2025 NBA Season

[Baofeng]

What do you guys think about this video? Maybe I missed some recent news, but I just saw this video and was surprised that Westbrook looked like he was offended and was aloof from his teammates during the pregame huddle. At moments like this, the Lakers' chemistry seems pretty bad. Is there any news regarding the Lakers management's plans to trade Westbrook, or is Beverley just affecting him so badly?

Not sure what we can make up of that video, it can be interpreted in many ways and it seems that @Yogee pointed out a good source and summarized it.

In any case though, I think with this recent videos from training are popping around, maybe it's time that smart phones should be ban if someone wants to watch the training. I mean we don't know who is leaking this video, maybe part of the players entourage or someone close to the team. But this shouldn't be disclosed like the Jordan Poole and Draymond Green incident, and TMZ leaking it? I'm sure the person behind made a lot of money from it.

[DanWalker]

"Fined but not suspended."
https://www.nba.com/news/draymond-green-fined

Draymond Green has been fined but won’t be suspended by the Golden State Warriors for a violent punch to the face of teammate Jordan Poole last week.

Coach Steve Kerr said after Tuesday’s preseason win against Portland that Green would return to practice Thursday, then play for the defending NBA champions against Denver on Friday night and again in the season opener Tuesday against the Lakers. Kerr, general manager Bob Myers and players have met to decide how to best proceed — including Green and Poole talking to each other.

Watching porn or having a relationship inside the team is worst now than knocking down your teammate. 
Here I thought NBA is getting stricter about its rules but I am back to the reality that they are not. Leaked video or not they should be fair about their punishments. What if other players will try the same thing and no camera caught it? Even if there is, they won't be afraid to do it too because they can pay up.
It's safe to assume that this had been the most controversial summer of the league. So many happened in just months of waiting before the tip-off.

It should be fair and square, a fine and a suspension should be given to any players or staff that have broken some rules and shows unprofessionalism. It seems to me that the Warriors is not taking it seriously even if they knew that Poole's family isn't happy of what had happened. It's really fortunate enough that it was caught on video because if not, almost 100% we wouldn't know about it. What a controversial off-season!

I just cannot understand something here. A coach who had a relationship with someone and that's why he got fired from his job recently. On the other hand, a player knocked out his teammate in front of a number of people which was also caught on camera, and just got fined?

Now I understand that both are very different things. But on the one side, some people are just having an affair and losing their job. On the other hand, someone is punching his teammate in the face and he just has to give a little bit of money (for him it's a very small amount of money I am sure) and that's it?

So being violent is not as bad as having an affair?

[ChiBitCTy]

Found Durants comment interesting on the whole Draymond Green, Jordan Poole teammate punch ordeal interesting “ "That's not the same situation," Durant told ESPN. "Somebody got punched in the face ... It's no comparison to that. It was just some words that being -- I heard people say that that happens a lot in the NBA. I had never seen nothing like that before. But what me and Draymond did a few years back, that s--- happens all the time. So it's easy to get through something like that, but I don't know what this situation is like.”

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34789183/kevin-durant-says-draymond-green-punch-derail-warriors

[Ayers]

Aside from the fact that he really have some skills, he is doing everything he could and bring a good performance even if it was just a pre-season game because he is aiming for the Warriors to give him an extension. I mean, any team could probably give him the figure he wanted because he is really a superstar in the making but only the Warriors these days can help him to have more rings in the future.

Yes, this is a reality!
I believe the Warriors are giving Poole a great opportunity to grow. Not to mention, he will have some experienced players to help him, for example Curry and Thompson.
If he improves, gaining consistency and others important attributes, he will become a great diamond that the Warriors are polishing.

From the way GSW building Poole, seems to me that they are really bringing everything out from this young star,
they are giving all the minutes that he needed to fuel up and showcasing his skills and talents.
That kind of confidence that once being given to Steph, and if Poole continues making that impact, it is safe to
assume that he might be the next main alpha of this team. He just needed to stay down like how Steph is doing
and let the fans bring more support, still young and just like how you describe it, he's a diamond that the team
is polishing and for sure it will be paid by millions of dollars. Just keep improving and let the future dictate for his
career's directions.

