2024 NBA Season

[Pamadar]

Leonard demanded to be traded, that's why the team was not able to develop a big 3.
https://www.nba.com/news/report-kawhi-leonard-demands-trade-san-antonio-spurs

That means he doesn't want to stay with the team and he had already won a championship back then in that team and won again with the Toronto Raptors. You know, Leonard is really talented as he doesn't need to form a super team to win a championship.

Yes, so many questions about that demand to be traded but all are rumors and nothing was proven.
The most famous one was the locker room issue where Leonard is not happy with his teammates and so does his teammates with him.
That is the time where Manu and Tony are still playing. Well, he got what he wanted so I guess there is no need to dig the grave.

Leonard, I believe he can really boost one team even when just surrounded by roleplayers. I think what he did for the whole country of Canada speaks of it.
Injuries are the only problem with this guy. Even with his massive body figure, he is always prone to injury.

Toronto, back then when they won a title, already have good players,

And that timing when LeBron went west and accept the deal with Lakers,. Great timing for Raptors, though they really have tough playoffs that season bringing down both heavy favorite Sixers and Bucks. Leonard helps them win the title, and he really lifts the team with the help of all those stars and role players.

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[TheGreatPython]

Greg Popovich is know to experiment different line up just like last year. So I think this season it will continue that way and we might see different players filling up positions like in the center.

Jakob Poeltl is now the starting center, but they also added Jock Landale so we might see some switch along the season.

Patty Mills is already gone, so Murray really need to step up his game as the starting point guard now. And then they have the options of Bryn Forbes to play as back up.

Yeah, I agree with you guys that this is definitely experimenting on some stuff and if any coach can get the 100% out of any player that is definitely Greg Poppovich and we are going to see this team overachieve once again, people are expecting them to finish barely over 30 wins, and I am guessing that 37-38 wins will be possible with this team, which is weird because if you put this exact same team into like wolves or bulls or whatever they would be expected to tank and win like 20 games, but here we are talking about "will they break 50% or not" and I know it is a big push to assume they could get 40 wins or so, but I think it is also not impossible for them just because of Pop (probably will get like 30-35 wins like expected though).

However having this much room for growth does give me a lot of hope for our future, that is the main thing about this roster. The future looks so bright for them.

[wheelz1200]

Greg Popovich is know to experiment different line up just like last year. So I think this season it will continue that way and we might see different players filling up positions like in the center.

Jakob Poeltl is now the starting center, but they also added Jock Landale so we might see some switch along the season.

Patty Mills is already gone, so Murray really need to step up his game as the starting point guard now. And then they have the options of Bryn Forbes to play as back up.

Yeah, I agree with you guys that this is definitely experimenting on some stuff and if any coach can get the 100% out of any player that is definitely Greg Poppovich and we are going to see this team overachieve once again, people are expecting them to finish barely over 30 wins, and I am guessing that 37-38 wins will be possible with this team, which is weird because if you put this exact same team into like wolves or bulls or whatever they would be expected to tank and win like 20 games, but here we are talking about "will they break 50% or not" and I know it is a big push to assume they could get 40 wins or so, but I think it is also not impossible for them just because of Pop (probably will get like 30-35 wins like expected though).

However having this much room for growth does give me a lot of hope for our future, that is the main thing about this roster. The future looks so bright for them.

I think the spurs barely get to 30.  The west is so stacked and the spurs are filled with a bunch of role players.  Pop will get the most out of them but they are definitely going to be in the backend of the west.

[stadus]

Greg Popovich is know to experiment different line up just like last year. So I think this season it will continue that way and we might see different players filling up positions like in the center.

Jakob Poeltl is now the starting center, but they also added Jock Landale so we might see some switch along the season.

Patty Mills is already gone, so Murray really need to step up his game as the starting point guard now. And then they have the options of Bryn Forbes to play as back up.

Yeah, I agree with you guys that this is definitely experimenting on some stuff and if any coach can get the 100% out of any player that is definitely Greg Poppovich and we are going to see this team overachieve once again, people are expecting them to finish barely over 30 wins, and I am guessing that 37-38 wins will be possible with this team, which is weird because if you put this exact same team into like wolves or bulls or whatever they would be expected to tank and win like 20 games, but here we are talking about "will they break 50% or not" and I know it is a big push to assume they could get 40 wins or so, but I think it is also not impossible for them just because of Pop (probably will get like 30-35 wins like expected though).

