Around The League 2023-2024 Season

https://hoopshype.com/2023/12/09/isaiah-thomas-still-hopeful-of-nba-return-im-still-working-out-and-staying-ready/?utm_medium=browser_notifications&utm_source=pushly&utm_campaign=3912894



Isaiah Thomas still hopeful of NBA return: I'm still working out and staying ready


By HoopsHype | December 9, 2023



But that won’t be until after he calls it quits on playing the game. As we alluded to earlier, Isaiah Thomas has not given up on his dream of returning to the NBA. “I’m still trying to play the game of basketball. I want to get back to the NBA. So, I’m still working out and staying ready.”
Source: Mat Issa @ Forbes.com


Thomas felt such an intense connection to Romar and the University during his time there that his end goal now is to someday follow in his former coach’s footsteps. “That’s the ultimate goal,” Thomas told me over the phone. “At some point, I want to be the head coach at the University of Washington. Within the next five to ten years, that would be ideal. I want to try to take the program to the heights that Coach Romar took it to.” -via Forbes.com / December 9, 2023


Isaiah Thomas has not given up on his dream of returning to the NBA. “I’m still trying to play the game of basketball. I want to get back to the NBA. So, I’m still working out and staying ready.” -via Forbes.com / December 8, 2023


Thomas felt such an intense connection to Lorenzo Romar and the University during his time there that his end goal now is to someday follow in his former coach’s footsteps. “That’s the ultimate goal,” Thomas told me over the phone. “At some point, I want to be the head coach at the University of Washington. Within the next five to ten years, that would be ideal. I want to try to take the program to the heights that Coach Romar took it to.” -via Forbes.com / December 8, 2023


Bob
MY NOTE: I think we need another big, at least a power forward type, but I wouldn't mind having a microwave like IT coming off the bench.


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I really thought the Jazz were going to be better than what they are right now. And there are all those rumors about trading Laurie Markanen ? Why, Danny lusted after him for years. And, he became an all star last year. Payroll???

CHI gave us some breathing room last night holding off PHI in Philly.  Their streak ends at 6.  It won't be until Thursday where the Bucks could be put to the test at home.  They play a PO'ed ORL team.  Why not have that ORL team that showed us up a few weeks ago show up in MIL on Thursday?!! I don't ask for much. It's too much to ask for SAS to come into MIL and knock them off tonight. But hey, the answer's always "NO" if you don't ask!!

db

P.S.  LAL also lost last night in LA to the hapless Knicks!  I'm tellin' ya, this is LeBron's last season.  You heard it here first!!  Great night and we weren't even playing!

https://us.yahoo.com/sports/report-final-three-years-zion-174437731.html



Report: Final three years of Zion Williamson's contract no longer guaranteed.


NBC Sports

Thu, December 21, 2023 at 2:44 PM GMT-3·3 min read



When Zion Williamson signed a max five-year, $193 million contract extension to stay with the Pelicans, it was seen as a win for him and for small-market teams holding on to a superstar. However, it was not without risk because of Zion's injury history, leading the Pelicans to push for and get a game's played trigger to guarantee the final years of the contract. At the time, it was seen as highly unlikely Zion would miss enough games to trigger the clause.

Zion triggered the clause after playing just 29 games last season, reports Mike Vorkunov at The Athletic. The final three years of his contract, starting with the 2025-26 season, are no longer guaranteed.

That means the Pelicans have the contractual power to waive Williamson after the 2024-25 season with no financial ramifications — though rival team executives believe that would only happen in extreme circumstances. And if Williamson misses significant time this season, it could cut into his guaranteed salary for 2024-25. The contract also has ways for Williamson to earn back the guarantees by playing in enough games and hitting specific weigh-in checkpoints.

That first sentence is key — while they may have the option, the Pelicans are only waiving Zion in extreme circumstances. Things would have to get much worse for the Pelicans to consider cutting ties (something executives from other teams echo in The Athletic story), but now that option can be on the table.

The Pelicans want to win and win big with their core with Zion, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, a trio that has looked for short stretches this season like it can be a threat in the West. New Orleans wants to find a way to make this work. Cutting ties with Zion, or even trading him, would be a last resort, something where New Orleans felt it had no other choice.

