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philiprolz · 7 years

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CHOOSE YOUR FRANCHISE By Philip Rolz Nov 7, 2017

I was lucky enough to go to a couple of Orlando Magic games back in the 90′s and 2000′s and fell in love. But living almost 2,000 miles away from the nearest NBA city made it hard for me to really root for a team, a city, a franchise. But like a drunken, low self esteem college girl with daddy issues I gave myself to the first one that wooed me... a Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway led expansion team in Florida. I’ve stuck with them ever since.

But it got me thinking, how do you choose a team? Are some teams more likely to be a fan favorite than others? What’s their fan-ability? Before I make my case I gotta tell you what I took into consideration making this list: how cool or uncool the city is, how good-looking their uniforms are, GM decisions over the years, iconic players, fan base, the culture of the organization, overall success or lack there of, team history. OK, here’s my list:

Atlanta Hawks

You can’t NOT love a place people refer to as “The dirty south”, I mean it sounds fun and rappers made it cool to root for Atlanta based teams (specially the Hawks and Falcons).

Dominique Wilkins and Spud Webb were the first real iconic players that put the Hawks on the map with their amazing athletic abilities. The rivalry with Jordan and the Bulls was real (both in real games and in dunk contests at All-Star Weekends) and people noticed them. They were fun to watch.

Ever since the “Dominique era” the franchise has been kind of a letdown though. Always underachieving and kinda disappearing in the clutch. 2014-2015 was a clear example of a roster that made a lot of noise but crapped their pants when it got real in the playoffs.

Currently they’re probably one on the top teams looking to tank this season to get a franchise defining rookie in this apparent “loaded” draft, so the Hawks aren’t really a team you root for this year but they have been fun to watch largely in part of high flying young players like John Collins and Taurean Prince.

Fan-ability: B-

Boston Celtics

The Celtics are one of the most successful franchises in sports. Their fan base is extremely loyal, somewhat violent and friggin’ loud. They might be responsible for starting the whole “superteams” trend some seem to hate, but when it comes down to it, it’s just good management and recruiting. Then there’s the legendary Celtic players from oldies Bill Russell and Larry Bird to not so oldies Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. These guys are deified by the hardcore Boston fans and man have they come through with epic playoff performances and hard nosed triumphs. Nowadays they seem to expect a LOT from the young roster GM Danny Ainge put together majestically and guess what? They are they fun to watch. Kyrie Irving has the most insane handles in the league and I haven’t seen a small guard finish as efficiently in the paint since Tony Parker’s best days. The Celtics are also very similar to the Spurs when it comes to drafting well which is a big thing for fans looking for franchises to root for when there’s youth and potential. Will Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown be the NBA’s next studs? Will Markelle Fultz be a complete bust? (therefore making the Celtics even smarter) The Celtics are NBA Elite and that makes them either really loved or really hated. Fan-ability: B+

Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn, New York. Home of everything cool in the world, right? Wrong! The Brooklyn Nets seem to be a forced fed team (notice the cheesy SI cover above) completely divorced with the whole swagger of this New York borough. Nobody wants to be associated with failure, and the Nets have been failures in so many ways during the last years it’s embarrassing. They basically gave away all their draft picks, they over-hyped a Deron Williams that was arguably one of the biggest free agent busts of all time. Their iconic players? Dr J? Jason Kidd? Kerry Kittles (just kidding)? Kinda feels weird picking guys who did play for the Nets, just not the Brooklyn Nets. I feel bad for them though, playing in one of the biggest markets in the country and not being known for enticing big name free agents, not even with Jay-Z helping them out for a little while. I’m pretty certain HOVA wanted out before the stink rubbed off on him. They haven’t drafted well, they’re not fun to watch, they’ve become synonymous with losing. The only good thing they have going for them is the fact that Brooklyn is a tourist destination and there’s a chance some tourist will buy a Nets ticket before a Knicks ticket.

Fan-ability: D+

Charlotte Hornets

Remember those big flashy Starter Jackets with the Charlotte Hornets logo plastered all over them? Those were the days! The Hornets used to be good and/or fun. An Alonzo Mourning team alongside Larry “Grandmama” Johnson, Muggsy Bogues and Steph Curry’s dad (who apparently could shoot very well, too) was a fun thing to watch.

Several years later it all went straight to hell with the Bobcats. Let’s face it, when you think of the Bobcats you think of a bunch of scrubs and Adam Morrison. Good God!

Now they’re back to being the Hornets, although, they’re still not that fun. They don’t have Zo they have Dwight Howard, one of the least likeable players out there. They don’t have LJ, they have Frank Kaminsky (crickets chirping). They don’t have Muggsy they have Kemba Walker... ok that’s better. And instead of Dell Curry they have a rookie who I’m really rooting for: Malik Monk.

They’re ok. They’re not super exciting but they have some star power. Hopefully this year the young guards can do some damage down the stretch and maybe be a sneaky team in the playoffs.

Fan-ability: B+

Chicago Bulls

You think Bulls, you think MJ, his Airness, the G.O.A.T.

For younger fans you think D.Rose being drafted by his hometown team and making them a force to be reckoned with in the East and dethroning the King with a 2010-2011 MVP award.

But it’s 2017 now. The face of the franchise is a blonde kid from Finland named Lauri Markkanen and the face of Nikola Mirotic was obliterated by fellow teammate Bobby Portis. Well maybe not obliterated, but I hear it was a heck of a knockout.

It really doesn’t matter how bad GM Gar Foreman and owner Jerry Reinsdorf have been, because what Michael Jordan did for the NBA he did for this NBA franchise as well. Fans crave for the second coming of Michael and until that day comes (I’m pretty sure it’ll never happen) the first thing you’ll think of when you see a red Bulls jersey is #23.

Fan-ability: A-

Cleveland Cavaliers

I’ve never been to Cleveland. I don’t think I’ll ever go there. Not really a bucket list destination. But I have to admit, LeBron James made Cleveland relevant since the day he was drafted by his hometown team. He was the chosen one entering the league and did not disappoint. He carried a really weak team to an NBA Finals versus a really strong San Antonio Spurs team (and lost). Took his talents to South Beach making everybody in the league feel sorry for the Cavs. As soon as he ditched Miami to go back to “The Land” they were legit once more. LBJ is no MJ however. Some people seem to dislike his demeanor, question his clutch gene and doubt his leadership. He is a little whiny sometimes. Yet no one has denied that LeBron is still the best player on the planet and has been for the better part of his career. I mean it feel like its been 30 straight NBA Finals for him. He’s great. He made Cleveland great. Even if he leaves this upcoming season, Cleveland should be forever grateful for everything King James has done. And because people enjoy experiencing greatness the Cavaliers are a fan favorite. (Me personally, not really a fan) Fan-ability: A

Dallas Mavericks

A lanky slow-ish blonde forward from Würzburg, Germany made the Dallas Mavericks NBA champions against, non other than, the chosen one (or as Skip Bayless likes to call him “the frozen one”). But aside from being lany, kinda slow and uh... blonde, Dirk Nowitzki is one of the top 20 greatest players of all time, one of my personal favorite players and proud owner of one of the sweetest fade away jumpers ever. 2010-2011 was the Mavericks championship season and man was it a well constructed team that no matter if you love or hate outspoken owner Mark Cuban, you gotta hand it to him. Combining veteran leaders like Jason Kidd and Jason Terry with defensive anchor Tyson Chandler and freaks of nature like Shawn Marion was the recipe for success under the brilliant mind of one of the most underrated coaches, Rick Carlisle. You felt glad they were champions. It wasn’t a “super team” but it was really really good and they were underdogs against a Miami team that promised not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, etc. championships. After the ‘chip they remained relevant until maybe last season. Dirk is rapidly aging and this really seems like it’s gonna be his last season. To be honest I’ve stopped watching Mavericks games because this is not the Dirk I want to remember. I do watch a lot of highlights though, mostly because of rookie Dennis Smith, Jr. Holy cow! That kid looks like he was made with the same stuff Russell Westbrook was made from. DSJr is another rookie I’m really rooting for, specially because he’s in great hands with old man Dirk to guide him and Rick Carlisle to coach him and get the best out of him. It’s a winning franchise in a hip warm weather city, with a wild celebrity owner, an iconic international player and champion, with a lot of young talent. Nuff said. Fan-ability: A-

Denver Nuggets

I think the Nuggets’ greatest moment in franchise history was the improbable win against the #1 seeded Sonics in 1994. Big whoop. There were other highlights in franchise history like drafing Melo (who later demanded a trade outta there). They did have Allen Iverson on their team, but then they traded him to Detroit because he wasn’t the 76ers Allen Iverson of old. And this is the part where I want to talk about Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. He was a muslim player (duh!) and was unbelievably good. But he was a muslim. Many compare his game to Steph Curry’s. But he was a muslim. He had crazy handles, the highest basketball IQ and one sweet jumpshot. But he was a muslim, and he started the whole Colin Kaepernick thing where he protested during anthems. Oh boy. Can you imagine a guy named Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf protesting in front of thousands of proud americans back in the 90′s? Yeah, that was the end of that. It’s really sad to wonder how good he would’ve been. At least Ice Cube gave him a shot in the BIG3. Anyway, back to the Denver Nuggets franchise comprised of young exciting talent but not a clear cut superstar. Nikola Jokic is really entertaining but is enough to make the Nuggets relevant? Millsap just joined them, but let’s face it he’s a really good boring player. Garry Harris was supposed to have a breakout year and it’s still early but he’s been a little too quiet for my taste. Jamal Murray, Emmanuel Mudiay seem a long way from being relevant and Kenneth Faried hasn’t been traded after 1,864,227 times it’s been rumored. The biggest indicator the Nuggets are in trouble is the fact that their own fans don’t show up as they finished last in attendance last season. Yikes! Fan-ability: F

Detroit Pistons

Personally I can’t really talk about the Bad Boy Pistons from the 80′s because I didn’t really get into the NBA until a little later. But from what I’ve heard and read, I really dig it. An uber-defensive team that wasn’t scared of anything or anyone. Hard nosed defenders, clutch shooting, trash talking and an iconic coach kinda sound like... hey! The 2004 champion Pistons! The comparison just goes to show that a culture within a franchise can go a long way. The 2004 Pistons were tough, smart and had the winning mentality that I’m sure legendary coach Larry Brown implemented in the locker room. Big Ben was scary big even though he wasn’t as tall as your traditional center. ‘Sheed was a bad man with a sick jumper and a f*ck you attitude. Rip and Chauncey were the smart and offensively skilled guard combo. Okur, Tayshaun and McDyess played their roles just right. To this day I can’t believe they beat Kobe, Shaq and another “superteam”. The Pistons of 2017 however lack some of that old school attitude. It’s well coached (shout out to Stan Van G) but no very well managed (sorry Stan Van G). Drummond is a huge piece of human who can block shots, dunk over anyone and has kind of improved the free throw issues of the past. Reggie Jackson seems to be a conflictive dude lacking the leadership of a Chauncey Billups. Tobias Harris who’s good but would’ve been better in a different era. Today’s NBA doesn’t really work for a guy like him. It’s not a roster you can nip and tuck and turn into a legitimate force in the NBA, to me it feels like it’s either this group of guys to maybe get past the first round of the playoffs or blow it all up and tank away to get younger and better. Can we send Avery Bradley to the Celtics, please? Overall, it’s a city with a lot of heart and a franchise with a lot of history but right now who knows what they are? Fan-ability: B-

