2022-2023 NBA Season Thread

[fightinfunbags]

Obviously, it kind of is for anyone. The Thunder are going to be a force for multiple years though, as a fan I have to put my trust in Presti and what he learned. Right now I know one thing, in a year I have gone from wondering if Shai could be a 1 on a very good team to wondering if he can be an MVP candidate on a great team. I’ll take that as pretty good progress for now. Next year is huge though.

I still think that stock pile of picks has them positioned to lock down the next disgruntled star that wants out. And I know that if it doesn’t happen for him in Philly soon, that guy could be Embiid.

I will make you this promise today that if Embiid goes to OKC, I’m gonna join @Mecca as a hanger on fan of the Thunder. I’ve never been a “second team” kind of guy but I really want to see Embiid compete for a title before he’s done.

 

[dtgold88]

As far as what, wins and losses?

Here’s the issue….

Cavs have to get by Boston and the Bucks to get to the Finals,

Memphis has to get passed the Nuggets,maybe Phoenix.

So, yeah….:

Cavs only have a punchers chance.

Those two roads to the finals are very different with the East being the more treacherous path.

Yeah...was only talking about the current standings. agree with everything you said. East is no joke this year. Figures.

 

[bksballer89]

If the Celtics lose to this heat team they need to burn it down to the ground

Only thing i say about Miami is they are more built for the playoffs. This version of Bam with the playoffs version of Jimmy we got in 2 of 3 seasons is scary to face in a best of 7

 

[shopson67]

If the Celtics lose to this heat team they need to burn it down to the ground

Sounds good to me, where do I sign?

 

[dtgold88]

Calling them one of the younger teams is simply false though.

The Cavs? Overall, this is true, but they have the youngest starters and core group.

 

[fightinfunbags]

Only thing i say about Miami is they are more built for the playoffs. This version of Bam with the playoffs version of Jimmy we got in 2 of 3 seasons is scary to face in a best of 7

Agree with that. Jimmy is just a guy in the regular season but every year at playoff time he reminds you why people who know call him a top 10 player in the league.

 

[fightinfunbags]

The Cavs? Overall, this is true, but they have the youngest starters and core group.

When you look at their core the oldest guy is Mitchell. I don’t consider LaVert core personally.

 

[dtgold88]

That is much more to my point. Saying something like this is like waving the white flag for no reason. While the intention may have been to get ahead of an outburst this summer, I think it could instead provoke one sooner.

I'm hoping they just don't care too much what irrational, emotional fans think. There is likely a large group who will be blaming the FO, coach, a player they hate, etc. no matter when this season were to end. Even if it was the ECF.

 

[shopson67]

I still think that stock pile of picks has them positioned to lock down the next disgruntled star that wants out. And I know that if it doesn’t happen for him in Philly soon, that guy could be Embiid.

I will make you this promise today that if Embiid goes to OKC, I’m gonna join @Mecca as a hanger on fan of the Thunder. I’ve never been a “second team” kind of guy but I really want to see Embiid compete for a title before he’s done.

That could prevent this...

 

[msgkings322]

He then contributes 18 pts off the bench in game 6 of round 2 to eliminate the Celtics

And then wins Finals MVP vs the Suns

 

[dtgold88]

When you look at their core the oldest guy is Mitchell. I don’t consider LaVert core personally.

I could see resigning Levert (as might be tough to find someone better) so he might be core (guess could wait to include him until we know he is staying). Rubio is signed for 2 years after this one so I guess he should count. Osman probably in same boat (he's 27, Levert 28)

Mitchell might the oldest of the rest (26) Pretty sure their ages are the following Allen (24), Garland (23), Okoro (22), Mobley (21)

 

[fightinfunbags]

I could see resigning Levert (as might be tough to find someone better) so he might be core (guess could wait to include him until we know he is staying). Rubio is signed for 2 years after this one so I guess he should count. Osman probably in same boat (he's 27, Levert 28)

Mitchell might the oldest of the rest (26) Pretty sure their ages are the following Allen (24), Garland (23), Okoro (22), Mobley (21)

When I think core, I think Mitchell Allen Garland Mobley. Everybody else is a part that can be used to upgrade somewhere else and in my mind expendable if that makes sense. I think we just may be using the term “core” with slightly different nuance. Seems like you are talking guys in the playoff rotation.

 

[dtgold88]

When I think core, I think Mitchell Allen Garland Mobley. Everybody else is a part that can be used to upgrade somewhere else and in my mind expendable if that makes sense. I think we just may be using the term “core” with slightly different nuance. Seems like you are talking guys in the playoff rotation.

To me, I'd say it's guys who the team thinks will be in the rotation not just now but down the road. I could see Levert, Osman, Wade here a while. as mentioned, Rubio signed for a couple years. Also not sure what they will do with Okoro.

No doubt, though, the only ones we can really be sure who should be here for the long haul are the 4 you mentioned.

 

[WiggyRuss]

When I think core, I think Mitchell Allen Garland Mobley. Everybody else is a part that can be used to upgrade somewhere else and in my mind expendable if that makes sense. I think we just may be using the term “core” with slightly different nuance. Seems like you are talking guys in the playoff rotation.

I agree with you.

Only other guy that COULD become core currently on the team is prob. Okoro.

 

[Wamu]

I could see resigning Levert (as might be tough to find someone better) so he might be core (guess could wait to include him until we know he is staying). Rubio is signed for 2 years after this one so I guess he should count. Osman probably in same boat (he's 27, Levert 28)

Mitchell might the oldest of the rest (26) Pretty sure their ages are the following Allen (24), Garland (23), Okoro (22), Mobley (21)

Don't Garland & Okoro share the same birthday? Thought I heard that during a Cavs game recently.

 

[The Q]

Don't Garland & Okoro share the same birthday? Thought I heard that during a Cavs game recently.

One year apart


Garland is 2000

Okoro 2001


And now I’m off to kill myself for being so damn old

 

[dtgold88]

I agree with you.

Only other guy that COULD become core currently on the team is prob. Okoro.

I can definitely see that as a way to describe the core. To me it's just guys who could be part of the future. Levert we wont know until after the season but feel like he will be retained. It's kind of like the JR situation. It's either sign him or no one as not sure we can do better as a FA. Could be moved in sign-trade.

Osman in a similar situation thought can be signed. Have to think it is either picked up now or he's traded in offseason or by next deadline. Thinking Rubio will be our backup PG through the next 2 seasons after this one.

But as mentioned, wouldn't quibble if someone thought only the Big 4 and maybe Okoro was the core of this team.

 

[The Q]

I can definitely see that as a way to describe the core. To me it's just guys who could be part of the future. Levert we wont know until after the season but feel like he will be retained. It's kind of like the JR situation. It's either sign him or no one as not sure we can do better as a FA. Could be moved in sign-trade.

Osman in a similar situation thought can be signed. Have to think it is either picked up now or he's traded in offseason or by next deadline. Thinking Rubio will be our backup PG through the next 2 seasons after this one.

But as mentioned, wouldn't quibble if someone thought only the Big 4 and maybe Okoro was the core of this team.

Yeah and then you’re looking to add rotation pieces with your mle and other exceptions plus draft picks

 

[Wamu]

One year apart


Garland is 2000

Okoro 2001


And now I’m off to kill myself for being so damn old

I know what you mean. The older you get seems like the faster the years go by.

 

[The Q]

I know what you mean. The older you get seems like the faster the years go by.

I’m baffled how it’s 2023, at times it feels like it’s still 2020