Post-Finals Ruminations

CONGRATS TO THE NUGGETS?

This feels like another one of those half-hearted congratulations because first of all, the Heat, imo, aren't even on the Nuggets level.  Miami may have taken the East, but in the grand scheme of things they aren't contenders.

Secondly, the team that should have given the Nuggets the most problem in the Playoffs, that being the Suns, were hobbled when they met.  Out of all the squads in the NBA, it's going to be most interesting to see that Phoenix does this offseason now that they're supposed to be waiving Chris Paul, as in who they're going to go out and pursue in his place.  With KD + Booker, it isn't like they actually have to chase another PG.  What they should rather be looking for is a player or two to compliment their stars, someone like Draymond I would argue, who could run the point if he has to but also can play any frontcourt position.  But what I personally believe is going to happen is the Suns going big-game hunting a landing someone, like a high-volume scorer, who doesn't fit.

There are also suggestions floating around that Bradley Beal may end up on the Heat.  That sounds like a perfect marriage to me, because everyone wants to know how Beal would look if he played for a contender, and the Wizards aren't serious for shit.  If they were, they would try to build on the fact that they one have the best frontcourts in the NBA.  But Kuzma is likely going to bounce anyway, and so it is with the Wizards, since like time immemorial.  Maybe the NBA will show them some love and let them win the draft next year.

I'm also one of the people who believe that the Nuggets may have a potential dynasty on their hands.  One thing you have to remember is that after themselves suffering from serious injury issues the last couple of years, this postseason they lucked out by rather facing two teams, the Timberwolves and Suns, who had notable health issues of their own, while this time around Denver were actually the healthy ones.  So that kinda stuff does matter, that the Nuggets got "lucky" this year by being healthy.  And if that trend continues, yeah, why not.  But I look forward to them making a notable addition their own this offseason, like while no one was else is looking.  And I still kinda advocate Mo Bamba going to this team, if they aren't going to play Thomas Bryant.

SHOUTOUT TO DOC RIVERS

Doc Rivers, who was recently fired, made some comments about Joel Embiid and the Beard.  And one thing he said that really stuck with me, that these players like Embiid and Ben Simmons and I guess you can also say Zion Williamson, like their careers are affected by the fact that after being drafted, they spend a year or two not playing.  Or as Doc put it, that "sets a tone", like they get mentally used to not playing.  And I thought that was pretty deep because it's easy for pundits, including myself, to like diss these guys for not being on the court.  But it takes an insider to know that there's actually psychological ramifications to being drafted (and paid) yet not being able to play for an extended period.  Like that would definitely begin to explain what appears to be Simmons' lackadaisical attitude.

FINALLY, A ZION TRADE?

That said, I questioned Zion Williamson's work ethic years ago, and I'm pretty sure that I stated at the beginning of this season that the Pelicans should think about trading him.  My argument is that either he or Ingram has to go, because they don't particularly play well together anyway.  But having both of them, since they're always injured, is sorta like insurance.  At any given time at least one of them is likely to be hurt, so it isn't like NO actually has the issue of them playing together anyway.  But that strategy isn't working well for them.

One big different between Williamson and Simmons is that when Zion plays, he always makes an impact.  So it would be kinda exciting to see him to go Charlotte, with LaMelo Ball.  Maybe the change of scenery would like invigorate him and do well for his health, if possible.  Also, if Miles Bridges comes back, then instantly the Hornets will have one of the most-athletics frontcourts in the league, one to be feared even.  But at this point, I'm not actually getting my hopes up in terms of Zion consistently playing.