If LeBron is playing only 30 minutes a game this year as has been suggested, I'm not convinced this Lakers team will even go above .500. They still fall off a cliff every time he's off the floor and it's continued in both games so far.
This guy is the oldest guy in the league, 500 minutes shy of the the most minutes in the history of the league, and STILL in the best shape of anyone at the end of these games… got more in the tank, can get to the rim to close the game better than anyone alive. Truly unreal.
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut:
He's just so damn unique, I really struggle to even speculate how he'll develop.
The frustrating thing is that it may just come down to how he's officiated. I just can't see the guy building an "NBA Body" - he's so damn slight. If officials allow people to body him, he'll struggle.
It's why I ultimately struggle a little with the 'best prospect since James; maybe top 5 of all time' stuff. There's just a lot that's completely unknown and enough that's somewhat out of his control.
Obviously the easy and somewhat lazy comp is Durant, but I feel like Durant was more explosive. And being less tall that Wembenaya helps him a little in that the dribble just isn't going to be as exposed on those drives. And I don't feel like he can develop the build to be an Anthony Davis sort offensively or defensively. Maybe I'm wrong - he's really young. But it's not like Durant ever really filled out a ton. Giannis is a thought stylistically but Giannis had a pretty steep learning curve in his own right and again, seems more suited physically for the pro game.
Is he as crazy and competitive as Garnett? Has the league gotten more accustomed to Euro-style players like Doncic and Porzingis?
Man, I'm at a complete loss with the kid. I mean he's going to be a very good player for a very long time. But the bar seems to be "Hall of Fame - inner circle or just another guy?" and man I am really hesitant there because the kid's just different.
To me it comes down to his ability to stay healthy. Even if a guy gets physical with him, as long as he doesn't crumble like a wet paper bag, he'll be a viable player. If he can't stay out of the tub, it will be the failure.
To me it goes like this. With what I'd perceive as probabilities
Worst (25%): He's in the tub. Compounding serious injuries, awful.
Mediocre (5%): He doesn't get materially better but is available. Middling player.
Good (55%): He develops some skills and savvy and is a good player.
Great (15%): He's got that fuck you gene and gets into the lab and is a monster.
Originally Posted by smithandrew051:
Porzingis looked great for them.
Not many dudes on the planet have that combination of size and shooting.
If he can stay healthy, the Celts are going to be a tough out. They still can't throw competent bodies at Jokic, which I think it's how they get beat barring injuries. [Reply]
Dubs going to bounce back and surprise you all again. Every year they win a championship you guys have always counted them out but you count them out every year anyways. [Reply]
This guy is the oldest guy in the league, 500 minutes shy of the the most minutes in the history of the league, and STILL in the best shape of anyone at the end of these games… got more in the tank, can get to the rim to close the game better than anyone alive. Truly unreal.
Originally Posted by Eureka:
Dubs going to bounce back and surprise you all again. Every year they win a championship you guys have always counted them out but you count them out every year anyways.
Since I have a YouTube tv now I decided to pull the trigger on League Pass. Pretty cool using multiview last night
In other news by the time Morant comes back Memphis might be a lottery team. Lost their first 2 games and getting boat raced by the Wiz tonight. [Reply]
Originally Posted by dirk digler:
Since I have a YouTube tv now I decided to pull the trigger on League Pass. Pretty cool using multiview last night
In other news by the time Morant comes back Memphis might be a lottery team. Lost their first 2 games and getting boat raced by the Wiz tonight.
They’re going to have to make a move with Steven Adams officially out for the season. Between him and BC recovering from the Achilles injury they just don’t have the depth in the paint right now. Not sure that Bismack Biyombo is the answer but at least it will give us some extra depth. They’ve also played 2 good healthy teams and their first road game was part of a back to back early in the season so I’m not worried in the slightest. [Reply]