NBA 2015 | Offseason | 🏀🎪

By Moris Go To Postmasud, why the hell are you dying to draft Mudiay?

He has the biggest star potential imo. Russel and Okafor are not 2 way players so fuck them off top. Towns may end up being the better player (i wouldn't be mad if the Knicks took him) but I can't see him being more than a really good role player. Mudiay can come in right now and defend and get to basket/finish. His shot can be improved.

Mudiay has never played any basketball game where he was expected to even have to pretend to play defense, wtf.

By Moris Go To PostCharlotte never reached, they took guys that most other teams would have took at the same spot.

I included the guys drafted ahead of their picks to show that the talent was off the board by the time Charlotte was on the clock.

Dwight was consensus #1, they missed out on CP3, Bogut and Dwill not because other teams reached and hit gold, they took who everyone would have taken. Cleveland regularly tried to outsmart the room and failed because of it, Charlotte got picks when having picks meant dick.

You can't fault them for taking MKG over Drummond. That's arguably still the right move.

Klay and Kawahi weren't projected to be as good as they are. Kawahi was seen as a super role player who would struggle scoring in the NBA and Klay was a shooter who was inconsistent, sometimes inefficient and didn't play defense.

Right. They're playing it safe. And that would be fine if they had talent and were surrounding it, Zeller would be a good backup next to AD. MKG would be a good foil next to CP3. But they don't have those guys.

They've also missed out on a ton of talent. So you can fault them for MKG over Drummond, lillard, Barnes.
Zeller over, Noel, McLemore, KCP, Giannis, Snell.

They're also not getting a hell of a lot out of those "safe picks". They're actually getting bugger all.

I don't think they've drafted badly. But I wouldn't say they've drafted well either. The draft isn't a science, there's some luck in regards to positioning and players turning out. But so far CHA hasn't been doing well at it. Just merely "getting by".

By giririsss Go To PostRight. They're playing it safe. And that would be fine if they had talent and were surrounding it, Zeller would be a good backup next to AD. MKG would be a good foil next to CP3. But they don't have those guys.

They've also missed out on a ton of talent. So you can fault them for MKG over Drummond, lillard, Barnes.
Zeller over, Noel, McLemore, KCP, Giannis, Snell.

They're also not getting a hell of a lot out of those "safe picks". They're actually getting bugger all.

I don't think they've drafted badly. But I wouldn't say they've drafted well either. The draft isn't a science, there's some luck in regards to positioning and players turning out. But so far CHA hasn't been doing well at it. Just merely "getting by".

The picks aren't even safe tho wtf

MKG graduating to a legit option on offense was almost a bigger surprise than Drummond not being the softest big in the country. Kemba was supposed to be a SG. Biyombo's draft stock rose because of one good game against AD. All of these picks were reasonably safe gambles for a franchise that needs to establish a floor. And they did establish a floor.

And lets be real - Lillard could not put up anything close to the numbers he has for Portland anywhere else in the league. Giannis is a few years away from being a few years away. Barnes is trash. Beal has less heart than most mascots and is content with his mediocrity in all forms. McLemore isn't even as good as Henderson (probably not even as good as PJ Hairston). Noel could die before I finish typing this. KCP is a fucking nobody and you should be ashamed for reaching like that. Snell is ....a late round whodafuck and to pretend otherwise is lol.

Only person you named there worth addressing was Drummond - and like... honestly, he and MKG are pretty neck to neck in terms of impact and growth.

I still maintain that Charlotte's drafting only looks bad in hindsight. Meanwhile, you got teams like Sacramento, Minnesota, and Cleveland that pull rabbits out of a shoe like that's how shit is supposed to work.

Maybe I'm not getting the whole "reach every year, yolo" logic - because it seems like that would just make shit worse. Instead of Henderson, we'd have Austin Daye. Instead of Kemba, we'd have Marshon Brooks. Like... that helps less

Sounds like Donovan is bringing Anthony Grant with him from Florida. Dude did a nice job at VCU then coached at Bama for several years.

The hires with previous NBA experience will be the interesting ones. Mike Brown, Mike D'Antoni, and Mike Malone have been mentioned. Lots of Mikes basically.

By DY_nasty Go To PostThe picks aren't even safe tho wtf

MKG graduating to a legit option on offense was almost a bigger surprise than Drummond not being the softest big in the country. Kemba was supposed to be a SG. Biyombo's draft stock rose because of one good game against AD. All of these picks were reasonably safe gambles for a franchise that needs to establish a floor. And they did establish a floor.

And lets be real - Lillard could not put up anything close to the numbers he has for Portland anywhere else in the league. Giannis is a few years away from being a few years away. Barnes is trash. Beal has less heart than most mascots and is content with his mediocrity in all forms. McLemore isn't even as good as Henderson (probably not even as good as PJ Hairston). Noel could die before I finish typing this. KCP is a fucking nobody and you should be ashamed for reaching like that. Snell is ….a late round whodafuck and to pretend otherwise is lol.

