2025 NBA Season

[rhomelmabini]

Speaking of the Celtics… After the passing of Celtics legend Bill Russell the NBA has said that no player for any team will ever be given the number 6 ever again. That makes Bill Russell the first NBA player to have his number retired league wide. A pretty huge deal as there are only so many numbers. I’m sure the entire season will be filled with tributes to Bill who was a championship machine when he played.

I think Bill Russel really deserved that kind of treatment, the underrated GOAT. I think a new kind of category of award will be named once again for him, that's just some wild guess of mine. I think LeBron will wear the number 23 again this time though those who currently wear it can keep it in them. Out of respect, I think he will wear number 23 this time around.

[LogitechMouse]

TBH, I'm a bit surprised that the Celtics are interested in getting Durant to the point that they will trade their core players just to get him. They reached the NBA Finals without him so what's the point in getting him? They only lost to Warriors because of experience that's all but I believe this current core players of the Celtics will get a championship in the future. That's how promising these players are.

The point is they still lost. And if the management gets some hint that they could improve their roster to guarantee a championship, they should explore it. I too, do not agree that they should break their core for Durant, but I am not an expert. And their GM is doing fine building this team so far, maybe we could give him the benefit of the doubt and trust that he could still make this team better than it already is.

Yeah yeah got your point .
Well, if Brad Stevens' decision if he will keep the core players intact or he will make some exploration and trade one of them to get one of the greatest shooters in the current era (maybe we can add one of the few players out there who has more authority than the owners). After all like you said, the GM knows what is better for the team so let's just wait for their decision. Well aside from the Celtics, the Sixers are being included in the conversations as well.

Speaking of the Celtics… After the passing of Celtics legend Bill Russell the NBA has said that no player for any team will ever be given the number 6 ever again. That makes Bill Russell the first NBA player to have his number retired league wide. A pretty huge deal as there are only so many numbers. I’m sure the entire season will be filled with tributes to Bill who was a championship machine when he played.

Well deserve.
He has been a very influential person inside and outside the NBA. 11 championship rings and for sure no NBA player will ever do that again and he did that in 13 years only. All of the players will have a patch to their right shoulder to honor him and each homecourt will have a clover shape logo with #6 on it in front of the scorers table. The #6 jersey will be retired worldwide but players who are currently using #6 jersey will still be allowed to use it so players LBJ, Porzingis and others can still use it if they want to.

[Reid]

Speaking of the Celtics… After the passing of Celtics legend Bill Russell the NBA has said that no player for any team will ever be given the number 6 ever again. That makes Bill Russell the first NBA player to have his number retired league wide. A pretty huge deal as there are only so many numbers. I’m sure the entire season will be filled with tributes to Bill who was a championship machine when he played.

Pretty big decision that is deserving for the one who has a ring even at his foot. Unless he had 11 hand fingers.  
This means all who wears number 6 this season should change their numbers too. Right?
Who are they?
1. Lebron James. He is the one known to wear it so I guess we will see him again in a number 23 jersey.

• Alex Caruso
• Kristaps Porzingis
• Lou Williams
• Montrezl Harrell
• Lance Stephenson
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker
• Hamidou Diallo
• Bryn Forbes
• Quentin Grimes
• Jalen McDaniels
• Jordan McLaughlin
• Kenyon Martin Jr.
• Moses Brown
• David Duke Jr.
• Melvin Frazier
• Keon Johnson
• Javonte Smart
• Rayjon Tucker

https://www.nba.com/news/nba-players-who-currently-wear-no-6-jersey
If Michael Jordan dies, (fingers crossed but we will all go there) will they do the same thing? The jersey number 23 means a lot to different players and it will not be the same if we won't see it being worn by those who look up on him.

[Yaunfitda]

Speaking of the Celtics… After the passing of Celtics legend Bill Russell the NBA has said that no player for any team will ever be given the number 6 ever again. That makes Bill Russell the first NBA player to have his number retired league wide. A pretty huge deal as there are only so many numbers. I’m sure the entire season will be filled with tributes to Bill who was a championship machine when he played.

I think Bill Russel really deserved that kind of treatment, the underrated GOAT. I think a new kind of category of award will be named once again for him, that's just some wild guess of mine. I think LeBron will wear the number 23 again this time though those who currently wear it can keep it in them. Out of respect, I think he will wear number 23 this time around.

He has more than deserved it already, I mean he has been recognized by many great players are well to be the GOAT, not just inside the basketball court but outside as well.

And it's only fitting the the whole NBA will respect his jersey and retire it an no one can used his number again.

