Trade Talk: Ball vs. Reid

I believe the Hornets got the best of this trade, because at least their strategy is theoretically discernible.  But as for the T-Wolves, I can’t imagine why they would trade Reid for Ball, besides future draft picks, unless the goal is to sell more tickets.

BYE, BYE BALL

I totally understand why Charlotte traded ‘Melo.  Under his leadership, which lasted over half a decade, they haven’t really accomplished shit in terms of actually winning.  That is up until last season when, after the All-Star Break, they unexpectedly became competitive, even one of the best teams in the East (during the regular season).  But logically speaking, that wasn’t as much due to Ball, whose been around for a minute, as it was the newer presence of Kon Knueppel.

Having both of them wasn’t the problem in and of itself.  The more outstanding players you have, the better - if they can all get along.  So the real problem was Ball exposing himself as the chuck he is during the postseason.  There's a lot of chucks in the NBA these days.  But in order to rationalize that kind of behavior, year after year, you have to be a really good one, like Luka or Spider.

I don’t feel like looking up stats right now.  But based on what I observed with my own naked eyes, during this postseason it wasn’t that opponents neutralized Knueppel as much as it was him not getting the ball in positions he could score (if at all).  And that’s hella odd considering that, even as a rookie, he’s the team’s most potent offensive threat.

I don’t think his teammates intentionally phased him out(?).  I think it was more like Ball and co. got caught up in the moment, you know, like their first postseason appearance ever and sorta forgot that Kon was even out there.

Kneuppel’s name sounds foreign, but for all intents and purposes, he’s an American whiteboy.  And with that in mind, note that there hasn’t been a dominant American whiteboy in the NBA since Larry Bird, who retired like 40 years ago.  Or another way of putting it is that, you have to actually play team basketball with an American whiteboy by your side, in the very least during the early stages of his career.

But instead, during the postseason the Hornets reverted back to that freestyle, let’s say Black brand of basketball that defined them before Kon’s arrival, and there were a couple of things wrong with that approach.  First and most disrespectfully was the fact that they likely wouldn’t have made the postseason without him.  It was like biting the hand that fed you, so to speak.

And second is that the streetball approach doesn’t result in rings anyway, unless you have the very best athletes on your roster.  Or let me say that the only time it did work (on a championship level) was when Lebron and Wade teamed up, both in their prime and arguably the two most athletic NBAers at the time.  And that’s the reason you see a lot of teams failing these days, including the likes of the Spurs(?).  You’re not likely to win a freestyle battle if the other team is stronger than you.  And meanwhile, NBAers don’t reach their max strength until they start nearing 30.

With that in mind, maybe it would have been better if they traded Ball for a pass-first PG.  But those types of players, especially on the younger side, don’t really exist anymore.  So the next best thing is to adopt more of a positionless style, which makes Reid a perfect fit, since he can do it all.  And I also think Miller will benefit more from organized basketball.  So I’m totally expecting the Hornets to be better next season, i.e. making the Playoffs instead of Play-Ins.

MILES BRIDGES - THE ODD MAN OUT

I found it interesting that the couple of articles I read about the trade seemed to not even mention Miles Bridges, like he doesn’t even exist anymore.  I’ve seen shoutouts to Knueppel and Miller and White and even Charlotte’s C whose name I can’t remember, but nothing of Bridges.  He may not be a borderline allstar anymore, but at the same time, he isn’t a slouch either (though he takes too many jumpshots imo).

I would speculate that domestic violence incident from a couple of years ago is still haunting his career.  In order to come out of some shit like that with your standing unaffected, you have to be an A+ lister, like Tyson for instance.

But that said, as it currently stands, the Hornets have more depth than they’re being recognized for.  The pundits are insinuating that Reid will supplant Bridges.  But what I’m envisioning is something like the two of them starting together.

ODD MAN OUT NUMBER 2: JULIUS RANDLE

It’s hard being a Julius Randle fan, and believe me, I’ve tried.  But after that series against the Spurs, again, who actually knows what’s going on with these players?

When one of your team’s stars suddenly becomes a nonfactor at the most-pivotal point of the season, you know, these guys are professionals, so that shit seems inexplicable or inexcusable.  So yeah, being banished to the Nets feels like a proper punishment for a borderline allstar lacking postseason potency.  But on the low, Randle + Porter Jr. should be one of the better F combinations in the East.

WHAT IS MINNESOTA TRYING TO ACHIEVE?

If you look at Minnesota’s history over the last 10+ years, this hasn’t been a team lacking talent.  They’ve had combinations such as KAT + Wiggins + LaVine, KAT + Wiggins + Butler and KAT + Edwards + Gobert, which are all more or less superteams on paper.

