NBA 2013?14 Season
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Djay
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Chandler was a big part. Barea was a good change-of-pace PG for that team, especially in the playoffs. And I definitely like Carlisle as a coach, but I don't know what we're talking about here. It was a solidly built team...is that what you mean by chemistry? Everyone had a role and the puzzle fit together. Usually when people talk about chemistry...it's how well the team "gets along" with each other.
That team was built well, I don't think anyone is arguing that (and they'll always have a special place in my heart for beating Miami that year). It's one of the reasons people give Cuban so much shit for not keeping Chandler. I think you guys are just dancing around each other's points because of the word chemistry.
In any case...I watched Love the other night in San Antonio. Not a great game for him, but I made sure to watch him off the ball. He had another of those "stay in the backcourt and complain about a foul instead of getting back on defense" moments, but as far as his defense, I didn't see anything horrendous. The only thing I'd say, is that he was TOO eager on the help defense which sometimes took him out of position a half second too soon. But it's hard to get upset at someone for being too willing to help his teammates on defense.
It was one game...by no means a definitive analysis, but I was more concerned about his offense than his defense in that game.
Petro was amazing, though. Had, like, 5 put-backs. I even got a laugh with a "Kneel before Zod" joke...otherwise it was a pretty one-sided game.
That team was built well, I don't think anyone is arguing that (and they'll always have a special place in my heart for beating Miami that year). It's one of the reasons people give Cuban so much shit for not keeping Chandler. I think you guys are just dancing around each other's points because of the word chemistry.
In any case...I watched Love the other night in San Antonio. Not a great game for him, but I made sure to watch him off the ball. He had another of those "stay in the backcourt and complain about a foul instead of getting back on defense" moments, but as far as his defense, I didn't see anything horrendous. The only thing I'd say, is that he was TOO eager on the help defense which sometimes took him out of position a half second too soon. But it's hard to get upset at someone for being too willing to help his teammates on defense.
It was one game...by no means a definitive analysis, but I was more concerned about his offense than his defense in that game.
Petro was amazing, though. Had, like, 5 put-backs. I even got a laugh with a "Kneel before Zod" joke...otherwise it was a pretty one-sided game.
Ambiturner
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Part of the reason we're so bad down low is we give up a ton of dribble penetration. Brewer, who Flip very foolishly brought back to be our "defense" guy, plays matador defense to the extreme and if that happens on Love's side of the court he has to overplay to attempt to stop the drive. That obviously isn't something he's athletically gifted enough to be great at. This leads to buckets down low, or in the event Love is matched on a stretch 4, open 3s in the corner. None of that is Love's fault though. This scenario happens probably 10 times every game. This same same thing happens with Martin, but it's not like you're asking him to be great on D or anything and theoretically his offensive production should counter balance.
Despite all that we're an ok team defensively (we give up a lot of points because (due to pace more than anything) at a high percentage but do cause a ton of turnovers) and I think most of that falls on Rubio, who is a supremely talented defensive player. Love's rebounding has to be accounted for here too.
The most depressing thing about the Wolves to me is just that what you're seeing right now is our ceiling. We're going to continue to be a team that hovers around 500 and hopefully sneaks into the playoffs. Kahn was a horrible GM, Flip doesn't look to be much better. It's just really depressing to see us shit away a talent like Love because that guy doesn't come around very often.
Despite all that we're an ok team defensively (we give up a lot of points because (due to pace more than anything) at a high percentage but do cause a ton of turnovers) and I think most of that falls on Rubio, who is a supremely talented defensive player. Love's rebounding has to be accounted for here too.
The most depressing thing about the Wolves to me is just that what you're seeing right now is our ceiling. We're going to continue to be a team that hovers around 500 and hopefully sneaks into the playoffs. Kahn was a horrible GM, Flip doesn't look to be much better. It's just really depressing to see us shit away a talent like Love because that guy doesn't come around very often.
