It sucks because whenever there are big moves it feels like most of them go to a western conference team. Hopefully, if Durant isn't coming here he goes to the East somewhere again and if PHX trades Booker hopefully he goes to Orlando or something. Maybe the Bulls can get desperate and trade for Zion idk but yeah the East is about like 3 teams.
I realize that Middleton was considered to be somewhat washed and/or limited due to age - injuries, but Kuzma was never going to be the answer for what the Bucks needed.
My wild guess is the Bucks realized they weren't good enough as is, were tired of Middleton's injuries and didn't think they had anything to lose.
Cavs over Heat in 5 Bucks over Pacers in 7 Knicks over Pistons in 7 Celtics over Magic in 5 Cavs over Bucks in 5 Celtics over Knicks in 6 Celtics over Cavs in 7 Thunder over Grizzlies in 6 Nuggets over Clippers in 7 Lakers over Wolves in 6 Warriors over Rockets in 6 Thunder over Nuggets in 6 Lakers over Warriors in 6 Lakers over Thunder in 7 Celtics over Lakers in 6 The Thunder are going to be shamed. They are the type of team that gets setup by the NBA. The NBA will give them a completely different whistle in the playoffs than they got in the regular season. They get the same whistle, and they run through the West. Without it, they might as well be on upset watch from round one. The Lakers are going to the Finals to play the Celtics no matter the cost. The Lakers will get whatever whistle they'll need to make it through the West. They might not even need much with Doncic. He'll be the best player in the playoffs. The Finals will be called just fair enough to end in 6. In a fair NBA, the Rockets beat the Warriors, but they're going to struggle over coming the BS being so young. Hopefully, they don't overreact and trade for Durant.
This series is going to be the best basketball we see in the first round. Best player in the NBA on one side and Kawhi and Harden on the other. No shenanigans from the NBA since they probably don't care who wins. The only possible problem is the Nuggets role players crapping the bed and/or Jokic getting neutralized by Shoebox.
I understand that it is a difficult task for a GM - President of Basketball Ops to convince the owner that a teardown and rebuild is the best course of action, but I have it as usually a waste of time to do the type of Patching that the Bucks have done in recent years. Chicago was doing much the same in recent years when they added Vucevic, Ball and DDR. Sacramento Took the Baton from the Bulls and kept Patching their roster instead of doing a proper teardown and rebuild. I know that we are just Kibitzers*, but the NBA having so many stubborn Owners doesn't help the league's image. _________________________________ * kibitzer noun ki·bitz·er ˈki-bət-sər kə-ˈbit- variants or less commonly kibbitzer Synonyms of kibitzer : one who looks on and often offers unwanted advice or comment a kibitzer at a card game broadly : one who offers opinions
Unless the Clippers suffer some injuries, Nuggets have no chance to beat them in a series. The 1st quarter, so far, is pretty much what I expected to happen. The Clippers are a machine and if they stay healthy, they are even money to beat OKC in the 2nd round IMO. 2-3 weeks ago, I told people here they overlook the Clippers to their peril. Very glad they aren't the #3 seed if the Rockets advance. I'd rather them face the Lakers.
I'm rooting for LAC if its not us. Would be cool to see Harden get a title, he's a chill guy, just plays basketball and goes to strip clubs, how can you not root for that? Very relatable. This Clippers team is a buzzsaw right now too. Only concern is Kawhi lasting a playoff series.
he hasnt really fallen off. but i have seen this before. Kawhi better rest up. Harden will get you there, but Kawhi needs to close.
nuggets don't worry harden led teams i remember harden had capela looking like dream lol againist the nuggets