Not all of my predictions are correct; no one's is. But when it comes to foretelling a roster's fortune, you're probably better off reading this blog than resorting to mainstream outlets, some of whom are unable to figure shit out until months after I've already said it, besides sometimes outright biting my shit, you know, without a shoutout or nothing.
For instance, I'm the first pundit that I know of who was like, why TF did the Knicks trade for KAT? I made that statement all the way back when the transaction first occurred, i.e. October 2024. I'm not saying it was a bad move, but I did say it was hasty one, considering they had just acquired Miles Bridges, in another trade in which they sent out a few rotation players, like a couple of days prior. Based on the Knicks playing style in 2023-24, Bridges was a better selection than KAT. Yet with KAT, as I anticipated, Miles never really got to show his true potential.
And that's the reason why NYK is arguably the most-frustrating braintrust in the NBA. They can do something spectacular, like acquiring Jalen Brunson back when he was underrated, and then follow up a season later by starchasing instead of properly using their noodle.
'Well, we got further this season than we did last season, so at least that's progress'. No one wants to hear that shit, Jalen. Why? Because the Knicks didn't lose in the 2024 Playoffs because of lack of talent. They lost because of injury, in fact being the most injury-laden team in NBA Playoffs history that I've ever seen. But within the timespan of just two months, they totally forgot about that and went about more or less retooling the roster. Well now, they had the talent + health for the most part, but lack the compatibility, i.e. the roster being poorly and overly built.
So now all of a sudden, KAT is the scapegoat. Well at least he was, until they fired Thibs yesterday, finally. Meanwhile, NYK prolly would've gotten swept out of the ECF if not for Karl's performance in Game 3.
I was also the first person, while every other pundit was giddy with excitement, who was like Lebron + Luka is not going to work out. You'd never know it looking at their current makeup, but back in the days the Lakers were like really-really smart when it came to roster construction. That was back when the likes of Pat Riley and Phil Jackson and what's his name, that original owner dude, were still around. Now, in the Lebron era, like there's a reason why I always say that GM Lebron is to be feared on an organizational level. His presence may result in a quick championship, but good luck to your roster in the years that follow.
In defense of these less-than-analytical mainstream reporters, I think there's an advantage, when you're trying to make predictions, to not actually watching NBA games. When you watch games regularly, it's easy to form biases or favorites based on personal reasons, or something like that. It's more easy to get caught up in hoopla when you're consuming all the marketing and hype rather than actually using your own noodle. Like I can imagine the Knicks' braintrust just sitting around watching games all day. 'Hey, that guy KAT is really good, a double-double machine. Let's get him, compatibility be damned'.
That said, guru I may be, I'm not a betting man when it comes to the NBA, nor do I advocate such behavior, as in the grand scheme of things, predictions don't really mean shit if games are rigged. But apparently, to be a long-term beneficiary of rigging, you have to be like a top-notch veteran. And even these days, you know, I would say Lebron more or less fell out of the powers-that-be's graces a long time ago. It's rather the Lakers' brand, so to speak, that's keeping him afloat. And just forget about KD and them. Like the mainstream is rightfully saying, there's a new day in the NBA, though I've also said that a long time ago, that professional athletics favors the young, and if the league doesn't rig for certain stars the youngsters would inevitably takeover, especially in this day and age of neverending injuries.
GIANNIS TO BOSTON?
My biggest fear when it comes to Giannis (please don't ask me to spell his last name) is that he ends up being a KD, a superstar bouncing around to different teams yet not winning shit. Remember when Durant went to the Dubs back in the day - that was arguably the most-controversial free agency decision ever. But it was also hella smart, because it doesn't look like he's going to win anymore championships beyond that. Like there aren't any surefire squads in the NBA these days like the Dubs in their prime, except maybe OKC, who obviously doesn't need any roster additions.
Practically any team he goes to, except maybe some of those at the very bottom, will instantly become a contender. Giannis can go to the Magic and, oh shit, they're contenders, like deadass.
But what I suggest, more than anything, is that he needs to go to an organization with a winning culture, and there aren't many of those. The only two I can think of off the top of my head are the Celtics and Warriors.
I was reading an article a couple of days ago, I believe on Yahoo, that suggested Giannis stay in the East, since the Eastern Conference is easier, so to speak. So on that note, I'd like to recommend the Celtics. They're saying that Jayson Tatum may not come back next season. But if Giannis comes to town, I'm sure that would expedite his return.
The problem is, who will Boston be willing to give up to get him? This team needs it role players, even Jrue Holiday if Giannis shows up, since they're homeys type shit. But you know, that's rich peoples' problems, not mine.
INDIANA PACERS vs OKC THUNDER
Of course I'm predicting the Thunder, as I have all season. Imo, the only team with a roster that was able to beat them was the Nuggets, who they've already overcome. That may have been the true Finals' series, so to speak.
But at the same time, I'm not going to completely count the Pacers out, because they're obviously on some miracle shit. Like Steph Curry is a miracle-ass nigga, which is why you can never count Golden State out (unless he's hurt). Meanwhile, Indiana has Tyrese "Steph of the East" Haliburton. So this should be interesting, whether or not OKC can shut them down, like they did Minnesota.
Perhaps the bigger challenge, all things considered, will be the Pacers trying to stop the Thunder. But they should've gotten some preparation in the regard facing the Knicks, who are apparently one of the better offensive teams in the league, even if they did disappoint.
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