Who Should Be Introduced Last? (Western Conference)

When a team's roster is being introduced at the beginning of games, it's an unofficial honor to have your name mentioned last, implying that your the squad's best/most-popular player.  But things aren't always that simple, because the best player and the most-popular player aren't always the same.  Also, there's other things to take into consideration, such as a player's tenure with the organization and what he's actually accomplished as a member of that team. We've already looked at the Eastern Conference and will now analyze the West, which I would say is a bit simpler, since Western Conference teams have more defined stars and less roster fluctuations.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

Last-Called: Cooper Flagg

Backup: Kyrie Irving

I'm kinda conflicted about this one but guess Kyrie would understand if they gave it to Cooper.  Irving was the backup star when the Mavs reached the Finals a couple of seasons ago and was also an allstar as a Mav in 2025.  Meanwhile, Flagg more recently won ROY.  Kyrie has tenure and more accomplishments, but I think it's generally understood that Dallas is looking forward to Cooper being the star into the future.

DENVER NUGGETS

Last-Called: Nikola Jokic

Backup: Jamal Murray

There's a lot of people who call Jokic the best basketball player in the world, which I may agree with, if we're referring solely to offense.  And as for Murray, he's a perennial-borderline (and reigning) allstar, besides also being homegrown.  So, there isn't much to debate about here.  And while we're on the subject of Jokic, one thing I do have to give to him, amongst NBA stars, is that you don't regularly hear of dude being on the injured list.  So, last-call away.

GOLDEN STATES WARRIORS

Last-Called: Steph Curry

Backup: Draymond Green

Steph is the greatest shooter in NBA history, besides perhaps being the second or third most-popular player in the league and, even as he loses consistency, remains must-watch.  Meanwhile, Draymond is also homegrown and won those four championships right alongside Curry, as a integral part of the team.  Off the top of my head, I would say Golden State is the only organization that has two players that have been around longer than a decade.

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Last-Called: Darius Garland

Backup: Brandon Ingram

Darius Garland has gone from being a debatable allstar a couple of seasons ago to now being an alpha by default.  Not many players experience that kind of luck, and hopefully he'll be able to capitalize on it.  And as for the backup, all things considered (such as Ingram's health), that's probably going to be a revolving door throughout the season.  If both Darius and Brandon are hurt, which they likely will be at some point, Bradley Beal can even end up being the last-called.  That's how unsettled this roster is looking at the moment

HOUSTON ROCKETS

Last-Called: Kevin Durant

Backup: Alperen Sengun

Oh my goodness.  As I said before, the Rockets are contenders.  But amongst the internal issues that can derail them, besides injuries, is dudes not being able to humble themselves and accept roles.

Similar to the Dallas situation, Sengun may not be the best or most popular player, but he is the one who appears to be leading the team into the future.  He may not have that Cooper Flagg level of favor, but I mean, if I owned this team, all things considered I'd probably make him last-called.  But since I don't, that's not likely going to happen.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Last-Called: Luka Doncic

Backup: Austin Reaves

One of the few absolute no-brainers on this list.  Doncic is the A-lister, while Reaves is the homegrown star.  Bronny, the actual son of Lebron, is more popular than Austin, the basketball son of Lebron.  But despite only being surpassed in popularity by Luka, Bronny's game isn't respectable enough to earn a last-calling.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Last-Called: Cameron Boozer

Backup: Cedric Coward

At first I put Jerami Grant as the backup because, even though he's a C-lister, he still perhaps has more name recognition than anyone else on this roster besides Boozer.  But with that said, an argument can also be made for Zach Edy, who has the advantage of being homegrown, or perhaps even those other dudes, Cedric Coward and them, who are recognized as up-and-comers.  And as for Cameron, he's lucked out in that even though the Grizzlies themselves have fallen off a cliff in terms of popularity, he's set to have more freedom to do what he wants than any other rookie.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Last-Called: Anthony Edwards

Backup: LaMelo Ball

One thing you have to give to Edwards, whether or not he ever leads the T-Wolves to a championship, is that he has lived up to the billing of being a #1 pick which, if you look at NBA history, isn't as common as one may think.  Besides that, he has made the team competitive.  Before he showed up, Minnesota used to have more-talented rosters, but it's like they could never achieve anything.

Based on tenure, maybe Gobert should be backup last-called, but I think it would have to go to Ball, who's like exponentially more popular.

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

Last-Called: Zion Williamson

Backup: Trey Murphy III

The most-popular players in the NBA are those who enter the league as stars already (often going back to high school), get drafted high (usually at #1) and then prove to actually be superstars in the league.  There's no substitute for that trajectory.  That's why, even if you try to argue that Steph or KD is better, they can never be as popular as Lebron. And that's why Kobe, who was drafted all the way down at #13, proceeded to become the most-famous basketball player in the world.

Meanwhile, Zion has never really done sh*t besides being named an allstar, but he's still benefiting from his pre-NBA fame.  Some people may label him a disappointment, but he's not a flatout bust.  The word I like to use is perhaps overrated, not as an insult but, you know what I mean.  He has yet to team-up with another A-lister so, as it currently stands, remains an indisputable last-called.

Meanwhile, I still don't know much about Trey Murphy, which is one of the curses of being stuck on a team like the Pelicans.  But I hear his name a lot, in terms of being coveted by other organizations.  So if he continues to represent and even more ideally progresses, he'll logically be the backup last-called.

