2019-2020 NBA Season Thread

[MFFL]

Giannis Antetokounmpo unfollows all Bucks teammates on Instagram

https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/artic...13132_32843144

[Scoobay]

Originally Posted by MFFL

Giannis Antetokounmpo unfollows all Bucks teammates on Instagram

https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/artic...13132_32843144

hmmmm - wow

[sefant77]

Nothing to see here...he just kept close family/friends on Instagram.

Thats a sign he wanna focus on basketball and not social media crap

[KillerLeft]

Originally Posted by sefant77

Nothing to see here...he just kept close family/friends on Instagram.

Thats a sign he wanna focus on basketball and not social media crap

Yeah, someone on another board said he does this after every season. It's his usual move.

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by sefant77

Nothing to see here...he just kept close family/friends on Instagram.

Thats a sign he wanna focus on basketball and not social media crap

Wait so he doesn’t want to focus on social media crap after the season or be in contact that way with his teammates, but he’s up on it during the season when he’s with them everyday? Seems counterintuitive.

[Thespiralgoeson]

I mentioned this in another thread, but in a way, Giannis' free agency begins this year. The Bucks can and will offer to a supermax extension. If he turns it down, that's a signal to the whole world that he's not married to Milwaukee. Not that he'll definitely leave, but that he's at least keeping his options open.

[KillerLeft]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

I mentioned this in another thread, but in a way, Giannis' free agency begins this year. The Bucks can and will offer to a supermax extension. If he turns it down, that's a signal to the whole world that he's not married to Milwaukee. Not that he'll definitely leave, but that he's at least keeping his options open.

I think it's very likely that he waits until he's free agent to sign, but I'm not sure that signals anything about him wanting to leave. I think it's more about maintaining leverage over the roster building process and encouraging management to spend.

But, I guess keeping his options open is a positive bonus result for teams hoping to snag him.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

I think it's very likely that he waits until he's free agent to sign, but I'm not sure that signals anything about him wanting to leave. I think it's more about maintaining leverage over the roster building process and encouraging management to spend.

But, I guess keeping his options open is a positive bonus result for teams hoping to snag him.

Yeah, I just mean that it undercuts the whole "Giannis is too loyal to leave" narrative.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Lakers absolutely destroy the Rockets to take the series in 5. Also, Breen just pointed out that the Lakers have won 8 out of their 10 playoff games. Are we sure we're not sleeping on them? It's been popular to write them off lately. That 5% title chance from Fivethirtyeight seems way too low to me.

[sefant77]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

I mentioned this in another thread, but in a way, Giannis' free agency begins this year. The Bucks can and will offer to a supermax extension. If he turns it down, that's a signal to the whole world that he's not married to Milwaukee. Not that he'll definitely leave, but that he's at least keeping his options open.

There is no point for Giannis for signing the supermax allready now. The same deal is going to be on the table in year at the start of his FA.

One year where he can watch how the franchise is trying to undo their Brogdon brainfart.

So not signing doesnt mean anything, Its just the smart option for him no matter what

[sefant77]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

Lakers absolutely destroy the Rockets to take the series in 5. Also, Breen just pointed out that the Lakers have won 8 out of their 10 playoff games. Are we sure we're not sleeping on them? It's been popular to write them off lately. That 5% title chance from Fivethirtyeight seems way too low to me.

Portland was even more banged up than we were. Who knows how this series goes with Portland being at full strenght.

And the Rockets were a trainwreck after the House incident

[sefant77]

And reading Clutchfans right now is just...

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by sefant77

Portland was even more banged up than we were. Who knows how this series goes with Portland being at full strenght.

And the Rockets were a trainwreck after the House incident

I still think people are writing them off in a way that seems strange, given their actual performance. I actually don't think the Portland series plays out any differently. Maybe it goes 6 instead of 5, but that's it. Like, I'm still picking the Clippers, but it's not that lopsided.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by sefant77

There is no point for Giannis for signing the supermax allready now. The same deal is going to be on the table in year at the start of his FA.

One year where he can watch how the franchise is trying to undo their Brogdon brainfart.

So not signing doesnt mean anything, Its just the smart option for him no matter what

It may be the smart option, but I'm not buying that it's nothing. At the very least, it shows that he wants to hold the franchise accountable and keep the pressure on them. That's not blind loyalty, as some people seem to think he has.

[sefant77]

Even if Giannis loves the Bucks and is thinking about pulling a Dirk, i wouldnt sign the supermax, i would sign a 1+2. Running it back until 2023 when most of the actual roster is toast agewise. And deciding to move on or maybe recruit FA to Milwaukee

[DevinHarriswillstart]

There is nary a better thing in sports life than watching the Rockets get their asses kicked.

