Sorry to chime in late but Only one device let's me post.
Daniel, so sorry for that generational loss. As I get older I realize that with each passing of a friend (no relatives to speak of) I know that a lot of stories and history get's lost and this happens every generation.
For you to have stories that you can put to paper is wonderful and hopefully a keyhole for your future generations to peek into with wonderment about there past.
(And yes we need a big but so do about 20 other teams in the league).
Would Wilts even need to dribble? Couldn't they just palm the ball and play pass-the-parcel 9ft high above the "too smahl Erney" till they score each possession?!
Yeah. If they were mini wilts, Steph all the way BUT that was not the original proposition.
I don't think 5 Steph's could ever stop 5 wilts from scoring (Full court pressure wouldn't work, the Wilts would just throw it over the top. In the half court, same thing. Alley oop dunks galore. I love Steph and while he is the deadliest 3 point shooter ever, he still hit's less than 50% of his shots. To match the the Wilts near 100% scoring, the Stephs would have to hit on 2/3rds of his threes. Now The Wilts would have a hard time chasing the Stephs around and would probably just play zone and hope to hold the Stephs to less 662/3rds shooting percentage. Of course the Stephs could try dribbling around the Wilts but might sacrifice 3s for 2s which they definitely can't afford. I haven't even addressed rebounding ...
Given good tactics and high effort by both sides, i just don't see how the Stephs can score consistently enough to stay with the Wilts.
Edit: also, depending on the rules, all the Stephs would foul out ...
This is fun. I think 1 or 2 wilts are enough to block and rebound just enough that Steph doesn’t need to shoot even crazier than he usually does. Or maybe it’s like a rock paper scissors situation, like 1W-4S beats 5W, which beats 5S which beats 4W1S which beats 3W2S and so on
Just have to have a deep bench of Stephs and play Hack-a-Wilt. Career 51.1% foul shooter (and only 54.0% on twos, which I found surprising). Of course, the Stephs might have a little difficulty blocking out the Wilts on missed FTs.
Also noticed that, for his entire 14 year career, Wilt averaged 45.8 minutes per game and never fouled out. He should have played for Thibs
A heartfelt piece that is"about what happens when boys who move freely are taught to fear their own rhythm – and what it means when grown men like Karl-Anthony Towns are mocked for keeping theirs."
Thank you GBK. I hearted this yesterday before I got a chance to read it just now... I did not realise it was going to be so heart breaking... I feel the loss of your special Big, Papa.
Thank you for sharing the parts of you that remind us of our common humanity.
Truly grateful for this Tribe and this special "living room" we can all gather around in 🙏🏼
In the aftermath of Kuminga's "betting on myself" Instagram post, Slater drops an article which definitively states that the Warriors are "“. . . shutting down sign-and-trade talks; they found nothing appealing there. And they believe he is going to be on the roster. Their stance is that he will be on the roster to start next season.”
If I'm allowed to be a bit conspiratorial, I think the Warriors FO leaked this to send a clear shot across the bow essentially calling Kuminga's bluff. Reports indicate that they have offered a 2 year 45 million contract with a 2nd year team option/waived no trade clause.
Salary-wise, its a good deal since it matches the yearly averages of the Sun's 4 year 90 million contract offer. Furthermore, the team option allows for 1) Waiving and extension if he plays well in his new team AND 2) Waiving and hitting FA in which case he secured far more money than he would have with the QO.
In terms of securing control over his career (role/minutes/personnel and scheme fit), the contract is limited to two years after which he gets full free agency. Functionally, he would only have to wait 1 more year to gain full control which is manageable.
Unlike the previous offers that had reportedly been in play, I think it's an excellent contract to draw a line in the sand with. Kuminga's representation have nothing left to play other than biting the bullet which IMHO would clearly be a poor decision. I'm relatively confident that they will eventually sign to this rumored contract and FO will angle for a mid-season trade. Alternatively, this is all just angling to increase sign and trade value.
It’s not even conspiratorial… they’re clearly trying to end the dance that’s gone on long enough. “We’re done listening to the crap offers y’all have kept putting in front of us. Here’s our best offer, come back when you’ve decided what you want to do with it.”
Personally, I wouldn’t call the offer is the Warriors put forth crap. Here is what I think happened.
Like they’ve operated in other free agencies, they likely told JK to test the market and that they would match. Initially, they provided low ball contract offers reflecting what was a lack of interest throughout the NBA. Kuminga’s representation understandably rejected them and went around the league trying to create interest and they succeeded to an extent with the Suns/Kings deals.
Now, the Warriors had to increase their offered contract to make it competitive with the Suns deal while still ensuring their own interests for trading JK midseason. They came up with this contract and I think it’s finally a really good one which balances all considerations and makes all people happy in a reasonable way.
JK’s representation tried to use the threat of the qualifying offer to further push the Warriors but they responded by definitively drawing a line in the sand. There is nowhere left to go and I think soon enough JK will sign. Both sides of this situation did what’s best for them and so there’s no hard feelings on my part.
