I love BP's attitude. You can see it in how he plays: he's the same kind of sicko tryhard as Jimmy, Steph, and Dray (well, more under control than Green). It's not a guarantee he'll be that good, but it sure helps.
Number one reason I'm optimistic about this season is the sheer concentration of players with that sort of mindset. I'm not as sure Kuminga is that kind of guy too but he has definitely shown hints of that "chasing greatness" mindset too.
This team is gonna be so miserable about losing though.
>>>The Boston Celtics are signing Ron Harper Jr. to a two-way NBA contract, agent Drew Gross of WME Basketball tells ESPN. Harper earns Celtics roster spot and enters a fourth NBA season after having strong preseason.<<<
>>>The Charlotte Hornets are waiving guard Spencer Dinwiddie, sources tell ESPN. Dinwiddie signed a one-year deal with the Hornets in July free agency. Charlotte had to release a guaranteed salary ahead of season opener next week.<<<
After a round of measurements before the season, SG Collin Sexton has been revealed as one of the league’s greatest height cheats, going from listed at 6’3 to 6’ even. LaMelo, Brandon Miller, Knueppel, Miles Bridges also lose an inch
Seems odd. Kalkbrenner, McNeeley, and Kneuppel were all just measured barefoot for the NBA combine. We're supposed to no longer believe those measurements? McNeeley really went from 6'6.75 barefoot at the combine a few months ago to 6'5 now?
Counterpoint: a lot of guys measured in a short period of time at a single location at the combine, maybe they're being more sloppy with the measurements.
NEW YORK — Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has been fined $35,000 for making inappropriate contact with and continuing to pursue a game official, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
The incident, for which Kuminga was assessed a technical foul and ejected, occurred with 0.9 seconds remaining in the second quarter of Golden State’s 118-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 14 at Moda Center.
Just like stats and wins/losses, preseason fines should be make-believe. If fines have to be real, then the negative consequences for refs who blow obvious calls like the one in question here should also be real. But we all know that's not how it works, preseason or not...
Or maybe they just saw he's got a nice new contract and they want a little slice of the action 😖
On the Locked On podcast recently, Charlie Walter and Matt Kolsky were discussing what potential future scenarios for Podz would be and Jalen Brunson's name was brought up. While I don't think they are exactly the same type of player, they are similarly sized (Podz is actually several inches taller), have some similar strengths and weaknesses, a similar grinder's mindset, and it's not an unreasonable comp as a ceiling. If it seems like a lofty goal, no one thought Brunson would be what he is today in his first few seasons either and for what it's worth, Podz' injury-plagued second season compares fairly well to Brunson's third season (and Podz' 2nd season is straight-up better in almost every regard compared to Brunson's 2nd year). Brunson really broke out in his 4th and 5th seasons at age 25; Podz could be due for some similar growth soon, like a lot of dudes go through in their mid-twenties.
It's an interesting comp for sure, there are some similarities. Podz is bigger and stronger but Brunson has a more stout base. They are both elite at making clever moves around a pivot foot to get clean looks at the basket (Bruson is probably better than anyone else in the NBA right now at that skill).
Like Brunson on Dallas, Podz is in a system that doesn't really allow him to be the focal point of a team's offense. Steph is a different type of superstar than Luka, so it hopefully gives Podz a little more room to flourish than Brunson was afforded in Dallas.
Curry is 5th in the NBA in made free throws per game and 14th in attempted free throws per game among all players who have played in 2 or more preseason games.
I actually think this one might stick. It's on ball and during the act of shooting (so highly visible), and the "secondary action" part is so egregious it's really crazy it took them this long to get it done. You can still do a legit contest and contact someone's hand, I expect as long as you don't swing through it like Dillon Brooks taking a cut at a fastball it won't be called.
Steph will still get mugged off-ball with it being called 1/20th the time so there's still that.
Which I also don't understand. I know they can't call everything, but going all the way back to that first finals against the Cavs, why the NBA has allowed this seems ridiculous. Don't they /want/ their stars to be able to shine? All of the grabbing and extra 'hits' are NOT entertaining, nor are they basketball.
