victorcruz
Hall of Fame
Westbrook all alone again 
NBA 2019-20: Fresh Champs, Fresh Faces, Fresh Places!
- Thread starter stringertom
- Start date
donquijote
G.O.A.T.
So where is Ujiri genius now? He practically played a big gamble that brought a championship but without Gasol it'd be a 2R exit even without facing LeBron this time. Now we lost Kawhi, Green and the players traded DeRozan and Poetl. All we got left is Gasol and his fat salary.
-NN-
G.O.A.T.
Not far unfortunately. Because of the length of the Kawhi sweepstakes there aren't many options left. And if they don't pick up anyone they'll be lucky to make the playoffs next year IMO. The highest I could see them finishing is 6 or 7 in the East.
It's too bad. I had hoped he might want to try his hand at a repeat, but no such luck. I appreciate what Kawhi did for Toronto and Canada, he's the main reason they won an NBA title, don't get me wrong, and he made his decision on his terms without the hoopla, I respect that, but I don't think he'll quite get the hero's welcome whenever LAC plays in Toronto again. And I think many people are taking that for granted, especially the Canadian sports media. They just say stuff like "we owe him a championship" or "he won us a championship" and while both statements may be more or less true I don't expect that alone to take the sting out of Kawhi leaving for a fair chunk of the Raptors fanbase. It won't be quite like VC returning to Toronto when he played for the Nets, but I think some people (myself included) are a bit disappointed that he left the team after winning an NBA title and being showered with love and affection at the parade by over 2 million people. And most of all, left the team that helped him resurrect his career after a bad injury. It's a strange scenario because I think now that they won the title in Toronto it hurts more. I was hoping he'd sign for even just 1 more year, and then if they failed to defend their title (high likelihood even with Kawhi returning IMO) I don't think I'd feel anywhere near as disappointed in Kawhi leaving. But to leave after an NBA title just seems wrong to me, and makes it all feel a bit worse.
Again, I'll reiterate, I don't hate Kawhi now, and I respect that he made his own decision, he deserves that, but I am slightly disappointed even though I didn't really expect him to re-sign. I hope Kawhi doesn't expect to win a title with every new team he joins either, because I don't think it should work that way, but we'll see if he can get them a championship as well. Not gonna lie, my first reaction if LAC doesn't win the title next year is going to be laughter, especially if they lose to the Lakers.
Clippers will win the title.
They were already good and they've just added arguably the two best two-way players in the NBA. Only the Lakers can stop them, I reckon, though I'm interested to see how the 76ers develop. Giannis will be shut down again when the time comes. Kawhi didn't choose Toronto and now he gets to make his choice and decide his destiny. Great call on the Clippers and to not go for cheap chip stacking with Bron and AD.
If the Clippers don't get it done then I suspect the Lakers will.
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
I think the 2020 NBA title will come down to which of the two LA supertandems is healthier for the playoff run. If all 4 players healthy, I’ll still take Playoff LeBron and AD.
Steve0904
Talk Tennis Guru
That's the only thing that makes me happy in all this. Kawhi to the Lakers would've been super boring.
-NN-
G.O.A.T.
We're set for a magnetising narrative for the forseeable future. I can tell you I won't be missing too many Clippers nor Lakers games. I think it's a very strong and confident move from Kawhi, despite the likelihood that he probably wouldn't have joined had the Clippers not been able to secure a second star. They've got the depth, the front office, the coaching staff, two of the best players in the world and arguably the best player in the world.
Who's stopping that?!
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
Where will Playoff Rondo play this year?
Last edited:
victorcruz
Hall of Fame
What is up with entitled people like you? I swear, if anyone brought a championship to the Knicks, he would be a legend forever. I hate marshmelo anthony but if he somehow miraculously won a championship with the Knicks??? I would love him for life.
GO continue celebrating your win sheesh. Enjoy life. Relax a little before killing the GM that HELPED you get a championship.
-NN-
G.O.A.T.
The Raptors will still be a solid team but no Championship contender. Pascal Siakam will have the room to grow into their superstar and he just might have the talent to pull that off, but they're gonna need to get him some help over the next few seasons. It seems rather difficult however to entice star talent to Toronto...
I suspect that their window won't reopen any time soon.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
More impressive team characteristic will be on the defensive side of the ball...they are all pit bulls. Where do you go for an easy bucket???
-NN-
G.O.A.T.
They'll be granite hustlers on defense and ruthlessly efficient on offence. Struggling to find holes.
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
This was key to Toronto sneaking up on the league and snatching a title. How is defense still so underrated in this age of analytics?
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
If Boogie Cousins is still signing one-year deals why would anyone believe KD's return to former form be Duck Soup?
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
Enjoyed seeing Danny Green and buddy Kawhi play together. Wonder if Danny headed to Lakers, expecting buddy to join, but Lakers could not seal the deal.
Love great defense.
Will be interesting to see if these guys can shut down, or at least contain, Curry and KT.