Golden State Warriors

My first memory of the Golden State Warriors is Chris Mullin’s hair and short shorts. Tim Hardaway’s crossovers. Latrell Sprewell’s angry two handed dunks (also angry head coach chokings) and an underachieving Chris Webber. But that’s all in the past. Even the good stuff like the Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson Warriors that made a lot of noise in the 2006 playoffs. That’s all irrelevant now because things changed in the bay area. Mark Jackson started coaching a young group of really promising guys and started a style of play that later Steve Kerr, who replaced him as head coach, perfected and made history. I don’t need to talk about how good Steph Curry is and how he revolutionized the game or how good of a shooter/defender/heat check guy Klay is. Or how Draymond is the new villain and best defender in the NBA or how Durant made this team virtually invincible... because everybody knows it. The only thing that worried me was if I would ever get bored of this team; short answer: NO. Again, people like greatness and the bar set by these basketball juggernauts is so high it’s become ridiculous. People call them “bandwagon fans” but it’s really just a matter of wanting to feel part of something as special as this group of future hall of famers... that and they’re totally bandwagon fans. Bandwagon fan-bility: A+

Houston Rockets

Probably not gonna be on the same page as a lot of people here but I’ve always found Rockets players kind of douchey. Maybe not the championship Rockets Olajuwon, Drexler, Horry or Cassell. More like Steve Francis, the worst version of Dwight Howard, and now James Harden AND Chris Paul. Yes, I said it. James Harden is a douchebag. He gets a lot of points, has become an elite point guard but his game isn’t really that exciting... and he’s a whiny flopper.

They have a lot of history and a bunch of iconic players but ever since the championship years in the mid 90′s we haven’t gotten a dominant conference shifting team. Today’s roster is a poor man’s Golden State Warriors and they’ll eventually find out (the hard way) that in a 7 game series you won’t outshoot or outscore the Dubs. OK, I’ve really bashed the Rockets here, but don’t get me wrong I have to give credit where credit is due: James Harden is an MVP caliber player and Chris Paul is the point God but nobody likes ‘em. Fan-ability: C

Indiana Pacers

Back in the day the Pacers of Reggie Miller, Mark Jackson, Rik Smits, Derrick McKey and Antonio & Dale Davis were for real. They had shooting, rebounding, star power, coaching ...they had it all! It’s a shame that Michael Jordan and the Kobe/Shaq combo never let Reggie and the Pacers win a championship. A decade later the Pacers found themselves with a very strong group of talented players that made LeBron and the Heatles a little nervous. Paul George the emerging superstar along Lance Stephenson, Roy Hibbert and company were battling LeBron down to the last second but eventually falling short. Paul George broke his leg got better and basically told everyone in Indiana to go screw themselves because he would leave them for his hometown Lakers. Now he’s in OKC as a rental and Indiana has highly motivated Victor Oladipo (fan favorite in Indiana) Arvydas Sabonis’ son and what’s left of Lance Stephenson. They should be tanking this year but they’re not in large part because of phenom Myles Turner and a rejuvenated Thad Young. So, what are they? Good? Mediocre? Bad? At this point, we don’t really know. It’s a small market team with no real superstar anymore and a lot of young talent that could either shine or implode. Fan-ability: D

L.A. Clippers

CP3 leaving means the Clippers are now terrible, right? Nope. Point Blake is for real, DeAndre looks like he’s having fun again and all the role players seem engaged. Oh! And this guy with the scruffy beard is their 30 year old rookie point guard who’s soooo fun to watch. What about the history of the franchise? Well, it’s no pretty. The Clippers were synonymous with failure for a long time. They were terrible at attracting free agents, terrible at drafting (i.e. Michael Olowakandi) until they put together what would become Lob City. It was fun but not very successful. Los Angeles is sexy and cool but you don’t really think Clippers, you think Lakers, even when the Clippers have clearly been the better basketball team for the last 3 or 4 years now. With the Lakers making a comeback it’s becoming more obvious that the the Clippers should just move north and become the beloved Seattle Sonics. Fan-ability: C+

L.A. Lakers

Showtime is back in L.A.! Not particularly because of their style of play but because of all the buzz the young players have caused and the circus surrounding Lonzo Ball, who in his first month playing in the NBA looks... different from what Lavar promised. It’s okay, nobody really expected Lonzo to be better than LeBron, Steph and God in his first games. The bottom line is Lonzo not bad and could become really good! Ingram is looking pretty good (just needs an extra 50 lbs) and I’m predicting he could become a Greek Freak type of superstar. But enough about the Baby Lakers, who we know are gonna be alright eventually, let’s talk about the incredibly successful franchise throughout the years. Ugh! Can’t believe I just said something nice about the Lakers. Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and of course Kobe Bryant are one of the biggest names in the history of the league and they’re all Lakers (shout out to Nick Van Exel, one of my favorite players ever). I was blessed to witness the early 2000′s reign of Shaq and Kobe (even though I kept thinking what would’ve happened if Shaq stayed in Orlando) and their epic battles with the Spurs. Let’s face it, the Lakers are the Yankees of basketball. People love the city of Los Angeles and they root for what the Lakers were and what they could eventually become once again. Fan-ability: A+

Memphis Grizzlies

They’ve come a long way from those Vancouver days when their best player was Bryant “Big Country” Reeves. They established a culture of hard work reminiscent of the city they play for. They created “Grit and Grind” and should be very proud of it. The history of the franchise is a little iffy since they were really bad for a really long time (normal for an expansion team in small markets). Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, Tony Allen and Z-Bo put the league on notice and transformed a joke of a franchise to a legitimate contender. The roster has been almost completely revamped but Gasol and Conley are keeping the “Grit and Grind” very much alive. For how long? Only time will tell (hopefully as long as possible). Fan-ability: C+

Miami Heat

Fun fact: Did you know the Miami Heat won a championship without LeBron James? Yup! Here’s another one for you: Did you know the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks hated each other and had a bunch of epic playoff battles back in the 90′s and early 2000′s? Hell yeah! My point is Miami has had a lot history before the LeBron and Heatles “superteam” nonsense. Pat Riley is largely responsible for all of it. And this post LeBron phase hasn’t been as terrible as you’d expect because this well oiled machine of a franchise keeps drafting, signing and getting all the right pieces to be contenders in a very weak Eastern Conference. They’re still a couple of moves away from being the top dogs so don’t be surprised if they make some moves during this season or once the season is over. The city of Miami is fun and sexy and so are the Heat fans. As long as Pat Riley is there they’re gonna be relevant and in the conversation. Fan-ability: B+

New Orleans Pelicans

As Tony Montana famously once said: “Manny, look at the pelican fly. Come on, pelican!” refering to some flamingos he was watching on TV. I kind of feel that way when I’m watching these guys play... I think I’m watching two of the best big men in the game along with some decent role players but I’m really just watching a franchise with no idea of what they’ll do when they inevitably lose both their big men (AD & Boogie) and return to being bad (worse). My second thing about this franchise: how are we supposed to root for a team called the Pelicans?! Wait... their arena is called the “Smoothie King Center”? OK, I’m done.

Weird to not root for a team that has 2 of the top 15 players in the league. Fan-ability: F

New York Knicks

New York IS basketball. When you walk around this magnificent city you breathe basketball. Some of the best street ballers are New Yorkers. Yet, the Knicks haven’t been as great as Knicks fan expect them to be (not in the last 3 or 4 seasons anyway). Owner James Dolan is not exactly a fan favorite, Phil Jackson left without accomplishing what he was hired to accomplish, Charles Oakley has been banned from MSG (yes, the former Knicks legend) and the Melo-drama of last year(s) was quite frankly very annoying. So yeah, it’s been pretty brutal. It’s seems like a very long time because their last championship was in 1973 but there have been some really interesting, talented and semi-successful Knicks teams since Bernard King’s epic finals performance. One of the most sought after rookies landed in MSG and had a really good career (Patrick Ewing) and the aforementioned Charles Oakley along with John Starks, Anthony Mason and Doug Christie among others were talented, feisty, tough and relentless enough to reach the finals against a really loaded Rockets team. Then there’s Van Gundy’s squad with Ewing, Allan Houston, Latrell Sprewell, Larry Johnson and Marcus Camby who played the role of the underdog from day 1 until they reached the finals which they once again lost, this time against a dynastic Spurs. As of today the Knicks, minus Carmelo Anthony, have been quite surprising and own of the most precious assets in basketball: a unicorn. Kristaps Porzingis has won the heart of every single Knicks fan because of the dog in him, something very important to a city that values hard work. His stellar numbers and the potential of becoming a very unique type of player (hence the nickname “unicorn”) might be that x-factor that brings the championship back to the mecca. All they have to do is be patient, avoid the drama (hard to do with the New York media) and draft well... let’s hope Frankie Smokes is the perfect compliment to KP’s amazing talent. Oh, and please pray to the basketball gods... no injuries, please! Fan-ability: A-

Oklahoma City Thunder

You know what helps building a fan base when your not the coolest city in the world? Superstars! Oklahoma City has had some of the biggest names in the NBA play for them: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Serge Ibaka. More unbelievable? They played together! Just goes to show what a great GM (Sam Presti) and great scouts will do to a franchise. Even with all these amazing atheletes on their team they really never got to win it all. KD and Russ were an unbelievable duo but many wondered if they didn’t really compliment eachother... maybe KD needed more of a playmaker, maybe Russ needed more of a role player and shine on his own. Well KD left to join the ridiculously talented Dubs (and won the title) and Russ won the MVP averaging a triple double. Now they have even more star power adding hoodie Melo and Paul George to the mix and hoping this trio will knock down the reign of the all mighty Warriors (highly unlikely). Superstars aside, OKC really has had an uphill battle developing a fan base in such a small market and have done so beautifully. Fan-ability: B+

Orlando Magic

Whoa! This is hard for me. I’m probably gonna bash the franchise I first loved (and still do for some strange reason). My best memories as a kid are in Orlando when me and my whole family went to Disney World, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, so I’m a little bias. Imagine a kid from Guatemala city going to a basketball game in a jam packed arena where Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway put on a show. Done deal! I’m a Magic fan for life. Orlando somehow managed to lose Shaq by lowballing him in an almost offensive way comparing him to other players in the league and criticizing his rebounding and defense in an attempt to “negotiate” a deal that wouldn’t mean breaking the bank for Shaq. But guess what? For Shaq, you DO break the bank and by not doing so they broke the heart of every Orlando Magic fan. So Shaq left and it took a long time to recover. 13 years later Dwight Howard somehow managed to go to an NBA Finals with a very weird and well coached Magic team that seemed content to just get there, and let’s face it, didn’t really have a shot against the Lakers. Then, Rob Hennigan happened. Bad draft picks, horrible free agent signings and head scratching trades were the norm under this guy. Even though he’s still no longer with the team the stench of his horrible decisions still linger over the very bizarre roster today’s Magic have assembled. Granted the beginning of this season has been a very pleasant surprise many people feel it’s just a phase in which a lot of “bad teams” started hot and will eventually fall back down to earth. I’m just trying to believe they might snatch the East’s 8th spot and finally be back in the playoff picture, but... why? Shouldn’t they just tank and hope to get ANOTHER draft pick? Who knows? All I know is Aaron Gordon is finally playing some decent basketball and I have really high expectations from rookie Jonathan Isaac and might eventually become a steal in the draft. Fan-ability: D

