2024 NBA Season

[rdbase]

Lillard is still struggling in the preseason. In the game against OKC, they lost by 23 points, even after winning two big games earlier. He's shooting 2-11 and only managed to score 5 points in 24 minutes of play. I don't know anymore; it really feels like the system is taking a toll on his stats. His three-point shooting has been really off, with no makes out of 5 attempts.

The Bucks need to sort this out early since the regular season hasn't even kicked off. Hopefully, they'll find a way to get the old Lillard back and make some major adjustments if needed. After all, they brought Lillard in for a reason, and if they can't maximize his potential, I'm worried they might end up with the same fate as last season in the playoffs, or maybe even worse.

I don't believe he is completely comfortable playing with this team and the other players just yet. So this feeling out period is still needed because those numbers are quite poor to say the least for the amount of money they paid for him.
Seeing him in green just didn't feel right to me as I was a Blazers fan and will always see him in red.
Will wait and see next week if things will improve when the regular season kicks off on the 24th.

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[Viscore]

Lillard is still struggling in the preseason. In the game against OKC, they lost by 23 points, even after winning two big games earlier. He's shooting 2-11 and only managed to score 5 points in 24 minutes of play. I don't know anymore; it really feels like the system is taking a toll on his stats. His three-point shooting has been really off, with no makes out of 5 attempts.

The Bucks need to sort this out early since the regular season hasn't even kicked off. Hopefully, they'll find a way to get the old Lillard back and make some major adjustments if needed. After all, they brought Lillard in for a reason, and if they can't maximize his potential, I'm worried they might end up with the same fate as last season in the playoffs, or maybe even worse.

I don't believe he is completely comfortable playing with this team and the other players just yet. So this feeling out period is still needed because those numbers are quite poor to say the least for the amount of money they paid for him.
Seeing him in green just didn't feel right to me as I was a Blazers fan and will always see him in red.
Will wait and see next week if things will improve when the regular season kicks off on the 24th.

His buddy CJ was doing pretty well with the Pelicans. It would be a pity to see Lillard struggle with the Bucks, considering he's one of their main players, at least based on his salary. The Bucks needed someone like him, so there were high expectations when they got Lillard. But his numbers aren't all that impressive. I could understand if it was just one game, but it's not. In their game against the Lakers, he also only shot 3-10, though he finished with 14 points.

Let's compare his performance this preseason, which is pretty poor when you look at his overall performance last season with the Blazers, where he finished with a 46% field goal percentage. Now, in these last two games, if we combine them to get an average, it's only 24% – very low! Is it not 'Dame time' yet?

[carlisle1]

Lillard is still struggling in the preseason. In the game against OKC, they lost by 23 points, even after winning two big games earlier. He's shooting 2-11 and only managed to score 5 points in 24 minutes of play. I don't know anymore; it really feels like the system is taking a toll on his stats. His three-point shooting has been really off, with no makes out of 5 attempts.

The Bucks need to sort this out early since the regular season hasn't even kicked off. Hopefully, they'll find a way to get the old Lillard back and make some major adjustments if needed. After all, they brought Lillard in for a reason, and if they can't maximize his potential, I'm worried they might end up with the same fate as last season in the playoffs, or maybe even worse.

I don't believe he is completely comfortable playing with this team and the other players just yet. So this feeling out period is still needed because those numbers are quite poor to say the least for the amount of money they paid for him.
Seeing him in green just didn't feel right to me as I was a Blazers fan and will always see him in red.
Will wait and see next week if things will improve when the regular season kicks off on the 24th.

His buddy CJ was doing pretty well with the Pelicans. It would be a pity to see Lillard struggle with the Bucks, considering he's one of their main players, at least based on his salary. The Bucks needed someone like him, so there were high expectations when they got Lillard. But his numbers aren't all that impressive. I could understand if it was just one game, but it's not. In their game against the Lakers, he also only shot 3-10, though he finished with 14 points.

Let's compare his performance this preseason, which is pretty poor when you look at his overall performance last season with the Blazers, where he finished with a 46% field goal percentage. Now, in these last two games, if we combine them to get an average, it's only 24% – very low! Is it not 'Dame time' yet?

I will react if that will be the same performance during the regular season. I think they are just letting him to find his comfort zone,
Giannis and the rest of the squad will be there for him.

With the same goal, winning the title, bringing Dame in hope that they will be more competitive. This coming is really expected by the fans.

We never know what will be the strategy here. They just go for whatever will be the outcome during this pre-season and will be back
strong when the regular season begins.

