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NBA Season Preview ’19  (Pt.2)

by Anwar Jones

We’re jumping back into the Preview, this go-around focuses on the Eastern Conference.

Be sure to hit us with your Comments & Subscribe to our Full Episodes at rosecitysportstalk.com

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston Celtics

The Celtics are like the WuTang Clan with this squad they are bringing together where anybody can bomb atomically, with Socrates philosophies and hypotheses. These killers bees go deep and will swarm the east coast with the most talented and complete starting 5 they have trotted out since the Ubuntu days. Brad Stevens, the RZA is this scenario, has an embarrassment of riches, he just has to make sure everybody gets their time to shine. Uncle Drew looks like he’s ready slice thru the lane with liquid sword precision, and with the return of the 36 Chamber, Gordon Haywood, this should be the death lineup of the east. Add in the the upcoming Jayson Tical Tatum, there will be no father to the style of this Celtic Clan. Anything less than a finals appearance will be a disappointment.

Player to Watch - How quickly can Gordon Haywood regain his all star form  Record 64-18

Toronto Raptors

Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty, is what Demar Derozen was preaching but Masai Ujri is about that strictly business type of lifestyle. It’s hard to fault the GM for trading up and acquiring a top five player in the league. Loyalty goes out the window when an opportunity like this presents itself, especially when the player in question has repeatedly came up short in the postseason. Now the Raptors have a year to the trust and the, umm, loyalty of Leonard to stay with the franchise and bring them to new heights. It’s a worthy gamble. Toronto could be the best defensive unit in the NBA, with the ability to matchup with ANY lineup out there. They’ll need Lowry to get out of his feelings to welcome some new friends for the team to reach its full potential, but it’s all right there for the taking for the team in the 6.

Player to Watch - Will Kawhi Leonard regain his elite status                      Record 60-22

Philadelphia Sixers

The Sixers have the modern day Shaq and Penny and if they are able to mimic the dynamic duo’s trajectory, a finals appearance is on the horizon. Of course Embiid has to stay healthy and Simmons needs to expand his the range on his jumper but this team has all the tools to make a deep run. Philly’s lack of playmakers outside of Simmons was exposed against Celtics in the playoffs, so they are relying on a boost from their former number pick Markelle Fultz. Hopefully Fultz worked on his inner Chi during the summer and fully exercised his shooting demons, so he can unleash his iron fist on the rest of the league. There are some questions marks for Philly, but if everything clicks they should battle with Boston in the ECF.

Player to Watch – Can Fultz bounce back from his shaky rookie campaign  Record 57-25

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets must be feelings like Randolph and Mortimer from Trading Places, as they continue to suffer the affects from one of the worst trades in NBA history. That dollar bet has led to an uphill battle for relevancy and respect and a lifelong of bitterness as they wonder what could’ve been if they had Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kyrie Irving. The past is the past but when you trade, or shall I say swap out elite assets, it’s hard to ever forget. They have some solid talent like Jarret Allen, D’ Angelo Russell and Caris Levert but none of those players are future all stars or players good enough to really build around. Brooklyn’s stock is low, they are pretty much on bankrupt status, but they will continue look for opportunities to strike gold again.

Player to Watch - Will this be year D’Angelo Russell puts it all together      Record 30-52

New York Knicks

The Knicks plan on doing the right thing and develop their young talent instead of looking for the New York minute fix like they always do. Knicks faithful have often been bamboozled with false hope of big name free agents, pawning off draft picks for past their primes stars, or signing terrible contract when they have cap space has left New Yorkers more than enough blues over the last two decades. It’s about time they get on the bus of patience, i.e tank for one more high draft pick. David Fizdale is the perfect coach to help create winning habits and establish a positive culture for their youth in the Garden featuring Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and Frank Nkiltina. If those kids prove they got game and management makes the right tinkering to the roster, the hope of the summer of Durant may come to fruition in the Mecca.