Philadelphia 76ers

Oh God! The Process. The day they win a championship I’ll tolerate the Process. I feel awful for the Philly fans that had to endure such a long run of shameless, utter failure while being the laughing stock of the whole league. Having the commissioner actually getting involved in the team’s plan to continue sucking has got to be embarrassing. But 76ers fans have shown they always trusted the process and are now celebrating as if Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are the next best thing since sliced bread, but I have to remind every Sixer fan once in a while that they drafted Michael Carter-Williams and traded him for nothing, Nerlens Noel and traded him for nothing and Jahlil Okafor, who’ll be traded for nothing... so let’s not get too excited just yet. We still have to find out what Markelle Fultz becomes. The level of incompetence they endured for so long actually made us all root for them making them the most lovable underdog in history and thus captivating a new fan base of people rooting for the eternal losers to finally get a break. They used to be good though. Real good. Mostly because they had Allen Iverson, the best pound for pound player ever. Those A.I. teams were surrounded by a bunch of scrubs, role players and stiffs that watched “The Answer” in awe as he dismantled every opponent they faced. The team had a superstar and a lot of heart that would eventually take the finals against another almost invincible Lakers team, that for a second, crapped their pants when Allen Iverson tore them apart in Game 1. Eventually L.A. won 4 straight and the series was over. Philadelphia was praised for valiantly battling a star studded team with a minuscule scorer along with a bunch of unknowns (so yeah, they’ve always been the lovable underdogs). In a very “Rocky” way, Philadelphia always seems to be forced against the ropes and fighting back the best way they can. Fan-ability: B

Phoenix Suns

It’s hard to imagine a time where the Phoenix Suns were a great Western Conference team. They were. My first memories of good Suns teams was the Barkley, KJ and Majerle led team. Then there’s the Nash-Stoudemire era where the battles against their Western Conference nemesis were pretty epic. It’s seems like its been forever since the glory days for the Suns. They had a nice little run not long ago with a trio of guards that are really good (Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic and Isaiah Thomas) but seemed like they handled it very poorly only ending the very brief run with some questionable GM decisions. Overall the Suns are franchise that hasn’t really clicked and found a clear path to becoming a fun team to watch. The Suns are very young and do have a great-to-be shooting guard in Devin Booker, but they’re probably 4 years from being competitive again and some young players like Bender, Marquese Chriss and Josh Jackson have to prove their worth in the next upcoming seasons. Trading Bledsoe seems like it could be a fresh start and open up some very important playing time for the younger talent. So brace yourselves, it’s not gonna be pretty. Fan-ability: C-

Portland Trailblazers

Hispters rejoice! There’s no doubt that rooting for the Blazers is the cool thing to do since nobody really trusts their backcourt defense, bench or bother to give Dame Dolla (a.k.a. Damien Lillard) an All-Star nod. CJ McCollum and Damien Lillard think they’re the best backcourt in the NBA and it’s a legitimate claim since they score at will against any and every defender. When it comes to clutch shooting... you know it’s Dame Time! I personally find the Blazers a really fun team to watch and when you think about it, it’s been the case for a very long time. Awesome Blazer players throughout the years: Clifford Robinson (headband included), Jerome Kersey, Rod Strickland, Arvydas Sabonis, Rasheed Wallace, Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge are just some of the names that made this cool-ass city much much cooler. They’ve been relevant but haven’t really won a championship but at least they’ve been to one. Even if they’ve lost more than they’ve won they are definitly a cool team. Fan-ability: B+

Sacramento Kings

Before owner Vivek Ranadivé thought Nik Stauskas was the next best thing, before they drafted every single big while having arguably the best center in the league in Boogie Cousins and confusing everybody with every single poor decision the Kings were exciting.

Can it be argued that Jason “White Chocolate” Williams was the most entertaining point guard of the last 25 years? I certainly think so. He put the Kings on the map along with a very productive Chris Webber, the shooter extraordinaire of Peja Stojakovic and a bunch of really good role players. They kind of underachieved but looking back on that team, they might have been a little too young and flashy. The only time they made the NBA Finals was unfortunately in the movie “How to lose a guy in 10 days”. They lost those fake finals to the Knicks, how about that?

They might be making a comeback, though. The fun team they used to be could once again excite us basketball fans with rookie phenom De'Aaron Fox, second year shooting guard Buddy Hield, big man Willy Cauley-Stein and the rest of the young core. After all the DeMarcus Cousins drama they dealt with I sincerely hope they find their way with this young squad and make the Kings games a must watch. Fan-ability: C

San Antonio Spurs

You know how some organizations are so good they become kind of annoying and after a while they stop being annoying again because you’re in awe of how well they do everything? That’s the San Antonio Spurs.

Only the Spurs can reach the playoffs a record setting 20 consecutive years (also the longest active playoff streak in any major North American sports league as of 2017) and keep drafting really good under the radar rookies, who eventually turn out to be really good. You can’t talk about the Spurs without talking about Tim Duncan or Gregg Popovich, and even though there have been a lot of other amazing Spurs players (David Robinson, Manu, Tony Parker, Sean Elliott, now Kawhi, etc.) it’s Pop and Timmy’s dynasty. And is it just me or was Gregg Popovich really unlikable back when we didn’t really know him? He seemed like a real a**hole but now people want him to be the next President.

They are an iconic dynasty that will be a trademark of greatness for years and years to come. Watching Timmy retire was hard, I can’t imagine what’ll be like when Pop calls it quits.

Fan-ability: A+

Toronto Raptors

All Star Weekends aren’t really important. I was always a fan of these long, flashy, ceremonious events, but not really. It’s like it’s supposed to happen and it’s kinda like the mid-season awards in a way but it’s definitely not a big deal. In the year 2000 (shout out to Conan) though, it mattered, mainly because of the Canada’s basketball ambassador unbelievable display of amazingness and athletic dunk display that became, and still is, the single best dunk contest in the history basketball. Vince Carter was “Air Canada” but eventually it became a messy divorce with the franchise and once again became a sub par team. Nowadays they a decent top 3 team in the Leastern Conference, but I don’t expect them to go further than the second round of the playoffs, even though Masai Ujiri managed to assemble a nice roster that inlcudes the Big Medium 3 of: Lowry, DeRozan and Ibaka. The Raptors have always been ok and cool to root for (they are the only non U.S. team in the league, and that might be a plus) and the list of iconic players is actually pretty decent: Vince, T-Mac, Damon “Mighty Mouse” Stoudamire, Marcus Camby and Skip to my Lou (Rafer Alston). The most notable Raptors fan nowadays is Toronto’s rapper Drake (see also: Nav Bhatia) which really boosts popularity for the franchise, even when we know LeBron will have his way with the Raps come playoff time. Fan-ability: B+

Utah Jazz

Ok, first things first... let me just say that the biggest oxymoron is this franchise’s name. Has there ever been actual jazz played in the Mormon state? (shout out to Trey Parker and Matt Stone for the hilarious “Book of Mormon” musical) Now that I got that out of the way, let’s go ahead and analyze the franchise. They’ve been a really well coached team for the most part (Jerry Sloan and now Quin Snyder) and even when they’re lacking star power they seem to be that team you don’t want to face. They’re really good at drafting and developing young talent and that translates into really feisty hard working potential all-stars... that eventually leave via free agency, probably because Utah isn’t the sexiest place in the world. Deron Williams was on his way of becoming the best point guard in the league and almost overnight became an expendable bench player. Gordon Hayward was the big white hope but opted to join forces with his former Butler head coach in Boston and got injured 5 minutes into his Celtic debut... wait is this a “Leave Utah curse” theory? Nah. Hayward will be alright... I hope. The 90′s and 2000′s were different though, Utah was a star studded franchise always representing the west come playoff time mainly because of the one the best duos of all time: Karl Malone and John Stockton. Although they never got to win the championship they’ll always be remembered as a legit force in the league. As for now, let’s just hope Rudy Gobert keeps developing into the best dang Center in the league... he certainly has the potential. Rodney Hood (awesome name by the way) needs to become an offensive force and most importantly be consistent. Dante Exum sadly, hasn’t really lived up to the hype and I believe has reached his ceiling. They are what all Jazz teams are, gritty and tough. Fan-ability: C+

Washington Wizards

DC’s team is and has always been a conundrum. Wizards teams have been pretty good on paper but none of them, including a Michael Jordan led team, could really make them relevant (granted MJ was getting pretty old and wasn’t in the best shape). It seems the current team is the best the franchise has had in a long time, yet they’re not close to being a Conference favorite. Do the Wizards have big names? Yup, John Wall is in the prime of a stellar career. Bradley Beal has proven he can stay healthy and stay productive. Otto Porter got paid All-Star money and should become one for this team to really go further. Are they well coached? Debatable, but I believe Scott Brooks is a huge improvement over several of the last coaches in Washington. Now the big question is can they actually dethrone Cleveland? The other big question is whether this roster is built for the future like Boston is. Sadly, my answer for both these questions is no. They had their share of bad draft picks (Kwame Brown most notably), players gone bad (Gilbert Arenas, Juwan Howard) iconic players that never really transcended or carried the franchise (MJ, Chris Webber), but the bottom line is they’re a cool franchise to root for (used to be cooler when they were the “Bullets”) in a cool city. Hopefully one day they’ll become a legitimate championship contending team. Maybe if they figure out how to get Boogie Cousins that’ll happend sooner rather than later. Fan-ability: B-

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sportssteady · 5 years

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Steph Curry: Most career 4 quarter points Friday vs Rockets 23 Jan 13, 2016 vs Nuggets 20 Jan 5, 2019 vs Kings 20 Dec 9, 2013 vs Bobcats 19 Apr 9, 2015 vs Trail Blazers 19 #dubnation #nbaplayoffs https://www.instagram.com/p/BxTtQMxne1x/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1f6n33pjwohr4

#dubnation #nbaplayoffs

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gibsonsflowofthoughts · 6 years

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Kawhi Leonard trade: Steph Curry is only 2009 Draft pick not to leave his team

DeMar DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday, and the move earned Steph Curry a new record.

With DeRozan changing counties, Curry is now the only active player from the NBA Draft class of 2009 to have played his entire career with one team. He’s one of only two to currently have a roster spot with the club that originally drafted him. The other honor goes to Brandon Jennings, who made his triumphant return to the Milwaukee Bucks this spring after bouncing around the league (and world).

