2025 NBA Season

[Ranly123]

I have been supportive with Melo but this is not really a good debut.
Difficult to put it in words.
Although the guy is trying his best, I am seeing bad reactions from him whenever he fails to shoot the ball.
That is not how a superstar reacts.
You shoot the ball, you miss, go back to D.
Do not waste time telling yourself I hoped it went in and then 1 clap in disappointment while the offense of the team you are against is making their shot.

Maybe next game.

He's disappointed because he can't get into the groove. Let's give the guy another chance to revive himself. Yes, maybe next game.

[wheelz1200]

I think it's just acceptable to struggle for one whole season as they have been dominating the NBA for many seasons too.

Maybe some would accept but some would already move to another team, I think they are now a fan of the Lakers or the Clippers but for me if I have to choose another team, I would choose a young team with lots of potential, and you know that team? its Dallas because I just found a guy who can make triple double consistently, and he was underrated thinking he is still young but he is not competing in the MVP race.

Pick another team?  I guess frontrunning fans will just watch and cheer for first place teams but what fun is that.  Any true fan sticks with their team good or bad (I'm still a knick fan after 20 years of garbage basketball).  Another who bounces around I wouldn't really call a true fan more a casual observer which is fine too.  And about Luca yeah he is definately one of the future top stars in this league, he is fun to watch.  Very smart basketball player

[Reid]

Maybe next game.

Or still maybe not . How unfortunate tha his first chance was wasted. Well, there are still many chances left for him but I do hope he will not do a poor performance again because even small errors accumulate and become a huge bad impression in the end which lead him into termination (who knows?)

I don't see great development to be honest unlike to other oldies, Dwight Howard for example. Despite of his age and size, he learned to adapt. Props to his effort of making himself from just a "bulky man" to a more effective agile center. If Melo knows how to adapt too or make everything which levels him into youngsters' performance then he will not get bad comments at all.

Is it really adaption which we are seeing or is it just because he is being surrounded by superstars?
The two is a bad comparison since the team is different and the roster.
Dwight is in a team in which it is being hyped. Lakers had been the apple of the eye. Not the Blazers.
They added Melo for a chance to change their circulation and maybe add to their chemistry.

Not all debut's are successful, it is just that we are expecting for something better with him and he did not achieve it.
We are the problem, not him. But he does not know that. He thinks he is the problem. He should just play the game.

[FanEagle]

Melo didn't start that well not only on offense but on defense neither. He hasn't played a "real" game for the past year so it was expected of him to go 4/14 from the floor, that is not even that bad when you look at it like that.

However, dude didn't even guarded his man one on one let alone really go after boards that hard and wasn't really paying attention to other teams offensive scheme that much.

You know why players like Lebron will never be out of work? Those guys could be 50 years old and if they want to they will still get a contract. Why? Because, if you give them 1 year absence, they will watch and memorize every single play and system on each team and when they come back they will be prepared for anything. Melo probably just shot balls all year while waiting.

[joshy23]

I have been supportive with Melo but this is not really a good debut.
Difficult to put it in words.
Although the guy is trying his best, I am seeing bad reactions from him whenever he fails to shoot the ball.
That is not how a superstar reacts.
You shoot the ball, you miss, go back to D.
Do not waste time telling yourself I hoped it went in and then 1 clap in disappointment while the offense of the team you are against is making their shot.

Maybe next game.

He's disappointed because he can't get into the groove. Let's give the guy another chance to revive himself. Yes, maybe next game.

He needs to have that instinct back, not just to shoot but also to make a good defensive stop, part of adjustment that he needed to cope up right away. He still have enough time to prove he's worth, just another game to forget and move forward and plan another gameplay that might work and give the team a win. Coaches needs to give him some pointers to review after this game to help him to adjust.