One conspiracy theory says that the NBA don't want him to shine too much - if he got all the calls he "should" get, he'd outscore MJ (not to mention LeBron). Given that Curry wears Under Armour while Nike and NBA are essentially married at the hip, that's a no-no.
I don't like to believe in conspiracy theories, but then again ... "Follow the money" is often a good rule of thumb.
Just a handful of additional shooting fouls called on secondary actions after three point contests could really give his numbers a nice little boost. That plus JB putting the team in the bonus earlier than prior to his arrival, meaning all the off-ball stuff teams subject Steph increasingly becomes points instead of a side out of bounds. Bears watching.
I think I’m already on record as being high on Podz. I truly believe he’s a 40% 3-point shooter who’s simply had some cold stretches due to injuries. I would’ve said his only elite skills are his BBIQ, motor and intangibles, but someone recently pointed out his defense ranked in the 97th percentile. When Timpf last year said his defense was elite, I thought it was hyperbole but wow.
He’s a legit NBA starter on his way to becoming a star, even if he doesn’t become as all star.
My only concern with Podz's ability to become a star is that he's *so* fearless that I think he's going to get injured a lot. Those injury-fueled slumps will probably continue to be a part of his game indefinitely.
Daniel, I really feel that your overall stats comparison should include charges taken (whether it's a meaningful stat or not is not important. I just like it :D)
>>>Caveats abound — Joe Mazzulla said he was held out the rest of the way purely as a precaution, Jaylen Brown said he'd be fine, etc. — but Brown leaving last night's Celtics preseason game after grabbing at his left hamstring felt like an "uh oh" moment that merits keeping an eye on<<<
Since Daniel keeps receipts, I'll say it again here. Podz: 2027 All-star, 2028 Olympian
He's going to keep improving his game, and he makes everyone look better out there when he's on the floor because he does all the little things that contribute to winning. His +/- has been awesome throughout his career even though his stat lines aren't so spectacular - Kerr's aware of this and that's why he keeps getting his minutes. I do think he'll eventually get his three-ball percentage up to 40. Not as confident regarding his FT shooting though - hoping he can taste the low 80s.
Free throws are so weird. I can have these long streaks of makes, and then when this one person in particular is watching me, I almost never make them. I can't imagine what it's like when a whole stadium is watching you. Thinking back to Andre Iguodala nerves of steel.
Keep an eye on who USAB selects for the 2027 FIBA world cup - recall Hali and AE were on that 2023 team and made the cut for the varsity squad headed to Paris. Of course, Hali was the 12th guy and fully conscious of his very limited team role, but he got himself there and now has a gold medal to show for it.
Has JB played guard? Are there lineups where he's the 2? I thought he toggled between 3 and 4.
Warriors injury updates:
Jimmy Butler (ankle) is doubtful for tomorrow's preseason finale, but expected to be ready for the regular season opener
Moses Moody (calf) is doubtful for the regular season opener
@DaltonJ_Johnson
Sigh
Not optimal with how the season starts, no Melt or Moody and playing
@LAL, Den, @POR, MEM in the first week of the season, with @POR being road back-to-back :p
Moody and Butler are doubtful to play tomorrow vs the Clippers. And I am doubtful to be able to watch the game.
Nick Friedell also said Moody is doubtful for the season opener. Warriors want to be cautious with Moody since he’s missed the last week of practice
I love BP's attitude. You can see it in how he plays: he's the same kind of sicko tryhard as Jimmy, Steph, and Dray (well, more under control than Green). It's not a guarantee he'll be that good, but it sure helps.
Number one reason I'm optimistic about this season is the sheer concentration of players with that sort of mindset. I'm not as sure Kuminga is that kind of guy too but he has definitely shown hints of that "chasing greatness" mindset too.
This team is gonna be so miserable about losing though.
