2024 NBA Season

[Pamadar]

First we should understand what really happen and why they are willing to let go of Ayton. Yes, he is a vital part of the offense and defense of the Suns, but it seems that Ayton doesn't have the mindset though, in the finals against the Bucks he was out hustle by Giannis and there was a critical play that he was block. And after that, the Suns didn't offer Ayton a max contract, first sign that he will not stay as Suns for long. And last season, we've seen how he got bench in Game 7 because they way Monty see it, Ayton quit on them. So it's just a matter of time before Ayton will be traded and this is the right time.

Might be the reason, an inside issue between Ayton and the coaching staff.

Now that they see that the relationship between him is no longer working well, it's the best time to send him to another team
who can provide good deals and fair trading value.

It's a matter of time now to what team he may land and who will be his replacement that Suns will bring to their squad,
the system is still there though it's just the player to adjust and work on int.

[1714594931]

1714594931

[Baofeng]

In my opinion, I respect every rising star and those who follow his steps, but with Ja's statement, it's easier to say than to prove it with converted achievements,.

We don't have to overreact to this kid's opinion and view. Everyone knows that if they compare themselves to Michael Jordan, that's high praise for the Legend since it means everyone wants to surpass his achievement. It's not challenging the Legend.

With that mindset of Ja Morant, I'm expecting to him show better and best plays next season. He also should work out on staying healthy all seasons. Players with great leaping ability and athleticism are sometimes more prone to injury. He should play wise while keeping safe although injuries can't be avoided.

I have been praising Ja Morant about his ability even if he's not that gifted with height because the kid can lift up his team and can even move like he's unstoppable to the point where we can say that this kid might be good and all but his skills will make him prone to injury just like Derrick Rose on his prime.

The kid has still lot to improve on the ring and he has all the time because he's still young, but he need to choose his battles wisely because that hype his making won't be around when he is stuck with an injury and saying that line that he'd beat MJ is an overstatement. There's noting to argue about MJ's skill.

So true, this young generation obviously didn't seen the GOAT play, for them it was the closest, Kobe or Lebron James. And even after Jordan retires, there's so many of them calling him out and he just destroy them one on one.

Of course, Ja Morant maybe can over over MJ if ever they play in the same era, but the athleticism can't be compare, for me they are almost even. But the mentally will be on MJ as he destroys everyone in a era wherein defense in the key.

[LogitechMouse]

First we should understand what really happen and why they are willing to let go of Ayton. Yes, he is a vital part of the offense and defense of the Suns, but it seems that Ayton doesn't have the mindset though, in the finals against the Bucks he was out hustle by Giannis and there was a critical play that he was block. And after that, the Suns didn't offer Ayton a max contract, first sign that he will not stay as Suns for long. And last season, we've seen how he got bench in Game 7 because they way Monty see it, Ayton quit on them. So it's just a matter of time before Ayton will be traded and this is the right time.

In regard to the Suns-Bucks Finals 2 seasons ago, the Suns as a whole team is inexperienced when it comes to NBA Finals and all of them are first time in NBA Finals including CP3 and I believe that affects that whole decision-making of the team. Ayton really was out hustled by Giannis at that time, and he doesn't have any substitute big at that time thus, they lost the series.

The problem with Ayton at that time is after that lost, he requested for a max contract which obviously he will not get it. It's only his first time to go to NBA Finals and his team without CP3 is at the bottom, so he doesn't deserve it, and I know many will agree. Ayton being benched in Game 7 against the Mavericks is the trigger point for Ayton to leave the team for some reasons. Well, looks like the Pacers will get him in exchange for Turner and maybe some first round picks, so I will just hope that he will be a good piece to the team.

[Yaunfitda]

First we should understand what really happen and why they are willing to let go of Ayton. Yes, he is a vital part of the offense and defense of the Suns, but it seems that Ayton doesn't have the mindset though, in the finals against the Bucks he was out hustle by Giannis and there was a critical play that he was block. And after that, the Suns didn't offer Ayton a max contract, first sign that he will not stay as Suns for long. And last season, we've seen how he got bench in Game 7 because they way Monty see it, Ayton quit on them. So it's just a matter of time before Ayton will be traded and this is the right time.