Looking at that sentence, it may seem like KAT was the problem, but keep in mind that he’s moved on to a championship, while the Wolves, this past season, have digressed.  In fact, I would say these last couple of years is the most-balanced roster they’ve had since the early-aughts, and maybe that injury to DiVincenzo was more significant than most of us realize(?).

In any event, if we were to single out an individual opponent who cost the Wolves their season, that of course would be Wemby.  So if he’s your biggest problem, why would you trade Naz Reid - the one player on your roster closest to Victor’s height/weight(?) - for a PG?

Granted, San Antonio’s Gs also outplayed those of Minnesota.  But even if Ball + Edwards + Dosunmu are able to outplay Castle + Fox + Harper, who’s going to guard Wemby?  Gobert may have had his moments but obviously is too old to hang with Victor for an entire series.  And that’s not an insult, because who can defend him one-on-one anyway?

So I would imagine, I mean I don’t know.  Minnesota is one of those organizations that you always hear about having an (overly-)expensive roster.  But I would imagine, since they got rid of both Reid and Randle, that they’re in the market for a 4, someone who could actually help against Victor.  And that would most logically be Mitchell Robinson, a free agent who, in the Wemby Era, I would imagine is the hottest commodity this offseason, even moreso than the likes of Lebron or whoever else is available.

All of that considered, I would speculate that this move on the part of Minnesota is more about selling tickets than winning a championship.  You know, if you can’t bring home the ring, at least be popular.  And now the T-wolves are definitely must watch - that is until Ball and/or Edwards inevitably gets hurt.

CONCLUSION

I wouldn’t call this past season a failure for Minnesota because, even at full strength, there’s no guarantee they would have beat the Spurs.  So I think with this trade(s), unless they have solid plan to acquire a quality 4, the braintrust sorta panicked.  And what may have compelled them to do so is fear of Edwards demanding out, you know, when you look at the way he behaved in Game 6 vs. the Spurs.

But as for Charlotte, their vision is clearer.  The decision came down to popularity vs. winning, and they chose the latter.  Or maybe, they’re able to perceive that as a team, nothing makes you more popular than actually winning.  The second half of last season must’ve felt really refreshing, finally winning for a change, and they want to build on that instead of once again fizzling out.  Sometimes, it isn’t losing as much as it is the way you lose.

2026 Elimination Ruminations: Lakers, Timberwolves, Pistons

LOS ANGELES LAKERS (4-6)

LAL put up a gutsy effort, especially in Game 6, but I'm glad this series didn't drag on any longer than it had to.  And the funny thing is, out of every team in the NBA, it can said that they're facing the biggest dilemma heading into the offseason.

It's easy to say ignore Lebron and use that money to acquire another star or a couple of quality players.  That makes sense on the surface and is the approach I advocated coming into this season.

You can more or less take for granted that, if the Lakers do make the postseason, Luka "the Hamstring" Doncic will miss at least some games.  So part ways with Lebron and fortify the roster, with at least a couple of players just to be on the safe side, who can not only score but also play defense.  I mean, you can go for a single superstar with that money, but health across the board is pretty fragile these days.

But the reason this is a dilemma, and why doing so would be sorta a slap to the face of Lebron, is because he, more than anyone else on the roster (taking nothing away from Reaves or Hachimura), held the team down this postseason.  And say for instance, you replace LBJ with Giannis.  Would that really make a difference, championship-wise, given this roster?

I've been saying for years that Lebron needs to retire, but after this postseason, I kinda sorta feel differently.  Just the fact he's all old and shit makes anything he does more exciting.

But if LBJ intends to really chase another championship, he needs to go to a better team than LAL, which is funny thing to say, that they sorta need Lebron more than he needs them.  But what's obvious, considering that he's now been reduced solely to a scorer and facilitator, is ideally James should be running a second unit rather than starting.  And when I think of a team that's a contender that unquestionably needs an offensive specialist while simultaneously mitigating that player's defensive deficiencies, I think the Pistons most fit the bill, so long as they don't lose the likes of Duran and Thompson.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (6-6)

Yes, I do think it was insulting - to his teammates, the coaching staff and Minnesota's braintrust at large - that Edwards went and started congratulating the Spurs, in front of the entire world, with almost a quarter left in Game 6, even though the contest - embarrassingly for the Wolves - was already decided by that point.  That's how it is sometimes when you have a teammate who knows or feels he's better than everyone else.  But it isn't a good look, and Anthony needs to watch out, because likability matters.  And it isn't like he hasn't let his team down in the playoffs before, nor was his most recent outing particularly jordanesque.  The way I interpreted that move was like he was advertising himself to the Spurs, but it ain't like they need him.