Player to Watch - Will Kevin Knox live up to the hype                                Record 25-57

Milwaukee Bucks

Since Lebron is gone, The Greek Freak is looking to take over the crown of the east, the same way Marlo Stanfield snatched up the corners once Avon Barksdale got locked up and lost control of the towers. There is a new connect in town with Coach Bud looking to run a new offensive package that should free up space for Antekoumpbo to operate. A proposition to visit Weazyland is a must here. A 3 way co-op with Wolves and the Knicks; Brogdon, Maker, Lee, Mudiay, and the Bucks first rounder to the Minnesota, Bledsoe to NY, and Jimmy Butler and Tyus Jones setting up shop in Miluwakee. Everybody eats. A big three of the Greek, Butler and Middleton could have enough fire power to have a hostile takeover in the eastern territory.

Player to Watch - All eyes on the Greek Freak’s jumper                                Record 50-32

Indiana

Even though Victor Oladipo rocked the Black Panther mask during last year’s slam dunk contest, he had a Killmonger mentality when it came to claiming his rightful place on the throne of Conseco Field House. He quickly made Indiana forget about it’s former King George, leading the Pacers to a surprising solid season. Now it’s up to Myles Turner to back up the new King and a create powerful one-two combo in the Land of the Hoosiers. The Tyreke Evans addition was a slept on off-season move that should stabilize their 2 nd unit. The key to Indiana’s success will be to continue to play with the same level of ferocity that they brought to every game last season, if the players continue to ball with their backs against the problem this squad could be a dark house in the conference.

Player to Watch - Will the summer of yoga pay off for Myles Turner          Record 48-34

Detroit Pistons

I’m not sure what was a bigger flop, the Motor Lob City or Eminem’s Revivial, but both parties need a shot at redemption. Marshall got his chance with Kamikaze, not it’s up to Dwayne Casey to lead a recovery season. Thankfully the SVG era is no more, a solid coach with a blind eye for talent, Detroit wouldn’t stand another curtain call after his draft debacles and free agent signings. Pistons fans may relapse when they see SVG on ESPN, I mean his tenure was downright atrocious. It will be interesting to witness if Casey features point forward Blake and whether or not he can light a fire under the former All NBA performer. The problem with this squad is despite having a legit front court, everybody else on the roster is mediocre at best, and Reggie Jackson has done nothing to earn any type of faith. Fans may lose themselves in the moment of flashy highlights here and there, but Detroit’s ceiling and roof is a .500 record which won’t earn anybody in this organization an encore.

Player to Watch - Andre Drummond wants to shoot threes, enough said  Record 37-45

Cleveland Cavs Ain’t no sunshine when Lebron’s gone, only darkness when he’s gone away. Ain’t no shirtless JR, that’s gone, only prayers for him to shoot when the basket is two feet away. King James fulfilled his promise to the city, took his talents to Hollywood but left Akron will a new school, so they will be no slander or burning jerseys this time around. From a basketball perspective he left behind some average players with terrible contracts and Minnesota Kevin Love. The numbers while he was there were at a historic level, but Minnesota Love was barely leading his team to 40 wins. So while the Cavs are allowing him to reintroduce himself, his name is Love, the excitement to his intro should have minimal buzz. Good thing they play in the east. The Cavs do have battled tested vets, where if pride comes to the front they have a fighters chance of getting into playoff contention. Cleveland passed on all star level talent to keep the draft rights to what resulted in Collin Sexton, so Kolby Jones will be enjoying some sunshine if he’s a bust.

Player to a Watch - Collin Sexton and his summer league defensive stance  Record 34-48

Chicago Bulls

GarPax must have been tripping on acid in the rain when they decided paying Jabari Parker and Zach Lavine 40 million a year combined was the necessary off-season direction. Parker was banking on some home juice and cocoa butter kisses but this homecoming already stinks for him considering he let Justin Holiday beat him out for a starting spot. Esssh. I don’t have a problem with Zach Lavine, but he must do more than fly and get buckets if he’s going to warrant that hefty raise. The only reason why GarPax are still employed is that they typically kill it during draft time. Last year was Lauri Markannen, this year it’s Wendell Carter Jr, a polished man-child that’s on my short ROY list. The Bulls campaign shall be to “Not care-th for Barrett”, or Win None 4 Williamson, either one works in favor for their future.