PHOENIX SUNS

Last-Called: Devin Booker

Backup: Dillon Brooks

You have to give it Devin Booker that, despite being one the best scorers in the game, you never hear of him demanding a trade from the sluggishly-progressive Suns, even though it feels far-fetched to believe that Phoenix will make the Finals again during his career.  Determining a backup last-called isn't nearly as easy, but I'm going with Dillon Brooks, though it could be Jalen Green also.

OKC THUNDER

Last-Called: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Backup: Chet Holmgren

No debate, in terms of who's at the top of the last-called list, as Shai is the reigning MVP.  Choosing the backup though ain't that simple when Jalen Williams, arguably the second-best player on the squad, is available, though Chet is also arguably second-best, besides being on the court more.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Last-Called: Damian Lillard

Backup: Deni Avidja

We have to go with Lillard because, even though he didn't play the entirety of last season, he remains the greatest Trailblazer of the 21st century.  Morant is much more popular than Avidja, but Deni is a reigning allstar, while Ja is more or less fighting to keep his career alive and has yet to prove anything in Portland.

SACRAMENTO KINGS

Last-Called: Darius Acuff Jr.

Backup: Domantas Sabonis

The way the Kings are acting is as if a #5 pick, who has yet to accomplish anything really (except being picked number five), may actually get the last-call.  That's how lost in space this organization is, even though I'm not sleeping on dude.  And oh sh*t, I deadass forgot for a second that Zach LaVine is on this team.  And now that I am remembering, I don't think it'd be fair to just pop him up there.  He isn't as good as Sabonis but is more popular so may get the last-call, even over Acuff. 

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Last-Called: Victor Wembanyama

Backup: Stephon Castle

Wemby is a no-brainer but, the funny thing is if this were a couple of months ago, De'Aaron Fox would likely be the backup.  Now that would harder to rationalize, even if he is getting paid gazillions of dollars.  Like fukaround and introduce dude last, and he may even get booed in San Antonio. So it would have to be Castle.  It's arguable that Harper is just as good (if not better), but Stephon has won ROY as a Spur.

UTAH JAZZ

Last-Called: Lauri Markennen

Backup: Keyonte George

Utah is a traditionally white franchise(?), and whereas they won't be the whitest team in the NBA this coming season, I would think they still want to embrace that tradition.  Also, Lauri is really good, even if his reign as an allstar was brief.

As far as basketball in the United States goes, Jaren Jackson is the most-accomplished player on this roster and probably the most all-around popular.  But he has yet to do anything for the Jazz, and meanwhile, Keyonte George is trending.

2026 Elimination Ruminations: Cleveland Cavaliers

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (8-10)

I was waiting for weeks for the Cavs to get eliminated just to say that, I hope they didn’t promise the Beard a max extension when they acquired him (like Morey reportedly did).  And now that I’ve done the research, oh sh*t, dude has like a $45mil player option(!) for next season.  And there’s no way he’s going to turn that money down, not at this stage in his career.

If this were the NFL, where the risk of serious injury is a lot greater, I’d say that Harden needs to retire already because after his stint with Cleveland, whenever it ends, I don’t think any team is going to really want him again, at least not for any type of star-level money, regardless of how potent he may be offensively.

None of this is meant to be an insult against the Beard.  The Cavs are a good watch, and whether the Knicks win a championship, Haliburton comes back or whatever, with a full season of Harden, I’m totally expecting them to be the number-one seed out of the East next season.  Like this squad is built for the 82-game grind.  They’re the only team I can think of, off the top of my head, that not only have two allstar level PGs (if you consider Mitchell as one), but furthermore, they two have totally different looks.  In other words, the Cavs play different dependent on which one of them is running the show.

SHOUTOUT TO DARIUS GARLAND

But their braintrust made two big roster mistakes this season.  First was trading Darius Garland.  Why?  Because last postseason, when they got embarrassed by the Pacers, the excuse was ‘Garland is injured’.  So if that’s the case, now that he’s back, let’s at least give him another chance to see if he can compete in the playoffs and be ‘healthy’ throughout, you know, if he was the difference between them failing and potentially making it out of the East.

Second, it doesn’t wholly make sense why they traded him for Harden.  Why?  Because going back to that two PG thing, the argument was already that Darius and Spider’s styles overlapped, and that Mitchell, all things considered, should be given the keys to the car.  Instead, they turned around and gave them to the Beard, in a manner of speaking.

NO BEARD, NO CRY

James is a lot better than Donovan at getting all of his teammates involved.  It’s also cool that when Harden is running the show, Mitchell gets a chance to lay back and rest, until he’s really needed to explode.  But like I said, that kinda confusion, if you will, is good for the regular season but not so much for the playoffs - not against one of the handful of teams that's actually deeper and more talented than Cleveland.  The way the Cavs got to the ECF, given their talent and depth, wasn’t too convincing.

Maybe we can say that, with time, they all will mesh better.  Or rather, as optimistic(?) fans(?) we have to say that, because there’s no way the Beard is going to opt out of that payday.  So we’re going to get another season of this if we want it or not, because even though some of the lower-rung teams may be willing to take on Harden and his contract - I'm thinking something like the Blazers for instance - let's not forget he’s diva-ish and isn’t likely to play for a squad that doesn't look like a contender.  That can be a real problem, i.e. an overpaid player demanding to play on a contender - and furthermore, the contender being dumb enough to give him that money.

So by the looks of things, the one who’s going to have to bite the bullet - be scapegoated, if you will - is Jarrett Allen.  He’s made a name for himself as sort of this perennial DPOY type.  But given the way the Pistons ran all roughshod in the paint, against both Allen and Mobley, it's obvious that the former, not to blame it all on Jarrett, but he's lost a step or two.