The further funny thing is that, the Timberwolves would probably be better off without Edwards and rather using his salary to score a couple of additional above-average players, the likes of Naz Reid or Jaden McDaniels.  Remember that they were able to finish off the Nuggets without Ant.

But I mean, I'm not trying to put it all on Edwards neither, because Randle and more surprisingly Gobert totally disappeared in Game 6.  Even the little guys on San Antonio's roster were basically dunking at will.

Randle and Gobert, given their size, are the two Minny players you would think would be most responsible for trying to defend Wemby.  Maybe Rudy was just tired by Game 6.  Every year, you hear people questioning his qualifications.  And every year, even though his team inevitably fails, he proves naysayers wrong, to an extent.  Like he isn't someone you can just up and replace, especially now that scorers are starting to attack the interior again.

But as for Julius, man.  I've been an advocate of his years for years, feeling that the Knicks devalued him for instance.  But he didn't really do his standing well with this outing.  He's one of those types of players, in my opinion, who's really big but fails to use his size to his advantage. 

DETROIT PISTONS (7-7)

The Pistons aren't what you would call a superteam.  Yet they secured the number one seed over squads like the Knicks and took the Cavs, who have a superior roster, to seven games.  This iteration reminds me of that 2004 Detroit squad who won a championship, in that they weren't the most talented either, though they obviously had some type of magic that these current guys have yet to claim.

It's obvious that these guys need more scoring, but in the form of who and at what cost?  Maybe they shoulda kept Ivey around?  Who did they trade him for anyway?  Oh, a couple of dudes that they didn't even play.

For most of the playoffs, Tobias Harris was sporting like an allstar and seemed to be poised to finally shake the pariah, scapegoat reputation he gained in Philly.  With the Sixers, almost every year when they flunk there's a scapegoat, with Embiid being exempt, though this time they got it right sacking Morey, if he was actually responsible for signing PG13 for that much money.

That said, as it currently stands I'm pushing the idea of Lebron going to Detroit.  Remember that you heard it here first. 

2025 NBA Playoffs Ruminations (May 1)

DETROIT PISTONS VS. NEW YORK KNICKS

What happened to the Knicks in Game 5 was the realization of the biggest concerned I had when they decided to acquire KAT, which is interior defense.  I'm not saying that it's all his fault.  He pulls off a big defensive play from time to time.  But he is the starting C, meaning that, if the Pistons do go on to win the series due to that discrepancy, he will be scapegoat - and rightfully so, since Karl has always been criticized for his lack of defensive output.  But since the entire world already knew that, you have presume NYK's braintrust did also, and the blame is ultimately on them.  The problem with building your roster to defeat a specific team (i.e. the Celtics) is that, wait a minute, there's other good teams out there also, with different types of makeup.

Meanwhile, Detroit is one of the few squads that has a roster built to bang hard in the post, i.e. possessing more than one young, athletic big.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (4) VS. LOS ANGELES LAKERS (1)

Speaking of teams that can't compete in the post, the assinity of the Lakers - in trading AD for Luka without getting any bigs in return - has now been exposed in front of the entire world.  That was really, really stupid, because even when AD was around, they needed more depth in the post (since Lebron now insists on being a perimeter player).

The Lakers, in the aftermath of the Luka trade, recently gave Rob Pelinka like a raise or some shit, and  I was like why?  They got caught up in that early, unwarranted excitement, which you aren't supposed to do as professionals.

Rudy Gobert may be overrated, particularly when it comes to defending perimeter players, but he's still the type of borderline-allstar, traditional C most teams these days completely lack.  And if he goes against a squad like the Lakers, one that doesn't respect post play at all, you know, your boy can go off.  I mean, why's not?  Who on the opposing team is big enough to contest him?  Lebron may be ageless, but he isn't vintage, so you can't expect him to consistently play consistent, quality defense anymore.  Duh.  I've been saying that for years.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS VS. INDIANA PACERS

There was Gary Trent Jr., (finally) on the cusp of the stardom.  And just like, it was taken away, in like the worst way imaginable for a professional athlete - through a blunder in a close elimination game.  There's a lesson to be learnt there, like for all of us type shit.

If Haliburton is in fact overrated, that definitely didn't show against the Bucks.  I see this as sort of a defining postseason for him.  The Cavs apparently are better suited to defend a large, scoring PG than the Bucks are.  So if he wants to prove that he truly is one of the best, now he's going to get the chance.

