2025 NBA Season

[Captain Corporate]

I agree that Ayton may not be the perfect fit for them but so is Beal, he wouldn't really fith with the team at all. I think they need to get a good point guard, someone who can handle all the pressure of playing with two great scorers, Ayton for some great passer would be a great deal, someone who can defend and pass, that's all they need. I am not saying get the best, but they had CP3 who had nearly 9 assists per game, which shows that they are going to lack on passing A LOT, not even just a bit, its going to be quite terrible. Plus he was the floor general, he could see what the team needs and what they should do and who to go for and all kinds of stuff, now they are going to lack that as well.

[btc_angela]

I agree that Ayton may not be the perfect fit for them but so is Beal, he wouldn't really fith with the team at all. I think they need to get a good point guard, someone who can handle all the pressure of playing with two great scorers, Ayton for some great passer would be a great deal, someone who can defend and pass, that's all they need. I am not saying get the best, but they had CP3 who had nearly 9 assists per game, which shows that they are going to lack on passing A LOT, not even just a bit, its going to be quite terrible. Plus he was the floor general, he could see what the team needs and what they should do and who to go for and all kinds of stuff, now they are going to lack that as well.

And if I may add, Ayton look good because of CP3 passing ability, not discounting his talent though, Ayton is a good player, but during their run to the Finals against the Bucks several years ago, Ayton contributed to that because CP3 was there to guide him.

But if CP3 is leaving then if might be very difficult for the Suns to look for a good point guard.

Same with Ayton, he doesn't have the post move, he is simply a rebounder and block artist, but he had a good mid range shot. But if that didn't fall, then he doesn't have any much options as a offensive player. It's that the Suns rely to much on him.

[Harkorede]

Well, it's official.
Ja Morant has be suspended for 25 games: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/37863825/sources-grizzlies-ja-morant-suspended-25-games-nba

Hopefully, this is enough punishment to teach Morant. He is throwing away his good fortune by trying to be a thug. If he ever gets involved in a gun incident again, I think his sponsors will back away from him. I hope that does not happen before he learns his lesson. And maybe, while he is suspended he needs to go to therapy and maybe he will not do the foolishness he has done again. He is a baller, and we will hate to see something bad happen to him just because of his foolishness.

Everything is falling into pieces now because if I recall it correctly, before the NBA released its 25 games suspension for Ja Morant, Powerade and Nike already did their move a month ahead or just a couple of days after Morant was seen again holding a gun in a live feed. Anyway, this should be enough for him to start reflecting on his actions and that being thug will not get him ahead in life as that will just make his situation difficult.

While the punishment and sanction handed out to Ja Morant might seem lenient, it's going to have a huge significant on his general season, because that means he'll not only be losing several millions of dollars, but he'll always be out any possible personal awards next season, and that might have impact on his contract extension by the time that comes around.

The suspension almost certainly means that Morant will not be eligible for any end-of-season awards in 2024, such as MVP and All-NBA. Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement that goes into effect July 1, a player must appear in 65 games (with limited exceptions) to be eligible for awards.

I know it could have been worse, but this is significant enough, however If the Grizzlies can survive and be a good position for those 25 games, then it could be a blessing in disguise for them having the best player heavily refreshed with 25 games gone already could put them in better spot for a potential post season run.

[Yamifoud]

The suspension almost certainly means that Morant will not be eligible for any end-of-season awards in 2024, such as MVP and All-NBA. Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement that goes into effect July 1, a player must appear in 65 games (with limited exceptions) to be eligible for awards.

I know it could have been worse, but this is significant enough, however If the Grizzlies can survive and be a good position for those 25 games, then it could be a blessing in disguise for them having the best player heavily refreshed with 25 games gone already could put them in better spot for a potential post season run.

I hope the team can stay composed despite what has happened. In fact, I believe this is a significant challenge for Ja Morant and the team. It will be crucial to keep the core of the team intact in the face of these circumstances. The blame should be put entirely on Ja Morant. When the leader of a team makes a silly mistake, it can certainly have an impact on the entire team. Nevertheless, I have a feeling that Morant may not remain with the team for long if the team does not perform anymore based on expectation.

[danherbias07]

He said something post-interview after the Finals Game 5 that his Mama taught him. Something like not being hyped when you are up and not too down when you fall. That's how I understood what he said.
Jokic won't celebrate too much and he won't also feel down even if he loss. That's what I see with him and I think it's a good thing. He is just moderate, not in panic, not overexcited so he won't do anything stupid in his life. That might also be the recipe for why he is good when he is on the basketball floor. He is just calm.

