2017/18 NBA Thread

Wobbie said:

lastexit78 said:

Jason P said:

Pacers seem to be a better team without Paul George.  Addition by subtraction?

I wouldn't get too carried away after 20 games. Paul George led that team to within a game of the NBA Finals a few years back. Speaking of the Pacers how about Victor Oladipo? He's playing like an All Star, averaging 23ppg on 47% shooting. Geeze doesn't look at all like the bum who played for OKC last season... wonder why? Oh yeah he actually gets to take shots and doesn't have a PG who dribbles out the shot clock every possession.

Speaking of Westbrook I can come up with 11 players better than him, with a few getting close...

1. LeBron – Still best player in the league
2. KD – Unstoppable offensive player, underrated defensive player, 2nd in the NBA in Blocks
3. Kawhi – Health becoming an issue but when healthy is best 2 way player in the NBA
4. Curry – Complete game changer on offense with ability to space the floor. Underrated finisher and playmaker.
5. Harden – Unstoppable one on one player, still needs to show up in May/June though.
6. Antetokounmpo – Frightening talent averaging 30ppg on 55% shooting. Plus 11rpg and almost 2 blocks.
7. Anthony Davis – Putting up insane numbers, has never even played with an above average Point Guard.
8. Karl-Anthony Towns – Closest skill set I’ve ever seen to Tim Duncan. Will lead MIN to 50 wins and because of him they can spook GS, HOU and SA come playoff time.
9. Kyrie Irving – The most unstoppable one on one guard in the league. Shoots a better % than Westbrook and makes his teammates better. Likely leading BOS to a 60 win season without Hayward and a bunch of 25 and under players is a heck of an accomplishment.
10. John Wall – Better playmaker than Westbrook and an All League defensive player. Makes teammates better, just look at Beal who’s a 24ppg scorer and the development of Otto Porter.
11. Paul George – Won’t get to see it this season because of Westbrook but he’s one of the best 2 way players in the league. Can defend at an elite level and score 25 if needed.
12. Westbrook – Freakish athletic talent, puts up monster numbers but on a usage rate above 40%. Doesn’t make teammates better, turns the ball over at a comical rat, especially in crunch time. Has athletic ability to be an All League defender but doesn't put in the work, goes for too many steals and gets lost on screens consistently.

Two players who I'll likely have above Westbrook in a season or two...

Ben Simmons - Already dominating and playing smart winning basketball despite an awful jumper.

Embid - Most fluid true big mane I've seen in a LONG time, reminds me of Olajuwon. If he stays healthy you are looking at a top 5 NBA player.

Is this a message board or a novel writing class?

It's a message board. You know what this is.

tempo_n_groove said:

I'm not impressed with Ball...  Not impressed with Magic either...

Guess who has a very good shot at their lottery pick next summer...

anyone besides me paying any attention to donovan mitchell of the jazz?

another great sleeper pick.....to go with rodney hood, who is always hurt

gobert was a steal, too, but utah will never be able to compete in the west arms race.

LeBron  is off to one of his better starts of his career. SCARY!!

Have to wait & see with Curry.

Celtics defense is surprising for me. Also surprised they have the record they have without Hayward. Brad Stevens can coach , though.

Considering how young & inexperience the 76ers are, and the schedule they had to start the season, is pretty good to me. I'll take that as a 76ers fan. 

Before the Portland game Beal mostly struggled the previous 4 games (11, 10, 21, & 8 points). But, he's good and can score. Just a little slump, and like you said, no Wall doesn't help.

tempo_n_groove said:

cutz said:

LeBron  is off to one of his better starts of his career. SCARY!!

Have to wait & see with Curry.

Celtics defense is surprising for me. Also surprised they have the record they have without Hayward. Brad Stevens can coach , though.

Considering how young & inexperience the 76ers are, and the schedule they had to start the season, is pretty good to me. I'll take that as a 76ers fan. 

Before the Portland game Beal mostly struggled the previous 4 games (11, 10, 21, & 8 points). But, he's good and can score. Just a little slump, and like you said, no Wall doesn't help.

I've always wondered if Wall can play along someone else great?!?  Did you answer my question for me?

I think Wall can play with along with another great player, so yeah, i may have answered your question   

tempo_n_groove said:

cutz said:

tempo_n_groove said:

cutz said:

LeBron  is off to one of his better starts of his career. SCARY!!

Have to wait & see with Curry.

Celtics defense is surprising for me. Also surprised they have the record they have without Hayward. Brad Stevens can coach , though.

Considering how young & inexperience the 76ers are, and the schedule they had to start the season, is pretty good to me. I'll take that as a 76ers fan. 

Before the Portland game Beal mostly struggled the previous 4 games (11, 10, 21, & 8 points). But, he's good and can score. Just a little slump, and like you said, no Wall doesn't help.

I've always wondered if Wall can play along someone else great?!?  Did you answer my question for me?

I think Wall can play with along with another great player, so yeah, i may have answered your question   

You said Wall doesn't help but he can play along side Beal?

that makes no sense...

I think you misunderstood me: The 4 games where Beal didn't score well without Wall, didn't help Beal.

Playing with Wall does help Beal.