Zion also could cost himself money during the contract — not guaranteed, but lower totals — by not hitting weight and body fat percentage marks listed in the contract. The Pelicans also can let go of Zion if he has issues with the fifth metatarsal bone in his foot, which was a previous injury issue.

However, Zion also can re-guarantee his money by playing in at least 61 games the season before the non-guaranteed year and hitting those weight marks (there are percentages of how much is guaranteed based on the number of games played; 61 games gets him fully guaranteed again). Zion said heading into this season he had worked on stretching and flexibility as part of a concerted effort to be on the court more.

So far this season Zion has missed just five games — none of them consecutive — and is averaging 22 points and 5.8 rebounds a game. However, scouts have noted he's not as explosive or impactful as he was just a couple of seasons ago and, at just age 23, he seems a step slower. Zion got called out for his conditioning and weight on national television by Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley, then responded with a 36-point outing the next game, looking more like his aggressive old self. However, his overall play and defensive impact are not what was hoped for the budding superstar, and this season the Pelicans have been 4.8 points per 100 possessions better with him off the court.

Ultimately Zion and the Pelicans want the same thing — him on the court as a star player leading this team to a lot of wins and playoff runs. New Orleans does not want to part ways with Zion. However, if things go sideways, the contract has been triggered and the Pelicans now have another option if they need it.


Bob
MY NOTE: The story of Zion Williamson is so sad. He was like Charles Barkley with 40#. Fast, athletic and unstoppable.


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https://us.yahoo.com/sports/pistons-fall-to-nets-for-26th-straight-loss-tie-record-for-longest-single-season-losing-streak-in-nba-history-030238072.html



Pistons fall to Nets for 26th straight loss, tie record for longest single-season losing streak in NBA history


Jason Owens·Staff writer

Updated Sun, December 24, 2023 at 12:12 AM GMT-3·2 min read



Put the Detroit Pistons in the history books.

Detroit lost 126-115 to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. The loss marked the 26th straight for the Pistons, tying them with the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers and the 2013-14 Process-era Philadelphia 76ers for the longest single-season losing streak in NBA history.

With a loss to the Nets in a home rematch Tuesday, they'd hold the single-season record as their own. After that, the all-time record is on the horizon.

A different iteration of the Process 76ers lost 28 straight games over the course of two seasons (2014-15 to 15-16) for the longest losing streak in NBA history. Only the East-leading Boston Celtics would stand between the Pistons and further infamy on Dec. 28.


The Nets snapped a five-game losing streak of their own with the win. They threatened to run away with the game after opening a 32-21 first-quarter lead. But the Pistons clawed back to cut their deficit to 77-75 with a Jaden Ivey layup midway through the third quarter.

Detroit had a chance to take the lead on its next possession, but Cade Cunningham's 3-pointer missed the mark. From there, the Nets reeled off seven unanswered points, and the Pistons didn't threaten again.

The Pistons had a good shooting night in a 49.4% effort from the field. But the league's 26th-ranked defense allowed the Nets to shoot 52.3% from the floor on seven more attempts and 41.7% (10 of 24) from 3-point distance. Seven Nets players scored in double figures, including all five starters led by Mikal Bridges (29 points, seven assists, six rebounds).

Three Pistons broke the 20-point barrier, including Ivey (23 points, seven assists, six rebounds) and Cunningham (22 points, six assists, three rebounds). But it wasn't enough to overcome another lackluster effort on defense.

The losing streak is an ignominious milestone for a Pistons team that's had top-5 picks in each of the last three drafts, including the No. 1 overall selection used to draft Cunningham in 2021. They followed up those draft picks with the signing of head coach Monty Williams in March to a six-year, $78.5 million deal, the largest coaching contract in NBA history.

The premium draft capital and high-profile coaching hire have produced a 2-27 start for the Pistons that doesn't show signs of turning around anytime soon.


Bob


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gyso, Methinks this post of your's was the cleverest of 2023:

"Romeo should look to play in Europe, maybe for Scaligera Basket Verona. My advice to him:

Once there, watch out for those Capulets. If he gets involved with them, it could be the death of him!"

Sunday Morning Standings:

(Yeah, it ain't that, but due to the schedule, it's the same thing.  I forgot to post this again on actual Sunday.)