Poole has shown excellent performance during the pre-season. Also, it is encouraging to see that the team is also trying to make sure that the young player is able to reach his maximum potential. In addition, from what I have seen, it appears that he is becoming more and more of an impact player as the days pass. If he keeps performing like this, he is going to get the support of the fans quite easily. That will eventually enable the player to play much better and be more enthusiastic and optimistic about his future.

People might think that optimism is unproductive, but I think it can be a positive thing for the players. As long as the player is in a positive mindset and stays out of the negativity that comes towards him, he will be able to achieve success.

I think the way Poole is playing right now, with the support of his team will be able to be one of the best. And obviously, I agree with @carlisle1 he can be the next main Alpha of this team.

[danherbias07]

Seems to have some notable names on the injured list already, specially Celtics Robert Williams who have played tremendously as a center back up for Al.

And then veterans like Danny Green and Joe Ingles and Ricky Rubio, but nevertheless its not a season ending for the majority except Chet Holmgren so for sure we will see these players making a comeback this season.

Yes, this could have been the time for Chet to show that he is fit for the NBA even at his thin body figure and also add chemistry to the team instead of being in rest because of injury. A sad turn of events.
Paolo Banchero is already doing his job and upon watching him this preseason he is looking like a leader.
Orlando Magic was the last seed in the previous season, they might not be on this one.

So being violent is not as bad as having an affair?

Someone's as mad as me. 
We cannot do anything about it anymore. The place where it happened is in the Warriors camp, so either they or Jordan Poole could file a complaint to stretch the punishment. But I don't think that will happen as I assume the Warriors management already talked to him to not do anything.

[Pamadar]

Are others interpreting this as Management taking sides on this? because it seems to be just a slip in the wrist. Or the management might have talk to Jordan Poole before making the decision and maybe Poole doesn't want Green to be fine or something that's why this is their decision. In any case we will see what will be the full extend of this incident. Green could lost the respect from the young guys because of this.

Regardless, the decision shouldn't be influenced by whether Poole will just let it go away or not.

That incident is serious and the management should not tolerate it just because it's "Draymond Green".

Anyways, have to move on now as it was settled properly***. But we don't know the real score behind the curtains.

5  more days and the regular season will start, the case between Poole and Green might be forgotten.

The management may be found a better solution to keep the problem inside and let the players stay together, though we really
Don't know what the real score is behind. Let us wait for the opening and see if they are still fits together when playing there
game, other updates will be there for sure.

[Questat]

Are others interpreting this as Management taking sides on this? because it seems to be just a slip in the wrist. Or the management might have talk to Jordan Poole before making the decision and maybe Poole doesn't want Green to be fine or something that's why this is their decision. In any case we will see what will be the full extend of this incident. Green could lost the respect from the young guys because of this.

Regardless, the decision shouldn't be influenced by whether Poole will just let it go away or not.

That incident is serious and the management should not tolerate it just because it's "Draymond Green".

Anyways, have to move on now as it was settled properly***. But we don't know the real score behind the curtains.

5  more days and the regular season will start, the case between Poole and Green might be forgotten.

The management may be found a better solution to keep the problem inside and let the players stay together, though we really
Don't know what the real score is behind. Let us wait for the opening and see if they are still fits together when playing there
game, other updates will be there for sure.

It might be forgotten by the fans but Green and Poole will never forget that. Poole might get a good extension with the Warriors, so the only chance they will not be able to play again together is if Warriors will not give Green a max contract and there's other team that are interested to give him his request.

[inthelongrun]

Finally, we can see some real competition next week. We have top-betting favorite Boston Celtics without their usual coach. And the defending champion Golden State Warriors were beset with chemistry rumors after Draymond Green knocked out Jodan Poole with a thunderous punch to the face.

It's sad that we cannot watch Chet Holmgren this season. But we wish all the best for his recovery and perhaps more weight and muscles for him in the next season.

Are all teams intact now or there are some more trades we expect? Maybe Jordan Clarkson and Russel Westbrook are on the move before the trade deadline?

[stadus]

"Fined but not suspended."
https://www.nba.com/news/draymond-green-fined

Draymond Green has been fined but won’t be suspended by the Golden State Warriors for a violent punch to the face of teammate Jordan Poole last week.