However having this much room for growth does give me a lot of hope for our future, that is the main thing about this roster. The future looks so bright for them.

I think the spurs barely get to 30.  The west is so stacked and the spurs are filled with a bunch of role players.  Pop will get the most out of them but they are definitely going to be in the backend of the west.

Next season is probably a season where the Spurs has a weak roster, I mean, they don't have a star player anymore, but we know how coach pop works,  he always makes an experiment and who knows, they might make it to the playoffs but I doubt they'll go further from the first round. All eyes now are on the Lakers as no teams in the west that has made a significant addition or changes to their previous line up.

[Baofeng]

NBA market update - Two teams are currently battling for a possible acquisition of Paul Millsap. I'm talking about Brooklyn and Golden State. The two teams would have expressed their interest in the 36-year-old. However, it seems to be a complicated operation for both of them. The Nets have 16 players on their roster at the moment and they already have Blake Griffin and James Johnson - or even KD - in that specific role. As for the Warriors, they have 13 players with guaranteed contracts. Nemanja Bjelica landed in the "Bay" this summer, but Millsap could add some skill to the bench.

Base on ESPN, the Warriors also have a 16 man roster already so if they will trade somebody for him them they might get him but if I will choose between the two teams I think the Warriors will be the one that will fit him. @cryptomaniac_xxx said that the Lakers are also interested on him. Let him join in the Lakers then so that the veteran and old players will be on the same team . Maybe it would be better if the Lakers will make their roster right now a roster of aged 30 years old and above .

Just watched the Jump, and interesting enough, the average age of Lakers currently is 31.8 and would be the oldest in NBA's history. They are also interested in getting Isiah Thomas, as rumours has been circulating in the last 48 hours.

So it's very intriguing now that the Lakers becoming the oldest team in the NBA and yet they wanted to be a running team, with Westbrook and Lebron anchoring it.

Problem is it never works to go old.  Grabbing every player on the backend of their career isn't a way to build a championship team.  Lakers did this with the mailman and Gary Payton back in the day, didn't work then either

The Mailman and Gary Payton acquisition in 2004 work in my opinion, they even reach the finals that year. But they were beaten by the underdogs, Detroit Pistons, why? It's not because of the Lakers ageing team, but Pistons mentality and their super defensive game.

Ben and Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Price. They even limited the Lakers in a championship game to 60++ points. And that is the big reason why they failed and been swept in the finals.

And they are not building a championship team that will last for 3-4 years. The best is that this team will stay for 2 years and then the Lakers starts rebuilding again. Melo and Westbrook are looking for their first ring and this is the best chance before they retire, specially Melo.

[btc_angela]

Greg Popovich is know to experiment different line up just like last year. So I think this season it will continue that way and we might see different players filling up positions like in the center.

Jakob Poeltl is now the starting center, but they also added Jock Landale so we might see some switch along the season.

Patty Mills is already gone, so Murray really need to step up his game as the starting point guard now. And then they have the options of Bryn Forbes to play as back up.

Yeah, I agree with you guys that this is definitely experimenting on some stuff and if any coach can get the 100% out of any player that is definitely Greg Poppovich and we are going to see this team overachieve once again, people are expecting them to finish barely over 30 wins, and I am guessing that 37-38 wins will be possible with this team, which is weird because if you put this exact same team into like wolves or bulls or whatever they would be expected to tank and win like 20 games, but here we are talking about "will they break 50% or not" and I know it is a big push to assume they could get 40 wins or so, but I think it is also not impossible for them just because of Pop (probably will get like 30-35 wins like expected though).

However having this much room for growth does give me a lot of hope for our future, that is the main thing about this roster. The future looks so bright for them.

I think the spurs barely get to 30.  The west is so stacked and the spurs are filled with a bunch of role players.  Pop will get the most out of them but they are definitely going to be in the backend of the west.

Next season is probably a season where the Spurs has a weak roster, I mean, they don't have a star player anymore, but we know how coach pop works,  he always makes an experiment and who knows, they might make it to the playoffs but I doubt they'll go further from the first round. All eyes now are on the Lakers as no teams in the west that has made a significant addition or changes to their previous line up.

Since Leonard left or traded, it's been a different Spurs team, so weak that they can't even make the playoffs. And now that they have a new roster (again), not sure how Pops magic can work here. They may have a few occasions of winning, but I doubt that with the West so stack up right now they will even have a chance to even land 8 spot. So yeah, probably another experimental season so let's see how it will goes this season as there could be trades along the way.

