I’m not even quoting him anymore
He just gets random posts THAT MIGHT be towards him.
Them ecology niggas sent him back to BGol
Ain’t no love over here for u no more
Official 2018 NBA Offseason Thread: free agency starts 7/1 - Summer League action is here!
- Thread starter Mask
- Start date
He just gets random posts THAT MIGHT be towards him.
Them ecology niggas sent him back to BGol
Ain’t no love over here for u no more
Because kings are only known for money now
And plus your in Cali
I would easily take ANY Cali team over any other shitty city
It’s fucking 4 teams
That’s 13 x 4 = 52
I need one of them 52 slots b
???????
man don’t tell me that shit
now that’s better...take that whining shit somewhere else
NVM
He's working on his jumper instead
6ers the future of the East if they stay healthy
https://www.libertyballers.com/2018...tz-not-expected-to-play-in-2018-summer-league
He's working on his jumper instead
6ers the future of the East if they stay healthy
https://www.libertyballers.com/2018...tz-not-expected-to-play-in-2018-summer-league
You talk greasy to me everyday tho. Where my fucking apology nigga?!
Dwyane Wade fuels possible retirement by saying he's "focused on the game after basketball"
Tariq Saleh3 hours ago
.
Add your comment
24/7
One notable free agent that is yet to be signed this summer is veteran Dwyane Wade.
The 36-year-old just completed his 15th year in the league and is choosing to take his time to consider his options.
After winning three championships and multiple awards, there isn't much left for the legendary shooting guard to achieve or prove.
Wade has always been coy about his plans for next season but he recently dropped a major hint that he could be preparing for retirement.
Life after the game
The 12-time All-Star is currently in China where he signed a lifetime shoe deal with Li-Ning on Wednesday.
He says he's not currently using this time to focus on his playing career but on life after basketball instead.
"When I get back from China, I'll focus on that," Wade said, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.
"Right now, I’m focused on the game after basketball. Whatever happens in basketball, it happens.
"I've done everything that I can to this point to put myself that I’m in this position I am today, where I can do something that hasn't been done globally yet.
"The basketball will take care of itself. I'll sit down and figure that out once I get back from this tour at some point."
The former Finals MVP's noncommittal words would indicate that he's possibly leaning towards retirement.
Hall of Fame career
If he does decide to call time on his illustrious career, there will definitely be a place in the Hall of Fame waiting for him in the coming years.
He spent most of his career with the Miami Heat, where he won his three rings, before short spells with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wade was traded back to Miami by the Cavs at the deadline last season, allowing him to retire with the franchise that he enjoyed his success with for over a decade.
He helped them return to the playoffs and rolled back the years on some occasions in that first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
D-Wade's incredible career has also seen him garner eight All-NBA selections and three All-Defensive nods.
But father time is catching up with him and his days in the league are definitely numbered.
Whether he continues or not, his legacy is set as he'll go down as one of the best two guards to ever play in the NBA.
Tariq Saleh3 hours ago
.
Add your comment
24/7
One notable free agent that is yet to be signed this summer is veteran Dwyane Wade.
The 36-year-old just completed his 15th year in the league and is choosing to take his time to consider his options.
After winning three championships and multiple awards, there isn't much left for the legendary shooting guard to achieve or prove.
Wade has always been coy about his plans for next season but he recently dropped a major hint that he could be preparing for retirement.
Life after the game
The 12-time All-Star is currently in China where he signed a lifetime shoe deal with Li-Ning on Wednesday.
He says he's not currently using this time to focus on his playing career but on life after basketball instead.
"When I get back from China, I'll focus on that," Wade said, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.
"Right now, I’m focused on the game after basketball. Whatever happens in basketball, it happens.
"I've done everything that I can to this point to put myself that I’m in this position I am today, where I can do something that hasn't been done globally yet.
"The basketball will take care of itself. I'll sit down and figure that out once I get back from this tour at some point."
The former Finals MVP's noncommittal words would indicate that he's possibly leaning towards retirement.
Hall of Fame career
If he does decide to call time on his illustrious career, there will definitely be a place in the Hall of Fame waiting for him in the coming years.
He spent most of his career with the Miami Heat, where he won his three rings, before short spells with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wade was traded back to Miami by the Cavs at the deadline last season, allowing him to retire with the franchise that he enjoyed his success with for over a decade.
He helped them return to the playoffs and rolled back the years on some occasions in that first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
D-Wade's incredible career has also seen him garner eight All-NBA selections and three All-Defensive nods.
But father time is catching up with him and his days in the league are definitely numbered.
Whether he continues or not, his legacy is set as he'll go down as one of the best two guards to ever play in the NBA.
The Philadelphia 76ers' star-less summer wasn't a complete failure
Bryan Toporek
.
During the night of the 2018 NBA Draft, Philadelphia 76ers head coach and interim general manager Brett Brown set lofty expectations for the remainder of the offseason.
"We are star-hunting, or we are star-developing," Brown told reporters. "That's how you win a championship."
In the wake of those comments, the Sixers' inability to lure either LeBron James or Paul George in free agency may be viewed as a resounding disappointment. With the Toronto Raptors having traded for disgruntled San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard on Wednesday, Philly is now all but certain to leave this offseason empty-handed when it comes to the star players Brown openly lusted after.
However, the Sixers' offseason isn't a failure just because they couldn't accomplish their plan A. In fact, their refusal to panic-sign role players to long-term deals was strategic, even though it decreases the likelihood of them competing for a championship in 2018-19.
On the day after the draft, a reporter asked Brown about his confidence level in landing a star via free agency or a trade this offseason. In response, Brown took a far more measured approach compared to his earlier comments.
"I think it's gonna be difficult. I think it's gonna be a challenge," he told reporters. "… When you judge the marketplace and you sort of figure out 'Who is a star?', it's a tiny number of players. And as we figure out who we deem to be stars, we understand that that's gonna be a challenge."
"We don't have to solve all of this now," Brown added. "… If it doesn't happen - the star-hunting this year - we will continue our pursuit of star-developing and focus in on what we do have."
In other words: If the Sixers didn't land James, George or Leonard this offseason, running back the core of their 2017-18 squad was always the plan. Rather than blow their cap space on multi-year deals, they kept one eye firmly fixated on the 2019 free agent class while banking on minor external additions, internal improvement and roster stability to carry them through this upcoming season.
The offseason moves
The Sixers entered the offseason with roughly $26 million in salary-cap space, which made them one of the few teams capable of carving out enough room for a max salary. But once James committed to the Lakers and George re-signed with the Thunder, no other players on the market were deserving of such a hefty contract.