He’s still good for lobs and putbacks and stuff like that, which is needed playing alongside Mobley, who prefers the perimeter.  But with that in mind, the Cavs could still use an upgrade.  And it doesn’t have to be a C per se but even one of those brolly type wings like Sengun or Anunoby.  But instead, you know, that money is going to the Beard.

LET’S GO KNICKS(?)

Even though I was expecting NYK to fuck up in one way or another instead of reaching the Finals, I also said, way back at the beginning of this season, that the East was theirs to lose, but lose it they didn’t.  So, give props where props are due.  They have the most all-around talented starting five in the league, and sticking together another season, instead of hastily blowing it all up, has paid off.  Also, unlike last year, everyone is ‘healthy’ this postseason, and they’ve also buttressed the bench.

The reason I'm glad they made it, more than anything, is because they’d be the best matchup for the Thunder.  Taking nothing away from the Spurs, but the way OKC’s roster is built, obviously you’re going to need more than a Wemby to beat them in a seven-game series.  And even if San Antonio does win, they’re probably going to be too worn down to really compete with the Knicks.

NYK and OKC are the two deepest, most-talented teams in the league, and thankfully they’re in different conferences, so it’s only right they should meet.  Also, their contest will finally settle the young vs. old debate, in a way.  You don't see young bucks like Jared McCain getting run on the Knicks.

Also, one last shoutout to Halliburton and the Pacers.  Let’s not forget that they were on the verge of totally upsetting the Thunder last season.  Too bad Myles Turner bounced, and they traded away Mathurin like that.  They should’ve at least gave themselves a chance to run it back and see if they could replicate the magic and, whether win it all or lose, go down as a legendary team in history.

CONCLUSION

Maybe in a perfect world, Lebron would return to the Cavs, and the Beard would head out to L.A. to play alongside - or rather let’s say replace - the perennially-injured Luka.

I recently read that whoever wins the WCF will be the favorites over the Knicks.  But check this out - they're bringing in the rowdiest of the rowdy.  I’m not so sure the Spurs can beat the Knicks in a seven-game series.

But as for OKC, even though they aren’t as all-around talented, they are younger, have better balance and greater depth (the latter particularly if everyone is playable).

NBA Power Stinkings (October 2025, Part 1)

THE BLESSING... AND THE CURSE

I can now watch NBA highlights to my heart's content which, in the context of this blog at least, is a good thing.  The curse tho is that, I don't even really give AF about the NBA anymore.

And I don't mean that literally, or else, you know, I wouldn't even bother writing this post.  But now, a no.1 pick underperforming, Wemby winning MVP, the Sixers doing exceptionally well in the draft, like nothing surprises me anymore.  My NBA honeymoon ended a long time ago, and sometimes I wonder, like how can a grown man go his entire life excited about this shit, even if he's being paid to do so.

That said, I know the power of inception and am going to leave readers out in the cold.  I've also had the pleasure of seeing every team play at least once this season, I think, even the lowly Nets.  So without further ado, here comes the first Power Stinkings of the 2025-26 Season, in which the worst, most-disappointing teams in the league get their roses first.

1.  NEW ORLEANS PELICANS (0-6)

NOP has been convincingly failing at least three or four years consecutive now, starting the season with deep, above-average rosters only to make the Play-Ins or miss the postseason altogether.  And I'm sorta happy that they've made the top of this list, as it gives me the opportunity to address a theme that will popup at least once more in this post, that being stars playing out of position.

In this case, I'm of course referring to Zion.  I'm not saying that all of the Pelicans problems are due to Williamson more or less being forced to play point-forward, whereas it's obvious he's more along the lines of a conventional power-forward, but I mean something has to change in the way they play him already.

I'm also sad that Jordan Poole is now stuck in this sh*thole.  Poole was more or less on the cusp of superstardom a couple of seasons back in Golden State.  Now, he's sorta devolving into one of these Clarkson, Oubre type players, like a good scorer but one who, you know what I'm saying?

Poole was so convincing in GSW that I was convinced he would succeed and even excel elsewhere.  That hasn't been the case, and hopefully he'll end up back on a competing team with some kind of set structure, maybe even back with the Dubs eventually.

Zion still sells a lot of jerseys.  But I think if any superstar gets traded come February, it would most logically be him, you know, if NOP actually wants to move on already.

2.  BROOKLYN NETS (0-7)

The reason that the Nets didn't top this list is because, unlike the Pelicans, at least they're expected to fail.  To my understanding they're already looking forward to the next draft, as some franchises have to learn the hard way.

Brooklyn had a whopping five picks in last summer's draft and is still unable to generate buzz or apparently wins.  I understand that failed Big 3 experiment left them bitter, but perhaps they need to get off this youth movement shit ASAP, as those types of things take exceptional braintrusts, which Brooklyn doesn't have.

3.  INDIANIA PACERS (1-6)

The Pacers should also arguably top this list, because there's no reason why a team who just made the Finals, all the way to Game 7 at that - should be this garbage, even if their best player is injured.  Actually a lot of dudes are injured, but still.  In this day and age, when you see a failing team putting a punch of dudes on the injured list, it feels more like load management, giving up type shit, than factual reporting.

I won't go as far as to say Indiana has betrayed their fans, since Myles Turner finally leaving (on his own accord, with team not getting shit in return) has to sting also.  But when you hear terms like "fluke" and "overrated" being thrown around, now you know why.