[dwyane36]

And they are not building a championship team that will last for 3-4 years. The best is that this team will stay for 2 years and then the Lakers starts rebuilding again. Melo and Westbrook are looking for their first ring and this is the best chance before they retire, specially Melo.

You're right, but I would say that the Lakers will stay current roster only for next season, considering that they signed 1-year contracts with many bench players like Howard, Melo, Ariza. I guess this roster is an experiment for the Lakers management, and they probably will rebuild the team again if the Lakers don't win the title next year.

[OgNasty]

Where will you be this Christmas? The NBA has blessed us with a Nets vs Lakers Christmas Day game and I’m very happy. I don’t know exactly what I’ll be doing for Christmas this year, but it will likely include a couple hours in front of the TV grabbing a preview of this year’s NBA Finals matchup. I haven’t been this happy about a Christmas matchup since the old Shaq vs Kobe days.

The NBA is pretty awesome about this..Christmas day games that is.  The Nets vs Lakers is going to be an awesome matchup!  I just hope that everyone is healthy and there are no "excuses" as to why one team beats the other.

Speaking of Christmas games and the old Shaq days..the first ever game I went to was on Christmas day when the Orlando Magic faced off vs the Chicago Bulls.  I thought that MJ was playing, but this seems to say otherwise ( https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199312250CHI.html ).  It's possible I'm thinking of a different year, but this seems about right.  What I do remember from the game is watching Shaq and Anfernee Hardaway in their prime.  Was a really fun first game, especially being that I got to see Shaq in his early days.  

Ya, if there's one holiday event I make sure to catch a bit of every year, it's NBA Christmas.  In my eyes, it has surpassed football on Thanksgiving.

I saw young Shaq play once as well.  It was against the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento and had to be 1993 because I remember Walt Williams being on the Kings and the Magic winning.  I think it was this game: https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199312190SAC.html

I do remember seeing Shaq do his spin off the defender alley oop catch a few times.  He was catching the ball above the red square on the backboard.  One of the most amazing things I've seen a human being do.  He was a different beast back in his skinny days.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

And they are not building a championship team that will last for 3-4 years. The best is that this team will stay for 2 years and then the Lakers starts rebuilding again. Melo and Westbrook are looking for their first ring and this is the best chance before they retire, specially Melo.

You're right, but I would say that the Lakers will stay current roster only for next season, considering that they signed 1-year contracts with many bench players like Howard, Melo, Ariza. I guess this roster is an experiment for the Lakers management, and they probably will rebuild the team again if the Lakers don't win the title next year.

Yeah, a one year done deal for this veterans, and probably they have to accept a pay cut just to be in a championship team once again. Howard and Ariza is a comeback Lakers, meaning they know the institutions very well that's why they have agreed.

For Melo and Westbrook, same predicament, they wanted to leave a legacy and having at least one ring and a future HOF, win-win situation for the two as well.

[danherbias07]

Yeah, a one year done deal for this veterans, and probably they have to accept a pay cut just to be in a championship team once again. Howard and Ariza is a comeback Lakers, meaning they know the institutions very well that's why they have agreed.

For Melo and Westbrook, same predicament, they wanted to leave a legacy and having at least one ring and a future HOF, win-win situation for the two as well.

An experiment that has a good chance to win. Lebron sure pulled a lot of strings from the Lakers management to acquire this veterans.
Ariza may not be really that hungry for a championship since he already had one but I guess two ring will always be better.
WB and Melo will be the ones who needs to work their ass and be at better shape until the playoffs or better the Finals if they will achieve it.
I have no doubts with WB but Melo should find a way to bring back his consistency with his shooting percentage. This is the time, leave a good mark, retirement is getting closer.

[Jating]

Yeah, a one year done deal for this veterans, and probably they have to accept a pay cut just to be in a championship team once again. Howard and Ariza is a comeback Lakers, meaning they know the institutions very well that's why they have agreed.

For Melo and Westbrook, same predicament, they wanted to leave a legacy and having at least one ring and a future HOF, win-win situation for the two as well.

An experiment that has a good chance to win. Lebron sure pulled a lot of strings from the Lakers management to acquire this veterans.

I think him and Rob Pelinka is very close to each other that's why Lebron can have his way and was able to acquire Melo at least.