I think DFiB meant that the Warriors were the ones done listening to JK's various 'offers.' And I think the team is right to lay out their best offer(s):
- The QO
- A two-year, $45 million contract. That's enough money to give JK some security and a short enough time frame that if he is as good as he thinks he is, should allow him to cash in big in a couple of years (with a possible one-year escape hatch).
I hope that JK's team will assess these options and choose what works better for him. I can't imagine that that would be the QO, but I also would not have expected Kuminga to try to muscle his way out of Golden State, even when it's clear that would be his preference. His inability or unwillingness to consider the team's interests in this negotiation mirrors his apparent inability or unwillingness to play team basketball.
Not sure about the part about JK not going the QO route. His decision-making certainly seems biased toward overconfidence. I think he might.
I'm not saying the Dubs should do anything different, though. I might want another year on the deal if I was running the Dubs, but if it's 2 @ $22 mil, that's not a bad offer.
Methinks you misunderstood the projected quote. I am suggesting the Warriors are done listening to the bad offers they've received. I think we're aligned in our perception of the situation.
Sorry to chime in late but Only one device let's me post.
Daniel, so sorry for that generational loss. As I get older I realize that with each passing of a friend (no relatives to speak of) I know that a lot of stories and history get's lost and this happens every generation.
For you to have stories that you can put to paper is wonderful and hopefully a keyhole for your future generations to peek into with wonderment about there past.
(And yes we need a big but so do about 20 other teams in the league).
Let’s have a DNHQ discussion to honor Papa:
5 Steph clones vs. 5 Wilt clones; who wins?
(I think we know who Papa’s taking.)
Which one is more likely to foul out? Can Steph get away with Hack-a-Wilt?
Would Wilts even need to dribble? Couldn't they just palm the ball and play pass-the-parcel 9ft high above the "too smahl Erney" till they score each possession?!
Imagine being trapped by 5 wilts.
Only 5 wemby's could beat it.
3 > 2. Five Currys all the way. It would be even worse if those were mini-Wilts...
Yeah. If they were mini wilts, Steph all the way BUT that was not the original proposition.
I don't think 5 Steph's could ever stop 5 wilts from scoring (Full court pressure wouldn't work, the Wilts would just throw it over the top. In the half court, same thing. Alley oop dunks galore. I love Steph and while he is the deadliest 3 point shooter ever, he still hit's less than 50% of his shots. To match the the Wilts near 100% scoring, the Stephs would have to hit on 2/3rds of his threes. Now The Wilts would have a hard time chasing the Stephs around and would probably just play zone and hope to hold the Stephs to less 662/3rds shooting percentage. Of course the Stephs could try dribbling around the Wilts but might sacrifice 3s for 2s which they definitely can't afford. I haven't even addressed rebounding ...
Given good tactics and high effort by both sides, i just don't see how the Stephs can score consistently enough to stay with the Wilts.
Edit: also, depending on the rules, all the Stephs would foul out ...
Where is the sweet spot best mix? My first guess is 3 Stephs and 2 Wilts.
3 Stephs would destroy 2 Wilts. The Stephs would screen for each other, backcut, and share the ball unselfishly while wearing out the Wilts.
Of course, the Stephs might also inexplicably throw the ball away on flashy passes, so maybe I should rethink that...
No... I'm asking if a team of 3S and 2W would beat 3W and 2S. Or 1 and 4...etc
This is fun. I think 1 or 2 wilts are enough to block and rebound just enough that Steph doesn’t need to shoot even crazier than he usually does. Or maybe it’s like a rock paper scissors situation, like 1W-4S beats 5W, which beats 5S which beats 4W1S which beats 3W2S and so on
winners or loser outs?
Edit- sorry... if 5 on 5 probably losers outs.
Even still I think the 5 Wilts would be able to win handily.
Just have to have a deep bench of Stephs and play Hack-a-Wilt. Career 51.1% foul shooter (and only 54.0% on twos, which I found surprising). Of course, the Stephs might have a little difficulty blocking out the Wilts on missed FTs.
Also noticed that, for his entire 14 year career, Wilt averaged 45.8 minutes per game and never fouled out. He should have played for Thibs
I think that would be surprisingly ugly basketball either way
❤️ This was beautiful. I’m sorry for your loss and hope all the memories help you heal. ❤️
OT: I found this moving: "‘Why are you so damn gay?’: the public policing of Karl-Anthony Towns’ joy"
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/30/karl-anthony-towns-zesty-masculinity-black-joy
A heartfelt piece that is"about what happens when boys who move freely are taught to fear their own rhythm – and what it means when grown men like Karl-Anthony Towns are mocked for keeping theirs."
RIP man, what a great tribute and heal up
Thank you GBK. I hearted this yesterday before I got a chance to read it just now... I did not realise it was going to be so heart breaking... I feel the loss of your special Big, Papa.
Thank you for sharing the parts of you that remind us of our common humanity.
Truly grateful for this Tribe and this special "living room" we can all gather around in 🙏🏼
I’m sorry Daniel for Your Papa, but thank You for sharing with us Your precious memories. Get well soon!
What brilliant prose! Thanks for making the effort to pen such an amazing story. Sorry for your loss and I hope you mend up soon!