It’s enough of an accomplishment for many of these players just to remain in the league as they head into their 10th season as pros. Fourteen of 2009’s 30 first round picks spent the 2017-18 seasons somewhere other than the NBA, including high profile selections like No. 2 Hasheem Thabeet and No. 6 Jonny Flynn:

First round picks in the 2009 NBA Draft

Pick Player Original team Current team

1 Blake Griffin Clippers Pistons 2 Hasheem Thabeet Grizzlies Out of NBA 3 James Harden Thunder Rockets 4 Tyreke Evans Kings Pacers 5 Ricky Rubio Timberwolves Jazz 6 Jonny Flynn Timberwolves Out of NBA 7 Stephen Curry Warriors Warriors 8 Jordan Hill Knicks Out of NBA 9 DeMar DeRozan Raptors Spurs 10 Brandon Jennings Bucks Bucks* 11 Terrence Williams Nets Out of NBA 12 Gerald Henderson Bobcats/Hornets Free agent 13 Tyler Hansbrough Pacers Out of NBA 14 Earl Clark Suns Out of NBA 15 Austin Daye Pistons Out of NBA 16 James Johnson Bulls Heat 17 Jrue Holiday 76ers Pelicans 18 Ty Lawson Timberwolves Out of NBA 19 Jeff Teague Hawks Timberwolves 20 Eric Maynor Jazz Out of NBA 21 Darren Collison Hornets/Pelicans Pacers 22 Victor Claver Trailblazers Out of NBA 23 Omri Casspi Kings Grizzlies 24 Byron Mullens Mavericks Out of NBA 25 Rodrigue Beaubois Thunder Out of NBA 26 Taj Gibson Bulls Timberwolves 27 DeMarre Carroll Grizzlies Nets 28 Wayne Ellington Timberwolves Heat 29 Toney Douglas Lakers Out of NBA 30 Christian Eyenga Cavaliers Out of NBA

Even Jennings, the No. 10 pick that year, took the long road back to Milwaukee. He had an explosive rookie campaign that saw him drop 54 points on Curry’s Warriors in just his seventh game as a pro, but struggled to establish himself as more than just a ball-dominant scorer on a series of bad-to-mediocre teams. He went from the Bucks to the Pistons to the Magic to the Knicks and finally to the Wizards, before seemingly washing out of the league in 2017 and accepting a one-year deal with China’s Shanxi Brave Dragons.

He got his release from Shanxi, but spent two months unemployed before the Bucks offered him a spot on their G-League team. Four weeks later, he was promoted back to the main roster, where he nearly notched a triple-double in his return and added some needed depth over the course of 14 games in Milwaukee.

In contrast, Curry’s path has been a straight line. The former Davidson star broke into the league as a gifted shooter and scorer and never really stopped, earning league MVP honors in both 2015 and 2016 while leading the Warriors out of basketball purgatory and to three league titles in the past four seasons. It’s not difficult to see why Golden State has put a premium on keeping him — even well after the expiration dates have come due for several other members of his draft class.

Curry’s tenure in the Bay Area is impressive, but he’s not the only star to be the last man standing on his original team from one of the past decade’s draft classes. John Wall, taken No. 1 overall in the 2010 draft, is still a member of the Washington Wizards. Like Curry, he’s the only active player left in his class to remain with a single team for his whole career.

First round picks in the 2010 NBA Draft

Pick Player Drafted by: Current team:

1 John Wall Wizards Wizards 2 Evan Turner 76ers Trailblazers 3 Derrick Favors Nets Jazz 4 Wesley Johnson Timberwolves Clippers 5 DeMarcus Cousins Kings Warriors 6 Ekpe Udoh Warriors Jazz 7 Greg Monroe Pistons Free agent 8 Al-Farouq Aminu Clippers Trailblazers 9 Gordon Hayward Jazz Celtics 10 Paul George Pacers Thunder 11 Cole Aldrich Hornets Free agent 12 Xavier Henry Grizzlies Out of NBA 13 Ed Davis Raptors Nets 14 Patrick Patterson Rockets Thunder 15 Larry Sanders Bucks Out of NBA 16 Luke Babbitt Timberwolves Heat 17 Kevin Seraphin Bulls Out of NBA 18 Eric Bledsoe Thunder Bucks 19 Avery Bradley Celtics Clippers 20 James Anderson Spurs Out of NBA 21 Craig Brackins Thunder Out of NBA 22 Elliot Williams Trailblazers Out of NBA 23 Trevor Booker Timberwolves Free agent 24 Damion James Hawks Out of NBA 25 Dominique Jones Grizzlies Out of NBA 26 Quincy Pondexter Thunder Free agent 27 Jordan Crawford Nets Out of NBA 28 Greivis Vasquez Grizzlies Out of NBA 29 Daniel Orton Magic Out of NBA 30 Lazar Hayward Wizards Out of NBA

So what’s the lesson here? It’s that only once-in-a-generation talents has a shot of spending their first decade in the league with the same team — and sometimes, not even then. Players like DeMarcus Cousins, Paul George, James Harden, and Blake Griffin all looked like building blocks from their respective teams, but all wound up being traded when those plans fell through.

Dope article from sbnation.com

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227snewfacebookfries · 7 years

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ysc002-blog · 5 years

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northcountryschool · 6 years

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November 9, 2018

At North Country School, we believe that discovering your path in the world requires learning about those who walked before you and putting yourself in the shoes of others. This week our community welcomed a group of indigenous singers from the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee. Students also learned a lighthearted history lesson about the diet of sailors, examined American government through the lens of the midterm elections, and engaged in thoughtful conversations about food justice during a community café lesson.

ACADEMICS

In Selden’s 7th grade history class, students are learning about New World explorers and what life was like for those living on ships. Students including Josh, Steven, and Jenny sampled hardtack—very hard, simple biscuits made from water, flour, and salt—alongside apple cider (which stood in for grog made from rum and water). Though not the most appetizing sustenance, hardtack and grog were unlikely to spoil or become contaminated, making them staples of seafarers for more than 500 years through the Civil War.

In Meredith’s ELL “Sheltered English” class this week, international students Min, Silvia, Jessica, and Rebecca went into town with their teachers who were voting in the midterm elections. Students prepared for the trip by investigating sample ballots and reviewing the U.S. branches of government.

North Country School offers a variety of STEM electives in which students are able to think creatively about technology. This week, students in one of our robotics classes finished constructing the robots they designed. Dylan R., Kendin, Thebe, and Jason programmed and built machines that will flip, lift, and push one another in an epic Battle Royale Tournament at the end of the term.

ARTS

North Country School welcomed the Ahkwesahsne Women's Singing Society for a performance this past Wednesday. The group, Kontiwennenhá:wi, which means "women carrying words," sang about the Mohawk people of Turtle Island. Kontiwennenhá:wi also spoke about the importance of language and cultural preservation. The visit tied into our 4th and 5th grade social studies and theater curricula, which have been focusing on the indigenous people of the Adirondacks and New York State this term.

In Joey’s 4th, 5th, and 6th grade music class, students are learning how to read music using Solfège. Students including Abby and Josef analyzed music and created melodies of their own, while Joey accompanied them on guitar.

During out-time this week, students helped to decorate a Día de los Muertos altar. Students Jorge, Josie, and Abe made colorful skull drawings, folded paper flowers, and fashioned traditional papel picado (paper cuttings) for display. The school community was invited to write and post notes to beloved friends and family members they’ve lost.

OUTDOORS

Rainy and snowy weather changed none of our plans to explore the Adirondacks and New England this past weekend.

Kayla’s and Mallory’s group visited the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge in nearby Wilmington, where they learned about caring for and rehabilitating animals for reintegration into the wild. Students including Darren and Olivia observed wolves, coyotes, bobcats, and birds of prey, and Silvia got to pose for a photo with a bald eagle that shares her name.

Kelt’s and Steph’s group spent two nights in Vermont at the state’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. Pushing through rain, snow, and cold temperatures, students Santi, Jana, Amon, Kentaro, Bladen, Bill, Tiri, and Eliza summited the peak and hunkered down in a cabin for the night, where they enjoyed a warm meal and some good company.

FARM AND GARDEN

In Edible Schoolyard class this week, 7th graders participated in conversation-based Pielab lesson. Pielab is a restaurant in Greensboro, Alabama that opened in 2009 on the premise that when a community has a welcoming place to sit and eat, open conversation and positive social change take place. In Edible Schoolyard class, we recreate that experience with café tables, class-made jams from our farm berries, and fresh-baked scones. While sipping tea made from pine and balsam needles picked from our woods, student from all over the world discussed food justice, animal agriculture, and their family cultures and histories. The class regrouped at the end of lesson to share what they’d discussed and learned about one another. The Pielab lesson will be referenced throughout the academic year as 7th graders learn more about food access and food justice. A New York Times article about the original Pielab can be found here: Pie + Design = Change.

Over at our barn, students worked hard to take care of the livestock we raise for meat, dairy, and eggs. While friendly goat Emmylou peeked over her enclosure to greet visitors, Dylan and Jana mucked out the sheep and goat stalls, refilled waters, and gave our flock fresh hay and grain.

Check back next week to see what we’re up to on our mountain campus.

For more information about the #This Week At NCS blog, contact Becca Miller: [email protected]

For general school information, call 518-523-9329 or visit our website: www.northcountryschool.org

#ThisWeekAtNCS

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junker-town · 7 years

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Behold, the most absurd all-time NBA 2k lineups for every team

You had great suggestions for each team’s all-time starting 5. I, on the other hand, had terrible ones.

Dope news: NBA 2K18 will allow you the chance to play with the best possible all-time roster for all 30 NBA franchises. Ever wonder how your favorite team’s legends of yesteryear mesh with your best players today? Wonder no more, thanks to the magic of sports’ best video game.

This got us thinking about who would make each franchise’s all-time starting 5. So, we asked you and tracked your responses.

It also got me thinking about the dumbest all-time starting 5s I could put together for each team. (Why? I don’t know. I gave up trying to figure out my brain years ago).

Below are the answers to both of those questions. If you can come up with a weirder all-time starting 5 for your favorite team, let me know in the comments.

ATLANTA HAWKS

My pointless lineup

PG: Acie Law III SG: Dion Glover SF: Dominique Wilkins PF: Rasheed Wallace C: Jon Koncak

Sheed was technically a Hawk, right? Also, poor Nique.

Your way better lineups

Spud Webb Iso Joe Wilkins Millsap Pettit https://t.co/M61iIeImAM

— sad georgia fan (@The_Kid_Across) August 11, 2017

Doc Joe Nique Horford Dikembe Maybe? https://t.co/sjiy3p5oNf

— Bo Churney (@bochurney) August 11, 2017

Atlanta Hawks: PG: Lenny Wilkens SG: Pistol Pete SF: 'Nique PF: Bob Pettit C: Dikembe Mutombo https://t.co/Lzer6k8Hzy

— Garrison (@Garrison_McD) August 11, 2017

BOSTON CELTICS

My pointless lineup

PG: John Bagley SG: Dana Barros SF: Todd Day PF: Dino Radja C: Greg Kite

The Celtics have too many legends, so how would a team of forgotten Celtics fare? The schadenfreude already amuses me.

