UTDD

They do NOT need Harden. They should run with this team right now. Yes, health could still be a factor as time passes, but I like my chances right now (if I'm the ownership) with this overall depth and talent.

I think he became a head coach at a major university.

I think you can dunk on LBJ's statement and not be dunking on him as a player and talent overall. Totally independent things. I personally think there is no debate that LeBron is at worst a Top 3 (I think he's #2 right now and is still not done playing and shooting for #1) player by almost any reasonable set of standards you want to use. There is no independent stat or even set of stats that can really tell a story, but one curiosity is if you look at single player VORP playoff rating year by year. The top 17 of 29 all-time VORP playoff single season runs are held by only two players: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. (pre 1970s are not calculated so perhaps Wilt/Russell might have done some work in this stat) The entire history of the NBA by every other player in every year ever has the other 12, and no other player has more than 2 in there. No stat should be taken on its own as something truly meaningful (a lot of context behind every metric) but that's still a bit staggering to see two players out lap the entire NBA field historically in that way with a fairly decent metric used in the NBA by agents, GMs, etc.

I don't say this is conclusive on its face, but it's absolutely relevant to some extent. Opponent SRS rating: (playoffs) 1995 Houston Rockets 23.96 2020* Miami Heat* 23.15* 2001 Los Angeles Lakers 22.15 1997 Chicago Bulls 20.82 2002 Los Angeles Lakers 20.77 2000 Los Angeles Lakers 18.79 2011 Dallas Mavericks 18.43 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers 18.38 2014 San Antonio Spurs 18.16 1994 Houston Rockets 17.86 1993 Chicago Bulls 17.77 2019 Toronto Raptors 16.99 2010 Los Angeles Lakers 16.92 2003 San Antonio Spurs 16.6 1996 Chicago Bulls 16.5 1998 Chicago Bulls 16.31 2009 Los Angeles Lakers 15.65 2007 San Antonio Spurs 15.36 2005 San Antonio Spurs 15.21 1989 Detroit Pistons 13.88 2006 Miami Heat 13.82 2017 Golden State Warriors 13.77 2012 Miami Heat 13.69 2018 Golden State Warriors 13.17 2015 Golden State Warriors 12.65 1992 Chicago Bulls 12.01 2004 Detroit Pistons 11.58 2008 Boston Celtics 11.25 1990 Detroit Pistons 9.82 1999 San Antonio Spurs 9.63 1991 Chicago Bulls 8.99 2013 Miami Heat 8.16 2020* Los Angeles Lakers* 7.46* 1988 Los Angeles Lakers 6.99

Why are the Clippers even relevant? They didn't even play the Lakers. Between Miami and L.A. I do think there was a talent difference absolutely, not even mentioning the injuries to Bam for a bit and Dragic. I think the Clippers were pretty evenly matched in talent but they really choked frankly. Look at the SRS ratings of the Lakers opponents this past playoffs versus most years.

Maybe yes, if Houston adds assets to Denver as well to give them a shot this year. I do think it's unlikely Denver gives up MPJ, his potential talent upside is way too high in my opinion.

No actually, but if he said that, I would agree depending what he said. I actually used to like him as a writer, but not so much on TV.

Every team had the same situation, and the talent difference was still significant. If the Lakers were the only team dealing with the bubble, I would feel differently, but every team had the same handicap.

Just silly. 2016 yes, 2020 no way that was historically tough.

I think Houston has two main realistic options: Brooklyn or Philly. Philly will try and include Simmons plus additional assets, while Brooklyn doesn't have a true centerpiece player, but will include a lot of their current roster. If I was Houston, I think I would try and get Brooklyn to get a third team involved to get an enticing but unproven prospect like Porter Jr. on the Nuggets. Maybe Houston can get some combo of Porter Jr and 2-3 of the Nets more promising players with multiple picks and pick swaps in an overall three way package. Force Gordon and Tucker out (Tucker will be valued as an asset as it is by most teams) as part of the package. Denver is unlikely to trade Porter Jr, but their team is very close to being a legitimate championship team, and they might be persuaded if the right immediate pieces are included. I don't like Harden on the Nets that much if Kyrie is still there, but you can understand Brooklyn taking that chance.