BTW - I'm not as pessimistic about Milwaukee's future as others may be.  I believe they can build something with Giannis + Porter Jr. + Sims + AJ Green and yes, including Trent Jr.  A star winning championships with the same organization yet different iterations of the roster is not unheard of (i.e. Kobe).  With a player like Giannis, in his prime as some would say, I think the Bucks need to focus more on speed and athleticism.  That makes players like Lopez, Portis and yes, even Dame expendable.  Getting rid of those guys won't be easy, but if Milwaukee can flip them for more applicable players of the new youth era, that would be ideal.  

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

Damn, the Thunder haven't played for like a week now.  Talk about teams getting their rest.

NBA Playoffs Ruminations (25 April 2023)

SHOUTOUT TO LEBRON

King James is the best all-around offensive player in the world, I guess you could say.  He's also a defensive liability at this point in his career, but it's ain't like he's a Luka.  When Lebron is inspired, he can still play semi-notable defense.  Combine that with playing against a team who are without their starting center and main backup center, and you have a situation like now where the Lakers appears on the verge of eliminating the Grizzlies, who I think it's safe to say is the better squad.

Something else that also makes me giggle is people who are still on that 'Lebron is passing the torch to AD' type shit.  James is almost 40, and Davis has been in the NBA for over a decade.  So if the torch hasn't be passed yet, there isn't much of a possibility of it happening in the future.

Maybe the people who make those kinds of statements are looking forward to the Lakers post-Lebron.  One thing I've noticed is that AD tends to play better when LBJ doesn't suit up.  But these days, my mind is like one of them needs to be traded.  I would rather trade AD and make LAL even deeper than it is now to accommodate Uncle LBJ, who doesn't look like he's going anywhere, ever.  And they can use Davis to get what they need most, which is a defensive inside presence.  (Fuk happened to Mo Bamba?)

SHOUTOUT TO D'ANGELO RUSSELL

D-Lo was the ex-factor in Game 4, the one who kept the Lakers alive when it looked the Grizzlies were about to take the game.  He did this a couple of days after standing up for himself against the NBA's stringent policies, and I don't think having a exceptional performance right after that was just a coincidence.  Well actually, I kinda agree with Silver and them in terms of not allowing players to advertise their own products while on company time, but it ain't like Russell was really pushing that shit.  You know what I mean?  Let a nigga wear a T-shirt with his favorite band on top, enjoy his own soft drink type shit.  If you can't do stuff like that, then what's the purpose of being famous to begin with?

SHOUTOUT TO PHIL JACKSON

I agree with Phil "the Hawk" Jackson in that the NBA has gotten too political, and that's even a mild way of putting it.  The type of wild and whacky shit going on these days, you might as well have Tom Donaghy as commissioner out this piece.

For instance, why exactly did the Bucks only allow Giannis to only play like like 12 seconds in the All-Star Game, if he still isn't healthy enough to compete in the playoffs?  That's why my philosophy these days is like, give the fans what they want.  Because in the modern NBA you can't count any players' health, not even the biggest stars when their teams needs them most.

For example, as things are now having Kawhi Leonard on your roster can be counted as more of a negative than a positive.  At least if he wasn't around, then you can use that money to get some guys who will be available during the playoffs.  Speaking of which, just a couple of days ago Kawhi's sister was given a life sentence for murder/robbery, which is a PR nightmare, to say the least.  So now, I have a whole new (conspiracy) theory as to why he's not allowed to play.

THE GOBERT TRADE (IN HINDSIGHT)

I haven't seen any of the games from the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves.  But I think it's safe to say considering how Jokic has been having his way, that perhaps we have to rethink that 'Gobert is the best defensive C in the NBA' narrative.  And to think that the Wolves gave up a king's ransom to get him.

The experiment can still work out, I guess, but it was never supposed to look like this to begin with.  So if I were Minnesota, I would already be thinking of ways to perhaps trading Gobert for someone more compatible, like maybe Ben Simmons, Nic Claxton and a shooter from the Nets.

JOKIC FOR MVP?

Speaking of Jokic, where's Embiid and Giannis now that dudes are about the make the MVP decision?

2023 NBA Play-In Predictions (Round 2)

So far, I'm shooting 50% as far as 2023 Play-In predictions are concerned.  I did foretell that Lebron James and the Lakers, i.e. the NBA's leading man and most-profitable franchise, were going to beat the depleted Timberwolves, which they did (just barely).  And as for the Thunder vs. Pelicans, that was anyone's game, though now I have to admit that Zion Williamson, if he had decided to play, would have probably made a difference.

I also rightfully predicted that the Bulls would best the Raptors.  But what I got wrong with the Hawks vs. Heat is overestimating just how thin Miami's depth actually is.  Like, where's Duncan Robinson?  And why didn't they start Kyle Lowry?  And as for Kevin Love, he was basically a no-show.