Ariza may not be really that hungry for a championship since he already had one but I guess two ring will always be better.

Definitely, a second ring will be great as well specially if he retires as Lakers.

WB and Melo will be the ones who needs to work their ass and be at better shape until the playoffs or better the Finals if they will achieve it.
I have no doubts with WB but Melo should find a way to bring back his consistency with his shooting percentage. This is the time, leave a good mark, retirement is getting closer.

They have played last year, although they have exited early, but I think they will be in better shape as this is really a good opportunity for them to snatch at least one ring. And this is a good storyline as well once they said farewell.

[Pamadar]

And they are not building a championship team that will last for 3-4 years. The best is that this team will stay for 2 years and then the Lakers starts rebuilding again. Melo and Westbrook are looking for their first ring and this is the best chance before they retire, specially Melo.

You're right, but I would say that the Lakers will stay current roster only for next season, considering that they signed 1-year contracts with many bench players like Howard, Melo, Ariza. I guess this roster is an experiment for the Lakers management, and they probably will rebuild the team again if the Lakers don't win the title next year.

Yeah, a one year done deal for this veterans, and probably they have to accept a pay cut just to be in a championship team once again. Howard and Ariza is a comeback Lakers, meaning they know the institutions very well that's why they have agreed.

For Melo and Westbrook, same predicament, they wanted to leave a legacy and having at least one ring and a future HOF, win-win situation for the two as well.

We should wait and see if how fate will bring to these old timers, who know's after winning a title, they will continue and play.

The technology now is far better than what we have from the last era. Stars who really take good care of their physical health can play more years than those who played way back. LeBron and Melo are the good example as they still playing with good percentages.
We will see how they jive together and face those super teams to win a title..

[harizen]

For Melo and Westbrook, same predicament, they wanted to leave a legacy and having at least one ring and a future HOF, win-win situation for the two as well.

The last chance for Melo next season. He should go all-in while keeping healthy all year long.

He's been in a situation before that no team shows interested in signing him until the Portland Trail Blazers offer him a one-year, non-guaranteed deal roughly a few weeks before a season starts.

Next season might be the last time he will have an experience having a good set of caliber teammates. For Westbrook, still far from the retirement period but also might be the last chance he will have a good set of caliber teammates too.

[Oasisman]

And they are not building a championship team that will last for 3-4 years. The best is that this team will stay for 2 years and then the Lakers starts rebuilding again. Melo and Westbrook are looking for their first ring and this is the best chance before they retire, specially Melo.

You're right, but I would say that the Lakers will stay current roster only for next season, considering that they signed 1-year contracts with many bench players like Howard, Melo, Ariza. I guess this roster is an experiment for the Lakers management, and they probably will rebuild the team again if the Lakers don't win the title next year.

Every new team adjustment/roster is an experiment. But I think this Lakers team is kinda over stacked, and there might be some conflicts on playing style with these veteran superstars. It's all up to them on how the players is going to adjust with the Lakers and LeBron system.
I hope Melo and Ariza will fit with the current Laker roster.

I've heard the Lakers are chasing for Isiah Thomas? I'm not sure if it's true.

[Reid]

For Melo and Westbrook, same predicament, they wanted to leave a legacy and having at least one ring and a future HOF, win-win situation for the two as well.

The last chance for Melo next season. He should go all-in while keeping healthy all year long.

He's been in a situation before that no team shows interested in signing him until the Portland Trail Blazers offer him a one-year, non-guaranteed deal roughly a few weeks before a season starts.

Next season might be the last time he will have an experience having a good set of caliber teammates. For Westbrook, still far from the retirement period but also might be the last chance he will have a good set of caliber teammates too.

Indeed. Time to shine for Melo again. Show what he is good at and contribute everything that he can for the Lakers.
Chemistry is not an issue for Lebron and Melo. Westbrook is also excellent at creating his own shots so chemistry is not an issue for him just like with Wizards and Rockets. Dwight had been there and so is Ariza.
I think what they lack is a space maker. Melo is one and I think they will use Lebron as an outside shooter this season.
It will preserve some energy and he could make precision plays with a wider vision.

[carlisle1]

Indeed. Time to shine for Melo again. Show what he is good at and contribute everything that he can for the Lakers.
Chemistry is not an issue for Lebron and Melo. Westbrook is also excellent at creating his own shots so chemistry is not an issue for him just like with Wizards and Rockets. Dwight had been there and so is Ariza.
I think what they lack is a space maker. Melo is one and I think they will use Lebron as an outside shooter this season.
It will preserve some energy and he could make precision plays with a wider vision.