Might be the reason, an inside issue between Ayton and the coaching staff.

Now that they see that the relationship between him is no longer working well, it's the best time to send him to another team
who can provide good deals and fair trading value.

It's a matter of time now to what team he may land and who will be his replacement that Suns will bring to their squad,
the system is still there though it's just the player to adjust and work on int.

Right, and we really don't know who to play in this case, is the Suns management didn't value their rookie? or Ayton lacks the mentally that the Suns wanted from him and he didn't give that to them?

So this is the best solution, let go of Ayton and replacement him with a player, maybe trade with the Pacers or Portland or even the Nets for Durant.

[Reid]

First we should understand what really happen and why they are willing to let go of Ayton. Yes, he is a vital part of the offense and defense of the Suns, but it seems that Ayton doesn't have the mindset though, in the finals against the Bucks he was out hustle by Giannis and there was a critical play that he was block. And after that, the Suns didn't offer Ayton a max contract, first sign that he will not stay as Suns for long. And last season, we've seen how he got bench in Game 7 because they way Monty see it, Ayton quit on them. So it's just a matter of time before Ayton will be traded and this is the right time.

Might be the reason, an inside issue between Ayton and the coaching staff.

Now that they see that the relationship between him is no longer working well, it's the best time to send him to another team
who can provide good deals and fair trading value.

It's a matter of time now to what team he may land and who will be his replacement that Suns will bring to their squad,
the system is still there though it's just the player to adjust and work on int.

Yeah, but there also an issue before that. He was already asking for a max contract right after they given CP3 his own at 21-22 season. I think that's when the problem started with the Ayton relationship with management and coaching staff.
Who would not ask for it? They are the Western Champions and fought for the Finals, he might have thought there should be perks on what they achieved but it was not awarded.
I have no doubts this big guy will play at his best if only offered the contract that he wants. He may just want security for himself.

[Pamadar]

Yeah, but there also an issue before that. He was already asking for a max contract right after they given CP3 his own at 21-22 season. I think that's when the problem started with the Ayton relationship with management and coaching staff.
Who would not ask for it? They are the Western Champions and fought for the Finals, he might have thought there should be perks on what they achieved but it was not awarded.
I have no doubts this big guy will play at his best if only offered the contract that he wants. He may just want security for himself.

Yes, considering his contributions way back and how he really does his best to help the team.

But on the business side, I can only say that Suns management is also considering other possibilities before they can give
that offer. The problem already smoke out and the relationship is no longer good, letting go Ayton and let him get the desire
contract will also allow Suns to hire new replacement.

[Kelvinid]

Yeah, but there also an issue before that. He was already asking for a max contract right after they given CP3 his own at 21-22 season. I think that's when the problem started with the Ayton relationship with management and coaching staff.
Who would not ask for it? They are the Western Champions and fought for the Finals, he might have thought there should be perks on what they achieved but it was not awarded.
I have no doubts this big guy will play at his best if only offered the contract that he wants. He may just want security for himself.

Yes, considering his contributions way back and how he really does his best to help the team.

But on the business side, I can only say that Suns management is also considering other possibilities before they can give
that offer. The problem already smoke out and the relationship is no longer good, letting go Ayton and let him get the desire
contract will also allow Suns to hire new replacement.

There's a team that will go after Ayton, he is one of the top 10 big men in the NBA, and with his good shooting range, I think he will be a very valuable asset. IMO, he is deserving for a max contract, if Suns could not give that, then there's no reason for him to stay.

[btc_angela]

Yeah, but there also an issue before that. He was already asking for a max contract right after they given CP3 his own at 21-22 season. I think that's when the problem started with the Ayton relationship with management and coaching staff.
Who would not ask for it? They are the Western Champions and fought for the Finals, he might have thought there should be perks on what they achieved but it was not awarded.
I have no doubts this big guy will play at his best if only offered the contract that he wants. He may just want security for himself.

Yes, considering his contributions way back and how he really does his best to help the team.