[Hypnosis00]

Lillard is still struggling in the preseason. In the game against OKC, they lost by 23 points, even after winning two big games earlier. He's shooting 2-11 and only managed to score 5 points in 24 minutes of play. I don't know anymore; it really feels like the system is taking a toll on his stats. His three-point shooting has been really off, with no makes out of 5 attempts.

The Bucks need to sort this out early since the regular season hasn't even kicked off. Hopefully, they'll find a way to get the old Lillard back and make some major adjustments if needed. After all, they brought Lillard in for a reason, and if they can't maximize his potential, I'm worried they might end up with the same fate as last season in the playoffs, or maybe even worse.

I don't believe he is completely comfortable playing with this team and the other players just yet. So this feeling out period is still needed because those numbers are quite poor to say the least for the amount of money they paid for him.
Seeing him in green just didn't feel right to me as I was a Blazers fan and will always see him in red.
Will wait and see next week if things will improve when the regular season kicks off on the 24th.

His buddy CJ was doing pretty well with the Pelicans. It would be a pity to see Lillard struggle with the Bucks, considering he's one of their main players, at least based on his salary. The Bucks needed someone like him, so there were high expectations when they got Lillard. But his numbers aren't all that impressive. I could understand if it was just one game, but it's not. In their game against the Lakers, he also only shot 3-10, though he finished with 14 points.

Let's compare his performance this preseason, which is pretty poor when you look at his overall performance last season with the Blazers, where he finished with a 46% field goal percentage. Now, in these last two games, if we combine them to get an average, it's only 24% – very low! Is it not 'Dame time' yet?

I will react if that will be the same performance during the regular season. I think they are just letting him to find his comfort zone,
Giannis and the rest of the squad will be there for him.

With the same goal, winning the title, bringing Dame in hope that they will be more competitive. This coming is really expected by the fans.

We never know what will be the strategy here. They just go for whatever will be the outcome during this pre-season and will be back
strong when the regular season begins.

We're about to find out soon since the regular season starts in less than a week. The schedule indicates that the first game is on October 24, but the Bucks' first game is only on October 26 against the 76ers, and it's a home game for them. So, Lillard should play better, given his familiarity with their home court, even though he's relatively new to the team.

However, there's still a lingering doubt. No star player would perform poorly in the preseason and then suddenly shine in the regular season. What's going on? Is he trying to keep us guessing or perhaps trying to solve a puzzle here?

[Yogee]

[....]
You also can’t sleep on Kevin Durant. While he may be one of the best offensive players to ever shoot the ball, he’s also no slouch on the defensive end. When he was on the Golden State Warriors he was an absolute menace defensively.

I think it's one criticism against Kevin Durant, but when he was with the Warrior, he try to improved his defensive skills, got some chase down blocks and really didn't sleep on defense as compare to the likes of let's say James Harden. Even against one of the great defender in Pat Bev, they have some scuffle and Durant is not going to back down.

I think we can deduce that he was able to play more defense back then because he doesn't have to exert much effort on offense when he was a GSW. The man isn't getting any younger and I'm pretty sure he'll be much needed in offense for the Suns so that's where he'll use more of his energy.

[Jating]

[....]
You also can’t sleep on Kevin Durant. While he may be one of the best offensive players to ever shoot the ball, he’s also no slouch on the defensive end. When he was on the Golden State Warriors he was an absolute menace defensively.

I think it's one criticism against Kevin Durant, but when he was with the Warrior, he try to improved his defensive skills, got some chase down blocks and really didn't sleep on defense as compare to the likes of let's say James Harden. Even against one of the great defender in Pat Bev, they have some scuffle and Durant is not going to back down.

I think we can deduce that he was able to play more defense back then because he doesn't have to exert much effort on offense when he was a GSW. The man isn't getting any younger and I'm pretty sure he'll be much needed in offense for the Suns so that's where he'll use more of his energy.

He did actually play more offense that Steph did when Durant was with the Warriors, and thats' why he win the MVP finals award and not Steph. And I think Steph is cool with that as he allowed Durant to really shine, and he was just behind supporting Durant.

But we all know that Warriors is still Steph's team and so Durant will have to move on after winning championships with the Warriors. But I do agree that he is no longer younger anymore and could be adjusting his role so that it won't take a toll on his body as they also have Booker and Beal to work on the Suns offense.

[freedomgo]

I think we can deduce that he was able to play more defense back then because he doesn't have to exert much effort on offense when he was a GSW. The man isn't getting any younger and I'm pretty sure he'll be much needed in offense for the Suns so that's where he'll use more of his energy.

