Jrag

I love this man so much. As a daily listener, I just knew it was a matter of time before he broke the dam on ESPN’s company-wide policy. Amazing. The man is an inspiration to me.

If the Clippers and Lakers aren’t contenders who is? The dynasty is dead. It’s time we act accordingly. Clippers seem like obvious favorites, not sure how anyone could deny that one, but I expect the Lakers to be nearly as good. They will be rough around the edges, but AD and Lebron is still AD and Lebron. 5 people on the court... If I was a Lakers fan would I want more than the ‘17 pelicans? Yeah, sure, but they are going to win a ton of game regardless.

The NBA is fucking wild man. As it stands now I’d predict a Lakers/Clips WCF. Jazz being the wildcard team that could break that up. Sixers and Bucks are going to walk to the ECF this year. Loved what the Pacers did though. I’d say they will be the best of that next tier by the end of the season. There is a clear power structure in both conferences and none of those teams have been to the finals as currently constructed. Kinda cool. Lakers,Clippers, Rockets, Jazz is a super good and fun top of the West

Davis is still only 26! We can’t judge a guy as playoff winner or loser this early in his career. Two seasons ago there was a legit argument he was the best player in the league. He carried a thin team to the playoffs after Boogie went down and then capitalized on a few late season additions to SWEEP the third seeded Blazers. A team that was much deeper than the one that just made the WCF. Those Robinson/Garnett playoff runs mentioned above would have been a hell of a lot shorter if they were playing GS in an early round. A few of these Pelicans teams have been ok, but some have been absolute dogshit. Y’all remember the Asik years, right? Im not gonna ding the guy for missing the playoffs early in his career in a historically stacked conference with varying levels of dogshit to mediocre surrounding him. That being said, it’s time to prove it. If they get a 3rd guy in there the Lakers will no doubt be the preseason favorites. No more excuses here.

Great trade for both. I assume the Lakers do in fact land another big name now. Kemba fits. Kyrie would be better. I would be even more impressed if they landed another wing like Butler or Kawhi. NO has maybe the best defensive backcourt in the league now with Jrue and Lonzo. Ultimate league pass team. I really do think they could be a playoff team next year, especially if Griff moves that 4th pick for a legit guy who can shoot. Those later year picks being unprotected is interesting. Have to assume the Lakers are rebuilding around AD by ‘24.

Generally I would agree, but KD is like the best suited out of anyone to recover from this specific injury. He doesn't rely on athleticism in the same way a smaller player does or a big man who is pounding down low would. He should still be able to shoot over everyone even without the same lift as before. He probably will never return to his pre-injury level defensively, but the buckets aint going anywhere.

Every team who can put the money together will still offer Durant a 4 year max. Which seems nuts for a guy who will miss all next year, but it is Kevin Durant after all. Even if he takes 2 years to get back to peak KD, a 4 year max would still be worth it for years 3 and 4. Still think KD signs in NY (and they tank for another year while he rehabs), but the injuries to him and Klay really throw some wrenches in the FA pool. Jimmy Butler, for example, will probably have more suitors now. Still think he stays in Philly, but he’s going to get to pick between max deals in favorable spots. How much is that extra year worth to him is the question.

I dunno man, I still think he is leaving. He has said himself he really doesn’t do it for the fans. He clearly cares more about winning than anything, and I think it’s pretty clear he can win wherever he goes. Clippers with 2 max slots and the Warriors dynasty collapsed. Good a chance to win there as anywhere. As crazy as it is to think, with Klay and KD missing most of if not all of next year, Kawhi probably has a better chance at repeating in the West. Especially if Philly runs it back and Giannis continues to improve. The Warriors could very well struggle to make the playoffs if KD opts in. That’s insane. Whole league is about to change.

Update!: The plant did not, in fact, make it to Kawhi

I present to you the most relatable Canadian of all time:

Happy for Boogie. They’re gonna need KD back more than ever on Wednesday if only so Dray can play some center. I assume Klay will play, but Looney being out for the series is a way bigger blow than most realize.

He had his Curry and KD tats covered up as well. Legend.

Last night we were all Canadian.

Check the avi

Interesting that they would leak that news out so soon.