Instead, the Sixers quickly came to terms with J.J. Redick on a one-year deal worth between $12-13 million, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, a full $10 million less than what he earned in 2017-18. They then absorbed Wilson Chandler's $12.8 million expiring contract into their remaining cap space, picking up a 2021 second-round pick and a 2022 second-round pick swap for helping the Denver Nuggets trim their luxury-tax bill. To round out their signings, they brought Amir Johnson back on a one-year, $2.4 million veteran's minimum deal.
The Chandler acquisition in particular proved contentious among the Philly faithful, as some took issue with the Sixers receiving only a second-round pick and a second-round pick swap for helping Denver to clear $50 million in luxury-tax payments. Here's the issue with that logic: a) Chandler will be helpful this season - i.e., he's not a Timofey Mozgov-esque salary dump; and b) those second-rounders could be abnormally valuable if the NBA does away with one-and-dones in 2021 or 2022 as rumoured.
By his own admission, Chandler struggled last season. With Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Paul Millsap and Nikola Jokic gobbling up offensive possessions, Chandler was often an afterthought in Denver's starting lineup, which helps to explain why his scoring averaged dipped by 5.7 points compared to the prior season. In 2016-17, however, he was a revelation after he missed the entire 2015-16 campaign with a hip injury.
Chandler isn't likely to threaten Robert Covington or Dario Saric for a starting job, but he'll immediately become the Sixers' best wing off the bench. While he's nowhere near as potent of a three-point shooter as Marco Belinelli, he's also nowhere near as much of a defensive liability. Considering how readily the Boston Celtics targeted Belinelli in the playoffs, removing that weak link for a steady two-way presence is a sound trade-off for Philly.
Once James and George were off the table, retaining Redick became an utmost priority, as he averaged a career-high 17.1 points per game last season while shooting 42.0% from three-point range. In the press release announcing Redick's re-signing, Brown said his "leadership and professionalism add to the overall special package that he brings to our team," adding, "our ability to maintain continuity will strengthen the team's continued growth." That latter point likely helps explain why Johnson returned, too, as he's a valued locker room presence who won this year's NBA Hustle Award for doing the dirty work that often slips under the radar.
The Sixers also originally agreed to spend their $4.4 million room mid-level exception on Nemanja Bjelica, according to ESPN.com's Adrian Wojnarowski, but the former Minnesota Timberwolves big man later backed out of that deal. Once he did, they pivoted to a three-team trade in which they sent Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Justin Anderson to the Atlanta Hawks for Mike Muscala, according to Yahoo Sports' Shams Charania. Muscala, a career 37.8% three-point shooter, will likely be ticketed for the same backup combo-big role Ilyasova played last year and Bjelica was projected to fill in his place.
Could the Sixers have gone after Tyreke Evans, Julius Randle, DeMarcus Cousins or Kyle O'Quinn in free agency instead? Sure, but who's to say they didn't? Restricted free agents such as Zach LaVine, Marcus Smart or Jabari Parker likely weren't under consideration because their offer sheets would have to span at least two years (not counting options), and the Sixers wouldn't want to jeopardise their 2019 salary-cap space.
Considering the ages of their young centerpieces - Joel Embiid (24), Saric (24), Ben Simmons (21) and Markelle Fultz (20) - running back the same core and rounding it out with a few complementary additions is a perfectly fine strategy for 2018-19.
The young guys
During his exit interview in May, Embiid said he entered this past season overweight because he spent all summer rehabbing from the torn meniscus he suffered in January. He expressed excitement about how entering this offseason healthy would enable him to work on his body, which will help him hit the ground running in October. Considering his two-way upside, an MVP-calibre season would be well within Embiid's grasp if he improves his conditioning, avoids the injury bug and cuts down on his unforced turnovers.
Fresh off a dynamic Rookie of the Year campaign, Simmons will likewise enter 2018-19 with bigger goals in mind. He was one of only three players last season to average 15 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, joining James and Russell Westbrook, but the Celtics exploited his lack of a jump shot during the second round of the playoffs. If he improves his finishing around the rim and begins firing mid-range jumpers with less hesitation, he'll become damn near unguardable in only his second NBA season.
Saric was the Sixers' biggest wild card coming into 2017-18, as he seemed to be a questionable fit alongside Simmons and Embiid. Instead, he banged home 39.3% of his three-point attempts - a marked upgrade from his 31.1% clip as a rookie - and became the quintessential glue guy in the team's supersized starting line-up. Though it's fair to wonder whether Saric will eventually price himself out of Philadelphia, the Sixers can table that concern for now and hope he further boosts his trade value with another do-it-all season in the meantime.
After forgetting how to shoot as a rookie, Fultz is now the Sixers' biggest question mark heading into 2018-19. He's spending the summer working with renowned trainer Drew Hanlen - who has trained Embiid and Jayson Tatum, among other NBA players - and he's reportedly "way ahead of pace" of where Hanlen thought he'd be at this point of the offseason. The Sixers desperately need a secondary shot-creator and off-the-dribble threat, but Fultz could conceivably fill both of those roles if he rediscovers the shooting form that helped make him the No. 1 overall pick in 2017.
The Sixers also have proven role players such as Covington and T.J. McConnell, a pair of first-round picks in Zhaire Smith and Landry Shamet, and a few young, unproven guys like summer league legend Furkan Korkmaz and Richaun Holmes (who may not be long for this roster, either). It appears as though 2017 second-round pick Jonah Bolden will soon be joining that group, too.
Given how much faith Philly puts in its player development system, it isn't unreasonable to expect many of those young players to make strides this offseason. In turn, that could fuel the Sixers to even more success in 2018-19 despite their lack of a big free-agent splash.
Looking ahead to 2019
It's easy to forget in the wake of the Sixers' 16-win streak to close out the regular season, but they weren't expected to be a 52-win club and the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference last year. Las Vegas oddsmakers pegged them as a fringe playoff squad, right in line with the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets. Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated both suggested pounding the under, in large part because of Philly's youth.
Until Belinelli and Ilyasova arrived in February to give the bench a much-needed infusion of scoring punch, the Sixers were hovering around .500. They devoured an easy late-season schedule against mostly lottery-bound squads, which in turn inflated expectations heading into the playoffs. Their dismantling of the Heat in the opening round made it seem as though they were ready to fast-forward through the next stage of the Process, but the Celtics brought them back down to earth in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Though James has now left the East, the Celtics loom even larger with both Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward returning. That's why Brown stressed the need for additional outside help during his exit interview in May.
"If that portion of the fanbase is still prepared to take this notion [of doing it organically] and that's going to equal a championship, it's noble but I don't agree with it," he said. "I think another high-level free agent is required. I feel like we have the ability to attract one."