His role hasn't changed much; he's still the main focal point of the team's attack when it comes to scoring. Initially, Curry was supposed to be the primary player, but when Durant joined, he graciously stepped back, acknowledging Durant's reliability. Durant became the primary scorer, and if I remember correctly, he even won multiple Finals MVP awards.

There was a slight difference when Durant was with OKC. Westbrook saw himself on the same level as Durant and didn't let Durant take the lead. This likely contributed to conflicts within the team, ultimately leading to Durant's departure for the Warriors.

Now, when you look at Durant, he's become a complete player. He can defend, chase down opponents due to his height and quickness, and grab rebounds. His only challenge arises when he's posted up by bigger guys like Jokic, as he doesn't have the same physical presence as traditional centers. Nevertheless, Durant is undoubtedly an MVP-caliber player.

[Yogee]

I think we can deduce that he was able to play more defense back then because he doesn't have to exert much effort on offense when he was a GSW. The man isn't getting any younger and I'm pretty sure he'll be much needed in offense for the Suns so that's where he'll use more of his energy.

His role hasn't changed much; he's still the main focal point of the team's attack when it comes to scoring. Initially, Curry was supposed to be the primary player, but when Durant joined, he graciously stepped back, acknowledging Durant's reliability. Durant became the primary scorer, and if I remember correctly, he even won multiple Finals MVP awards.

There was a slight difference when Durant was with OKC. Westbrook saw himself on the same level as Durant and didn't let Durant take the lead. This likely contributed to conflicts within the team, ultimately leading to Durant's departure for the Warriors.

Now, when you look at Durant, he's become a complete player. He can defend, chase down opponents due to his height and quickness, and grab rebounds. His only challenge arises when he's posted up by bigger guys like Jokic, as he doesn't have the same physical presence as traditional centers. Nevertheless, Durant is undoubtedly an MVP-caliber player.

Yes he was still that go to guy for scoring but I'm talking about the effort he had to put in to create those shots. Defense would focus more on him when he was with OKC so that made it a lot tougher to score and that drains his energy faster. Compare that situation to when he was with Curry and Klay.

He may have improved on the other end of the floor now but his stamina isn't the same as before and his body is more prone to injuries. He and his coach will have to choose where he could spend most of that energy and be more effective.

[Reid]

I think we can deduce that he was able to play more defense back then because he doesn't have to exert much effort on offense when he was a GSW. The man isn't getting any younger and I'm pretty sure he'll be much needed in offense for the Suns so that's where he'll use more of his energy.

His role hasn't changed much; he's still the main focal point of the team's attack when it comes to scoring. Initially, Curry was supposed to be the primary player, but when Durant joined, he graciously stepped back, acknowledging Durant's reliability. Durant became the primary scorer, and if I remember correctly, he even won multiple Finals MVP awards.

There was a slight difference when Durant was with OKC. Westbrook saw himself on the same level as Durant and didn't let Durant take the lead. This likely contributed to conflicts within the team, ultimately leading to Durant's departure for the Warriors.

Now, when you look at Durant, he's become a complete player. He can defend, chase down opponents due to his height and quickness, and grab rebounds. His only challenge arises when he's posted up by bigger guys like Jokic, as he doesn't have the same physical presence as traditional centers. Nevertheless, Durant is undoubtedly an MVP-caliber player.

Indeed he is one of the best players in the league and most basketball analyst think so. In paper or his work ethic he ain't a lazy man that will just sit around and watch his team defeated unless he is injured.
IMO, Kevin Durant is one of the players that must be defended well. In your example Jokic as bigger man defending him, he can still maneuver and use his speed and Jokic will probably on his back after a little crossover. Players like Aaron Gordon will be the tough players that will guard him because they can equal his speed and height and could even probably block his perimeter shots.
Phoenix Suns is now a monster team offensively, I don't think they would even need to defend well, they will just need to answer back every offense and the missed ones of their opponents is where they will take the lead.

[dwyane36]

He did actually play more offense that Steph did when Durant was with the Warriors, and thats' why he win the MVP finals award and not Steph. And I think Steph is cool with that as he allowed Durant to really shine, and he was just behind supporting Durant.

If we look at Curry's stats, we can say that Curry's credit for winning those titles was no less than Durant's. However, as paradoxical as it may sound, I personally had the impression that Curry was always in Durant's shadow during that period of time, and his performance seemed to fade because of it. Honestly, I'm not sure Curry willingly gave up his role as team leader to Durant at that time.