BULLS VS. HEAT

And speaking of Miami, I think the Bulls once again have the advantage, even if they're not playing at home.  The Heat's starting lineup against the Hawks the other day consisted of two guys, Gabe Vincent and Max Strus, who I never even heard of like that.  Maybe this time around they'll start Lowry, who scored a game high 33 points against Atlanta, even though he was -12.  I mean, why not?  I don't remember the Heat, since they first came into the NBA, ever being garbage.  But now, the championship window they enjoyed for the last few seasons has passed.  And the Bulls, even though they also disappointed this year, look hungrier.

THUNDER VS. TIMBERWOLVES

Even if the T-wolves fail to make the playoffs, I would still argue that they're one of the better teams in the NBA.  Now that Rudy Gobert is back, logic would dictate that they should be able to handle OKC.  Either way, I believe that both of these teams can give Denver a run for their money.  But if it is the Timberwolves, as I'm predicting, fair and square I wouldn't be overly surprised, even if a couple of key bench players aren't around, if they could beat the Nuggets in a seven-game series.

CONCLUSION

OKC is a young, developing team who I believe is next-up after the Grizzlies.  But I doubt if they can beat the Thunder if Gobert, the type of inside defensive presence that the Pelicans lack, is playing.  Hell, I don't even think the Lakers would have gotten past them if Rudy was around.  But that said, I'm definitely looking forward to the presence of Chet Holmgren next season, maybe.

As for the Heat, I believe they matchup better with the Bulls, i.e. a team who is more in their age range than the Hawks.  But it's like, I don't even want to see Miami make the playoffs, because they're slow and generally unexciting.  Traditionally speaking slower, more-steady teams are more-formidable.  But the NBA has changed a lot in the last few years, and these days that strategy isn't as effective.

You F*cked Up This Time, Danny

Danny Ainge is the top guru currently employed by any team, being vastly superior even to the likes of Lil Taiwan and future hall of famer Sam Henkie.  The greatest example of his ability to perceive what others cannot was when Ainge prioritized Jayson Tatum over Markelle Fultz in the 2017 NBA Draft, because everyone else thought that Fultz was a better player and would fit with Embiid + Simmons.  Now people are like 'imagine if they drafted Tatum instead?'

Last season the Jazz, who had been a dominant regular-season team yet again, faltered in the playoffs.  So it became obvious that something needed to be done, since on the surface they were looked like contenders.  You know what I mean?  Like if you're looking at the shit and know there's a problem but can't see the problem, still, it's like something must be done.

What I initially suggested was at least trading Rudy Gobert, which the Jazz did.  Afterwards there was a bit of confusion, but dudes were like 'okay, we got Danny Ainge and a shitload of draft picks, so we're going to build around Mitchell.'  In other words, they were going to give him the Michael Jordan treatment, being the undeniable alpha dog into the foreseeable future, with all new additions coming in under his leadership.  Mitchell is now in his sixth season, which is arguably late to commence an initiative like that.  But still it wasn't the worst idea, like you know what I mean?  The Jazz drafted dude, and with Rudy gone he was their sole perennial all-star, and he's also a very excitable player.  So building around him would, if nothing else, entertaining.  And it would also finally solve the speculation of if he could be better without Gobert.

But instead, you know what I mean?  That's the first time you f*cked up, Danny.  If an anonymous guru like myself is able to sit behind a computer somewhere and know that building around Mitchell isn't a bad idea, then that means Ainge definitely knew that shit.

What that means, at least to me, is that they had some kind of personal beef.  That's what I hate about today's NBA.  The entire Last Dance was themed around this internal beef Jordan had with the Bulls.  Yes, the Bulls' braintrust totally dropped the ball on that one.  But at least at the end of the day, everyone walked away a champion.

These days, the NBA feels like some high school Clueless type shit.  You know, like 'I swear I'll get you back, Lebron' type shit.  That's the kind of stuff that fans like myself hate more than anything, like teams being unable to focus.  That's the kinda shit that be fucking up my predictions.  You make a gazillion dollars, and the other dude makes a gazillion plus.  So what is it you're fighting about anyway?

So now what's happened is that Mitchell was traded to a team that wasn't built around him but still a perfect complement of talents and personalities for his own.  The Cavs made the mistake of trading when they didn't have to have any palpable reason to do so last season, and they may well replicate the asininity this year.  But as it currently stands, it's like Cleveland and Mitchell were made for each other.

So now the question becomes do the Cavs too have faith in their boy, or will they also outsmart themselves like the Jazz did?  Unless you can get Jimmy Butler or Kawhi Leonard or some shit, at least see how far he can take the team as is.