Everything I’d want to say here has already been said better by my fellow DNHQers. Best to you and your family as you navigate loss and grief.
“You ask the players questions at the games?”, he quietly asked.
“Yes Papa, sometimes I do”, I beamed.
“Well ask them why they ain’t got no big man!”.
LMAO your Papa sounds like a wonderful dude. RIP.
Just lost my dog Jackson on Monday, then found out my old boss passed away today.
Thanks for this piece Daniel.
I'm sorry about your dog; I'm sorry about your old boss. Hope you're okay.
Take care Daniel and best of luck to you and your family. DNHQ is wishing for nothing but the best in this time.
My condolences Daniel.
Absolute masterpiece of a tribute to your Papa.
What a heartfelt and wonderfully written tribute to your grandfather. I always look forward to your articles.
In the aftermath of Kuminga's "betting on myself" Instagram post, Slater drops an article which definitively states that the Warriors are "“. . . shutting down sign-and-trade talks; they found nothing appealing there. And they believe he is going to be on the roster. Their stance is that he will be on the roster to start next season.”
If I'm allowed to be a bit conspiratorial, I think the Warriors FO leaked this to send a clear shot across the bow essentially calling Kuminga's bluff. Reports indicate that they have offered a 2 year 45 million contract with a 2nd year team option/waived no trade clause.
Salary-wise, its a good deal since it matches the yearly averages of the Sun's 4 year 90 million contract offer. Furthermore, the team option allows for 1) Waiving and extension if he plays well in his new team AND 2) Waiving and hitting FA in which case he secured far more money than he would have with the QO.
In terms of securing control over his career (role/minutes/personnel and scheme fit), the contract is limited to two years after which he gets full free agency. Functionally, he would only have to wait 1 more year to gain full control which is manageable.
Unlike the previous offers that had reportedly been in play, I think it's an excellent contract to draw a line in the sand with. Kuminga's representation have nothing left to play other than biting the bullet which IMHO would clearly be a poor decision. I'm relatively confident that they will eventually sign to this rumored contract and FO will angle for a mid-season trade. Alternatively, this is all just angling to increase sign and trade value.
If these reports are true ... and I am always skeptical of media reports about contract negotiations... to me this is important:
"Their stance is that he will be on the roster to start next season.”
As I understand things, the Warriors are in total control of that, unless J Kuminga chooses not to play next season.
He is a restricted free agent. The team has put out the qualifying offer, and they can match any other offer that JK receives.
This could mean that the Ws (maybe especially Joe Lacob?) truly want him on their team.
They have invested 4 years and some millions of dollars already. He could be their future.
I'm not unhappy about that.
It’s not even conspiratorial… they’re clearly trying to end the dance that’s gone on long enough. “We’re done listening to the crap offers y’all have kept putting in front of us. Here’s our best offer, come back when you’ve decided what you want to do with it.”
Personally, I wouldn’t call the offer is the Warriors put forth crap. Here is what I think happened.
Like they’ve operated in other free agencies, they likely told JK to test the market and that they would match. Initially, they provided low ball contract offers reflecting what was a lack of interest throughout the NBA. Kuminga’s representation understandably rejected them and went around the league trying to create interest and they succeeded to an extent with the Suns/Kings deals.
Now, the Warriors had to increase their offered contract to make it competitive with the Suns deal while still ensuring their own interests for trading JK midseason. They came up with this contract and I think it’s finally a really good one which balances all considerations and makes all people happy in a reasonable way.
JK’s representation tried to use the threat of the qualifying offer to further push the Warriors but they responded by definitively drawing a line in the sand. There is nowhere left to go and I think soon enough JK will sign. Both sides of this situation did what’s best for them and so there’s no hard feelings on my part.
I think DFiB meant that the Warriors were the ones done listening to JK's various 'offers.' And I think the team is right to lay out their best offer(s):
- The QO
- A two-year, $45 million contract. That's enough money to give JK some security and a short enough time frame that if he is as good as he thinks he is, should allow him to cash in big in a couple of years (with a possible one-year escape hatch).
I hope that JK's team will assess these options and choose what works better for him. I can't imagine that that would be the QO, but I also would not have expected Kuminga to try to muscle his way out of Golden State, even when it's clear that would be his preference. His inability or unwillingness to consider the team's interests in this negotiation mirrors his apparent inability or unwillingness to play team basketball.
Not sure about the part about JK not going the QO route. His decision-making certainly seems biased toward overconfidence. I think he might.
I'm not saying the Dubs should do anything different, though. I might want another year on the deal if I was running the Dubs, but if it's 2 @ $22 mil, that's not a bad offer.
Methinks you misunderstood the projected quote. I am suggesting the Warriors are done listening to the bad offers they've received. I think we're aligned in our perception of the situation.
Daniel!!! Your way with words never ceases to amaze me. Such a great tribute.
You know your Papa is a very special person if he can talk all that stuff about Steph and still hold such a special place in your heart. 😊
Sending all courage, strength, and good vibes to you and your family..
His voice comes through as clear as day. Brought a big smile to my face. Great tribute
Sorry for your loss, but thank you for sharing