I just heard the lead sinker fall to the floor. Oh no, hearing the news Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are signing with the Clippers has got to be the worst move ever or they're both geniuses.
For Leonard, he has nothing to prove having won titles with the Spurs and Raptors. But George is taking a much bigger risk as he's linking up with an outfit that has never won an NBA title and never looked like winning one. The Clippers have never advanced past the second stage of the playoffs (correct me if I'm wrong, I didn't look it up).
The Clippers play in the Staples Center and get second choice on all the booking slots. That's because the owner of the Staples Center also owns a share of the Lakers and the Lakers play at Staples. For Leonard and George they're effectively wilfully choosing to play for the B team.
Compare with Durant and Irving going to Brooklyn. The Nets have at least won two titles when part of the ABA, and they've got hot talent brought together by the savvy Sean Marks. And add DeAndre Jordan to the list at Brooklyn.
So Leonard and George may be making a huge belly-flop into the pool. I never rate the hapless Clippers, if there is a way to lose, they'll find it.
Showing posts with label Lakers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lakers. Show all posts
April 24, 2019
NBA: Steven Adams Trade Rumours
OKC have been knocked out of the 2019 playoffs and once again we have Steven Adams being blamed for the losses. People commenting are mostly keyboard warriors who know little or nothing about the game of basketball.
Firstly, let's deal with why OKC were always going to be eliminated. It's because the team is not stacked with talent, that's why. They only have three top players, Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Steven Adams. You can't go deep in the NBA playoffs so light handed. Teams that win NBA championships are brimming with shooters and top defenders.
If we look at Westbrook, he's been a flop in the post season without Kevin Durant. But who is worse? The coach. Who in their right mind would bench Steven Adams in the final quarter of game 5 against Portland. He's the starting centre, you go to your best players and trust them when it matters. The coach is toast, likely now looking for a new job. If he isn't then the owner is a fool too.
Many people say that players like Adams can't defend the pull up 3, they can't space the floor etc. They're implying that the days of genuine bigs are over. Oh really, then why do Golden State have Andrew Bogut starting at centre, explain that! There is simply no replacing the big nasty man in the middle doing the hard work. Deal with it.
So assuming OKC will trade Adams, given they're a team of losers and wish to remain that way; my suggestion would be to look at the Lakers. They need an Adams and if a championship beckons they're usually happy to pay the luxury tax that applies to exceeding the salary cap. They'll put a team around LeBron James and Adams could be one of the support cast. Or look to other big market teams that can afford Adams on US$25mil annually.
Firstly, let's deal with why OKC were always going to be eliminated. It's because the team is not stacked with talent, that's why. They only have three top players, Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Steven Adams. You can't go deep in the NBA playoffs so light handed. Teams that win NBA championships are brimming with shooters and top defenders.
If we look at Westbrook, he's been a flop in the post season without Kevin Durant. But who is worse? The coach. Who in their right mind would bench Steven Adams in the final quarter of game 5 against Portland. He's the starting centre, you go to your best players and trust them when it matters. The coach is toast, likely now looking for a new job. If he isn't then the owner is a fool too.
Many people say that players like Adams can't defend the pull up 3, they can't space the floor etc. They're implying that the days of genuine bigs are over. Oh really, then why do Golden State have Andrew Bogut starting at centre, explain that! There is simply no replacing the big nasty man in the middle doing the hard work. Deal with it.
So assuming OKC will trade Adams, given they're a team of losers and wish to remain that way; my suggestion would be to look at the Lakers. They need an Adams and if a championship beckons they're usually happy to pay the luxury tax that applies to exceeding the salary cap. They'll put a team around LeBron James and Adams could be one of the support cast. Or look to other big market teams that can afford Adams on US$25mil annually.
November 15, 2018
Carmelo Anthony Moving On?
The rumour is Carmelo Anthony is going to be waived by the Houston Rockets. It would make sense as he hasn't clicked with the Rockets roster. My pick is he'll head to the Lakers, teaming up with Lebron James. The two get along and Anthony is desperate for an NBA title.
But let's dispel something shall we, Anthony is not that bad a player. After all I've said, I now find myself defending him. Why? It's due to some of the nonsense I hear from analysts that's why. It has been said that Anthony will be waived because he's no good coming off the dribble and can't hit threes. Well boohoo, if that's how the Rockets intend playing no wonder they've not had a title since the mid 1990's. And I'm a Rockets fan!
Anthony is a good shooter and defends capably. What he's not good at doing is sharing. The ball goes to him and he shoots. Often he does this well, particularly when he's one on one against his opponent. But he doesn't have excellent vision and tends to stay put after he receives the ball. I think a combination with James would work well as James can take it to the hoop and get the rotation going, with Anthony able to isolate opponents and score when that rotation stalls or taking it to the hoop doesn't work and the ball needs to be kicked back out.
The Lakers are going to be around come playoffs time, but they need one or two heavy scoring bigs. Carmelo Anthony is one such player.
But let's dispel something shall we, Anthony is not that bad a player. After all I've said, I now find myself defending him. Why? It's due to some of the nonsense I hear from analysts that's why. It has been said that Anthony will be waived because he's no good coming off the dribble and can't hit threes. Well boohoo, if that's how the Rockets intend playing no wonder they've not had a title since the mid 1990's. And I'm a Rockets fan!
Anthony is a good shooter and defends capably. What he's not good at doing is sharing. The ball goes to him and he shoots. Often he does this well, particularly when he's one on one against his opponent. But he doesn't have excellent vision and tends to stay put after he receives the ball. I think a combination with James would work well as James can take it to the hoop and get the rotation going, with Anthony able to isolate opponents and score when that rotation stalls or taking it to the hoop doesn't work and the ball needs to be kicked back out.
The Lakers are going to be around come playoffs time, but they need one or two heavy scoring bigs. Carmelo Anthony is one such player.