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
I don't blame the GM. If a guy wants to live in L.A. there's nothing much he can do...
Nothing for Toronto fans to celebrate now. Never seen a championship team come apart so quickly. In a matter of days.
Now will struggle to even make the playoffs. Wow.
Yes, it was sort of expected but devastating to Toronto fans nonetheless.
Last edited:
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
Is this a typo, @stringertom? Only $2 million for Boogie? Still hope Warriors will keep him.
For a second consecutive season, DeMarcus Cousins is taking a short-term deal with hopes of winning an NBA title — this time, alongside LeBron James.
Cousins, a four-time All-Star, has agreed to sign a one-year contract worth $2.3 million with the Los Angeles Lakers, a person familiar with the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the deal, which has not been finalized. The 28-year-old center spent last season with the Golden State Warriors.
For a second consecutive season, DeMarcus Cousins is taking a short-term deal with hopes of winning an NBA title — this time, alongside LeBron James.
Cousins, a four-time All-Star, has agreed to sign a one-year contract worth $2.3 million with the Los Angeles Lakers, a person familiar with the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the deal, which has not been finalized. The 28-year-old center spent last season with the Golden State Warriors.
Last edited:
stringertom
Bionic Poster
They took GSW to six before all the injuries and without the two new superstars. They will contain Chef/Russell before KT is ready and continue the trend into the playoffs.Enjoyed seeing Danny Green and buddy Kawhi play together. Wonder if Danny headed to Lakers, expecting buddy to join, but Lakers could not seal the deal.
Love great defense.
Will be interesting to see if these guys can shut down, or at least contain, Curry and KT.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Lakers looking like Pelican Bay WestIs this a typo, @stringertom? Only $2 million for Boogie? Still hope Warriors will keep him.
For a second consecutive season, DeMarcus Cousins is taking a short-term deal with hopes of winning an NBA title — this time, alongside LeBron James.
Cousins, a four-time All-Star, has agreed to sign a one-year contract worth $2.3 million with the Los Angeles Lakers, a person familiar with the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the deal, which has not been finalized. The 28-year-old center spent last season with the Golden State Warriors.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
NOP’17-‘18 before Boogie’s Achilles tear were pretty damn good but they had a decent backcourt. I’m still searching for that facsimile in purple and gold.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
The Over-The -Hill Gang rides agin. Preview of The Battle For LA in less than an hour on ESPN
Last edited:
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
Kawhi
Is Stephen Smith worse than Shannon?
"My inside sources tell me 98.4% chance Kawhi going to the Lakers."
Is Stephen Smith worse than Shannon?
"My inside sources tell me 98.4% chance Kawhi going to the Lakers."
stringertom
Bionic Poster
SAS has perfected being ill prepared and, as a result, non-factual:Kawhi
Is Stephen Smith worse than Shannon?
"My inside sources tell me 98.4% chance Kawhi going to the Lakers."
For these couple of minutes of infamy, he will never be surpassed as the least qualified talking head ever.
Shannon Sharpe played football and probably got concussed at least a few times. It’s perfectly understandable to expect a bit of dizziness from time to time. SAS must have been dropped on his head as a baby to get to this ATG moment of buffoonery.
-NN-
G.O.A.T.
Kawhi
Is Stephen Smith worse than Shannon?
"My inside sources tell me 98.4% chance Kawhi going to the Lakers."
Shannon is straight fire. Manure makes the grass grow.
victorcruz
Hall of Fame
Westbrook to the Rockets for CP3 and picks
As a bigtime RW fan, I am relieved he went to a contender. I just hope he doesn't fizzle with them like Melo did...not that Melo was still good by the time he got there.
As a bigtime RW fan, I am relieved he went to a contender. I just hope he doesn't fizzle with them like Melo did...not that Melo was still good by the time he got there.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
RW reunited with His Beardness? Could be interesting how that one pumpkin gets shared there.Westbrook to the Rockets for CP3 and picks
As a bigtime RW fan, I am relieved he went to a contender. I just hope he doesn't fizzle with them like Melo did...not that Melo was still good by the time he got there.
NonP
Legend
Westbrook to the Rockets for CP3 and picks
As a bigtime RW fan, I am relieved he went to a contender. I just hope he doesn't fizzle with them like Melo did...not that Melo was still good by the time he got there.
Whoa.... Crazy off-season so far, eh? So much for the Heat, Suns or Bucks being the main contenders. If anyone tells you he saw the complete overhaul of OKC coming even after the draft, he's uh, lying through his teeth.
As a rabid RW fan me-self I can say for sure Russ won't fizzle. The guy's too damn proud to yield a single inch wherever he goes, and though I don't like the idea of him and the Beard sharing the ball maybe that'll force them to finally play more like team players.
The bigger issue is (D')Antoni whose shoot-first streetball has ruined the game. I'm hoping Russ' ego will prove too much for Mike and another disappointing season will force Houston's hand by bringing in a new headmaster, but we'll see.