Your way better lineups

Rondo Pierce Bird Garnett Russell https://t.co/antU6U5nTF

— Ammar Ljubijankić (@IlCapitanoJuv) August 11, 2017

Rondo/DJ/Jones Pierce/Jones/Ainge Bird/Havlicek McHale/Cowens Russell/Parish https://t.co/oYftBd4jUT

— Mike Slonina (@Slo_24) August 11, 2017

Cousy, Pierce, Bird, Garnett, Russell https://t.co/rLT3CY3cwO

— John Morgan Francis (@MonJorgan) August 11, 2017

Cousy, Sam Jones, Hondo, Bird, Russell. Sounds nice. Aproximately 3928 rings between them, too. https://t.co/XPTg07NQUI

— TM Warning (@tmwarning) August 11, 2017

NEW JERSEY/BROOKLYN NETS:

My pointless lineup

PG: Rumeal Robinson SG: Rex Walters SF: Bostjan Nachbar PF: Yinka Dare C: Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez has played on worse teams.

Your way better lineups

Kidd-Petrovic-Erving-Coleman-Lopez https://t.co/QtL5nPJTuQ

— NBA Central (@nbacentral247) August 11, 2017

Jason Kidd Vince Carter Dr. J. Kenyon Martin Brook Lopez https://t.co/R4z8atYFVv

— Yoshimitsu (@me_IKE_who_U) August 11, 2017

CHARLOTTE HORNETS

My pointless lineup

PG: Raymond Felton SG: Rex Chapman SF: Kelly Tripuka PF: Byron Mullens C: DeSagana Diop

Let’s remember the worst of the early days of the Hornets and Bobcats.

Your way better lineups

C: Alonzo Mourning PF: Larry Johnson SF:Glen Rice SG:Dell Curry PG: Kemba Walker

— Jeremy Powell (@coolastheyc) August 11, 2017

Hmmm. . . Kemba Walker Dell Curry Gerald Wallace Larry Johnson Alonzo Mourning Just post Bobcats (04): Kemba Batum? Wallace Diaw?! Okafor https://t.co/AwE9stpgJV

— Stroupe-a-loop (@Stroupe_a_loop) August 11, 2017

Baron Davis, Rex Chapman, Jamal Mashburn, Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning @BringBackTheBuz

— Jordan Flowers (@FlowersJordan) August 11, 2017

CHICAGO BULLS

My ridiculous lineup

PG: Jannero Pargo SG: Michael Jordan SF: Brad Sellers PF: Victor Khryapa C: Dalibor Bagaric

What’s the worst possible team I could create around Michael Jordan? I challenge you to do better.

Your way better lineups.

Rose/Sloan Jordan/Theus Pippen/Love/Walker Rodman/Love Gilmore/Noah https://t.co/oYftBd4jUT

— Mike Slonina (@Slo_24) August 11, 2017

Jimmy G Rodman Noah https://t.co/PfsssB3QSw

— le (@wallinthe80s) August 11, 2017

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS:

My equally ridiculous lineup

PG: Matthew Dellavedova SG: Sasha Pavlovic SF: LeBron James PF: Donyell Marshall C: Chris Mihm

This team is definitely making the playoffs in the East.

Your way better lineups

Price Carr LeBron Love Z https://t.co/iBeS4iLeOr

— . (@CLE4life216) August 11, 2017

C - Ilgauskas PF - Larry Nance SF - LeBron SG - Austin Carr PG - Kyrie

— Josh Hooper (@fmjosh) August 11, 2017

Price/Irving/Bron/Nance/Daugherty

— PETTIS NO ES BORICUA (@LoWuaSacar) August 11, 2017

DALLAS MAVERICKS

My pointless lineup

PG: Brad Davis SG: Tim Legler SF: George McCloud PF: Charlie Villanueva C: Shawn Bradley

Is Shawn Bradley ... the first option?

Your way better lineups

nash finley mashburn dirk tyson

— costanza. (@bforbernard) August 11, 2017

Dirk Aguirre Chandler Nash Blackman#MFFL https://t.co/lS00YkzB8i

— adam (@adamahole) August 11, 2017

DENVER NUGGETS

My pointless lineup

PG: Michael Adams SG: J.R. Smith SF: DerMarr Johnson PF: Nikoloz Tskitishvilli C: Raef LaFrentz

J.R. Smith is gonna take every shot, and he probably should.

Your way better lineups

Iverson English Melo McDyess Mutumbo https://t.co/Nea6BLT9Um

— heirpush. (@Pusha_TeeWat) August 11, 2017

Chauncey Billups Alex English Carmelo Anthony Kenyon Martin Nikola Jokic https://t.co/cbPRFrKyTs

— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) August 11, 2017

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf David Thompson Alex English Carmelo Anthony Dikembe Mutombo https://t.co/BI3sOMnQQh

— Tommy Wood (@woodstein72) August 11, 2017

DETROIT PISTONS

My * thinking face emoji * lineup

PG: Rodney Stuckey SG: Arron Afflalo SF: Jonas Jerebko PF: Jason Maxiell C: Darko Milicic

Imagine a world where Darko turns into a star. The 04 Pistons start to age out, and it’s time for a new generation to take over with Darko as the centerpiece. It’d look something like this, right?

Your way better rosters

Isiah Joe D Debusschere Rodman Big Ben#DetroitBasketball https://t.co/iadwZrYHrn

— Ben (@Ben_Searle) August 11, 2017

Isiah Chauncey Grant Hill Dennis Rodman Ben Wallace W/ 6 man Joe Dumarshttps://t.co/1XkYvEPYeb

— Chuck (@idgachuck) August 11, 2017

Prediction: Thomas, Dumars, Rodman, B. Wallace, Lanier Favorite: Billups, Dumars, Hill, Rodman, B. Wallace https://t.co/oTsQa1CgGD

— Detroit Bad Boys ☠ (@detroitbadboys) August 11, 2017

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

My pointless lineup

PG: Earl Boykins SG: Vonteego Cummings SF: Mike Dunleavy PF: Todd Fuller C: Andris Biedrins

Remember when the Warriors were a joke? Let’s go back to a time when that were true.

Your way better rosters

This beats anybody who's not Lakers or Celtics: Steph, Mullin, Rick Barry, Durant, Wilt https://t.co/wYh2ES8CRR

— Tony Biasotti (@TonyBiasotti) August 11, 2017

Curry, Thompson, Durant, Green, and Literally Anybody Else. https://t.co/b5iLzzHmcr

— Grant Brisbee (@mccoveychron) August 11, 2017

OK OK I get it.

There's a real argument for choosing Steph, Klay, Iggy, KD, and Draymond https://t.co/7jxuWu5GSr

— Golden State of Mind (@unstoppablebaby) August 11, 2017

I SAID I GET IT.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

My pointless lineup

PG: Yao Ming SG: Dikembe Mutombo SF: Dwight Howard PF: Moses Malone C: Hakeem Olajuwon

The Rockets are the franchise of big men, so let’s make them all play together.

Your way better lineups

Harden Tmac Barkley Yao Dr34m https://t.co/KEukh6WZp6

— Hurk (@McHurk) August 11, 2017

CP3, Harden, T-Mac, Elvin Hayes, Hakeem https://t.co/2sOYg323QA

— The Red Monster (@ChrisR7575) August 11, 2017

Calvin Murphy Harden Tmac Hakeem Sampson/Yao https://t.co/FZakJeNWUR

— Tad Ghostal (@_ForestWind) August 11, 2017

INDIANA PACERS

My vengeful lineup

PG: Haywood Workman SG: Fred Jones SF: Paul George PF: Tyler Hansbrough C: Zan Tabak

Instead of punishing Paul George by making him play in Oklahoma City, why not build this roster and force him to stay?

Your way better lineups

Mark Jackson, Reggie Miller, Roger Brown, Mel Daniels, George McGinnis

— Sam DeVoe (@samtdevoe) August 11, 2017

If ABA players are out: Mark Jackson, Reggie, PG, Granger, Jermaine O'Neal. https://t.co/AAdXEnHiKM

— Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper) August 11, 2017

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

My oh-god-there-are-so-many-options-how-do-i-choose? lineup

PG: Baron Davis SG: Marko Jaric SF: Yaroslav Korolev PF: Keith Closs C: Michael Olowokandi

We could create infinite terrible Clippers starting 5s.

Your way better lineups

CP3 Maggette Griffin Brand McAdoo

— Whatsapp Danny** (@DanielCoupe) August 11, 2017

CP3, Corey Maggette, Elton Brand, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan. https://t.co/YUNCT0qUWr

— Josh Roberts (@JoshCantBlog) August 11, 2017

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

My pointless lineup

PG: Smush Parker SG: Kobe Bryant SF: Wesley Johnson PF: Slava Medvedenko C: Travis Knight

How long until Kobe breaks his teammates’ eardrums?

Your way better lineups

Magic Kobe Elgin Baylor Kareem Shaq https://t.co/rlcmcWQze5

— Alex B. (@ABsole_) August 11, 2017

Magic Kobe The Logo Shaq Kareem Playing old school af https://t.co/doNf5TUqUI

— Keenan Victor (@KeenanVictor) August 11, 2017

MEMPHIS/VANCOUVER GRIZZLIES:

My pointless lineup

PG: Steve Francis SG: Tony Allen SF: Zach Randolph PF: Marc Gasol C: Bryant Reeves

Merge the pillars of Grit ‘N Grind with the two biggest player reminders of why Vancouver failed.

Your way better lineups

Dickerson, Edwards, Reeves, A-R, Bibby??? I dunno ask Jay Triano.

— Cleveland in 6 (@RealMurf) August 11, 2017

Marc Gasol, Randolph, Abdur-Rahim, Allen and Conley

— Ravis (@SRavi81) August 11, 2017

MIAMI HEAT

My rude lineup

PG: Gary Payton SG: Mike Bibby SF: Juwan Howard PF: Chris Gatling C: Zydrunas Ilgauskas

The all-time Ring Chaser team! Let’s see if you can do better.

Your way better lineups

Tim Hardaway, D Wade, LeBron, Alonzo Mourning, and Shaq https://t.co/h4hSrp4OPv

— KingOfGettingCurved (@jordanholic19) August 11, 2017

Tim Hardaway DWADE LeBron Bosh Shaq

— DatBootyDoe (@ShonenShadow) August 11, 2017

Tim Hardaway, D Wade, Glen Rice, Bron and Zo. Zo is captain despite Bron's numerous objections. https://t.co/IJ94AJKpyz

— Bobby Wilson (@chewingbones) August 11, 2017

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

My pointless lineup

PG: Lee Mayberry SG: Charlie Bell SF: Todd Day PF: Marty Conlon C: Randy Brewer

Another team with a ton of super random dudes that have played for them. Damn.

Your way better lineups

Oscar Roberson, Sidney Moncrief, Michael Redd, Giannis, Jamaal Maglore https://t.co/hTYkd6Qlnc

— Nader Kiblawi (@Kiblawi97) August 11, 2017

Oscar Moncrief Giannis Terry Cummings Lew Alcindor https://t.co/oDfByr94Xq

— Tyvion (@tyvion_jones17) August 11, 2017

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

My Kahn special lineup

PG: Jonny Flynn SG: Wesley Johnson SF: Michael Beasley PF: Anthony Randolph C: Darko Milicic

David Kahn really went out of his way to get all of these players. I’m speechless.

