The NBA Thread

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

ALL HAIL DEVIN BOOKER. 

Seriously. I've been high on this guy for awhile. He's a BEAST

[DomMcRaven]

THANK YOU RUSSELL WESTBROOK!!!!

 

 

 

Yes folks, I understand my poor Blazers are about to get stomped by the Warriors. I know.....

[usmccharles]

Im so sick of hearing all this westbrook love. 

[redrum52]

On 3/24/2017 at 10:46 PM, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

ALL HAIL DEVIN BOOKER. 

Seriously. I've been high on this guy for awhile. He's a BEAST

Always goes like that. Good he's becoming a household name.  Suns have a decent young squad.

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

43 minutes ago, redrum52 said:

Always goes like that. Good he's becoming a household name.  Suns have a decent young squad.

He's an above average athlete with a good shooting touch and is good off the dribble. He's a future talent.

 

The Kobe comparison are a bit much(if anyone's game is similar to Kobe that young it's actually Wiggins given that he's added a post-game to his offensive arsenal), but all in all, he could become a many time all star. 

[Ed_Reed20]

10 hours ago, usmccharles said:

Im so sick of hearing all this westbrook love. 

Why? 

[-Truth-]

9 minutes ago, Ed_Reed20 said:

Why? 

Look who's back!

[usmccharles]

5 minutes ago, Ed_Reed20 said:

Why? 

The guy is an unbelievable talent, don't get me wrong, but he is going to have around 400 shots I believe the next person.  Him and Harden both have set records for turnovers this year, and Westbrook shoots 42%  I am not going to say he is over-rated (that's Steph imo), and I wont deny that he is the only reason OKC is going to make the playoffs.  I just have never been a fan of players like him, maybe its because of how I played ball. 

[Ed_Reed20]

34 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

The guy is an unbelievable talent, don't get me wrong, but he is going to have around 400 shots I believe the next person.  Him and Harden both have set records for turnovers this year, and Westbrook shoots 42%  I am not going to say he is over-rated (that's Steph imo), and I wont deny that he is the only reason OKC is going to make the playoffs.  I just have never been a fan of players like him, maybe its because of how I played ball. 

Fair enough. Him and Harden are obviously ball-dominant volume scorers and yes, it can be tough to win with those kinds of superstars but neither has nearly enough talent around them to truly compete with GS. They have to do everything offensively and with that comes inefficiency and turnovers. 

[usmccharles]

10 minutes ago, Ed_Reed20 said:

Fair enough. Him and Harden are obviously ball-dominant volume scorers and yes, it can be tough to win with those kinds of superstars but neither has nearly enough talent around them to truly compete with GS. They have to do everything offensively and with that comes inefficiency and turnovers. 

Westbrook had Durant, I believe the way he plays pushed Durant out and that's why I don't think anyone will ever want to go play with him. 

[Ed_Reed20]

15 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

Westbrook had Durant, I believe the way he plays pushed Durant out and that's why I don't think anyone will ever want to go play with him. 

Westbrook's style definitely influenced the decision but let's not pretend KD is flawless. He's shrunk in big moments enough times while Russ stayed in attack mode. This was happening as early as the Finals against the Heat. No superstar may want to play with Russ but his playing style isn't the sole reason. What's there to do in OKC and how many building blocks are there to compete with the best in the West? Very little. 

[usmccharles]

3 minutes ago, Ed_Reed20 said:

Westbrook's style definitely influenced the decision but let's not pretend KD is flawless. He's shrunk in big moments enough times while Russ stayed in attack mode. This was happening as early as the Finals against the Heat. No superstar may want to play with Russ but his playing style isn't the sole reason. What's there to do in OKC and how many building blocks are there to compete with the best in the West? Very little. 

Oh I agree, imo though, Durant will be the best player Westbrook ever played with.  OKC sucks, been there many times and I always thought Durant would actually stay there, just seems like a place that fit him well.  I would take KD before Westbrook any day.  Also, not too many players wanted to play with Kobe and he lived in LA, plenty of stuff to do.  To each their own

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

5 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

Oh I agree, imo though, Durant will be the best player Westbrook ever played with.  OKC sucks, been there many times and I always thought Durant would actually stay there, just seems like a place that fit him well.  I would take KD before Westbrook any day.  Also, not too many players wanted to play with Kobe and he lived in LA, plenty of stuff to do.  To each their own

Kobe never had to go against a team that set the NBA wins record or never had to go against a team with a guy who's equally as unstoppable as Westbrook in Lebron, with a guy like him. Comparing the two is unfair. I'd take KD as well, but Westbrook is straight up unstoppable when he turns it on. That was evident several years ago vs. the Heat in the finals. 

