2017-2018 NBA Season

[CubColtPacer]

LeBron is ridiculous, and he's treating the Raptors like Jordan treated the Knicks and Pacers. Toronto will never get past him

 

Eh, the Pacers and Jordan were never really on the same timeline. The Pacers were just a mediocre team during Jordan's first three peat. They made a surprise Eastern Conference Finals run the year that Jordan retired. They made the Eastern Conference Finals again and would have faced the Bulls if Orlando hadn't beaten them. And then the next two years when the Bulls had their historic teams, the Pacers had a Reggie Miller eye injury that torpedoed one season in the first round, and then injuries/mutiny around Larry Brown had them miss the playoffs the next year.

 

The only time they played the Bulls was the closest the Bulls came to getting knocked out during Jordan's title years. The Pacers had the lead in the 4th quarter of game 7, but they couldn't hold it as the Bulls simply outworked them (outrebounded them by 16) down the stretch. Jordan couldn't hit a shot in that game but did everything else.

 

Then after the Bulls left the scene the Pacers made two more Eastern Conference Finals and one NBA Finals before leaving the scene themselves.

 

Although when I looked up details of this game to reminisce, I had to laugh at this call. It had no impact on the game whatsoever but was still hilarious :) https://gfycat.com/PlushNauticalIrishdraughthorse

[UMFan83]

There was a time toward the end of last round when the NBA playoffs seemed somewhat exciting because for once it felt slightly unpredictable. LeBron’s Cavs looked more vaunerable than ever and the Sixers were the hottest team in basketball and a legit (imo) threat to come out of the east. The warriors looked weak enough that there was a chance a team like the Rockets could knock them off. Now 1.5 weeks later the Cavs have basically locked up the East and the Warriors will probably come out of the West.

 

(Yes the Celtics could hypothetically beat the Cavs as they have superior coaching and their young talent seems to be taking a step up but come on the LeBrons are going to win. Also yes the Rockets can beat the Warriors but it just seems like another GS-CLE matchup is inevitable.)

[Derwood]

It's insane that a Thunder team with Harden, Durant and Westbrook never did better than one Finals appearance.

[Regular Show]

It's insane that a Thunder team with Harden, Durant and Westbrook never did better than one Finals appearance.

 

If they kept that group together they would have gone to multiple NBA Finals. It's weird looking back, but the way they used Harden was less than optimal by bringing him off the bench to play with the second unit. He wasn't really a starter during his time with the Thunder. Also, the 'Big 3' for the Thunder looked like it was going to be Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka. Ibaka was a great defender with an improving outside shot before he started regressing.

 

It was a massive blunder on the Thunder's part for breaking up that incredible triumvirate, but I didn't think Harden was this good or ever capable of winning an MVP.

 

Sidenote: This is a fitting punishment for how they screwed over the city of Seattle and Supersonics fans. Seattle deserves an NBA team.

[Derwood]

It's insane that a Thunder team with Harden, Durant and Westbrook never did better than one Finals appearance.

 

If they kept that group together they would have gone to multiple NBA Finals. It's weird looking back, but the way they used Harden was less than optimal by bringing him off the bench to play with the second unit. He wasn't really a starter during his time with the Thunder. Also, the 'Big 3' for the Thunder looked like it was going to be Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka. Ibaka was a great defender with an improving outside shot before he started regressing.

 

It was a massive blunder on the Thunder's part for breaking up that incredible triumvirate, but I didn't think Harden was this good or ever capable of winning an MVP.

 

Sidenote: This is a fitting punishment for how they screwed over the city of Seattle and Supersonics fans. Seattle deserves an NBA team.

 

They wouldn't have been able to afford to keep that team together long term

[Regular Show]

It's insane that a Thunder team with Harden, Durant and Westbrook never did better than one Finals appearance.

 

If they kept that group together they would have gone to multiple NBA Finals. It's weird looking back, but the way they used Harden was less than optimal by bringing him off the bench to play with the second unit. He wasn't really a starter during his time with the Thunder. Also, the 'Big 3' for the Thunder looked like it was going to be Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka. Ibaka was a great defender with an improving outside shot before he started regressing.

 

It was a massive blunder on the Thunder's part for breaking up that incredible triumvirate, but I didn't think Harden was this good or ever capable of winning an MVP.

 

Sidenote: This is a fitting punishment for how they screwed over the city of Seattle and Supersonics fans. Seattle deserves an NBA team.