Player to Watch - Waiting for Denzel Valentine to get released after his performance at the Drew League                                                                    Record 27-55

Miami Heat

I would call Thibs a motherf#cker and played Pac’ s “Hit em Up” too if I were Pat Riley and minutes away from acquiring Jimmy Butler for Josh Richardson and some loose change. That is the deal Riley has been waiting to pounce on to kick start one more pour out a little liquor run, Thibs has Butler on the scorecard like Shep at 3 on 3 tourney. Eric Spolstra’s crew has an outlaw mentality of stealing games through execution and effort every night because this team isn’t stacked with top notch talent. The majority of the team carries that “me against the world” type of chip on their shoulders so will continue to be a problem in the east. Once Riley has his mind made up he tends to get what he wants, so expect a star coming to South Beach by the trade deadline for sure.

Player to Watch - Can Hassan Whiteside get back on track                      Record 45-37

Washington Wizards

Man Ernie Grunfield must have thought of the perfect plan to get fired, collect his money and sip mojtios in the Caribbean. It’s so smart, so devious, yet so simple. His epiphany was to add Dwight Howard and Austin River, two of the most hated teammates in the league, to an already dysfunctional locker room. Yeah that’s the blueprint to a pink slip, and the foundation for a New York Times bestselling memoir. Seriously this is like Wale going from “Nike Boots” to “Looking at Me” and thinking he was still going to maintain his core following. Not happening. So Grunfield must be trolling us all. Wall is out here following Shawn Kemp’s off-season workout plan because he knows what’s coming next. Dwight Howard is coming to D.C. and just like a DC film we are going to be left wanting our time and money back. Hello Washington you are the Suicide Squad.

Player to Watch -  The year of the John Wall weight watch                        Washington 41-41

Charlotte Hornets

Jordan leaves all of his fans internally crying with every move he makes with the Hornets. We just want Mike to succeed. Let him mean more to the youth than his retro kicks and crying memes. Be the winner you’ve always been. But Mike, Mitch Kupchak, really Mike. That same Mitch that signed Timothy Mosgov at midnight in 2016 for 64 million. And then cashed out Luol Deng for 72 million a few weeks later! No Mike! Don’t do this to us! Mitch can not be trusted, he is not the answer. Kudos to whoever decided to draft Miles Bridges, he’s a keeper. He’s a sleeper ROY candidate and will be a regular on NBA twitter highlight feeds. But I’m worried about the Goat. I need a big time acquisition for once in your life to restore your glory. Your name is your name, Mike.

Player to Watch - Do Miles Bridges and Malik Monk have real big time potential Record 40-42

Orlando Magic

Maybe one day it will make sense. It’s hard right now. I’m confused. I’m not sure what world Mo Bama, Jonathon Issac, and Aaron Gordon can play at the same time, but the Magic need to find that universe. Or they will be left with the reality that three of your last 4 top ten picks can’t play with each other, and the other being Mario Henojoa is wearing a Knicks uniform this season. It doesn’t take much common sense to know that riding with DJ Augustine and Jerian Grant as your primary point guards should be banned from existence, but here we are. Good thing no one cares about Orlando. We will just the them be.

Player to Watch - Can Mo Bama be a floor spacing Rudy Gobert, esssh  Record 26-56

Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta drafted Trae Young for the culture. They already have a League Pass urban legend organ player in the arena why not go all in and have a hip hop show at every home game. Open acts during halftime, the game is like the intermission and Migos or 2Chainz will headline after the buzzer sounds. The Atl hip hop scene will no doubt be popping up at the games to check out the Young Show, so the Hawks might well show love to the fans and give them something to cheer about until 4 am. Because that whole winning games thing will not be happening in Atlanta. Shout out to John Collins and we will see the Hawks next lottery night.

Player to Watch - Can Trae Young quiet the critics                                        Record 18-64

(Rose City Sports Talk is an unfiltered, laid-back, adult-adaptation of a sports network. If you’re interested in contributing, feel free to reach out. Be sure to check out our Podcasts, Webisodes, and to follow us @rosecitysportstalk503)

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NBA Season Preview ’19  (Pt.1)

By Anwar Jones

What. is. GOOOOD!?!?! It’s October and you already know what that means. The NBA Season is upon us and its about to get crazy. You thought last year was wild??? Check yo self, we got our Annual ‘NBA Season Preview’ below!

