AROUND the NBA:

[Chicagojk]

-There will be 3-4 really disappointed teams this year in the west.   Tough to know who those teams are now.  Does any of these teams pivot if things spiral? What happens if a team who was suppose to be good really crators?

- Big year for Wemby.  He can be scary good and can do things on the court we have never seen before.   Although, in his two years he really has not impacted winning.   I think most of the blame goes to the Spurs organization, but they need to start winning now.  They have a young, athletic roster.  It may lack some shooting, but if Wemby is healthy, he needs to put that team in top 6 imo.     

-I think Giannis is a matter of when rather than if he leaves MIL.    I just don't know how they can win enough to stop Giannis from eventually asking out.   

- It is really depressing being a Kings or Suns fan.  The scary part is we would have been in the same place without lottery luck.   I could even say worse because we would also need to watch Luka haunt us for years.    Don't screw this up.    No all in moves!

-It was just preseason game but I did not like how Lauri from Utah was moving.   Very good player but I do wonder if Utah waited too long to move him.   I expect they try to find a place for him sometime this year.  Making aroudn 50 million for the next 4 years makes finding a fit for him and getting usable assets back really tricky.  This coudl also impact Kessler too.  I like him.  I think he can be a real nice player on a good team, but there is some whispers that not everyone feels that.    He has a contract coming up, so that could get interesting too.   He may have more value than Lauri, due to contract.  Right?

-I have no idea if he will be good but I really like rooting for Yang Hansen.   

-I thought Clev was awesome last year, but for me they are now a wait until playoffs type of team.   I thought they looked like the best team the Mavs played last year.   They bombed again in the playoffs.  I do think Lonzo will help them.    I would really want to have a legit 3rd team challenge NYC and Clev.  It is depressing how the talents drops off quickly in the East.   

-If I were to bet, I would pick the Knicks to come out of the East.   I want to see some more diversity on their offense though, rather than going through Jalen for everything.    

-Big years for Lamelo and Trae Young.  For different reasons, but both need to show they can be leading guys.   

-We will see how this draft class works out, but early impressions it is good to very good at the top.  Hopefully the top 3 picks are east teams.

[omahen]

Today is a deadline for rookie extensions for guys that will be RFA next season. A lot of interesting guys still didn't reach an agreement: Mathurin, Daniels, Sochan, Duren, Agbaji, Mark Williams, Eason, Braun, Kessler. To an lesser extent Ivey who mostly didn't show much with a lot of injuries.

Several teams could have cap space next season, so it will be interesting to see if we will see some offer sheets or more SnT situations (unless of course most of the guys listed sign their extensions today). Might be a better offseason for RFA than this one.

[Chicagojk]

Today is a deadline for rookie extensions for guys that will be RFA next season. A lot of interesting guys still didn't reach an agreement: Mathurin, Daniels, Sochan, Duren, Agbaji, Mark Williams, Eason, Braun, Kessler. To an lesser extent Ivey who mostly didn't show much with a lot of injuries.

Several teams could have cap space next season, so it will be interesting to see if we will see some offer sheets or more SnT situations (unless of course most of the guys listed sign their extensions today). Might be a better offseason for RFA than this one.

Zach Lowe did a podcast about this a few weeks ago.  I can't remember all of them but most of them were no.  I think Daniels and Braun were yes.  I am not sure about Duren.

He had Eason as a yes, but his guest disagreed and he changed his vote.   Said that Eason would be the trade piece in a win now move for a guard.  Plus, Eason has missed games due to injuries.    

He said no on Mark Williams. Too many injuries will want a prove it year from him.   Sochan was a no.  Good player but his weaknesses may not be the best fit moving forward.    He thought Houston would hold now and use all their leverage.  

I believe Maturin was a no.  Agbaji was a no.   Said Denver Peyton Wilson was a no as Braun would take priority.   

I think Duren and Kessler are the ones who interest me most.  I like both.   I have no idea what type of range they are seeking.