Coach Steve Kerr said after Tuesday’s preseason win against Portland that Green would return to practice Thursday, then play for the defending NBA champions against Denver on Friday night and again in the season opener Tuesday against the Lakers. Kerr, general manager Bob Myers and players have met to decide how to best proceed — including Green and Poole talking to each other.

Watching porn or having a relationship inside the team is worst now than knocking down your teammate. 
Here I thought NBA is getting stricter about its rules but I am back to the reality that they are not. Leaked video or not they should be fair about their punishments. What if other players will try the same thing and no camera caught it? Even if there is, they won't be afraid to do it too because they can pay up.
It's safe to assume that this had been the most controversial summer of the league. So many happened in just months of waiting before the tip-off.

It should be fair and square, a fine and a suspension should be given to any players or staff that have broken some rules and shows unprofessionalism. It seems to me that the Warriors is not taking it seriously even if they knew that Poole's family isn't happy of what had happened. It's really fortunate enough that it was caught on video because if not, almost 100% we wouldn't know about it. What a controversial off-season!

Agree with that, it seemed like the consequence is very light, it was a clear violence, he should be suspended at a very least. Well, that's how NBA works,  the system is not fair as it favors more to players whom they think is very valuable to a team.

The league itself isn't the one who decided about that matter, it's the franchise because it happened on their watch and not during season games or anything that will be concerned to the NBA. Just like Ime Udoka, it's the Boston Celtics who gave him a year long suspension and that's is understandable because the franchise need to set an example to their players and staff that stuffs like that is not allowed, it was a hard decision for the team after what they achieved last season but they had to. But it seems to me that the Warriors doesn't have that much courage to give at least a month long suspension for Green, a fine won't suffice because we know they can afford it.

[Kelvinid]

Finally, we can see some real competition next week. We have top-betting favorite Boston Celtics without their usual coach. And the defending champion Golden State Warriors were beset with chemistry rumors after Draymond Green knocked out Jodan Poole with a thunderous punch to the face.

It's sad that we cannot watch Chet Holmgren this season. But we wish all the best for his recovery and perhaps more weight and muscles for him in the next season.

Are all teams intact now or there are some more trades we expect? Maybe Jordan Clarkson and Russel Westbrook are on the move before the trade deadline?

And we can also start betting again, we have rested for a few months and I think our bankroll is already ready for the season to come. Lots of exciting teams next season due to trades and other changes, hopefully we will have a profitable season.

@stadus, please unlock your betting thread so we can also discuss about betting.

[jossiel]

I missed the game of Pelicans but upon looking for some updates and news about it, I was shocked and surprised again about Zion Williamson. This guy just got recovered and then he's injured again.

But as per the news, it's not that critical as before. Well, hopefully it isn't so that he'll come back as what he has said.

And the Pelicans could say worth it for the contract they got for him. 

[Yamifoud]

I missed the game of Pelicans but upon looking for some updates and news about it, I was shocked and surprised again about Zion Williamson. This guy just got recovered and then he's injured again.

But as per the news, it's not that critical as before. Well, hopefully it isn't so that he'll come back as what he has said.

And the Pelicans could say worth it for the contract they got for him. 

I was not able to watch the game but good thing the injury is not serious, otherwise, it will be a complete disappointment not seeing him again this season. The Pelicans have invested on him, trusting his recovery and that he could come back fully healthy again, but if major injury would happen again, I don't know, maybe they will find a way to trade him.

[mirakal]

Agree with that, it seemed like the consequence is very light, it was a clear violence, he should be suspended at a very least. Well, that's how NBA works,  the system is not fair as it favors more to players whom they think is very valuable to a team.

It is. I thought they are clear about how strict they are with the rules, but it seems like they are short on this one case about Draymond Green.
Anyway, he will be back in the roster, and it was said in reports that him and Poole already talked. I wish there won't be another incident like this and Green have learned his lesson. There will be eyes everywhere and he should be careful about his sudden uncontrollable anger.