If he is not the GOAT, then I would say that he is one name on Mt. Rushmore as far as NBA is.

[btc_angela]

I can see Dame riding with them for a coue years but once he hits 34-35 he will probably want to jump ship to a contender if Portland hasn't done anything to increase their chances of competing for a chip.  One dude I wish the Knicks made a run at.  He is a complete difference maker.  Would be a legend if he was on a better team.

Kind of too late for me if Damian Lillard will just consider going to other teams 2-3 years from now. Even how good the player is during their prime, once they hit 34-35 years old, they might have difficulty being signed at a much contender team that has the chance to take the chip on that season.

Not really. When you're as talented as Dame in basketball, your skills won't just disappear magically in the age of 34-35. Dame is 32 currently, in the next 3 years we won't barely notice any changes to his style of play, vertical, or agility. Unless if god forbid he'll fall into a serious injury. 3 years does not make any differences anyway.
He will not going to have a difficult time signing to any team though when he's 35, I simply don't believe that.
However, chasing for a ring might be a little too difficult as the league has an influx of young talented players.

So it's better for him right now, when he is still in his prime to really chase a ring with his current team or just simply move out and join caliber teams otherwise he might not get that one right he always wanted.

No doubt that he is one of the best that we have, and it's going to be a waste if he even get at least one ring to boot in his NBA career. Let's see Portland's current roster this season, it seems that that best version or the best time for them to enter into the discussion of the championship ring is when CJ was still with them.

[Natalim]

I can see Dame riding with them for a coue years but once he hits 34-35 he will probably want to jump ship to a contender if Portland hasn't done anything to increase their chances of competing for a chip.  One dude I wish the Knicks made a run at.  He is a complete difference maker.  Would be a legend if he was on a better team.

Kind of too late for me if Damian Lillard will just consider going to other teams 2-3 years from now. Even how good the player is during their prime, once they hit 34-35 years old, they might have difficulty being signed at a much contender team that has the chance to take the chip on that season.

Not really. When you're as talented as Dame in basketball, your skills won't just disappear magically in the age of 34-35. Dame is 32 currently, in the next 3 years we won't barely notice any changes to his style of play, vertical, or agility. Unless if god forbid he'll fall into a serious injury. 3 years does not make any differences anyway.
He will not going to have a difficult time signing to any team though when he's 35, I simply don't believe that.
However, chasing for a ring might be a little too difficult as the league has an influx of young talented players.

So it's better for him right now, when he is still in his prime to really chase a ring with his current team or just simply move out and join caliber teams otherwise he might not get that one right he always wanted.

No doubt that he is one of the best that we have, and it's going to be a waste if he even get at least one ring to boot in his NBA career. Let's see Portland's current roster this season, it seems that that best version or the best time for them to enter into the discussion of the championship ring is when CJ was still with them.

They are not a championship team IMO, they are just entertaining to watch because of their great offense but their defense is really bad that's why they struggle against a good defensive team. It's the first time that CJ has no Robin, so if Blazers will succeed, it's solely because of his leadership.

[Hypnosis00]

They are not a championship team IMO, they are just entertaining to watch because of their great offense but their defense is really bad that's why they struggle against a good defensive team. It's the first time that CJ has no Robin, so if Blazers will succeed, it's solely because of his leadership.

They cannot be a championship more now that they let CJ go with replacing a superstar player. Lillard alone cannot make this team a championship team, his best way to have a chance to win a ring is to pair with a superstar, someone that would still respect him as the lead star, and that would mean keeping his current team.

[Jating]

They are not a championship team IMO, they are just entertaining to watch because of their great offense but their defense is really bad that's why they struggle against a good defensive team. It's the first time that CJ has no Robin, so if Blazers will succeed, it's solely because of his leadership.

They cannot be a championship more now that they let CJ go with replacing a superstar player. Lillard alone cannot make this team a championship team, his best way to have a chance to win a ring is to pair with a superstar, someone that would still respect him as the lead star, and that would mean keeping his current team.

I guess when they let CJ go, it was an obvious rebuilding time for them with Dame as the centerpiece. But they have a good replacement in Jeremi Grant and then GPII and Joe Ingles and Josh Hart.

But I do agree that this line up will not be enough to contend in the West, we have teams like Golden State, Phoenix, Dallas and Memphis, very strong team. Maybe they need one more legitimate star to work with Dame and at least make the Blazers a contender.