[omahen]

All of these guys could be interesting trade candidates for teams that are already expensive now, but have draft assets to use. Boston, as an example. As these guys are RFA, their current teams still hold a lot of leverage so prices might remain high. But their risk at the end of the day is, they might be force to accept a bloated salary from the potential offer sheet or watch the guy walk for free. Kessler is a prime example of that. Good young center, but offensively limited and Utah is realistically far from being anywhere near relevant. Are they willing to pay Kessler something like 25 or 30 mil per if someone makes the offer sheet?

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Rockets coach Ime Udoka said the opening night starting lineup vs OKC will be the jumbo lineup of Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams.

[Chicagojk]

Rockets coach Ime Udoka said the opening night starting lineup vs OKC will be the jumbo lineup of Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams.

I think Amen has a chance to be awesome.  Although, quite the clash of styles going up against OKC in game 1.   

I am pretty surprised Adams is starting.  I thought that would be a tool in their toolbox and not their starting lineup.   Interesting.  We will see.

[Smitty]

@ShamsCharania
Atlanta Hawks All-Defensive guard Dyson Daniels has agreed to a four-year, $100 million rookie contract extension with the franchise, agent Daniel Moldovan of Lighthouse Sports Management tells ESPN.

[Smitty]

@ShamsCharania
Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun has agreed to a five-year, $125 million rookie contract extension with the franchise, agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball tells ESPN.

[Chicagojk]

I like Braun.  He is a winning player.  On the other hand, I think he should give 20% of his paycheck to Jokic.

Daniels was highway robbery for ATL.   They traded Murray for Dyson and two number 1s.   Murray got hurt but even a healthy Murray that trades looks lopsided now.    The firsts were in 25 and 27.  Was that the first they traded for the Pelicans first next year or was that another pick.

[omahen]

I like Braun.  He is a winning player.  On the other hand, I think he should give 20% of his paycheck to Jokic.

Daniels was highway robbery for ATL.   They traded Murray for Dyson and two number 1s.   Murray got hurt but even a healthy Murray that trades looks lopsided now.    The firsts were in 25 and 27.  Was that the first they traded for the Pelicans first next year or was that another pick.

In the Murray trade to NO, Atlanta didn't get Pels pick in 2025, but the Lakers one that New Orleans owned. Atlanta also owned the Sacramento pick, while their own was owned by San Antonio from the Murray trade from SA to Atl. Atlanta traded the Kings pick to NO for unprotected NO or Mil pick (whichever is better) in 2026. The 2027 pick Atlanta got for Murray is least favorable of Bucks/Pels and top4 protected. 

I was surprised by what it looks like a low deal Dyson signed, especially since there were reports he wants way more. Braun I think is very much on a high end of what he is worth, although he did have a very good season. Still, he is 25 and more like a 5th starter than something more. 25 per seems rich for a fifth starter. Denver spend a FRP to get their finances in order this season, but now they look like a very expensive team again, with very few avenues to improve the team (unless one of their younger guys explodes like Braun did).

[DanSchwartzgan]

Thought this was interesting from Stein via Keith Smith:

My trusty colleague Keith Smith has counted it up and found 16 of the league's 30 teams are poised to open the season with their 15th roster spot unfilled.
Aprons everybody!

Every dollar counts like never before in today's NBA and that has led numerous teams to opt to leave one spot open to maintain an extra bit of flexibility.

The Warriors, Rockets, Clippers, Lakers, Knicks and Magic are teams that can't sign a 15th player even if they wanted to at the moment because they need more room under the nearest luxury tax apron to add salary.
Golden State, as covered in the previous Curry item, will gain that flexibility in November. 

According to Smith's bookkeeping, four teams on the list will be able to follow suit in January … with the Knicks unable to sign a 15th man until early April.

The other nine teams at present with an open 15th slot: Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Denver, Miami, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Toronto.

[KillerLeft]

Rockets coach Ime Udoka said the opening night starting lineup vs OKC will be the jumbo lineup of Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams.

I don't know what bizzaro world these coaches are trying to force us towards, but I wish someone would point me towards the road back to the 2016-2022 NBA.

[Knutsen]

Thought this was interesting from Stein via Keith Smith:

My trusty colleague Keith Smith has counted it up and found 16 of the league's 30 teams are poised to open the season with their 15th roster spot unfilled.
Aprons everybody!