[OgNasty]

James Harden is absent from training camp today and hasn’t been with the team since Sunday. It looks like he gave it a try but is now back to being on hiatus while trying to force his team’s hand and get him a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers. It seems like this has to happen before the season starts, so I’m expecting to hear something soon.

[beerlover]

I will react if that will be the same performance during the regular season. I think they are just letting him to find his comfort zone,
Giannis and the rest of the squad will be there for him.

With the same goal, winning the title, bringing Dame in hope that they will be more competitive. This coming is really expected by the fans.

We never know what will be the strategy here. They just go for whatever will be the outcome during this pre-season and will be back
strong when the regular season begins.

I agree that Dame will do a lot better during the regular season when he spends more time with the team. Remember, this guy has played for Blazers for the past 100 years, so there was a lot of games drawn for him, players knew where to be and many other things that perfected his game, now he is in a new team and nobody really knows him and he is not doing all the superstar stuff that he used to do, he could be doing it if given the chance, but they have Giannis too so the game stops a bit.

I believe that with more time during the regular season and them playing, we are going to end up with a better result without a doubt. I think as long as we end up with something that is better, that should not be an issue for them at all and could do wonders.

[OgNasty]

Not a good sign that LeBron is already having nightmares and the season hasn’t even started yet. While I do think he’ll have a good season and add to his records, to me the team he’s running with just doesn’t seem good enough to win a title. For that, I think they really needed to be the winners of the Damian Lillard sweepstakes.

[wheelz1200]

Not a good sign that LeBron is already having nightmares and the season hasn’t even started yet. While I do think he’ll have a good season and add to his records, to me the team he’s running with just doesn’t seem good enough to win a title. For that, I think they really needed to be the winners of the Damian Lillard sweepstakes.

Yeah they needed to add to what they had and really didn't.  They weren't all that good albeit had a decent run.  But 2 main guys another year older isn't going to fare well during the season.  They needed to land someone significant that can run the team if Bron and AD are put for any decent amount of time.  They seem like a .500 ball club to me which isn't bad but it's more like a second round knockout type team.

[CryptoBuds]

James Harden is absent from training camp today and hasn’t been with the team since Sunday. It looks like he gave it a try but is now back to being on hiatus while trying to force his team’s hand and get him a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers. It seems like this has to happen before the season starts, so I’m expecting to hear something soon.

It will be better for his team to actually make a move about this situation. Because otherwise, it is just not great news for them. This is going to become a problem if this continues. I mean the player clearly have issues. The team should actively look to fix these issues or fix the problem from another angle.

Not a good sign that LeBron is already having nightmares and the season hasn’t even started yet. While I do think he’ll have a good season and add to his records, to me the team he’s running with just doesn’t seem good enough to win a title. For that, I think they really needed to be the winners of the Damian Lillard sweepstakes.

Yeah they needed to add to what they had and really didn't.  They weren't all that good albeit had a decent run.  But 2 main guys another year older isn't going to fare well during the season.  They needed to land someone significant that can run the team if Bron and AD are put for any decent amount of time.  They seem like a .500 ball club to me which isn't bad but it's more like a second round knockout type team.

^^Well, at 38 years of age, it is not unbelievable for a human being, especially one who is an athlete to doubt himself. He is getting older, even though he is still a really good player.  The team is a decent one in my opinion. But again I will have to agree with you on the fact that it does not seem like it will be able to win a title. Because even though I do say that the team is decent, there are other teams which are definitely better compared to his current team.

[Shinpako09]

What is up with Klay Thompson and GSW? There's been no progress on his potential contract extension, but I doubt they will let Klay go or even let Klay himself play for another team. This happened to Green last time, and we even have more drama. Maybe just a little bit of drama this time before they reach an agreement again. But at the end of the day, business is business.

[Russlenat]

What is up with Klay Thompson and GSW? There's been no progress on his potential contract extension, but I doubt they will let Klay go or even let Klay himself play for another team. This happened to Green last time, and we even have more drama. Maybe just a little bit of drama this time before they reach an agreement again. But at the end of the day, business is business.

Don't worry about that, Klay, Curry, and Green are the big three of the team. I think they will be rewarded with significant contracts since they've delivered multiple championships to the team. If Green gets the contract he desires, I believe Klay will still receive a decent contract, although it may not be the largest of his career, as it's undeniable that his production dropped after he suffered a serious injury and missed the whole season.

