2019-2020 NBA Season Thread - Page 12 - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Thespiralgoeson · 09-08-2020, 01:45 AM

The Clippers are really a strange team. When they're "on," they seem unbeatable, but they take their foot off the gas so often. On paper, the Mavs had absolutely no business making that a six game series. That should have been a sweep.

EricaLubarsky · 09-08-2020, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

The Clippers are really a strange team. When they're "on," they seem unbeatable, but they take their foot off the gas so often. On paper, the Mavs had absolutely no business making that a six game series. That should have been a sweep.

Reminds me of the Mavs.

When we're playing hard, driving, making good passes, we're absolutely unbeatable.

Then we go 1.5 quarters and score 30 and allow 50.

KillerLeft · 09-08-2020, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Reminds me of the Mavs.

When we're playing hard, driving, making good passes, we're absolutely unbeatable.

Then we go 1.5 quarters and score 30 and allow 50.

I see what you mean, but imo, when the Mavs hit a bad stretch it's because of lack of experience. To me, that's fixable, but when the "we don't feel like playing hard right now, but don't worry, we'll have it when we need it" disease infects your team, that can only get worse over time.

It's the one problem with Kawhi. He might be the best player in the league, and it might be the right thing to manage his load, and to be fair, he ALWAYS plays hard when he plays, but I think the way he is handled by his teams gives other players the wrong idea. Add in a dash of Paul George, who definitely does NOT always play hard, and I think you've got real problems.

Having said that, the problems don't really matter if you're good enough to beat all the other teams in spite of those problems, so I guess we'll see.

EricaLubarsky · 09-08-2020, 03:09 PM

538 has been pretty darn accurate in their predictions. Nailed our winning percentage almost down to the percent. They currently have

Celtics - 36% of winning it all
Rockets - 26% of winning it all
Clippers 19% of winning it all
Heat 12% of winning it all
Lakers 5% of winning it all
Raptors 2% of winning it all

DevinHarriswillstart · 09-08-2020, 04:54 PM

Yep, I got the Celtics to win it.

tap2390 · 09-08-2020, 05:16 PM

Giannis out for a pivotal game five with an ankle sprain. I know it's not fair to compare injuries, but I just want to point out Luka toughed out his sprain.

BPo001 · 09-08-2020, 08:40 PM

Billy Donovan out as coach in OKC.

DevinHarriswillstart · 09-08-2020, 08:59 PM

The Bucks remind me of late 2000s Mavs teams except for one crucial thing...Dirk was a shooter and scorer. Giannis just isn't that. Giannis is perhaps the best all-around player in NBA history, but he doesn't do the one thing you HAVE to do well. Shooting.

tap2390 · 09-08-2020, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPo001

Billy Donovan out as coach in OKC.

This surprised me. Someone will scoop him up.

DevinHarriswillstart · 09-08-2020, 09:29 PM

Davis just doesn't want to weak side help on D. Maybe he really does hate playing center.

EricaLubarsky · 09-08-2020, 11:50 PM

Bucks out, Heat in

Interesting

SMC0007 · 09-09-2020, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

The Bucks remind me of late 2000s Mavs teams except for one crucial thing...Dirk was a shooter and scorer. Giannis just isn't that. Giannis is perhaps the best all-around player in NBA history, but he doesn't do the one thing you HAVE to do well. Shooting.

Dirk got easier/cheaper baskets with his shooting. Giannis has to work hard to get his and that is apparently not sustainable in the playoffs.

tap2390 · 09-09-2020, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Dirk got easier/cheaper baskets with his shooting. Giannis has to work hard to get his and that is apparently not sustainable in the playoffs.

Yup. The Bucks have tried to build a team of shooters around Giannis. Ironically this means their best player can't shoot threes, but they're a "live by the 3, die by the 3" team. In the playoffs when defenses turn up a notch and players are getting exhausted it's just not sustainable. What they need is another playmaker either out of the post or on the perimeter who can add a different dimension to their team.

It's the same reason we will not be successful (especially if Porzingis is more perimeter-oriented than a presence in the post) unless we find another consistent perimeter playmaker. I like Jalen Brunson a lot, but am not convinced he's that guy.

EDIT: If we get to 18 and our choices are a "sure thing" 3&D wing like Saddiq Bey, or a high-upside penetrator like Kira Lewis, I take Kira Lewis 10 times out of 10.

SMC0007 · 09-09-2020, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tap2390

Yup. The Bucks have tried to build a team of shooters around Giannis. Ironically this means their best player can't shoot threes, but they're a "live by the 3, die by the 3" team. In the playoffs when defenses turn up a notch and players are getting exhausted it's just not sustainable. What they need is another playmaker either out of the post or on the perimeter who can add a different dimension to their team.

It's the same reason we will not be successful (especially if Porzingis is more perimeter-oriented than a presence in the post) unless we find another consistent perimeter playmaker. I like Jalen Brunson a lot, but am not convinced he's that guy.

EDIT: If we get to 18 and our choices are a "sure thing" 3&D wing like Saddiq Bey, or a high-upside penetrator like Kira Lewis, I take Kira Lewis 10 times out of 10.