OKC beat Minny last night.

Minny is now 1 game behind us, one in the loss column.

Milwaukee is 1.5 games behind us, two in the loss column.

Philly is 3 games behind us, 3 in the loss column.

Denver is 1.5 games behind Minny and 4 games behind us in the loss column.


Minny hosts Dallas tomorrow.  Dallas has a 10-6 road record while Minny is 12-1 at home. C'mon Luka!!

On Friday the Cavs host the Bucks.  The Bucks road record is a decent but not great 6-6.  Cleveland's home record is a weak 9-7.  This could go either way.

Also on Friday Ime Udoka's 15-13 Rockets, with a 12-3 home record, host Philly.  The Sixers have an 8-5 road record.  Go Rockets.


Bob


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Ime is a fine coach, especially on D.

Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
yesterday
Up only 2 in the final minute, and despite 37 in the 2nd half from Cade Cunningham, the Nets survive and win in Detroit, 118-112. The Pistons have set an NBA record with their 27th consecutive loss. Their next game? In Boston Thursday night.


Bob


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How has this happened? Haven't they had a good shot in each of the last four or so drafts, being high up there, "trying supposedly" to rebuild. Cunningham must be praying for a trade at this point, I know he was out almost all of last year, but he is a good player. They drafted Bey, then they traded him a year later. Who is calling the shots there. Monte is going to find himself out of work soon because they will be blaming him. This is a true case of total mismanagement and stupidity

As I watched the game I found myself hoping the Pistons could pull off the win.  Each loss brings them closer to a win.  The Celtics will need to be on their game tomorrow night.

The Pistons have some young talent but they are still missing a few pieces.

I actually hope we rest Jaylen, let’s get the bench in rythmn

+1

bobheckler wrote:OKC beat Minny last night.

Minny is now 1 game behind us, one in the loss column.

Milwaukee is 1.5 games behind us, two in the loss column.

Philly is 3 games behind us, 3 in the loss column.

Denver is 1.5 games behind Minny and 4 games behind us in the loss column.


Minny hosts Dallas tomorrow.  Dallas has a 10-6 road record while Minny is 12-1 at home.  C'mon Luka!!

On Friday the Cavs host the Bucks.  The Bucks road record is a decent but not great 6-6.  Cleveland's home record is a weak 9-7.  This could go either way.

Also on Friday Ime Udoka's 15-13 Rockets, with a 12-3 home record, host Philly.  The Sixers have an 8-5 road record.  Go Rockets.


Bob


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Cavs are without Garland and Mobley. And Mitchell and LeVert are questionable. Good luck beating Milwaukee.

https://us.yahoo.com/sports/embiid-wembanyamas-development-want-become-171421923.html



Embiid on Wembanyama's development: "Do you want to become KD, or do you want to become me?"


NBC Sports
Thu, December 28, 2023 at 2:14 PM GMT-3·2 min read



Victor Wembanyama has been as good as the Spurs could have hoped for the rookie, even if his season has been a little up and down. He is averaging 18.5 points and 10.7 rebounds a game, and more importantly getting three blocks a night and impacting games on the defensive end. Unlike rookie Chet Holmgren in Oklahoma City, the Spurs have not given Wembanyama a clearly defined role but are letting him explore the NBA game and space. Gregg Popovich has played Wembanyama in a lot of different roles — posting up, getting him the ball in the high post, having him bring the ball up, facing up on the wing — and letting him find his comfort zones and where he wants to be on the court.

The NBA is an adjustment for everyone, and in a fantastic story at The Athletic, David Aldridge asked Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kristaps Porzingis about their adjustments to the NBA and advice for Wembanyama. I thought Embiid's description of Wembanyama's season to this point and where he goes from here was particularly on point and enlightening.

"Right now, there's so much hype around him, I think he's trying to live up to the hype. That's what I see. And I watch a lot of games. I think, first of all, he has to figure out where he wants to play, whether he wants to be a guard or a big or whatever. It's not necessarily whether he wants to be a guard or a big; it's what he wants to become. Do you want to become KD, or do you want to become me? Not KD, or like a version of those guys — you want to combine everything. Right now, I just feel like everything kind of feels a little forced, in the way that he's playing. Which is not bad. Because the only way to get better is to play through it and learn. That's the only way. You make a lot of mistakes, and you learn.