[Yaunfitda]

I have been supportive with Melo but this is not really a good debut.
Difficult to put it in words.
Although the guy is trying his best, I am seeing bad reactions from him whenever he fails to shoot the ball.
That is not how a superstar reacts.
You shoot the ball, you miss, go back to D.
Do not waste time telling yourself I hoped it went in and then 1 clap in disappointment while the offense of the team you are against is making their shot.

Maybe next game.

He's disappointed because he can't get into the groove. Let's give the guy another chance to revive himself. Yes, maybe next game.

He needs to have that instinct back, not just to shoot but also to make a good defensive stop, part of adjustment that he needed to cope up right away. He still have enough time to prove he's worth, just another game to forget and move forward and plan another gameplay that might work and give the team a win. Coaches needs to give him some pointers to review after this game to help him to adjust.

We all know that Melo's one weakness is his defense. And I don't think at this age, he will play defense at all. And that's one reason why Houston let him go prior because he can't really play defense. Maybe his instinct or the groove is not yet there, and we might see some improvement next game. But in the defense department? I doubt Melo will improved, just saying.

[wheelz1200]

Maybe next game.

Or still maybe not . How unfortunate tha his first chance was wasted. Well, there are still many chances left for him but I do hope he will not do a poor performance again because even small errors accumulate and become a huge bad impression in the end which lead him into termination (who knows?)

I don't see great development to be honest unlike to other oldies, Dwight Howard for example. Despite of his age and size, he learned to adapt. Props to his effort of making himself from just a "bulky man" to a more effective agile center. If Melo knows how to adapt too or make everything which levels him into youngsters' performance then he will not get bad comments at all.

Is it really adaption which we are seeing or is it just because he is being surrounded by superstars?
The two is a bad comparison since the team is different and the roster.
Dwight is in a team in which it is being hyped. Lakers had been the apple of the eye. Not the Blazers.
They added Melo for a chance to change their circulation and maybe add to their chemistry.

Not all debut's are successful, it is just that we are expecting for something better with him and he did not achieve it.
We are the problem, not him. But he does not know that. He thinks he is the problem. He should just play the game.

Everyone is making too much of one game.  Remember he didnt have a preseason to prepare, he just had to jump in mid season.  It takes guys some time of live action before they are in full form.  I would say melo wont be "right" until january.  New teammates, not playing in awhile, etc all takes time.  I can pick out 1 game for anyone and say wow they suck.

[jakelyson]

Maybe next game.

Or still maybe not . How unfortunate tha his first chance was wasted. Well, there are still many chances left for him but I do hope he will not do a poor performance again because even small errors accumulate and become a huge bad impression in the end which lead him into termination (who knows?)

I don't see great development to be honest unlike to other oldies, Dwight Howard for example. Despite of his age and size, he learned to adapt. Props to his effort of making himself from just a "bulky man" to a more effective agile center. If Melo knows how to adapt too or make everything which levels him into youngsters' performance then he will not get bad comments at all.

Let's give the guy a chance to redeem himself. He has not played for almost 2 years in NBA. We cannot expect him to be in his best instantly. He needs to adapt to the gameplay and his teammates. Let's see in a few weeks if he will improve or not.

We all know that Melo's one weakness is his defense. And I don't think at this age, he will play defense at all.

Age is not a reason to not adjust your game. He is given a second chance, I think he needs to give it all. If he needs to learn defense, he must.

[NavI_027]

Is it really adaption which we are seeing or is it just because he is being surrounded by superstars?

Yeah! He adapt. Look at his present physique and compare it into his prime days, there's a big differenece right? He change his body because he knew that O'Neal kind of Centers (huge but slow) are out — versatile Centers are in today. Those players do not only protects along the paint but also fast, has a good perimeter range and in some cases some of them know how to shoot 3's . Don't get me wrong, I know that being in an All Star team like Lakers is a significant factor to be considered why Howard seems strong but still the majority of his improvements are due to his hardwork of cours.

We are the problem, not him. But he does not know that. He thinks he is the problem. He should just play the game.

