2025 NBA Season

[OgNasty]

Lonzo Ball released a video in response to Stephen A Smith saying he was having problems even sitting down because his knee was so bad. As you can see from the video, his knee seems to be in pretty decent shape. Seeing this has me believing that he will be back for the 2025 season. A lot of people with good knees probably can’t even do this.

https://x.com/thedunkcentral/status/1694090766484742377

[CryptoBuds]

^ It is true that this is the new era and everyone will have to get along with it. The players right now are kind of a diva. They act like they need all the attention in the world. I very much understand that they are very valuable players. And having valuable players in the team does come with the cost.

And a valuable player is always going to have his demands. in the past, it was kind of a punishing  act because everyone thought that the player is selfish and always thinks about himself only. But now it has actually become pretty normal. And the players are obviously going to take advantage of this situation.

And the funny thing is, most NBA divas are the ones who don't even have any rings to display and they have the audacity to think that they are somewhat more important compared to the other players that their needs should be the top priority of the teams.

Damian Lillard, don't hate me about this, but I will say that he deserves to be exempted in this case because he got his own reasons and we know that, that are much valid, but James Harden? Ben Simmons? I don't really think so. The only reason why the teams are forced to trade them because they are turning into a liability instead of being an asset.

^ It does not matter if a player is very important in a team or not. A Player is there to be the asset of the team. A team should be able to grow with the help of great players.

On the other hand, we are actually watching the opposite thing happening. Every player are demanding lots of things. Sometimes they don’t even make sense. I know they are great players. But we have seen greater players in the past and they did not have so much one for attention and spotlight. But at the same time it is not absolutely unbelievable. We are living in an attention seeking economy. The person who is getting more attention, he is the more relatable person.

[OgNasty]

What do you guys think about the news that the Dallas Mavericks will be releasing JaVale McGee? I’ve always thought JaVale was underrated and can’t really understand why teams like the Lakers and Warriors didn’t hold onto him when they saw success with him. Is this an opportunity for the Lakers to grab a quality backup at center for cheap?

[AHOYBRAUSE]

What do you guys think about the news that the Dallas Mavericks will be releasing JaVale McGee? I’ve always thought JaVale was underrated and can’t really understand why teams like the Lakers and Warriors didn’t hold onto him when they saw success with him. Is this an opportunity for the Lakers to grab a quality backup at center for cheap?

I think it's alright they are waiving him ( unless they find a trade scenario ). He still has over 11 million $ on his contract and in my opinion he is not worth that kind of money anymore. He is 35 years old now and rapidly declining. Of course he can still give you some rebounds and rim protecting but still.

They also want to get his roster spot open to resign Markieff Morris for some reason because they appreciate his veteran leadership.

[OgNasty]

I don’t know how serious the trade scenario of Karl Anthony Towns for Damian Lillard was, but apparently it was serious enough for Portland to comment that they don’t want KAT. I’m a little surprised by that, as I don’t think they’re going to be able to get a better player for Dame, but maybe they just want lots of draft picks or something.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

I don’t know how serious the trade scenario of Karl Anthony Towns for Damian Lillard was, but apparently it was serious enough for Portland to comment that they don’t want KAT. I’m a little surprised by that, as I don’t think they’re going to be able to get a better player for Dame, but maybe they just want lots of draft picks or something.

KAT has a huge and long contract, paying around 60 mil the last 2 years.
They obviously need to start a rebuilt if they lose Dame so it makes no sense to get such a big contract on their books.
What they need is draft picks, young talent with upside or cheap older guys with veteran leadership.

KAT doesn't fall in any of those categories. Also he is not worth that much money he got paid by the T'wolfes in my opinion.

[FanEagle]

Zion definitely doesn't look "scary" to me at all. He is still overweight and he can play however he wants while he plays, and he could be a good player when he plays but it has been years and he still hasn't played a single decent season, he keeps getting injured time and time after again.