Maybe we have that guy in Burke already. I'm not sold on getting another undersized guard until we know whats up with him. It seems like we would be better off with the best 2 way player available. That said, I don't put my faith building around Luka in ANY draft picks in our range. He is too far advanced to be tooling around with kids and I don't want to press our luck praying he is going to be as loyal as Dirk.

tap2390 · 09-09-2020, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Maybe we have that guy in Burke already. I'm not sold on getting another undersized guard until we know whats up with him. It seems like we would be better off with the best 2 way player available. That said, I don't put my faith in building around Luka in ANY draft picks in our range. He is too far advanced to be tooling around with kids and I don't want to press our luck praying he is going to be as loyal as Dirk.

I see this take on it. We already have too many mediocre guards and need an upgrade at wing.

Brunson averaged 7.2 drives per game in 18 mpg (a pretty high rate), and was actually more efficient in those drives than Luka.

I still think, at the end of the day, that what we need to do is consolidate our guard minutes into one all-around player who is a clear second fiddle to Luka on the perimeter. Right now it takes us too much time to figure who is "on" in games, and we're too reliant on three point shots. I think until we find that person we are going to be coming up short in the playoffs.

BPo001 · 09-09-2020, 05:55 PM

Reported Bucks will explore trades for CP3.

SMC0007 · 09-09-2020, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tap2390

I see this take on it. We already have too many mediocre guards and need an upgrade at wing.

Brunson averaged 7.2 drives per game in 18 mpg (a pretty high rate), and was actually more efficient in those drives than Luka.

I still think, at the end of the day, that what we need to do is consolidate our guard minutes into one all-around player who is a clear second fiddle to Luka on the perimeter. Right now it takes us too much time to figure who is "on" in games, and we're too reliant on three point shots. I think until we find that person we are going to be coming up short in the playoffs.

Agreed

KillerLeft · 09-09-2020, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPo001

Reported Bucks will explore trades for CP3.

They won't find one that works, I don't think.

If I had to guess, I'd say CP3 will be a Knick, and we'll never hear from him again.

mac222b · 09-09-2020, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

They won't find one that works, I don't think.

If I had to guess, I'd say CP3 will be a Knick, and we'll never hear from him again.

Yeah I don’t know that they have the contracts to make that work. Bledsoe would definitely be involved to a 3rd team(does anyone really want him? Orlando?)but not Middleton or Lopez. Hard to get to 36m or whatever CP3 is making. There would have to be unprotected or very lightly protected 1st from Milwaukee. Does CP3 even move the needle that much for them? It’s not like they wouldn’t be shedding rotation guys to get him. I don’t believe this one.

mac222b · 09-09-2020, 11:15 PM

Btw I’m firmly on the “anyone but LAC” bandwagon. Though I forgot Rondo is a Laker. I think I’d still prefer Lakers. The Clippers are the worst. Beverley may be the most annoying player in the league.

KillerLeft · 09-09-2020, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac222b

Yeah I don’t know that they have the contracts to make that work. Bledsoe would definitely be involved to a 3rd team(does anyone really want him? Orlando?)but not Middleton or Lopez. Hard to get to 36m or whatever CP3 is making. There would have to be unprotected or very lightly protected 1st from Milwaukee. Does CP3 even move the needle that much for them? It’s not like they wouldn’t be shedding rotation guys to get him. I don’t believe this one.

This is literally the first one I tried, and it doesn't even include Randall, who I bet OKC would take if they really want those picks. All expiring money, and I bet some of it isn't guaranteed. Just saying, it's possible.

https://tradenba.com/trades/oBqJYC64K

Thespiralgoeson · 09-09-2020, 11:36 PM

Wow, Celts and Raptors going seven games? I can't say I saw that coming.

KillerLeft · 09-09-2020, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

Wow, Celts and Raptors going seven games? I can't say I saw that coming.

Who did you think had it, Boston?

Thespiralgoeson · 09-09-2020, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

Who did you think had it, Boston?

I thought Boston in 5.

KillerLeft · 09-09-2020, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

I thought Boston in 5.

Well, I wasn't sure, but I'm shocked they're hanging while getting this little from Siakam.

mac222b · 09-10-2020, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

This is literally the first one I tried, and it doesn't even include Randall, who I bet OKC would take if they really want those picks. All expiring money, and I bet some of it isn't guaranteed. Just saying, it's possible.

https://tradenba.com/trades/oBqJYC64K

I would LOVE to see Troll wasting away on the Knicks, but I think he might find his way to a halfway decent team somehow. That contract though. As good as he was this year I wouldn’t give good picks for him unless you think he’s the final piece.

mac222b · 09-10-2020, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

Well, I wasn't sure, but I'm shocked they're hanging while getting this little from Siakam.

Siakam has been terrible, may be in his head a little at this point. Also could be run down. Nurse has been playing a 7 man rotation. Nurse is soooo good though. Lowery and Van Vleet are incredible. Toronto is going to have to max out FVV. OG has taken another step. Gasol and Ibaka are steady, unflashy pros. And Stormin Norm Powell put them on his back tonight, along with Kyle. Very impressive. Easy team to get behind. My favorite East team.