You have a point mate but do you really think Melo got no problem at all? I don't think so. Okay let's disregard first the critics from the crowd. Melo did a 4/14 FG, turnovers and 2 offensive fouls (according to the post above). See? He is inefficient at the moment, so I think it is fair to conclude that he served more of a burden rather a relief for their team.

[wheelz1200]

Is it really adaption which we are seeing or is it just because he is being surrounded by superstars?

Yeah! He adapt. Look at his present physique and compare it into his prime days, there's a big differenece right? He change his body because he knew that O'Neal kind of Centers (huge but slow) are out — versatile Centers are in today. Those players do not only protects along the paint but also fast, has a good perimeter range and in some cases some of them know how to shoot 3's . Don't get me wrong, I know that being in an All Star team like Lakers is a significant factor to be considered why Howard seems strong but still the majority of his improvements are due to his hardwork of cours.

We are the problem, not him. But he does not know that. He thinks he is the problem. He should just play the game.

You have a point mate but do you really think Melo got no problem at all? I don't think so. Okay let's disregard first the critics from the crowd. Melo did a 4/14 FG, turnovers and 2 offensive fouls (according to the post above). See? He is inefficient at the moment, so I think it is fair to conclude that he served more of a burden rather a relief for their team.

Off of one game? Lol.  Look at this stat line:

He shot just 2-for-11, 6-of-10 from the free throw line and had four personal fouls and five turnovers. Would you think this person was a detriment to his team and should be benched?  Guess who..Lebron James.  One game doesnt mean anything.  The guy didnt even have a preseason it was one game!

[Finestream]

The guy didnt even have a preseason it was one game!

The problem is people is just quick to judge because of his problems in his past teams, they were expecting that Melo would show a different game and a different stat but they were disappointed, yeah, it was just one game and not everyone can adjust easily in one game, so let's give him a chance and maybe in 3 games we will see if he can really an asset to the team or just another liability especially in the defensive end.

[harizen]

You have a point mate but do you really think Melo got no problem at all? I don't think so. Okay let's disregard first the critics from the crowd. Melo did a 4/14 FG, turnovers and 2 offensive fouls (according to the post above). See? He is inefficient at the moment, so I think it is fair to conclude that he served more of a burden rather a relief for their team.

The discussion about Melo's evaluation should be after his tenure in the Blazers. We are talking about the average here.

He is currently adjusting to the phase with a new team, new teammates, a new environment and coming from a long hiatus and drama in the real action on the court.  Just imagine how much pressure he is currently dealing with as everyone is expecting him to show good performance at every game. This is his last opportunity so I believed he is working really hard for that.

Again, let's do the talk after several games. Their next game is against the Milwaukee Bucks. One of the tough teams in the league that needed a serious approach in terms of defense. Let's see how Melo will deal on this.

[Natalim]

Again, let's do the talk after several games. Their next game is against the Milwaukee Bucks. One of the tough teams in the league that needed a serious approach in terms of defense. Let's see how Melo will deal on this.

If Giannis will be guarding him, I think he will have a limited scoring again, if he made 10 points in his first game, he might not score a double digit in that game. I think its better this way that people are criticizing him so he will be challenge to produce what his left in the tank, just one night to lead the team in winning and everything will change, that's how people think.

[harizen]

Again, let's do the talk after several games. Their next game is against the Milwaukee Bucks. One of the tough teams in the league that needed a serious approach in terms of defense. Let's see how Melo will deal on this.

I think its better this way that people are criticizing him so he will be challenge to produce what his left in the tank..

The fact that:
 
-no team has shown interest to him during the off-season until just recently despite the massive call from NBA superstars, players and former players
-he was being rejected in Team USA because they think that he might destroy the momentum of those young guns
-he is questioned about his behaviour
-he is known for having a poor defence
-he is now willing to take any role, even a bench warmer, towel boy, cheering squad, in the desire of coming back to the league

... isn't this enough loads already for him not to challenge himself on becoming a more matured player?