The Sixers fell short of that this offseason, but they're projected to be armed with $42 million in cap space next summer, according to ESPN.com's Bobby Marks. More than one-third of the league may be able to carve out a max-contract slot in 2019, but the Sixers will be one of the few ready-made title contenders to do so.
Even if Leonard, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson spurn the Sixers next summer, a wing like Jimmy Butler or Khris Middleton could be a picture-perfect fit. If they strike out on all of their top targets again, that's when they'll begin to sniff around multiyear deals for role players such as Evans, Redick, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope or Jeremy Lamb. Extensions for Simmons and Saric will begin in 2020-21, which makes next summer Philly's last chance to strike big on the free-agent market before turning its attention to its own young players.
Just because the Sixers didn't add a long-term free agent this summer doesn't mean they'll punt on that strategy indefinitely. Whether they trade for Leonard or go out star-hunting in 2019, they're bound to make a splashy acquisition or two in the next 12 months. If their young guys continue to improve and they enter next offseason with $40-plus million in cap space, they should have little trouble finding good players to take their money.
In the meantime, Sixers fans should remain patient and enjoy watching Embiid, Simmons, Saric, Fultz and the rest of their young players stretch the limits of their games.
Bryan Toporek
.
During the night of the 2018 NBA Draft, Philadelphia 76ers head coach and interim general manager Brett Brown set lofty expectations for the remainder of the offseason.
"We are star-hunting, or we are star-developing," Brown told reporters. "That's how you win a championship."
In the wake of those comments, the Sixers' inability to lure either LeBron James or Paul George in free agency may be viewed as a resounding disappointment. With the Toronto Raptors having traded for disgruntled San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard on Wednesday, Philly is now all but certain to leave this offseason empty-handed when it comes to the star players Brown openly lusted after.
However, the Sixers' offseason isn't a failure just because they couldn't accomplish their plan A. In fact, their refusal to panic-sign role players to long-term deals was strategic, even though it decreases the likelihood of them competing for a championship in 2018-19.
On the day after the draft, a reporter asked Brown about his confidence level in landing a star via free agency or a trade this offseason. In response, Brown took a far more measured approach compared to his earlier comments.
"I think it's gonna be difficult. I think it's gonna be a challenge," he told reporters. "… When you judge the marketplace and you sort of figure out 'Who is a star?', it's a tiny number of players. And as we figure out who we deem to be stars, we understand that that's gonna be a challenge."
"We don't have to solve all of this now," Brown added. "… If it doesn't happen - the star-hunting this year - we will continue our pursuit of star-developing and focus in on what we do have."
In other words: If the Sixers didn't land James, George or Leonard this offseason, running back the core of their 2017-18 squad was always the plan. Rather than blow their cap space on multi-year deals, they kept one eye firmly fixated on the 2019 free agent class while banking on minor external additions, internal improvement and roster stability to carry them through this upcoming season.
The offseason moves
The Sixers entered the offseason with roughly $26 million in salary-cap space, which made them one of the few teams capable of carving out enough room for a max salary. But once James committed to the Lakers and George re-signed with the Thunder, no other players on the market were deserving of such a hefty contract.
Instead, the Sixers quickly came to terms with J.J. Redick on a one-year deal worth between $12-13 million, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, a full $10 million less than what he earned in 2017-18. They then absorbed Wilson Chandler's $12.8 million expiring contract into their remaining cap space, picking up a 2021 second-round pick and a 2022 second-round pick swap for helping the Denver Nuggets trim their luxury-tax bill. To round out their signings, they brought Amir Johnson back on a one-year, $2.4 million veteran's minimum deal.
The Chandler acquisition in particular proved contentious among the Philly faithful, as some took issue with the Sixers receiving only a second-round pick and a second-round pick swap for helping Denver to clear $50 million in luxury-tax payments. Here's the issue with that logic: a) Chandler will be helpful this season - i.e., he's not a Timofey Mozgov-esque salary dump; and b) those second-rounders could be abnormally valuable if the NBA does away with one-and-dones in 2021 or 2022 as rumoured.
By his own admission, Chandler struggled last season. With Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Paul Millsap and Nikola Jokic gobbling up offensive possessions, Chandler was often an afterthought in Denver's starting lineup, which helps to explain why his scoring averaged dipped by 5.7 points compared to the prior season. In 2016-17, however, he was a revelation after he missed the entire 2015-16 campaign with a hip injury.
Chandler isn't likely to threaten Robert Covington or Dario Saric for a starting job, but he'll immediately become the Sixers' best wing off the bench. While he's nowhere near as potent of a three-point shooter as Marco Belinelli, he's also nowhere near as much of a defensive liability. Considering how readily the Boston Celtics targeted Belinelli in the playoffs, removing that weak link for a steady two-way presence is a sound trade-off for Philly.
Once James and George were off the table, retaining Redick became an utmost priority, as he averaged a career-high 17.1 points per game last season while shooting 42.0% from three-point range. In the press release announcing Redick's re-signing, Brown said his "leadership and professionalism add to the overall special package that he brings to our team," adding, "our ability to maintain continuity will strengthen the team's continued growth." That latter point likely helps explain why Johnson returned, too, as he's a valued locker room presence who won this year's NBA Hustle Award for doing the dirty work that often slips under the radar.
The Sixers also originally agreed to spend their $4.4 million room mid-level exception on Nemanja Bjelica, according to ESPN.com's Adrian Wojnarowski, but the former Minnesota Timberwolves big man later backed out of that deal. Once he did, they pivoted to a three-team trade in which they sent Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Justin Anderson to the Atlanta Hawks for Mike Muscala, according to Yahoo Sports' Shams Charania. Muscala, a career 37.8% three-point shooter, will likely be ticketed for the same backup combo-big role Ilyasova played last year and Bjelica was projected to fill in his place.
Could the Sixers have gone after Tyreke Evans, Julius Randle, DeMarcus Cousins or Kyle O'Quinn in free agency instead? Sure, but who's to say they didn't? Restricted free agents such as Zach LaVine, Marcus Smart or Jabari Parker likely weren't under consideration because their offer sheets would have to span at least two years (not counting options), and the Sixers wouldn't want to jeopardise their 2019 salary-cap space.
Considering the ages of their young centerpieces - Joel Embiid (24), Saric (24), Ben Simmons (21) and Markelle Fultz (20) - running back the same core and rounding it out with a few complementary additions is a perfectly fine strategy for 2018-19.