 

They wouldn't have been able to afford to keep that team together long term

 

Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka and Harden? Yeah, they wouldn't have been able to afford that group.

 

Durant, Westbrook and Harden? I'm pretty sure they could afford to keep those three and surround them with inexpensive vets and some players on rookie contracts. I mean right now or this season they were paying a good amount for Westbrook, George and Carmelo.

[Cubswin11]

It's insane that a Thunder team with Harden, Durant and Westbrook never did better than one Finals appearance.

 

If they kept that group together they would have gone to multiple NBA Finals. It's weird looking back, but the way they used Harden was less than optimal by bringing him off the bench to play with the second unit. He wasn't really a starter during his time with the Thunder. Also, the 'Big 3' for the Thunder looked like it was going to be Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka. Ibaka was a great defender with an improving outside shot before he started regressing.

 

It was a massive blunder on the Thunder's part for breaking up that incredible triumvirate, but I didn't think Harden was this good or ever capable of winning an MVP.

 

Sidenote: This is a fitting punishment for how they screwed over the city of Seattle and Supersonics fans. Seattle deserves an NBA team.

 

They wouldn't have been able to afford to keep that team together long term

They could’ve kept Durant, Harden and Westbrook. Their owners didn’t want to pay the penalties though by re-signing Harden since it would’ve put them in the LT to extend Harden so they traded him.

Edited May 7, 2018 by Cubswin11

[bcl412]

There was a time toward the end of last round when the NBA playoffs seemed somewhat exciting because for once it felt slightly unpredictable. LeBron’s Cavs looked more vaunerable than ever and the Sixers were the hottest team in basketball and a legit (imo) threat to come out of the east. The warriors looked weak enough that there was a chance a team like the Rockets could knock them off. Now 1.5 weeks later the Cavs have basically locked up the East and the Warriors will probably come out of the West.

 

(Yes the Celtics could hypothetically beat the Cavs as they have superior coaching and their young talent seems to be taking a step up but come on the LeBrons are going to win. Also yes the Rockets can beat the Warriors but it just seems like another GS-CLE matchup is inevitable.)

 

Cavs did need a pretty good collapse and a buzzer beater so I guess they could be down 2-1. It’s tough to see a short handed Celtics club beating them though. Of course I didn’t think they’d be up 3-0. Houston is good but I’ve seen them beating Houston. Nearly their whole lineup is elite talent. I’m not sold there’s many teams inNBA history that beat them

[Sammy Sofa]

[soccer10k]

 

If they kept that group together they would have gone to multiple NBA Finals. It's weird looking back, but the way they used Harden was less than optimal by bringing him off the bench to play with the second unit. He wasn't really a starter during his time with the Thunder. Also, the 'Big 3' for the Thunder looked like it was going to be Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka. Ibaka was a great defender with an improving outside shot before he started regressing.

 

It was a massive blunder on the Thunder's part for breaking up that incredible triumvirate, but I didn't think Harden was this good or ever capable of winning an MVP.

 

Sidenote: This is a fitting punishment for how they screwed over the city of Seattle and Supersonics fans. Seattle deserves an NBA team.

 

They wouldn't have been able to afford to keep that team together long term

They could’ve kept Durant, Harden and Westbrook. Their owners didn’t want to pay the penalties though by re-signing Harden since it would’ve put them in the LT to extend Harden so they traded him.

 

And it only would have been a couple million over for a year or two. They definitely could have kept all three.

[Derwood]

But the Thunder got Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb for Harden, so I think we know who REALLY won that trade

[imb]

But the Thunder got Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb for Harden, so I think we know who REALLY won that trade

 

And Steven Adams. But yeah, that one will hurt for a long time

[Sosa21MVP]

Raptors? More like Craptors amirite.

[Cubswin11]

The Raptors owe Lowry, Derozan, Ibaka, Valanciunas and Powell over $110 million a year the next 2 years. So they have that going for them, which is nice

[Flames24Rulz]

It's insane that a Thunder team with Harden, Durant and Westbrook never did better than one Finals appearance.

 

Doesn't really reflect well on Scott Brooks, and I'm sure Washington fans probably aren't that impressed with him either.

 

As for Toronto, I think they have to at least look at trading DeRozan. As long as LeBron is alive and playing basketball, there's no way that team is going to beat Cleveland. Teams that pride themselves on depth and great benches (like Toronto does) usually don't win championships. Just look at the Bulls earlier this decade...lol.

