Well, might as well start a new thread now that they signed Boogie Cousins to a mid-level exception.
Christ almighty. The NBA is an effing joke. The East is never going to win a title
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I haven't truly cared about the NBA since Michael Jordan retired. Again.
Is there another NBA team that could have thrown Cousins a contract that would have allowed him to rest up until February for a run to prove he was worth max while winning a ring!
Cant fault GS front office. They haven’t missed.
The Warriors core (which won a championship pre-Durant) is the following:
1. The 7th pick in the 2009 draft (Curry)
2. The 11th pick in the 2011 draft (Thompson)
3. A 2nd round pick in the 2012 draft (Draymond)
4. Iguodala - came over in a trade where Golden State gave up a bunch of draft picks and bench guys.
The front office built that club without any top of the lottery picks and a lot of luck (no one knew Green was going to be that good).
Durant and Cousins going there are a result of the culture they've created - with Steve Kerr deserving a lot of credit.
Also, if Green doesn't get suspended for that game in the 2016 Finals, the Warriors win that one without a single starter arriving as a free agent and Durant probably doesn't join them the next year. That Green suspension changed the whole league.
I am not so sure it’s a foregone conclusion.
Green has been deteriorating- he’s lost some spring in his step- and is becoming a liability offensively. His antics will start to wear thin. That could literally happen any time. It’s been seen before.
And Durant’s presence has transformed the once beautiful offense to a more isolated style that I don’t think has a long term. Now they’re adding one of the most volatile players in the NBA.
Theres an erosion I think. Eventually what was once solid erodes over time. This season coming up should be interesting to watch. Houston, Lakers, Boston, even the Bucks. It’s going to be an interesting season...
Golden State took a page from the Spurs. Great drafting and developing but some luck involved as well.
The one year the Spurs tank - they land Duncan - arguably a once in a generation type talent. Not to mention hitting on Parker and Ginobili and then later Kawhi. All major influences on winning 5 titles.
If that Idiot David Kahn isn’t running the Wolves there’s no way they pass on Curry once much less twice in the same round. He goes to Minnesota or another team who knows how the Warriors turn out?
Then there is playoff luck. Hayward and Irving are hurt so no Boston in the NBA Finals. CP3 doesn’t get hurt and it’s likely Golden State doesn’t face Cleveland in the NBA Finals.
I think other teams have a shot but if healthy GS is still the team to beat.
Music City posted:Theres an erosion I think. Eventually what was once solid erodes over time. This season coming up should be interesting to watch. Houston, Lakers, Boston. It’s going to be an interesting season...
Fixed it. You're welcome.
Tschmack posted:Golden State took a page from the Spurs. Great drafting and developing but some luck involved as well.
The one year the Spurs tank - they land Duncan - arguably a once in a generation type talent. Not to mention hitting on Parker and Ginobili and then later Kawhi. All major influences on winning 5 titles.
If that Idiot David Kahn isn’t running the Wolves there’s no way they pass on Curry once much less twice in the same round. He goes to Minnesota or another team who knows how the Warriors turn out?
Then there is playoff luck. Hayward and Irving are hurt so no Boston in the NBA Finals. CP3 doesn’t get hurt and it’s likely Golden State doesn’t face Cleveland in the NBA Finals.
I think other teams have a shot but if healthy GS is still the team to beat.
If Iguodala doesn't get hurt in Game 3 of the Rockets-Warriors series, that series is probably over in 5 games. The Warriors were incredibly reliant on Iguodala and Green to play defense in crunch times (not to mention playing 4 on 5 on offense when D-league guys like Quinn Cook, Jordan Bell, and Looney have to play meaningful minutes).
Music City posted:I am not so sure it’s a foregone conclusion.
Green has been deteriorating- he’s lost some spring in his step- and is becoming a liability offensively. His antics will start to wear thin. That could literally happen any time. It’s been seen before.
And Durant’s presence has transformed the once beautiful offense to a more isolated style that I don’t think has a long term. Now they’re adding one of the most volatile players in the NBA.
Theres an erosion I think. Eventually what was once solid erodes over time. This season coming up should be interesting to watch. Houston, Lakers, Boston, even the Bucks. It’s going to be an interesting season...
If (and it's a big IF) they stay healthy with their top 7, it's a foregone conclusion. If I'm Kerr I play the regular season to stay healthy, so I don't play any of the top 7 (I include Livingston) in back-to-back games all year. Stagger their days off and play each about 70 games. Unless you are trying to go 74-8, there is no reason to try to win 70 games instead of 60. It's bad for the NBA and for the fans, but the Spurs started the trend years ago.
I agree that Durant's presence has changed the offense, but would you want Harrison Barnes back instead? Since 2016, they've taken a 73 win team that was a Green suspension away from back-to-back titles and essentially traded Harrison Barnes and Bogut/Pachulia/Generic big body for Kevin Durant and Boogie Cousins. There is no scenario where that hurts your offense.
