SHOUTOUT TO NICO HARRISON
What if I told you that I'm a member of the Sam Hinkie Fan Club, or that I have a poster of Danny Ainge, in a shirt and tie, hanging on my bedroom wall? I'm what you call a fan of GMs and other types of executives who make NBA decisions behind the scenes. I'm not going to act like I can name a bunch of them. But the organizations that are really good or alternative really stupid, I try to keep an eye on their braintrusts.
I didn't really know who Nico Harrison was until niggas started giving him the Luigi Mangione treatment. When he traded Luka for AD, of course I was like 'wow, that's unexpected'. But otherwise, you know what I mean?
I said from the jump that, all things considered, it more or less seemed like fair trade to me. In fact, I even thought Dallas got the best of the deal, more or less. Their roster is deep enough that could instantly insert AD into the starting lineup and proceed from there. But as for the Lakers, since Davis has arguably been their anchor over the past couple of seasons, trading him away for Luka - as the rest of the world, including Lebron, is slowly starting to realize - means that now they have to initiate a rebuild around him.
Then, from a business perspective, let's just say that Luka would have had to sell a whole lot of jerseys and tickets to rationalize Dallas re-signing him for $350mil(!). Meanwhile, the Mavs were retrogressing from last season. And even if Doncic was able to lead them back to the Finals in the future, given his endurance issues, what's the chances that they would win? Rebuilding - as the world is starting to see now that the lesser teams got shitted on in the draft - isn't as easy as it sounds, and it shouldn't be something an organization does unless it really has to. Some teams, like the Nets, have been rebuilding for like 15 years now.
Sam "the anti-Stern" Hinkie exploited a loophole like no other GM before him. He was akin to a guru, though one who's methodology was crude.
Though breaking, let's say unwritten ethical codes - you have to remember that the Sixers were garbage between the time Iverson left and Hinkie taking charge. They were also garbage last season, but look, managed to land the third pick, over a number of teams that were even worse. I believe that's an acknowledgement of their popularity and thus importance to the NBA landscape, with Philly still benefitting from that standing into the 21st century in large part due to Hinkie's efforts.
But Sam exploited the system so blatantly that now, it's f*cked up for those trying to imitate him a decade later. Of all the teams that had their hopes dashed, the one I'm laughing at the loudest is of course the Utah Jazz. They began tanking from like last season type shit and still got the short end of the stick. That's why I don't advocate intentionally losing. I think they still have a decent roster and, who knows, may land a gem in the draft. But now they also have to overcome a self-imposed, fan-betraying, fruitless losing culture, besides being embarrassed, if you will.
Anyway, my point is that everyone thought Nico Harrison was a dumbass up until yesterday. But now, we're reminded that he's a businessman, and the NBA is a business. Even if Kyrie isn't around, imo this team has more hope heading into next season than they did coming into the current one.
DENVER NUGGETS (2) vs OKC THUNDER (3)
There isn't much to read here. As a collective, the Thunder have arguably every advantage over the Nuggets except experience.
The ScapeGOAT fouled out of Game 5, so he couldn't play down the stretch even if David Adelman maybe wanted him to. But based on the precedent that's already been set, he probably would have went with Braun anyway.
A couple of seasons ago, when KCP was around, I argued that Denver had the best starting five in the league. To this day, their starting unit remains one of the best, not only in terms of talent but also compatibility. Skill-wise, their starters are arguably better than OKC's. But damn that lack of depth, and also the age factor.
Before all that Ja Morant shit started happening, I thought the Grizzlies were going to be the youth movement to dethrone the old dogs. Instead, it's proving to be the likes of the Thunder and Timberwolves.
INDIANA PACERS (4) vs CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (1!)
I read some shit like Donovan Mitchell was "emotional" after the Game 5, lol. As a Cavaliers' fan, I was kinda emotional myself, though I don't know exactly what emotion that was. That said, save the emotions for Jayson Tatum, my nigga.
I remain one of the skeptics who considers the Pacers "lucky", even if they've now made it to Conference Finals two years in a row. In the First Round, Damian Lillard was injured (as was Giannis last postseason). Then, they were fortunate in the Second Round by facing a superior opponent, albeit one who is unable to beat them. The Cavs only lost 18 games in the regular season, and four of those were against Indiana.
What really amazes me is how Tyrese Haliburton not only plays better in Cleveland than he does at home but also outperformed the Cavs' players in Cleveland. He's like a Steph, in a manner of speaking, though for now he lacks (young) Curry's consistency.
LEBRON (BACK) TO THE CAVS?
As for the Cavs, I mean yeah, something has to change. As pathetic as it may sound, going into next season they need to make upgrades specifically in the name of overcoming the Pacers. It would also help if, you know, since they have twin towers, if they learned how to play big. Kenny Atkinson was recently named Coach of the Year, but maybe that decision was a bit hasty.
As much as I sorta hate to say it, the Cavs could really (re-)use some Lebron in their lives right now. There aren't any superstars on this team except Spida, but I think the roster is still impressive enough to entice the King.
If they can get Lebron without giving up anybody, that would be ideal. Don't thin out the roster to the point that they can't win unless he plays well. You know, dude is in his 40s. By this point in his career and given his resume, he's supposed to be on a team where he's more of a rotation player, perhaps even a bench player, rather than the onus.
LBJ may not play defense for shit, and he also, despite being a giant, prefers to stay on the perimeter. But the emotional boost alone may be able to get this organization over the hump. And if they retain Mobley especially, there won't be much need for James to post up anyway.
No comments:
Post a Comment