[Sanitough]

They are not a championship team IMO, they are just entertaining to watch because of their great offense but their defense is really bad that's why they struggle against a good defensive team. It's the first time that CJ has no Robin, so if Blazers will succeed, it's solely because of his leadership.

They cannot be a championship more now that they let CJ go with replacing a superstar player. Lillard alone cannot make this team a championship team, his best way to have a chance to win a ring is to pair with a superstar, someone that would still respect him as the lead star, and that would mean keeping his current team.

I guess when they let CJ go, it was an obvious rebuilding time for them with Dame as the centerpiece. But they have a good replacement in Jeremi Grant and then GPII and Joe Ingles and Josh Hart.

But I do agree that this line up will not be enough to contend in the West, we have teams like Golden State, Phoenix, Dallas and Memphis, very strong team. Maybe they need one more legitimate star to work with Dame and at least make the Blazers a contender.

That's right, a star player like Durant or Irving I guess, but someone that would not put Lillard in his place out as he is still the main star player of the team. Lillard has been playing with consistency, it's just unfortunate he doesn't have someone who can play like his level in his team, even CJ has some inconsistency sometimes.

[inthelongrun]

There are still a few months to go and we might see more exciting and surprising trades before the start of the next season. So far the teams that upgraded their roster to a whole new level are;

1. Minnesota Timberwolves- Acquiring defensive superstar Rudy Gobert will right away put this team in the mix of strong contenders next season. This is bigger than Minnesota acquired Latrell Sprewell many years ago. But we will see if this current roster is comparable to the hype of that Sprewell trade many years ago. AFAIK the Minnesota Timberwolves became the favorite to win Garnett, Sprewell, and Cassell. I hope Minnesota's plan of trading Russell materializes because I want to see them improve and vie for the top.

2. Atlanta Hawks- People are really curious if a duo core of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray works well. I hope it works well as I want to see more teams becoming competitive and become serious championship contenders. It makes the league more exciting.

3. Boston Celtics- Still hanging in the air for a possible KD acquisition but they also took Malcolm Brogdon. Their current roster is already very strong and they might become the betting odds favorite.

4. Philadelphia 76ers- I knew some people aren't convinced with P.J. Tucker but I am. Looking forward to a better Harden next season.

[Pamadar]

They are not a championship team IMO, they are just entertaining to watch because of their great offense but their defense is really bad that's why they struggle against a good defensive team. It's the first time that CJ has no Robin, so if Blazers will succeed, it's solely because of his leadership.

They cannot be a championship more now that they let CJ go with replacing a superstar player. Lillard alone cannot make this team a championship team, his best way to have a chance to win a ring is to pair with a superstar, someone that would still respect him as the lead star, and that would mean keeping his current team.

I guess when they let CJ go, it was an obvious rebuilding time for them with Dame as the centerpiece. But they have a good replacement in Jeremi Grant and then GPII and Joe Ingles and Josh Hart.

But I do agree that this line up will not be enough to contend in the West, we have teams like Golden State, Phoenix, Dallas and Memphis, very strong team. Maybe they need one more legitimate star to work with Dame and at least make the Blazers a contender.

Same with my view about this new squad of Blazers. They needed another star like CJ, to help Dame.

Maybe they are planning to add another star or they will start rolling the system on this new selection and see how it
will going to work for them.

I remember the rookie Simmons last season and I'm hoping to see more from that kid, with the help of Dame, he
can improve more.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

They are not a championship team IMO, they are just entertaining to watch because of their great offense but their defense is really bad that's why they struggle against a good defensive team. It's the first time that CJ has no Robin, so if Blazers will succeed, it's solely because of his leadership.

They cannot be a championship more now that they let CJ go with replacing a superstar player. Lillard alone cannot make this team a championship team, his best way to have a chance to win a ring is to pair with a superstar, someone that would still respect him as the lead star, and that would mean keeping his current team.

I guess when they let CJ go, it was an obvious rebuilding time for them with Dame as the centerpiece. But they have a good replacement in Jeremi Grant and then GPII and Joe Ingles and Josh Hart.

But I do agree that this line up will not be enough to contend in the West, we have teams like Golden State, Phoenix, Dallas and Memphis, very strong team. Maybe they need one more legitimate star to work with Dame and at least make the Blazers a contender.

That's right, a star player like Durant or Irving I guess, but someone that would not put Lillard in his place out as he is still the main star player of the team. Lillard has been playing with consistency, it's just unfortunate he doesn't have someone who can play like his level in his team, even CJ has some inconsistency sometimes.

