If I Could Send One Player to Any Team (Central Division)

There's been a lot more team changing this offseason than many of us anticipated.  Most deals have already been made, but there are still quite a few quality free (and restricted) agents out there, those which, if braintrusts choose wisely, may push this or that team to the next level.  That said, not every suggestion I'm going to make here is free agent but in one case the type of player a particular organization appears to need most, even if the actual possibility of landing him is nonexistent.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (64-18) - JONATHAN KUMINGA

It's arguable that no team disappointed this past postseason moreso than the Cavs.  By the looks of things, they're going to more or less run it back again next season, and on one hand it's like why not?  But on the other hand, I'm not going to dumb out and put my faith in them yet again.

The problem with teams like Cleveland is that it's hard to identify any flaws on their roster to begin with.  People were quick to denounce the idea of having a twin towers, but that strategy worked for the Thunder.  One of the reasons it worked though is because Holmgren is more versatile than Mobley.  You also see that during the Finals, OKC didn't even start Hartenstein.

So the lesson appears to be that, during the regular season if you will, a twin towers may work.  But during the postseason, you need to accommodate or adjust.  And that's why I'm suggesting Jonathan Kuminga.  When the argument is that Allen is too slow to defend on the perimeter or doesn't have enough of an offensive repertoire, then start Kuminga instead.

The fact that no other team has offered Jonathan a contract isn't due to him being undesirable but rather, according to reports, this offseason being one in which virtually all squads are cash-strapped.  So yeah, I don't realistically expect Cleveland to go after him, unless maybe they were willing to give up Jarrett altogether in the process.

And that, once again, is the problem with being really good during the regular season but sucking in the playoffs.  You presume that some type of major change is needed yet at the same time are reluctant to initiate any.  That begs the question of which is better, to be really good but then fail when everything is on the line, or to suck altogether?  At the end of the day, are the Cavs even any better than, say, the Trailblazers?

INDIANA PACERS (50-32) - JOSH GIDDEY

This one was easy, since it appears that Haliburton will not be suiting up at all next season.  Meanwhile, Giddey is a player with a very similar style, in terms of his build and versatility.  It may even be argued that all-around stat-wise, Josh is better than Tyrese.  But if Indiana did go out and get Giddey, then you'd have to ask what role would be play once Haliburton returns, since Josh is more or less a non-factor when he isn't allowed to run point.

I'm not as pessimistic about the Pacers as a lot of people, including apparently their own braintrust, are concerning next season.  Another viable option would be going after Russell Westbrook who, in a manner of speaking, is like Haliburton and Turner rolled into one player.  I don't think Indiana's braintrust just standing pat is the best solution, especially when it comes to trying to do the best for their fanbase.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS (48-34) - RUSSELL WESTBROOK

Honestly, I'm shocked that Westbrook remains a free agent as of this writing.  But as I have noted numerous times throughout this blog, "the ScapeGOAT" has regularly suffered from misplaced(?) hate throughout the years.

Russell is the victim of what I would call the curse of greatness.  When you're naturally better than most of your colleagues, people expect you to succeed by default.  It's those types of expectations which has turned players like LBJ and KD to superteam feens.

I could easily perceive how Westbrook would at least prove more valuable to the Bucks than Dame did.  It isn't like they have much to lose in giving him a shot.  And since no one has high expectations for Milwaukee this coming season, if they do fail it's not like everyone can then turn around and blame it on Russell(?).  He may not be the best three-point shooter out there, but given his multitude of other talents, does he really have to be?

DETROIT PISTONS (44-38) - KEVIN DURANT

I know that KD isn't actually available, but there's two reasons I suggested him anyway.  First is that, as I've been saying for the longest, I would love to see more of these old superstars go to young teams.  I'm not talking about the way CP3 went to the Spurs last season but more like old superstars joining younger teams and instantly making them contenders in the process.

In the grand scheme of things, there wasn't any super-major difference between the rosters of the Rockets and Pistons entering this offseason.  They both lost in the First Round, after all.  But Houston is more reputable and also apparently better resourced, so Durant could chose them without giving a less-popular team like Detroit a second or even first thought.

That said, unlike the Pacers and Bucks, it makes more sense for the Pistons not to rush out and make any major additions.  But losing both Beasley and Schroder is far from ideal.  Meanwhile, it seems they haven't made any notable additions at all this offseason except maybe Caris LeVert.