I've really enjoyed the thread and was engaged a bit with the football program again. Much appreciated. I'm not a huge donor or anything, but I have done my part. I think I'm tuning out at this point, and using what little I gave to something else. This was a great ride/thread to read.

As much as Urban might care about the recruiting timeline, it would be much more important to him to ensure the best possible outcome for his desired staff. If that means giving them space and time to get who he wants, I am quite sure he would prioritize them over any recruiting considerations. I am also optimistic, but have no information. It's just a gut feeling. I think the sustained silence and lack of legitimate leaks is actually a good thing.

Bijan might be one of the best recruiters for Urban right now.

This is a talented team. Very cautious optimism...

We fucked around and found out

Yeah, 1000 assistant, and 500 UM seems low risk to me to get a little return.

That's a solid kick, just low percentage and tough to hit. Perhaps fortunately for the long-term health of the program, he missed. But I still feed bad for him.

Yeah, they've done pretty well so far. I like adding Matthews/Schroder too. Caruso/KCP/Matthews/Schroder is a group I am fine with given the value of those contacts especially. They might miss Rondo in the playoffs, but I still think it was a smart risk to get Schroder as Rondo barely held it together with his health during his time with them. Harrell won't help much against Jokic, but he should be fine against most of the other Western conference contenders that lack that kind of dominant size. Portland might be a tough matchup on Harrell too. Gasol will likely only play the McGee rotation (12-14 minutes a game, 7 in first quarter, 7 in third quarter) and maybe only in the playoffs against Denver/Portland/Phoenix for small stretches. He probably doesn't see the floor in the playoffs with some matchups, but I definitely like him over McGee if he stays healthy. The Clippers not getting a good floor general so far is a big pretty miss, but Ibaka is a nice replacement for Harrell. I think Harrell is much better suited to the Lakers than Clippers given their roster, but Ibaka could end up a better fit on the Clippers too. I think those two went to the right teams versus the other way around. I also think Harrell was clearly mentally compromised from when he entered the bubble. I hate to say it, but I'd definitely right now peg the Lakers as the favorites to repeat because the Clippers haven't addressed their biggest need yet. I'm pretty bullish on the Nets too...except for not being sure about Durant's health yet...and Irving's health...and his attitude/brain. But it's not just Durant/Irving that makes me bullish -- I like their other players a lot and in fact would not sacrifice them to get Harden personally. (unless you traded Irving away maybe)

Age and mobility are big concerns, but I can understand why they easily picked him over McGee. His metrics even last year were really good. They just need a low amount of consistent minutes from him, and I doubt he closes playoff games as AD will small ball 5.

I will agree with your last sentence for sure. At this point, I am not evaluating Herman anymore. The next few games really won't change my opinion no matter how they go, good or bad. It's CDC I am wondering about right now. I'm even ok if we don't get Urban as long as Herman is out, as even a tiny chance of getting lucky with another hire is still better than zero chance of having the correct guy right now. Obviously, I hope we get the best hire possible...

What the fuck is Charlotte doing? Holy cow... It seemed like in hindsight that Hayward wanted to go back to Indiana, but Ainge asked for too much for a S&T. I thought the Knicks might be the one to overpay, but Charlotte...

Hmm, with Indiana, maybe a sign and trade could be possible...

I think that is a possibility but I'm not sure how Indiana could already have an offer for him with their cap situation. (I think Hayward might already have an offer in mind to turn down the option) I don't think Hayward would turn down the option without a pretty good idea that a multi-year offer is out there for him. I think it would be risky for him to take 34M now and take his chances next summer versus getting a multi-year deal right now.

I think the Knicks are going to sign Hayward with less per year but better money guaranteed overall.

I get this logic on one level, but if some change actually gets more people good insurance versus doing nothing, I wouldn't call that a complete failure at all in what I would deem important.