Be sure to hit us with your comments & subscribe to our Full Episodes at rosecitysportstalk.com

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors

So this off-season the Warriors mimicked Thanos in Infinty War to take it’s reign over the league to another level, while the other teams got their Star Lord on, allowing GS to obtain the last Infinity Stone, also known as Demarcus Cousins. Just like fans wanted to slap Star Lord, we should challenge our favorite teams’ GM to a duel for just sitting idle while the Dubs signed Boogie for the mid-level exception. It’s not hyperbole to say this is the best starting five ever. We may only witness this collection of stars for one season, with the rumblings of a KD departure and the inability to give a max contract to Cousins under league rules, this reign could be over with a snap of the finger. If that fate comes to fruition, the damage will already be done, as the Dubs will more than likely win their 4th title in 5 years and cement themselves as one of the top dynasties the NBA has ever seen.

Player to Watch - Can KD win a MVP on this stacked squad Record - 63-19

Los Angeles Lakers

The Magic Man has been dropping dimes in La La Land for almost 40 years, so it’s only fitting he assisted the Lakers in escaping basketball purgatory. Magic has brought Lebron James aka Maximus to battle in the Staples Center Colosseum. As if Laker Nation wasn’t already entertained by past Gladiators, like the great Black Mamba, the Big Aristotle, or the Goliath known as Wilt the Stilt, Maximus is here to restore past Showtime glory. To earn his freedom he must win the crowd and raise another banner to the rafters. King James will rely on some fiery young fighters looking to make a name for themselves in Ball, Kuzma, Ingram and Hart. He will seek wisdom from another gladiator, Rajon Rondo to help in his journey, but it will be up to Magic to bring in another established soldier to help the true King bring the trophy back to the Roman Laker Nation in the near future. It is why we are here. 

Player to Watch - Which Youngblood with be Lebron’s right hand man Record 53-29

Los Angles Clippers

Jerry West is the Professor X of the NBA, the behind the scene orchestrator of multiple dynastic teams. But he will need to tap into his cerebral vortex to make the Clippers a champs. The Logo will find a way to rebuild this team quickly, his reputation speaks for itself. It’s safe to either rookie Shai Gilegous-Alexander or Jerome Robinson, if not both, will be steals in the draft because West always finds gems. They have set themselves for the future with the space for two max contracts and tradable assets like Tobias Harris, Sweet Lou and Patrick Beverly to land a disgruntled star. The Clippers window to jack the city from the Lakers came and went, so they might as well just head north to Seattle, bring back the Sonics and establish a new where they will be loved and embraced forever. Can’t be a side piece forever.

Player to watch - Will Shai Gileous-Alexander be the best point guard of the draft class Record- 34-48

Phoenix Suns

GM Ryan McDonough caught the Jim Buss Holy Ghost during the off-season. His grand scheme of paying 35 million for the combo of Trevor Ariza and Ryan Anderson to help lead them to the playoffs was just delusional. It’s reminiscent of the Infamous summer of 16 and the tragedy that was the Deng and Mosgov. Trading an unprotected 1 st to move up 6 spots into the mid lottery is borderline criminal. The Suns won the lottery and added some solid young buildings blocks in Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Eli Okobo and Deanthony Melton, but Robert Sarver had enough. The fact that McDonough once had too many talented point guards to make happy a few years back to not having a starting caliber lead guard was too much to overcome. Sarver should’ve done it weeks ago so he focus on partying at the country club. Luckily Phoenix has a human bucket machine in Devin Booker, that they can convert to the point and hopefully create James Harden 2.0

Player to Watch - Can Ayton justify being the 1 st of the draft from day one Record 24-48

Sacramento Kings

This is the dawn of the post apocalyptic season for the Kings faithful and they can look no further than the self proclaimed Vladefather. He is literally out here making offers teams can’t refuse, like giving up an unprotected 1 st rounder for the opportunity to sign Rajon Rondo, Wes Matthews or Monta Ellis. That’s insanity. Clearly Vlade’s favorite of the Godfather trilogy was the third rendition and he’s using his platform to create his own spoof. Yet again the Kings failed to add the necessary talent to even sniff the playoffs so it’s all about development this season. They have a little bit of hope with sleeper prospect Harry Giles. If he can stay healthy and continues to build off his promising performance during summer league they may have stumbled upon a gold mine. Fox has a nice future and Marvin Bagley should be able to score with ease considering his skill set. It’s not all bad for the Kings from a talent perspective but remember they are by far the worst team in the West and don’t have their pick. The Vlad-Father better avoid the desert.