I doubt that they can get a Durant or Irving type of player, it could be someone that they can developed. CJ has his time with the Blazers and it's really a hit or miss between the two. And then Nurkic got injured, I think that is their prime years to be in the contention. But know it is a new team, still lead by Dame but the pieces have been moved already. Only Nurkic remains but the rest is very different now and maybe Dame will have to reset again.

[Sanitough]

They are not a championship team IMO, they are just entertaining to watch because of their great offense but their defense is really bad that's why they struggle against a good defensive team. It's the first time that CJ has no Robin, so if Blazers will succeed, it's solely because of his leadership.

They cannot be a championship more now that they let CJ go with replacing a superstar player. Lillard alone cannot make this team a championship team, his best way to have a chance to win a ring is to pair with a superstar, someone that would still respect him as the lead star, and that would mean keeping his current team.

I guess when they let CJ go, it was an obvious rebuilding time for them with Dame as the centerpiece. But they have a good replacement in Jeremi Grant and then GPII and Joe Ingles and Josh Hart.

But I do agree that this line up will not be enough to contend in the West, we have teams like Golden State, Phoenix, Dallas and Memphis, very strong team. Maybe they need one more legitimate star to work with Dame and at least make the Blazers a contender.

That's right, a star player like Durant or Irving I guess, but someone that would not put Lillard in his place out as he is still the main star player of the team. Lillard has been playing with consistency, it's just unfortunate he doesn't have someone who can play like his level in his team, even CJ has some inconsistency sometimes.

I doubt that they can get a Durant or Irving type of player, it could be someone that they can developed. CJ has his time with the Blazers and it's really a hit or miss between the two. And then Nurkic got injured, I think that is their prime years to be in the contention. But know it is a new team, still lead by Dame but the pieces have been moved already. Only Nurkic remains but the rest is very different now and maybe Dame will have to reset again.

That will take time if they will develop a player to be a star, but I won't make a conclusion yet as we have one season to see before we make our judgement. I know it's hard but it's not impossible though, and who knows, one day it will happen and Lillard is going to the championship, I'm sure he has been dreaming of that.

Durant and Irving will likely stay with their current team due to the high demand of the Nets, so not them but maybe someone like them will join the Blazers.

[carlisle1]

I doubt that they can get a Durant or Irving type of player, it could be someone that they can developed. CJ has his time with the Blazers and it's really a hit or miss between the two. And then Nurkic got injured, I think that is their prime years to be in the contention. But know it is a new team, still lead by Dame but the pieces have been moved already. Only Nurkic remains but the rest is very different now and maybe Dame will have to reset again.

They need to add star to help Lilard in towering the team. It would be a tiring season for Dame if he will not get someone.

Rebuilding process with good role players ain't enough to be a title contender. We know how tough the opponents are from the west side.

GSW, Dallas, Phoenix and Lakers to name some and the rest would be a surprise for this upcoming season. Still have enough time

to prepare, though.

[danherbias07]

I'm just browsing in Facebook minutes ago and I saw this report that Kyrie doesn't want to play more than 60 games per season and can sit back-to-back games. I don't know if this is true but here is the link and you'll be the one to decide. LINK

Kyrie Irving reportedly sought contractual guarantees that he wouldn't have to make more than 60 appearances per season and could skip back-to-back games as part of his extension talks with the Brooklyn Nets.

Fox Sports' Ric Bucher reported details about the negotiations Wednesday on his On The Ball podcast (via HoopsHype).

"[Nets governor] Joe Tsai has already shown he's willing to play hardball with Kyrie by taking a max extension off the table almost immediately," Bucher said. "Now, part of that may be Kyrie's doing. I'm told he wanted his new contract to guarantee he wouldn't have to play more than 60 games in a season and would not have to play any back-to-backs, which he apparently referred to as inhumane."

What are your thoughts about this one? When I saw this, I was like "WTF?" Looks like the Nets got 2 all-star players which has more authority than the management themselves.

I absolutely want to avoid this discussion about those two Nets stars but they can really get to your nerve sometimes that you need to release you emotions. 
If they will let this happen then it's not just soft NBA anymore but team management became soft too.
Players now are demanding too much like their salaries are too cheap. They are being paid multi-millions of dollars and yet they can still make dramatic demands like this one.
No back-to-back games? Wow. I want to find out what kind of drug they are taking and why it is not being traced by the health department of the NBA.

[Beparanf]

They are not a championship team IMO, they are just entertaining to watch because of their great offense but their defense is really bad that's why they struggle against a good defensive team. It's the first time that CJ has no Robin, so if Blazers will succeed, it's solely because of his leadership.