The young guys
During his exit interview in May, Embiid said he entered this past season overweight because he spent all summer rehabbing from the torn meniscus he suffered in January. He expressed excitement about how entering this offseason healthy would enable him to work on his body, which will help him hit the ground running in October. Considering his two-way upside, an MVP-calibre season would be well within Embiid's grasp if he improves his conditioning, avoids the injury bug and cuts down on his unforced turnovers.
Fresh off a dynamic Rookie of the Year campaign, Simmons will likewise enter 2018-19 with bigger goals in mind. He was one of only three players last season to average 15 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, joining James and Russell Westbrook, but the Celtics exploited his lack of a jump shot during the second round of the playoffs. If he improves his finishing around the rim and begins firing mid-range jumpers with less hesitation, he'll become damn near unguardable in only his second NBA season.
Saric was the Sixers' biggest wild card coming into 2017-18, as he seemed to be a questionable fit alongside Simmons and Embiid. Instead, he banged home 39.3% of his three-point attempts - a marked upgrade from his 31.1% clip as a rookie - and became the quintessential glue guy in the team's supersized starting line-up. Though it's fair to wonder whether Saric will eventually price himself out of Philadelphia, the Sixers can table that concern for now and hope he further boosts his trade value with another do-it-all season in the meantime.
After forgetting how to shoot as a rookie, Fultz is now the Sixers' biggest question mark heading into 2018-19. He's spending the summer working with renowned trainer Drew Hanlen - who has trained Embiid and Jayson Tatum, among other NBA players - and he's reportedly "way ahead of pace" of where Hanlen thought he'd be at this point of the offseason. The Sixers desperately need a secondary shot-creator and off-the-dribble threat, but Fultz could conceivably fill both of those roles if he rediscovers the shooting form that helped make him the No. 1 overall pick in 2017.
The Sixers also have proven role players such as Covington and T.J. McConnell, a pair of first-round picks in Zhaire Smith and Landry Shamet, and a few young, unproven guys like summer league legend Furkan Korkmaz and Richaun Holmes (who may not be long for this roster, either). It appears as though 2017 second-round pick Jonah Bolden will soon be joining that group, too.
Given how much faith Philly puts in its player development system, it isn't unreasonable to expect many of those young players to make strides this offseason. In turn, that could fuel the Sixers to even more success in 2018-19 despite their lack of a big free-agent splash.
Looking ahead to 2019
It's easy to forget in the wake of the Sixers' 16-win streak to close out the regular season, but they weren't expected to be a 52-win club and the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference last year. Las Vegas oddsmakers pegged them as a fringe playoff squad, right in line with the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets. Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated both suggested pounding the under, in large part because of Philly's youth.
Until Belinelli and Ilyasova arrived in February to give the bench a much-needed infusion of scoring punch, the Sixers were hovering around .500. They devoured an easy late-season schedule against mostly lottery-bound squads, which in turn inflated expectations heading into the playoffs. Their dismantling of the Heat in the opening round made it seem as though they were ready to fast-forward through the next stage of the Process, but the Celtics brought them back down to earth in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Though James has now left the East, the Celtics loom even larger with both Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward returning. That's why Brown stressed the need for additional outside help during his exit interview in May.
"If that portion of the fanbase is still prepared to take this notion [of doing it organically] and that's going to equal a championship, it's noble but I don't agree with it," he said. "I think another high-level free agent is required. I feel like we have the ability to attract one."
The Sixers fell short of that this offseason, but they're projected to be armed with $42 million in cap space next summer, according to ESPN.com's Bobby Marks. More than one-third of the league may be able to carve out a max-contract slot in 2019, but the Sixers will be one of the few ready-made title contenders to do so.
Even if Leonard, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson spurn the Sixers next summer, a wing like Jimmy Butler or Khris Middleton could be a picture-perfect fit. If they strike out on all of their top targets again, that's when they'll begin to sniff around multiyear deals for role players such as Evans, Redick, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope or Jeremy Lamb. Extensions for Simmons and Saric will begin in 2020-21, which makes next summer Philly's last chance to strike big on the free-agent market before turning its attention to its own young players.
Just because the Sixers didn't add a long-term free agent this summer doesn't mean they'll punt on that strategy indefinitely. Whether they trade for Leonard or go out star-hunting in 2019, they're bound to make a splashy acquisition or two in the next 12 months. If their young guys continue to improve and they enter next offseason with $40-plus million in cap space, they should have little trouble finding good players to take their money.
In the meantime, Sixers fans should remain patient and enjoy watching Embiid, Simmons, Saric, Fultz and the rest of their young players stretch the limits of their games.
Magic Johnson believes LeBron James will have the most impact on Brandon Ingram
Tariq Saleh
.
As well as doing what he does best on the court, the Los Angeles Lakers are hoping that LeBron James can help mentor their talented young players during his time with the franchise.
They may have failed to add another superstar to play with LBJ this summer but they have several youngsters on their roster who can develop into stars.
The likes of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart are all extremely promising players.
Of the quartet, Ingram is arguably the one with the most potential and upside.
Elevating his game
The Lakers have high hopes for the lengthy 20-year-old as he showed real growth in his second season in the league.
He improved across the board last year as his scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, blocks, field goal and three-point percentages were all up.
Ingram ended the campaign averaging 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists on 47 percent shooting and 39 percent from beyond the arc.
Despite being a natural small forward, he has solid ball-handling skills and took over the team's point guard duties at one point during last season as they were hit by injuries.
There's no doubt that the former number two overall pick has a bright future ahead of him and the Lakers are hoping he realises his potential while he's wearing the purple and gold uniform.
That's why president Magic Johnson is keen to see Ingram spend as much time with LeBron as possible.
Learning from the best
Johnson wants him to pick up as many habits as he can from the league's best player and to learn what it takes to play at a high level every single night.
“Listen, I want to put LeBron with him — in August — every day," he told ESPN in an interview.
"September, then training camp, and then also in practice, on the bus, on the planes. Listen, these young guys didn’t really have a veteran to really teach them when we drafted them.
"So now they have not only the best player in the world but a world champion. And this guy, LeBron, man, he’s in such top shape today. And this is July.
"So that’ll help them understand how to train, how to also eat right, on and on and on. I think the guy who LeBron is going to have the biggest impact on is Brandon Ingram.
"Because he has the size and length to be really special.”
Due to his frame and height, the Duke product has often been compared to Kevin Durant.
If he's able to develop and have a similar impact on the league as KD has, LA will have a real star on their hands.
Tariq Saleh
.
As well as doing what he does best on the court, the Los Angeles Lakers are hoping that LeBron James can help mentor their talented young players during his time with the franchise.
They may have failed to add another superstar to play with LBJ this summer but they have several youngsters on their roster who can develop into stars.
The likes of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart are all extremely promising players.