Only person you named there worth addressing was Drummond - and like… honestly, he and MKG are pretty neck to neck in terms of impact and growth.

I still maintain that Charlotte's drafting only looks bad in hindsight. Meanwhile, you got teams like Sacramento, Minnesota, and Cleveland that pull rabbits out of a shoe like that's how shit is supposed to work.

Maybe I'm not getting the whole "reach every year, yolo" logic - because it seems like that would just make shit worse. Instead of Henderson, we'd have Austin Daye. Instead of Kemba, we'd have Marshon Brooks. Like… that helps less

Except, none of thats really true.

MKG isn't a legit otpion. Lillard is putting up numbers at a better % than kemba on similar number of shots. Giannis is 2 years away at the outside. McLemore would be the best 3pt shooter on the bobcats, Beal the most skilled guard. Barnes would probably steal MKG's starting job.

It's not about yolo picks. It's about getting some talent thats first or second option worthy. They just haven't.

By giririsss Go To PostExcept, none of thats really true.

MKG isn't a legit otpion. Lillard is putting up numbers at a better % than kemba on similar number of shots. Giannis is 2 years away at the outside. McLemore would be the best 3pt shooter on the bobcats, Beal the most skilled guard. Barnes would probably steal MKG's starting job.

It's not about yolo picks. It's about getting some talent thats first or second option worthy. They just haven't.

Charlotte hasn't drafted well by any means, but they didn't drop the ball or screw up. You can't blame them for picking all that middling talent or busts.

They just didn't go high enough in the draft order to get the sure things or fall to the right spot to get the sleepers.

MKG like... kinda is now. Dude like actually hits shots and is pretty reliable shot from 18 for point guards and eats on the drive when Al isn't around to fuck everything up. But nobody watches CHA games so I ain't even mad. Also, there's no such thing as a good shooter in Charlotte because our team doesn't move. I've posted about it before in detail but the short version is that no team passes the ball more, uses more clock, and does absolutely nothing with the ball better than Clifford's team. Guys come here and watch their FG% plummet as our offense shines as being nothing but pointless pull-up jumpers against defenses that never have to move.

Barnes still isn't as efficient on offense as MKG - while being on a floor littered with shooters and motion. If Barnes came here, he'd look like Derrick Brown. Dude can't create his own shot even when people aren't even looking at him three times over meanwhile MKG is leading breaks by himself and shit. Not like I'm talking about my ass either. Check 82games.com - http://www.82games.com/1415/14CHA11.HTM // http://www.82games.com/1415/14GSW10.HTM

MKG literally didn't take a single 3 all year long and somehow managed a better offensive on/off than Barnes did while providing Kawhi-level defense at the same time. Its a fun old ass argument but there's no ground there anymore. Shit, Barnes hasn't even got better. MKG does more with less while giving you 1st team all-nba caliber defense that elevates the entire unit.

But again - I know people don't even watch Charlotte games so whatever.

What gets me is Beal. I'm not sure why people even like Beal. Dude looks like he could one day turn into Cuttino Mobley if he works hard enough. What team is like "oh shit its Bradley Beal"

Oh and speaking of Lillard. Dude was living the point guard's dream with all that talent around him earlier in the year. Dude has a PG's best friend in LMA. And the coach knows it too - that's why the offense runs through him and not Damian. LMA is a top 5 threat on defenses in any spot that a big could reasonably be on the court. Wesley just eliminates high traps because he'll make you pay immediately. Batum, even hurt, is always where he needs to be and has to be respected nonstop on the court. Rolo is a damned good roll man whether he looks like it or not. And they ALL covered his ass on defense around the clock

Once guys started getting hurt, once he started getting negative attention, he folded like a lawn chair and let a dude named CJ take the shine. So the whole "he shot better" stuff is kinda weak to me. He gets better looks than the vast majority of guards in the league. You could argue he's got the best situation for a PG in the entire league. His life is gonna get hard as fuck if LMA leaves.

Barnes ain't stealing MKG job. MKG an elite defender. His only problem is his shooting.

MKG legit made the Bobcats/Hornets a top 5 defense by himself....I've seen it in action. We garbage as fuck but in a game earlier this season, they were making us...look well...normal which is garbage tier, MKG got bodied (which may be his newest main flaw now that his jumper doesn't cast mudo anymore), they became instantly free, and our made up player of the day started beasting.

MKG is no Anthony Davis but he can be a amazing piece on a championship team someday (whether or not that is in Charlotte is left to be seen) for his defensive abilities alone. If he was on a better team, he'd be getting the same hype as Kawhii and Butler potentially. His offense is coming along.