[sefant77]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

There is nary a better thing in sports life than watching the Rockets get their asses kicked.

Watching the Rockets salary sheet and their future outgoing draft picks is a beauty too

[EricaLubarsky]

As much as I hate the Lakers,

I will always be happy when the Rockets are wrecked

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

As much as I hate the Lakers,

I will always be happy when the Rockets are wrecked

Rooting for Lakers-Celtics final now, assuming Denver can’t win three in a row against the Clippers. God it would be fun to see the Clippers collapse though.

[KillerLeft]

Originally Posted by mac222b

Rooting for Lakers-Celtics final now, assuming Denver can’t win three in a row against the Clippers. God it would be fun to see the Clippers collapse though.

Clippers are winning it all, my dude. I get why that's distasteful, but at least we'll feel good about our Mavs.

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

Clippers are winning it all, my dude. I get why that's distasteful, but at least we'll feel good about our Mavs.

I know I think so too. I think I picked Clipppers vs. Celtics with Clippers winning in 6 before the playoffs. Then Hayward went down and I was worried but they barely missed a beat. It just bothers me because of our history with them. I think Doc is the biggest phoney. Hating them in the CP years. How smug and condescending they all were when the DeAndre drama went down. Kawhi basically holding two franchises hostage to get what he wants. PG just basically being a loser second fiddle and passive aggressively getting out of his own situations. Beverley is the most annoying player in the league. Harrell screaming after every basket, no matter the game situation. And then of course Morris actively trying to injure our franchise player.

They are just such front runners. West and Frank have made some very shrewd moves but Also have been so lucky. The Lakers gifted them Zubac, they got the CP3 golden parachute of Lou, Harrell and other assets and they can afford to trade a pick for Morris and get prime buyout guys and MLE due to being in LA. Lou Williams even took a discount to stay saving them probably 3m or so a year capwise. Kawhi and PG are allowed to push off on almost every drive and then Beverley talks about Jokic flopping when they get ALL the calls. They got all the calls in our series. I just hope they find a way to lose. Rooting hard for the Celtics the rest of the way.

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

Clippers are winning it all, my dude. I get why that's distasteful, but at least we'll feel good about our Mavs.

And that’s really not any consolation. I feel good that we played them well. But them winning won’t necessarily validate that feeling any further. We were missing Powell, Brunson and KP for a large part of the series with Luka injured as well and they were missing Beverley but they were celebrating like they were the underdogs or something.

[KillerLeft]

Originally Posted by mac222b

And that’s really not any consolation. I feel good that we played them well. But them winning won’t necessarily validate that feeling any further. We were missing Powell, Brunson and KP for a large part of the series with Luka injured as well and they were missing Beverley but they were celebrating like they were the underdogs or something.

I think part of why they were so obnoxious in Round 1 is that the Mavs were tougher to beat than they envisioned/wanted.

There will always be sports villains in life. It makes things more interesting.

[sefant77]

[KillerLeft]

I'm stunned. Truly stunned.

Something is wrong in that Clippers locker room, because Leonard and maybe Zubac are the only dudes playing hard on the entire team.

Oh, and Jokic might be the most underrated player in the league right now.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

I'm stunned. Truly stunned.

Something is wrong in that Clippers locker room, because Leonard and maybe Zubac are the only dudes playing hard on the entire team.

Oh, and Jokic might be the most underrated player in the league right now.

I mean, I feel like anyone who actually watches the NBA knows the dude is a superstar. I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who would seriously argue he's not a top 10 player. He was first team All-NBA last year, which basically means top 5.

As for the Clippers, I honestly think it's just pure arrogance. The way most of us picked them to win the title from day one? Well, they picked themselves to win it from day one also. They seem to think they can just coast their way to finals. F*ck 'em. I'm really, really hoping for a Lakers-Celtics finals.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Also, D'Antoni is out. Looks like the Rockets title push is all but over. Truthfully, it's been over since 2018, but I'm honestly wondering if they won't blow it up sometime soon. They took a huge gamble with the CP3-Russ trade, and it didn't pay off. Now they're stuck in a very tough place.

[KillerLeft]

Yeah, I know he's a consensus superstar, I just think he might be underrated within the paradigm of superstar rankings. So maybe "most" underrated might've been hyperbole, but let me have this.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by sefant77

And reading Clutchfans right now is just...

Perfection.

[sefant77]

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

I'm stunned. Truly stunned.

Something is wrong in that Clippers locker room, because Leonard and maybe Zubac are the only dudes playing hard on the entire team.