Your way better lineups

@Timberwolves: Pooh, Tony Campbell, @22wiggins , KG and @KarlTowns. I'll hang up and listen. https://t.co/3Qu65JGujX

— Kyle Jamison (@kylejamison) August 11, 2017

Marbury, wig, butler, KG and KAT https://t.co/CybN9NAuxq

— Matt Johnson (@Matt_Johnson10) August 11, 2017

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS/PELICANS:

My lineup to prove a point

PG: Chris Paul SG: Marco Belinelli SF: James Posey PF: Anthony Davis C: Omer Asik

Take the two best players in franchise history and surround them with a visual reminder of how terribly the franchise build around them.

Your way better lineups

Chris Paul Baron Davis Jamal Mashburn David West Anthony Davishttps://t.co/7eY0CVIXv6

— The Bird Writes (@thebirdwrites) August 11, 2017

CP3, Baron, Peja, AD, Tyson RT @SBNationNBA:2K18 is releasing All-Time teams this year. What’s your favorite team’s all-time starting 5?

— deejay (@whoadiedeejay) August 11, 2017

NEW YORK KNICKS

Your pointless lineup

Shane larkin, langston galloway, lance thomas, quincy acy, lou amundson https://t.co/5e1rQLjDyG

— #TheHackening (@Boehme_NYJ) August 11, 2017

Your way better lineups

Fraizer Monroe King Anthony Ewing #knicks https://t.co/N59gNzcDzp

— Kola Champagne Papi (@ZSoloDolo) August 11, 2017

Frazier, Earl Monroe, Melo, Willis Reed, Ewing https://t.co/uKrTsu04mM

— ak (@LiveLoveAK) August 11, 2017

SEATTLE SUPERSONICS/OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

My suuuuuper fun lineup

PG: Gary Payton SG: Russell Westbrook SF: Kevin Durant PF: Shawn Kemp C: Jack Sikma

Because this combined franchise deserves the best.

Your way better lineups

Sonics: Payton, Allen, KD, Rashard, Kemp. Make it rain 3s in Seattle. https://t.co/VlmfMzFlJP

— Colin Byrne (@BallinByrne) August 11, 2017

Payton, Westbrook, Durant, Kemp, Sam Perkins? https://t.co/Pb5AKqNvsm

— alternative moe (@Atlmoe6) August 11, 2017

If you want Sonics only...

Hmmm... C - Jack Sikma F - Shawn Kemp F - Dale Ellis G - Lenny Wilkins G - Gary Payton https://t.co/teMPB8hr0C

— Tanner Savage (@tsavage55) August 11, 2017

ORLANDO MAGIC

My pointless lineup

PG: Brooks Thompson SG: Anthony Bowie SF: Jeff Green PF: Jeff Turner C: Andrew DeClercq

Brooks Thompson was one of my favorite players growing up. Not joking.

Your other good lineups

Penny TMAC Grant Hill Vujevic Shaq

— Yeboi (@itsmeyeboi) August 11, 2017

Penny Hardaway Tracy McGrady Grant Hill Rashard Lewis (I guess) Shaq Injuries are our fave https://t.co/ivWjL9FuVI

— Smokey Carmichael (@turtlewithapen) August 11, 2017

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

My pointless lineup

PG: T.J. McConnell SG: Allen Iverson SF: Hollis Thompson PF: Sharone Wright C: Manute Bol

Will Allen Iverson ever pass? Tune in to find out!

Your actually good lineups

Mo Cheeks, AI, Dr J, Barkley, Wilt https://t.co/BVS7xawIBt

— Matt Powers (@MattPowers31) August 11, 2017

PG: Simmons (Yeah I went there) SG: Iverson SF: Dr. J PF: Barkley C: Wilt Chamberlain https://t.co/5ryTwqifuG

— Arie & Al (@OfficialReview) August 11, 2017

Mo Cheeks A.I. The Doctor Charles Barkley Joel 'The Process' Embiid https://t.co/kSdrdnn8fb

— 737 almost every day (@ShoutingStreet) August 11, 2017

PHOENIX SUNS

My pointless lineup

PG: Isaiah Thomas SG: Eric Bledsoe SF: Goran Dragic PF: Negele Knight C: Frank Johnson

Three point guards that feuded with each other and two point guards you surely forgot about.

Your way better lineups

Gimme - Nash - Majerle - Marion - Barkley - Amar'e https://t.co/mrGjLJPrZX

— Joey Artigue (@Joey_Artigue) August 11, 2017

C: Adams PF: Barkley SF: Marion SG: Davis PG: Nash@Suns #Suns https://t.co/YSaDnHvKdy

— Phillip_Ramírez (@Phillip_Ramirez) August 11, 2017

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

My thought experiment lineup

PG: Damon Stoudamire SG: Ruben Patterson SF: Rasheed Wallace PF: Zach Randolph C: Bill Walton

How would Bill Walton deal with the JailBlazers? I wanna simulate a season and see what happens.

Your way better lineups

C: Walton PF: Aldridge SF: Roy SG: Drexler PG: Lillard Would hear arguments for Lucas or Sheed at 4. https://t.co/pRhK7BSDiM

— Ricky Young ⭐️ (@RickySYoung) August 11, 2017

Rod Strickland Clyde Drexler Kiki Vandeweghe Rasheed Wallace Bill Walton https://t.co/q7acF7M63v

— DTea (@DTillery79) August 11, 2017

SACRAMENTO/KANSAS CITY KINGS / CINCINNATI ROYALS

My thought experiment lineup

PG: Jason Williams SG: Doug Christie SF: Peja Stojakovic PF: Chris Webber C: DeMarcus Cousins

The inverse of the Portland scenario. How will a fun team affect DeMarcus Cousins’ sour mood?

Your way better lineups

jason williams, peja, the rock, webber, cousins

— CdotJdot (@cjayyyof916) August 11, 2017

Sac Only: Theus, Richmond, Peja, C-Webb, Boogie Franchise: Tiny, Big O, Jack Twyman, Jerry Lucas, C-Webb https://t.co/1x4ECJUs78

— Akis Yerocostas (@Aykis16) August 11, 2017

Archibald, The Big O, Peja, CWebb, Boogie

— Marc N (@KingsFan312) August 11, 2017

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

My thought experiment lineup

PG: Avery Johnson SG: Willie Anderson SF: Chuck Person PF: J.R. Reid C: Tim Duncan

If you look back in NBA history, the Spurs surrounded David Robinson with some weird rosters full of mediocre vets. Would Tim Duncan fare any better than Robinson did with them? I’d love to know.

Your way better lineups

Spurs: - Parker - Manu - Kawhi - Timmy - Robinson 6Man: Gervin Bench: J. Silas, Bowen, Aldridge, D. Green and Diaw because he's the GOAT https://t.co/l1Hx4rDOX7

— Jacob Roth (@Jacob_Roth21) August 11, 2017

TORONTO RAPTORS

My pointless lineup

PG: Mike James SG: Vince Carter SF: Joey Graham PF: Rafael Araujo C: Andrea Bargnani

How many Raptors fans would enjoy seeing Vince Carter punished with this sad team?

Your way better lineups

Lowry DeRozan Vince Carter Chris Bosh Antonio Davis https://t.co/3ny0LTGYXK

— K-D (@KDnoball) August 11, 2017

Mighty Mouse/Lowry DeRozan Vince Carter/Tracy McGrady Chris Bosh Antonio Davis #WeTheNorth #RTZ https://t.co/bIlotcxI4d

— ⚠️Guy On The Couch⚠️ (@6SportsGod1) August 11, 2017

UTAH JAZZ

My pointless lineup

PG: Raul Neto SG: Delaney Rudd SF: Quincy Lewis PF: Scott Padgett C: Greg Ostertag

Remember when Delaney Rudd had an awesome moment in the 1992 playoffs? I swear, it happened!

Your way better lineups

John Stockton Pete Maravich Adrian Dantley Karl Malone Mark Eaton (Gobert is coming for this spot)#TakeNote https://t.co/27ymqsBQ57

— Jake Hatch (@JacobCHatch) August 11, 2017

Jazz one is interesting John Stockton Pete Maravich Gordon Hayward/AK47? Karl Malone Gobert? Already? https://t.co/LZImegrrYV

— Ben Wagner (@ben_wagner) August 11, 2017

WASHINGTON BULLETS/WIZARDS

My lineup to prove a point

PG: Mark Price SG: Michael Jordan SF: Bernard King PF: Charles Oakley C: Moses Malone

Did you know all of these guys played for this franchise? Bet you didn’t, but it’s true. (Alt lineup: Muggsey Bogues | Nick Young | Ladell Eackles | Andray Blatche | JaVale McGee).

Your way better lineups

Here's a stab at the Wizards All-Time Starting 5 (they all should make the team) John Wall Earl Monroe Phil Chenier Elvin Hayes Wes Unseld https://t.co/mju9TpBQtL

— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) August 11, 2017

Wall Arenas Unseld The Big E Dandrige

— Pete (@PeteRuso) August 11, 2017

Wall, Chenier, Butler, Hayes, Unseld

— Jack Kogod (@Unsilent) August 11, 2017

0 notes

thebookwars · 7 years

Text

*advertisement voice* Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature brought to you by The Broke & The Bookish. This week, we’re going to tell you all about our favourite books we’ve read in 2017 so far!

Yash

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah: Listened to the audiobook during my daily commutes. I almost hated reaching my destination because I didn’t want to stop listening to Noah’s book. Here are some of the reasons why I loved this audiobook.

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon: I love this way more than any romance I’ve ever read and if you’ve never read a Nicola Yoon book before, I suggest starting here. If you’d like to read a review before picking this up, here’s Nafiza’s review.

Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee: I think Janet hit on all the reasons why you should read this book here!

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon: I’ll link my review for this book whenever it goes up. Point is, it made it to my favourite list and there are many good reasons as to why. Just trust me.

Want by Cindy Pon: Here you go, here are all the reasons why you need to read this one ASAP.

Janet

#gallery-0-10 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-10 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-10 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-10 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Gabi, a Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero. I skirted around reading this for years because I didn’t like the cover. What a mistake! Everyone who mentioned how extraordinarily good it is, was right.

Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee. It is Yash’s doing that I read this, for which I owe her a hug and at least one pie. With a latticed top. And pastry flowers. And a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Also a really well crafted audio book, for those who like being read to.

Not pictured, The Changeling by Annerb. A fanfic in which Ginny Weasley was sorted into Slytherin. A must-read for those who love and need utterly determined fictional women. (Women. Plural. All the women. All the women with utterly different goals, interests, characters and personalities, who don’t always understand each other or get along but who still value and appreciate each other’s work and none of whom are derided for being the way they are.)

Slytherin!Ginny and Mercy (Outrun the Moon) would get along like a house on fire, I think. Together they would be absolutely terrifying.