You really can't judge them on their misses because that is based solely on hindsight. Drummond looked like garbage at UConn (and since the only times I see him are Sixers games in which Noel the Twig and Henry Fucking Sims locked him up...I question how great he really is), Kawhii fell to 15th and was obtained for George Hill FFS. MKG was coming off of a championship and a MVP award. Beal was just okay IMO at Florida and would be dead in a ditch somewhere if he had to deal with going to Charlotte (dude is where the cry in a car joke started IIRC). I am not a fan of dinging teams for missing on late lottery or mid round guys.

Charlotte has been super unlucky and dealt a bad hand really. Despite that a majority of the dudes they picked will fuck around and have 10+ year careers and shit (barring injury). If they wouldn't just take Baby Big Al, I'd wish for them to finally win the lottery...but yet again I wonder if this is that kind of year in which getting the first pick isn't as desirable.

I want to ask everyone here something. Just 20 seconds is all I need.

I want you to imagine Bradley Beal and Michael Jordan shooting around at practice. Nothing more. …Just close your eyes and visualize.

Now tell me that Bradley Beal could have been anything more than David Wesley he had been drafted by Charlotte.You fucking can't.

Beal would have sucked in Charlotte

But not a lot of young guards could take it to last years Bulls and Pacers post season defenses like he did. Kid has a ton of pride, he's just tremendously held back by his handle. Its improving, albeit at a glacial pace.

I totally agree with the idea that situation matters. At least to some degree. Kevin Love turning himself into a top player with all the nonsense he dealt with, that's a minor miracle and a testament to his work ethic.

As much as it hurts to have passed on Curry and DeMarcus Cousins, those dudes playing for Kurt Rambis, that's a disaster. The Wolves have put together this culture where losing is okay because Glen Taylor doesn't care and just wants to rub shoulders with ball players. How anyone survives this is kind of crazy.

Supposedly the Magic's wish list is 1. Thibodeau 2. Brooks.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/08/report-scott-brooks-is-magics-second-choice-if-they-cant-hire-tom-thibodeau/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

wouldn't love just stay with the cavs one more year in order to get the new cap max

By Dark PhaZe Go To Postwouldn't love just stay with the cavs one more year in order to get the new cap max

Would anyone offer him the new max if he continues to put up mediocre numbers and with the possibility of injuries, I wouldn't risk it.

Idk

By psychintellect Go To PostWould anyone offer him the new max if he continues to put up mediocre numbers and with the possibility of injuries, I wouldn't risk it.

Idk

all it takes is one GM with nothing to lose and bags of cash to hand out.

By knux-future Go To Postall it takes is one GM with nothing to lose and bags of cash to hand out.

There will be lots of GMs fitting this description in the summer of 2016.

It's gonna be crazy.

This is a rumor. Let me say that three times. This is a rumor. This a rumor. This is a rumor.

Blake Griffin.

Obviously, there’s a connection there with the GM. And you wonder, if LaMarcus is interested in the Clippers, playing with Chris Paul. Could Neil Olshey get his old superstar with the Clippers in Portland?

. . .

fucking realgm lmao

So I read Noah actually need Microfracture surgery.. RIP

Oh well at least he only had one year left in his contract

I wish there's way to sign Asik again

I hope Noah goes to PHX and gives that team a real center already.

Also, these DX weakness videos are truly the only way to prepare for the mid-lottery. Devin Booker looks extra flaccid at the rim omg

By Adam Blade Go To Post. . .

why would anyone ever do that?
makes no sense whatsoever.

Only mid lottery prospects I like are Cameron Payne, Bobby Portis, Myles Turner, Trey Lyes, Kevin Looney and Jerian Grant. Everyone else is meh

By Adam Blade Go To Post. . .

That would be the dumbest thing ever, and I think Doc is a terrible GM.

I do wonder if Blake wants to eventually play in his hometown though.

By KingGondo Go To PostThat would be the dumbest thing ever, and I think Doc is a terrible GM.

I do wonder if Blake wants to eventually play in his hometown though.

maybe in his twilight years but prime BG leaving makes no sense whatsoever.

Knux

I'm watching the weaknesses videos between Oubre and Booker.

Man... this is just sickening.

11 days and one group of loser bros gets Towns future.


And someone gets a surprise bust...multiple teams even...I'm scared.

I wonder who we'll send for 'luck' this time.. And if they'll have the composure to not thirst for the Bucks owner's daughter on live TV

Kings' owner's daughter tho

who do i pray to

am i doing it wrong

pls

We're sending Zo to go threaten some lottery balls.

By DY_nasty Go To PostKnux

I'm watching the weaknesses videos between Oubre and Booker.

Man… this is just sickening.

I can't even watch those videos anymore. Shit makes you contemplate life and whatnot. Like we really are relying on these dudes to take us out of the gutter? shiiiiit.

Those videos make every prospect look really really bad.

