered the win mark set by that 1993 Suns team featuring Barkley, Johnson, Chambers, Ainge, Ceballos, etc. as well as the Nash/Stoudemire team from 05/06. Can they also go one better and win a chip at last? I've always been a 'semi' fan of the Suns and like when they do well. I like the brand, the style of play most of their teams have had over the years. It was a shame they did nothing for a decade and it's nice to see them back. I think the franchise does deserve a title after getting shafted by Robert Horry in 2007, but again - Silver handing the Larry to Sarver? Hard to see it! That guy needs to go. Be great to see CP3 win a ring at last too.
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Post by erj14 on Apr 6, 2022 9:46:46 GMT
So Lebron and his dysfunctional Lakers get to take an earlier than planned holiday. Some would say he tapped out 4 games ago with his "sore ankle" that he could not play through even with the season on the line. One of the worst cases of roster building in recent NBA memory. There were no pundits and few fans that felt Westbrook would work in that team. Had Lebron and AD not missed so many games injured I am sure they would have qualified but what a poor return with 4 players in their squad who were voted into the NBA 75....... Even worse when you see the salary cap situation as well. Has to go down as one of the worst constructed teams ever. Like you say, not many people thought this would work. |
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Post by SamH on Apr 6, 2022 11:27:07 GMT
Also, signing that many old guys - there was never any doubt injuries and time off would have an impact on the season. Ok Davis wasn't among that group of oldies but he's always missed significant chunks of time, pretty much every season - so he has a body like those oldies! I imagine he'll be retired by the age of 35.
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Post by erj14 on Apr 6, 2022 11:59:26 GMT
I think even if you could've guaranteed a season with no injuries their ceiling would've been the play in or just scraping a six seed.
It annoys me that Vogel is going to be scapegoated for this season and lose his job. This roster has Klutch's fingerprints all over it and they'll spend the entire summer trying to distance themselves.
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