And as for the Jazz, now the question is like what if they had kept Mitchell?  The roster did not instantly approve after the Gobert trade, and I'm sure at times, Ainge doubts how smart he himself actually is.  So it would have been a test to both the organization's and Donovan's patience if they had kept him.  But like if he was down with that idea, even for a second, they should have just rode the wave.

CONCLUSION

Wisdom is always wiser in hindsight, or however that saying goes.  Ainge orchestrated the grouping of Garnett + Allen + Pierce (not to mention Rondo), the only superteam since the Showtime Lakers to have instantly won a championship.  Then shortly after that, he kept the Celtics contenders for like a decade straight.  Then he put togehter this current Utah squad who everyone, including myself, had written off but instead look like they can at least get to the 2nd round of the playoffs.

But if Mitchell proceeds to become MVP or even NBA champion, then by all means some people are going to say Ainge and the gang dumbed out.  Lauri Markannen, all-star he may be, is not in that conversation.  And the reason it looks bad for the Jazz is because they are on record as actually knowing at first that keeping him was a better idea.  So it's like Ainge, for whatever reason, went against his own gut instinct.  And it can be hard maintaining a guruship acting like that.

F*ckin Up My Predictions (Timberwolves Edition)

Maybe I should watch more Timberwolves games before writing this.  But there's two things I will say from the jump.  One is that, I still believe Minnesota has the most talented starting 5 in the NBA, even though I don't know who the other starter is besides KAT, Russell, Edwards and Gobert.  And last I heard, D'Angelo was like on the verge of getting bench or some shit.  But that doesn't matter.  This is a team with four All-Star level starters, or let me say three players who have already been allstars and a fourth who is likely on his way there, with only Gobert being 30 years old already.  And I don't think you can say that about any other squad except maybe the Celtics.

So I placed them at the top of my list of contenders.  But I also knew that it would take a certain type of PG to make this work, one that doesn't really exist in the NBA anymore.  And that is the true pass-first PG, the exceptional passer and glue guy, but one that can't really shoot and can also demand the respect of superstars.  Those are the likes of Rajon Rondo and Michael Carter-Williams who have been chased out of the league by the advent of the Splash Brothers.  And again, this only works if the superstar scorers are willing to concede to point, which virtually none of them are these days.  The same thing almost happened to Ben Simmons recently, who does sometimes look like he's actually scared to shoot, thus making his purpose questionable if he also isn't running the point.  But he's survived, for now.

People don't realize just how much some teams need a Ben Simmons.  If an organization goes the superteam route, they're going to need a player like Ben Simmons, someone with other skills who can counterbalance the chucks.  Another palyer I can think of who falls into this category, though for different reasons, is Payton Jr.

So when I saw that KAT went down with that funny injury yesterday and the T-wolves now saying that he'll be out for over a month, I already knew that at some point they were going to have to find a way to bench him over an extended period to see if the team is actually better without Towns.  Russell may be the scapegoat , but when they traded for Gobert, one thing that wasn't talked about is how doing so made KAT expendable if the experiment doesn't work.  Like after this, I don't anyone wants to see him as the face of an ever-disappointing T-wolves squad.  And he's definitely a more attractive trade lure than D'Angelo.

KAT is one of the very few no.1 picks of the last few years who actually played like a top pick from day one.  Even when you look at that class now, you can't say that the Minnesota made a mistake by picking him.  But obviously he isn't a franchise player, like one who could lead a team to a championship.  And if he is eventually traded, I think that will become more evident.

But I'm not putting the blame on him either.  Even without KAT, this may be the most well-rounded roster Gobert has ever played on.  And the Timberwolves may be better off letting Anthony and D'Angelo run wild and free as opposed to also having a third scorer on the list, a 7-footer who'd rather play like a guard.  A center who averages almost four offensive rebounds a game is a luxury that most chucks don't have.  Throw in another rebounder and PG, neither of whom like the shoot, and take the reins off of Russell.

CONCLUSION

And if that doesn't work, then it backs to the old theory of the Timberwolves being cursed or whatever it is when you allow the tallest person on your team to like shoot the most jumpshots.  I don't want to go as far as to diss their braintrust, but its obvious something ain't right here.  Giannis came into the NBA like unable to play basketball but is now the most imposing player in the league.  Then you have KAT who already had so much talent, and instead of developing them further he's been allowed to shoot jumpshots, like that's the only part of the game that matters these days.  Imagine what the Spurs would be if they had allowed Tim Duncan to take his game outside of the paint.

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.

Trade Talk: Beverly vs. Johnson + Horton-Tucker

Lakers Get	Jazz Get
Patrick Beverly	Talen Horton-Tucker
	Stanley Johnson

I've been picking on the Jazz a lot of late.  But just yesterday I was really thinking about it and came to the conclusion that in the 30+ years I've been following the NBA, I don't remember them ever having been garbage.