Excellent teaching by her mother. I believe it has something to do with psychology. Similar to what I've been trying to do for the past three years, but not quite there yet. I do this to keep myself from overthinking, to stay calm, and to be more focused, especially when making decisions about different stuff and it actually works, and I feel better every time I did it no matter what the result is.

It's difficult to tasks to stay calm all the time but if you can do it, it will work like a charm. We can see how fast decision-making of Jokic is whenever he makes the assists. I think being too calm has a lot to do with why most of them are successful passes. A millisecond difference can change the whole game.
Jokic may have done some stupid things too like how he got back against Morris, but it's all Morris's fault. Then, there is a time he clotheslines Cam Payne just because he is frustrated with the referee. He is still human but I like how do things when the game is on.

Just finish reading this hilarious news 3 days ago.
Nikola Jokić recovered 'lost' NBA Finals MVP trophy before championship parade
“Basketball is not the main thing in my life. It’s something that I’m good at.”

Conversation with the Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic for NBA Today:
https://twitter.com/malika_andrews/status/1669146616463507456?s=20

As he explained to ESPN's Malika Andrews, he left the Finals MVP trophy in the room of longtime Nuggets equipment manager Sparky Gonzales.

Who will not love this guy? Down to earth. Not pretending. So honest. Funny.
I believe he is going to get one more ring, maybe two if the roster will be intact, without injuries. As I said in my previous posts, Jamal Murray will be one of the key ingredients for another championship. Hopefully, their management won't break that duo.

[xzone]

I agree that Ayton may not be the perfect fit for them but so is Beal, he wouldn't really fith with the team at all. I think they need to get a good point guard, someone who can handle all the pressure of playing with two great scorers, Ayton for some great passer would be a great deal, someone who can defend and pass, that's all they need. I am not saying get the best, but they had CP3 who had nearly 9 assists per game, which shows that they are going to lack on passing A LOT, not even just a bit, its going to be quite terrible. Plus he was the floor general, he could see what the team needs and what they should do and who to go for and all kinds of stuff, now they are going to lack that as well.

And if I may add, Ayton look good because of CP3 passing ability, not discounting his talent though, Ayton is a good player, but during their run to the Finals against the Bucks several years ago, Ayton contributed to that because CP3 was there to guide him.

But if CP3 is leaving then if might be very difficult for the Suns to look for a good point guard.

Same with Ayton, he doesn't have the post move, he is simply a rebounder and block artist, but he had a good mid range shot. But if that didn't fall, then he doesn't have any much options as a offensive player. It's that the Suns rely to much on him.

The CP3 is quite old now, however it continues to perform quite well. I think he is one of the most important players to stay in the team. As far as I know, he has no plans to retire or go to another team at the moment.
Ayton is still a very open player and it would be very beneficial to have such a leader help him.
If the Suns have a good draft pick, they can be an even better team next season and hit the finals

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

I agree that Ayton may not be the perfect fit for them but so is Beal, he wouldn't really fith with the team at all. I think they need to get a good point guard, someone who can handle all the pressure of playing with two great scorers, Ayton for some great passer would be a great deal, someone who can defend and pass, that's all they need. I am not saying get the best, but they had CP3 who had nearly 9 assists per game, which shows that they are going to lack on passing A LOT, not even just a bit, its going to be quite terrible. Plus he was the floor general, he could see what the team needs and what they should do and who to go for and all kinds of stuff, now they are going to lack that as well.

And if I may add, Ayton look good because of CP3 passing ability, not discounting his talent though, Ayton is a good player, but during their run to the Finals against the Bucks several years ago, Ayton contributed to that because CP3 was there to guide him.

But if CP3 is leaving then if might be very difficult for the Suns to look for a good point guard.

Same with Ayton, he doesn't have the post move, he is simply a rebounder and block artist, but he had a good mid range shot. But if that didn't fall, then he doesn't have any much options as a offensive player. It's that the Suns rely to much on him.

The CP3 is quite old now, however it continues to perform quite well. I think he is one of the most important players to stay in the team. As far as I know, he has no plans to retire or go to another team at the moment.

He may not have plans, but his current team has,

Chris Haynes
@ChrisBHaynes
BREAKING: Phoenix Suns have notified star Chris Paul that he will be waived, making the future Hall of Famer one of the top free agents this offseason, league sources tell
@NBAonTNT
,
@BleacherReport

https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1666554716380188673

And that's why several pages back, you can see the speculation surrounding which team might likely pick CP3. And we heard about the Lakers, so maybe they can make a move and then have the point god partner with Lebron James.