Of the quartet, Ingram is arguably the one with the most potential and upside.
Elevating his game
The Lakers have high hopes for the lengthy 20-year-old as he showed real growth in his second season in the league.
He improved across the board last year as his scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, blocks, field goal and three-point percentages were all up.
Ingram ended the campaign averaging 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists on 47 percent shooting and 39 percent from beyond the arc.
Despite being a natural small forward, he has solid ball-handling skills and took over the team's point guard duties at one point during last season as they were hit by injuries.
There's no doubt that the former number two overall pick has a bright future ahead of him and the Lakers are hoping he realises his potential while he's wearing the purple and gold uniform.
That's why president Magic Johnson is keen to see Ingram spend as much time with LeBron as possible.
Learning from the best
Johnson wants him to pick up as many habits as he can from the league's best player and to learn what it takes to play at a high level every single night.
“Listen, I want to put LeBron with him — in August — every day," he told ESPN in an interview.
"September, then training camp, and then also in practice, on the bus, on the planes. Listen, these young guys didn’t really have a veteran to really teach them when we drafted them.
"So now they have not only the best player in the world but a world champion. And this guy, LeBron, man, he’s in such top shape today. And this is July.
"So that’ll help them understand how to train, how to also eat right, on and on and on. I think the guy who LeBron is going to have the biggest impact on is Brandon Ingram.
"Because he has the size and length to be really special.”
Due to his frame and height, the Duke product has often been compared to Kevin Durant.
If he's able to develop and have a similar impact on the league as KD has, LA will have a real star on their hands.
I am going to miss him but it’s for the best he got three championships that’s good enoughDwyane Wade fuels possible retirement by saying he's "focused on the game after basketball"
Tariq Saleh3 hours ago
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One notable free agent that is yet to be signed this summer is veteran Dwyane Wade.
The 36-year-old just completed his 15th year in the league and is choosing to take his time to consider his options.
After winning three championships and multiple awards, there isn't much left for the legendary shooting guard to achieve or prove.
Wade has always been coy about his plans for next season but he recently dropped a major hint that he could be preparing for retirement.
Life after the game
The 12-time All-Star is currently in China where he signed a lifetime shoe deal with Li-Ning on Wednesday.
He says he's not currently using this time to focus on his playing career but on life after basketball instead.
"When I get back from China, I'll focus on that," Wade said, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.
"Right now, I’m focused on the game after basketball. Whatever happens in basketball, it happens.
"I've done everything that I can to this point to put myself that I’m in this position I am today, where I can do something that hasn't been done globally yet.
"The basketball will take care of itself. I'll sit down and figure that out once I get back from this tour at some point."
The former Finals MVP's noncommittal words would indicate that he's possibly leaning towards retirement.
Hall of Fame career
If he does decide to call time on his illustrious career, there will definitely be a place in the Hall of Fame waiting for him in the coming years.
He spent most of his career with the Miami Heat, where he won his three rings, before short spells with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wade was traded back to Miami by the Cavs at the deadline last season, allowing him to retire with the franchise that he enjoyed his success with for over a decade.
He helped them return to the playoffs and rolled back the years on some occasions in that first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
D-Wade's incredible career has also seen him garner eight All-NBA selections and three All-Defensive nods.
But father time is catching up with him and his days in the league are definitely numbered.
Whether he continues or not, his legacy is set as he'll go down as one of the best two guards to ever play in the NBA.
Summer League is over. He didn't play
Video isn't being released with his shooting coach
so his shot is still fucked up
DeMarcus Cousins says he's open to coming off the bench for the Warriors
Tariq Saleh
.
DeMarcus Cousins was officially unveiled as a Golden State Warriors player recently after he shocked the NBA world by signing a one-year, $5.3 million deal in free agency.
The big man will become the fifth All-Star on the team's formidable roster and his decision to make the move to the Bay Area was met with disbelief by both fans and fellow players.
But with the 28-year-old recovering from a torn Achilles injury that is likely to keep him out for at least another five months, he claims he received no offers as a free agent and was left with little choice but to accept a minimum contract with the reigning champions.
Settling in
Although many people are up in arms about his move to the Warriors, it's unclear how he'll bounce back from the career-threatening injury and what role he'll play on the team.
Head coach Steve Kerr has already said he'll start when he returns to full health and general manager Bob Myers stated that their only goal is to get him ready for the playoffs.
With a star-studded cast already in place, however, Boogie is prepared to do whatever it takes to fit in when he returns and is even open to the idea of coming off the bench.
“If that’s what happens, if it helps the team, yeah,” he said, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
Playing alongside Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, Cousins may not get as many touches of the ball and shots as he'd like so having him play with the second unit may be a good option.
Comeback trail
There's currently no timetable for his return but he says he's itching to get back on the court as soon as possible and is growing frustrated by the time he's spending out.
"I would like to be ready for training camp. I will like to be ready yesterday," he said, per ESPN's Chris Haynes.
"I want to be ready to go the beginning of the season. I miss the game. This is what I do. This is what I dreamed of as a kid.
"So, to be away from the game, it's hard enough. I'm just ready to be back on the floor."
When he does eventually make a comeback, the center will be part of one of the best starting fives in NBA history.
He couldn't hide his excitement at the prospect of playing on such a talented team and says it's the main reason why he joined.
“Just the chance to play with a winning culture, and I also have a chance to play with some of the most talented players of this era,” said Cousins, according to Connor LeTourneau of The San Francisco Chronicle.
If Boogie gets back to his best and shows no ill-effects from his injury, it's hard to see any team stopping the Warriors making it three titles in a row.
Tariq Saleh
.
DeMarcus Cousins was officially unveiled as a Golden State Warriors player recently after he shocked the NBA world by signing a one-year, $5.3 million deal in free agency.
The big man will become the fifth All-Star on the team's formidable roster and his decision to make the move to the Bay Area was met with disbelief by both fans and fellow players.
But with the 28-year-old recovering from a torn Achilles injury that is likely to keep him out for at least another five months, he claims he received no offers as a free agent and was left with little choice but to accept a minimum contract with the reigning champions.
Settling in
Although many people are up in arms about his move to the Warriors, it's unclear how he'll bounce back from the career-threatening injury and what role he'll play on the team.
Head coach Steve Kerr has already said he'll start when he returns to full health and general manager Bob Myers stated that their only goal is to get him ready for the playoffs.
With a star-studded cast already in place, however, Boogie is prepared to do whatever it takes to fit in when he returns and is even open to the idea of coming off the bench.
“If that’s what happens, if it helps the team, yeah,” he said, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
Playing alongside Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, Cousins may not get as many touches of the ball and shots as he'd like so having him play with the second unit may be a good option.