Every dollar counts like never before in today's NBA and that has led numerous teams to opt to leave one spot open to maintain an extra bit of flexibility.

The Warriors, Rockets, Clippers, Lakers, Knicks and Magic are teams that can't sign a 15th player even if they wanted to at the moment because they need more room under the nearest luxury tax apron to add salary.
Golden State, as covered in the previous Curry item, will gain that flexibility in November. 

According to Smith's bookkeeping, four teams on the list will be able to follow suit in January … with the Knicks unable to sign a 15th man until early April.

The other nine teams at present with an open 15th slot: Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Denver, Miami, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Toronto.

Not every team has a cap maestro like Nico!

[Dahlsim]

I don't know what bizzaro world these coaches are trying to force us towards, but I wish someone would point me towards the road back to the 2016-2022 NBA.

Bizzaro fascinating   but sensible. 

the jumbo lineup of Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams.

BIG is BACK. 
Key injuries like Kyrie and VanVleet out at the point guard positions with big skilled players like Flagg and Amen flashing talent that demands minutes. 

MVP player makers including Jokic, Giannis, Lebron and big guards like SGA, Luka, Cade. 
Bigger players developing guard like skills increasingly, handling the ball, passing and playmaking. 

Now add the 2 center thing working out for a few teams including the Champs.  Jumbos are in.

[Kidnova]

I don't know what bizzaro world these coaches are trying to force us towards, but I wish someone would point me towards the road back to the 2016-2022 NBA.

I'm old, but I'll take this current trend towards bigs over 3 guard lineups jacking up 40+ 3PAs per game.

[Chicagojk]

I'm old, but I'll take this current trend towards bigs over 3 guard lineups jacking up 40+ 3PAs per game.

It is interesting how trends change. I still think highly skilled players (the bigger the better) is the best way to win, but I love going against the grain too.

I do hope the 6 foot guards are not pushed out of the league.   It feels like it is really hard to be a 6 foot player in the NBA now.  The 6 foot scoring guard or really great point guard is a favorite of mine.    Just really tough for anyone that size now.

[Chicagojk]

Two good games tonight.  I am not sure if I will be able to watch or not.    The super big Rockets minus their injured point guard against the team everyone thinks will either win again or get really close.   Question, all this talk about how deep the west is but OKC is still everyone's favorite.  It is warranted.  I was thinking though, over the next three years will OKC reach at least the WCF?   It seems like most think the answer is yes.

The next game is GSW vs LAL.   I think GSW offense when clicking is my favorite offense to watch.   They were awesome after getting Butler.  Although, I just feel like that team may not be as good as some think.    I have been wrong before though.   The Lakers minus Lebron, look to get off to a quick start.   I still have trouble watching the Lakers.    It is weird, when I do I am almost find myself rooting against Luka.  I never thought I would feel that and sort of feel embarrassed that is my feeling when seeing him play.  Darn Nico! Surprised to see GSW favorite tonight as well.

[Smitty]

@TheSteinLine
The Lakers say Maxi Kleber will be sidelined for at least two weeks by an oblique strain.

[mvossman]

Bizzaro fascinating   but sensible. 



BIG is BACK. 
Key injuries like Kyrie and VanVleet out at the point guard positions with big skilled players like Flagg and Amen flashing talent that demands minutes. 

MVP player makers including Jokic, Giannis, Lebron and big guards like SGA, Luka, Cade. 
Bigger players developing guard like skills increasingly, handling the ball, passing and playmaking. 

Now add the 2 center thing working out for a few teams including the Champs.  Jumbos are in.

The champs staggered their two bigs, one of them can shoot, and those are the only two players in the playoff rotation over 6'6".  I would not use the champs as an example of this move to size.

I will believe playing two non shooting bigs works when I see it.  That Houston lineup looks more like desperation after they lost VanVleet for the season, and if Mavs run out the lineup that just got trucked by Laker G League team in preseason, it will have the same hint of desperation due to Kyrie being out.

[F Gump]

 and if Mavs run out the lineup that just got trucked by Laker G League team in preseason 

Wait, what?

Interesting the way perceptions cause us to "see" what we are biased to expect ...

...unless "trucked" means "Beat them by almost 30."