This was his statement regarding this issue as published by https://sports.yahoo.com/klay-thompson-not-worried-about-expiring-contract-determined-to-finish-career-with-warriors-204915823.html

It’s not going to be a thing,” Thompson said, via The Athletic. “The fact that I’m going into my 13th season — that alone — it gives me such a peace of mind.

“Granted, I’ve made money. I’ve been able to take care of my family, myself, the people I love. But when I started playing this game, I never once thought I’m playing the game because I’m going to be rich and famous, never did. I played this game because my dad played. I idolized him. My favorite athletes were hoopers … The fact that I’m doing it for a 13th straight season is amazing.”

If we reflect on that statement, I think he meant that he would be happy to continue with the Warriors and retire as a Warriors, even if they won't offer him as big a contract as he received the last time he signed with the team.

[danherbias07]

Not a good sign that LeBron is already having nightmares and the season hasn’t even started yet. While I do think he’ll have a good season and add to his records, to me the team he’s running with just doesn’t seem good enough to win a title. For that, I think they really needed to be the winners of the Damian Lillard sweepstakes.

Yeah they needed to add to what they had and really didn't.  They weren't all that good albeit had a decent run.  But 2 main guys another year older isn't going to fare well during the season.  They needed to land someone significant that can run the team if Bron and AD are put for any decent amount of time.  They seem like a .500 ball club to me which isn't bad but it's more like a second round knockout type team.

I don't really worry much about the Lakers even without Lebron, they are a decent team with AD, Russell, Rui, Reaves, and Vanderbilt. If Lebron is present it will be a big plus for them but I think the names I mentioned are enough to win games in the season. With the addition of Gabe Vincent and Christian Wood, they fortified their guard and forward position and it will mean a lot if these new players will step up their game, especially with Lebron aging.

1 more week guys and the regular season tipoff will commence.
I keep on watching the preseason so that I won't be shocked at the new rosters of every team. I guess that's also one of the purposes of the preseason so that NBA fans will know who are the new guys for their own favorite teams.
Warriors and Kings playing right now. Up until now I am still not used to watching CP3 in a Warriors uniform. 

[TravelMug]

And so the drama of James Harden vs 76ers still continues, as he is a no show in the team practice and it was reported that he was in Houston.



https://twitter.com/JakeLFischer/status/1714661835993968646

Not sure what he is doing in Houston, maybe he wants to comeback on that city and play. However, his destination of choice of LA Clippers and there's no movement as far as trade goes. Clippers is holding their grounds and not willing to give up more future picks for Harden.

Joel Embiid though when ask about it, says that  “Maybe he had something to do”. Lol.

[LogitechMouse]

James Harden is absent from training camp today and hasn’t been with the team since Sunday. It looks like he gave it a try but is now back to being on hiatus while trying to force his team’s hand and get him a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers. It seems like this has to happen before the season starts, so I’m expecting to hear something soon.

His preferred destination is the Clippers.
Well, the Sixers can get rid of Harden "IF" they will not pursue Terance Mann, and will just get draft picks plus Morris, Batum, and other reserve players of the team. It's obvious that the Clippers aren't interested in trading Mann, and they aren't desperate either in getting Harden even though they are in need of a Point Guard.

Nevertheless, I already know that the last time where he seems happy training with his Sixers team was just for show, and his main goal is still there, and that is to be traded to another team. If Daryl Morey will not pursue Mann, Harden has a chance to be traded to the Clippers where he wants. It's a win-win for both teams. Sixers will get rid of a huge contract since Harden's contract will expire next year, Clippers will get a legit point guard in exchange of some role players, and a bit of draft picks.

What is up with Klay Thompson and GSW? There's been no progress on his potential contract extension, but I doubt they will let Klay go or even let Klay himself play for another team. This happened to Green last time, and we even have more drama. Maybe just a little bit of drama this time before they reach an agreement again. But at the end of the day, business is business.

I believe what happened to Draymond will happen to Klay as well.
Contract expires, the Warriors will give a new contract, but a lower contract this time.

He already said that he wants to be a Warrior for his whole NBA career, and with that, he is willing to take a pay cut just to stay with the team. He believes that he's still a legit sharpshooter, and him with Steph is still a deadly duo. As a Warrior fan, I don't need to bother that much with what's happening with Klay. The media is just hyping it like something bad will happen to him, or he will get traded etc. but the reality is, the Warriors want him to stay, but isn't willing to pay him high. Remember he was out for 2 seasons, and got ~$60M for that 2 seasons. He played 0 games, and got paid. Now is the time for him to be accept pay cut for the betterment of the team.