Ayton is still a very open player and it would be very beneficial to have such a leader help him.
If the Suns have a good draft pick, they can be an even better team next season and hit the finals

But he is not happy with the Suns anymore, specially the previous owner didn't have him a rookie max contract. And he has issues with their former coach as well, Monty Williams. But since Monty is no longer their coach, most likely though that Ayton will be traded as well.

[Viscore]

But he is not happy with the Suns anymore, specially the previous owner didn't have him a rookie max contract. And he has issues with their former coach as well, Monty Williams. But since Monty is no longer their coach, most likely though that Ayton will be traded as well.

There's no reason for a team to keep a player who is not happy with the team anymore. It's quite obvious, actually, how Ayton played in the series against the Nuggets. He could not even dominate using his athleticism, and he does not hustle a lot for rebounds. His character does not fit anymore, and since the Suns already have Durant and Booker, who obviously have great chemistry, it might be acceptable to part ways with CP3 and Ayton and replace them with more useful players to pursue their championship goal.

[Jating]

But he is not happy with the Suns anymore, specially the previous owner didn't have him a rookie max contract. And he has issues with their former coach as well, Monty Williams. But since Monty is no longer their coach, most likely though that Ayton will be traded as well.

There's no reason for a team to keep a player who is not happy with the team anymore. It's quite obvious, actually, how Ayton played in the series against the Nuggets. He could not even dominate using his athleticism, and he does not hustle a lot for rebounds. His character does not fit anymore, and since the Suns already have Durant and Booker, who obviously have great chemistry, it might be acceptable to part ways with CP3 and Ayton and replace them with more useful players to pursue their championship goal.

Yes, that has been the plan, not sure though why Ayton still continue to play this year, I thought that he will be traded already. But he continue to play but then again we seen that he has no heart during the Nuggets series. I thought that it will be a good matchup, enough for Ayton to at least contain Jokic and hold his ground. But he simply doesn't have the heart and that is why he was very much criticized on that series. So no surprised that he will be on the trading block as well before the start of a new season.

[Reid]

But he is not happy with the Suns anymore, specially the previous owner didn't have him a rookie max contract. And he has issues with their former coach as well, Monty Williams. But since Monty is no longer their coach, most likely though that Ayton will be traded as well.

There's no reason for a team to keep a player who is not happy with the team anymore. It's quite obvious, actually, how Ayton played in the series against the Nuggets. He could not even dominate using his athleticism, and he does not hustle a lot for rebounds. His character does not fit anymore, and since the Suns already have Durant and Booker, who obviously have great chemistry, it might be acceptable to part ways with CP3 and Ayton and replace them with more useful players to pursue their championship goal.

Vucevic might be a good choice for them. Make that Suns' team as offensive as possible and dominate on that area. Perhaps finding forwards with defensive capabilities should be their target too. Kevin Durant is not bad defensively, but he needs someone to back him up as he will be exhausted on doing everything on both ends.
They may not need a guard anymore if most of the time Booker and KD can handle it. Let the play be more on isolations than forcing a chemistry if they want to rebuild.

I love the Denver Nuggets championship parade. Jokic even said it he didn't expect it will be that joyful.

[dwyane36]

Chris Haynes
@ChrisBHaynes
BREAKING: Phoenix Suns have notified star Chris Paul that he will be waived, making the future Hall of Famer one of the top free agents this offseason, league sources tell
@NBAonTNT
,
@BleacherReport

https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1666554716380188673

And that's why several pages back, you can see the speculation surrounding which team might likely pick CP3. And we heard about the Lakers, so maybe they can make a move and then have the point god partner with Lebron James.

If so, there will be a lot of rumors about potential trades involving Paul soon. I have no doubt that the Lakers would be interested in him since LeBron would probably want to play with his friend. In that case, a Big 3 of LeBron, Davis, and Paul looks good on paper, but the only thing I hope is that the Lakers won't be stupid enough to get rid of a player like Reaves in an attempt to get Paul.

[Yogee]

Chris Haynes
@ChrisBHaynes
BREAKING: Phoenix Suns have notified star Chris Paul that he will be waived, making the future Hall of Famer one of the top free agents this offseason, league sources tell
@NBAonTNT
,
@BleacherReport

https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1666554716380188673

And that's why several pages back, you can see the speculation surrounding which team might likely pick CP3. And we heard about the Lakers, so maybe they can make a move and then have the point god partner with Lebron James.

If so, there will be a lot of rumors about potential trades involving Paul soon. I have no doubt that the Lakers would be interested in him since LeBron would probably want to play with his friend. In that case, a Big 3 of LeBron, Davis, and Paul looks good on paper, but the only thing I hope is that the Lakers won't be stupid enough to get rid of a player like Reaves in an attempt to get Paul.

