2027 NBA Season

[OgNasty]

I’ve officially chosen the Minnesota Timberwolves as my pick to win the 2024-2025 NBA season. I think they may have peaked last year but Ant is certain to be better. With the right coaching I think they can get it done. As long as Giannis and Embiid get injured at some point and the Suns don’t figure out how to play together…

[el kaka22]

While some GM's may not be valuing some coaches, I think there is a huge difference between Mike Budenholzer situation and Frank Vogel situation. Yes Frank won a title with Lakers, but it was Lakers with Lebron and AD and they were in bubble and had a great squad around them, give that squad to me this year (and ages reverted back) and I would do at least playoffs and I am not even a coach, add in a coach and bubble, suddenly you have a team that can win it, so Frank wasn't really considered the main reason for that win, he was never considered any part of that equation, people thought any coach could have done that.

The thing is that Mike was not in a team because he couldn2t find one that fits him and his requirement, he requires championship coach money, and he wants a team that could be champions as well, not some rebuilding team. So that is why he hasn't found a place yet but I am sure that he will find it eventually and he will be hired by some team for sure.

[jossiel]

I’ve officially chosen the Minnesota Timberwolves as my pick to win the 2024-2025 NBA season. I think they may have peaked last year but Ant is certain to be better. With the right coaching I think they can get it done.

They're good and they're able to reach that far with that young Edwards.

As long as Giannis and Embiid get injured at some point and the Suns don’t figure out how to play together…

You've mentioned Suns, there were likely the most favored team last season before it started. They're packed with superstars and yet didn't go far so I agree to that.

[boyptc]

I think OP needs to edit the original post as we've got the 2024 NBA champs already - the Boston Celtics.

Also, he needs to change the poll and let's see the pulse of everyone in the forum that are also into NBA to see who are they eyeing for this upcoming season.

[Natalim]

I think OP needs to edit the original post as we've got the 2024 NBA champs already - the Boston Celtics.

Also, he needs to change the poll and let's see the pulse of everyone in the forum that are also into NBA to see who are they eyeing for this upcoming season.

The OP will surely update the thread title, so give him time. It should be edited once the new regular season officially starts.

so Frank wasn't really considered the main reason for that win, he was never considered any part of that equation, people thought any coach could have done that.

The decision made by the Lakers was still wrong because they did not improve after firing Vogel. It was also a mistake to release the players who helped them win the championship, such as Howard, Rondo, McGee, Kuzma, and KCP.

[boyptc]

I think OP needs to edit the original post as we've got the 2024 NBA champs already - the Boston Celtics.

Also, he needs to change the poll and let's see the pulse of everyone in the forum that are also into NBA to see who are they eyeing for this upcoming season.

The OP will surely update the thread title, so give him time. It should be edited once the new regular season officially starts.

Yeah, he's logged in recently so for sure that he's going to check into this thread and will change what has to be changed.

The decision made by the Lakers was still wrong because they did not improve after firing Vogel. It was also a mistake to release the players who helped them win the championship, such as Howard, Rondo, McGee, Kuzma, and KCP.

If they had kept most of these players, they're for sure going to reach that far but.....

[dwyane36]

Westbrook was never a good three point shooter, and while he had a marvellous career at OKC, it was done as soon as he left because he was getting stat padding and friendly leadership benefits there, the moment he left it meant that nobody cared about what they can do for westbrook and only cared about what westbrook could do for them. He got famous for a moment about being mad at "westbrick" memes, and the reality is that if he doesn't want to be memed, then he should stop shooting so awful from three point line.

I would say that any shots outside the paint are not Westbrook's strong suit, not just shots from the three-point line. Overall, in my opinion, Westbrook's best strength has always been his power layups, and when he was in his prime, not every center could stop him at that point.

[Oasisman]

Westbrook was never a good three point shooter, and while he had a marvellous career at OKC, it was done as soon as he left because he was getting stat padding and friendly leadership benefits there, the moment he left it meant that nobody cared about what they can do for westbrook and only cared about what westbrook could do for them. He got famous for a moment about being mad at "westbrick" memes, and the reality is that if he doesn't want to be memed, then he should stop shooting so awful from three point line.

I would say that any shots outside the paint are not Westbrook's strong suit, not just shots from the three-point line. Overall, in my opinion, Westbrook's best strength has always been his power layups, and when he was in his prime, not every center could stop him at that point.