I bet that if he lost some of that weight, he would have been a better player but we all know that it's not looking like he will lose any of that weight, instead he turns that fat into muscle but still if you have way too much muscle that hurts your chances of staying healthy as well, it's just too much power on joints. Imagine a 260 pounds or even more, maybe 300 pounds dude jumping very high and then going down, when he touches the floor, his knee joints is taking a punishment every single time.

[Oasisman]

Have any of you guys heard of this? https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-fines-james-harden-100000-after-calling-sixers-exec-daryl-morey-a-liar-155935434.html
NBA fines James Harden for harsh comments against the Sixers pres of basketball operations and for demanding a public trade. Rumors says the "liar" statement from James Harden against Daryl Morey is based on the trade talks between the Sixers and the Clippers that Harden wanted to be traded to the Clippers but did not materialized. Now, he will be forced to play again with the Sixers in the upcoming season until the Sixers finds a good pieces to trade Harden to a different team. IMO, this is not a good start for the Sixers and the season has not even started yet. This is going to get uglier as long as the Sixers can't find a way how to get a good trade with James Harden asap.
I heard Josh Harris are trying to convince James Harden to stay with the Sixers to try and win a championship, but I don't think it will work with where they are in this situation right now LOL.

[danherbias07]

I don’t know how serious the trade scenario of Karl Anthony Towns for Damian Lillard was, but apparently it was serious enough for Portland to comment that they don’t want KAT. I’m a little surprised by that, as I don’t think they’re going to be able to get a better player for Dame, but maybe they just want lots of draft picks or something.

Could be. Perhaps the trade was in a 1:1 ratio so they cannot take that. Maybe for them, Damian Lillard is too much for just that. Another thing that may be considered is the difficulty to find a shooter like Dame.

Have any of you guys heard of this? https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-fines-james-harden-100000-after-calling-sixers-exec-daryl-morey-a-liar-155935434.html
NBA fines James Harden for harsh comments against the Sixers pres of basketball operations and for demanding a public trade. Rumors says the "liar" statement from James Harden against Daryl Morey is based on the trade talks between the Sixers and the Clippers that Harden wanted to be traded to the Clippers but did not materialized. Now, he will be forced to play again with the Sixers in the upcoming season until the Sixers finds a good pieces to trade Harden to a different team. IMO, this is not a good start for the Sixers and the season has not even started yet. This is going to get uglier as long as the Sixers can't find a way how to get a good trade with James Harden asap.
I heard Josh Harris are trying to convince James Harden to stay with the Sixers to try and win a championship, but I don't think it will work with where they are in this situation right now LOL.

I just finished reading about this from the NBA.com notification.
Well, it took the NBA a long time before they could finalize whatever fine they will give Harden after what he did. But I am still curious about why the 76ers are still not granting his trade request. It's a player option so he is illegible to opt-out and pick another team according to his contract.
Perhaps that reason and other things are all combined which is why Harden became furious at Daryl Morey.
NBA should also look into that and not just put all the blame on Harden. Why would he act like that and what is the reason behind all this ruckus he is making?
If there's a contract that must be followed then the 76ers must do so, but it seems they don't want to let go of him.

Here's a good interview with Steph Curry on Gilbert Arena's podcast.

Who's got next? Steph Curry names NBA star ready to take over league

https://sports.yahoo.com/whos-got-next-steph-curry-043711056.html

"Luka is the guy that’s right on the precipice of accomplishing all those accolades," Curry told Arenas. "What he’s all about as a player. That threshold of how you just crack through -- I hope it’s not now -- but when you play against him, you can feel it."

Oh, I do agree with you Steph.