During the Stockton + Malone years, they were perennial playoff threats, if not flatout contenders.  And that team they had during the aughts with Deron Williams and AK-47 and them was also pretty promising.  And I also forgot about that time they were able to poach Carlos Boozer away from the Cavs.

What I can't really remember tho is what transpired between Williams compelling Jerry Sloan to quit and the Gobert + Mitchell years.  But even as recently as last season, like everyone knew that the Jazz at least had the potential to go all the way.  And now, with Danny "the Genius" Ainge onboard, they were able to get something like 10 players (!) for Rudy Gobert, i.e. the same type of package the Nets attempted (and failed) to get for KD himself.

So now that the alpha dog is undisputedly, as things currently stand, Donovan Mitchell, there's really no need to have someone like Patrick Beverly on the roster.  My assumption is that Mitchell is going to run the Jazz's offense, which in turn is not going to rely much on set plays.  So as I said before, you need dudes out there who can run around and keep up with him.  And now, the Jazz may have even scored two of those.

No one really knows how Stanley Johnson and especially Horton-Tucker is going to pan out.  But I feel, even though he didn't put up a ton of points last season, that the Lakers should kept Stanley.  Well, I really felt like that when Malik Monk was still around, because at least imo, those two complemented Lebron well.

One thing I can say about Patrick Beverly is that he's one of the very few players in the NBA who can make his present felt even without the ball, and LBJ is not likely to concede the point to him.  So that means the real reason the Lakers brought him over is to defend the other team's PG.

The problem is though that you need a G next to Lebron that can actually shoot - something that the Lakers really didn't have last season.  That's why, when I first promoted the idea of Beverly going to LAL, I included Mike Conley in that equation also.  A couple of days ago, I saw NBC for the first mention Russell Westbrook in a potential trade with the Jazz, which is something I suggested over a month ago.  So maybe this isn't over yet.  And hey, LAL, might as well go out and pickup Hassan Whiteside also.

CONCLUSION

I was reading something else on NBC today like the Lakers acquired Beverly in advance of trading Westbrook, which would make this transaction look more sensible from their perspective.  But I must admit that a defense of AD + Westbrook + Beverly + Lebron (if he's vested) would probably be pretty difficult to score on.  I still remember when Beverly clipped Westbrook, and reportedly they've had "beef" since.  But maybe that can kind of 'competitiveness', if they're on the same roster, can result in more inspired play, now that they both have something prove.

Meanwhile, I admire what the Jazz are doing.  There's too many superstars looking for new homes for the system to accommodate them all, and you can't just be like 'we're going to tank' with someone like Donovan Mitchell on your squad.  So the best these organizations can do is at least field the most competitive roster they can (like the Trailblazers).  And Utah still has so many assets that I don't think their wheeling and dealing is done yet.`

DeAndre Ayton to Dallas (A No-Brainer)

Perhaps for the first time in NBA history, we are entering an offseason where every team could use a major upgrade or modification.  Even if the Warriors win the championship, now it is clear to everyone that the Splash Bros. + Draymond can't dominate much longer.  And if the Celtics win, they shouldn't expect to make it back to big dance with this same roster, as the team could definitely use an upgrade on its frontline, even if only in the name of depth (like, what if Mo Bamba went to Boston instead?).

Entering into this offseason, with many teams, such as the Lakers or Knicks or even humbler squads like the Rockets ore Magic, it's hard to tell exactly what it is they needs.  Conventional wisdom, especially in the age of superteams, dictates that you just go with the best player available.  But that strategy doesn't always work, especially now that some organizations seem to be taking continuity and developing players they already have more seriously.

But Dallas is in an enviable position heading into next season.  Despite being a team which, imo, are lucky they even made the Playoffs, instead the Mavs went all the way to the WCF.  Then besides that, it's blaringly-obvious what type of the upgrade they need.

Sometimes I feel that Dwight Powell may be the bravest player in the NBA.  It's clear that he doesn't have the body of a true center, but at the same time he backs away from no bigman.  And in the long run, it may be good that he got this type of experience.  Like if the Mavs are smart enough to go out and get a true starting C, that means Jason Kidd may move Powell to the 4 (if he doesn't keep a wing there instead).  And Dwight playing PF would probably feel like a vacation compared to what he went through this season.

And there does seem to be some quality Cs on the market.  For instance Rudy Gobert's name is being thrown around a lot, but for some reason, perhaps lack of mobility, I don't really see him on Dallas.  His name was also recently mentioned in connection to the Bulls, and Gobert playing next to DeMar DeRozan especially sounds like a match made in heaven.

