Random NBA Discussion 2014-15 Season

[Patr1ck]

Yeah, I agree they should England the all-star slots. 15 would be a good number, and if they really wanted to, they could use a relative number that could be different every year so deserving players don't get snubbed.

[Lamrock]

As long as they don't put all the players into a pool and have former players draft them, I'm fine with whatever they wish to do with the format. 13 players would fit the new rules and let more guys get in. If you're to have 15 guys though, players 14 and 15 should be the guys they establish as alternates and have them be inactive barring injury. Would be a dubious honor for the likes of lillard and conley but nice for guys like korver.

[Spree#8]

How is Noel btw? Some say there's bit of Mutombo potential in him. It's early but how do you think his game will develop? He isn't really looking like a scorer type though, perhaps reasonable guess is a 11-13 ppg player in prime as strictly a dunk/defense guy? Also general perception is he must bulk up to be a better rebounder too but great rebounders also have great instinct which he hasn't shown to have.

Noel's defense is very good. NBA.com has some FG% allowed at rim stats that picture him as a top10 rim protector in the league already, which is pretty outstanding for a rookie. He blocks quite a few shots, alters many more. He's always lurking on the weakside, contesting as many shots as he can get to. As far as post defense goes, he's had some surprising success with a combination of fronting and reaching for the strip before the offensive player can put up a shot.

Noel generally has great defensive instincts, be it for blocking shots or getting steals in passing lanes or on-ball. His quickness often allows him to stick with guards on switches. It's always lovely to see a guard notice that Noel switched onto him, call an iso thinking he has a mismatch, only to find out he can't get by Nerlens and fire up a contested jumper in his face as the shot clock winds down.

His frame definitely isn't helping his rebounding, though. He does get pushed around quite a bit by bigger players. The rebounding numbers might be slightly deflated due to MCW getting many, but I don't see Noel ever being an elite rebounder. Hopefully Embiid is.

As for his offense, it's inconsistent at best. On some nights, he looks like a pretty competent NBA player. Confidently finishes dunks and layups under the rim, even shoots a little mid-range jumper or a hook out of the post. On most nights though, he looks like... well, like himself. Which is to say, he might be the worst case of stone hands I've ever seen, or at least tied with Mutombo, Antonio Davis and Kwame for that dubious honor. He'll often show complete lack of touch inside and fumble away even really easy passes and/or spaz out when he gets the ball. Of those 4.3 turnovers per game MCW is averaging, I'd have to assume about 1.5-2.0 are due to his teammates failing to catch his passes, mainly (but not only) Noel. It can be maddening to watch sometimes.

His jumper has a high release point, but also a weird hitch in it and I don't know how to feel about it. It doesn't drop too often, but at this point it's to be expected as it's a shot he never even attempted in games before this season. He's still a barely above 50% foul shooter and his "push upwards fastball" post hook would be the ugliest shot I've ever seen had I not seen Michael Adams' jumper.

The best thing about his offense has to be his passing. He sees quite a bit and can deliver it on point, be it in give-and-go plays or hitting cutters. Lately, he's even been throwing alley-oops on fast breaks - I distinctly remember at least two in the last 3-4 games. Other than that, I'd have to say he'll likely always be limited as an offensive player. Scoring in the low teens off of garbage buckets and occassional wide open jumpers is probably about what we can expect. On defense, sky is the limit. I'm seeing perennial DPOTY candidate potential here. The Sixers are actually a slightly above average defensive team right now and Noel deserves much of the credit.

[[Q]]

If nothing else, expanding them to 13 players to match the active rosters of NBA teams in regular games sounds like a fair idea. As for the Draft lottery and Playoff format, I say leave them be. Too much fuss is made about them, and the proposed changes are usually lateral movements at best, and extremely contrived and convoluted at worst.

oh yeah I forgot they did that. Going to 13 players would be a great idea

[NovU]

Noel's defense is very good. NBA.com has some FG% allowed at rim stats that picture him as a top10 rim protector in the league already, which is pretty outstanding for a rookie. He blocks quite a few shots, alters many more. He's always lurking on the weakside, contesting as many shots as he can get to. As far as post defense goes, he's had some surprising success with a combination of fronting and reaching for the strip before the offensive player can put up a shot.

Noel generally has great defensive instincts, be it for blocking shots or getting steals in passing lanes or on-ball. His quickness often allows him to stick with guards on switches. It's always lovely to see a guard notice that Noel switched onto him, call an iso thinking he has a mismatch, only to find out he can't get by Nerlens and fire up a contested jumper in his face as the shot clock winds down.

His frame definitely isn't helping his rebounding, though. He does get pushed around quite a bit by bigger players. The rebounding numbers might be slightly deflated due to MCW getting many, but I don't see Noel ever being an elite rebounder. Hopefully Embiid is.

As for his offense, it's inconsistent at best. On some nights, he looks like a pretty competent NBA player. Confidently finishes dunks and layups under the rim, even shoots a little mid-range jumper or a hook out of the post. On most nights though, he looks like... well, like himself. Which is to say, he might be the worst case of stone hands I've ever seen, or at least tied with Mutombo, Antonio Davis and Kwame for that dubious honor. He'll often show complete lack of touch inside and fumble away even really easy passes and/or spaz out when he gets the ball. Of those 4.3 turnovers per game MCW is averaging, I'd have to assume about 1.5-2.0 are due to his teammates failing to catch his passes, mainly (but not only) Noel. It can be maddening to watch sometimes.

His jumper has a high release point, but also a weird hitch in it and I don't know how to feel about it. It doesn't drop too often, but at this point it's to be expected as it's a shot he never even attempted in games before this season. He's still a barely above 50% foul shooter and his "push upwards fastball" post hook would be the ugliest shot I've ever seen had I not seen Michael Adams' jumper.