[carlisle1]

Have any of you guys heard of this? https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-fines-james-harden-100000-after-calling-sixers-exec-daryl-morey-a-liar-155935434.html
NBA fines James Harden for harsh comments against the Sixers pres of basketball operations and for demanding a public trade. Rumors says the "liar" statement from James Harden against Daryl Morey is based on the trade talks between the Sixers and the Clippers that Harden wanted to be traded to the Clippers but did not materialized. Now, he will be forced to play again with the Sixers in the upcoming season until the Sixers finds a good pieces to trade Harden to a different team. IMO, this is not a good start for the Sixers and the season has not even started yet. This is going to get uglier as long as the Sixers can't find a way how to get a good trade with James Harden asap.
I heard Josh Harris are trying to convince James Harden to stay with the Sixers to try and win a championship, but I don't think it will work with where they are in this situation right now LOL.

That added more conflict between Harden and the Sixers' management. For sure, after that fine, he will do more as he didn't get
the trade that he was asking.

Not going to be a good start for the Sixers, but if they will keep what they've got and let those players played with the system chance that
they will continue to compete is still possible.

Still have Maxey and Embiid plus Tobias who can also support their offense. Surely more updates will come out after this.

[Jating]

Have any of you guys heard of this? https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-fines-james-harden-100000-after-calling-sixers-exec-daryl-morey-a-liar-155935434.html
NBA fines James Harden for harsh comments against the Sixers pres of basketball operations and for demanding a public trade. Rumors says the "liar" statement from James Harden against Daryl Morey is based on the trade talks between the Sixers and the Clippers that Harden wanted to be traded to the Clippers but did not materialized. Now, he will be forced to play again with the Sixers in the upcoming season until the Sixers finds a good pieces to trade Harden to a different team. IMO, this is not a good start for the Sixers and the season has not even started yet. This is going to get uglier as long as the Sixers can't find a way how to get a good trade with James Harden asap.
I heard Josh Harris are trying to convince James Harden to stay with the Sixers to try and win a championship, but I don't think it will work with where they are in this situation right now LOL.

Well if there is already a crack in the relationship between Harden and the management, or even like players to players before the start of the season, it could be a bad sign for that team. Remember the case of Jordan Poole and Draymond Green, I believed that this carry on the season until the playoffs wherein Poole was not given enough minutes and the management have to decide whether to trade Poole or retain Green.

So we shall see, if I'm a Sixers fans then I would be concern on what is going from behind even before the start and as you have said, it will be uglier and could be compare to the Ben Simmons nightmare that the Sixers has in the prior years.

[Yaunfitda]

I don’t know how serious the trade scenario of Karl Anthony Towns for Damian Lillard was, but apparently it was serious enough for Portland to comment that they don’t want KAT. I’m a little surprised by that, as I don’t think they’re going to be able to get a better player for Dame, but maybe they just want lots of draft picks or something.

If this trade will have to materialized, I think they either have to find another 3rd team to be involved, or willing to get 2 players from Miami but then they will have to ask for a good future draft picks.

And that could be the point of contention here, perhaps Miami could only allow 2 future picks to be included and other one will be a big lost for them as the risk is on Miami getting a injury prone Dame Lillard in my opinion.

[Pamadar]

I don’t know how serious the trade scenario of Karl Anthony Towns for Damian Lillard was, but apparently it was serious enough for Portland to comment that they don’t want KAT. I’m a little surprised by that, as I don’t think they’re going to be able to get a better player for Dame, but maybe they just want lots of draft picks or something.

KAT has a huge and long contract, paying around 60 mil the last 2 years.
They obviously need to start a rebuilt if they lose Dame so it makes no sense to get such a big contract on their books.
What they need is draft picks, young talent with upside or cheap older guys with veteran leadership.

KAT doesn't fall in any of those categories. Also he is not worth that much money he got paid by the T'wolfes in my opinion.

Same opinion here, KAT doesn't have that capability to lift his team. He has been surrounded by good players before but unable to reach the finals. I used to remember both DRose, Butler and Wiggins play alongside with him.

Fast forward, Dame will not get that trade as even they've got a same market value as of the moment
but the leadership might be the big difference, and like what you said Blazers is more after with future
picks or maybe veteran player who have a much lesser market value to acquire more.

[btc_angela]

Enough about James Harden. I think I've found an interesting topic to discuss.