I mean it's a bad move to let Reaves go to other teams at this point and it's even more stupid to let him go to acquire a free agent. It just doesn't make any sense to me even if we include the salary cap or luxury tax in the equation. I think the Lakers have much more leverage in this situation to dictate the terms when negotiating with CP3.

[FanEagle]

I honestly expect Chris Paul to sign with Lakers now. I mean Lebron is his close friend that is already given, and yes Lebron likes to play with the ball and having a ball heavy point guard there will make it a bit worse.

But, two things comes to mind, I mean aside from them being close friends, Chris Paul could be the floor manager when Lebron is not playing, and he could defend very well at the same time when he is playing, and secondly Lebron could still keep the ball, and Chris Paul could just direct traffic just the way Lebron needs, he could be off the ball general, trying to make everyone go where they should, so Lebron do better. If he gets signed, we are going to see a great season by Lebron for sure, he will play a lot better with someone helping him on the floor.

[livingfree]

Just finish reading this hilarious news 3 days ago.
Nikola Jokić recovered 'lost' NBA Finals MVP trophy before championship parade
“Basketball is not the main thing in my life. It’s something that I’m good at.”

Conversation with the Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic for NBA Today:
https://twitter.com/malika_andrews/status/1669146616463507456?s=20

As he explained to ESPN's Malika Andrews, he left the Finals MVP trophy in the room of longtime Nuggets equipment manager Sparky Gonzales.

Who will not love this guy? Down to earth. Not pretending. So honest. Funny.
I believe he is going to get one more ring, maybe two if the roster will be intact, without injuries. As I said in my previous posts, Jamal Murray will be one of the key ingredients for another championship. Hopefully, their management won't break that duo.

Everyone now likes Jokic, he's a real and natural man. Speaking the truth and if there's still hater on this guy, I don't know what type of people they will like.

While there's truth on what he said that basketball isn't really his main thing because his main thing are his horses. But no doubt that he's really good at basketball and he just took it with his team.

Much love for Jokic and they're still on the prime I guess but let's see if they'll be unbeatable and will be a back to back champ.

[carlisle1]

But he is not happy with the Suns anymore, specially the previous owner didn't have him a rookie max contract. And he has issues with their former coach as well, Monty Williams. But since Monty is no longer their coach, most likely though that Ayton will be traded as well.

There's no reason for a team to keep a player who is not happy with the team anymore. It's quite obvious, actually, how Ayton played in the series against the Nuggets. He could not even dominate using his athleticism, and he does not hustle a lot for rebounds. His character does not fit anymore, and since the Suns already have Durant and Booker, who obviously have great chemistry, it might be acceptable to part ways with CP3 and Ayton and replace them with more useful players to pursue their championship goal.

Yes, that has been the plan, not sure though why Ayton still continue to play this year, I thought that he will be traded already. But he continue to play but then again we seen that he has no heart during the Nuggets series. I thought that it will be a good matchup, enough for Ayton to at least contain Jokic and hold his ground. But he simply doesn't have the heart and that is why he was very much criticized on that series. So no surprised that he will be on the trading block as well before the start of a new season.

Fans witness the type of game he brings when matching up with Jokic. There's no heart and there's nothing just simply playing without
any committing himself to engage and give some weight with his competitiveness.

It's a sign that the upcoming season will be his turning point to change uniform. For sure, there are teams that will be interested in signing him.

Better to find a team who really in need of big role player, he can add a lot since he's versatile who can play 2 way,
a kind of role player who can give some decent power inside the paint.

[jakelyson]

The suspension almost certainly means that Morant will not be eligible for any end-of-season awards in 2024, such as MVP and All-NBA. Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement that goes into effect July 1, a player must appear in 65 games (with limited exceptions) to be eligible for awards.

I know it could have been worse, but this is significant enough, however If the Grizzlies can survive and be a good position for those 25 games, then it could be a blessing in disguise for them having the best player heavily refreshed with 25 games gone already could put them in better spot for a potential post season run.

Good thing Memphis has good role players on their lineup. I think even when Morant was out last season, they are still on the winning side of the team rank. So missing him for 25 games may not have much effect on the team considering that Morant will continue to be in top shape even when suspended. It will be bad if Morant loses his shape during his suspension and will have a hard time coming back after the 25-game suspension. The team should make sure that Morant is not slacking off during those time so that he is still game ready when the suspension is over.

As he explained to ESPN's Malika Andrews, he left the Finals MVP trophy in the room of longtime Nuggets equipment manager Sparky Gonzales.

Who will not love this guy? Down to earth. Not pretending. So honest. Funny.
I believe he is going to get one more ring, maybe two if the roster will be intact, without injuries. As I said in my previous posts, Jamal Murray will be one of the key ingredients for another championship. Hopefully, their management won't break that duo.

