Since I was rooting for the Clipper to LOSE in the first round, I will continue hoping that they will lose in the second round. It's partly the tanking to avoid the Lakers shenanigans; it's partly that I dislike these rent-a-team pursuits of championships and hate to see it rewarded. Utah did it the old-fashioned way; through the draft and the occasional trade or FA. Denver, Phoenix, and Philly also fit that description. The Clips and Nets can kick rocks (along with the deposed Lakers).
I've known mercenaries that are more likable than some of the players on those teams. And just a thought, I am okay with a normal trade that makes sense for both teams. Okay, I guess I am okay with stealing Minnesota's lunch money every few years. But generally speaking, with all the talk of trading the Warriors future away to pry some superstar from another team, is that the path we want to take? Do we want to be the Yankees or the Dodgers, and win a Chip just because we have an owner crazy enough to outspend every other team in the league? Or do we want to continue on a path that got us where we are to begin with. Draft smart, key under the radar trades (who saw Bogut/Ellis as a precursor trade to a Dynasty?), an occasional high profile free agent (Iggy and Durant) and light years ahead smart FA pick ups like Livingston, Zaza, West, and great NON-MOVES like not trading Klay for K Love. The Warriors created an arms race in the league that has led to crazy player movements that have left many organizations in tatters. Why does everyone think we need to jump into the same arms race? Is everyone so afraid of Leonard/Paul, Joker/Murray, Gobert/Mitchell, Embiid/Simmons? Yeah, Durant/Harden/Irving may be a problem. But last I check, we have Steph/Klay/Dray and a pretty shrewd FO and coach. I would rather fall short of a Chip than be one of those teams that is part of the superstar musical chairs league.
Anytime a team that is assembled like the Clippers were loses is a great thing for the NBA. Utah was built organically, no bad vibe pesticides, just good drafts, timely trades, sticking to a vision and letting team, players and chemistry all build into something. There are so many great teams in the NBA right now because there are so many great young players paired up and staying together. Remember when college players played 4 years and we got to follow teams and groups of players for several years at a time? The player initiated super team concept that leaves a trail of broken franchises in it's wake is just hard to root for.
That Clippers squad has a talented group of guys.. too bad their potential will never be truly unlocked because their coach sucks and they'll end up breaking the team apart in the offseason when the Jazz wins in 5.
Personally, I think it will be Utah and Brooklyn in the Finals. Both have the offense and defense and the depth. Utah is a better team than the Clipps. Sure, Kawhi and George are elite players but I don't think they match the depth of Utah. I'd love to see Utah go all the way. If there is any team that might challenge them it will be Phoenix. They are on a roll and it will be two years in a row that they are going deep in the playoffs. Can they take Utah? Will they take Utah?
Yeah, you're right. My bad. 8 straight wins in the bubble which let them sniff the playoffs for the first time in years. This season seemed like a continuation of that success. Oubre stopped playing and there was also a covid outbreak to help end their season. Suns are a legit team and probably won't take Utah.
Which is hardly “deep into the playoffs”. They’ve been good for what, their last 100 games or so? I’m still skeptical and think Utah would handle them fairly easily. Probably 5 games.
Since I was rooting for the Clipper to LOSE in the first round, I will continue hoping that they will lose in the second round. It's partly the tanking to avoid the Lakers shenanigans; it's partly that I dislike these rent-a-team pursuits of championships and hate to see it rewarded. Utah did it the old-fashioned way; through the draft and the occasional trade or FA. Denver, Phoenix, and Philly also fit that description. The Clips and Nets can kick rocks (along with the deposed Lakers).
Go Utahs.
I don't like Nets - Lakers - Clippers
I would pick even Washington Generals or Goon Squad against them
You ever notice " Lakers - Clippers - Nets " are all connected? Hope they all go fishing.
These are my 'don't like' picks as well. Teams of mercenaries with no historical connection to those franchises. Ugh.
I've known mercenaries that are more likable than some of the players on those teams. And just a thought, I am okay with a normal trade that makes sense for both teams. Okay, I guess I am okay with stealing Minnesota's lunch money every few years. But generally speaking, with all the talk of trading the Warriors future away to pry some superstar from another team, is that the path we want to take? Do we want to be the Yankees or the Dodgers, and win a Chip just because we have an owner crazy enough to outspend every other team in the league? Or do we want to continue on a path that got us where we are to begin with. Draft smart, key under the radar trades (who saw Bogut/Ellis as a precursor trade to a Dynasty?), an occasional high profile free agent (Iggy and Durant) and light years ahead smart FA pick ups like Livingston, Zaza, West, and great NON-MOVES like not trading Klay for K Love. The Warriors created an arms race in the league that has led to crazy player movements that have left many organizations in tatters. Why does everyone think we need to jump into the same arms race? Is everyone so afraid of Leonard/Paul, Joker/Murray, Gobert/Mitchell, Embiid/Simmons? Yeah, Durant/Harden/Irving may be a problem. But last I check, we have Steph/Klay/Dray and a pretty shrewd FO and coach. I would rather fall short of a Chip than be one of those teams that is part of the superstar musical chairs league.
Great job, Eric! I think we can all agree quoting me was some of your best writing to date.
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*Narrows eyes at blatant attempt to hack the Likes system*
I keep getting this growing feeling that The Klaw is going to leave in FA...i mean, its clearly not working down there
Anytime a team that is assembled like the Clippers were loses is a great thing for the NBA. Utah was built organically, no bad vibe pesticides, just good drafts, timely trades, sticking to a vision and letting team, players and chemistry all build into something. There are so many great teams in the NBA right now because there are so many great young players paired up and staying together. Remember when college players played 4 years and we got to follow teams and groups of players for several years at a time? The player initiated super team concept that leaves a trail of broken franchises in it's wake is just hard to root for.
This is why I’m rooting against the Nets (and previous, the Lakers) as well.
That Clippers squad has a talented group of guys.. too bad their potential will never be truly unlocked because their coach sucks and they'll end up breaking the team apart in the offseason when the Jazz wins in 5.
From your mouth to God's ears.
Still rooting for the Jazz due to the Ballmer factor. Got to give him credit though, the products he helped built persecuted all races equally.
Personally, I think it will be Utah and Brooklyn in the Finals. Both have the offense and defense and the depth. Utah is a better team than the Clipps. Sure, Kawhi and George are elite players but I don't think they match the depth of Utah. I'd love to see Utah go all the way. If there is any team that might challenge them it will be Phoenix. They are on a roll and it will be two years in a row that they are going deep in the playoffs. Can they take Utah? Will they take Utah?
Phoenix went deep into the playoffs last year?
Yeah, you're right. My bad. 8 straight wins in the bubble which let them sniff the playoffs for the first time in years. This season seemed like a continuation of that success. Oubre stopped playing and there was also a covid outbreak to help end their season. Suns are a legit team and probably won't take Utah.
No playoffs, but at least they did well in the bubble.
Which is hardly “deep into the playoffs”. They’ve been good for what, their last 100 games or so? I’m still skeptical and think Utah would handle them fairly easily. Probably 5 games.
Yes, I think Jazz handle them pretty easily too, particularly after CP3 breaks down after game 2. It's the playoffs, after all.
Far in the bubble!
Will be sorely missed against the Nets. Thybulle hurts you offensively while Seth/Kork/Milton will be relentlessly picked on.