Oh, and Jokic might be the most underrated player in the league right now.

They are not a true team. Its superstar Kawhi and then just a whole bunch of guys with superinflated egos, thinking they are the best team, can beat any team they want and because of that dont have to play hard every minute.

Also Harrell lost probably a huge payday. double digit millions. Absolutly exposed and since he acted like an idiot, mocking guys like MKG: im loving it

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

Yeah, I know he's a consensus superstar, I just think he might be underrated within the paradigm of superstar rankings. So maybe "most" underrated might've been hyperbole, but let me have this.

Fair enough, lol. He's underrated as far as superstars go, I agree.

[EricaLubarsky]

God I hope Nugs win

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by sefant77

They are not a true team. Its superstar Kawhi and then just a whole bunch of guys with superinflated egos, thinking they are the best team, can beat any team they want and because of that dont have to play hard every minute.

Also Harrell lost probably a huge payday. double digit millions. Absolutly exposed and since he acted like an idiot, mocking guys like MKG: im loving it

Exactly this. They are eminently hateable. I think Harrell will just be a MLE guy now after this playoffs. He can’t shoot or defend. Just a glorified energy guy. It’s funny I called them front runners in one of my lengthy screeds here last night and JVG called them that at the end of the game.

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

God I hope Nugs win

Me too would be amazing. They are fun to root for.

[dirt_dobber]

makes me thankful for the Mavs organizational stability...

Mike D'Antoni Decided To Leave Rockets After Never Hearing From Tilman Fertitta

Mike D'Antoni and Daryl Morey met for a late dinner Saturday following the Houston Rockets' Game 5 elimination in the Western Conference semifinals.

Before D'Antoni went to bed that evening, he had spoken with everyone about the teams from players to management, but sources tell Sam Amick and Kelly Iko of The Athletic that he still hadn't heard from Tilman Fertitta.

There was an expectation of a phone call from ownership to discuss the season and a plan to talk about returning.

D'Antoni continued to expect a call from Fertitta the next morning but sources say it never came.

By the time D'Antoni boarded Houston's plan, his mind was made up he wouldn't be seeking another contract with the team. D'Antoni told his agent Warren LeGarie to deliver the message while the plane was in the air.

As the plane made its descent into Houston, D'Antoni told Morey, his staff and players of the decision. Morey was upset but understood and respected the decision made by D'Antoni.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by dirt_dobber

makes me thankful for the Mavs organizational stability...

Mike D'Antoni Decided To Leave Rockets After Never Hearing From Tilman Fertitta

Mike D'Antoni and Daryl Morey met for a late dinner Saturday following the Houston Rockets' Game 5 elimination in the Western Conference semifinals.

Before D'Antoni went to bed that evening, he had spoken with everyone about the teams from players to management, but sources tell Sam Amick and Kelly Iko of The Athletic that he still hadn't heard from Tilman Fertitta.

There was an expectation of a phone call from ownership to discuss the season and a plan to talk about returning.

D'Antoni continued to expect a call from Fertitta the next morning but sources say it never came.

By the time D'Antoni boarded Houston's plan, his mind was made up he wouldn't be seeking another contract with the team. D'Antoni told his agent Warren LeGarie to deliver the message while the plane was in the air.

As the plane made its descent into Houston, D'Antoni told Morey, his staff and players of the decision. Morey was upset but understood and respected the decision made by D'Antoni.

They treat everyone like that and Morey is the worst of them. He instilled that everyone is garbage who isn't a star mentality in that organization.

[EricaLubarsky]

I really hope the team implodes.

Harden gets traded to the East coast. Wesbrook loses his will to play. Salt the earth of clutchcity.

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

I really hope the team implodes.

Harden gets traded to the East coast. Wesbrook loses his will to play. Salt the earth of clutchcity.

The idea of Harden, Chris Paul and Westbrook toiling away in obscurity for there remaining years makes me happy. Harden at least should be good for another couple years. Westbrook washed. Hopefully Paul doesn’t get traded to a contender.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by mac222b

The idea of Harden, Chris Paul and Westbrook toiling away in obscurity for there remaining years makes me happy. Harden at least should be good for another couple years. Westbrook washed. Hopefully Paul doesn’t get traded to a contender.

The fact that Morey thought RB was a better fit than Paul is fireable by itself.

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

The fact that Morey thought RB was a better fit than Paul is fireable by itself.

No it was that the two fake alpha floppers couldn’t get along. The hilarious thing is they gave two 1st round picks and two pick swaps for RwB. The swaps probably won’t factor but still.