2025 NBA Season

[Jating]

^^ I guess it's just a question of Booker's mentality though, I rated him above Tatum couple of years ago, but right now, it seems that Tatum is more clutch than him specially with the way their series with Dallas turns out.

So let's see if he can go back next season with a lot of pride and prove something in return. He is still in his prime, can average 25 ppg++ and be on the top of the scoring list. He just need to be consistent and have that Black Mamba mentality.

I was just about to mention Tatum too but I read this first.  Comparison, Tatum is more effective on both ends of the floor. That's the difference.
Booker is too focused on his offense and forgets about how defense will help their team too. They cannot just rely with Jae Crowder and the Warden. He is the weakest link on that side.
So, his escape is to be better on shooting but it seems like he is not yet ready to be a champion.
Game 4. That's the only time he won in points against Luka. But if we sum up the other stats of Luka like assists and rebounds, he won't even be near.
What is lacking? Both are young, height is almost identical but it seems Luka can do everything.

Basketball IQ is Luka's advantage in this league, as he said it is much easier to score in an NBA as compare to Euro League wherein he sharpen his skills. He was exposed to that so when he arrived in NBA slight adjustment on his side but he can score anything he want. others might say he is slow, but he is still very effective with that kind of move. It's very calculated and then he has that clutch in him, as compare to Booker who doesn't have as of this time. All he want is to score and doesn't have that defense in himself.

[OgNasty]

Wow James Harden did it. He declined the 47 million dollars option in his existed contract and made a new one for 33 million dollars. Only to give Philadelphia 76ers room to get better players. I've written it before but once it is almost official, I still can't believe it. This is so cool! I don't remember anyone who does that before 35 years old. And for the 2023 - 2024 season he has an option for 35 million. Especially after this development, I really wish 76ers can get some good players and have a solid team and get to at least conference finals this season. With Embid and Harden, they have a very good core. Just need some role players that they can depend on. It seems like they will be the team I will be rooting for this season? Yes, almost there.

I don’t think it was as big of a sacrifice as people are making it seem. If he picked up that player option he would’ve been facing a massive pay cut anyway and wouldn’t have been able to ensure a spot for himself in Philly. This way he has a home for another 2 years and can act like he was selfless. I don’t think he’ll see another big payday. He’s slowing down quite a bit.

[Japinat]

^^ I guess it's just a question of Booker's mentality though, I rated him above Tatum couple of years ago, but right now, it seems that Tatum is more clutch than him specially with the way their series with Dallas turns out.

So let's see if he can go back next season with a lot of pride and prove something in return. He is still in his prime, can average 25 ppg++ and be on the top of the scoring list. He just need to be consistent and have that Black Mamba mentality.

I was just about to mention Tatum too but I read this first.  Comparison, Tatum is more effective on both ends of the floor. That's the difference.
Booker is too focused on his offense and forgets about how defense will help their team too. They cannot just rely with Jae Crowder and the Warden. He is the weakest link on that side.
So, his escape is to be better on shooting but it seems like he is not yet ready to be a champion.
Game 4. That's the only time he won in points against Luka. But if we sum up the other stats of Luka like assists and rebounds, he won't even be near.
What is lacking? Both are young, height is almost identical but it seems Luka can do everything.

Basketball IQ is Luka's advantage in this league, as he said it is much easier to score in an NBA as compare to Euro League wherein he sharpen his skills. He was exposed to that so when he arrived in NBA slight adjustment on his side but he can score anything he want. others might say he is slow, but he is still very effective with that kind of move. It's very calculated and then he has that clutch in him, as compare to Booker who doesn't have as of this time. All he want is to score and doesn't have that defense in himself.

His pace is not a problem because that's what makes him so effective, he is slow because that's where he gets his timing and he conserves a lot of energy so he can last without getting tired. Well, maybe that's what you called a good basketball IQ and we cannot debate on that as he has proved that many times.

[xzone]

Wow James Harden did it. He declined the 47 million dollars option in his existed contract and made a new one for 33 million dollars. Only to give Philadelphia 76ers room to get better players. I've written it before but once it is almost official, I still can't believe it. This is so cool! I don't remember anyone who does that before 35 years old. And for the 2023 - 2024 season he has an option for 35 million. Especially after this development, I really wish 76ers can get some good players and have a solid team and get to at least conference finals this season. With Embid and Harden, they have a very good core. Just need some role players that they can depend on. It seems like they will be the team I will be rooting for this season? Yes, almost there.