A good play that will include everyone inside will give them a win,
having LeBron and Westbrook who bought good individual scorers.

If these two will attack and drop the ball either to Davis or Melo or even Howard inside,
it's an easy basket and a big threat to any teams that they'll going to face.

Aside from fresh legs that mostly the disadvantage of older players,
but determinations will give them the support to win..

[Yogee]

...
I've heard the Lakers are chasing for Isiah Thomas? I'm not sure if it's true.

I just finished reading an article related to this and it seems the Lakers are seriously preparing for a difficult season. They want to have as many option as they can should something happen to LBJ and AD again but the problem is they are adding players who are also injury prone. Other teams with fresher legs will outrun them.

[Yamifoud]

For Melo and Westbrook, same predicament, they wanted to leave a legacy and having at least one ring and a future HOF, win-win situation for the two as well.

The last chance for Melo next season. He should go all-in while keeping healthy all year long.

He's been in a situation before that no team shows interested in signing him until the Portland Trail Blazers offer him a one-year, non-guaranteed deal roughly a few weeks before a season starts.

Next season might be the last time he will have an experience having a good set of caliber teammates. For Westbrook, still far from the retirement period but also might be the last chance he will have a good set of caliber teammates too.

Indeed. Time to shine for Melo again. Show what he is good at and contribute everything that he can for the Lakers.
Chemistry is not an issue for Lebron and Melo. Westbrook is also excellent at creating his own shots so chemistry is not an issue for him just like with Wizards and Rockets. Dwight had been there and so is Ariza.
I think what they lack is a space maker. Melo is one and I think they will use Lebron as an outside shooter this season.
It will preserve some energy and he could make precision plays with a wider vision.

He did shine with the Blazers, reason why he is still in the NBA now and given another opportunity to play in a team that has a high chance of winning the championship. He cannot be the main man anymore but he can always be a supporting cast to Lebron James as he still has that killer instinct in his game and he can take over a game if given a chance. Melo is in shape and he can surely contribute big time to the LA Lakers.

[jostorres]

I would say that the Lakers will stay current roster only for next season, considering that they signed 1-year contracts with many bench players like Howard, Melo, Ariza. I guess this roster is an experiment for the Lakers management, and they probably will rebuild the team again if the Lakers don't win the title next year.

Every new team adjustment/roster is an experiment. But I think this Lakers team is kinda over stacked, and there might be some conflicts on playing style with these veteran superstars. It's all up to them on how the players is going to adjust with the Lakers and LeBron system.
I hope Melo and Ariza will fit with the current Laker roster.

I've heard the Lakers are chasing for Isiah Thomas? I'm not sure if it's true.

Lakers are overstacked that's for sure but Lebron got injured 2 out of last 3 seasons, AD has been getting injured constantly for a long time, ever since he came into the league. And I have to say Melo is way too old to make a huge difference, only great deal they have right now is Ironman Westbrook who rarely ever gets injured but he is getting older as well so I am not sure if he will be still uninjured with his playing style as well.

Let's see what happens, they are definitely stacked that is for sure and if they all stay healthy and give their 100% during playoffs then I do not think that there is any team that could stay against them. Same could be said for Nets on east, they have an amazing trio and that is for sure will help them get to finals but if they could only stay healthy and play 100% during the playoffs as well, which is proven to be a hard thing.

[danherbias07]

Let's see what happens, they are definitely stacked that is for sure and if they all stay healthy and give their 100% during playoffs then I do not think that there is any team that could stay against them. Same could be said for Nets on east, they have an amazing trio and that is for sure will help them get to finals but if they could only stay healthy and play 100% during the playoffs as well, which is proven to be a hard thing.

Their real problem will be against outside shooters. We know Lebron, he is not the type to defend well if he is guarding a shooter, like Steph or Dame.
I could not also vouch for Melo since he is more of an offensive guy now than a defensive type.
Small line ups like Grizzlies will also be a headache for them with young stars that will dominate them using speed and high shooting percentage.
IMO, the most balance right now is the Clippers or the Nets. Both have the offensive and defensive strength using their speed while Lakers might end up having troubles looking for a run and gun play. It can't be always Westbrook since humans have stamina limits.