The best thing about his offense has to be his passing. He sees quite a bit and can deliver it on point, be it in give-and-go plays or hitting cutters. Lately, he's even been throwing alley-oops on fast breaks - I distinctly remember at least two in the last 3-4 games. Other than that, I'd have to say he'll likely always be limited as an offensive player. Scoring in the low teens off of garbage buckets and occassional wide open jumpers is probably about what we can expect. On defense, sky is the limit. I'm seeing perennial DPOTY candidate potential here. The Sixers are actually a slightly above average defensive team right now and Noel deserves much of the credit.

I guess what you say confirms my thought.

Noel obviously isn't going to be an elite scoring option for any team. He's a unique talent though, not your usual big. What we know for sure is that he has lateral quickness and quick hands that usual bigs don't have, as if he's a SF. You could say he's a Unibrow-lite in that sense. He's certainly got some potential to be an elite defender. Only thing in doubt is in rebounding though if he wants to be a perennial DPOTY candidate in his career. One of the key element in Paint Area Defense includes not allowing opponent extra offensive possession.

He certainly needs to find his offense though regardless how small his role is on that end. Generally bigs need to shoot better in this league. Basically to find any way possible to finish around the rim at high percentage(doesn't matter how you get your points, Wright or Pau). Otherwise it's not really better than having another guard on the floor and it makes advantage of having a big on the floor non existent on one end. Passing well also doesn't bring much if you aren't going to stand out much. Cousins is known for passing for a big, but why would you have him facilitate when it produces less efficient offense than having your guard play out the possession. Sometimes it's counter productive even though skill would make the player look fine and dandy.

[JAWSFreelao]

Noel needs to put on weight so he can become a rim diver- think of him becoming an Andre Drummond/ John Henson/ Tyson Chandler esque scorer. Nothing but lob passes, pick rolls, and putbacks. Once he gains weight, I think he'll become a respectable offensive player. Right now however, he's sitting on the Gerald Wallace offensive talent level.

[bowdown]

Noel weights about as much as KG at the same age. He will be fine. He isn't a banger and doesn't need to add a lot of bulk. He has about 6 more years of natural physical maturation to go through as well. Aldridge took a while to physically mature as well.

[Spree#8]

Noel was dared to shoot tonight against Charlotte and made 3-4 from mid range. Shooting free throws better lately as well. If he can make teams respect his shot at least a little, using his quickness to drive to the rim would become that much easier.

By the way, with tonight's win over the Hornets, Philly has now won 4 straight at home. This one, playing without a real PG as MCW sat out his 2nd straight game. Robert Covington is the GOAT.

Really didn't think they could win with MCW and Wroten both injured. By the way, tonight was the 23rd game missed by Carter-Williams in his career and the Sixers' combined two-season record without him has now improved to 2-21, including 1-10 this season. Life is tough without your only playmaker, even if he's inefficient.

[NovU]

The Bucks and Larry Sanders have agreed to a buyout and the deal is all but done according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
Wow. The Bucks still need to pay him big for next few season iirc.

[Andrew]

Wow indeed. Wonder where he's going to end up, or whether he'll call it quits as previously rumoured (though he did deny that). Talent-wise, I imagine a few teams would be interested, but his attitude and off-court problems would have to be a concern.

[JAWSFreelao]

He's still sorting out his well known pot addiction. I respect him for wanting to focus on himself before he commits to something. I hope Larry stays in shape and ready. He will have a large amount of interested suitors whenever he's ready to return to basketball. He was a good player with some pretty high potential. I think he can be a great piece on a contending team.
On other news: Dragic, Kanter, and Jackson have all requested trades. Dragic by far wants out the most though, he is FUMED. Guarantee that he'll be traded by tomorrow, the Suns just need to choose their preferred deal.

[shadowgrin]

The Heat should get Sanders because I'm guarandamnteeing that if Whiteside continues his production he will be offered max by the Lakers and sign with them.

[Kevin]

Sanders = Bynum.

[Moz]

Blazers seems bulking up for the playoffs

http://uproxx.com/dimemag/2015/02/arron ... ets-trade/

Last three teams I've spoken to convinced Denver WILL get first-round pick it wants for Arron Afflalo and think it's coming from Portland

[Stress Fracture]

Sanders = Bynum.

Minus the glass knees.

[Alpha_]

Kendrick Perkins will sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers after his buyout with the Utah Jazz, according to a source.

Perkins has committed to join the Cavs.

[Stress Fracture]

Cavs really desperate for a big man.

[deihatein]

Kendrick Perkins will sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers after his buyout with the Utah Jazz, according to a source.

Perkins has committed to join the Cavs.

They already have Haywood which is basically the same player.

[Stress Fracture]

Minus the Shaqtin a Fool moments.

[Phil89]

I think it's fair to say that Enes Kanter has done more in his two games with the Thunder than Perkins ever did whilst he was there. Two double-doubles in two games and looking like a steal by Sam Presti.

Westbrook was on pace for a 20-10-20 game today against the Nuggets. If the margin had been closer Brooks wouldn't have rested him in the fourth quarter. He's really playing at an incredible level this season

[shadowgrin]

https://vine.co/v/OQXlV36d3wV

[Andrew]

It may have been waved off, but you won't find too many offensive fouls that spectacular.

[shadowgrin]

Bullshit by the ref, defender's foot was on the no offensive foul line while the other foot was inside.

[Stress Fracture]

Ref is soft like Charmin.

[Mandich]

Ref was so amazed he did it accidentaly and jsut decided to go with it.