I don't think many basketball players would accept a salary cut to benefit their team. The sacrifice he made is really nice, I hope it will be of use to the team. Harden is still one of the best players in the league, and in fact, by refusing that money, he will probably stay a star player for a few more seasons.
He had enough problems last season already and we thought he was going to play in Philadelphia

[YuginKadoya]

As a knick fan I love me some Jamal Crawford but I tend to agree.  There are plenty of vets that can still ball but in the backcourt position if you are a step slow on defense than in your earlier years it diminishes your value.  Outside of a select few this is a young man's game and I want mobile guards for sure.  Lakers trying to do anything they can if they sign Crawford up.

Pretty much Jamal Crawford is already retired I think he can already feel it in his system but why are the Lakers offering him to play again, I think there is no further news about it, but I think even though Jamal Crawford can still play basketball he is not in his prime anymore, in my opinion, this is just some bad decision for the Los Angeles Lakers to do, if they can not recruit anyone anymore they should focus in training and giving their younger teams a chance to show their playing skills, just like what the Golden State Warriors is doing I think they are exposing their players to get more experience and to show off what they have, and because as the saying goes experience is the best teacher,

Wow James Harden did it. He declined the 47 million dollars option in his existed contract and made a new one for 33 million dollars. Only to give Philadelphia 76ers room to get better players. I've written it before but once it is almost official, I still can't believe it. This is so cool! I don't remember anyone who does that before 35 years old. And for the 2023 - 2024 season he has an option for 35 million. Especially after this development, I really wish 76ers can get some good players and have a solid team and get to at least conference finals this season. With Embid and Harden, they have a very good core. Just need some role players that they can depend on. It seems like they will be the team I will be rooting for this season? Yes, almost there.

Still, not the best team but I will likely keep track of the Philadelphia 76ers' development and who will be the next players to join them, because that sacrifice is of to naught if they can not get the best-fitted player for their team, I think they should focus more on defense, they would really need a good defensive player that will likely not fall to the likes of Marcus Smart, and Draymond Green caliber to make sure of the championship,

[Ziskinberg]

Wow James Harden did it. He declined the 47 million dollars option in his existed contract and made a new one for 33 million dollars. Only to give Philadelphia 76ers room to get better players. I've written it before but once it is almost official, I still can't believe it. This is so cool! I don't remember anyone who does that before 35 years old. And for the 2023 - 2024 season he has an option for 35 million. Especially after this development, I really wish 76ers can get some good players and have a solid team and get to at least conference finals this season. With Embid and Harden, they have a very good core. Just need some role players that they can depend on. It seems like they will be the team I will be rooting for this season? Yes, almost there.

I don't think many basketball players would accept a salary cut to benefit their team. The sacrifice he made is really nice, I hope it will be of use to the team. Harden is still one of the best players in the league, and in fact, by refusing that money, he will probably stay a star player for a few more seasons.
He had enough problems last season already and we thought he was going to play in Philadelphia

There are only a few who do that in order to make their team better, James Harden is a good example though. Well, he is reach enough because had some huge contract in the past and if he utilize his money well, then money is not a problem for him now.

[Baofeng]

Wow James Harden did it. He declined the 47 million dollars option in his existed contract and made a new one for 33 million dollars. Only to give Philadelphia 76ers room to get better players. I've written it before but once it is almost official, I still can't believe it. This is so cool! I don't remember anyone who does that before 35 years old. And for the 2023 - 2024 season he has an option for 35 million. Especially after this development, I really wish 76ers can get some good players and have a solid team and get to at least conference finals this season. With Embid and Harden, they have a very good core. Just need some role players that they can depend on. It seems like they will be the team I will be rooting for this season? Yes, almost there.

I don't think many basketball players would accept a salary cut to benefit their team. The sacrifice he made is really nice, I hope it will be of use to the team. Harden is still one of the best players in the league, and in fact, by refusing that money, he will probably stay a star player for a few more seasons.
He had enough problems last season already and we thought he was going to play in Philadelphia

I guess you can call it sacrifice, and this is not the first time that we have heard players accepting pay cut for reasons, others want to stay in the league, or players that just come from injuries like Victor Oladipo when he move to Miami.

So genuine reason or not for Harden, we shall see if his gamble have paid off or after this season and it didn't went well with him then maybe he will exercise his option the next year.

[Reid]

Word on the street is that the Lakers just offered Jamal Crawford a 1-year contract. Crawford is one of the best sixth man to ever play in the NBA and a relentless scorer. I could see him coming off the bench for a few good moments when they need a bucket. He’s old, but many NBA players were surprised he didn’t have a contract last year, as he’s still one of the better players in the league.