That's a fact. Westbrook could have been one of the most unstoppable PG if he worked on his mid-range and long range shots. I don't know why, but he doesn't seem to have improved it a bit. The game is evolving so as the new players. They are as explosive as Westbrook and more importantly can score anywhere. I even came to realize that a basketball player must-have is always going to be the ability to score everywhere. Without mid-range and 3 point shooting ability, you'll not getting anywhere. Westbrook got traded 5 times after he won MVP. I mean I'm starting to doubt if he's really valuable when he has been traded around and been into 4-5 teams after OKC.

[LogitechMouse]

Westbrook was never a good three point shooter, and while he had a marvellous career at OKC, it was done as soon as he left because he was getting stat padding and friendly leadership benefits there, the moment he left it meant that nobody cared about what they can do for westbrook and only cared about what westbrook could do for them. He got famous for a moment about being mad at "westbrick" memes, and the reality is that if he doesn't want to be memed, then he should stop shooting so awful from three point line.

He hasn't been in his whole career.
In his whole NBA career, he is only shooting 30.4% from 3-pt range, and in the current era of NBA, that's very low. The average ones are at around the 35% and if you shoot 40%, you're considered one of the most efficient already.

His career was tarnished when the Thunder traded him, and it became worse when he went to the Lakers. After that, he became a role player, moving from one team to another right after he became the MVP, and nobody look at him as a superstar anymore. I guess having those kind of contract is good for him as he continues to rebuild his career, but now as a role player. Now that he's with the Nuggets, the whole team didn't even upgraded when it comes to threes made. Last season, they're dead last in three-point attempts and it seems like it will be the same this year.

I’ve officially chosen the Minnesota Timberwolves as my pick to win the 2024-2025 NBA season. I think they may have peaked last year but Ant is certain to be better. With the right coaching I think they can get it done. As long as Giannis and Embiid get injured at some point and the Suns don’t figure out how to play together…

You chose them, but there are certain conditions. That doesn't make the Timberwolves a strong team then hence, they will not win the title IMO.
Not against your opinion, but if the Timberwolves are at the level of the current Boston Celtics right now then they can get that first title, but as of now, I don't think that they can. They lost Anderson which is a good defender, and they aren't that stacked compared to the Celtics that has a very deep roster.

Just by looking at the roster of the West, I think it will be either the Mavericks, or the Thunder that will win the Western Conference, but to win the title? I'd go with the Celtics again, and this is a random pick, but I think the Knicks can also win as well if Thibs can lead a small ball line-up.

[Fredomago]

Westbrook was never a good three point shooter, and while he had a marvellous career at OKC, it was done as soon as he left because he was getting stat padding and friendly leadership benefits there, the moment he left it meant that nobody cared about what they can do for westbrook and only cared about what westbrook could do for them. He got famous for a moment about being mad at "westbrick" memes, and the reality is that if he doesn't want to be memed, then he should stop shooting so awful from three point line.

I would say that any shots outside the paint are not Westbrook's strong suit, not just shots from the three-point line. Overall, in my opinion, Westbrook's best strength has always been his power layups, and when he was in his prime, not every center could stop him at that point.

That's a fact. Westbrook could have been one of the most unstoppable PG if he worked on his mid-range and long range shots. I don't know why, but he doesn't seem to have improved it a bit. The game is evolving so as the new players. They are as explosive as Westbrook and more importantly can score anywhere. I even came to realize that a basketball player must-have is always going to be the ability to score everywhere. Without mid-range and 3 point shooting ability, you'll not getting anywhere. Westbrook got traded 5 times after he won MVP. I mean I'm starting to doubt if he's really valuable when he has been traded around and been into 4-5 teams after OKC.

Sad true, with how the game works nowadays its important that you have that outside threat,  WB can drive straight to the basket though due to good adjustments of the defense he may not be able to easily penetrate and also with his age changes is now being showed up,  like you mentioned he has been traded from team to another but haven't got a ring still, let see what he can contribute this time and not to conclude his chances to win a title.

[xLays]

Sad true, with how the game works nowadays its important that you have that outside threat,  WB can drive straight to the basket though due to good adjustments of the defense he may not be able to easily penetrate and also with his age changes is now being showed up,  like you mentioned he has been traded from team to another but haven't got a ring still, let see what he can contribute this time and not to conclude his chances to win a title.

For me one of the main reason why Russell Westbrook's performance hasn't improved is because of his age. As players get older, their athleticism and stamina naturally decline (except LeBron lol), which key strengths for Westbrook. I also consider Westbrook constantly changing team/mates, for sure its impacts his chemistry and consistency in his game. Frequent trades and role changes  likely made it difficult for him to adjust, preventing him from maintaining his great performance. Compared to LeBron age and Staying in one team is different story.