But on the business side, I can only say that Suns management is also considering other possibilities before they can give
that offer. The problem already smoke out and the relationship is no longer good, letting go Ayton and let him get the desire
contract will also allow Suns to hire new replacement.

If I'm not mistaken, some of his rookie class have been offered max contract for a rookie. So it was expected that he will also get that as they went to the finals with Ayton as their center. However, Suns organization didn't offer him. So last season, I would say that Ayton didn't play that hard, not push himself to help the team against Mavericks. So yes, the relationship is very fragile since the start of the season and it blew off in the playoff as he was bench.

[Velvet78]

Irving and Durant both are leaving the team surely as it seems. They have both wanted their trades as soon as possible. Actually Irving was closer to be traded but the team made a decision and decided to give priority to Durant's trade. I have heard that Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns are the teams Durant want to go now. As for Irving he has been likely to be traded with Westbrook. This deal would be great for Lakers but not much for Nets unfortunately.

[Natalim]

Irving and Durant both are leaving the team surely as it seems. They have both wanted their trades as soon as possible. Actually Irving was closer to be traded but the team made a decision and decided to give priority to Durant's trade. I have heard that Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns are the teams Durant want to go now.

Durant going to the Heat would give the Heat a big boost even if they will trade Butler for him.
IMO, I believe that Durant is more clutch and more team player than Butler, so I'm okay with that trade if that will happen.

As for Irving he has been likely to be traded with Westbrook. This deal would be great for Lakers but not much for Nets unfortunately.

We never know what would happen to the Nets, but Irving going to the Lakers, I'm optimistic that Lakers will reach the playoffs.

[rhomelmabini]

Irving and Durant both are leaving the team surely as it seems. They have both wanted their trades as soon as possible. Actually Irving was closer to be traded but the team made a decision and decided to give priority to Durant's trade. I have heard that Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns are the teams Durant want to go now. As for Irving he has been likely to be traded with Westbrook. This deal would be great for Lakers but not much for Nets unfortunately.

This wouldn't be shattered up when Irving just taken that vaccine eh? I wonder on where these lads may end up, good for them or it's just another bad omen on where they landed. For the Nets getting Westbrook would be bad teaming up with Simmons? Can't say beforehand but we don't know what could they bring or what will the Nets get too with this trade.

[danherbias07]

Irving and Durant both are leaving the team surely as it seems. They have both wanted their trades as soon as possible. Actually Irving was closer to be traded but the team made a decision and decided to give priority to Durant's trade. I have heard that Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns are the teams Durant want to go now.

Durant going to the Heat would give the Heat a big boost even if they will trade Butler for him.
IMO, I believe that Durant is more clutch and more team player than Butler, so I'm okay with that trade if that will happen.

I don't think that's the right move. Butler created a brotherhood there and taking him out in exchange for Durant will most likely ruin that chemistry.
What I want for the Miami Heat to target is a point guard. Kyle Lowry seems to have lost his touch and is playing lesser minutes at 36 years old.
If they will focus their playmaking with Gabe Vincent and Tyler Herro then aim for a shooting guard. They didn't use Duncan Robinson last playoffs because of his lack of defensive skills.
A strong guard who is capable to do both will be their best choice. Not as expensive as KD.

[Yamifoud]

Irving and Durant both are leaving the team surely as it seems. They have both wanted their trades as soon as possible. Actually Irving was closer to be traded but the team made a decision and decided to give priority to Durant's trade. I have heard that Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns are the teams Durant want to go now.

Durant going to the Heat would give the Heat a big boost even if they will trade Butler for him.
IMO, I believe that Durant is more clutch and more team player than Butler, so I'm okay with that trade if that will happen.

I don't think that's the right move. Butler created a brotherhood there and taking him out in exchange for Durant will most likely ruin that chemistry.
What I want for the Miami Heat to target is a point guard. Kyle Lowry seems to have lost his touch and is playing lesser minutes at 36 years old.
If they will focus their playmaking with Gabe Vincent and Tyler Herro then aim for a shooting guard. They didn't use Duncan Robinson last playoffs because of his lack of defensive skills.
A strong guard who is capable to do both will be their best choice. Not as expensive as KD.