If the worse case scenario for your offense is that it gets bogged down in the playoffs and you have to resort to isolating Kevin Durant against anyone in a situation where you can't double him, you are in historically good shape.
I actually think adding Cousins had less to do with what he can add to Golden State than it did preventing another team in the West from joining their team to counteract the Warriors.
To me, you don’t beat the Warriors by running and gunning because no team can match their talent and that style of play. Perhaps Houston when 100% healthy but that’s it.
You beat Golden State by getting physical with them and slowing down the pace of the game. Limit possessions, get their shooters less comfortable with shot selection, and force Green either into foul trouble or meltdown mode (losing his temper). That’s where a guy like Cousins could help a team looking to fit that half court style of offense and thug ball.
I waited a while to update this thread....
End of 1 in Denver - Warriors up 51-38. Denver shot 60% & still down by 13. Murray makes a 1/2 court shot at the buzzer.
2nd Warriors come out still smoking hot - currently at 65-46 with 7:35 left. It's insane basketball. Insane.
Thompson has found his stroke, and that makes them really friggin dangerous...
Jeezus keerist....Play time really is over if they play like that.
When the Warriors shoot the ball like that it’s pretty much a guaranteed win.
I think Steph was referring to the entire game not just the 1st Quarter. The last 3 quarters Denver "only" averaged 24.
Denver didn't play bad - they really didn't - Denver shot 46% from the floor plus 41% from 3-land - They'll probably beat most teams with a performance like that.
No, the Warriors decided to flip the switch last night & prove to everyone they're still the defending champs. I also think they're fired up to play with Demarcus Cousins. It's all they're talking about on sports radio. They even have an advertisement with just Boogie & pimping his debut on Friday.
If Boogie is even HALF of Boogie before achilles injury, They'll be completely unguardable
Like I said earlier.....PLAYTIME IS OVER.... BOY!!
Boogie Man
15 minutes / 14 points / 6 Boards / 3 Assists / 6 fouls - 3/4 on 3's
Any questions
Well, it’s obvious that barring some major injuries or unplanned issues that Golden State is the odds on favorite to win it all again.
I don’t see anyone challenging them in the West. In fact, for once in a number of years it’s rhe East that’s pretty loaded instead of the West.
The problem I see is the Warriors can and should cruise to the Finals whereas a team like Toronto or Milwaukee or even Boston will have to beat one if not two decent teams before they even get a chance to face the champs.
I hope Milwaukee can get by Toronto &/or Boston.
They might be beat to hell if the Bucks make it there to the finals but eff it.... It'll be worth it.
Do the Pacers or Sixers have a legit shot at coming out of the east?
If Boogie is on the court, they are unguardable. He's been a high volume 3 point shooter the last 4 years who shot over 35% as the 1st or 2nd option. He'll be the 4th option on this team. He'll be shooting wide open looks every game.
It's obvious, but replacing Pachulia/Bogut/Looney with him makes it like a videogame. If everyone stays healthy, I'm guessing they'll lose less than 5 games the rest of the year.
Toronto will give them the biggest challenge from East just because Kawhi can guard Durant 1x1 and that makes it a little more fair. The Bucks need Lopez on the floor to be at their best - he could obviously handle Looney, but he's not a good matchup to try to guard Cousins.
Brainwashed Boris posted:I hope Milwaukee can get by Toronto &/or Boston.
They might be beat to hell if the Bucks make it there to the finals but eff it.... It'll be worth it.
Do the Pacers or Sixers have a legit shot at coming out of the east?
I'm not sold on the Sixers. The half court playoff games make Ben Simmons' lack of ability to shoot a huge liability. His outside shooting ability makes Giannis' look like Steph Curry. There is also the issue of Jimmy Butler always being on the edge of throwing every teammate and coach he's ever had under the bus.
The Pacers are good enough to upset the Bucks, but they aren't likely to win 2-3 series as an underdog.
I have little to no confidence in the Sixers. I don’t think they are mentally tough, they don’t shoot the 3 very well, and I wonder about team chemistry.
Toronto and Milwaukee are clear 1 and 2 seeds but I would not overlook Boston. They have the players and the pedigree and great coaching. They could get on a roll and be a tough out.
Not sure what to think of Indiana. I don’t think they are as good as their record indicates as they seem to have a tough time beating the good teams.
It’s almost not fair that Cousins is on the Warriors. I forgot how good that guy was and he’ll be even better there.
KD needs to sign somewhere else so other teams have a chance
Almost? It's ridiculous 😂! But I think he wants a ring before he goes on to another team.
Game just started vs. Lakers. Let's see what happens today.