Player to Watch – Will Marvin Bagley’s collegiate dominance translate to the pro game Record 20-62

Northwest Division

Utah Jazz

The meteoric rise of Donovan Mitchell was one of the highlights of the 2017-18 season. Watching Spida Mitchell during his rookie campaign was eerily similar to Peter Parker testing out his web slinging potential, as he gradually realized he was a problem for the league. His coming out party came during a surprise upset against the Thunder in the 1 st round, where he looked virtually unstoppable. Now that he’s knows he has great powers, he has the responsibility of building on the momentum and lead the Jazz even further in the postseason. When Rudy Gobert is healthy, Utah is the most menacing defensive in the NBA, so as long as he stays on the court they will be successful. The Jazz had a quiet offseason, so they are clearly banking on their young talent taking a leap. We will see if one of the best coaches in the league, Quinn Snyder will help lead them to the next level.

Player to Watch - Is Donovan Mitchell at the superstar level yet Record 52-30

OKC Thunder

Russell Westbrook isn’t human, he’s not a mutant either, but he is Wolverine. He’s virtually indestructible and although will miss the start of the year no one is overly concerned considering he is made out of adamantium steel. Even Wolverine needs time to regenerate. Year 2 of the Westbrook and PG13 duo will be drastically different and more successful than the first. Now that their roles will be more defined, Russ and George should thrive and play off each other more effectively in the half court without the task of sharing shots with Hoodie Melo. Defensively, this team could be a juggernaut once Andre Robertson gets into the fold, but even without him they can still be great. The addition of Dennis Schroeder was a sneaky move that will no doubt ease the burden of Westbrook and allow him to attack off ball and be able to score more freely. OKC is a sleeper WCF contender.

Player to Watch - Dennis Schroeder can be the third scorer this has desperately needed Record 47-35

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers are wasting the prime years of Dame Lillard. The second round is this team’s ceiling and it shouldn’t be that way. It’s absolute travesty that Neil Olshey has failed to add the necessary pieces to help out his star studded backcourt. Portland needs a third star, but Olshey refuses to go all in to add one. Cough, Jimmy Butler, cough? The roster has an odd mix of players either ready for prime time or years a way from contributing. Portland needs 3 and D wings, but Olshey fails to address that gaping hole. The roster has taken a set back in a conference that is becoming increasingly more difficult to stay afloat. Maybe Mystique can warn Olshey the sentinels are coming to take Lillard to brighter lights and alter the fate of Portland. Otherwise the writing is on the wall. A miracle needs to happen for Blazers’ fans quickly or their future days are going to be spent reminiscing about the past dominance of Dame Time.

Player to Watch - Can CJ McCollum become an All Star Record 47-35

Denver Nuggets

The Joker is the main reason why we should all take the the Nuggets playoff hopes so serious. Jokic flipped a switch and just blew up last season showing off his unique point-center skill set, reminiscent of another great international center, Arvydas Sabonis. Now it’s up to his backcourt, Jamal Murray and Gary Harris to take this team to the next level. Murray has the ability to be the go to scorer but he has to bring it every night. Denver have a plethora of young players that can get buckets, but they need to buckle down on defense. Coach Malone gained notoriety for his defensive philosophy, so it’s time for him to step up and earn that rep if this squad wants to be a serious contender in the West.

Player to Watch – The Rise of Jamal Murray Record 44-38

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Jimmy Butler saga has wrecked the Wolves’ season before it even started. When Butler exposed Towns and Wiggins for being shook ones, halfway crooks, scared to death, scared to look, it was a wrap. The stakes were already high for KAT coming off his disappearing act in his first playoff appearance but his reputation as an upcoming superstar is on the line. Is he minor or major, a true star or just a stat stuffer are the questions that will be answered by seasons’ end. Thibs is undoubtedly stubborn but he has pull the trigger on a Butler deal before he loses all the leverage for the All NBA performer. Thibs will more than likely going lose his job after the season and so next just ride or die with Jimmy and disregard the future. If that happens it will this will be a lost year for the Wolves. If KAT and Wiggins have any heart they better show it now or the will never shake the soft label.