CHICAGO BULLS (39-43) - BOL BOL

Recently, there's been reports of the Bulls being interested in Kuminga or something like that, but I don't really see it.  Jonathan is good and likely to get better, but I doubt if he'll ever be even a consistent number-two option.  For the past couple of years, I've rather been advocating him going to a team like the Grizzlies.  Their roster is more on his timeline, and the onus wouldn't be on him to play like superstar night in and night out.  The Warriors, contrastingly, are a high-pressure team, where if you aren't consistently on point, it will show.

Chicago's roster sucks, so much so that if finish anywhere near .500, that would be considered an overachievement.  They have the type of squad that could literally use any good player, outside of maybe a point, since Giddey already seems to have that role locked down.

The general consensus is the best (restricted) free agent currently available is, once again, Kuminga.  But I can't advocate him going from the Dubs to a team that doesn't look like it'll make playoffs anytime soon, even in the lackluster East.  Nor could I condemn Westbrook to such a fate.

So I'm going to go with Bol Bol because first of all, Chicago obviously needs depth in the frontcourt (as they have for years now).  Secondly, it's sorta surprising, at least to me, that Bol doesn't have a contract.  For whatever reason, after a promising season a couple of years ago, his minutes have been drastically reduced.  Maybe he's not as good as I think he is.  Or maybe, he's never gotten a fair shot due to his appearance and shit like that.  His looks aren't exactly what we would call marketable from a Western civilization perspective.  But I would like to see Bol for once get major minutes, like a starter, to really prove what he could do.  And he'll likely only get that type of opportunity on a completely-garbage team(?) like the Bulls.

2023-24 NBA Playoffs Game 5, Round 2 Ruminations

NUGGETS 3, TIMBERWOLVES 3

If I had written this post yesterday like I was supposed to, before Game 6, I really didn't have anything good to say about how the T'wolves were looking.  Jokic went straight at Gobert, who's supposed to be like the best defensive C in the NBA, and soundly prevailed.  So I was about to be on some 'better luck next year' type shit.

But then, they turned and totally destroyed the Nuggets in Game 6.  I do believe that Minnesota is the better team, even if Denver has actual experience on their side.  But considering how this series has played out over the past week, I'm not overly confident that they're going to take Game 7, in Denver.

If they do, then I think it's safe to say that their time - and the era of Anthony Edwards - has officially arrived.  Whoever wins the West will likely be the champion, in part because their rival is coming from a less-challenging, injury-ridden conference.  And I do believe that whoever wins this series will take the West, but that no longer feels as much as a given as when Round 2 first began.

MAVERICKS 3, THUNDER 2

This has been another exciting Western Conference series in which the two teams appear for the most part to be evenly matched.  I think it's safe to say that Dallas is the Cinderella of the West.  Of course the Mavs are extremely talented and, in terms of all-star appearances, have the best backcourt in the league.  But this team has been underachieving and poorly constructed for so long that now they do seem like a legitimate threat, it's sorta hard to believe.

I don't really have anything bad to say about the way either of teams are playing.  If I do see one potential flaw in OKC's makeup, it's lack of depth in the middle.  And speaking of Holmgren, I think it's safe to say that in most NBA seasons, he would've been ROY.  Dude it out there, deep into the playoffs, manning the middle like a vet.

KNICKS 3, PACERS 2

I read that, after Game 5, Rick Carlisle was pissed off.  And even before reading this article, I already had a good idea why he would be.  There's really no excusable reason why a team in the 2nd Round of the Playoffs should lose to an opponent with half of their rotation players too injured to play.

Well actually, there is a reason - Jalen Brunson.  And I'm about to say two things about Jalen I thought I never would.  #1 - He may be the best scoring PG in the NBA, and #2 - he's the greatest Knick, in terms of actual performance, since Patrick Ewing.

Of course the Pacers still have a chance, but you know what I'm saying?  It's the same thing with Round 1, like it's hard to respect a team who struggles to capitalize on their opponents' injuries.  And if they do flunk out like that, without any clear signs of the other team being favored by the NBA, then who's really to blame besides Carlisle himself?

CELTICS 4, CAVALIERS 1

There's a celebratory spirit in Boston, but there's reasons for the Cavs to rejoice also, if not more.