[TravelMug]

Sad true, with how the game works nowadays its important that you have that outside threat,  WB can drive straight to the basket though due to good adjustments of the defense he may not be able to easily penetrate and also with his age changes is now being showed up,  like you mentioned he has been traded from team to another but haven't got a ring still, let see what he can contribute this time and not to conclude his chances to win a title.

For me one of the main reason why Russell Westbrook's performance hasn't improved is because of his age. As players get older, their athleticism and stamina naturally decline (except LeBron lol), which key strengths for Westbrook. I also consider Westbrook constantly changing team/mates, for sure its impacts his chemistry and consistency in his game. Frequent trades and role changes  likely made it difficult for him to adjust, preventing him from maintaining his great performance. Compared to LeBron age and Staying in one team is different story.

It's already given fact though, if you are athletic then sooner or later age will catch up on you and so your game is going to decline. The problem with WB is that he didn't developed that outside shooting of his, and just rely on his pure and brutal strength to go to the basket for dunk. But as he age, he might have lost his steps and his jumping abilities and he is now being challenged when he goes inside.

And compare to Lebron, he has a good shooting form as compare to WB who has not and even teams are allowing him to shot and dare him. But a 2 year contract and a huge one, still the Nuggets could have a blue print on how they will utilized WB.

[Baofeng]

Westbrook was never a good three point shooter, and while he had a marvellous career at OKC, it was done as soon as he left because he was getting stat padding and friendly leadership benefits there, the moment he left it meant that nobody cared about what they can do for westbrook and only cared about what westbrook could do for them. He got famous for a moment about being mad at "westbrick" memes, and the reality is that if he doesn't want to be memed, then he should stop shooting so awful from three point line.

I would say that any shots outside the paint are not Westbrook's strong suit, not just shots from the three-point line. Overall, in my opinion, Westbrook's best strength has always been his power layups, and when he was in his prime, not every center could stop him at that point.

That's a fact. Westbrook could have been one of the most unstoppable PG if he worked on his mid-range and long range shots. I don't know why, but he doesn't seem to have improved it a bit. The game is evolving so as the new players. They are as explosive as Westbrook and more importantly can score anywhere. I even came to realize that a basketball player must-have is always going to be the ability to score everywhere. Without mid-range and 3 point shooting ability, you'll not getting anywhere. Westbrook got traded 5 times after he won MVP. I mean I'm starting to doubt if he's really valuable when he has been traded around and been into 4-5 teams after OKC.

Correct, maybe he thought that he can stay in the league without outside shooting, because he is a very old school player and looking to pass more and scoring inside and going in the paint more. But as the league has evolved specially with Steph's leading the way with shooting from the outside and then the big man as well getting into it, Westbrook didn't go and try to improved or maybe he has attempted to, but his form is really that bad.

So it really hurt his career in the last couple of years, and then the diminishing playing time as well. Same with Carmelo Anthony, he is not that explosive and didn't have the athleticism in him, and he didn't bother to go to the gym like Lebron and others players, and once age caught up with him, it's over.

[el kaka22]

Westbrook is a very high flying athlete, he is fast and he can jump high and he has a keen eye for rebounding as well. Well at least he used to be like that, I do not know how his body is anymore to be fair, but if he is still good enough, then I think he can command a second unit easily, he is still better than most bench players in the league, so he could just rebound and help with fast breaks and keep the second unit period under control.

But I highly doubt that he is a starting caliber player anymore, it doesn't matter which team he is on, he is not good enough to start, you should either have a better one, or a young kid with potential, nobody is as bad as westbrook as first option. So, he should probably be leading the bench to getting some points and getting scores. If he finishes the season at plus on +/- then he should be a good signing, it is not that easy but it can be done, he is good enough to make that happen if he agrees on coming off the bench again.

[OgNasty]

Here’s a wild statistic for you. Onlyfans girls are out earning NBA players (at least when it comes to their main salary). That’s hard to believe. Although most of the big name NBA players make more money from their endorsements than their salaries, I still wouldn’t have thought that OnlyFans girls are bringing home bigger paychecks.

[wheelz1200]

Westbrook is a very high flying athlete, he is fast and he can jump high and he has a keen eye for rebounding as well. Well at least he used to be like that, I do not know how his body is anymore to be fair, but if he is still good enough, then I think he can command a second unit easily, he is still better than most bench players in the league, so he could just rebound and help with fast breaks and keep the second unit period under control.

