Just spitballin' but I think I've got a great deal: Lakers trade Russell Westbrook, the 2024 second-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and a No. 22. Weirdly this just .... feels so right....
Fair criticism, but to me that's all why he's a tough guy to rely on in the regular season. The flip side is he's a playoff matchup monster, and you can win a championship with him as your 1B or 2. If he's your 2, you're likely a very short list contender. You can't do that with Russ. You can't even win a playoff series with Russ as your 2.
If the Lakers trade AD, they might as well trade LeBron and rebuild.
I was kind of kidding. They shouldn't give up on the season. The Westbrook trade may go down as an all time unforced error, but they shouldn't give up. Bron and AD is still a matchup no one wants to see in the playoffs if they're healthy.
Can't believe DNHQ didn't get also a Rolex from Steph. Oh, wait, maybe it's because our people already know what time it is. Boom! I'll be here all week.
Curry heritage? I mean, who (if any) will Curry celebrate, wearing a suit and ESPN headphones, ten years from now? Possible names: Jordan Poole, Jalen Green, Ja Morant, Trae Young, Buddy Hield, Lamelo Ball… sorry but I am a science fiction addict
The thing that looks odd to me about Kuminga's shot is the way he tilts his head forward. Makes the whole thing look stiff. But I'm certainly not a shot doctor so I couldn't say whether that is actually a bad thing or not.
I think the general rule of thumb is to divide what they shoot in an empty gym by 2 to get around what they might shoot in an NBA game.
I suspect Kuminga hasn't learned that shooting 45% on practice shots doesn't translate to a good "in game" percentage... but he got downhill so well last night, he was breathtaking. More of that please. He's really establishing himself as a good defender as well. If he can make cuts like he did tonight, and attack mismatches on top of that, he's going to keep earning minutes.
I think barring a growth spurt (which would be amazing lol), Kuminga still really needs that shot to come around. Not necessarily to Kawhi levels but probably to like Siakam levels.
The shot will define his ceiling. The defense, and slashing ability raise his floor.
The wings who flamed out because they couldn't shoot: Justise Winslow, Stanley Johnson and Michael Kidd Gilchrist. Those guys not only couldn't shoot, but they couldn't really score at all.
If he's like a Ben Simmons on D with more of a scorer's mindset (and better mindset in general), then that could be a really good top 25 type player.
I think there are still some warts in Kuminga's game that don't show up in his specialized role with the pro team but show up in his expanded role in the G-League. He looks like he could be an excellent smallball big but if he fancies himself as a wing (and I think he does) the shot, decision making, and engagement need to be better.
He's had no issues with engagement on the pro team so far and has looked ridiculous defensively as a result, but he's also fighting for minutes right now and doesn't have a defined role so that's plenty of motivation to give maximum effort. I'm curious what happens when he settles in to a role. He has one in the G-League and quite frankly he's looked like he doesn't care at times. I remember last year when I was "scouting" him and seeing a guy who sometimes was fully into it and sometimes couldn't be bothered to get into a defensive stance. Perhaps the NBA is all the motivation he needs? But it's still a question for me.
I do like him as a prospect more than Wiseman though because of how physical he is. When Kuminga plays the big man position, he plays like a big. When Wiseman was playing as a big, I felt he was playing like a guard. I hope that changes for Wiseman this season.
Honestly it seems the team is pushing him towards a ball handling wing instead of a small ball big, I much rather them groom his big skills, cutting, o rebounds, rolling of screens first to establish a base he’s already good at and let the ball handling and decision making come through time with offseasons and training camps.
Also he definitely doesn’t care in the g league and doesn’t want to be down there, it seems he needs a challenge to be locked in
The Warriors have used Jonathan Kuminga as a primary defender on Domantas Sabonis and Julius Randle the last two nights. Think we'll see that more moving forward, Kuminga for stints on big scoring 4s.
For Kuminga's first bucket of the Knick game, Fournier had an easy opportunity for a strip but wasn't able to move the ball at all. Perhaps it was a weak attempt by Fournier, but I'm choosing to believe it was an indication of exceptional strength by Kuminga.
Stephen Curry (The Golden State Warriors) has broken Ray Allen's record for all time 3-pointers made in NBA history. JJ Redick is joined by Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, Alex Caruso, Davion Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton, Nikola Vucevic, Pascal Siakam and more to discuss this unbelievable Steph achievement.
A consideration on MSG: it is indeed the basketball Mecca, I was moved by the celebration for Steph, majestic indeed. Let me dream of a Finals Knicks-Dubs: lineup at the Kaaba, Poole-Morant-Wiggins-Kuminga-Wiseman…….