They cannot be a championship more now that they let CJ go with replacing a superstar player. Lillard alone cannot make this team a championship team, his best way to have a chance to win a ring is to pair with a superstar, someone that would still respect him as the lead star, and that would mean keeping his current team.

They can’t win either even CJ will stay because they are been on Blazers with prime but it doesn’t change the fact that other team has the best player to get what it takes to be a champion. Right now, Curry, Giannis and Lebron is the main player that is always in the formula to become a champion. It’s either you will join them or beat them to get that rings.

[Velvet78]

They can’t win either even CJ will stay because they are been on Blazers with prime but it doesn’t change the fact that other team has the best player to get what it takes to be a champion. Right now, Curry, Giannis and Lebron is the main player that is always in the formula to become a champion. It’s either you will join them or beat them to get that rings.

Beating Lebron's team wasn't an hard task for most of the other teams last season. It wasn't easy for those teams to stop Lebron though as he played very impressively. But the main problem was Lakers of course as they were very bad as a team. If the team get stronger then it would be really difficult for nearly all teams to beat them. I don't talk about Curry or Giannis at all as their teams are already in an awesome shape and it is very hard to stop them indeed.

[Pamadar]

They are not a championship team IMO, they are just entertaining to watch because of their great offense but their defense is really bad that's why they struggle against a good defensive team. It's the first time that CJ has no Robin, so if Blazers will succeed, it's solely because of his leadership.

They cannot be a championship more now that they let CJ go with replacing a superstar player. Lillard alone cannot make this team a championship team, his best way to have a chance to win a ring is to pair with a superstar, someone that would still respect him as the lead star, and that would mean keeping his current team.

They can’t win either even CJ will stay because they are been on Blazers with prime but it doesn’t change the fact that other team has the best player to get what it takes to be a champion. Right now, Curry, Giannis and Lebron is the main player that is always in the formula to become a champion. It’s either you will join them or beat them to get that rings.

And teams are kept on upgrading every season. Luka, and Tatum and Booker are also getting good support

the franchise owner is willing to explore more surrounding those young stars of good players who can really help them in improving
the chance of their team to win.

I used to remember the day when Seth and Steph played against each other during 2019 WCF. It was the best finished after that
controversial loss from the lakers way back 2000.

[jakelyson]

That will take time if they will develop a player to be a star, but I won't make a conclusion yet as we have one season to see before we make our judgement. I know it's hard but it's not impossible though, and who knows, one day it will happen and Lillard is going to the championship, I'm sure he has been dreaming of that.

Durant and Irving will likely stay with their current team due to the high demand of the Nets, so not them but maybe someone like them will join the Blazers.

You are right, it will be too late if they will develop someone to be Lillard's tandem. He is not getting any younger and if they are just developing now, it will take like 2-3 years. By that time, Lillard will be gone. Hope they find someone that can help Dame lift this team to a championship.

[Kasabus]

"Brooklyn Nets reportedly asked for Jaylen Brown AND Jayson Tatum for Kevin Durant. " Most celtics fans already hated the previous report of Jaylen Brown + picks for Kevin Durant and with these recent reports. I'd say if it goes through, there'll be riots across Boston. Seems very unlikely that this goes through.

It will be a bad trade for the Celtics if it will include Tatum. He is the franchise player, not Brown not Marcus Smart. So it they bite on the Nets request, it will really be a disaster for them. They have found the right combinations already, including the coach, they've reach the finals and almost had a coach chance to win the championship. I'd say forget about that deal, let their team go to another season intact and see if they can go as far as the finals again and maybe won the ring this time.

I couldn't agree more! They should forget about this deal and forget the thought of acquiring Durant in their roster because that will be just a disaster for their team, they should just focus on what they have now because they are now an experienced team as they managed to have an appearance in the Finals against GSW. I bet they will be much more stronger than any team because of that, they just need more push and exposure to be one of the finest team in the league.

I also have that same opinion about Celtics, they don't need KD, the only thing that they needed to do is to continue doing more progress

with their system, they've made it to the finals last season the players deserves kudos for doing their roles and now they will again try to

push for another shot in chasing the world title, having KD and breaking the good chemistry might not be a good idea for the Celtics' managements.

KD won't do any good for the team because I expect that the deal will mean that the Nets will have Smart and Brown, I don't think that they will just go and grab one player from the Celtics in exchange for Durant, right? So in short, the Celtics will not be the same anymore and that means that they will start from scratch again and might find themselves hanging when Durant starts to make trade request next season if the team won't work-out.