2026 NBA Season

[boltz]

CP3 still good contributor for his team and his presence is really a big thing for their shooters and bigs.

No doubt he’s still got it, he hasn’t really lost his skills. The main issue with him is his health. But now that he won’t be a starter and will probably just play limited minutes with his new team, he might not be as prone to injuries.

This could be CP3’s last shot.
If he still doesn’t win a championship here, I think he might finally call it a career.

Oh yea , it's def his final shot but he can't help his team as much as he did years ago but he can bring some knowledge and help some minutes during the games.

Like you said he still got it for sure but his health and age is not in his advantage anymore which could cause some problems for him but if he doesn't over push himself I think Clippers has a decent chance to make a great season.

[Shinpako09]

He’ll get the time if he’s good enough. A lot of times rookies bodies aren’t ready for the NBA grind. LeBron got plenty of playing time his rookie year… I suspect we’ll be seeing around 25-30 minutes a game from Cooper Flagg this year, but you never know. The fact he got shut down in preseason so early to work on his body full time sort of shows he has the skills, they just need to prepare him physically.

Well, it’s understandable, he’s only 18 years old. And although he’s the same age as LeBron was when he got drafted, LeBron was on a whole different level. He had the potential to become one of the greatest players in history right from the start. As for Flagg, let’s give him time to reach his potential. Everything is still new, and the hype hasn’t settled yet. But if he can become as good as Luka offensively before his rookie contract ends and if the Mavs stay healthy, that will definitely boost their chances in the Playoffs.

[LogitechMouse]

He’ll get the time if he’s good enough. A lot of times rookies bodies aren’t ready for the NBA grind. LeBron got plenty of playing time his rookie year… I suspect we’ll be seeing around 25-30 minutes a game from Cooper Flagg this year, but you never know. The fact he got shut down in preseason so early to work on his body full time sort of shows he has the skills, they just need to prepare him physically.

Well, it’s understandable, he’s only 18 years old. And although he’s the same age as LeBron was when he got drafted, LeBron was on a whole different level. He had the potential to become one of the greatest players in history right from the start. As for Flagg, let’s give him time to reach his potential. Everything is still new, and the hype hasn’t settled yet. But if he can become as good as Luka offensively before his rookie contract ends and if the Mavs stay healthy, that will definitely boost their chances in the Playoffs.

Despite the hype around Flagg, we or at least I haven't hear him being called as a "Generational Player" the same as how the media called Wemby back when he's still a rookie. He had the potential to be an all-star, or a bust depending on his health still, and we've seen all-star caliber players that got ruined because of injuries.

I don't really expect too much from him in his rookie season. It's just good that he's surrounded by talented players in Dallas. I mean he can play 3 or 4 there and still contribute on offense, and in defense as well. The hype isn't as high compared to Wemby, but in the next few years, I expect him to be an all-star player already. Health, health, and health. He needs that and with how built Dallas is right now, they can clinch the playoffs TBH despite the West being stacked with great players. I don't see them as title contenders though.

Will he be as good as Luka? It's a different scenario already for me. When Luka's the rookie, he's been surrounded by average and mediocre players that's why he's doing everything for the team hence, the great stats. Now for Flagg, he's been surrounded by better players so stats-wise, don't expect too much because other players will fill those stats still. Defense is where he can excel though.

[TravelMug]

He’ll get the time if he’s good enough. A lot of times rookies bodies aren’t ready for the NBA grind. LeBron got plenty of playing time his rookie year… I suspect we’ll be seeing around 25-30 minutes a game from Cooper Flagg this year, but you never know. The fact he got shut down in preseason so early to work on his body full time sort of shows he has the skills, they just need to prepare him physically.

Well, it’s understandable, he’s only 18 years old. And although he’s the same age as LeBron was when he got drafted, LeBron was on a whole different level. He had the potential to become one of the greatest players in history right from the start. As for Flagg, let’s give him time to reach his potential. Everything is still new, and the hype hasn’t settled yet. But if he can become as good as Luka offensively before his rookie contract ends and if the Mavs stay healthy, that will definitely boost their chances in the Playoffs.