Comeback trail
There's currently no timetable for his return but he says he's itching to get back on the court as soon as possible and is growing frustrated by the time he's spending out.
"I would like to be ready for training camp. I will like to be ready yesterday," he said, per ESPN's Chris Haynes.
"I want to be ready to go the beginning of the season. I miss the game. This is what I do. This is what I dreamed of as a kid.
"So, to be away from the game, it's hard enough. I'm just ready to be back on the floor."
When he does eventually make a comeback, the center will be part of one of the best starting fives in NBA history.
He couldn't hide his excitement at the prospect of playing on such a talented team and says it's the main reason why he joined.
“Just the chance to play with a winning culture, and I also have a chance to play with some of the most talented players of this era,” said Cousins, according to Connor LeTourneau of The San Francisco Chronicle.
If Boogie gets back to his best and shows no ill-effects from his injury, it's hard to see any team stopping the Warriors making it three titles in a row.
DeMarcus Cousins says he's open to coming off the bench for the Warriors
Tariq Saleh
.
DeMarcus Cousins was officially unveiled as a Golden State Warriors player recently after he shocked the NBA world by signing a one-year, $5.3 million deal in free agency.
The big man will become the fifth All-Star on the team's formidable roster and his decision to make the move to the Bay Area was met with disbelief by both fans and fellow players.
But with the 28-year-old recovering from a torn Achilles injury that is likely to keep him out for at least another five months, he claims he received no offers as a free agent and was left with little choice but to accept a minimum contract with the reigning champions.
Settling in
Although many people are up in arms about his move to the Warriors, it's unclear how he'll bounce back from the career-threatening injury and what role he'll play on the team.
Head coach Steve Kerr has already said he'll start when he returns to full health and general manager Bob Myers stated that their only goal is to get him ready for the playoffs.
With a star-studded cast already in place, however, Boogie is prepared to do whatever it takes to fit in when he returns and is even open to the idea of coming off the bench.
“If that’s what happens, if it helps the team, yeah,” he said, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
Playing alongside Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, Cousins may not get as many touches of the ball and shots as he'd like so having him play with the second unit may be a good option.
Comeback trail
There's currently no timetable for his return but he says he's itching to get back on the court as soon as possible and is growing frustrated by the time he's spending out.
"I would like to be ready for training camp. I will like to be ready yesterday," he said, per ESPN's Chris Haynes.
"I want to be ready to go the beginning of the season. I miss the game. This is what I do. This is what I dreamed of as a kid.
"So, to be away from the game, it's hard enough. I'm just ready to be back on the floor."
When he does eventually make a comeback, the center will be part of one of the best starting fives in NBA history.
He couldn't hide his excitement at the prospect of playing on such a talented team and says it's the main reason why he joined.
“Just the chance to play with a winning culture, and I also have a chance to play with some of the most talented players of this era,” said Cousins, according to Connor LeTourneau of The San Francisco Chronicle.
If Boogie gets back to his best and shows no ill-effects from his injury, it's hard to see any team stopping the Warriors making it three titles in a row.
Of course you coming off the bench dude. You 6"10 300 lbs and move slow on a small ball team. Your job is to deflect attention from the Lakers LeBron signing (already done), hit an open 3 when called upon, and do work in the post when teams go small. You will mainly be cheering and waving towels from the bench most of the year.
Dwyane Wade Rumors: Xinjiang Flying Tigers Ready to Offer 'Monster' Contract
Adam Wells
Chris Szagola/Associated Press
As Dwyane Wade continues to decide if he wants to keep playing professional basketball, a Chinese team is prepared to tempt him with an offer.
Per basketball reporter Zhang Duo (via Sportando), the Xinjiang Flying Tigers are prepared to make Wade a "monster" contract proposal.
Wade has been in China recently to help promote the release of his "Way of Wade 7" shoe with China-based apparel company Li-Ning. The 12-time All-Star addressed his basketball future during the unveiling of his new sneaker, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press:
"When I get back from China, I'll focus on that. Right now, I'm focused on the game after basketball. Whatever happens in basketball, it happens. I've done everything that I can to this point to put myself that I'm in this position I am today, where I can do something that hasn't been done globally yet. The basketball will take care of itself. I'll sit down and figure that out once I get back from this tour at some point."
It's unclear what the terms from the Flying Tigers would include for Wade, who signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers last Septemberworth$2.3 million.
In 2015, Alexey Shved became the highest-paid basketball player overseas when hesigneda three-year, $10.2 million deal with Russia's Khimki.
Jimmer Fredette, who was named Chinese Basketball Association MVP in 2017,re-signedwith the Shanghai Sharks last year for $1.8 million.
Wade spent last season with the Cavs and Miami Heat. He was a productive scorer off the bench for the two teams with 11.4 points and 3.4 assists in 67 games.
Adam Wells
Chris Szagola/Associated Press
As Dwyane Wade continues to decide if he wants to keep playing professional basketball, a Chinese team is prepared to tempt him with an offer.
Per basketball reporter Zhang Duo (via Sportando), the Xinjiang Flying Tigers are prepared to make Wade a "monster" contract proposal.
Wade has been in China recently to help promote the release of his "Way of Wade 7" shoe with China-based apparel company Li-Ning. The 12-time All-Star addressed his basketball future during the unveiling of his new sneaker, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press:
"When I get back from China, I'll focus on that. Right now, I'm focused on the game after basketball. Whatever happens in basketball, it happens. I've done everything that I can to this point to put myself that I'm in this position I am today, where I can do something that hasn't been done globally yet. The basketball will take care of itself. I'll sit down and figure that out once I get back from this tour at some point."
It's unclear what the terms from the Flying Tigers would include for Wade, who signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers last Septemberworth$2.3 million.
In 2015, Alexey Shved became the highest-paid basketball player overseas when hesigneda three-year, $10.2 million deal with Russia's Khimki.
Jimmer Fredette, who was named Chinese Basketball Association MVP in 2017,re-signedwith the Shanghai Sharks last year for $1.8 million.
Wade spent last season with the Cavs and Miami Heat. He was a productive scorer off the bench for the two teams with 11.4 points and 3.4 assists in 67 games.
Gregg Popovich admits it was "tough" to trade Danny Green to the Raptors
Tariq Saleh
.
Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan headlined the blockbuster trade between the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors but there was another significant piece involved in the deal that seems to have been overlooked.
Danny Green will be joining Leonard in Toronto and it ends his eight-year association with the Spurs.
The shooting guard could've hit free agency this summer but instead, he exercised the player option on his contract and chose to continue his career in San Antonio.