Player to Watch - Make or break year for Andrew Wiggins Record 37-45

Southwest Division

Houston Rockets

Daryl Morey, why not just bring it back, rewind, pon de replay on a roster that was a CP3 injury away from knocking off the evil empire. This was a confusing off-season for the Rockets, by letting Ariza and Mbah a Moute walk, they lost the defensive switch abilities that made them so special. Adding T.R.O.Y Olympic Melo would’ve been perfect if they maintained there defensive prowess but without it, the squad has taken an unnecessary step back. They will still be in the top 2 or 3 record wise in the West but their championship hopes have dwindled significantly. Morey is a wizard with trades, so it’s a possibility the Rockets still have a chance. I highly doubt Houston will stand pat, the question is will whatever move they make be enough to get one of those rings and things they sing about.

Player to Watch - Can Cp3 avoid his injury playoff curse Record 59-23

New Orleans Pelicans

The theme song for the Pelicans is Biggie’s “One More Chance” but the writing may already be on the wall. Even if the Brow plays at a historic level, New Orleans won’t even make the WCF. Shunning Boogie during free agency was a head scratcher because he was the only chance of pairing the Brow with an elite talent, even with his recent injury history, they had to bring him back. While they were successful without Cousins by playing at the fastest pace in the league and added a perfect compliment to that style of ball in the summer in Julius Randle, it’s just not enough to put them in chip contention. The holes at the wing position and the lack of a second guard will be this squad’s downfall. This season is shaping up to be a long kiss goodnight for the Pellies (turrrbile nickname) with AD signing with Klutch Sports, the rumblings off a Showtime Introduction with the Brow singing “I’m going, going, back, back to Cali, Cali” is on deck.

Player to Watch – Is Playoff Jrue the real Jrue Holiday Record 45-37

San Antonio Spurs

The death of a dynasty is upon us all. Jay-Z once said “It’s a secret society, all we ask is trust,”and within a season we saw that trust erode in San Antonio, thus tarnishing what is known as the Spurs Way in the process. Acquiring the somehow grossly undervalued bucket getter Demar Derozen for a disgruntled Kawhi Leonard was actually a great pickup during the summer. Ask Thibs if he would take that now. The problem that the Spurs have is surprisingly identity. With Kawhi, Parker, Ginobli, and the long gone Duncan, the framework of the championship blueprint is now absent. Pop is looking around the locker room like Will in the last episode of Fresh Prince. The injuries to Dejounte Murray, Lonnie Walker, and Derrick White couldn’t have came at a worst time, leaving them scary thin of playmakers on the roster. The Spurs 21 year playoff run is officially in serious jeopardy. I’ll never count out Popovich, but he needs to find a point guard ASAP to salvage this season.

Player to Watch - Demar Derozen Revenge Tour Record 44-38

Memphis Grizzlies

Running out this Grizzlies team is like churning out another Fast & Furious, we just roll are eyesand say to ourselves “ Really, another one.” The Grit n Grind crew still has familiar faces on the cast, but the culture is gone and it was replace with nothing but random pieces. The biggest flaw with this teamhas been outside shooting which still hasn’t been addressed which is a Tyrese-like head scratcher. Their best bet is to flip Gasol and Conley so they can get value for their aging stars. The West is so stacked, Memphis would have to play out of their minds to sniff the playoffs. Going out on a limb here but the Slow Mo and Garrett Temple acquisitions just don’t seem like enough to do it.

Player to Watch - Jaren Jackson Jr looks like the real deal Record 30-52

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs are trying to reboot their success with another international phenom after 20 plus years of the same mega star. Dirk was the Dark Knight of European prospects and nothing will top his epic trilogy. Luka Doncic will have to mimic Bain’s childhood rise from the prison to even challenge the reign of his predecessor. There’s a ton of hype surrounding Luka, but Dallas will be satisfied if he is just a Michael Keaton type of Bruce Wayne, but if he is on that Ben Aflek level, the Mavericks are in trouble. Deandre Jordan finally escaped the barricaded door of the Clippers franchise but it’s couple years too late from him to have a major impact. Dallas has good talent on the roster, the Doncic nd Smith Jr will be fun to watch, but a playoff birth is wishful thinking.