4.  WASHINGTON WIZARDS (1-6)

The Wizards, as expected, suck, and there really isn't much to say beyond that.  In all the decades I've been following the NBA, Washington has always underachieved or been flatout garbage.  That's what fans have come to expect, and by this point it feels normal.

I saw some highlights the other day and, with this being a young team, the Wizards are actually kinda fun to watch.  But if any squad allows these dudes to beat them, they should expect a firm tongue lashing from coach.

5.  SACRAMENTO KINGS (2-5)

It gets to a point where you're just tired of making excuses for the Kings.  Teams with their head coach in prison are performing better than these dudes type shit.  Meanwhile, Sacramento has arguably the best PF in the game in Domantas Sabonis.

Niggas is like the Pelicans but without the injuries, so it's even harder to understand why they always fail.  In all of my years following the NBA, there was only one brief era, around the turn of the century, when the Kings were actually good.  Zach LaVine, I would theorize in part due to his looks, has had ample (undeserved) opportunity to prove alpha, but obviously he's not that type of player and should perhaps be more role oriented.

6.  DALLAS MAVERICKS (3-5)

Being a consensus no.1 pick isn't what it used to be.  Back in the day, consensus no.1s were dudes like Shaq, Duncan and AI, who came out the gate hot and never looked back.  Now, you have cats like Zion Williamson and Cooper Flagg generating the buzz yet failing to dominate.

That said, I'm not dissing Flagg, at all.  If this were a 1990s' team, i.e. one that played offense with a set structure (and through an intellectual PG), I'm sure the Mavs would be contenders.  Forcing Cooper to play the point or whatever, first of all, from what I've seen he really isn't running the point at all.  D-Lo is the main man holding down that responsibility, which isn't particularly ideal since he's more of a 2.

Second, it's apparently time for Jason Kidd to go already.  If this braintrust can rationalize parting ways Doncic - i.e. the greatest scorer in today's NBA, not even a full season after he led the team to the Finals - then I don't see why they're so committed to keeping Kidd around, who is an above-average coach, but it ain't like that.

Bring in someone who can organize and sell set offenses rather than letting dudes do what they want.  Let Flagg play his natural position, i.e. SF/PF, and furthermore feed Cooper the ball instead of just letting dudes chuck up threes type shit.  AD and them have already had their time in the sun.  There's no reason, on paper, why this team should be underperforming.

7.  ORLANDO MAGIC (3-4)

I was the first (and only) pundit who, back when Bane was traded to Orlando, was like 'what's the big deal?'  Throughout the entirety of this franchise's existence, the Magic have more or less had an ass backwards braintrust, one that really can't do shit unless they're blessed with no.1 picks.  Panchero is a phenom but first of all, despite being a giant, prefers to play like a G.  And secondly, though a perennial allstar type, he's not dominant.

The Magic have been suffering from a lack of size throughout the entire Panchero era.  So how do they respond?  Finally making a big move - by pursuing one of the shorter players in the league.  Desmond Bane has a head made for Hollywood, not the NBA.

This is why I always say, braintrusts need to think for themselves rather than letting the times and fashion and media influence their actions.  Maybe the Magic will get their shit together.  But if dudes don't learn how to play in the paint it won't really amount to much.

8.  BOSTON CELTICS (3-5)

I never agreed with the Celtics more or less deciding to tank since Jayson Tatum is seriously hurt.  That's not the heart of a champion, and with this type of shit going on it's understandable why Michael Jordan recently spoke out against load management.

Dudes are fukin sissies, and in this case I'm referring to some of the braintrusts out there.  Intentionally fielding an inferior roster because a star player is hurt is a betrayal of fans, as already inferred with Indiana.

9.  MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (3-5)

I'm not really disappointed in the Grizzlies because, who really expected this roster to accomplish anything to began with?  Memphis has lost so key instrumental players over the past few seasons, replacing them with nobodies (no offense).  When was the last time you heard of a star player signing with the Grizz?  And this is despite that fact that, with Morant, they're a moderately-popular team.

Ja is now becoming the scapegoat, which I think isn't fair the way some outlets are reporting on him, you know, 'he's not as athletic' and that type of shit.  What do you expect?  That's what separates stars from superstars and why Tyrese Haliburton may never get there.

10. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (3-4)

Out of every player, it's LaMelo Ball who I would like to see effectively healthy for an entire season.  That's the only way we can ever ascertain if at least the Hornets are a playoff team.  Their roster isn't half bad, and Ball is like a perennial allstar.

Only Charlotte's braintrust knows why they gave the keys to car to someone with major injury issues.  Maybe they were like 'dude is mad popular, so f*ck it.'

11. ATLANTA HAWKS (3-4)

Speaking of injury issues, Trae Young is another player who, like Morant, may have already peaked early in his career health-wise.  You always hear dudes talking that 'give it your all' shit, but when some guys do that for a season or two, there's no going back.  I guess that's the downside in a way of a team developing too quickly around a young star, you know, going deep into the postseason and those kind of things.  Maybe the preferred course of action should be letting some of them grow up a bit.  Maybe, that's what Dallas is doing with Flagg(?).

12. TORONTO RAPTORS (3*4)

Canadians don't deserve this shit - first Team Canada, and now the Raptors.  If there was a vote for what team should be thrown out of the NBA, I'd go with Toronto because, like the Kings, their rosters like never live up to potential (except for that one season).  But with Sacramento, at least are based in California.