Oh my goodness, if these two allied with Prunella (Sorcerer to the Crown) and Jacqueline (Naked Once More et al.) the world would tremble and fall in absolute obeisance.

The Hidden Life of Deer by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas. Um, yes, science and story and deer; also, turkeys, oaks, microclimates, one very territorial bobcat, singing mice, and dogs.

The Whole Truth / And Nothing But The Truth by Kit Pearson. Steph reviewed the former, if you need convincing. Seriously, Kit Pearson is a Canadian treasure.

Always Human by walkingnorth is *sob* finished, and I would be weeping in earnest if it wasn’t so perfect a story arc. Yash has interviewed walkingnorth and reviewed this webcomic (as have I), which should give you an idea of how much we love it. Girls falling in love, best friends, loving and oh-so-annoying family members… this is one of the best webcomics around, possibly ever.

Nafiza

I’ve been having a rather dismal reading year. By that I mean I haven’t been reading as much as I usually would. I have also not been reading much kidlit so my choices will be different genres but they’re still excellent because I have excellent reading choices. #modestyisoverrated

Sacrifice by Cindy Pon Oh I had been excepting great things from Cindy in the sequel and she delivered. And how. Everything was perfect and I loved it so it has made my top list.

Men Explain Things To Me by Rebecca Solnit This short blistering collection of feminist essays is one of the best things in existence. Seriously. Solnit is so articulate, her essays almost made me weep with appreciation.

Saints & Misfits – S. K. Ali The world needs more books like this one.

Reflections: On the Magic of Writing by Diana Wynne Jones I mean, it’s Diana Wynne Jones?

The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi This has nothing to do with Karuna being a close friend and everything to do with how much I identified with this book. How brilliant it was to see shades of myself in this character.

Underground – Haruki Murakami This is a collection of interviews conducted by Murakami with both the victims of the gas attack and the perpetrators or rather the members of the cult that was responsible for these gas attacks. I found the different ways different people remembered the same incident fascinating.

A Curious Land by Susan Muaddi Darraj Honestly this is not the kind of book I would usually read but it is such an exceptional book that delves into lives not usually explored in literature in such astonishingly brilliant ways that I can’t help but include it in my list of best books of the year.

The Sun is also a Star – Nicola Yoon Well, Yash already said everything there was and oh look, I actually reviewed it too.

Frantumaglia by Elena Ferrante Okay, so I haven’t actually finished this book yet but once I do, it’s going into my list because it’s startling and brilliant and makes me think about writing and my role as an author.

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Books We’ve Read In 2017 So Far *advertisement voice* Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature brought to you by The Broke & The Bookish.

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flauntpage · 7 years

Text

Debunking the Idea That Boston Is Better Without Isaiah Thomas

On Tuesday night, the Boston Celtics nearly upset the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second straight time in their second straight game without Isaiah Thomas. On the road, coming off the most lopsided conference finals loss in NBA history, without their leading scorer, Boston's offense somehow managed to score at a rate that was roughly seven points per 100 possessions better than the Golden State Warriors averaged this season.

This was far more of a fluke than a sustainable attack from a team that struggled all year long to produce efficient offense without Thomas leading the way. And in the second half of Game 4, it all came crashing down as Kyrie Irving and LeBron James outscored Boston 48-42.

Up until that point, though, there was a brief window of time for various corners of the sports commentariat to proudly parade their bloated, increasingly preposterous theory: that Boston is better without their best player.

In reality, a lot of what happened since Thomas's season ended is unexplainable—an entertaining byproduct of the randomness that draws millions of people to watch sports in the first place.

Marcus Smart, a career 29.1 percent three-point shooter, drained seven threes in Game 3, something he had done only four times before. The Celtics launched 40 threes altogether that night and made a sizzling 45 percent of them. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, put up 17 in the second half, but only two, both from J.R. Smith's fingertips, went in.

Mix all that with Cleveland's defense, which still isn't very good, plus LeBron James taking a nap for six quarters in the middle of the series, and the Celtics were nearly able to pull off two of the most shocking upsets in recent playoff history.

It's hard to evaluate Thomas' postseason performance without mentioning the obstacles in his way. His little sister died in a car accident hours before Game 1 of Boston's first-round series against the Chicago Bulls. His front tooth was knocked out during Game 1 of the second round and he responded by scoring 53 points—more than any active NBA player has ever recorded—a couple days later.

Later on in that same series, Thomas re-aggravated a hip injury he suffered in March. And then, finally, in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, a "right femoral-acetabular impingement with labral tear" ended his magical season.

None of this is to say that he's perfect, but it's fascinating how people denigrate what they can't comprehend. How does a 5'9" player average the third most points in the league, with the fifth-highest usage rate, and ninth-best True Shooting percentage? It seems to good to be true, so therefore it can't be. Critics chisel into the cracks of Thomas's game without stopping to consider that the Celtics would not have made the playoffs if he weren't on the roster.

This team does not move the ball with more purpose sans Thomas. They do not play with more freedom. They do not generate easier shots. His presence does not restrict anyone from being their best self. He is not Russell Westbrook or James Harden, autocratic focal points whose team's entire offense hinges on how they read the defense.

Photo by Geoff Burke - USA TODAY Sports

Instead, the 28-year-old is a complementary centerpiece who provides enough spontaneous production to make Boston's offense hum. Roughly four quarters against an undisciplined defense that might not have even taken the Celtics seriously aren't enough to claim otherwise.

Boston managed a feeble 95.6 offensive rating in the fourth quarter of Game 4, as Cleveland was happy to switch ball screens and let the Celtics' Thomas-less attack hang itself on contested threes and hurried drives from Smart and Jae Crowder. Even off a Cavalier turnover or missed shot, most of what the Celtics did was executed in a panic. Prayers were not answered.

It's silly to argue a different result would occur had Thomas been there. That would ignore how effective the Celtics were in the first half, when their offensive rating was 118.8, along with the negative impact IT would likely have on the other end. But it's equally ridiculous to say this team is better off without him.

Boston's assist rate was higher during the regular season when Thomas didn't play, but when he did it was 63.8 percent, which still placed higher than 28 other NBA teams. His 1.7 secondary assists per game ranked second only to Steph Curry; Allen Iverson is the only other player in league history to take care of the ball like Thomas did, under the strain of such a high usage rate and consistent playmaking responsibility.

And even though IT's individual scoring numbers dropped during the playoffs, his teammates would never say their job is easier when he isn't around. Al Horford, Kelly Olynyk, and Smart all saw their effective field goal percentages climb by at least three points with Thomas by their side this year. In the playoffs, Horford made 86.1 percent of his twos and 52.4 percent of his threes when Thomas passed him the ball. Olynyk was at 73.3 and 42.9 percent, respectively.

One of this postseason's most unstoppable plays occurred each time one of those two bigs set Thomas up with a high screen 30 feet from the cup. No big is quick enough to corral him that far from paydirt, meaning he can pull up for a wide-open three or sled downhill and either draw a foul in the paint or kick it out to an open teammate as help defenders cave in.

Thomas is far too quick to be contained on a switch, and even though his size leaves him vulnerable against a well-executed trap—he's constantly harassed coming off ball screens, and even when he does skitter free, a third defender has already rotated from the weak side to clog up his driving lane—IT can shovel the ball to his release valve (whoever sets the screen) before the defense rotates back into position.

According to Synergy Sports, Boston scored 1.52 points per possession when Thomas fed the roll man, which ranks in the 97th percentile. He's an exceptional off-the-bounce creator for himself and others, even as he's the crux of every opponent's defensive game plan.

Photo by David Butler II - USA TODAY Sports

During the regular season, the Celtics went from outscoring opponents by 5.0 points per 100 possessions when Thomas played to getting outscored by 0.7 points per 100 possessions when he sat. Their offense plummeted from first to last in the league. First. To. Last.

It's true that their defense rose from 25th to the top, but even in the analytically advanced era we currently enjoy, defensive numbers can be tricky. Smart is a 6'4" cinderblock who moves like a hungry bobcat; having him out there instead of Thomas makes Boston's defense better. That much is straightforward. Dig a little deeper, though, and it's fair to conclude that while there's still so much we don't know, having a minus defender at point guard is not the apocalypse.

Take Horford's defensive rating with and without Thomas on the floor as an example. The Celtics have allowed 110 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs when they share the court. When Horford is by himself, that number rises to 119.5. Weird. Horford is one of the best defenders at his position, a versatile genius who protects the rim, erases passing lanes, and allows the Celtics to execute various pick-and-roll schemes whether they're big or small.

During the regular season, Boston also allowed a team-high 11.8 fewer points per 100 possessions with Avery Bradley off the court. Bradley has cracked the NBA's All-Defensive team twice in his career and is considered one of the most grueling on-ball defenders in the league.

A lot goes into these numbers, uncontrollable variables that no one individual player—especially a guard—can control. Boston's opponents made 38.2 percent of their threes when Thomas was on the floor this year. That dropped to 31.4 percent when he sat. Luck has more to do with this change than anything Thomas—a smart, tough, albeit physically challenged defender—can or can't accomplish.

And then there's the question of whether or not it actually benefits Boston to have an opposing offense go out of their way to attack him with a mismatch. Is it smart to repeatedly post up Otto Porter instead of run typically devastating pick-and-roll action with John Wall and Marcin Gortat?

We know iso offense is relatively ineffective over the course of a large sample size, but teams can still make the Celtics sweat. Inverted screen-and-roll action, where a ball-handling bruiser calls for Thomas's man to set a screen and, ideally, force a switch, is an obvious quagmire. But it's also not exclusive to Boston. Most point guards have difficulty guarding larger players! The Cavaliers abused Steph Curry during the 2016 Finals and, more recently, Jeff Teague during the first round. That said, Thomas actually had quite bit of success in these playoffs when teams went out of their way to attack him.

According to Synergy Sports, opponents averaged a paltry 0.68 points per possession in isolation and 0.87 in the post when he defended them. On pick-and-roll switches, Thomas held his man to 0.75 points per possession, which was best among all players who participated in at least ten such plays.

These numbers don't account for scenarios when the Celtics load up to help Thomas and are then beat by a cutter from the weak-side, or a skip pass to an open three-point shooter, or an offensive putback because one of Boston's bigs is out of position. But they also don't disqualify the Celtics from winning a title with Thomas playing big minutes.

Photo by Caylor Arnold - USA TODAY Sports

Arguing Thomas's present-day value is laughable, but his looming max contract is still deliberated as if agreeing to it would fix a hard ceiling on what the Celtics can accomplish over the next few years.

Boston's front office will eventually reach that fork in the road—Should they trade Thomas?—but there isn't enough information to make a decision right now. Markelle Fultz is a part of this conversation, as is Gordon Hayward, Smart, and Bradley. We don't know where Hayward plans to sign, or whether any godfather offers will be made for the first pick. How might hip surgery or age-related decline affect Thomas's athleticism? That's all unknowable, and makes a five-year maximum contract hard to swallow.