Hmm, not sure about this though, is the Lakers not learned from last year's debacle? I mean getting old and veterans players? and it didn't click right?

No doubt that Crawford can play and one of the best cross over during his prime, but I'm not sure if they still need a guy like him and to be a scorer? He is not a good defender as well so honestly, I will be baffled if they get him.

As a knick fan I love me some Jamal Crawford but I tend to agree.  There are plenty of vets that can still ball but in the backcourt position if you are a step slow on defense than in your earlier years it diminishes your value.  Outside of a select few this is a young man's game and I want mobile guards for sure.  Lakers trying to do anything they can if they sign Crawford up.

A big fan too of the shake and bake maestro but I don't know, there must be a different purpose into why they want Crawford in their roster.
Maybe mentally?
He may be one of the greatest sixth man in the league but those knees are growing weaker as you age.
I don't see him being given even 20 minutes of playtime, it will be more of boosting the morale of their bench.

[Russlenat]

Word on the street is that the Lakers just offered Jamal Crawford a 1-year contract. Crawford is one of the best sixth man to ever play in the NBA and a relentless scorer. I could see him coming off the bench for a few good moments when they need a bucket. He’s old, but many NBA players were surprised he didn’t have a contract last year, as he’s still one of the better players in the league.

Hmm, not sure about this though, is the Lakers not learned from last year's debacle? I mean getting old and veterans players? and it didn't click right?

No doubt that Crawford can play and one of the best cross over during his prime, but I'm not sure if they still need a guy like him and to be a scorer? He is not a good defender as well so honestly, I will be baffled if they get him.

As a knick fan I love me some Jamal Crawford but I tend to agree.  There are plenty of vets that can still ball but in the backcourt position if you are a step slow on defense than in your earlier years it diminishes your value.  Outside of a select few this is a young man's game and I want mobile guards for sure.  Lakers trying to do anything they can if they sign Crawford up.

A big fan too of the shake and bake maestro but I don't know, there must be a different purpose into why they want Crawford in their roster.
Maybe mentally?
He may be one of the greatest sixth man in the league but those knees are growing weaker as you age.
I don't see him being given even 20 minutes of playtime, it will be more of boosting the morale of their bench.

He is already 42 years old, the same age as Udonis Haslem and this guy is not playing anymore, so I don't think he could play more minutes. Lakers are really fun of investing in veterans but they don't know how to utilize them effectively, maybe they have to change strategy, put the young guns, and develop them.

[stadus]

Word on the street is that the Lakers just offered Jamal Crawford a 1-year contract. Crawford is one of the best sixth man to ever play in the NBA and a relentless scorer. I could see him coming off the bench for a few good moments when they need a bucket. He’s old, but many NBA players were surprised he didn’t have a contract last year, as he’s still one of the better players in the league.

Hmm, not sure about this though, is the Lakers not learned from last year's debacle? I mean getting old and veterans players? and it didn't click right?

No doubt that Crawford can play and one of the best cross over during his prime, but I'm not sure if they still need a guy like him and to be a scorer? He is not a good defender as well so honestly, I will be baffled if they get him.

As a knick fan I love me some Jamal Crawford but I tend to agree.  There are plenty of vets that can still ball but in the backcourt position if you are a step slow on defense than in your earlier years it diminishes your value.  Outside of a select few this is a young man's game and I want mobile guards for sure.  Lakers trying to do anything they can if they sign Crawford up.

A big fan too of the shake and bake maestro but I don't know, there must be a different purpose into why they want Crawford in their roster.
Maybe mentally?
He may be one of the greatest sixth man in the league but those knees are growing weaker as you age.
I don't see him being given even 20 minutes of playtime, it will be more of boosting the morale of their bench.

He is already 42 years old, the same age as Udonis Haslem and this guy is not playing anymore, so I don't think he could play more minutes. Lakers are really fun of investing in veterans but they don't know how to utilize them effectively, maybe they have to change strategy, put the young guns, and develop them.

The Lakers do not need a veteran, they have experience players like their big 3. What they need are role players that could step up consistently so their starter could rest and will not become prone to injury. Lebron, AD, and Westbrook, as long as they play great basketball, that will affect the entire team in a positive way.

[jakelyson]

A big fan too of the shake and bake maestro but I don't know, there must be a different purpose into why they want Crawford in their roster.
Maybe mentally?
He may be one of the greatest sixth man in the league but those knees are growing weaker as you age.
I don't see him being given even 20 minutes of playtime, it will be more of boosting the morale of their bench.