The Warriors have a new stadium to fill. I think they'll probably give Durant what he wants but July should be a fun month to see where these guys end up.
Another NBA record falls. Klay hit his first 10 from downtown tonight. He has 44 in the game. Curry is ice cold - has 11 pts but 12 assists.
GSW up by 30 at the end of 3. 110 - 80
Three-diculous!! But there is this....just to bring you back down to earth there Steph...
SHAQTIN OF THE YEAR?! 😱😂#Shaqtin pic.twitter.com/ph6trWAFqx
— Shaqtin' a Fool (@shaqtin) January 22, 2019
C'mon W's - Help the Bucks out tonight by beating Boston
Whew....Wild ending to the game but W's hang on to help out Bucks.
Boston won 10 straight in the Garden before tonight....
W's have now won 10 straight on the road.
W's have a late scratch due to Klay getting sick. Klay never misses games.
76'ers really came to play tonight. Great defense - forced some turnovers & had excellent intensity.
My question is....can they sustain that level of effort over the course of a 7 game series to take 4 of them? So far they've shown they're capable of being great but highly inconsistent.
I'll be keeping an eye on the Sixers.
Sixers look like they could be trouble. IMO they look to be a more formidable opponent than Toronto, Boston, etc... Embiid is a absolute monster. Jimmy Butler move might have put them over the top to challenge for the East.
I think a lot of guys played like they were distracted last night - but not the Bucks. Was Kawhi thinking about whether he'll be blocked from the Lakers if they get Anthony Davis now and Klay Thompson signs there? Was Durant spending all day having his team talk via back channels to the Knicks, Lakers, etc. trying to figure out what's going on?
There might be more turnover of the top level teams next year than any time in NBA history. What I would call the top 4 teams in the East are all due for major changes next year.
It is highly unlikely Kawhi stays in Toronto next year.
The Celtics may lose Irving and it seems like half the guys on the team are going to be in trade talks about Anthony Davis.
The Sixers have to deal with the Jimmy Butler situation - he's a great player but he's also a potential looming team-killer on any team he's ever been on.
Obviously the Bucks may have to replace 60-80% of their starting lineup. Someone with cap space from the Lakers/Clippers/Knicks/Nets group will panic after losing out on the big names and overpay Middleton or Bledsoe.
The Lakers and the Warriors could look completely different in the West next year. The Warriors could lose Durant and Thompson and will definitely lose Cousins.
The Lakers will be adding at least 2 new high level players and probably shipping out a bunch of young talent.
The Rockets have Chris Paul's mega-contract that will weigh them down. OKC and the Nuggets might be the most stable top teams left looking at next year.
Normally I wouldn't say too much about a complete blowout.....but
The W's are 25-26 in the 3rd Q from the field. They can't miss.....49 pts in the 3rd
Anyone want a Durant Jersey??
I honestly believe Durant is focused on winning 3 straight. That's a helluva legacy to leave in any sport on any level.
I also think the Warriors will offer the Max & it's a matter of whether Durant wants it or a new challenge.
Either way...I think all this speculation is just stupid. Play the game.... we'll talk about FA after the season is over. Too much instant gratification in this world today. Nobody enjoying the moment.
Boris posted:The W's are 25-26 in the 3rd Q from the field.
That looks like a typo. Tell me this is a typo.
That's just sick.
On Feb 6th, that was no typo - they absolutely could not miss that day.
Yeah, when they want it - they're nearly impossible to beat.
Human nature though....you get complacent after winning 2 straight titles.
Lotta basketball to play yet.
Dwayne Wade & the Heat were out of their mind tonight.
Warriors down by 24, come back to lead by 4 but in the end Dwayne Wade had his shot blocked by Jordan Bell, got it back with less than a second left & banked in a 3 for the win. Fun game. Curry (smiling) hugged Wade after the game.
Miami loses 6 straight at home including a loss to Phoenix. Then they beat the Warriors. That's the NBA for ya.
Warriors sign Andrew Bogut
They might be thinking about a potential match up with Milwaukee
Yes...he's been in the Australian league (NBL).
He's going to spell Cousins, probably get 10 minutes a game. Look at the teams they will be facing. Capella, Steven Adams, Jokic, Nurkic, Gobert etc. They needed another BIG to lean on these guys.
Ummmm.....Celtics just dropped 73 on the Warriors in the first half with 41 in the 2nd Q.
That is disgusting for any NBA team let alone one with the talent on the W'$
Like I said in the other thread.....dog days of the regular season.
Honestly if Boston gets their act together they are the biggest threat in the East by far. When they are “on” you see what they are capable of doing and it’s scary.
The Bucks do not want any part of that team. They are the only team in the East that concerns me. That’s why I hope they end up drawing an Indiana or Philly in round one. I would still favor them to advance to round two but knocking the Celtics out in round one would be the best outcome for Milwaukee.