Player to Watch - Will Luka Doncic be the transcendent player his pegged to be Record 30-52

That’s a wrap for the Western Conference Preview, be sure to check back for Pt. 2, the Eastern Conference Preview, and do us a solid and share this article!

(Rose City Sports Talk is an unfiltered, laid-back, adult-adaptation of a sports network. If you’re interested in contributing, feel free to reach out. Be sure to check out our Podcasts, Webisodes, and to follow us @rosecitysportstalk503)

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TRUST THE PROCESS by Anwar Jones

Trust the process. It's no longer just a rally cry for the 76er fan base, it's has evolved into a 7'2, 275 pound specimen of endless skill and potential  Trust the process was a rogue concept in the age of Twitter, 24/7 sports news cycle, and unprecedented access to team management and athletes.  Typically patience has been rendered obsolete in pro sports and replaced with the “what have you done for me lately” mantra. Trust the process is now the self-proclaimed nickname of rookie big man Joel Embiid, the Cameron-born, one-and-done Kansas prodigy and 3rd overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=JPPMyh_VO8Y 

When a player takes two years to make his debut, a fan base must completely buy into the notion of patience in order to maintain sanity. The early flashes of brilliance that the third year rookie has shown, in limited minutes, has made the wait well worth it. See the genius of Sam Hinkie was not necessarily his blueprint of the process, but the ability to sell the idea of tanking and ultimately receive  the backing of not only management but also the Philly faithful. That loyalty was tested to the fullest extent after Hinkie selected the injured Embiid a year after he drafted Nerlens Noel, who was recovering from knee surgery at the time of his selection. It was a brutal blow to fans because they had nothing to show for after multiple seasons of basketball misery. Tanking in the NBA is not a bad idea, one player changes everything, but it's imperative for losing teams to hit home runs in the draft, not singles and doubles, especially in lottery land. Hinkie's fatal flaw was that even with what seemed like hundreds of draft picks, he failed to create a  young nucleus, piece by piece, position by position, draft by draft  that could be developed and mature together as a unit. Instead he tried to create his version of the Monstars, drafting 3 potential franchise centers in consecutive years, subsequently neglecting two of the key components of success in modern basketball, reliable guard play and 3 point shooting. However Hinkie's conviction for swinging for the fences in the draft did lead to the gamble of Embiid and the payout is just what this franchise needed. Hope.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rA2Cmbl196Y

One cannot have hope without the presence of despair and that despair was rotting in the minds of the Philly fanbase. Now they have the most charismatic big man since Shaq, replacing classic Shaqadomus interview quotes, with legendary Rihanna troll tweets and other funny gems he drops on a regular basis.  https://mobile.twitter.com/joelembiid/status/796258910617370624

On the court Embiid has been the blueprint of the new age big man, combining a sweet shooting extending out to the 3-point line, fluid post moves reminiscent of Hakeem the Dream, the ability to defend the pick and roll and provide valuable rim protection to anchor the defense. He plays with passion, and every minute of success is met with pure jubilation by Embiid as he is realizing his tremendous potential right before our eyes. After hitting his fourth three in a tightly contested loss to the Cavs, he couldn't help but crack a big smile on his way down the court.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2rHX0wA8Xtw

Yeah the hype is real with Embiiid, and as long as his body doesn't betray him, he will run away with the Rookie of the Year and begin a career of dominance. Sam Hinkie was the sacrificial lamb for the success of Embiid, as he abruptly resigned, aka was fired, last season before his dream of delivering the Sixers a true face of the franchise came to fruition during his tenure. His validation comes from the fans that trusted his thought process and the rallies cries of "Trust the Process" in the crowd that ensues after another jumper reigns in from the man dubbed "The Process."They will forever be linked together in either admiration or in infamy. Now all the Sixes have to do is actually, you know, win a game. Clearly for the fans, that is another process in itself that needs be trusted. Word on the street is that patience is a virtue.