Right, but base on his performance in the summer league, it seems that he has a lot to improved. Although as top pick, he could be a target from other teams to guard him and shut him down. We even have seen videos of him and Bronny going at it and the young James was bodying on Cooper and so he just turn around and do that fade shot. But in the NBA is more of him going to be guarded by big man that he can't pushed in the beginning. So maybe gaining some weight so that he will have a leverage at least when he goes against these experience players. As for Lebron, his really one of those cases, that his body is built differently even in his rookie season. He carry the Cavs that time and taking over games.

[avp2306]

No doubt he’s still got it, he hasn’t really lost his skills. The main issue with him is his health. But now that he won’t be a starter and will probably just play limited minutes with his new team, he might not be as prone to injuries.

This could be CP3’s last shot.
If he still doesn’t win a championship here, I think he might finally call it a career.

Oh yea , it's def his final shot but he can't help his team as much as he did years ago but he can bring some knowledge and help some minutes during the games.

Like you said he still got it for sure but his health and age is not in his advantage anymore which could cause some problems for him but if he doesn't over push himself I think Clippers has a decent chance to make a great season.

I guess Clippers don't have any huge expectation that Paul would bring some strong performance for their team. They urge him to sign for back on their team maybe just to get a little help on backcourt.

Fans love this and we could see that people had positive approach towards this deal made by their management. Its huge bonus for CP3 if he can able to get a championship together with Harden and Kawhi in their team. So let's just see if they can convert those expectations speculated by fans since as of the moment we can't deny that their team became more stronger not only because CP3 is been added again but also there are great players also added in their team.

[dwyane36]

He’ll get the time if he’s good enough. A lot of times rookies bodies aren’t ready for the NBA grind. LeBron got plenty of playing time his rookie year… I suspect we’ll be seeing around 25-30 minutes a game from Cooper Flagg this year, but you never know. The fact he got shut down in preseason so early to work on his body full time sort of shows he has the skills, they just need to prepare him physically.

Well, it’s understandable, he’s only 18 years old. And although he’s the same age as LeBron was when he got drafted, LeBron was on a whole different level. He had the potential to become one of the greatest players in history right from the start. As for Flagg, let’s give him time to reach his potential. Everything is still new, and the hype hasn’t settled yet. But if he can become as good as Luka offensively before his rookie contract ends and if the Mavs stay healthy, that will definitely boost their chances in the Playoffs.

LeBron, Curry, or Durant all got a pretty good amount of minutes in their debut season in the NBA. Meanwhile, Jokic and Giannis got relatively limited minutes in their first season, but that didn't stop them from becoming great players. I mean, even if Flagg gets a few minutes in his first season, it doesn't mean he won't become an all-star player in the following seasons.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

LeBron, Curry, or Durant all got a pretty good amount of minutes in their debut season in the NBA. Meanwhile, Jokic and Giannis got relatively limited minutes in their first season, but that didn't stop them from becoming great players. I mean, even if Flagg gets a few minutes in his first season, it doesn't mean he won't become an all-star player in the following seasons.

Your comparisons don't have too much merit since you can't really compare number 1 or 2 draft picks (Curry was different) with a no 15 draft pick (Giannis) that was skinny as fk and had a lot to learn or a number 41 draft pick (Joker) where there wasn't a lot of expectation.
High draft picks always get their playing time, especially when they are considered a "generational talent".
Dallas has a good roster and Flagg will fit right in.

[Maslate]

Your comparisons don't have too much merit since you can't really compare number 1 or 2 draft picks (Curry was different) with a no 15 draft pick (Giannis) that was skinny as fk and had a lot to learn or a number 41 draft pick (Joker) where there wasn't a lot of expectation.
High draft picks always get their playing time, especially when they are considered a "generational talent".
Dallas has a good roster and Flagg will fit right in.