 

I think that Curry's playstyle meshes better with Durant, but I don't really think that's the driving factor as to why he left. The Warriors had significantly more intrigue by having probably the two best pure shooters in the game with the second best defensive player and some good depth pieces. 

16 minutes ago, Ed_Reed20 said:

Westbrook's style definitely influenced the decision but let's not pretend KD is flawless. He's shrunk in big moments enough times while Russ stayed in attack mode. This was happening as early as the Finals against the Heat. No superstar may want to play with Russ but his playing style isn't the sole reason. What's there to do in OKC and how many building blocks are there to compete with the best in the West? Very little. 

Exactly this. Russ has had his moments of pure crap in the clutch, but Kevin Durant was a big factor as to why the Thunder blew a 3-1 lead last season. He didn't show up for the final few games. Meanwhile, until games 6 and 7 of that series Westbrook was very good. Both have a tendency to play hero ball, and that costed them big time. 

 

I do think a Paul George would fit in very well in OKC. But I have to agree with you, why the hell would anyone want to go down to a team with almost nothing on it. The second and thir best players on the Thunder are Enes Kanter, great offensivley, can't play defense, and Steven Adams, literal polar opposite. Oladipo is a decent player but not good enough to win you a championship. 

 

 

If I don't get the love for anyone it's Harden. He doesn't try on defense, and I'm sure he leads the nba in total turnovers right now, and yet the media loves him for some reason. So much so that some pundits claim that he's better than a prime kobe or wade, when both would eat him alive. Furthermore, Harden has proven to shrink moreso than his two former OKC counterparts in big moments, in fact he dissapears entirely(remember the finals when he laid an egg?).

 

 

Sorry. Westbrook had an all time great season. He deserves the MVP because he's the only reason they made the playoffs. Harden has a significantly better team around him with people who are very good scorers/shooters(Anderson, Gordon, Williams). It's basically all Westbrook in OKC. That's why he's getting the love..

 

Oh, and the second player in NBA history to average a triple double, and when you factor in pacing you could actually make a legit argument that it was a better season than Robertson's.

 

Personally though, I wouldn't be surprised if Leonard wins it either given the season he's having. 

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

1 hour ago, -Truth- said:

Look who's back!

Back again. Ed Reed's back. Tell a friend

Edited April 10 by LosT_in_TranSlatioN

[usmccharles]

32 minutes ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

Kobe never had to go against a team that set the NBA wins record or never had to go against a team with a guy who's equally as unstoppable as Westbrook in Lebron, with a guy like him. Comparing the two is unfair. I'd take KD as well, but Westbrook is straight up unstoppable when he turns it on. That was evident several years ago vs. the Heat in the finals. It was a complete team failure to blow a 3-1 lead, just like when the Warriors did it.  I think its a perfect comparison, for the fact that you say Kobe didn't have to face great teams and still no one wanted to come play with him.  OKC had a 3-1 lead and lost, instead of wanting to comeback and do it again, he just bounced (not hating on the decision, I loved it).  Basketball is a very team first sport, if you want to win championships, if you want to kill the stat sheet your going to get Westbrook.  Lebron is so good because he makes everyone around him better, I don't think Westbrook does at all. 

 

I think that Curry's playstyle meshes better with Durant, but I don't really think that's the driving factor as to why he left. The Warriors had significantly more intrigue by having probably the two best pure shooters in the game with the second best defensive player and some good depth pieces. I still think Steph is over-rated, such a beautiful shooter

Exactly this. Russ has had his moments of pure crap in the clutch, but Kevin Durant was a big factor as to why the Thunder blew a 3-1 lead last season. He didn't show up for the final few games. Meanwhile, until games 6 and 7 of that series Westbrook was very good. Both have a tendency to play hero ball, and that costed them big time.  I agree, that teams style of play helps drastically make them more efficient

If I don't get the love for anyone it's Harden. He doesn't try on defense, and I'm sure he leads the nba in total turnovers right now, and yet the media loves him for some reason. So much so that some pundits claim that he's better than a prime kobe or wade, when both would eat him alive. Furthermore, Harden has proven to shrink moreso than his two former OKC counterparts in big moments, in fact he dissapears entirely(remember the finals when he laid an egg?).Completely agree.  Would of been interesting to see what it would of been like if OKC kept Harden, seeing those three play together would of been interesting.  I agreed with moving Harden though, keeping Iblocka around.