The Warriors can't afford to suspend Green especially now that there's not much time in his contract as they are not that sure if they will really give him his demands, we cannot deny that Green is one of the vital players of their roster and plays a huge part in their center's defense so it's somehow expected that they will just give him a light punishment because of that reason. But that said, they are also neglecting Poole's situation, they have already talked but I think Poole is not forgiving him because of that especially his family.

[kro55]

Finally, we can see some real competition next week. We have top-betting favorite Boston Celtics without their usual coach. And the defending champion Golden State Warriors were beset with chemistry rumors after Draymond Green knocked out Jodan Poole with a thunderous punch to the face.

It's sad that we cannot watch Chet Holmgren this season. But we wish all the best for his recovery and perhaps more weight and muscles for him in the next season.

Are all teams intact now or there are some more trades we expect? Maybe Jordan Clarkson and Russel Westbrook are on the move before the trade deadline?

The Celtics will play against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Warriors are going to play against the Lakers on the 19th of October. Both matches are going to be interesting.

In preseason matches, the Philadelphia 76ers have shown strong performance and form. If the players don't get injured I think they are going to have a prosperous season. Honestly, if all the players are available I think they are going to be the most dominant team in the upcoming season.

Even without Green, I believe the Warriors are a very capable team. As far as I know, they have not suspended Green at this time. Nevertheless, I think it would be better if they did so. Because of Green, there will be a lot more problems in the team heading into the future as well. Poole is performing really well and I don't know if keeping Green on the team is going to get applause from Poole.

[Vaculin]

MJ was one of the greatest, probably the greatest ever basketball player ever lived, but he is definitely not a good owner at all by the looks of how the team has done since he took over.

It's worth noting that the Hornets have always been the underdog, even when Jordan wasn't the owner and the team was called the Bobcats. They've never won a championship, a conference, and a division. Besides, they've only reached the playoffs 3 times in the last 18 years. So even if Jordan really wants to improve the Hornets' results, he will need to invest a lot more money and time.

Exactly!
There is a huge difference between being a great player and to become a great owner.
There's nothing much an owner can do if there's not enough funds to attract good players in comparison with the well established teams, and good players does not play for a team who's struggling to get to the playoffs and receiving lesser contract. 
The Charlotte Hornets needs to have a pick like they did in 96. However, I think they are really terrible in building a good team lol.

Obviously, that is the case for the Hornets in the last couple of years, maybe it was a combination of bad luck, not getting good players in the draft or traded some of their players. But I think teams really need some time to become a champion like what happen to the Dubs, they have a lot of good and solid players in the past, but it was not a recipe to win championship. But when everything smiles on them, specially lady luck, they got Steph, Draymond and then Klay and then become multiple champions.

They are indeed sitting in the Warriors position back in the time where Warriors aren't viewed as a threat even if Steph and Klay was already there, it is because they aren't that ripe and well developed but they trust in the process and became what they are now. The same with the Charlotte Hornet's roster, if they will be guided in the right way, I won't be surprised that these team will be much more heavier in the upcoming years.

[danherbias07]

@stadus, please unlock your betting thread so we can also discuss about betting.

I second the motion.  I am doing some bets already at preseason but not sharing it here to avoid flooding and this thread is mainly for discussions.

I just realized after a long discussion of the LA Lakers roster, rumors, and trades, now we are mostly talking about the Warriors and how they will be doing it even with an inside problem.
All thanks to Draymond and TMZ leak. 

I missed the game of Pelicans but upon looking for some updates and news about it, I was shocked and surprised again about Zion Williamson. This guy just got recovered and then he's injured again.

But as per the news, it's not that critical as before. Well, hopefully it isn't so that he'll come back as what he has said.

And the Pelicans could say worth it for the contract they got for him. 

https://www.nba.com/news/zion-williamson-twists-left-ankle
He's okay.
You scared me there for a while after reading your news. I didn't watch their game too.

“I want to use the right term, but in the moment, it didn’t feel too good,” Williamson said. “It was one of those things that happened and I popped back up like, ‘Yeah, I’m straight.’ Played a few minutes after that, felt fine, then they sent me to the back just to double-check.”

We could say the weight trim is working. If he is still heavy it won't end up like this. Maybe worst.

[jossiel]

I missed the game of Pelicans but upon looking for some updates and news about it, I was shocked and surprised again about Zion Williamson. This guy just got recovered and then he's injured again.