Djay
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That really is the majority of NBA teams, though. Off the top of my head, in the last 25-28 years, the only teams to win the title have been the Celtics, Lakers, Pistons, Bulls, Rockets, Spurs, Mavericks, and Heat. Maybe I forgot one, but I'm too lazy to do a 5 second google search right now. 8 teams out of 30 have won championships in almost 30 years. All but one has won multiple titles in that time. The list doesn't get much better when you add the finals losers (76ers, Sonics/Thunder, Jazz, Knicks, Magic...I'm sure I'm forgetting someone here that wasn't already on the winners list...oh, the Nets! Edit* Oh yeah...Cavs, too...). Maybe half the teams in the NBA have competed in the Finals in that timeframe?
Most of those winners are there because of transcendent talent. A couple are there because the front office managed to put together a strong, deep team. I'm not sure this makes you feel any better, but I'd rather watch the Wolves than the Hawks team that's been a 3-6 seed for the last several years. If you're going to be mediocre, at least be entertaining. #lessonslearnedfromVinceCarter
Most of those winners are there because of transcendent talent. A couple are there because the front office managed to put together a strong, deep team. I'm not sure this makes you feel any better, but I'd rather watch the Wolves than the Hawks team that's been a 3-6 seed for the last several years.
If you're going to be mediocre, at least be entertaining. #lessonslearnedfromVinceCarter
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You're completely right. You need top end talent to win it all, but understand that Minnesota has been in the absolute cellar for a decade now. As someone that goes to games, I want to see a playoff game. I don't expect a series win or anything, but I can only watch us blow so many lottery picks, you know?
In general I think the championship or bust mindset is fan created. Sure, you want to watch your team win it all, but I can't imagine going to Suns games for the past 15 years has been that bad. I'm also willing to bet most owners care about the bottom line more than they do hoisting a trophy.
The reason it's upsetting to me is because I think Loveis that good. He's not LeBron/CP3/Durant but I think he is legitimately good enough that he could be the best player on a real well put together team. The depressing part is I have zero faith whatsoever in Flip's ability to assemble that team. That's why the situation sucks.
In general I think the championship or bust mindset is fan created. Sure, you want to watch your team win it all, but I can't imagine going to Suns games for the past 15 years has been that bad. I'm also willing to bet most owners care about the bottom line more than they do hoisting a trophy.
The reason it's upsetting to me is because I think Loveis that good. He's not LeBron/CP3/Durant but I think he is legitimately good enough that he could be the best player on a real well put together team. The depressing part is I have zero faith whatsoever in Flip's ability to assemble that team. That's why the situation sucks.
Djay
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I agree. And if I've learned anything from watching the Toronto turn-around since the Gay trade, it's the importance of a good, deep bench.
I'd keep #1 on the Wolves...some foreign guy I couldn't catch the name of during the game. He seemed like a good fit and feisty. Other than that, when the Wolves bench came in, there wasn't much going on except for maybe Barea. I think your starting 5 is pretty good, though. Oh...and it was interesting to note that you had an all-white lineup on the court at one point when Budinger came in. I like to see equal opportunities combating reverse discrimination.
I'd keep #1 on the Wolves...some foreign guy I couldn't catch the name of during the game. He seemed like a good fit and feisty. Other than that, when the Wolves bench came in, there wasn't much going on except for maybe Barea. I think your starting 5 is pretty good, though. Oh...and it was interesting to note that you had an all-white lineup on the court at one point when Budinger came in. I like to see equal opportunities combating reverse discrimination.
Ambiturner
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Ya. The good of it though was Oden played 8 minutes. 6 points 2 boards. I actually think that Oden shit is going to work out. Just like the Beasley shit. I can't wait for the playoffs.
Foggy
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Is that why OKC has only a one point lead in the fourth?
I guess OKC's lead is up to 8. Man Houston is amazing.
Daezuel
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If the Pacers play in the playoffs like they have lately, I doubt even the Miami Lebrons have a chance. Lance Stevenson is looking like mini-Magic
Foggy
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Springbok
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It's been obvious for a while now that Westbrook is the most important piece in that team, that said they still look a little bit short of the title for me (even with a healthy Westbrook). They can win games like the one last night because the Rockets are a trash team with no personality to kill a game, but if that was against SA/Miami/Portland/Indy etc I don't think they win it. Been a fun year so far, Thunder season tickets have been a worthwhile investment and its much easier to cheer for them when the Mavs are as mediocre as they are (PS Fuck Blake Griffin).
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