Well said, top picks naturally get priority, and if they perform, they’ll earn that starting spot fast. just like Paolo Banchero, even as a rookie he was already starting, and he delivered big time. He played like a seasoned pro right out of the gate.

In the end, though, what really matters is who brings home championships, and the players often compared in these discussions already have rings. But honestly, the hype around Flagg is real. The way he’s playing now, you can tell he’s got that star potential. And considering how young he is, Dallas might’ve pulled off a major steal by landing him after trading Luka. If things go well, they should be serious contenders for the Finals next season.

[Webetcoins]

LeBron, Curry, or Durant all got a pretty good amount of minutes in their debut season in the NBA. Meanwhile, Jokic and Giannis got relatively limited minutes in their first season, but that didn't stop them from becoming great players. I mean, even if Flagg gets a few minutes in his first season, it doesn't mean he won't become an all-star player in the following seasons.

Lebron did, but Curry really wasn't who he was at the rookie season neither, he just played at the position because of injuries and all that, I remember back when Baron Davis was their point guard. Flagg could play, because they do not have many more neither, Doncic did too, because they didn't had anyone else.

So when a player plays a lot on their rookie season, not because they are already great, but because the team has nobody better, that results with plenty of minutes but the player is not great yet. But that's great, because first year being great minutes, equals second year being easier, and then fourth year is when they start to peak and get better. So cooper has 4 seasons, and after 4 seasons, he will show the world what kind of star he will be or he won't be.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

LeBron, Curry, or Durant all got a pretty good amount of minutes in their debut season in the NBA. Meanwhile, Jokic and Giannis got relatively limited minutes in their first season, but that didn't stop them from becoming great players. I mean, even if Flagg gets a few minutes in his first season, it doesn't mean he won't become an all-star player in the following seasons.

Lebron did, but Curry really wasn't who he was at the rookie season neither, he just played at the position because of injuries and all that, I remember back when Baron Davis was their point guard. Flagg could play, because they do not have many more neither, Doncic did too, because they didn't had anyone else.

Curry's rookie season is 2009, Baron Davis was a Warrior till 2008, so they didn't crossed path. Maybe what you meant is Monta Ellis. Yes he was that flashy point guard that they had but they eventually traded him and keep Curry.

So when a player plays a lot on their rookie season, not because they are already great, but because the team has nobody better, that results with plenty of minutes but the player is not great yet. But that's great, because first year being great minutes, equals second year being easier, and then fourth year is when they start to peak and get better. So cooper has 4 seasons, and after 4 seasons, he will show the world what kind of star he will be or he won't be.

We will have to see what is their plan on Cooper Flag. Mavs have a lot of good players, with AD at the helm. So I doubt that the Mavs will just rush him to be a big star in replacement of Luka. What I'm seeing is that maybe a good 20-30 minutes per game type of play for him. Unless he really had this big games consistently that he will be in the floor and log a lot of minutes like Wemby before.

[dwyane36]

High draft picks always get their playing time, especially when they are considered a "generational talent".

Overall, yes, players selected with the first picks in the draft typically receive a lot of minutes in their debut season, but that's not always the case. Take, for example, Kwame Brown, Anthony Bennett, and Markelle Fultz, who were selected with the first draft picks, but in their debut season, they got few minutes and their performances were very poor, which isn't typical for players selected with the first pick in the draft.

[Fredomago]

LeBron, Curry, or Durant all got a pretty good amount of minutes in their debut season in the NBA. Meanwhile, Jokic and Giannis got relatively limited minutes in their first season, but that didn't stop them from becoming great players. I mean, even if Flagg gets a few minutes in his first season, it doesn't mean he won't become an all-star player in the following seasons.

Lebron did, but Curry really wasn't who he was at the rookie season neither, he just played at the position because of injuries and all that, I remember back when Baron Davis was their point guard. Flagg could play, because they do not have many more neither, Doncic did too, because they didn't had anyone else.