Said this in the game thread but I'll leave it here:
As the resident Davidson alum, and someone that used to live a couple of doors down from Steph, I'm really glad that his college coach Bob McKillop (who happens to be a proud New Yorker) took a chance on the local Charlotte kid none of the ACC schools wanted and helped him take a big step to get to where he is now. And I'm glad he was there to watch Steph set the record.
Also really cool to see the respect between him, Ray and Reggie. Absolute legends.
So proud of Steph and all he's accomplished. And he's not even close to done yet.
Oh yeah! He was always approachable, hung out with him plenty of times and took a couple of classes with him at different points there. He always worked hard but everyone who knew him or hung out with him before the run saw him as just like every other student. It was the new students that came our junior year that were starry eyed.
(Also, don't try playing him at beer pong. I learned the hard way 😅)
Dec 15, 2021Liked by punk basketball, Daniel Hardee
really timely that Apricot ran a Head Tap explainer so recently! now wondering if he can answer this question: has Wiggins ever passed out of it before?
Slater tweet content:
-Draymond Green: "Wiggins never passes out of that play."
-Steph Curry: "We run that play a lot. I think that's the first time."
-Andrew Wiggins: "That play? It's a bucket first. But I saw Steph with a little bit of space and a chance to make history..."
I've been wondering. For career records like most points rebounds assists or even in other sports: How many times does a player break the all-time record and he's the leading candidate for MVP, in the prime of his career and sitting atop the leagues standings? Usually a career mark like points or rebounds is someone who's 40 like Karl Malone or Kareem or something. I'm not including Wilt because his stat situation was just whack, but are there other examples of setting a career record and it feels like ya just might double it?
He might not an MVP candidate, but John Stockton was 32 (‘94-95) and still killing it when he passed Magic for all-time assists leader at 9,900. He played 8 more season after that and went on to 15,000
The other Ruth comp to me is that he basically changed the entire sport, and you might be looking 50-100 years down the line and still be saying he was the greatest shooter ever.
The Blazers and the Dubs each had 22 free throws tonight. Dubs made 20 and won by 9. Blazers made 14, lost by 4 in OT. Funny how the little things make the difference.
FWIW, I wouldn’t have thought twice about your statement, but specifically remembered Steph missing a FT and Bjelly missing a pair, so went to see if my memory was fooling me.
Yeah, the Ws were pretty crap at the line last night; and have been pretty meh there all season long (Steph’s .923 and Jordan’s .909 notwithstanding). Their .756 team mark ranks #21 in the league. It’s one of the few areas where they have not kicked ass.
I’m waiting for that awkward moment when Poole inches ahead of Steph in FT% mid-game and he’s the only one who knows it. Then when Steph is about to shoot a technical free throw, Poole taps him on the shoulder and says, “Ahem…” and shows him cell phone with the updated numbers.
OT Lakers made their bed... but they don't necessarily like sleeping with Westbrook & may be looking for a different bed partner.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-have-reportedly-discussed-trading-russell-westbrook-internally-but-that-doesnt-make-a-deal-likely/?fbclid=IwAR3Q2aJAv6n5J-PLq9rvtwRScUZpGfFGAm6smMMuNXlRX-nXBmNSpmhjtWA
Just spitballin' but I think I've got a great deal: Lakers trade Russell Westbrook, the 2024 second-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and a No. 22. Weirdly this just .... feels so right....
Definitely, send ad and get a huge package and start building towards the future
Really? Why?
Fair criticism, but to me that's all why he's a tough guy to rely on in the regular season. The flip side is he's a playoff matchup monster, and you can win a championship with him as your 1B or 2. If he's your 2, you're likely a very short list contender. You can't do that with Russ. You can't even win a playoff series with Russ as your 2.
If the Lakers trade AD, they might as well trade LeBron and rebuild.
I was kind of kidding. They shouldn't give up on the season. The Westbrook trade may go down as an all time unforced error, but they shouldn't give up. Bron and AD is still a matchup no one wants to see in the playoffs if they're healthy.
Can't believe DNHQ didn't get also a Rolex from Steph. Oh, wait, maybe it's because our people already know what time it is. Boom! I'll be here all week.
Curry heritage? I mean, who (if any) will Curry celebrate, wearing a suit and ESPN headphones, ten years from now? Possible names: Jordan Poole, Jalen Green, Ja Morant, Trae Young, Buddy Hield, Lamelo Ball… sorry but I am a science fiction addict
Interesting. Is someone competent enough in genetics to say whether Damion Lee’s child can enter the equation too?