Pelicans star Zion Williamson shows off new look in viral photos

Take a look at these viral pictures. What can you say about his appearance? He has been criticized for being overweight, with some suggesting that his weight is the reason he is prone to injuries. However, when you look at this 'scary man' now...

Ooh, papi.
He is ripped. Well, it's part of his contract. To lessen that weight off him and avoid injuries. Let's hope he is doing it correctly and we can see some new highlights from him.
This guy will change the path of the New Orleans Pelicans if he can play the whole season. They might even have the chance to take the top 3 spots in the league. I mean, without him they played great with Brandon Ingram leading the pack. With him, I bet that's a large plus for the team.

It's a new look for Zion this coming season. I don't want to hype myself up a lot as he has disappointed me many times already. However, I'm seeing the hard work he has put in, as evidenced by his new look. I hope people will refrain from criticizing him, as it's not his fault he got injured. In fact, he is still trying to help the team, and hopefully, he will be able to please us once again.

It's just part of the game as well, specially entering the NBA, there was a big hype surrounding Zion's name and that he will be one of the best in the NBA. But so far, we can say that's all a disappointment, specially now that critics is highlighting his failure with his injuries.

But the good thing is that he still has a lot of legroom to work and recently, we've seen his body transportation in the off-season and just like what most of us fans or non-fans of his are saying, he is now a monster and scary looking dude with all the muscles and we can only hope that it will prevent him from getting injured as he added muscle can help him from those landing and pounding he put on his body.

The problem with Zion now is more mental than physical. Physically, he can develop himself into a less injury-prone big man with the progress he is making. So, I hope people will not stop supporting him and will be more optimistic. This young superstar is trying to bring fun to the NBA, and we don't want to see him end up as a big disappointment. As long as he is still playing and trying to regain himself, he still has a chance.

I think he can overcome his mental issues, if he has one. He is a good team, with good players and management so I don't know what kind of mental issues he will have with NOP. Well there could be talks of trade or whatnot, but he had a good contract with them, he just have to show something so that he won't be traded.

And he is young still, so for me, it's more of his physical, he needs that body of his prepared 24x7 in 82 games to be ready with any team or any players in the league. He knows that he will be guarded by big guys too, so he needs to be ready next season.

[yazher]

I don’t know how serious the trade scenario of Karl Anthony Towns for Damian Lillard was, but apparently it was serious enough for Portland to comment that they don’t want KAT. I’m a little surprised by that, as I don’t think they’re going to be able to get a better player for Dame, but maybe they just want lots of draft picks or something.

I would definitely say with him the trade is fair enough and they cannot ask for more unless the Timberwolves want to give some more just to get Dame. But the trade was off so probably they were just asking for more and an unreasonable price for Dame which didn't go right for both teams. Let's see what team will be interested in Dame this year will they be successfully traded him this time or they will be just like the Lakers who struggled to trade Russel Westbrook as well?

[Natalim]

I don’t know how serious the trade scenario of Karl Anthony Towns for Damian Lillard was, but apparently it was serious enough for Portland to comment that they don’t want KAT. I’m a little surprised by that, as I don’t think they’re going to be able to get a better player for Dame, but maybe they just want lots of draft picks or something.

I would definitely say with him the trade is fair enough and they cannot ask for more unless the Timberwolves want to give some more just to get Dame. But the trade was off so probably they were just asking for more and an unreasonable price for Dame which didn't go right for both teams. Let's see what team will be interested in Dame this year will they be successfully traded him this time or they will be just like the Lakers who struggled to trade Russel Westbrook as well?

The trade offer was fair, but perhaps Portland does not need a big man as their superstar. And yes, it might be right that they want more players in exchange for Lillard, considering that they need a leader since the one they would be trading is the leader of the team. Lillard seems to be eager to leave the team already. I'm not sure how much longer Portland is going to wait before finally trading him. They need to understand that the longer they keep Lillard, the more their team will suffer.

