2017-2018 NBA Discussion Thread

The Golden State Warriors are the 2017 NBA champions, with Kevin Durant winning finals MVP. With a lot of potential free agents this year, and a pretty good draft, this will be an interesting off-season. Share your thoughts here on the new season. We will see which team plays their cards right.

 

I was going to do this as well, but in all reality we know the outcome. Unless PG24 gets traded for Kevin Love, and Cleveland gets a couple good role players, then they can compete, but even the Cleveland Cavaliers at the current moment, and the rest of the league won't be able to beat Golden State. It's a best of seven series, and 99% of the time the best team wins. Cleveland could've took this to 6 or 7 this year if they didn't choke game 3 to be honest, but that's the past. LeBron does his part, and at age 32 it seem like he hasn't slowed down at all.

In terms of the rest of the league, some predictions I have:
-PG24 goes to Cleveland because he's close to LeBron and can have a chance at a ring
-CP3, or Kyle Lowry will go to the San Antonio Spurs
-Lonzo Ball is a bust, and will be picked 3rd to the Philadelphia 76ers
-More ring chasers go to the Warriors
-Gordon Hayward reunites with Brad Stevens in Boston

Hype for the draft/free agency coming up in general, although the free agency list this year isn't as crazy as it will be next year.

 

It'd be great for Cavs to land a big player, but they will have to get rid of Love, which honestly probably puts them back in the same spot they're at now. Only way I see a Love trade worth is it were for Paul George or Gordon Hayward. Then they'd have to get a big man, and I'm talking a "BIG" man. Mosgov (sp?) was huge for us last year since he was able to grab the boards.

If I'm being honest, if they went and tried to get Dwight Howard that'd be something I'd be very intrigued for. I know he's a fucker and a POS, but he's a beast down low. LBJ would get him right.

edit: I also really like the idea of Melo, DWade, and CP3 come to Cleveland. It'd still be Kyrie at the point, but maybe transition into something crazy like Kyrie/CP3 on the court. More I think about it it just doesn't fit.

 

I think as far as I know PG24 is interested in headed to the Lakers next summer, but things could change. Do you really think Howard is a better center than TT? I think Thompson definately fits the flow of Cavs play, taking advantage of Wade'a last year or two of prime basketball would be the most reasonable place for him, especially having a more definite and reliable SG.

 

Celtics likely moving the first pick, so knowing my luck Fultz won't turn out to be a bust now.

I want Tatum or Jackson to be picked now.

 

I'd take Howard over TT honestly. You can't forget Howard was a fucking BEAST when he was on the Magic. Get him paired w/ LBJ and we got some firepower.

 

Jimmy Butler might be headed to Boston! Hopefully that happens, but if it doesn't, then I think we have a solid chance at getting Gordon Hayward, and a slight maybe on Paul George.

Howard is getting worse every season. Obviously it comes with this time of his career, but I'd definitely see him as a good fit on Cleveland to be that big like Mozgov was with the Cavaliers to get boards, finish lobs, and set screens. He's very athletic still, so it could be a good fit.

 

He'd be a great fit.

PG looking like he's going to Lakers, per sources.

 

I don't see why the Lakers? Does he want a ring? or does he want to waste his prime years on a team that's trying to rebuild? It honestly makes no sense to me. The Clippers, Celtics, and Cavaliers are the best fit for him in my opinion.

 

It's about money and it's the Lakers. Tradition. I think he's form there and was a big Bryant fan.

 

I mean I understand to an extent, but at this time of his career I'd go to a team where I'm most likely to compete at the highest level at. He's entering his prime right now, so why would a team like a Lakers be a good fit? Especially with Diangelo Russell, Brandon Ingram, and Jordan Clarkson leading that unit. In the end it's his decision, but if I want to stay in California, I'd go to the Clippers if I want any chance at a ring. Hopefully Chris Paul stays there though.

 

Clips can't afford PG. I hope Lakers don't draft Lonzo.

 

They could possibly work something out, just like the Warriors/Cavs are with all of their maxed players. I could definitely see Chris Paul trying to get a championship with the Spurs though because Tony Parker is about to retire, and Patty Mills is a way better guard to have coming off the bench. On the point about Lonzo, I think it would be stupid to draft him. You have a proven player in DeAngelo Russel and Jordan Clarkson as your future backcourt, and Julius Randle/Brandon Ingram. Why would they need another guard. In my opinion they should swap for a higher pick and get Zach Collins, or Jonathan Isaac.

 

I don't think they are tbh

 

If they would, that'd mean DRuss will be traded. Assumptions is all I have.

 

That's the only way they could bring in Lonzo as a franchise player, and yeah I'm with you on that. Russell has been playing pretty good considering he's only been in the NBA for like 2 years, and it seems he has a bright future ahead of him in LA.

 

Cavs reportedly working on multi-team deal to acquire Jimmy Butler. That's what I'm talking about.

 

All they really need to complete their super team is a good SG, and there they go. I'd dump Love.

 

That's probably not gonna happen. Jimmy to the Celtics hopefully, so we can at least have a competitive series vs the Cavs.

If you dump Love then you're going to need to add a solid big man, or a few good role players that can step up and provide good minutes. Sure you have Tristan Thompson, but who else is there if Kevin Love is traded.

 

Jimmy has said he'd want to play w/ the Cavs in an interview. I wouldn't be surprised. No one in the East will beat the Cavs for years to come, so if he wants to win a ring, Cavs are the best spot.