By Moris Go To Post11 days and one group of loser bros gets Towns future.


And someone gets a surprise bust…multiple teams even…I'm scared.

If the Wolves win the lottery, they're taking Okafor. There's too much smoke and they're not good at swerving people. Flip telegraphed the Shabazz pick, too.

Shouldn't getting a rich mans Pekovic be an exciting prospect for you Rodeo?

By Dark PhaZe Go To PostShouldn't getting a rich mans Pekovic be an exciting prospect for you Rodeo?

Not when they need a rim protector. One of the reasons I legitimately read for Okafor over Towns is that Flip isn't buying into Towns's tournament performance. Like, he's being stubborn because everyone had Okafor at 1 all year and he's not changing now. He also thinks Okafor is more skilled. (Even though Towns is far and away the better shooter? Huh?)

It's bad process. Everything about the Wolves is bad process. Sometimes it works, but it doesn't make it good decision making. Shabazz Muhammad actually being a player was the worst thing for Flip. It validates bad process. It's good that we have a guy that is either a starting wing player or a sixth man depending on how this draft shakes out (ie. they draft Russell), but they liked Muhammad because he has the look. He's big (6'6", 225) and has a long wingspan. That's the problem.

I like Towns too but I do think Okafor gets a bad rap of sorts. Yes he probably could max out to Baby Big Al but he also could actually not be a black hole offensively and awful defensely...ala Cousins. Okafor is a good passer (so is Big Al but he ran out of fucks soooo), isn't this Spencer Hawes level athlete people make him out to be, and could at the very least D up guys with the right coaching (whether or not Flip is that guy....welp)...and regardless, there are worst fates than a guy who can get buckets, if he maxes out to a 18 and 8 type guy, with Wiggins, that could still be pretty good...Plus KG is there to yell him into shape. Again I'd take the potential and athletic ability of Towns over him every day and for us and a lot of team the idea of Russell is pretty great but Okafor isn't a bad get IMO.

Mudiay is the one I am super scurred of at this point. And even he I can lie to myself about for a bit.

Oh, I can talk myself into Okafor if it comes to it (and I'll probably have to). I loved Al Jefferson circa 2009. But when the Wolves defense is as bad as it is and the need for rebounding and a rim protector is this great, taking him over Towns isn't justifiable. It's just not.

I think even if they got the #2 pick, I'd still go Russell over Okafor. Maybe. Probably. Take my chances with some small ball shit of Rubio/Russell/Wiggins/Bazz. At least that's really fun.

I still remember the days when Rodeo was hating on the Shabazz pick.

Rubio + Wiggins and Giannis instead of Shabazz would be kewl.

I know Okafor got bad rep and shit, but idk man.. his wingspan is massive, at least you can say its not impossible he can became decent defender as opposed to t-rex arm big no matter hard they trying.

Andre Drummond got same lazy rep on D came out from college, but hey he can block shot.. and maybe he not impactful (like DeAndre) on D but being that big and long is never hurting your team either.

Yeah... after Drummond I'm convinced that some guys will troll the 1 and done system like that regularly. Its just hard to tell discern between a lack of fucks and a weak ass heart tho

Okafor looks like one of those dudes who can play solid to good defense but won't because YOLO. KG could KG that out of him potentially. I don't think it is a skill issue tho....whether or not that is a good thing is left to be seen,

I seen Okafor being a 20/10 guy. I just don't see that with Towns.

By KumaJG Go To PostI seen Okafor being a 20/10 guy. I just don't see that with Towns.

But like...Towns rebounded better in college and the tournament and while Oka shot better during the season, Towns was a better scorer in the tournament. Assited more, much higher block percentage and a lower usage rate.

I don't see how if Oka is a 20/10 guy that Towns isn't at the very least the exact same while playing better D.

.

By Moris Go To PostBut like…Towns rebounded better in college and the tournament and while Oka shot better during the season, Towns was a better scorer in the tournament. Assited more, much higher block percentage and a lower usage rate.

I don't see how if Oka is a 20/10 guy that Towns isn't at the very least the exact same while playing better D.

TBF Okafor was also like the only big Duke had. Jefferson is a twig and Worst Plumlee is Worst Plumlee. Towns was freed up a lot thanks to WCS being a freak defender/athlete. Again I'd take Towns over Okafor every time, just saying it isn't that big of a gap when it comes to it...Towns' ability to play defense is what seperates them but will he ever be the type of scorer Okafor can be? IDK (I'd take elite defense from my big first of course)

By Moris Go To PostBut like…Towns rebounded better in college and the tournament and while Oka shot better during the season, Towns was a better scorer in the tournament. Assited more, much higher block percentage and a lower usage rate.

I don't see how if Oka is a 20/10 guy that Towns isn't at the very least the exact same while playing better D.

I havent seen enough from Towns to be convinced he is a 20/10 guy.