Federer and Del Potro
Talk Tennis Guru
Crazy. Good to see them reunitedWestbrook to the Rockets for CP3 and picks
As a bigtime RW fan, I am relieved he went to a contender. I just hope he doesn't fizzle with them like Melo did...not that Melo was still good by the time he got there.
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
Where do the NBA champs go from here? Losing Kawhi and Danny Green.
Amazing how the fortunes of the two teams in the finals have suddenly changed.
Now Raptors struggle to make the playoffs.
Warriors lose key players KD, Iggy, Boogie, injured KT...
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
OMG, HBO Hard Knocks, Houston pleasssssssssssssssssssssssse!
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Like the Big3, retire this team
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Key? AI was salt of the earth type with a big heart but an aging body. As for Boogie, not key at all. Sad to see him go, especially to the LAbronkers but his rehab is a work in progress.
The other two losses, one permanent and one for most of a season, are of course UUUGGGEEE. I am curious how Russell integrates in their system. He has skills galore and may play into a dilemma for GM Meyers as to how to handle KT/Chef/Russell together.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Who’s taking that massive contract???
-NN-
G.O.A.T.
OKC.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
D’oh! Ronnie was asking if he stays there. Answer: until he retires.
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
Final possession and behind by 2, I am still taking Bird over Lebron or Curry for that final shot..
Lebron is eliminated based on his shaky clutch free throw shooting alone. Want someone solid on free throws taking that last shot.
Curry is automatic from the line but can't post up like Bird. Bird is a threat from everywhere. From today's players, I want KD taking that last shot.
Wonder what Bird is thinking when he sees overpaid clowns like Danny Green making $15 million a year?
Lebron is eliminated based on his shaky clutch free throw shooting alone. Want someone solid on free throws taking that last shot.
Curry is automatic from the line but can't post up like Bird. Bird is a threat from everywhere. From today's players, I want KD taking that last shot.
Wonder what Bird is thinking when he sees overpaid clowns like Danny Green making $15 million a year?
Last edited:
Vcore89
Talk Tennis Guru
His Beardness used to be the sixth man, now he is ushering in His Motormouth to be his sidekick?!
Bttw, points to ponder, Kawhi can only win it with trusty Danny Green in the roster [no matter the role]. So 'Whi' risk it for a biscuit?! It's like MJ couldn't win it sans Scottie but there's also another underlying reason to that, His Airness's singular fear is of Scottie guarding him on the opposing side [Wiz stint doesn't count; Scottie had a lackadaisical approach towards MJ at those junction.].
stringertom
Bionic Poster
I just realized all the State Farm commercials are going to hit the toilet now that Beard ain’t in the CP3 picture anymore.
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
My bold prediction for 2019-2020:
Rajon Rondo will have a bounce-back year. This dude is the Randy Moss of the NBA, in that he only tries when his team is good and the game matters.
Everyone is writing him off. I predict he’ll be the starting point guard come playoff time, when playoff Rondo likes to come out of hiding. The Lakers will get down 2-1 against the Clips or the Rockets, and then Rondo will be inserted into the starting line-up, start putting up 9-9-9 stat lines, and become the third member of the big 3.
I’m not a Rondo fan or even a Laker fan. Just saying this as a fascinated observer from afar, who can’t believe that a 6’ tall guy with a freakish nearly 7’ wing span and gigantic hands can be washed up yet.
Rajon Rondo will have a bounce-back year. This dude is the Randy Moss of the NBA, in that he only tries when his team is good and the game matters.
Everyone is writing him off. I predict he’ll be the starting point guard come playoff time, when playoff Rondo likes to come out of hiding. The Lakers will get down 2-1 against the Clips or the Rockets, and then Rondo will be inserted into the starting line-up, start putting up 9-9-9 stat lines, and become the third member of the big 3.
I’m not a Rondo fan or even a Laker fan. Just saying this as a fascinated observer from afar, who can’t believe that a 6’ tall guy with a freakish nearly 7’ wing span and gigantic hands can be washed up yet.
hollywood9826
Hall of Fame
I like this take. Rondo is a smart player and can still play good D and facilitate. If he is the only non shooter on the court it could work. And I think the LeBron/AD combo is better than any other combo any team can throw out there.
My Bold prediction will be that the Jazz of Utah beat the Bucks of Milwaukee in the finals.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
ABC dumps the NBA Finals and is picked up by The Outdoor Network. On Taped Delay. After Ted Nugent's Spirit Of The Wild
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Have you allowed @r2473 to hack your account???
r2473
G.O.A.T.
Did the Jazz sign Kawhi and I missed it?
stringertom
Bionic Poster
No, but adding Mike Conley Jr and Bojan Bogdanovic to your core players makes you real contenders.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
The West is silly stacked. LAC, LAL, Denver, Utah, Houston, GSW, Portland, SAS, Dallas and the very young but talented NOP are going to have a scrum all season long for superiority. Two of those won’t make it. Also, if Memphis gels with Ja running things that’s three on the outside.