I'm starting to believe that yes, Brandon Ingram's style of play is too isolationist to benefit a 5-on-5 team.  Gone are the good ol' days when being able to average 20ppg season in and season out guaranteed you an allstar berth.  Dudes are now out here dropping 40 regularly, thus making players like Ingram middling scorers who ideally should evolve their games.

13. PHOENIX SUNS (3-4)

I was just about ready to write the Suns off until they defeated, indeed blew out, the undefeated Spurs.  Booker seems to still be adjusting to a fulltime PG role, one who is willing to pass even, but it's not like his options are overly ideal.  Grayson Allen seems to be benefitting from the Trump Era of the NBA, with White players - and especially American ones - proving that they can hang.

14. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (3-3)

The Clippers have a deep, talented roster, but sometimes I feel their core is too old, amongst other issues.  They've even been dubbed "the oldest team in NBA history", with the average age being about 33.  But even if they weren't, this is a squad you can count on to disappoint in one way or another.  James "the Head" Harden is easily one of the best offensive players ever, but at some point you have to argue how beneficial he actually is at the point.

15. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (4-3)

For some reason I can't quite explain, I didn't go into this season expecting much from the Cavs.  I guess that's a symptom of being heartbroken, when you don't even expect the other party to live up to expectations anymore.

Yet and still, Cleveland has one of the most talented rosters in the league.  What's being floated around, since their very disappointing exit from the 2025 Playoffs, is that this squad is more dependent on Garland than many of us realize.  So either Darius is like one of the most-underrated players, or this team isn't as formidable as they appear on paper.

2025 NBA Playoffs Ruminations (April 25)

HOUSTON ROCKETS VS. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Amen Thompson has the most ironic name in the NBA, because he is in fact a dirty player.  I never knew how much I felt about Jimmy until seeing him going down like that.

Outside of the pain or discomfort he must be experiencing, it also sucks what some teams have to do to win.  If Butler cannot resume his duties and the Rockets go on to win the series, there's really nothing to be proud of or gloat about, like in Game 2.

I'm now officially rooting for the Warriors to win the series, though that's going to be kinda impossible without Jimmy.  Without Butler and with Green looking like he's out taking up space, I mean I may be wrong.  But these aren't vintage Dubs, and they don't stand much of a chance without Jimmy "the Eraser" Butler.

NEW YORK KNICKS VS. DETROIT PISTONS

The Knicks are in fact the better team.  So it isn't particularly wise for Detroit to get them riled up, even if KAT is the one instigating the beef.

The way Brunson exploited Shroder down the stretch of Game 3 reminds of this pivotal Playoff game way back in the 90s when Mark Jackson (Indiana) did the same to Charlie Ward (New York).  You're sitting there, and you know Shroder/Ward is trying their best, so you can't really be mad at them for failing.  Rather, you have to conclude that the defensive squad needs to make adjustments instead of letting the same player get beat every time, or the offensive squad is really good at isolating defensive players.

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS. DENVER NUGGETS

There was a time when I though Michael Porter Jr. would be an MVP candidate, like the West's version of Tatum, but not anymore.  It's like if he ain't out there making threes, then he really ain't doing like shit else, you know, in comparison to how tall and slim he is.

Also, let's not forget that the Nuggets are in fact an older team.  The Clippers at least have a somewhat better mixture of veterans and youth.  Denver looks like they can't really turn it up a notch, even if they wanted to.  All of this Nikola Jokic 'is the best player on the planet' dickridin, like damn announcer, at least let him win the game before talking that shit.  Back when people were calling Jordan or Lebron 'the best player on the planet', they were out there winning championships, like with an S on the end.

As for the Clippers, I think they more or less entered the Playoffs hotter than any other team.  They were lucky to peak late in the season and in a way that showed it wasn't a fluke.  Kawhi + Harden - George is a better combination than with George.  I still think this team lacks size, but otherwise I guess the sky's the limit, especially with Leonard playing.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Mitchell + Garland looks like the best backcourt in the NBA.  When Darius is hot, it's impossible to stop them.  Remember when everyone was criticizing Cleveland's roster construction, due to basically having two starting Cs?  It makes more sense when you have a dynamic backcourt like they do.  So kudos to the braintrust for standing their ground.

OKC THUNDER VS. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

I'm not glad that Ja Morant got hurt, but I am glad that the Grizzlies lost, because the Thunder are obviously the better team, and the sooner we get this over with, the better.  At the beginning of Game 3 OKC looked disinterested, if that's the way you want to put it.  That's the only reason Memphis was able to build a big lead like that.

As for Morant, you  know, it's one thing when you behave in questionable activities that may threaten your career trajectory, and it's another when you're the victim of bad luck that's out of your control.  Unlike Thompson's clipping of Butler, I don't think Dort did that purpose.  But still, you know what I'm saying?  Morant understandably remains one of the most-popular players in the league, but outside of that popularity, in the grand scheme of things he hasn't achieved that much more on the court than Zion Williamson.

2024-2025 Offseason Grades (Central Division)

CHICAGO BULLS: B+

I was really hoping that Zach LaVine found his way to LAL.  That didn't happen, but the good thing about Chicago's situation is that now, at least they're a one-alpha team.

LaVine may not be a franchise player in the truest sense of the word, in terms of being able to consistently will a team to victory.  But, he isn't a scrub either.  And the pairing of him and DeRozan was always a questionable strategy, given that the Bulls didn't necessarily surround them with complementary role players, or at least those who were able to stay healthy.

I also like the acquisition of Josh Giddey, because he can fill the role that Lonzo Ball was supposed to.  He may not as good of a defender as Lonzo, but he is a better all-around offensive player.