The Celtics making it past these teams with their best player injured is not properly preparing for a potential Western opponent.  It was like Kobe said during one of those years he was still playing, about why he was confident in his team's Finals' chances, because they had been "battle tested".  In other words, they endured challenging playoff series against exceptional teams on their way there.

Meanwhile, the Celtics beat the Heat without Jimmy Butler, 4 to 1.  Then they bested the Cavs, in large part without Mitchell, 4 to 1.  If the Knicks make it to the Conference Finals, that's another team with major injuries that Boston will face.  And let's not forget that Kristaps "the Knee Brace" Porzingis remains out like indefinitely.  But from a preparation perspective, maybe the Celtics should be be rooting for the Pacers, since they're at least near full strength and may serve as better practice, so to speak, for the Finals.

As for the Cavs, I think at least one question has been answered, which is it being time to move on from Jarrett Allen and start Mobley at C.  I've noticed that, once it became established that he's holding down the middle, Evan started busting out impressive post-up moves here and there.  And the offense seems to be more fluid without Jarrett, which isn't a bad thing for him personally, as there's other teams out there, even the Magic, that could probably utilize him better.

What Cleveland should be focused on, taking for granted that Donovan will stick around (I hope he doesn't dumb out and go to the Lakers), is acquiring a stretch 4 to play alongside Mobley or a 3&D.  It has to be someone who can not only shoot but play defense, block shots and rebound.  And there aren't many of those floating around these days, meaning they may have to look to the draft.

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.

2023 NBA Playoff Ruminations (April 18th)

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NBA YAP 15 JANUARY 2021 - ALL HAIL THE BEARD

Yes, it's been a loooong time since I worked on NBA Inception.  This blog is based largely on making predictions, and for various reasons the NBA became increasingly difficult to predict in the bubble environment.  For instance, we had mediocre teams like the Denver Nuggets making it all the way to the Conference Finals.  But, there was some predictability also.  For example even prior to the onset of the bubble, it was pretty obvious that the Miami Heat, who did in fact make it to the Finals, were the best team in the East.

Currently we have this semi-bubble environment whereas teams are playing in their home arenas alright, albeit with said venues being devoid of their traditional audiences (i.e. thousands of fans).  And to some degree, I will say that even though the entire league has more or less changed as a result, outcomes are definitely more foreseeable now than they were in Orlando.  But at the same time, there is also a level of unpredictability which has never existed in the past.  For instance as a result of the NBA's current coronavirus protocols, a player can be pulled out of a contest midgame, even if he isn't injured.  This is on top of all of this contact-tracing sh*t going on, whereas even healthy players can be ruled out of a contest at a moment's notice.  So let's just say that the people behind the scenes wield in terms of being able to officially influence the outcome of games than they ever have before.

But that being said, I can't help but to follow the NBA.  And as illustrated above, I like talking also.  So whereas I don't really have time to write full-length articles anymore, what I've instead decided to do is commence this series called NBA Yap which will allow me to quickly jot down my take on what's going down in the NBA on any given day.  And hopefully this will be be something that I can maintain on like a daily basis.

Moreover, in many cases I'll be gradually adding information to these NBA Yap articles as the day progresses, as again I don't have time to pen an entire post in one sitting.  So if you are feeling NBA Yap then checking back a couple of times each day may yield new analyses.

NETS' JAMES HARDEN, KEVIN DURANT, AND KYRIE IRVING FORM ALL-TIME SCORING TRIO

14 JANUARY 2021 - PRO BASKETBALL TALK

Truth be told another thing which brought me out of retirement is the fact that the Beard, after bitchin and moaning for the last couple of months, has indeed gotten his wish to migrate to Brooklyn.  In the last five years or so, we have seen more blockbuster trades and free-agent signings than in the entirety of NBA history.  But this one like takes the cake.  No, the Nets still may not be able to bring home the trophy considering that they gave up Jarrett Allen, their main interior player, in the deal.  And Kevin Durant, the tallest skilled player on the team, is more interested in playing G than in the post.  But still, no one can deny that the Nets have instantly become the most-exciting team in basketball.  Having James Harden play alongside Kyrie Irving is sort of the having Allen Iverson clone himself, with both AIs playing on the same team.