So when a player plays a lot on their rookie season, not because they are already great, but because the team has nobody better, that results with plenty of minutes but the player is not great yet. But that's great, because first year being great minutes, equals second year being easier, and then fourth year is when they start to peak and get better. So cooper has 4 seasons, and after 4 seasons, he will show the world what kind of star he will be or he won't be.

Yeah right, but depending on what will going to happen after this upcoming season, we know he got the talent and if the chemistries between him and the rest of the team blends well, chances that he can maximize his capabilities the way Luka did it back then, just like you said he might got enough minutes it will going to be depend on him if how he'll take that chance to show up and bring everything in.

[Mr. Magkaisa]

High draft picks always get their playing time, especially when they are considered a "generational talent".

Overall, yes, players selected with the first picks in the draft typically receive a lot of minutes in their debut season, but that's not always the case. Take, for example, Kwame Brown, Anthony Bennett, and Markelle Fultz, who were selected with the first draft picks, but in their debut season, they got few minutes and their performances were very poor, which isn't typical for players selected with the first pick in the draft.

There are/were so many players on the 1st draft are busted. We should also consider the rooking player on his debut team. Even if you are 5th-10th pick and you are on a team with star players you have a big chance of not getting a good minutes to start. but if you are on a bad team you will more likely to have a great time playing coz they are more willing to sacrifice for you and see your talent at early time.

I can still remember the batch of LBJ and MELO when Detroit pick 2nd and get Milicic! theres Wade, Melo and BOsh and other good players.

[Sanitough]

High draft picks always get their playing time, especially when they are considered a "generational talent".

Overall, yes, players selected with the first picks in the draft typically receive a lot of minutes in their debut season, but that's not always the case. Take, for example, Kwame Brown, Anthony Bennett, and Markelle Fultz, who were selected with the first draft picks, but in their debut season, they got few minutes and their performances were very poor, which isn't typical for players selected with the first pick in the draft.

It really depends on performance. Maybe they’ll give the player around 5 games to see how effective he is, but if he’s not playing up to expectations, the team won’t force it, even a first pick can end up getting limited minutes. you know, basketball is a team sport, and what matters most is winning. Teams can’t afford to keep giving minutes to someone who isn’t contributing, regardless of draft status. It’s still a gamble when these players enter the NBA, since it’s a whole different level compared to the NCAA or whatever league they came from. But to be fair, most first picks have generally lived up to expectations.

[ultrloa]

High draft picks always get their playing time, especially when they are considered a "generational talent".

Overall, yes, players selected with the first picks in the draft typically receive a lot of minutes in their debut season, but that's not always the case. Take, for example, Kwame Brown, Anthony Bennett, and Markelle Fultz, who were selected with the first draft picks, but in their debut season, they got few minutes and their performances were very poor, which isn't typical for players selected with the first pick in the draft.

Well many thought before that they could be a big deal on the team draft them but they didn't meet the expectation not only with their fans but also on the teams drafter them. That's why they don't get much minutes despite of their position on the draft. Majority of them are now been eliminated on the league and their career is just a short stints on NBA.

There are also a draft steal since there are drafted far like Jokic and other more became a star on their team. So overall you are right with it depends on the performance since teams would provably look at the way how player contribute. If they play good and blend well on their team then provably that they get more minutes or even receive a star status especially if he proves that he can dominate on both ends.

[Beparanf]

High draft picks always get their playing time, especially when they are considered a "generational talent".

Overall, yes, players selected with the first picks in the draft typically receive a lot of minutes in their debut season, but that's not always the case. Take, for example, Kwame Brown, Anthony Bennett, and Markelle Fultz, who were selected with the first draft picks, but in their debut season, they got few minutes and their performances were very poor, which isn't typical for players selected with the first pick in the draft.

It’s true since it’s always depends on the team they landed. For example Cooper Flagg play under Mavs while the team suffer a lot of injured star players that’s why he is already a perfect fit as starter player to fill his role immediately.

Being drafted by the team with already complete roster like OKC will sure gives you less minutes despite being draft pick since coach will just need to fill few minutes on the player rotation.