DUE TO THE COMMUNITY'S WISDOM I HAVE UPDATED THE ARTICLE TO REFLECT PODZ'S DEFENSIVE GENIUS
uh-oh. Dino's hacked Daniel's account.
https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1o7uxm2/klay_thompson_thoroughly_enjoys_some_smelling/
>>>The Boston Celtics are signing Ron Harper Jr. to a two-way NBA contract, agent Drew Gross of WME Basketball tells ESPN. Harper earns Celtics roster spot and enters a fourth NBA season after having strong preseason.<<<
https://www.espn.com/contributor/shams-charania/daa44f0001adf
>>>The Charlotte Hornets are waiving guard Spencer Dinwiddie, sources tell ESPN. Dinwiddie signed a one-year deal with the Hornets in July free agency. Charlotte had to release a guaranteed salary ahead of season opener next week.<<<
https://www.espn.com/contributor/shams-charania/88b4b35f9f4fa
r/nba
•
13m ago
Pickleskennedy1
After a round of measurements before the season, SG Collin Sexton has been revealed as one of the league’s greatest height cheats, going from listed at 6’3 to 6’ even. LaMelo, Brandon Miller, Knueppel, Miles Bridges also lose an inch
https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1o8eax3/after_a_round_of_measurements_before_the_season/
Seems odd. Kalkbrenner, McNeeley, and Kneuppel were all just measured barefoot for the NBA combine. We're supposed to no longer believe those measurements? McNeeley really went from 6'6.75 barefoot at the combine a few months ago to 6'5 now?
Not sure I believe the new measurements tbh.
Counterpoint: a lot of guys measured in a short period of time at a single location at the combine, maybe they're being more sloppy with the measurements.
Maybe. But that seems crazy at a scouting combine whose purpose is to measure these guys.
You had one job...
Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga fined $35K by NBA: https://www.nba.com/news/jonathan-kuminga-fined-35000
NEW YORK — Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has been fined $35,000 for making inappropriate contact with and continuing to pursue a game official, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
The incident, for which Kuminga was assessed a technical foul and ejected, occurred with 0.9 seconds remaining in the second quarter of Golden State’s 118-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 14 at Moda Center.
pretty big fine. I wish there was video of what actually happened.
Just like stats and wins/losses, preseason fines should be make-believe. If fines have to be real, then the negative consequences for refs who blow obvious calls like the one in question here should also be real. But we all know that's not how it works, preseason or not...
Or maybe they just saw he's got a nice new contract and they want a little slice of the action 😖
"The NBA fined Jonathan Kuminga for inappropriate contact with and continuing to pursue a game official in Oct. 14 game."
Yeah that's going to get overturned on appeal. What camera angle showed that?
To me, Podz love/hate is a referendum on whether you watch the whole game or just the shots.
On the Locked On podcast recently, Charlie Walter and Matt Kolsky were discussing what potential future scenarios for Podz would be and Jalen Brunson's name was brought up. While I don't think they are exactly the same type of player, they are similarly sized (Podz is actually several inches taller), have some similar strengths and weaknesses, a similar grinder's mindset, and it's not an unreasonable comp as a ceiling. If it seems like a lofty goal, no one thought Brunson would be what he is today in his first few seasons either and for what it's worth, Podz' injury-plagued second season compares fairly well to Brunson's third season (and Podz' 2nd season is straight-up better in almost every regard compared to Brunson's 2nd year). Brunson really broke out in his 4th and 5th seasons at age 25; Podz could be due for some similar growth soon, like a lot of dudes go through in their mid-twenties.
Personally, I still like the Ginobli and Caruso cards comps more
I like the Ginobili comp in the recklessness, but Manu was far more explosive in his younger days. Podz is not the same athlete.
Dont forget DiVincenzo, McConnell, and half of Ty Jerome.
It's an interesting comp for sure, there are some similarities. Podz is bigger and stronger but Brunson has a more stout base. They are both elite at making clever moves around a pivot foot to get clean looks at the basket (Bruson is probably better than anyone else in the NBA right now at that skill).
Like Brunson on Dallas, Podz is in a system that doesn't really allow him to be the focal point of a team's offense. Steph is a different type of superstar than Luka, so it hopefully gives Podz a little more room to flourish than Brunson was afforded in Dallas.
One more surprising preseason stat:
Curry is 5th in the NBA in made free throws per game and 14th in attempted free throws per game among all players who have played in 2 or more preseason games.