Kuminga and Moody shooting threes before the game https://youtu.be/2h_jhJGE_YQ
My unofficial count:
Kuminga 15-for-33
Moody 24-for-33
Any with good shot mechanics expertise want to compare and contrast?
The thing that looks odd to me about Kuminga's shot is the way he tilts his head forward. Makes the whole thing look stiff. But I'm certainly not a shot doctor so I couldn't say whether that is actually a bad thing or not.
I think the general rule of thumb is to divide what they shoot in an empty gym by 2 to get around what they might shoot in an NBA game.
I suspect Kuminga hasn't learned that shooting 45% on practice shots doesn't translate to a good "in game" percentage... but he got downhill so well last night, he was breathtaking. More of that please. He's really establishing himself as a good defender as well. If he can make cuts like he did tonight, and attack mismatches on top of that, he's going to keep earning minutes.
Yeah, that Greek kid does ok without a legit deep ball.
I think barring a growth spurt (which would be amazing lol), Kuminga still really needs that shot to come around. Not necessarily to Kawhi levels but probably to like Siakam levels.
The shot will define his ceiling. The defense, and slashing ability raise his floor.
The wings who flamed out because they couldn't shoot: Justise Winslow, Stanley Johnson and Michael Kidd Gilchrist. Those guys not only couldn't shoot, but they couldn't really score at all.
If he's like a Ben Simmons on D with more of a scorer's mindset (and better mindset in general), then that could be a really good top 25 type player.
I think there are still some warts in Kuminga's game that don't show up in his specialized role with the pro team but show up in his expanded role in the G-League. He looks like he could be an excellent smallball big but if he fancies himself as a wing (and I think he does) the shot, decision making, and engagement need to be better.
He's had no issues with engagement on the pro team so far and has looked ridiculous defensively as a result, but he's also fighting for minutes right now and doesn't have a defined role so that's plenty of motivation to give maximum effort. I'm curious what happens when he settles in to a role. He has one in the G-League and quite frankly he's looked like he doesn't care at times. I remember last year when I was "scouting" him and seeing a guy who sometimes was fully into it and sometimes couldn't be bothered to get into a defensive stance. Perhaps the NBA is all the motivation he needs? But it's still a question for me.
I do like him as a prospect more than Wiseman though because of how physical he is. When Kuminga plays the big man position, he plays like a big. When Wiseman was playing as a big, I felt he was playing like a guard. I hope that changes for Wiseman this season.
For sure. He’s got a lot of work to do. I just think there’sa pretty high floor with that D and ability to get downhill.
Honestly it seems the team is pushing him towards a ball handling wing instead of a small ball big, I much rather them groom his big skills, cutting, o rebounds, rolling of screens first to establish a base he’s already good at and let the ball handling and decision making come through time with offseasons and training camps.
Also he definitely doesn’t care in the g league and doesn’t want to be down there, it seems he needs a challenge to be locked in
Great night. I dug this Slater tweet with some Kuminga clips. Him bodying up these two bulls on back to back nights is so impressive.
https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/1470931060733235201?s=20
Anthony Slater
@anthonyVslater
The Warriors have used Jonathan Kuminga as a primary defender on Domantas Sabonis and Julius Randle the last two nights. Think we'll see that more moving forward, Kuminga for stints on big scoring 4s.
Steve Kerr: "He deserves to play more."
Some film vs Sabonis/Randle
https://youtu.be/0ewWNi7j78Y?t=9
For Kuminga's first bucket of the Knick game, Fournier had an easy opportunity for a strip but wasn't able to move the ball at all. Perhaps it was a weak attempt by Fournier, but I'm choosing to believe it was an indication of exceptional strength by Kuminga.
Yeah, that did not look like a weak strip attempt.
He’s 19 years old and guys bigger than him aren’t able to knock him off his base!
This is a great set of clips, but I don’t want it to dissuade Apricot from a full breakdown of the 16 minutes he’s played over the last two games.
It's elite core strength. Those guys can bully guys even bigger then them in the post.
Stephen Curry (The Golden State Warriors) has broken Ray Allen's record for all time 3-pointers made in NBA history. JJ Redick is joined by Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, Alex Caruso, Davion Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton, Nikola Vucevic, Pascal Siakam and more to discuss this unbelievable Steph achievement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urLnWCw5o_c
(Note: this is a compilation of previous recordings, so if you've seen the JJ Redick podcast already, these are not new recordings)
Steph gives Dray and Dre Rolex watches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsqHkT-_CXc
A consideration on MSG: it is indeed the basketball Mecca, I was moved by the celebration for Steph, majestic indeed. Let me dream of a Finals Knicks-Dubs: lineup at the Kaaba, Poole-Morant-Wiggins-Kuminga-Wiseman…….