Also, the way the Bulls' roster is currently made up is such that they can tank without looking like they're intentionally doing so.  You know what I'm saying?  Like they have a respectable roster, but perhaps one not good enough to make the playoffs.

That said, Chicago actually has one of the better braintrusts as far as garbage teams go.  I think what this roster, as is, may need to get to the next level, if they haven't gotten one already, is a speedy, athletic big who focuses primarily on defense and rebounding, not built like Drummond but one you can rationalize starting alongside Vucevic, since he apparently isn't going anywhere anytime soon either.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: A-

The Cavs are literally running it back with their same roster from last season and may be the only team in the league doing so.  That type of commitment demands some level of applause in this day and age.  That's more or less how champions were built back in the days.

That said, I agree with pundits who argue or notice that there's compatibility issues between Garland and Mitchell.  Donovan is a 2 who plays more like a 1 and furthermore is ball dominant.  In other words, if he decides to chuck, there's really no need to force him not to.  Forcing Mitchell, against his will, to share the ball with the other Gs and wings may do this roster more harm than good.

One solution is perhaps to bring Darius off the bench and rather start a G alongside Mitchell who's more defense oriented.  But then, the issue will become if Garland is as effective as a sixth man than he is as a starter.

Either way, at this moment there really isn't much reason to believe that Cleveland is on the verge of winning a championship.  But the ex-factor, once again, is Evan Mobley.  He's the type of player who, if Joel Embiid is unable to find his form, no other team in the East possesses.

DETROIT PISTONS: C-

The Pistons seem to have finally forsaken their youth movement by acquiring a handful of vets, most notably Tobias Harris, over the offseason.  I've been arguing for years that more veterans need to go to young teams like this.  However, I was thinking more along the lines of those who can make more of a difference, not only in terms of winning but also like ticket sales.  Meanwhile, Detroit's youth-laden roster from last season was more exciting, on paper, than their current one (even though they kept most of those young guys).

A little progress is better than no progress.  But the question is, has progress actually been made?

The problem with considering Cade Cunningham a franchise player is first of all, the Pistons are now paying him so much money that if they did decide to part ways, he'd be hard to trade.  You know, first it's like what team actually needs his skillset, and then it's like, what would they be willing to give up in return?  I know I may be projecting too far into the future, but that's the kind of issues Detroit, unless it overachieves, is likely to face.

Obviously no perennial all-star, i.e. the type of player they likely need to actually move the needle, is eager to join the Pistons.  So all things considered, it'd probably be better off if they didn't have any max player and engaged in a full rebuild sooner than later.  Or put another way, if Cade isn't a franchise player (which, imo, he has never proven to be, despite the stats), then they're going to look real stupid the longer they hold onto him.

INDIANA PACERS: B

I criticized the Pacers a lot during the playoffs and don't want to go there again.  If certain other teams in the East are healthy, I doubt that Indiana will make the conference finals again.  But that said, logic will dictate that after the success of last season, the right thing would be to run it back, with an upgrade or two.

That upgrade is expected to come in the form of James Wiseman, which isn't a completely bad gamble, since Myles Turner's style of play can be frustrating at times.  Wiseman was drafted onto the Warriors, a team which, as perennial contenders (up until recently), wasn't necessarily the best environment for young, developing, insecure players.  Since then, he's played for the Pistons and never quite panned out to be the phenom some were predicting when he was in high school.

But maybe, things will be different in Indiana.  Unlike Detroit, this is a team that actually wins games.  And unlike Golden State, even though the Pacers are theoretically contenders, there shouldn't be a whole of pressure or expectations unrealistically placed on Wiseman's shoulders, you know, to instantly prove a champion.  It's like either he finally represents in a definitive way, or he doesn't.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS: B-

I enjoy reminding the world that I was the first pundit to suggest the pairing of Giannis + Dame.  The problem is that, due to injuries, we never got to see their full (postseason) potential.  I think it's safe to say that if nothing else, if Giannis was healthy then the Bucks would have gotten past the first round of the playoffs.

I'm sorta a pessimist when it comes to injuries.  Sometimes, players get hurt really bad and make what seem like miraculous comebacks.  Other times, you're expecting them to return to form, and they never do.  Or let me say that my strategy is that, once a star player proves injury-prone, to always have a viable backup plan, just in case.

The Bucks, though they've made some quality additions, do not appear as if they have done so, nor do they necessarily look better than they did last season.  Besides Dame and Giannis, this squad is banking on a handful of aged starters, one of whom has an even worse injury history.  So I don't feel inspired, and obviously neither does any other pundit, since I have yet to see anyone mention Milwaukee as contenders this upcoming season.

But of course, in theory Giannis + Dame can be the best big/small combination in the league.  Maybe what the Bucks should think about doing is going all out and perhaps assembling what looks more like a win-now roster around them.  They're in a tough spot in terms of facing decisions because when you look at their top-six players, they're definitely contenders if healthy (and maybe a bit younger).

CONCLUSION

The Cavs should be the best team in the Central Division and, if they're able to be more innovative, perhaps even contenders.  They're the only team in the East who, as of now, has a starting five that consists of twin towers, not to mention a perennial allstar 2guard.

But of course, you can't sleep on the Pacers after the showing they had last season.  They now should be fully accustomed to the presence of Pascal Siakim.  But after how they performed last playoffs, injuries and all, I'm not convinced.  But, the same thing can be said for the Cavs.