I do not see any purpose in it. He could provide veteran knowledge and experience but the team already have Lebron. And who is better to provide that experience and knowledge than their own star with 19 years old experience. And with Jamal's age, he will only be a liability on the court. 

I guess you can call it sacrifice, and this is not the first time that we have heard players accepting pay cut for reasons, others want to stay in the league, or players that just come from injuries like Victor Oladipo when he move to Miami.

So genuine reason or not for Harden, we shall see if his gamble have paid off or after this season and it didn't went well with him then maybe he will exercise his option the next year.

Getting a pay cut makes him look good and  if he gets a ring with it, he can use that to leverage for a better contract next time. Does not look like a sacrifice to me, more like a strategic approach to secure his future.

[danherbias07]

https://www.nba.com/news/report-monty-williams-signs-long-term-extension-with-suns

Report: Monty Williams signs 'long-term' extension with Suns

Extension. Yes, why not.
2021-2022 Coach of the Year, bringing the Phoenix Suns back on the map of a playoffs and Finals contender and building up young players.
The Suns management didn't even let his contract expire because there are 2 more years remaining.
He is good, there's no doubt about that. The only question left. When championship? The ring.
If ever he will achieve it, he will be the first coach to do so.

[Distraction]

The Lakers do not need a veteran, they have experience players like their big 3. What they need are role players that could step up consistently so their starter could rest and will not become prone to injury. Lebron, AD, and Westbrook, as long as they play great basketball, that will affect the entire team in a positive way.

I agree about this topic. Lakers don't need such a player to be more successful now. The important thing for them now is to replace Westbrook with a better guard. His performance in the previous season wasn't satisfying at all and this affected the team very negatively. Lebron doesn't want to have another season with him currently. Irving is speculated to replace him soon but we will see. Honestly Irving would be a great addition to the team imo. The score contribution would be much higher.

[mirakal]

The Lakers do not need a veteran, they have experience players like their big 3. What they need are role players that could step up consistently so their starter could rest and will not become prone to injury. Lebron, AD, and Westbrook, as long as they play great basketball, that will affect the entire team in a positive way.

I agree about this topic. Lakers don't need such a player to be more successful now. The important thing for them now is to replace Westbrook with a better guard. His performance in the previous season wasn't satisfying at all and this affected the team very negatively. Lebron doesn't want to have another season with him currently. Irving is speculated to replace him soon but we will see.

That would be possible if they will give up on Westbrook, but it looks like they still want to try another season to see if Westbrook could really fit the team. Westbrook had a rough last season, but the management is not giving up, they have invested in him, so they'll try at least one last time.

Honestly Irving would be a great addition to the team imo. The score contribution would be much higher.

If Nets will agree, this could happen.

[Pamadar]

The Lakers do not need a veteran, they have experience players like their big 3. What they need are role players that could step up consistently so their starter could rest and will not become prone to injury. Lebron, AD, and Westbrook, as long as they play great basketball, that will affect the entire team in a positive way.

I agree about this topic. Lakers don't need such a player to be more successful now. The important thing for them now is to replace Westbrook with a better guard. His performance in the previous season wasn't satisfying at all and this affected the team very negatively. Lebron doesn't want to have another season with him currently. Irving is speculated to replace him soon but we will see. Honestly Irving would be a great addition to the team imo. The score contribution would be much higher.

LeBron has a solid bond with Irving back with Cavs and with a Healthy AD that can be a solid trio

to anchor the Lakers, I don't know though if the management can work with the demand of Nets in pursuing the trade
between Westbrook and Irving.

If that happened, we will expect a better run from Lakers. Maybe they are still in behind the doors negotiations
In this trade, we never know what future for these two teams.

[yazher]

There are only a few who do that in order to make their team better, James Harden is a good example though. Well, he is reach enough because had some huge contract in the past and if he utilize his money well, then money is not a problem for him now.

One of them is Dirk Nowitski when he sacrifices his salary to return to their team back then and it paid well when they wins the championship, a legit championship from his own loyal stay in Mavericks where they make avenge their controversial loss to Miami in their last NBA championship game. Now if Harden will gonna make this one right, he could maybe improve their team to be one of those who will compete in the NBA finals.

https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/dirk-nowitzki-once-left-close-to-70-million-on-the-table-to-return-to-the-dallas-mavericks

[wheelz1200]

Wow James Harden did it. He declined the 47 million dollars option in his existed contract and made a new one for 33 million dollars. Only to give Philadelphia 76ers room to get better players. I've written it before but once it is almost official, I still can't believe it. This is so cool! I don't remember anyone who does that before 35 years old. And for the 2023 - 2024 season he has an option for 35 million. Especially after this development, I really wish 76ers can get some good players and have a solid team and get to at least conference finals this season. With Embid and Harden, they have a very good core. Just need some role players that they can depend on. It seems like they will be the team I will be rooting for this season? Yes, almost there.