He is currently on the process. Again, let's do the talk after several games. Remember that his journey to Blazers is until January only and if no improvement was made, he will surely be out.

[goinmerry]

All eyes are Melo but look at the stats of other Blazers starters on their recent loss:

Anthony 4-14FG (24 mins)
McCollum 9-22FG (35 mins)
Hood 4-12FG (32 mins)
Simons 4-13FG (36 mins)

It's an off-night for the starters, not just Melo. It's just that Melo is on the hot seat right now that's why he is the only one being noticed.

[Yaunfitda]

All eyes are Melo but look at the stats of other Blazers starters on their recent loss:

Anthony 4-14FG (24 mins)
McCollum 9-22FG (35 mins)
Hood 4-12FG (32 mins)
Simons 4-13FG (36 mins)

It's an off-night for the starters, not just Melo. It's just that Melo is on the hot seat right now that's why he is the only one being noticed.

Yeah, they really on a off-night, it's just Anthony was hi-lighted here because all eyes are on him. And we all know that despite the fact that many players are hoping he can play. There are still a lot of NBA media who won't give him the credits, and now they have a field day mocking him because of his performance. Still a long way to go, I just noticed that his legs are still not there yet, maybe a couple of games and he will be back and hope he can play decent defense so that he can be value more by Portland, just saying.

[chaser15]

Miami Heat, 75 points at halftime. The projection for their final score maybe 140+. It's one of the highest record scores for the franchise prior to halftime. Just a 15 point short to the Houston Rockers who established 90 points in the first half during 2017.

Even those on the lower teams establishing high scoring points during the first half this season. The defense is really not the main point of view now. Almost all teams increase their offensive stats these past seasons.

[danherbias07]

Miami Heat, 75 points at halftime. The projection for their final score maybe 140+. It's one of the highest record scores for the franchise prior to halftime. Just a 15 point short to the Houston Rockers who established 90 points in the first half during 2017.

Even those on the lower teams establishing high scoring points during the first half this season. The defense is really not the main point of view now. Almost all teams increase their offensive stats these past seasons.

I agree.
You can rarely see games with lower scores to 100.
You cannot see games anymore which is like how the Pistons won a championship at 2004.
They made it there using their defense.
Ben Wallace, Rasheed, Rip, Tayshaun and Chauncey. Will not forget those names who wins every game when the score is below 100.

Now, it is all about the offense. Thanks to this:

Eliminating Hand Checking, NBA. From 1990 onward, the NBA made a steady effort to improve offensive effectiveness and reduce physical contact.

Implemented 2004. I think it was after the Pistons championship because of the brawl with Indiana.

[NavI_027]

[snip]

Again, let's do the talk after several games. Their next game is against the Milwaukee Bucks. One of the tough teams in the league that needed a serious approach in terms of defense. Let's see how Melo will deal on this.

Okay, let's see his next performance. I really hope *crossing my fingers Melo could add more points to his team for their upcoming match against Greek Freak's team which is also one of the strong teams in Eastern. Honestly, this would be a tough one and I have a gut feel (just a gut feel so don't be triggered again, chill ) that he won't get a better result not only because of strong opponents but also due to homecourt disadvantage. It seems that everything is in favor of Bucks this time so Blazers should definitely make extra efforts if they want to win .

[Finestream]

Miami Heat, 75 points at halftime. The projection for their final score maybe 140+. It's one of the highest record scores for the franchise prior to halftime. Just a 15 point short to the Houston Rockers who established 90 points in the first half during 2017.

Next to this tonight is the Dallas Mavericks scored 74 points in the half time and they end up with 142 points int he full game.
Heat had a high scoring first half but ended only 124 points, way below your prediction.

IN this game, I like the Mavericks and Doncic again... another triple double for him. 35 points 11 assist and 10 rebounds, and playing only 25 minutes.

How was that?