2023-24 NBA Playoffs Game 5 Ruminations

PACERS 3, BUCKS 2

The Pacers should've really made more of an effort to close out the series in Game 5, even if it was held in Milwaukee.  Now, if Indiana does win the series (which they likely will), still, you know what I'm saying?  Like why are they having so much trouble with a team devoid of its two biggest stars?  Obviously, their time isn't now, and they're not striking fear in the heart of their next potential opponent.

That said, the one member of their roster who really caught me by surprise has been Myles Turner.  I already knew he was a legitimate bigman but never knew he had a viable three-point shot.

Imagine if last year, when he was expressing a desire to go the Lakers, LAL made more of an effort to acquire him?  I would presume that a frontline of Turner + Lebron + AD would have stood a much better chance against the Nuggets than their current roster.

NUGGETS 4, LAKERS 1

The Lakers put up some fight here and there, but all things considered, I'm glad this series is over.  It's sorta painful watching Lebron lose in the playoffs, so better he be defeated by knockout than a protracted, fruitless battle.

All I will say about the LAL for now is that if they are going to make changes to the roster, let it be a powermove and no more of this role player shit.  Go after someone you don't think but know will move the needle, or in the very least make the squad appear more formidable.

On offense you can always rely on Lebron, but on defense, his game is faded and fading.  So the braintrust needs to be a bit more intelligent heading into the future and go after at least one other perennial all-star, hopefully one that can also defend.

As for the Nuggets, I'm still anticipating that the departure of Bruce Brown is going to come back and haunt them, once they're up against a more formidable opponent.  But during playoff time especially, they tend to stick to a very tight, 7-8 man rotation.  So, maybe it won't.

KNICKS 3, SIXERS 2

The way Joel Embiid almost cost Philly Game 5 by swiping Jalen Brunson in the face is alarming.  "The Injury Report" has always had maturity issues, and it doesn't particularly appear that he's going to wise up anytime soon.

But it's understandable why Embiid would be frustrated, because if the Sixers do flunk out of the playoffs, in the 1st Round especially, you know, they really need to start looking towards an alternate future.  That's not to say that they should get rid of Joel.  But he's another superstar, like Lebron, who really needs to start considering a pay cut for the overall good and progress of the team.

THUNDER 4, PELICANS 0

I intend to write an article about the Pelicans hopefully tomorrow, so I'm not going to delve deeply into their issues here.  Rather, I'll use the opportunity to congratulate the Thunder.  They secured the number one seed in a hotly-contested West and have now proven, to some extent at least, that wasn't a fluke.  That said, it's kinda hard to imagine them having their way with NOP like this if Zion were around.

TIMBERWOLVES 4, SUNS 0

I'm now dubbing Anthony Edwards the second coming of Jordan.  Their playing styles and ability to dominate games are very similar, just that their body types are different.

I think it's safe to say that at this point, Phoenix has been the most disappointing team in the playoffs.  No one was really expecting anything from the Lakers or the Pelicans sans Williamson.  But with the Suns' big 3 all healthy, you know, you'd at least think that they'd win a game or two.

But even though they swept Minnesota during the regular season, the Suns were unlucky to have to face what is in actuality a superior team during the 1st Round.  I personally believe that, fair and square, the Timberwolves are going to take the West and likely even the championship.  So, I guess there really isn't any shame in being swept by the eventual champions.

MAVERICKS 3, CLIPPERS 2

There goes Dallas, once again alley-ooping at will.  The Mavericks have made serious strides this season in terms of - for the first time years - assembling a respectable frontline.  However, their interior defense still leaves something to be desired.  But LAC's inside D is even worse.

This is more or less by the Clippers' own design.  They intentionally constructed a starting lineup consisting of a (quality) C, surrounded by wings.  That type of makeup would imply that their plan is to rely more on speed and outgunning opponents than making defensive stands per se.

Also their best defender, Kawhi Leonard, is hurt, as usual.  It's a damn shame that after four seasons in LAC, where he's missed an average of 25 games per season (not including the playoffs), their roster is still so dependent on his unreliable presence.  The whole purpose of having four superstars with overlapping skills, in my opinion, is to the mitigate the absence if one or two are injured.

Also, I'll be honest and say that I didn't have much faith in Luka + Kyrie when the latter joined the Mavs last season.  But now, they're looking like the best backcourt in the NBA, despite Doncic not having much of a defensive presence.

All of that said, I'm still not compelled to confidently predict that Dallas is going to take the series, even though the Clippers got their asses totally and completely bust, at home, in Game 5.  I thought the Mavs had already delivered the knockout punch in Game 3, only to have LAC come roaring back.

But if the Clippers, with four future hall-of-famers, do go on to lose (again) in the 1st Round, maybe it is finally time to rethink this roster and for Leonard to gracefully retire.  As is becoming more obvious during these playoffs, you can't have dudes on max salaries who are so injury prone that they have a reasonable chance of missing the postseason.

CELTICS 4, HEAT 1

Speaking of regularly injured stars, I knew it had to be only a matter of time before Porzingis goes down.  He played 57 games during the regular season which, by his standards, is pretty good.  But the reason Kristaps has not achieved superstar status is because his body just can't handle the rigors of a full NBA season.

It didn't matter though in Game 5, because the Heat, who are supposed to have one of the best braintrusts in the league, had totally proven their inability to creatively adjust to the Celtics, even with Kristaps out.  Maybe, with no Jimmy Butler and up against the best team in the East, they just sorta gave up internally.  Also, don't forget that Terry Rozier is hurt.  It would have been classic if he had gotten a chance to faceoff against Boston, his former squad which undervalued him.