The one thing that I'm happy about is they're allowing him to make those mistakes, and learn from it. But I just think there's a good and bad in that. The good of it is you learn through your mistakes. But then again, the bad of it is, you know, it just feels a little forced. Like, some of the shots. He can make it easy on himself. He can make it easy for himself. Like, he's 7-5, 7-6. Sometimes, and that's one thing I'm learning, too. Like, sometimes, just go down there and whatever, just shoot over somebody. Sometimes, you don't have to (work so hard). I'm still learning it. We all have the same issue."

Wembanyama is so skilled, so unique, he can do a little bit of everything, but being good at everything and not elite at one style is not necessarily the path to the level of NBA success he wants. Wembanyama has to pick who he wants to be as a player, even if he can break into other styles when situations call for it.

Watching Wembanyama play, some things are clear and likely to happen, like him getting physically stronger. That was not a secret when he came into the league but it's also something that can happen over a few years with dedication (Antetokounmpo is the poster child for that kind of transformation). Wembanyama seems to get that.

Finding a true identity of who he wants to be on the court is part of that. It's not that he needs to be Durant or Embiid — he can be his unique self — but that identity is still taking shape and needs to form. That's what this first season in San Antonio is about — growth over wins, just trust the team's process and get better. Wembanyama is doing that, although that can be uneven at times. This season was about learning.

Joel Embiid seems to understand that better than anyone.


Bob
MY NOTE: I think Embiid is presenting Wemby with a false choice. Who says it has to be either/or? That's like someone saying to Giannis when he came into the league "do you want to be a finesse center or a power forward?". He ended up being neither. Why can't Wemby be some new species of basketball player or, if not something completely novel, at least a variation of Giannis and not a more traditional center like Joel Embiid nor a pure shooter like KD? Giannis is like neither one of you and he's won more MVPs than you have, Joel. He won DPOY, Joel, and you haven't. He won a Championship, Joel, and you haven't. He's a rookie and, like most rookies, doesn't really know what he wants to be when he grows up, not specifically. Wemby's averaging 18+ppg and 10+rpg.
Embiid missed his first two years with foot issues, which gave him an opportunity to work on other parts of his game. In his 3rd year, 1st year playing, Embiid averaged 20ppg and 7.8rpg. Let's talk again in 2-3 years and then we'll know what's what with Victor Wembanyama.


.

The art of intimidation. Embid has a very high estimation of himself, until his team wins even a conference final, I do not want to hear from him. Victor is still a kid....has alot to learn and he knows that. you are right, come talk in two or three years Embid, he may have something to say to you in response. Right now, he probably is keeping his mouth shut.

What do all these players have in common - Wemby, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kristaps Porzingis ? Foreign born and raised. That says something great about the presence the NBA has become on the world stage.

Yes indeed, Bob. That 1992 team was a Dream.

bobheckler wrote:https://us.yahoo.com/sports/embiid-wembanyamas-development-want-become-171421923.html



Embiid on Wembanyama's development: "Do you want to become KD, or do you want to become me?"


NBC Sports
Thu, December 28, 2023 at 2:14 PM GMT-3·2 min read



Victor Wembanyama has been as good as the Spurs could have hoped for the rookie, even if his season has been a little up and down. He is averaging 18.5 points and 10.7 rebounds a game, and more importantly getting three blocks a night and impacting games on the defensive end. Unlike rookie Chet Holmgren in Oklahoma City, the Spurs have not given Wembanyama a clearly defined role but are letting him explore the NBA game and space. Gregg Popovich has played Wembanyama in a lot of different roles — posting up, getting him the ball in the high post, having him bring the ball up, facing up on the wing — and letting him find his comfort zones and where he wants to be on the court.

The NBA is an adjustment for everyone, and in a fantastic story at The Athletic, David Aldridge asked Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kristaps Porzingis about their adjustments to the NBA and advice for Wembanyama. I thought Embiid's description of Wembanyama's season to this point and where he goes from here was particularly on point and enlightening.