Wait are we going to have to go through this all again when Steph hits #3000
Yep, and #4000 for sure and #5000 maybe.
You complaining? 😃
Said this in the game thread but I'll leave it here:
As the resident Davidson alum, and someone that used to live a couple of doors down from Steph, I'm really glad that his college coach Bob McKillop (who happens to be a proud New Yorker) took a chance on the local Charlotte kid none of the ACC schools wanted and helped him take a big step to get to where he is now. And I'm glad he was there to watch Steph set the record.
Also really cool to see the respect between him, Ray and Reggie. Absolute legends.
So proud of Steph and all he's accomplished. And he's not even close to done yet.
Gee that is cool. Did you ever get to chat to him or was he always in the gym? 😂
Oh yeah! He was always approachable, hung out with him plenty of times and took a couple of classes with him at different points there. He always worked hard but everyone who knew him or hung out with him before the run saw him as just like every other student. It was the new students that came our junior year that were starry eyed.
(Also, don't try playing him at beer pong. I learned the hard way 😅)
Lol, Steph playing beer pong is SNL skit material. Who’s got next? Ah crap!
This is awesome.
https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1470927235934740482?s=20
Same suit?
Also Reggie looks no different!
I’m sure this photo has been posted already, but it really captures the emotion of Steph in the moment of breaking the record.
It also captures a steely eyed Kuminga in the background lurking with a face that says, “I WILL BE NEXT”.
https://bleacherreport.com/post/golden-state-warriors/30a3791e-d73b-4c9f-a9bd-b36df19bad43
Kuminga #3260 steals to Stockton
really timely that Apricot ran a Head Tap explainer so recently! now wondering if he can answer this question: has Wiggins ever passed out of it before?
Slater tweet content:
-Draymond Green: "Wiggins never passes out of that play."
-Steph Curry: "We run that play a lot. I think that's the first time."
-Andrew Wiggins: "That play? It's a bucket first. But I saw Steph with a little bit of space and a chance to make history..."
https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/1470974323989139460?s=20
Lol. Wiggs has cheeky side to him? Love it.
I've been wondering. For career records like most points rebounds assists or even in other sports: How many times does a player break the all-time record and he's the leading candidate for MVP, in the prime of his career and sitting atop the leagues standings? Usually a career mark like points or rebounds is someone who's 40 like Karl Malone or Kareem or something. I'm not including Wilt because his stat situation was just whack, but are there other examples of setting a career record and it feels like ya just might double it?
Ricky Henderson passed Lou Brock for career steals in '91 the year after he won the MVP. Was a monster for a long time after that.
Jerry Rice passed Jim Brown in like 1994 I think
He might not an MVP candidate, but John Stockton was 32 (‘94-95) and still killing it when he passed Magic for all-time assists leader at 9,900. He played 8 more season after that and went on to 15,000
Excellent comp. Ding ding. He was never an MVP candidate but he was certainly in his prime.
Ruth home runs are probably the closest comp.
The other Ruth comp to me is that he basically changed the entire sport, and you might be looking 50-100 years down the line and still be saying he was the greatest shooter ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_v2uXrfpd4
How many onions does this recipe call for anyway??
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D13W8FRgJT0
The Blazers and the Dubs each had 22 free throws tonight. Dubs made 20 and won by 9. Blazers made 14, lost by 4 in OT. Funny how the little things make the difference.
Fact check: Warriors were 20 for 27 on free throw tonight
https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-nyk-0022100414/box-score
Haha omg that’s embarrassing. I looked it up on nba.com …. How on earth did I screw that up???
FWIW, I wouldn’t have thought twice about your statement, but specifically remembered Steph missing a FT and Bjelly missing a pair, so went to see if my memory was fooling me.
Yeah, the Ws were pretty crap at the line last night; and have been pretty meh there all season long (Steph’s .923 and Jordan’s .909 notwithstanding). Their .756 team mark ranks #21 in the league. It’s one of the few areas where they have not kicked ass.
I’m waiting for that awkward moment when Poole inches ahead of Steph in FT% mid-game and he’s the only one who knows it. Then when Steph is about to shoot a technical free throw, Poole taps him on the shoulder and says, “Ahem…” and shows him cell phone with the updated numbers.