But the franchise had other ideas and had to include him in the deal to finally end the long-running Kawhi saga.
End of an era
Though they may be relieved to have finally put this to bed, letting go of Green wasn't something they did easily.
Gregg Popovich described just how hard it was to part ways with the veteran.
“It was tough, because he has come such a long way,” Popovich said, per Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio-Express-News.
“You know we cut him twice, and over the years he turned into Danny Green.”
After being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009, the 31-year-old didn't last long there as he was waived just a year later.
He was picked up by the Spurs in 2010 and he eventually went on to forge a solid NBA career with the Texas-based franchise.
Green played a major role in their 2014 championship win as he shot lights out from three-point range throughout the playoffs.
Last season, he was the second-longest tenured player on the team's roster after Manu Ginobili.
The news initially hit him hard but he quickly came round to the idea and why the team made the decision to offload him.
“Change can be good,” Green said. “I’m not mad at all. I understand the business side of it. I understand what (the Spurs) had to do.”
Popovich explained that they had little choice but to include the swingman in the deal to make it work financially for both teams.
“In trades, money has to match to a certain degree and that limits you to certain players that have to be included,” Popovich said. “In this case, that fell upon Danny.”
But the All-Defensive guard has been sent to a team that may have a better chance of making it to the finals than the Spurs next season.
The two new additions make the Raptors serious contenders to win the east and Green is excited about what they can achieve in Canada.
“We have a chance to do something special up there,” he said.
It was hard for Popovich to let his trusted three-point marksman go but he may have given him a better opportunity to be successful north of the border.
Tariq Saleh
.
Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan headlined the blockbuster trade between the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors but there was another significant piece involved in the deal that seems to have been overlooked.
Danny Green will be joining Leonard in Toronto and it ends his eight-year association with the Spurs.
The shooting guard could've hit free agency this summer but instead, he exercised the player option on his contract and chose to continue his career in San Antonio.
But the franchise had other ideas and had to include him in the deal to finally end the long-running Kawhi saga.
End of an era
Though they may be relieved to have finally put this to bed, letting go of Green wasn't something they did easily.
Gregg Popovich described just how hard it was to part ways with the veteran.
“It was tough, because he has come such a long way,” Popovich said, per Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio-Express-News.
“You know we cut him twice, and over the years he turned into Danny Green.”
After being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009, the 31-year-old didn't last long there as he was waived just a year later.
He was picked up by the Spurs in 2010 and he eventually went on to forge a solid NBA career with the Texas-based franchise.
Green played a major role in their 2014 championship win as he shot lights out from three-point range throughout the playoffs.
Last season, he was the second-longest tenured player on the team's roster after Manu Ginobili.
The news initially hit him hard but he quickly came round to the idea and why the team made the decision to offload him.
“Change can be good,” Green said. “I’m not mad at all. I understand the business side of it. I understand what (the Spurs) had to do.”
Popovich explained that they had little choice but to include the swingman in the deal to make it work financially for both teams.
“In trades, money has to match to a certain degree and that limits you to certain players that have to be included,” Popovich said. “In this case, that fell upon Danny.”
But the All-Defensive guard has been sent to a team that may have a better chance of making it to the finals than the Spurs next season.
The two new additions make the Raptors serious contenders to win the east and Green is excited about what they can achieve in Canada.
“We have a chance to do something special up there,” he said.
It was hard for Popovich to let his trusted three-point marksman go but he may have given him a better opportunity to be successful north of the border.
I hope he takes the deal.Dwyane Wade Rumors: Xinjiang Flying Tigers Ready to Offer 'Monster' Contract
Adam Wells
Chris Szagola/Associated Press
As Dwyane Wade continues to decide if he wants to keep playing professional basketball, a Chinese team is prepared to tempt him with an offer.
Per basketball reporter Zhang Duo (via Sportando), the Xinjiang Flying Tigers are prepared to make Wade a "monster" contract proposal.
Wade has been in China recently to help promote the release of his "Way of Wade 7" shoe with China-based apparel company Li-Ning. The 12-time All-Star addressed his basketball future during the unveiling of his new sneaker, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press:
"When I get back from China, I'll focus on that. Right now, I'm focused on the game after basketball. Whatever happens in basketball, it happens. I've done everything that I can to this point to put myself that I'm in this position I am today, where I can do something that hasn't been done globally yet. The basketball will take care of itself. I'll sit down and figure that out once I get back from this tour at some point."
It's unclear what the terms from the Flying Tigers would include for Wade, who signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers last Septemberworth$2.3 million.
In 2015, Alexey Shved became the highest-paid basketball player overseas when hesigneda three-year, $10.2 million deal with Russia's Khimki.
Jimmer Fredette, who was named Chinese Basketball Association MVP in 2017,re-signedwith the Shanghai Sharks last year for $1.8 million.
Wade spent last season with the Cavs and Miami Heat. He was a productive scorer off the bench for the two teams with 11.4 points and 3.4 assists in 67 games.
Spurs got fucked hard on this transaction.Gregg Popovich admits it was "tough" to trade Danny Green to the Raptors
Tariq Saleh
.
Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan headlined the blockbuster trade between the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors but there was another significant piece involved in the deal that seems to have been overlooked.
Danny Green will be joining Leonard in Toronto and it ends his eight-year association with the Spurs.
The shooting guard could've hit free agency this summer but instead, he exercised the player option on his contract and chose to continue his career in San Antonio.
But the franchise had other ideas and had to include him in the deal to finally end the long-running Kawhi saga.
End of an era
Though they may be relieved to have finally put this to bed, letting go of Green wasn't something they did easily.
Gregg Popovich described just how hard it was to part ways with the veteran.
“It was tough, because he has come such a long way,” Popovich said, per Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio-Express-News.
“You know we cut him twice, and over the years he turned into Danny Green.”
After being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009, the 31-year-old didn't last long there as he was waived just a year later.
He was picked up by the Spurs in 2010 and he eventually went on to forge a solid NBA career with the Texas-based franchise.
Green played a major role in their 2014 championship win as he shot lights out from three-point range throughout the playoffs.
Last season, he was the second-longest tenured player on the team's roster after Manu Ginobili.
The news initially hit him hard but he quickly came round to the idea and why the team made the decision to offload him.
“Change can be good,” Green said. “I’m not mad at all. I understand the business side of it. I understand what (the Spurs) had to do.”
Popovich explained that they had little choice but to include the swingman in the deal to make it work financially for both teams.
“In trades, money has to match to a certain degree and that limits you to certain players that have to be included,” Popovich said. “In this case, that fell upon Danny.”
But the All-Defensive guard has been sent to a team that may have a better chance of making it to the finals than the Spurs next season.