Sorry. Westbrook had an all time great season. He deserves the MVP because he's the only reason they made the playoffs. Harden has a significantly better team around him with people who are very good scorers/shooters(Anderson, Gordon, Williams). It's basically all Westbrook in OKC. That's why he's getting the love.   I guess I cant really disagree with him getting the MVP, but I think the triple-double is just a stat thing, doesn't explain much imo.  I believe MJ had a total of 17 triple-doubles in his 6 years that he won a championship, Pippen had 34 I think, ish.  I would much rather have a guy average around 32pts/15 assists/3 rebounds than the 32/10/10 that hes averaging now

Oh, and the second player in NBA history to average a triple double, and when you factor in pacing you could actually make a legit argument that it was a better season than Robertson's. See above

Personally though, I wouldn't be surprised if Leonard wins it either given the season he's having. Leonard wont win because his stat sheet isn't impressive as Harden or Westrbooks, but he would be my choice because of what he brings to the defense side of the ball. 

Its just preference, goes back to how I used to play ball. 

Different strokes, different folks.

Edited April 10 by usmccharles

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

12 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

Its just preference, goes back to how I used to play ball. 

Different strokes, different folks.

Having a guy who makes everyone around him better Is a rarity. There are few players in NBA history that have that ability. I'd argue that a Chris Paul and Lebron have that ability. 

 

Its why everyone was going crazy for Lonzo ball before his dad ruined everything.

 

So I agree that Westbrook doesn't make everyone better. But I do think if he had a Paul George type he'd make his life easier.

[-Truth-]

I wouldn't be so down on Victor Oladipo. He's gotten more efficient every season, with his FG% and 3PT% rising in each of his first 4 seasons and his TOs dropping as well. Not a defensive liability. Solid starter in my book. Naming him as the Thunder's 4th best player is perhaps a bit low.

[Ed_Reed20]

2 hours ago, -Truth- said:

Look who's back!

 

18 minutes ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

Back again. Ed Reed's back. Tell a friend

I'm here for the end of days boys. 

 

3 minutes ago, -Truth- said:

I wouldn't be so down on Victor Oladipo. He's gotten more efficient every season, with his FG% and 3PT% rising in each of his first 4 seasons and his TOs dropping as well. Not a defensive liability. Solid starter in my book. Naming him as the Thunder's 4th best player is perhaps a bit low.

Agreed as usual. Oladipo has a ton of potential. Just needs to work on his jumper and attack the rim more. 

[-Truth-]

Just now, Ed_Reed20 said:

 

I'm here for the end of days boys. 

 

Agreed as usual. Oladipo has a ton of potential. Just needs to work on his jumper and attack the rim more. 

Glad to have you back. Agreed on all accounts.

[redrum52]

2 hours ago, usmccharles said:

The guy is an unbelievable talent, don't get me wrong, but he is going to have around 400 shots I believe the next person.  Him and Harden both have set records for turnovers this year, and Westbrook shoots 42%  I am not going to say he is over-rated (that's Steph imo), and I wont deny that he is the only reason OKC is going to make the playoffs.  I just have never been a fan of players like him, maybe its because of how I played ball. 

So you're not a Kobe fan?

 

I must give Westbrook credit cause I said there was no way he'd be able to maintain an entire season playing the way he was and he proved me wrong.  Not even speaking on the triple doubles, but the way he plays opens himself up to injury and barely rests.

Edited April 10 by redrum52

[usmccharles]

12 minutes ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

Having a guy who makes everyone around him better Is a rarity. There are few players in NBA history that have that ability. I'd argue that a Chris Paul and Lebron have that ability. 

Its why everyone was going crazy for Lonzo ball before his dad ruined everything.

So I agree that Westbrook doesn't make everyone better. But I do think if he had a Paul George type he'd make his life easier.

Valid points. 

 

4 minutes ago, redrum52 said:

So you're not a Kobe fan?

Respect the hell out of him, great talent.  But no, not a fan. 

 

[redrum52]

1 minute ago, usmccharles said:

Valid points. 

 

Respect the hell out of him, great talent.  But no, not a fan. 

 

Feel the same way.

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

3 minutes ago, redrum52 said:

Feel the same way.

He's kind of a crappy person

[usmccharles]

1 minute ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

He's kind of a crappy person

Is that because hes a rapist or just an butt?

[redrum52]

1 minute ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

He's kind of a crappy person

As a basket ball player I loved his mentality.  I also think he was somewhat overrated.

[redrum52]

4 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

Is that because hes a rapist or just an butt?

I just realized rapist wasn't a filtered word but butt is offensive...

 

I didn't say butt..

Edited April 10 by redrum52

[usmccharles]

8 minutes ago, redrum52 said:

I just realized rapist wasn't a filtered word but butt is offensive...

 

I didn't say butt..

I didn't say butt either....that changed quickly

[52520Andrew]

12 minutes ago, redrum52 said:

I just realized rapist wasn't a filtered word but butt is offensive...

 

I didn't say butt..

Maybe someone should make fun of the profanity filter on the final night and troll everyone

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

9 minutes ago, 52520Andrew said:

Maybe someone should make fun of the profanity filter on the final night and troll everyone

Why don't we just make fun of you?

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

To answer the question: BOTH