What if they can sign KD without moving Butler, I think that would make the team better and they'll have a big chance to win a championship. But the question is, who are the players that will be traded for Durant?

[yazher]

Irving and Durant both are leaving the team surely as it seems. They have both wanted their trades as soon as possible. Actually Irving was closer to be traded but the team made a decision and decided to give priority to Durant's trade. I have heard that Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns are the teams Durant want to go now. As for Irving he has been likely to be traded with Westbrook. This deal would be great for Lakers but not much for Nets unfortunately.

I don't believe some teams wanted Westbrook when he doesn't have his skill anymore the Lakers already proved that and he also plays with Lebron and nothing has happened. Maybe Irving can add some fuel with the Lakers and maybe he can get back to play to the time when they were winning championships with Lebron. But this time he should really consider getting out from the Nets because this team is like a curse because no matter who they will acquire, they just don't get anything from them, and the far as they go is only going to the playoffs and that's all.

[Yogee]

.....
Durant going to the Heat would give the Heat a big boost even if they will trade Butler for him.
IMO, I believe that Durant is more clutch and more team player than Butler, so I'm okay with that trade if that will happen.

Bad move for the Heat if they accept this trade. They need someone who they know will play his heart out and not someone who will run away or demand a trade when things gets tough. He may have missed that crucial shot in game 7 against the Celtics but I wouldn't say he's less clutch than Durant in that situation. KD would have long given up in that game and not have the chance to take a possible winning shot.

[ChiBitCTy]

Irving and Durant both are leaving the team surely as it seems. They have both wanted their trades as soon as possible. Actually Irving was closer to be traded but the team made a decision and decided to give priority to Durant's trade. I have heard that Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns are the teams Durant want to go now.

Durant going to the Heat would give the Heat a big boost even if they will trade Butler for him.
IMO, I believe that Durant is more clutch and more team player than Butler, so I'm okay with that trade if that will happen.

As for Irving he has been likely to be traded with Westbrook. This deal would be great for Lakers but not much for Nets unfortunately.

We never know what would happen to the Nets, but Irving going to the Lakers, I'm optimistic that Lakers will reach the playoffs.

Durant going to the Heat would in fact be a good thing for them and of course help them get “over the hump” so to speak, BUT only if that means Jimmy Butler doesn’t get traded in the process. That’s not going to happen nor does it make any sense. Both players are needed for a serious championship run and trading Butler for an older Durant who’s often hurt, makes little sense (and it won’t happen).

[Japinat]

It looks like Ja Morant went overboard with his statement, hehehe

Ja Morant says he'd beat Michael Jordan in his era

Well I guess who have been following basketball for years and see Michael Jordan plays will not agree with Morant here.

He needs to get a ring, not just 1 or 2 or 3, he need to get 7, be a two way player, MVP's and beat everyone in his generation. So far he has none of that.

I don't know but it seems that there is nothing negative to me with what he said.
All NBA players and fans already know that MJ is the GOAT and no one will argue with that. Maybe Ja is saying it with respect and he has this "I'll be a better player" mindset where he uses MJ as his basis meaning he will develop even more skills.

Well, Morant is still young and he is doing some spectacular things already in the league and some sees him as the future face of the NBA aside from Luka and Trae. I like his mindset TBH but his first step to be closer to MJ is to get a title and an MVP as well.

There is no doubt that Morant will dominate the next few seasons as he's progressing well even though he's only played 3 seasons in the league. At the same time, that statement by Morant sounds a bit arrogant. Firstly, the style of play in the 80-90s was more aggressive, while now the style of play has become too soft. Secondly, as Baofeng said, Jordan has tons of team and individual awards, and his stats look better than Morant's in many ways. Just compare Jordan and Morant's stats in their third season. MJ averaged 37.1 points per game, while Morant only scored 27.4 points. So if they had played one-on-one, Morant simply wouldn't have had a chance to beat Jordan.

No worries folks, the issue was rectified and Ja Morant cleared up his name that he didn't say or quote something like what did the ESPN has featured in the post. Pretty sure that this thing got pretty heated quickly about that alleged statement by Ja Morant and surely MJ's fans were fast enough to respond.