[soccer10k]

It's insane that a Thunder team with Harden, Durant and Westbrook never did better than one Finals appearance.

 

Doesn't really reflect well on Scott Brooks, and I'm sure Washington fans probably aren't that impressed with him either.

 

They only had three years with Harden before trading him and they were good all three years. There are plenty of reasons to dislike Brooks as a coach but I can’t fault him for not winning a title or making more than one finals with that trio.

[Flames24Rulz]

It's insane that a Thunder team with Harden, Durant and Westbrook never did better than one Finals appearance.

 

Doesn't really reflect well on Scott Brooks, and I'm sure Washington fans probably aren't that impressed with him either.

 

They only had three years with Harden before trading him and they were good all three years. There are plenty of reasons to dislike Brooks as a coach but I can’t fault him for not winning a title or making more than one finals with that trio.

 

maybe, but we have the benefit of hindsight. Even with playing the Big 3 Miami team, I still feel like KD/Russ/Harden/Ibaka should've won that series for OKC. Hell, I thought going into the Finals at the time, they should've won the title that year.

[Regular Show]

It's insane that a Thunder team with Harden, Durant and Westbrook never did better than one Finals appearance.

 

Doesn't really reflect well on Scott Brooks, and I'm sure Washington fans probably aren't that impressed with him either.

 

As for Toronto, I think they have to at least look at trading DeRozan. As long as LeBron is alive and playing basketball, there's no way that team is going to beat Cleveland. Teams that pride themselves on depth and great benches (like Toronto does) usually don't win championships. Just look at the Bulls earlier this decade...lol.

 

I think Toronto has to keep pushing and try to see if this group can breakthrough. Lebron might leave this offseason and go join some team in the Western Conference. Then you'll have a tough Boston squad that will probably have the best record next year and an up-and-coming Philly team that should be formidable.

 

Blowing it up won't get Toronto anything great in return most likely. Lowry is making too high a salary and is getting up there in age. DeRozan is a good player, but I don't consider him a superstar. The rest of the team has little trade value. Honestly, no team really has a chance in the NBA Finals from the Eastern Conference, but getting there has some value.

[Derwood]

Dwayne Casey fired

 

Oh, ok then. Totally his fault that LeBron exists

[Regular Show]

Dwayne Casey fired

 

Oh, ok then. Totally his fault that LeBron exists

 

Everyone knew he was getting fired. It sucks, but someone had to be the fall guy. Bad timing maybe...

 

You can't "fire" the players and this is one place they can upgrade the team at. He isn't one of the top coaches in the NBA.

[Derwood]

Dwayne Casey fired

 

Oh, ok then. Totally his fault that LeBron exists

 

Everyone knew he was getting fired. It sucks, but someone had to be the fall guy. Bad timing maybe...

 

You can't "fire" the players and this is one place they can upgrade the team at. He isn't one of the top coaches in the NBA.

 

The team was a #1 seed and top 5 on both ends of the floor. I'd say that's pretty good

[Regular Show]

Dwayne Casey fired

 

Oh, ok then. Totally his fault that LeBron exists

 

Everyone knew he was getting fired. It sucks, but someone had to be the fall guy. Bad timing maybe...

 

You can't "fire" the players and this is one place they can upgrade the team at. He isn't one of the top coaches in the NBA.

 

The team was a #1 seed and top 5 on both ends of the floor. I'd say that's pretty good

 

I'm not saying he's one of the worst coaches in the NBA. He's good; just not elite IMO. Toronto has good vets and amazing depth. They are a good team, but to win in the playoffs you need stars or superstars performing at a high level.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I don't have strong opinions on Casey, but you can make the argument that on a team that has no short term path to superstars, they need someone stronger tactically than him. As an example, this piece focusing on Korver and Love mentions how Casey didn't stop leaving Valanciunas on that tandem til the series was over, despite their pick/switching action running them ragged. http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23445056

[bcl412]

I don’t think they can blow it up. They have a popular franchise within their fan base and losing for years can effect that. So the only major change they can make is the coach. I don’t remember the exact roster moves that were made but Steve Kerr turned a team that didn’t seem like a title contender to a team that’s turned into the sports new dynasty. They have talent and who knows what the right coach can do. They aren’t so inferior to the Cavs that they should be swept with half the games being non competitive. There’s something mental going on when Toronto plays Cleveland and I see why you’d try a new coach

[bcl412]

Part of me thinks the Celtics are winning this part of me remembers when the Bulls blew out the Heat in game one then never won again