But as per the news, it's not that critical as before. Well, hopefully it isn't so that he'll come back as what he has said.

And the Pelicans could say worth it for the contract they got for him. 

https://www.nba.com/news/zion-williamson-twists-left-ankle
He's okay.
You scared me there for a while after reading your news. I didn't watch their game too.

“I want to use the right term, but in the moment, it didn’t feel too good,” Williamson said. “It was one of those things that happened and I popped back up like, ‘Yeah, I’m straight.’ Played a few minutes after that, felt fine, then they sent me to the back just to double-check.”

We could say the weight trim is working. If he is still heavy it won't end up like this. Maybe worst.

I've just read a couple of headlines and that made me look at what happened and good thing that it's not that bad as before. He's just getting back on shape and said some words that he's going to show what he hasn't shown before.

I was not able to watch the game but good thing the injury is not serious, otherwise, it will be a complete disappointment not seeing him again this season. The Pelicans have invested on him, trusting his recovery and that he could come back fully healthy again, but if major injury would happen again, I don't know, maybe they will find a way to trade him.

Yep. It wasn't that bad at all.

He could end up like the other players that have been so good and expected a lot but then, injury disabled them. We can name a few of them that have went miserably because of injury.

[Ziskinberg]

Agree with that, it seemed like the consequence is very light, it was a clear violence, he should be suspended at a very least. Well, that's how NBA works,  the system is not fair as it favors more to players whom they think is very valuable to a team.

It is. I thought they are clear about how strict they are with the rules, but it seems like they are short on this one case about Draymond Green.
Anyway, he will be back in the roster, and it was said in reports that him and Poole already talked. I wish there won't be another incident like this and Green have learned his lesson. There will be eyes everywhere and he should be careful about his sudden uncontrollable anger.

The Warriors can't afford to suspend Green especially now that there's not much time in his contract as they are not that sure if they will really give him his demands, we cannot deny that Green is one of the vital players of their roster and plays a huge part in their center's defense so it's somehow expected that they will just give him a light punishment because of that reason. But that said, they are also neglecting Poole's situation, they have already talked but I think Poole is not forgiving him because of that especially his family.

If there's no sincere forgiveness for each other, then that will create a chemistry problem. Warriors are great and one of the reasons is their good chemistry. Soon we will witness the regular season, so let's just see if the team was really affected with that incident.

[hashrateproducts]

I missed the game of Pelicans but upon looking for some updates and news about it, I was shocked and surprised again about Zion Williamson. This guy just got recovered and then he's injured again.

But as per the news, it's not that critical as before. Well, hopefully it isn't so that he'll come back as what he has said.

And the Pelicans could say worth it for the contract they got for him. 

Players needs to be extremely careful and cautious in games inother not lose form in games. Injurycause many players to lose form and very bad for some key players especially when they're needed in a team. Zion Williamson been injured but hopefully he will come back sooner. He have even begin to lose form in games, been injured again, I think it's very bad as we know that it will affect his performance in games when he comes back. Pelicans still interested in him and they will extend contract with him as long as he's in form.

[btc_angela]

I missed the game of Pelicans but upon looking for some updates and news about it, I was shocked and surprised again about Zion Williamson. This guy just got recovered and then he's injured again.

But as per the news, it's not that critical as before. Well, hopefully it isn't so that he'll come back as what he has said.

And the Pelicans could say worth it for the contract they got for him. 

Players needs to be extremely careful and cautious in games inother not lose form in games. Injurycause many players to lose form and very bad for some key players especially when they're needed in a team. Zion Williamson been injured but hopefully he will come back sooner. He have even begin to lose form in games, been injured again, I think it's very bad as we know that it will affect his performance in games when he comes back. Pelicans still interested in him and they will extend contract with him as long as he's in form.

I guess you can't tell players to be very careful, even if you are, chances are you might still get injured as it happened as a accident.

The good thing is that it is not as bad as we thought, maybe Zion really just wanted to show everyone that he is back and for sure he trained a lot off season because he has lost a lot of weight. Nevertheless, this kind of freak accident can happen to everyone. Hopefully he can bounce back in the regular good and be healthy throughout this season.