The x-factor on the Celtics is Derrick White.  He's a plus defender, who also appears to be getting better, lethal even, on offense.  But, if Boston does end up facing the Cavs especially in Round 2, I think they may eventually need Kristaps around.

CAVALIERS 3, MAGIC 2

The first thing I want to say is that Cavs' offense did look smoother with Jarrett Allen out, and Evan Mobley starting in his place.  But still, they only beat the Magic, in Cleveland, by one point.  This Orlando team is obviously better than I thought or in the very least more of a equal matchup with the Cavs than I presumed.

I'm on the verge of saying that maybe Darius Garland needs to step his game up.  Remember that dude was an all-star just a couple of seasons ago, you know, when the game was held in Cleveland.  Now is the prime opportunity for him to prove that wasn't a sympathy pick.

Meanwhile, Banchero is the only member of the Magic (as far as I can tell) to have ever been named an all-star.  So, you know, the Cavs have to try to prove that they're straight-up the more talented team, with Allen also having made the All-Star Game in 2022, and Mitchell being a perennial all-star.

Trade Talk: Mitchell vs. Sexton + Markkanan + Draft Picks

Cleveland Cavaliars get	Utah Jazz get
Donovan Mitchell	Lauri Markkanen
	Collin Sexton
	Ochai Agbaji (?)
	3 first-round picks
	2 pick swaps (?)

All things considered this wasn't a bad trade, and what I mean by that is two things really.  One is that it became increasingly obvious that the Jazz wanted to move on past Donovan Mitchell, and I guess in that case, the sooner the better.  And second, after they got such a big draft haul for Rudy Gobert, in addition to expecting to be garbage for the next couple of years, then their draft future looks really bright.  And Utah has a pretty good draft history.  So maybe five years from now, they'll be like the team to beat or whatever.

Awhile ago I got to pointing out, using Lebron's teams as an example, how building a roster out of aged all-stars isn't the best strategy when it comes to professional athletics.  Sometimes I feel like some braintrusts, like the Pistons, got a wind of that philosophy and like went running with it.  But in all my years of following the NBA, I only remember two youth movements that made it to the Finals.  One was the Shaq + Penny Magic, and the other was the Durant + Westbrook + Harden Thunder.  So making such a move is far from a surefire strategy.  But maybe it's like a older dude chasing a younger girl, like sometimes, instead of proven experience and backtalk, what you rather prefer is someone who's malleable.

And in reality, it ain't like either Collin Sexton or Lauri Markkanen are slouches.  Sexton is known as being a chuck, and I never heard anyone speak highly of his defense.  Well at the same time, pundits have been recently saying that Mitchell also doesn't defend well, though he does appear to be a player who possesses more of the ability to will his team to a win (unlike Sexton).

Meanwhile, I have to be perfectly honest and just say flatout that I don't feel good about the Cavs losing Markannen.  Before the trade, they had what I would call the best balance of any NBA team between quality guards and bigmen.  Now, that balance has been kinda fucked up, unless one of two things happen.  One would be Kevin Love having another renaissance year and even proving to be a starter if need be, neither of which I'm banking on.  And the other would be Evan Mobley proving himself as like an indisputable all-star.  I'm a Mobley fan, and the first time I saw him play thought he may be like the second coming of Kareem.  But the last time I saw him he was playing like a 7-foot 2guard, which is the last thing the Cavs need, especially now with Mitchell around.

What I'm expecting this team to do is rely heavily on three-guard lineups.  The Cavs still have the deepest guard core, but oddly enough the x-factor may be the likes of Ricky Rubio and Raul Neto.  Why?  Because this team probably isn't going to get too far with players like Garland and Mitchell, both of whom have chucking issues, running the point.  That's the problem with losing Markkanen, that now they have one less, really-tall and reliable jump shooter.

But still, this squad has too much scoring depth to put control in the hands of a player who's reluctant to pass.  That's what I believe kinda did them in last season, once Rubio got hurt.  But like, you never know.  One of the problems with the Jazz during the Mitchell + Gobert era was supposed to be lack of support scoring.  But now, Donovan should have more than enough teammates to pass to, in addition to Jarrett Allen, whose style is like similar to Rudy's.  So, it's like good luck to whoever's coaching them, as what I'm kinda perceiving is that it's going to come down to a power struggle between Garland and Mitchell, and eventually, one of them may have to go.

CONCLUSION

This was a shrewd move by the Cavs, but I'm not jumping on the bandwagon of calling them contenders just yet.  The way I see it, they're just an injury or two away from falling off just like season.  And maybe you're saying to yourself, 'yes, but that's true about every team'.  But in this case, I would say the some of the role players may even be more important to moving this team forward than the stars.  In other words, they'll need someone on the court to stabilize them from going like buckwild with Mitchell, Garland and Mobley and even the likes of Love as their main scoring options.  They'll be able to outrun some teams, but not all of them.

Meanwhile, as for Utah, it's like they know what they're doing.  They're supposed to be after some young dude(s) who is coming into the NBA in the next season or two and is a 'surefire prospect', you know, like Markelle Fultz, Zion Williamson or the perennially-injured AD.  I was watching this documentary once where I believe Teddy Atlas was saying that 'boxing is always looking for the next big thing'.  And, the NBA has become a lot like that also.  But to me, unless you're talking about a Shaq or LBJ, I'm not really interested in those 'next big thing' predictions, especially for dudes who like haven't even proven themselves in college (or the G-League or whatever these days).  But at some point, I guess the Jazz had to pull the trigger and initiate a rebuild.