I’ve said this before but I wonder if Masai would’ve added another vet rotation guy if he could have a do over. They find great undrafted players all the time. I wonder what they could’ve gotten for their first at the deadline? Another wing scorer like Gallo or Morris and they could’ve been a legit threat. They’re just a little thin as is.

mac222b · 09-10-2020, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tap2390

Yup. The Bucks have tried to build a team of shooters around Giannis. Ironically this means their best player can't shoot threes, but they're a "live by the 3, die by the 3" team. In the playoffs when defenses turn up a notch and players are getting exhausted it's just not sustainable. What they need is another playmaker either out of the post or on the perimeter who can add a different dimension to their team.

It's the same reason we will not be successful (especially if Porzingis is more perimeter-oriented than a presence in the post) unless we find another consistent perimeter playmaker. I like Jalen Brunson a lot, but am not convinced he's that guy.

EDIT: If we get to 18 and our choices are a "sure thing" 3&D wing like Saddiq Bey, or a high-upside penetrator like Kira Lewis, I take Kira Lewis 10 times out of 10.

I see it kinda like the Cowboys with CeeDee Lamb. If you have the guy on the board that isn’t the biggest “need” but he is a tier above your “need” pick, then take CeeDee all day. Can’t have too much talent. The positional scarcity of good 3-D wings should enter into the equation somewhat though. Heck we are debating whether to clear cap space to give Jerami Grant a huge overpay, who, while he is a nice player, he’s not exactly James Worthy or anything.

DevinHarriswillstart · 09-10-2020, 06:55 PM

It would be hilarious if Rondo was the difference in the Rockets/Lakers series.

sefant77 · 09-10-2020, 08:32 PM

Watching Moreys trainwreck is just beautiful. I remember how he started to be a fullblown douche the past years.

Westbrook three more years at 40m+ lol

DevinHarriswillstart · 09-10-2020, 08:46 PM

Westbrook is just a dumb player. He shockingly has not idea how to pace an NBA game.

DevinHarriswillstart · 09-10-2020, 08:53 PM

I think the Mavs could beat anyone with a healthy KP not named the Clippers.

KillerLeft · 09-10-2020, 09:28 PM

I didn't even watch tonight. I knew this series was over when Vogal finally figured out he couldn't play McGee and Howard for the second half of game 3.

Bryan_Wilson · 09-11-2020, 02:50 PM

Ahhhh... I see James Frauden showed his playoff basketball self again last night. Luka when facing the Clips down 1-2 facing a 1-3 outlook, without his wingman mind you... Had 43 points 17rebs 13asts and only had 5 fta's to get it.... on a bum ankle. Harden had 21 points.... and had 20fta's.... and went 2/11 shooting.... 11 fga's when your team is facing 1-3 and ur supposedly one of the greatest scorers of all time.

Fraud.

mac222b · 09-11-2020, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan_Wilson

Ahhhh... I see James Frauden showed his playoff basketball self again last night. Luka when facing the Clips down 1-2 facing a 1-3 outlook, without his wingman mind you... Had 43 points 17rebs 13asts and only had 5 fta's to get it.... on a bum ankle. Harden had 21 points.... and had 20fta's.... and went 2/11 shooting.... 11 fga's when your team is facing 1-3 and ur supposedly one of the greatest scorers of all time.

Fraud.

Haha yup. Didn’t attempt a field goal in the 4th quarter!

mac222b · 09-11-2020, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan_Wilson

Ahhhh... I see James Frauden showed his playoff basketball self again last night. Luka when facing the Clips down 1-2 facing a 1-3 outlook, without his wingman mind you... Had 43 points 17rebs 13asts and only had 5 fta's to get it.... on a bum ankle. Harden had 21 points.... and had 20fta's.... and went 2/11 shooting.... 11 fga's when your team is facing 1-3 and ur supposedly one of the greatest scorers of all time.

Fraud.

In German, I believe they have a term for the enjoyment of his repeated failures—“Schadenfrauden”

DevinHarriswillstart · 09-11-2020, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac222b

Haha yup. Didn’t attempt a field goal in the 4th quarter!

As bad as he was, it was RB that really lost them the game. Harden at least has the excuse that he was doubled most of the game. Westbrick plays like he has never been in the playoffs before. He is what Don Nelson would call a "box of rocks" player.

sefant77 · 09-11-2020, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac222b

In German, I believe they have a term for the enjoyment of his repeated failures—“Schadenfrauden”

Schadenfreude

EricaLubarsky · 09-12-2020, 12:52 PM

Rocket's House gets kicked out of the playoff bubble for having a girl in his room.

Wife none too pleased.

https://brobible.com/sports/article/...2_7kg1_hopUd-Q

Just a bit more Rockets Schadenfreude

mac222b · 09-12-2020, 04:14 PM

Giannis unfollows Bucks? If GSW trade for him that would totally change the calculus of the entire league. They can offer Wiggins, the #2 pick and Wolves unprotected ‘21. This thought scares me.