Also, Jusuf Nurkic is set to become a free agent, and it's tempting to picture him playing next to fellow European Doncic.  That pair would definitely be a force offensively, but the Mavs' problem isn't really their offense.  Their biggest problem is there being no formidable true C on their roster.

So now, it's becoming more like DeAndre Ayton is going to leave the Suns, and yes, I consent.  It appears obvious that the current iteration of the Suns, no matter how good they may be, are not going to win a championship.  So, they might as well rock the boat the little and see if they can put together a more favorable team.  And some of their current players might as well go and test the waters elsewhere.

CONCLUSION

Ayton to Dallas would be ideal for a few reasons.  One is that he's like the same age as Luka Doncic.  Second, what the Mavs need more than anything a mobile C that has a defensive presence.  And third, DeAndre is used to playing surrounded by the same type of players you more or less find on Dallas.  And again, I know that an argument may can be made for Gobert to Dallas also.  But the Mavs may well be the Western Conference team of the future (along with the Grizzlies), and Ayton fits more into their timeline.

Where Do We Go From Here? (Utah Jazz Edition)

During the Playoffs, coaches tend to tighten up their rotations.  But that doesn't mean depth isn't important.  To the contrary - now depth is more important than it was during the Regular Season,  because even having 8 guys on your roster who can be effective, day-in/day-out, throughout an entire four quarters of basketball in an elimination type of scenario is a luxury most teams don't have.  And lack of depth, on top of questionable roster construction, is what ultimately did the Jazz in.

For instance, there's nothing wrong with having Hassan Whiteside as a backup for Rudy Gobert, since those types of centers tend to get into foul trouble a lot.  But you also have to another C on the roster, one of those stretch-5 types like Bjelica.  Why?  Because sometimes the big, lumbering center strategy doesn't work.

That's especially true now that we have players regularly doing crazy shit like shooting step-back threes early in the shot clock.  Sometimes both teams will be playing like that, not even letting 10 seconds go off transpire before shooting.  And in those cases, a traditional, lowpost C is of limited effect, because even players on his own team will sometimes shoot before he's in a position to secure the offensive rebound.

Also, I remember when Mike Conley signed that ridiculous contract in 2016.  That was what I refer to as a "legacy contract", the type a team gives to a star player they drafted who has stuck with them, even through the garbage years.  I remember when Kobe got a contract like that, and also I believe Dirk.  But the difference is that Conley, even if he did have his moments back in the day, isn't a franchise player.

And I know I may be bringing that up unfairly, as that contract already expired a year ago.  But dude is still making $20million+.  And it kinda reminds me of that episode of Friends where Monica bought those shoes and then had to wear them because she paid so much dough or whatever.

At his salary, it'd be hard for a franchise to rationalize benching Conley, even if he deserves it.  Even worse, he makes the kinda dough that could be spent on a couple of quality role players.  And the reason I bring that up is because it seems to make more sense, at least to me, to let Mitchell start at the point.  And then, you may even do something creative like start Clarkson at the 2.  But such a move, as it now stands, would further expose the lack of depth on this team.

And where the Jazz are weakest is actually at forward.  Bojan Bogdanovic is supposed to be one of the best European players in the NBA or whatever.  But it's like the Jazz are living a nightmare.

You always hear about salary cap and all that shit, but it seems that most teams are able to pretty much chase who they want and let the chips fall where they may.  The Jazz are like really top heavy, but after 3 or 4 players the name recognition and talent level seems to drop off enormously.  And you know, that kinda shit can work during the regular season, or if you have a bona fide superteam.  But not so much in the Playoffs, as the Jazz only have two perenial-ish allstars.

And to make matters worse, it's like who wants to play for the Jazz anyway?  I've been following the NBA through four decades now.  And in that time, as far as players that Utah didn't draft, Conley is actually the biggest name to ever join the roster.  And he did so via trade, not as a free agent completely under his own will.

CONCLUSION

I would personally say that Rudy has to go.  It probably also wouldn't be a bad idea to trade Conley, but Gobert going to a team that covets his skillset, such as maybe the Kings (off the top of my head), can reap 2 or 3 really good players in return.  Another squad that could obviously use someone like him is the Nets, though I don't know if they have the trade chips (Ben Simmons?  LMAO).

The Knicks were criticized for recently attending a Jazz/Mavs game, reportedly having interest in Jalen Brunson.  And maxing out Brunson sounds exactly like some dumb shit the Knicks would do.  And they're also said to be interested in Mitchell.  But that's another team that's deep enough to theoretically pull off a trade for Gobert, though it probably isn't likely since they already have Robinson.