I don't think many basketball players would accept a salary cut to benefit their team. The sacrifice he made is really nice, I hope it will be of use to the team. Harden is still one of the best players in the league, and in fact, by refusing that money, he will probably stay a star player for a few more seasons.
He had enough problems last season already and we thought he was going to play in Philadelphia

There are only a few who do that in order to make their team better, James Harden is a good example though. Well, he is reach enough because had some huge contract in the past and if he utilize his money well, then money is not a problem for him now.

Don't kid yourself Harden wasn't getting another big contract after this one.  It just stretches out the money for him, he isn't taking a pay cut so to speak.  The second year is his option too so if somehow he has an mvp type year he can leverage it to even more by opting put then resigning.  It's just posturing himself he is no "savior" lol.

[livingfree]

There are only a few who do that in order to make their team better, James Harden is a good example though. Well, he is reach enough because had some huge contract in the past and if he utilize his money well, then money is not a problem for him now.

One of them is Dirk Nowitski when he sacrifices his salary to return to their team back then and it paid well when they wins the championship, a legit championship from his own loyal stay in Mavericks where they make avenge their controversial loss to Miami in their last NBA championship game. Now if Harden will gonna make this one right, he could maybe improve their team to be one of those who will compete in the NBA finals.

https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/dirk-nowitzki-once-left-close-to-70-million-on-the-table-to-return-to-the-dallas-mavericks

Dirk is incomparable to Harden.

But we'll see if Harden proves himself right and did the right thing. There are players that would prove themselves did the right decision and before they retire, they've got at least an achievement with their former team.

Let's see if Harden is just all talk as he said he's gonna get the ring now with his new form. That's quite of a word but everyone of them has got that inspiration and boosting words for themselves to show the fans.

[sana54210]

Wow James Harden did it. He declined the 47 million dollars option in his existed contract and made a new one for 33 million dollars. Only to give Philadelphia 76ers room to get better players. I've written it before but once it is almost official, I still can't believe it. This is so cool! I don't remember anyone who does that before 35 years old. And for the 2023 - 2024 season he has an option for 35 million. Especially after this development, I really wish 76ers can get some good players and have a solid team and get to at least conference finals this season. With Embid and Harden, they have a very good core. Just need some role players that they can depend on. It seems like they will be the team I will be rooting for this season? Yes, almost there.

I don't think many basketball players would accept a salary cut to benefit their team. The sacrifice he made is really nice, I hope it will be of use to the team. Harden is still one of the best players in the league, and in fact, by refusing that money, he will probably stay a star player for a few more seasons.
He had enough problems last season already and we thought he was going to play in Philadelphia

I wouldn't say no players would take cuts, I mean Durant took a cut when he was playing for Warriors and he even took a cut from his shooting as well, in other teams he played before he got there, (OKC) he was shooting a lot more and he was given the green light to shoot anytime he just wants to, nobody ever questioned him, back in the warriors he wasn't like that, he shot a lot less, and his points per game dropped a lot because he was with other players who scored a lot as well.

So, he took a cut, but also played less. All in all, if you want to be with other superstars then you are going to have to take a cut and get paid a bit less but you would have a higher chance to win.

[chaser15]

Hmm, not sure about this though, is the Lakers not learned from last year's debacle? I mean getting old and veterans players? and it didn't click right?

The purpose maybe is to just fill the bench and not to heavily expect something good for a veteran like Jamaal Crawford. Lakers already knows that already and it doesn't mean that signing another veteran is already a bad move by the Lakers. If that's also a small and short-term contract, that should not harm the overall salary cap of the team.

Let's see if Harden is just all talk as he said he's gonna get the ring now with his new form. That's quite of a word but everyone of them has got that inspiration and boosting words for themselves to show the fans.

James Harden already proved that he is one the best consistent players in the league. Averaging good stats per season consistently. But for championship goals, it should not just him to do the heavy loads but he should have some good teammates too that will accompany him on that goal. Joel Embiid is a good duo for him and always consistent too at monster stats. Sixers have to do their best to surround their key duos with good teammates.