2021 NBA Offseason Thread

[Joe Charboneau]

Everyone using the AD is injury prone thing, how about Kawhi/George? Kawhi is so fragile he had to be managed last year to the tune of missing 20 games. George had shoulder surgeries and wont play til sometime in November, possibly late November. I really like the Clippers roster too, but those 2 are both as Mr. Glass as AD.

 

[Nathan S]

Really seems like you're nit-picking.

His per 36 numbers are nearly identical in the regular season and postseason and his TS% hovers just under 60% for both. His scoring volume in each of his first two playoff appearances is better than all but three of LeBron's.

All I'm saying is that if he continues to play the way he has in the playoffs, and vintage playoff LeBron shows up, they have a chance.

I just think you're setting the bar too low for "superhuman." He's made the playoffs twice, won a single series, and wasn't even the clear best player on his team for that one series win. Pretty dismal compared to other players in the top-10 discussion. Not writing off the Lakers as a team, but I think AD as an individual gets a little bit too much hype.

 

[NorthCoastBias]

Kawhi is so fragile he had to be managed last year to the tune of missing 20 games.

You really gonna criticize this strategy when it resulted in Toronto winning a title?

 

[Derek]

I just think you're setting the bar too low for "superhuman." He's made the playoffs twice, won a single series, and wasn't even the clear best player on his team for that one series win. Pretty dismal compared to other players in the top-10 discussion. Not writing off the Lakers as a team, but I think AD as an individual gets a little bit too much hype.

Toss out the lexicon if you want. The real debate is whether or not the Lakers can make a legit run with LeBron/AD and role players. I say yes.

AD is better than Kyrie, and LeBron won a title with him and Kyrie as the only guys performing as more than role players.

 

[Cavatt]

I just think you're setting the bar too low for "superhuman." He's made the playoffs twice, won a single series, and wasn't even the clear best player on his team for that one series win. Pretty dismal compared to other players in the top-10 discussion. Not writing off the Lakers as a team, but I think AD as an individual gets a little bit too much hype.

Well, we don't know any situation with AD besides NO. So, this year is the test.

 

[Joe Charboneau]

You really gonna criticize this strategy when it resulted in Toronto winning a title?

I was not doing that at all. I was just pointing out how fragile Kawhi is compared to AD. Lets be real here, it worked for Toronto in getting them to the finals but the only reason Toronto are champions today is because KD was hurt. So yes, it worked, but there was some real luck involved too. Thats a whole other discussion though. My original point was just that if you are going to use the AD-injury prone tag, you have to use that same tag on Kawhi.

 

[Cavatt]

I was not doing that at all. I was just pointing out how fragile Kawhi is compared to AD. Lets be real here, it worked for Toronto in getting them to the finals but the only reason Toronto are champions today is because KD was hurt. So yes, it worked, but there was some real luck involved too. Thats a whole other discussion though. My original point was just that if you are going to use the AD-injury prone tag, you have to use that same tag on Kawhi.

Which contender can win it all if their 2nd best player is injured? Warriors couldn't do it last year, Cavs couldn't do it in 2015. Health is always a major issue in the playoffs.

 

[Nathan S]

Toss out the lexicon if you want. The real debate is whether or not the Lakers can make a legit run with LeBron/AD and role players. I say yes.

AD is better than Kyrie, and LeBron won a title with him and Kyrie as the only guys performing as more than role players.

I'd agree with that. I think they got a steal in Norvell, who was the highest undrafted player on my big board at #27 and should be able to help them right away. Penciling in James, Davis, Rondo, Kuzma, and Green, they really just need two other guys to step up and play at a decent roleplayer level. Seems very possible.

 

[Cassity14]

I predict Kuzma to be traded much like Dion Waiters was in the Cavs first season as contenders. I'm curious what they could get back for him that would contribute in a playoff push.

 

[Derek]

I'd agree with that. I think they got a steal in Norvell, who was the highest undrafted player on my big board at #27 and should be able to help them right away. Penciling in James, Davis, Rondo, Kuzma, and Green, they really just need two other guys to step up and play at a decent roleplayer level. Seems very possible.

And let me be clear, I HATE making a case for the Lakers. I would much rather see any of the other 5 teams I listed win the west.

 

[Joe Charboneau]

And let me be clear, I HATE making a case for the Lakers. I would much rather see any of the other 5 teams I listed win the west.

Agreed 100 percent. Laker fans do not deserve anymore titles. They are a joke.

 

[Jordan]

So I listened to Lowe Post this AM and he raised a point at the end... what if Zion comes in as a top-20 player? This is what @Sir'Dom Pointer is getting at. If Zion comes in and can play at a prime Blake Griffin level, are the Pelicans a playoff team?

 

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

So I listened to Lowe Post this AM and he raised a point at the end... what if Zion comes in as a top-20 player? This is what @Sir'Dom Pointer is getting at. If Zion comes in and can play at a prime Blake Griffin level, are the Pelicans a playoff team?

I think he can certainly be.

I think his PER could be historically high for a rookie, especially if he played with the correct lineups that give him the spacing that he needs.

i have a feeling that he will have 5+ BPM as a rookie. His defense is not there yet, but as the season progresses I predict that it's going to get there once he gets into shape.

 

[Cavatt]

So I listened to Lowe Post this AM and he raised a point at the end... what if Zion comes in as a top-20 player? This is what @Sir'Dom Pointer is getting at. If Zion comes in and can play at a prime Blake Griffin level, are the Pelicans a playoff team?

They could be. I would be surprised just because I don't think they have enough shooting. It has been crazy watching him operate and get to the rim at will like that. Teams may be adjusting to him all year. It will be interesting to see of he need to work on counters to teams adjusting or if he really is just an unstoppable force.

 

[Mr. Orange]

Gonna be a rough year for Golden State.