The rule change is massive for Curry's game, at least up until the league stops enforcing it two months into the season.
I actually think this one might stick. It's on ball and during the act of shooting (so highly visible), and the "secondary action" part is so egregious it's really crazy it took them this long to get it done. You can still do a legit contest and contact someone's hand, I expect as long as you don't swing through it like Dillon Brooks taking a cut at a fastball it won't be called.
Steph will still get mugged off-ball with it being called 1/20th the time so there's still that.
Which I also don't understand. I know they can't call everything, but going all the way back to that first finals against the Cavs, why the NBA has allowed this seems ridiculous. Don't they /want/ their stars to be able to shine? All of the grabbing and extra 'hits' are NOT entertaining, nor are they basketball.
One conspiracy theory says that the NBA don't want him to shine too much - if he got all the calls he "should" get, he'd outscore MJ (not to mention LeBron). Given that Curry wears Under Armour while Nike and NBA are essentially married at the hip, that's a no-no.
I don't like to believe in conspiracy theories, but then again ... "Follow the money" is often a good rule of thumb.
Just a handful of additional shooting fouls called on secondary actions after three point contests could really give his numbers a nice little boost. That plus JB putting the team in the bonus earlier than prior to his arrival, meaning all the off-ball stuff teams subject Steph increasingly becomes points instead of a side out of bounds. Bears watching.
Let. Curry. Eat.
I think I’m already on record as being high on Podz. I truly believe he’s a 40% 3-point shooter who’s simply had some cold stretches due to injuries. I would’ve said his only elite skills are his BBIQ, motor and intangibles, but someone recently pointed out his defense ranked in the 97th percentile. When Timpf last year said his defense was elite, I thought it was hyperbole but wow.
He’s a legit NBA starter on his way to becoming a star, even if he doesn’t become as all star.
My only concern with Podz's ability to become a star is that he's *so* fearless that I think he's going to get injured a lot. Those injury-fueled slumps will probably continue to be a part of his game indefinitely.
He is already a top 100 player, and he is knocking on the top 60 door.
Whoever’s 60th is pretending like they’re not home and isn’t answering the door.
Podz's penchant for taking a charge fires up the Warriors.
Daniel, I really feel that your overall stats comparison should include charges taken (whether it's a meaningful stat or not is not important. I just like it :D)
Word up.
>>>Caveats abound — Joe Mazzulla said he was held out the rest of the way purely as a precaution, Jaylen Brown said he'd be fine, etc. — but Brown leaving last night's Celtics preseason game after grabbing at his left hamstring felt like an "uh oh" moment that merits keeping an eye on<<<
https://bsky.app/profile/yourmandevine.bsky.social/post/3m3cvafpnws2x
Clearly Brown is too old and has been pressing too hard for the last few months, and that's why his hamstring finally gave out. Right?
Mazzula plans to punch JB’s hammy until it’s numb then tell him to get out there and start a fight with an opponent.
Since Daniel keeps receipts, I'll say it again here. Podz: 2027 All-star, 2028 Olympian
He's going to keep improving his game, and he makes everyone look better out there when he's on the floor because he does all the little things that contribute to winning. His +/- has been awesome throughout his career even though his stat lines aren't so spectacular - Kerr's aware of this and that's why he keeps getting his minutes. I do think he'll eventually get his three-ball percentage up to 40. Not as confident regarding his FT shooting though - hoping he can taste the low 80s.
Free throws are so weird. I can have these long streaks of makes, and then when this one person in particular is watching me, I almost never make them. I can't imagine what it's like when a whole stadium is watching you. Thinking back to Andre Iguodala nerves of steel.
Keep an eye on who USAB selects for the 2027 FIBA world cup - recall Hali and AE were on that 2023 team and made the cut for the varsity squad headed to Paris. Of course, Hali was the 12th guy and fully conscious of his very limited team role, but he got himself there and now has a gold medal to show for it.
In 2028 Podz will be 25, a time when a lot of NBA players bloom. I think an Olympic berth is definitely in the cards.
Podz would be a great Olympian - every team needs someone to do the dirty work and not need to score and pad their stats