After seeing the mistake, Morant took to Twitter to react to it and said “these people crazy.” In a follow-up tweet, the 22-year-old mocked ESPN for falling victim to a troll Twitter account that is called “Ballsack Sports.” Seriously, how can anyone not sense it’s a parody/satire site?

https://clutchpoints.com/grizzlies-news-ja-morant-reacts-to-espn-falling-victim-to-his-fake-michael-jordan-quote/

[RealMalatesta]

I don't believe some teams wanted Westbrook when he doesn't have his skill anymore the Lakers already proved that and he also plays with Lebron and nothing has happened. Maybe Irving can add some fuel with the Lakers and maybe he can get back to play to the time when they were winning championships with Lebron. But this time he should really consider getting out from the Nets because this team is like a curse because no matter who they will acquire, they just don't get anything from them, and the far as they go is only going to the playoffs and that's all.

I think it was a bad decision to make him play with another player who gets inside, and a 6'8 280 pounds version of westbrook as well. This is why we should also see him play with shooters. For example him in Pacers wouldn't be a bad idea, they have Hield and they have some other players and that could work out well for the team.

Of course the problem is that, if you are willing to get westbrook, then you should be hoping to get something else. The biggest trouble with the Irving deal is that if you give Westbrook, and even if you give some picks which Lakers barely have any, you are sending him to Durant, which we all know they both dislike each other and that would be a problem.

[OgNasty]

I don't believe some teams wanted Westbrook when he doesn't have his skill anymore the Lakers already proved that and he also plays with Lebron and nothing has happened. Maybe Irving can add some fuel with the Lakers and maybe he can get back to play to the time when they were winning championships with Lebron. But this time he should really consider getting out from the Nets because this team is like a curse because no matter who they will acquire, they just don't get anything from them, and the far as they go is only going to the playoffs and that's all.

I think it was a bad decision to make him play with another player who gets inside, and a 6'8 280 pounds version of westbrook as well. This is why we should also see him play with shooters. For example him in Pacers wouldn't be a bad idea, they have Hield and they have some other players and that could work out well for the team.

Of course the problem is that, if you are willing to get westbrook, then you should be hoping to get something else. The biggest trouble with the Irving deal is that if you give Westbrook, and even if you give some picks which Lakers barely have any, you are sending him to Durant, which we all know they both dislike each other and that would be a problem.

That's a good point.  This is why Durant has requested a trade and will not be playing on the Nets next year.  I also think this will be a good trade for the Nets because they want a guy that will actually be on the floor after the Kyrie experience last year.  Westbrook will likely play all 82 games for the Nets and I think their management will appreciate that and the picks much more than another year of Kyrie drama.  Plus, it'll clear cap space in the future since Russ only has 1 year left on his contract.

[wheelz1200]

Richard Jefferson is going to officiate the second quarter of today’s Knicks vs Blazers summer league game. He’s doing it to expand his knowledge about how different parts of the game are prepared for. As a former player turned broadcaster, he is going to talk at halftime about the differences in preparation and what he learned. It should be both comedic and educational. It’ll air on espn 2 at 8pst.

This was a great story tonight. It was good for a nice moment as well. The first time Richard Jefferson blew the whistle as an official, he made the wrong call. He signaled out of bounds off the wrong team and one of the other referees had to correct him and reverse the call. The crowd and the other coaches let him have it too. It was a funny moment. I’m sure he immediately felt like he was in over his head as a referee.

Sure, Maybe Jefferson have some nerves and jitters on his first call and that why it's a total mistake. Lol. But it's good that he acknowledged his wrong call, at least when he analyze NBA games and when referee make a wrong call, he will now where they are coming from. As most NBA players criticized this wrong call but they didn't know the pressures this referee is going through.

As a knick fan it was brutal to see him out there.  As a known knick hater was just perfect that the Knicks only scored 12 points in the second quarter with rj on the floor with a whistle lol.  In other news grimes looking like he might contend for sg1 for the Knicks this year.  Dude is just different.