The two new additions make the Raptors serious contenders to win the east and Green is excited about what they can achieve in Canada.
“We have a chance to do something special up there,” he said.
It was hard for Popovich to let his trusted three-point marksman go but he may have given him a better opportunity to be successful north of the border.
Is Clint Capela Worth the $100 Million He's Seeking? He Should Be to the Rockets
Kelly Scaletta
David J. Phillip/Associated Press
As the NBA offseason winds into the late-July doldrums, when most of the big-name free agents are gone, one remains: Clint Capela.
ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon reported Capela's asking price July 10: "Sources told ESPN that the [Houston] Rockets' initial offer to Capela was in the four-year, $60 million range, with the blossoming star center seeking a deal similar to Oklahoma City Thunder big man Steven Adams' four-year, $100 million contract."
Jonathan Feigen of theHouston Chronicletweeted:
That's a fair offer, and it's a far cry from chump change, but it's a lot less than he could have gotten in most years relative to the NBA pay scale. However, there are a few things working against the Rockets' restricted free agent.
Almost no one has the cap space for what he's requesting. According to Spotrac, the Sacramento Kings have about $20.5 million in practical space, but they have plenty of young bigs in Willie Cauley-Stein, Harry Giles III and Marvin Bagley III.
Furthermore, even if they made a bid, the Rockets would likely match, according to Sam Amick of USA Today.
So Capela has become the restricted free agent who suffered because he was too good and will probably end up making less money for that reason. If he were worse (see Zach LaVine or Jabari Parker), someone might have been likely to put a bid on him. But the certainty of him getting matched inhibits teams from doing so.
That's one strike against Capela.
Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press
In addition, the value of centers has taken a nosedive. DeAndre Jordan signed a one-year deal worth $22.9 million with the Dallas Mavericks. Other than him, though, not many centers have gotten big-time money in recent years. The game has changed, and three-point shooters and wings are more important than having a giant in the middle.
That's strike two.
He still has one more pitch to swing at, though, in that the question isn't only what Capela is worth to the rest of the league, but also what he's worth to the Rockets.
Those two questions don't necessarily have the same answer.
It's a similar situation to that of the Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green, who is arguably a top-10 player while he's on Golden State. (For clarity, I'm comparing the circumstances, not the players.) Put him on another squad, however, and he might drop out of the top 20.
Green plugs so well into so much of what the Warriors do that he makes them better, and they make him better. Thus, Green is worth more to the Warriors than he would be to anyone else.
Capela is in the same position.
He has incredible chemistry with James Harden, developed from having played together for a few years. Whether it's grabbing nutmeg passes at his waist and deftly flushing those at the rim or ooping on any of Harden's several on-point alleys, he has an intuition for when the ball is coming and where it's going.
With his long arms and soft hands, he rarely lets the ball get away from him. His tremendous dexterity for a 6'10" big man means he's able to finish consistently.
According to NBA.com, 406 of his 441 field goals were in the restricted area, 213 of them were flushes and 93.4 percent of those dunks were assisted. He was extremely effective around the rim, finishing 69.3 percent of his attempts within three feet of the basket.
For all the talk about the Rockets and their so-called "Moreyball"—named for general manager Daryl Morey—threes are great, but dunks are even more valuable. To put things in perspective, to be as efficient as Capela is at the rim, a sniper would have to drain 46.2 percent of his three-point shots to match the "Swiss Rolls" to score the same number of points on the same number of shots.
Beyond that, though, there's the element of having the court stretched more. Now, when you think of Capela, you don't exactly think "court stretching," but his ability to help his team do so is significant. Having one player who can dominate inside means defenders have to cover that area of the court as well.
A four-out, one-in offense uses more floor space than a five-out one.
Capela takes advantage of the defenses Harden and Chris Paul break down with their dribbling, and as such, he is an essential part of the Rockets offense. It prevents teams from saving energy and focusing on chasing shooters off the three-point line.
Defensively, Capela does things, too. There's his rim protection. Opponents shot 5.1 percentage points below their season averages when he was the closest defender within six feet of the rim. He also finished fourth in the league in blocks per game with 1.9.
While that's good, there are other rim protectors out there. Capela is special to the Rockets because of his ability to switch and stay in front of guards in the pick-and-roll. His lateral quickness allows him to do so, and his length lets him challenge their shots.
Capela is one of the first to get up and down the court, too.
If you want evidence of how important he is, look no further than Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni, who told The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor in January 2017:
"But as D'Antoni told me, 'Other than the point guard, it's the most important piece.' That's because they directly impact the team's success in key areas. D'Antoni's centers must have the following core skills: defending the rim on pick-and-rolls, running the floor 'consistently, not every once in a while,' and having soft hands to finish or pass out of the pick-and-roll."
Capela is amazing at each one of those things. You might find better centers, but you won't find many (if any) who are better at that collection of things.
As a result, Capela thrives with the Rockets, just as Green does with the Warriors. And like Green and the Warriors, if he were playing somewhere else, he might not have the same value.
This is one of those perfect situations where the player makes the team better and the team makes the player better.
Capela is worth $100 million to the Rockets—but only to the Rockets—which is why he'll end up having to settle for a little less.
They had too many demands.
I don't know why analyst said they had the advantage. This wasn't a Kyrie situation where he had two years left.
Nobody is going to give up a bunch of draft picks and young players for a player who might not be there beyond the year.
Toronto wins either way, because they get from under Derozan's contract if Kawhi does leave. His game is going to age horribly, because he barely gets spacing now and specializes in making bad shots. That's why he struggles in the playoffs.
seems like they over paid...who else did the Raptors trade with Derzoen...some ok big man at best...Danny Green is a proven 3 point shooter.
I don't really watch Derozans game like that...but it seems like Lowery is overrated as well..He can't get shit done in the playoffs hes like a bigger Isiah Thomas.
Being that the East is weak, think Kawhi will lead Toronto to the Finals?
its hard to say, but what i do feel is that if everything would've stayed the same.....i'd have them as favorites with Boston 1A/1B
now with the changes everyone have to get accustomed to playing with each other, shit the coach might switch the scheme who knows
Lowery and Isiah aint the same....IT put on two years ago for Boston, i don't think Lowery even had a season like that
Lowry's contract makes him untradeable. He's 32/33 and is making $30 mil.
PG isn't a position of need around the league
Lowry isn't a difference maker and is overrated
yup he's kool but nothing to write home about(i was high on the hype years ago and wanted the heat to get him, i often shake my head at that)
remember when he sworn he wanted to go west, couldn't stand toronto anymore
once teams started taking pg's in the draft the market dried up, then when the spurs drafted that pg, he had to go back to the raptors