"Right now, there's so much hype around him, I think he's trying to live up to the hype. That's what I see. And I watch a lot of games. I think, first of all, he has to figure out where he wants to play, whether he wants to be a guard or a big or whatever. It's not necessarily whether he wants to be a guard or a big; it's what he wants to become. Do you want to become KD, or do you want to become me? Not KD, or like a version of those guys — you want to combine everything. Right now, I just feel like everything kind of feels a little forced, in the way that he's playing. Which is not bad. Because the only way to get better is to play through it and learn. That's the only way. You make a lot of mistakes, and you learn.

The one thing that I'm happy about is they're allowing him to make those mistakes, and learn from it. But I just think there's a good and bad in that. The good of it is you learn through your mistakes. But then again, the bad of it is, you know, it just feels a little forced. Like, some of the shots. He can make it easy on himself. He can make it easy for himself. Like, he's 7-5, 7-6. Sometimes, and that's one thing I'm learning, too. Like, sometimes, just go down there and whatever, just shoot over somebody. Sometimes, you don't have to (work so hard). I'm still learning it. We all have the same issue."

Wembanyama is so skilled, so unique, he can do a little bit of everything, but being good at everything and not elite at one style is not necessarily the path to the level of NBA success he wants. Wembanyama has to pick who he wants to be as a player, even if he can break into other styles when situations call for it.

Watching Wembanyama play, some things are clear and likely to happen, like him getting physically stronger. That was not a secret when he came into the league but it's also something that can happen over a few years with dedication (Antetokounmpo is the poster child for that kind of transformation). Wembanyama seems to get that.

Finding a true identity of who he wants to be on the court is part of that. It's not that he needs to be Durant or Embiid — he can be his unique self — but that identity is still taking shape and needs to form. That's what this first season in San Antonio is about — growth over wins, just trust the team's process and get better. Wembanyama is doing that, although that can be uneven at times. This season was about learning.

Joel Embiid seems to understand that better than anyone.


Bob
MY NOTE:  I think Embiid is presenting Wemby with a false choice.  Who says it has to be either/or?  That's like someone saying to Giannis when he came into the league "do you want to be a finesse center or a power forward?".  He ended up being neither.  Why can't Wemby be some new species of basketball player or, if not something completely novel, at least a variation of Giannis and not a more traditional center like Joel Embiid nor a pure shooter like KD?  Giannis is like neither one of you and he's won more MVPs than you have, Joel.  He won DPOY, Joel, and you haven't.  He won a Championship, Joel, and you haven't.  He's a rookie and, like most rookies, doesn't really know what he wants to be when he grows up, not specifically.  Wemby's averaging 18+ppg and 10+rpg.
Embiid missed his first two years with foot issues, which gave him an opportunity to work on other parts of his game.  In his 3rd year, 1st year playing, Embiid averaged 20ppg and 7.8rpg.  Let's talk again in 2-3 years and then we'll know what's what with Victor Wembanyama.


.

Last night in San Antonio's road victory @ Portland Victor Wembanyama had 30 points on 9-14, 2-4 from 3, 6 rebounds, 6 assists/1 turnover and 7 blocks, all in just 24 minutes.

He's leading the league in blocks/game with 3.2.

I'd say Wemby's doing just fine for a rook, Joel.


Bob


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@SAS is up for us Sunday, BTW.

db

Bucks lose to Pacers and Clippers beat the Heat.

The Celtics are turning into The Gingerbread Man!

The NBA is reviewing the Nets’ decision to field a threadbare roster against the Bucks on Wednesday, The Post has learned. The league is determining whether it rises to the level of a finable offense. In a case of load management that offended many of their fans — and appeared to vex their star player, Mikal Bridges — the Nets opted to sit four players against visiting Milwaukee, then compounded matters by pulling three more early in the 144-122 defeat. Nicolas Claxton, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and Cam Johnson all sat out entirely. Then the Nets doubled down, pulling Bridges, Cam Thomas and Royce O’Neale all after the first quarter.
Source: Brian Lewis @ New York Post


Bob
MY NOTE: If sitting 4 players and then pulling 3 more after 1 quarter isn't egregious load management then what is? Man. That is really spitting in Adam Silver's eye, isn't it? Let's see what kind of teeth The Commish has.


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