[mirakal]

I don’t know how serious the trade scenario of Karl Anthony Towns for Damian Lillard was, but apparently it was serious enough for Portland to comment that they don’t want KAT. I’m a little surprised by that, as I don’t think they’re going to be able to get a better player for Dame, but maybe they just want lots of draft picks or something.

That is a big sign that the Portland Trail Blazers are now looking forward to rebuild their team and carve out a new franchise image from the future picks they could get out of Dame because they specifically denied the Timberwolves request in giving KAT and some other future trades in-exchange for Dame Lillard.
Furthermore, Blazers are seems to be still sticking with what Dame wants by giving the Heat a chance to make a good trade but up to now, there are still no signs that both teams are going to agree with something to make it a done deal.

[Hypnosis00]

I don’t know how serious the trade scenario of Karl Anthony Towns for Damian Lillard was, but apparently it was serious enough for Portland to comment that they don’t want KAT. I’m a little surprised by that, as I don’t think they’re going to be able to get a better player for Dame, but maybe they just want lots of draft picks or something.

That is a big sign that the Portland Trail Blazers are now looking forward to rebuild their team and carve out a new franchise image from the future picks they could get out of Dame because they specifically denied the Timberwolves request in giving KAT and some other future trades in-exchange for Dame Lillard.
Furthermore, Blazers are seems to be still sticking with what Dame wants by giving the Heat a chance to make a good trade but up to now, there are still no signs that both teams are going to agree with something to make it a done deal.

We can wait for a bit; who knows, one day we will be surprised by the big news that Lillard was finally traded to the Heat, the team he wants to land with. KAT is definitely a player that most teams would want. His 3-point shooting percentage is high, and he can dominate the paint at the same time. Perhaps KAT would be more suitable if he gets traded to a championship team, but I'm unsure of which team would be able to offer the Wolves something they cannot resist.

[Dave1]

I don’t know how serious the trade scenario of Karl Anthony Towns for Damian Lillard was, but apparently it was serious enough for Portland to comment that they don’t want KAT. I’m a little surprised by that, as I don’t think they’re going to be able to get a better player for Dame, but maybe they just want lots of draft picks or something.

That is a big sign that the Portland Trail Blazers are now looking forward to rebuild their team and carve out a new franchise image from the future picks they could get out of Dame because they specifically denied the Timberwolves request in giving KAT and some other future trades in-exchange for Dame Lillard.
Furthermore, Blazers are seems to be still sticking with what Dame wants by giving the Heat a chance to make a good trade but up to now, there are still no signs that both teams are going to agree with something to make it a done deal.

I think when Dame requested trade, the Trail Blazers realized that it's time for them to move forward. And most likely it was that sign, so the y sign Jeremi Grant with a huge contract and perhaps he will be their next corner store for their franchise.

But they don't want to give up their future picks and that could be the problem that they are facing right now. Maybe Miami is demanding some future picks to them that they can't really decide whether to take that risk or not.

[Vaculin]

Zion definitely doesn't look "scary" to me at all. He is still overweight and he can play however he wants while he plays, and he could be a good player when he plays but it has been years and he still hasn't played a single decent season, he keeps getting injured time and time after again.

I bet that if he lost some of that weight, he would have been a better player but we all know that it's not looking like he will lose any of that weight, instead he turns that fat into muscle but still if you have way too much muscle that hurts your chances of staying healthy as well, it's just too much power on joints. Imagine a 260 pounds or even more, maybe 300 pounds dude jumping very high and then going down, when he touches the floor, his knee joints is taking a punishment every single time.

He is indeed scary mate, and he will be more destructive if he can last that long every season, I bet teams that they are up against will really have a hard time specially in the off season because I know that with him in the roster healthy, they can reach much further compared to what they had done each and every season that he got a season-ending injury.

The Pelicans tried to help him though and customized his contract to make him more inspired and serious but even that failed as the problem is really Zion and his weight that keeps on bringing him down. He should be aware about it by now because if he gets more complicated each year, his career might be in a dangerous situation as any team will not need him if he cannot be an asset to them.