But I highly doubt that he is a starting caliber player anymore, it doesn't matter which team he is on, he is not good enough to start, you should either have a better one, or a young kid with potential, nobody is as bad as westbrook as first option. So, he should probably be leading the bench to getting some points and getting scores. If he finishes the season at plus on +/- then he should be a good signing, it is not that easy but it can be done, he is good enough to make that happen if he agrees on coming off the bench again.

He isn't going to start I'm sure tops he will get is 10-15 minutes most nights.  A little veteran presence and someone who can amp up the team and be that energy guy.  Always loved his competitiveness no matter how he was personally shooting on any given night.  If anything will keep the young guys accountable.  Every team needs one of those guys.  Always rooted for him amd can't hate on Denver as a knicks fan so wish him the best except for the 2 games a year he plays the Knicks

[Jating]

Here’s a wild statistic for you. Onlyfans girls are out earning NBA players (at least when it comes to their main salary). That’s hard to believe. Although most of the big name NBA players make more money from their endorsements than their salaries, I still wouldn’t have thought that OnlyFans girls are bringing home bigger paychecks.

I don't think we should be surprised though, I mean we all know that strippers take home a lot of money every day from tips and other 'extra service' from their customers. And the sex industry together with gambling is the most lucrative businesses in the world.

And so just for selling your videos in only fans, this girls are raking big money, and we all know what's their selling point is.

So there are more fans for this OnlyFans content creator that's why they profited big than NBA.

[OgNasty]

Here’s a wild statistic for you. Onlyfans girls are out earning NBA players (at least when it comes to their main salary). That’s hard to believe. Although most of the big name NBA players make more money from their endorsements than their salaries, I still wouldn’t have thought that OnlyFans girls are bringing home bigger paychecks.

I don't think we should be surprised though, I mean we all know that strippers take home a lot of money every day from tips and other 'extra service' from their customers. And the sex industry together with gambling is the most lucrative businesses in the world.

And so just for selling your videos in only fans, this girls are raking big money, and we all know what's their selling point is.

So there are more fans for this OnlyFans content creator that's why they profited big than NBA.

In their defense I guess you could say that the OnlyFans models are causing more people to see bricks up than the NBA players… I digress… I’m also sure the NBA and owners are taking a much larger cut of the overall revenue than OnlyFans as a company. I think NBA players get like 45% of revenue while OF models get around 85%, but someone can google me and correct those numbers. If I’m accurate, the NBA is still a bigger company with a larger revenue source.

[jossiel]

Here’s a wild statistic for you. Onlyfans girls are out earning NBA players (at least when it comes to their main salary). That’s hard to believe. Although most of the big name NBA players make more money from their endorsements than their salaries, I still wouldn’t have thought that OnlyFans girls are bringing home bigger paychecks.

Haha, I've seen this.

That means that there are more simps than the typical sports person. Well, no offense but going on with NSFW contents is seen to be a profitable business.

And no wonder why the entire OF verse have earned with its content creators more than the NBA's high paychecks last year. Someone is even willing to buy a bathe water from these girls or feet pics, kinda cringe but real.

[danherbias07]

That's a fact. Westbrook could have been one of the most unstoppable PG if he worked on his mid-range and long range shots. I don't know why, but he doesn't seem to have improved it a bit. The game is evolving so as the new players. They are as explosive as Westbrook and more importantly can score anywhere. I even came to realize that a basketball player must-have is always going to be the ability to score everywhere. Without mid-range and 3 point shooting ability, you'll not getting anywhere. Westbrook got traded 5 times after he won MVP. I mean I'm starting to doubt if he's really valuable when he has been traded around and been into 4-5 teams after OKC.

Let's not forget Dwyane Wade. He almost has the same skills as Russell Westbrook. Attack the paint and some midrange shooting. WB was actually one of the most unstoppable PGs in his prime. He just doesn't have the team recipe to bring a championship. What happened to him is what happened to other great players.
Chris Paul, Gary Payton, Sam Cassell, John Stockton, Charles Barkley, and a lot more. I would not say it could've been better if he took classes on long-range shooting, it's just there are better teams out there. Basketball ain't a one-man team.
Still, I am putting this guy in my Hall of Fame players because of his damn stats that will be difficult to erase. High amount of triple-doubles, great battles in championships, and his perseverance as a basketball player.

I guess bad luck also got to him just like the other named players.