[danherbias07]

Why Ben Simmons to the Boston Celtics is not as wild as it sounds to some
Yahoo Link

It might wrankle a certain subset of Boston Celtics fans, but the idea of former Los Angeles Clippers big man Ben Simmons playing for Boston is not as wild as some might seem to think it to be. The Celtics, for their part, are looking for potential diamonds in the rough in what will be a down year for the storied ball club while star forward Jayson Tatum recovers from a torn Achilles tendon. And on the Simmons side of things, the former No. 2 overall pick has tarnished his value -- whether you believe that it is his fault or not -- during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.

I don't like it for the Boston Celtics, but they need a good player there in exchange for Tatum while he is still healing. He may not be as productive offensively as Tatum, but a player with ball-handling skills plus the big body for rebounding skills could be a good option for them. Strengthen the defense and let JB do the work on offense.
It's not a bad choice, but maybe a short contract will be fine until JT is back.

[Fredomago]

Why Ben Simmons to the Boston Celtics is not as wild as it sounds to some
Yahoo Link

It might wrankle a certain subset of Boston Celtics fans, but the idea of former Los Angeles Clippers big man Ben Simmons playing for Boston is not as wild as some might seem to think it to be. The Celtics, for their part, are looking for potential diamonds in the rough in what will be a down year for the storied ball club while star forward Jayson Tatum recovers from a torn Achilles tendon. And on the Simmons side of things, the former No. 2 overall pick has tarnished his value -- whether you believe that it is his fault or not -- during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.

I don't like it for the Boston Celtics, but they need a good player there in exchange for Tatum while he is still healing. He may not be as productive offensively as Tatum, but a player with ball-handling skills plus the big body for rebounding skills could be a good option for them. Strengthen the defense and let JB do the work on offense.
It's not a bad choice, but maybe a short contract will be fine until JT is back.

A lift that can provide help for JB, better than nothing and as you mentioned a short contact while JT still recovering, hopefully Simmons will provide them some decent numbers, I see good games from him while playing with clippers unlike when he's still with the Nets, might be possible to give him decent minutes, though he's no longer a offensive type of a player but he got the height and if by chance he can also penetrate to make a basket. Will be depend with how the coach will use him I guess.

[livingfree]

I think if Dallas stays healthy and Cooper Flagg meets expectations then they could have a chance as well.

I hope that he's going to be treated differently as a rookie. Because most times, these rookies won't get a lot of playing time.

And maybe Kidd could give this kid a break and will show how effective he is. But with their roster being jampacked. I don't think that they'll ever get to see the full potential.

Maybe, I'm wrong.

He’ll get the time if he’s good enough. A lot of times rookies bodies aren’t ready for the NBA grind. LeBron got plenty of playing time his rookie year… I suspect we’ll be seeing around 25-30 minutes a game from Cooper Flagg this year, but you never know. The fact he got shut down in preseason so early to work on his body full time sort of shows he has the skills, they just need to prepare him physically.

We will see on the coming season.

And I guess with him being stopped on the preseason has something to do with himself being conditioned to the actual season that's about to come.

It's more important to keep him healthy for that than of the preseason games.

[Shinpako09]

A lift that can provide help for JB, better than nothing and as you mentioned a short contact while JT still recovering, hopefully Simmons will provide them some decent numbers, I see good games from him while playing with clippers unlike when he's still with the Nets, might be possible to give him decent minutes, though he's no longer a offensive type of a player but he got the height and if by chance he can also penetrate to make a basket. Will be depend with how the coach will use him I guess.

Yeah, plus he’s available on a minimum contract but there are still a lot of critics about the Celtics signing Simmons, which is normal considering his history and condition. Even Knicks fans are showing no interest. Since he’s available for the minimum contract, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the Celtics giving him a shot for now. Unless he gets hurt again, of course, which would be a waste. There are other teams showing interest in him too, not necessarily for his offense, but more likely for his defense and playmaking. He’s still 6'10" and a good passer. He doesn’t need to score much like others, he just needs to use the players around him effectively.