The team is very young and healthy. This duo can start a dynasty if the team will not break them. They are in their prime and Jokic's game is very effective in today's NBA. As long as the management will keep on surrounding these two with good role players, they will dominate the league.

Remember when Jamal was injured, Jokic was still able to carry the team to the playoffs. Now that Jamal is healthy, and hopefully, he will stay healthy, he will be a great help to Jokic to keep on winning. As long as the team does not make drastic changes, they can continue winning. The only thing that I see that could probably break this duo and their success is the salary ceiling. When these two get max contract, it will be hard for the team to surround them with good role players.

[wheelz1200]

I honestly expect Chris Paul to sign with Lakers now. I mean Lebron is his close friend that is already given, and yes Lebron likes to play with the ball and having a ball heavy point guard there will make it a bit worse.

But, two things comes to mind, I mean aside from them being close friends, Chris Paul could be the floor manager when Lebron is not playing, and he could defend very well at the same time when he is playing, and secondly Lebron could still keep the ball, and Chris Paul could just direct traffic just the way Lebron needs, he could be off the ball general, trying to make everyone go where they should, so Lebron do better. If he gets signed, we are going to see a great season by Lebron for sure, he will play a lot better with someone helping him on the floor.

I'm thinking the same thing.  This might be both lebrons and Paul's last go of it and lebron has always wanted to play with a natural play making guard like Paul. Unfortunately age has caught up and it might be a couple seasons too late.  I wouldn't mind seeing Paul get a chip.  Good dude and always played hard.  Loved watching him play in his prime.

[Zackgeno96]

The Denver Nuggets are deserved champions. By the way, they had already won 4-0 in the semi-finals, there is really no measure on this team. The difference with other years is that this time Nikola Jokic was incredibly good. Without him, things would all look very different. What he shows seems so easy, but on the other hand, it is also very difficult to realize. The simplest basketball is the most difficult, but Jokic owns all facets of the game. It all looks awkward from what he's doing, like he's playing basketball for the first time, but his scanner on the court is incredibly sharp every game. Rarely makes mistakes.

[mirakal]

He said something post-interview after the Finals Game 5 that his Mama taught him. Something like not being hyped when you are up and not too down when you fall. That's how I understood what he said.
Jokic won't celebrate too much and he won't also feel down even if he loss. That's what I see with him and I think it's a good thing. He is just moderate, not in panic, not overexcited so he won't do anything stupid in his life. That might also be the recipe for why he is good when he is on the basketball floor. He is just calm.

Excellent teaching by her mother. I believe it has something to do with psychology. Similar to what I've been trying to do for the past three years, but not quite there yet. I do this to keep myself from overthinking, to stay calm, and to be more focused, especially when making decisions about different stuff and it actually works, and I feel better every time I did it no matter what the result is.

It's difficult to tasks to stay calm all the time but if you can do it, it will work like a charm. We can see how fast decision-making of Jokic is whenever he makes the assists. I think being too calm has a lot to do with why most of them are successful passes. A millisecond difference can change the whole game.
Jokic may have done some stupid things too like how he got back against Morris, but it's all Morris's fault. Then, there is a time he clotheslines Cam Payne just because he is frustrated with the referee. He is still human but I like how do things when the game is on.

Just finish reading this hilarious news 3 days ago.
Nikola Jokić recovered 'lost' NBA Finals MVP trophy before championship parade
“Basketball is not the main thing in my life. It’s something that I’m good at.”

Conversation with the Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic for NBA Today:
https://twitter.com/malika_andrews/status/1669146616463507456?s=20

As he explained to ESPN's Malika Andrews, he left the Finals MVP trophy in the room of longtime Nuggets equipment manager Sparky Gonzales.

Who will not love this guy? Down to earth. Not pretending. So honest. Funny.
I believe he is going to get one more ring, maybe two if the roster will be intact, without injuries. As I said in my previous posts, Jamal Murray will be one of the key ingredients for another championship. Hopefully, their management won't break that duo.

And they will be back for more, I have no doubts about that especially now that they are more experienced when it comes to playoffs mainly Finals where the games are more intense and hard. Jokic, Murray, Gordon, KCP and MPJ will be much more stronger next season and will probably be the #1 seed again in the West. I know it's quite premature to say that for now but that is just very possible to them.

[MK-74]

Bradley Beal went to the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards traded.
Phoenix Suns: Bradley Beal
Washington Wizards: Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and multiple second round picks.

I think it's good for the Phoenix Suns.
Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal these three will be fun to watch.