But that's not something the organization will have to answer until next summer. For now, Thomas is not holding them back. The real question to ask might be: Why do clouds of doubt still hover over a player who's the primary engine of his team's success, and who has proven time and time again that he's capable of taking over down the stretch of a tight game—a skill every team so desperately needs, yet only a few have?

Thomas is not a mercenary, he's a critical building block, and the Celtics wouldn't be three wins from the Finals without him.

Debunking the Idea That Boston Is Better Without Isaiah Thomas published first on http://ift.tt/2pLTmlv

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topsolarpanels · 7 years

Text

The 76 ers’ mad analytics experimentation was doomed to fail- but at least it was memorable

Basketball had never seen an attempt to build a franchise the route Sam Hinkie wanted to. And with Colangelo and DAntoni now on board, were unlikely to see it again

The Sixers have attained losers out of all of us.

The 1-29 experiment in tanking analytics is being tainted by the introduction of basketball people in Jerry Colangelo and Mike DAntoni. After more than two and a half years of of Sam Hinkie being able to do whatever he wants, dump any asset and draft every damaged 7ft guy the world over, those above Hinkie are now forcing him to be influenced by two guys whose knowledge of statistical analysis probably ends with recognizing also that a three-pointer is worth more than a two-pointer.

In Colangelo and DAntoni, chairman of basketball operations and associate head coach-and-four respectively, the Sixers are wrecking what mad statistician/ GM Hinkie was constructing before we all got to see the final Frankenstatistic product. The Sixers are like a bold avant garde movie that had the studio fell Keanu Reeves and Reese Witherspoon into it halfway through filming. Pulling Hinkies computer plug now is like refusing to allow infinite monkeys to finish writing on their typewriters.

Its dropping the funding on the development of an alternative energy vehicle that was to be fueled entirely on weed smoke.

If those analogies are bad or confounding or tortured, theyre even more fitting for whatever it is that Hinkie was attempting to do with his bad and confounding and tormented Sixers. Unfortunately , now well never know. Because now the Sixers have basketball people with basketball knowledge.

Jeff Skversky (@ JeffSkversky) December 21, 2015

#Sixers chairperson Jerry Colangelo tells #ESPN the #Sixers are absence basketball people& knowledge – that’s why they hired Mike D’Antoni

Yuck. With the input of Colangelo and DAntoni, the Sixers will no doubt become like any other squad, scratching and clawing for semi-relevance and a low playoff seed barring a generational star falling into their laps.

Hinkie promised something different. No squad had ever tanked like Hinkies Sixers. Previous sports tankings were designed to land one special player and then instantly get to work on contending. Hinkies tanking was indefinite, geared to draft no one in particular other than maybe discovering the NBAs first eight-footer and didnt promise arguing any time soon. This is a team that has won one of its last 40 games over two seasons and indicates zero signs of arriving improvement.

Basketball had never seen an attempt to build a franchise this route. And with the Sixers giving up, were unlikely to ever see it again.

Maybe Colangelo, Hinkie, DAntoni and Brett Brown will mesh perfectly and build a balanced squad in Philadelphia that will contend for championships in the near future. But even if that happens, well still be left with the nagging is the issue of what might have been. Awesome or terrible and it was looking more and more like terrible Hinkies ultimate The Process Sixers were going to be memorable.

Weve lost them eternally. We are losers. We are all just Sixers now.

Vine of the week

Alex Kennedy (@ AlexKennedyNBA) December 18, 2015

Kevin Durant x Dr J – Under The Basket Reverse Layup( Vine by @TheCauldron) https :// t.co/ BnTBDgJQy5

In last weeks tight four-point loss at Cleveland, Durant pulled off a pretty spot-on Dr J impression in the first quarter. But its not even Durants best Julius Erving-style reverse layup in his career. Check out this ridiculousness from three seasons ago against the Nuggets TAGEND

When your wingspan is that of an adult condor, the normal binds of sidelines and backboards simply dont apply.

How did LeBron carry the Cavalier this week?

After LeBron sat out back on December 5 in Clevelands loss to the Heat, he has returned to median 27, six and five as Cleveland has won five in a row. Kyrie Irving even owes his first points of the season to LeBron thanks to James passing up a dunk on Sunday to give Irving an easy bucket.

Somewhere someone awful ripped James for over-passing on this play.

Quote of the week

I actually feel sorry for people who have nothing to do on Christmas Day other than watch an NBA game. I think we get a little carried away with ourselves in sports supposing were more important than everything else. Stan Van Gundy

Full disclosure: that hilarious quote is not from this week. Its not even from this year. Van Gundy said it back in 2009 when he was head coach-and-four of the Orlando Magic.( Fun fact: the Magic were then penalty by Scrooge Stern over Van Gundys public objection to working on Christmas. Really .) Van Gundys Pistons arent scheduled to play on Christmas this year, so he can expend the vacation doing whatever it is that people with rich, full lives do instead of watching basketball. Watching A Christmas Story over and over maybe?

Power Rankings

1. Golden State Warriors( Last week: 1 )

After their slip-up against the Bucks, the Warriors seem to be rolling on towards the 1996 Bulls wins record with back-to-back victories by an average margin of 17 points. But maybe not everything is perfect. Consider that Steph Curry is shooting just 47% from the floor in his last four games while NBA laughing stock Kobe Bryant is shooting 51% in his last four. Can the Warriors genuinely expect to win a title in 2015 with a shooting guard who is worse than Kobe? Hashtag: FunWithStats.

2. San Antonio Spurs( 2 )

Gregg Popovich is on-record as disliking the three-point shoot, but Kawhi Leonard is on pace for a career-high in three-pointers made and his 47.2 three-point percentage is even better than Currys. Leonard better knock it off or he could get benched.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers( 4 )

Kyrie Irving played his first game of the season on Sunday against the Sixers. Bullying is incorrect and the Cavaliers should apologize.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder( 3 )

Kevin Durant hit a go-ahead jumper with 5.8 seconds left on Monday night and then blocked Chris Paul as day expired to give the Thunder a 100 -9 9 win in Los Angeles against the Clippers. Its probably more productive if we all stop debating if Durant or Russell Westbrook is the best player on the Thunder and instead talking here how fun it is to watch a team play that has both of them healthy and in their primes.

5. Miami Heat (8 )

The Heat are said to be a possible landing place for Dwight Howard in a potential trade, which are truly be a good deal for Miami if theyre looking to get a 30 year-old player in rapid decline who is owed $23 million next year.

6. Atlanta Hawks( 16 )

Dennis Schroder had a tooth knocked out against Portland on Monday night and reacted by calmly placing it in his sock.

Joe Giglio (@ JoeGiglioSports) December 22, 2015

Dennis Schroder lost a tooth last night and decided to set it in his sock. https :// t.co/ QWPc7MaPw 5

If Schroder puts things like teeth in his socks, the lint tray in his washing machine must be quite a sight.

7. Indiana Pacers( 9 )

George Hill is the next Jason Kidd. Not because hes a future Hall of Famer. Hes not. Hes just a point guard who, like Kidd, will forever have regrettable photos of himself online with a blonde dye chore.

8. Toronto Raptors( 5 )

The Raptors have lost three of four, including a 10 -point home loss to the lowly Kings on Monday. Maybe the unusually warm wintertime climate has tricked them into playing like they do in April.

9. Dallas Mavericks( 11 )

Head coach Rick Carlisle tells Chandler Parson has been a lot of hard work to recover from hybrid microfracture surgery on his right knee: Everybody wants a nice cooked steak, but nobody wants to see you chopping up the cows in the back. The last five or six months, Parson has been in the back butchering clows thats the kind of work hes had to do. Rick, you play in Texas. Everyone is absolutely fine with chopping up cows.

10. Chicago Bulls( 6 )

The Bulls have lost three in a row and Jimmy Butler tells new head coach-and-four Fred Hoiberg needs to coach the team a lot harder. Before this year, the Bulls were coached by the ball of stress and rage that is Tom Thibodeau, so Butlers idea of what constitutes intense coaching may be a little bit skewed.

11. Detroit Pistons( 15 )

The Pistons released Josh Smith a year ago today. Detroit was 5-23 at the time and has gone 43 -3 9 since. Perhaps the Clippers, Smiths current employer, should try to turn their lucks around by releasing him this year.

12. Orlando Magic( 14 )

As 24 year-old Magic center Nikola Vucevic continues to take steps to toward becoming a star, its fun to think back to 2012 when he was a throw-in with Andre Iguodala in the trade that netted the Sixers Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson. What if the Sixers had maintained Vucevic? Sam Hinkie would have yet another talented seven-footer on his roster. On the downside, Vucevic would be helping Hinkies squad win games.

13. Boston Celtics( 10 )

Celtics fans dedicated Kevin Garnett a long salute on Monday night in what was probably his last-ever game in Boston.

Garnett smiled broadly even though his squad lost. This is not the same Kevin Garnett who played in Boston.

14. Los Angeles Clippers( 7 )

The disappointing Clippers and awful Lakers play on Christmas Day. The only way the sports day can get worse in L.A. is if everyone wakes up and find the Rams and Chargers under their tree.

15. Houston Rockets( 17 ) The Rockets have won three in a row thanks to playing their best defense of the season. And just think how hard the rest of the team has to play defense when James Harden is doing this TAGEND

YannickYounique (@ Yannick_DYB) December 20, 2015

I know we say it all the time but James Harden is the worst defender ever pic.twitter.com/ e5mMkKiVtk

16. Charlotte Bobcats( 12 )

Just when we all guessed the Bobcats might finally be turning the corner, they ran and lost four of five to fall out of the top eight in the Eastern Conference. This is where a clever Internet person would insert the Jordan screaming meme.

17. Memphis Grizzlies( 13 )

The Grizzlies are showing signs that their new small-ball approach could pay off. Now they just have to perfect it to the point of besting the small-ball champ Warriors. Good luck, guys!

18. Washington Wizards( 20 )

John Wall dished out a career-high 19 shall take part in Mondays win over the Kings only to injury his ribs in the final minutes. This is your latest reminder that Washington D.C. sports cant ever win.

19. Utah Jazz( 18 )

The Jazz beat the Sun on Monday night, allowing them to retain the No. 8 place in the West at 12 -1 4. The Western Conference continues to make a strong suit that it is the new Eastern Conference.

20. Milwaukee Bucks( 21 )

Do the Bucks deserve to be in the Top 20? No, probably not. They lost by 18 to the Lakers a week ago, after all. But Milwaukee is the only team to beat the Warriors this season and with Golden State looking for revenge back on Friday, the Bucks had a 10 -point fourth one-quarter result!( Before ultimately losing by nine .) That deserves a trophy. Maybe even a parade. It at least deserves a place in the Top 20 of our power rankings , no matter how temporary.

21. New York Knicks( 20 ) 22. Denver Nuggets( 24 ) 23. Sacramento Kings( 26 ) 24. Phoenix Suns( 24 ) 25. Minnesota Timberwolves( 25 ) 26. Portland Trail Blazers( 22 ) 27. New Orleans Pelicans( 28 ) 28. Brooklyn Nets( 27 ) 29. Los Angeles Lakers( 29 ) 30. Philadelphia 76 ers( 30 )