2023-2024 General NBA Season Thread

NoXInNixon

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Currently Detriot has an active 21 game losing streak and San Antonio's is 18 games. Based on some quick research, the previous record for the second longest active losing streak was 15, on Feb 13, 2019 when the Knicks were a day away from ending an 18 game losing streak, while the Suns were at 15 games in a streak which would eventually reach 17 games. We're witnessing history, folks.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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Wizards (and Caps) apparently agree to move from DC to Potomac Yards, which is outside Alexandria, VA. VA has agreed to invest $3B into what is envisioned as a "sports entertainment district."

Mystics will stay in DC.

Will be a blow to DC; will be interesting to see the downstream effects. All this after DC agrees to pony u $600M to improve the arena.

https://www.axios.com/2023/12/13/wizards-capitals-virginia-arena-plans-photos
 

InstaFace

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I'm surprised how bad Detroit is. Cade has always been overrated and is not very good. But even so, they should be better than this.

Also a bit surprised the Spurs are just as bad as last year with Wemby.
They came within a missed free throw of storming all the way back from 20 down in the 4th to tie the game against the Lakers, with Wemby hitting some clutch 3s. The two really aren't alike other than that they lost last night.
 

lovegtm

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They came within a missed free throw of storming all the way back from 20 down in the 4th to tie the game against the Lakers, with Wemby hitting some clutch 3s. The two really aren't alike other than that they lost last night.
The Spurs are 3-20 with a -11 net rating (worse than Detroit).

You can slice that any way you want (probably Pistons are a bit worse), and you can see more cause for optimism, but they're really, really bad right now.
 

Auger34

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Giannis goes after the Pacers for taking the game ball on the road after losing and Giannis having an historic night.
That whole thing was truly unhinged and the cherry on top was in the press conference after with him saying he didn't think it was the real game ball....who the fuck cares? It's a basketball to commemorate the night.

I think Giannis is a good dude but he 100% plays up the "aw,shucks!" routine for the media and I've always thought it's a little crazy that a lot of NBA media members spew the "Who can hate Giannis?!?!?" routine.
As a player, it's pretty fucking easy to hate him. He's a bull in a china shop that leads with his elbows
 

CreightonGubanich

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Giannis' explanation made the whole thing even worse - that he was trying to get the game ball for Dame, because he passed Kyle Korver for fifth on the all-time three pointers made list. Seriously? Not because of your career/franchise high 64 point night? Just own it, man.
 

Jimbodandy

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That whole thing was truly unhinged and the cherry on top was in the press conference after with him saying he didn't think it was the real game ball....who the fuck cares? It's a basketball to commemorate the night.

I think Giannis is a good dude but he 100% plays up the "aw,shucks!" routine for the media and I've always thought it's a little crazy that a lot of NBA media members spew the "Who can hate Giannis?!?!?" routine.
As a player, it's pretty fucking easy to hate him. He's a bull in a china shop that leads with his elbows
That whole thing is super weird. Guy has always seemed like a generally nice guy, but that's all kinds of "do you know who I am".
 

Kliq

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Giannis rules.

The Pacers were thumping their chests about knocking Milwaukee out of the IST, and then Nesmith hit him with the hard foul (which funnily enough, Giannis seemed the least upset person on the Bucks about it). So he fired up and just completely annihilated them, to the tune of 64 points--even checking back into the game late to go past 60. And he wanted the game ball too because fuck you. We need more of that in the NBA.
 

Auger34

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Giannis rules.

The Pacers were thumping their chests about knocking Milwaukee out of the IST, and then Nesmith hit him with the hard foul (which funnily enough, Giannis seemed the least upset person on the Bucks about it). So he fired up and just completely annihilated them, to the tune of 64 points--even checking back into the game late to go past 60. And he wanted the game ball too because fuck you. We need more of that in the NBA.
You're missing a ton of context with that. It's not cool to sprint to the tunnel like a lunatic and yell at Tyrese Haliburton about it who had nothing to do with it. And then trying to say that he wanted the ball for Lillard is about as lame as it gets. Cool is owning it. "I wanted the game ball because I crushed them".

Also, his beef is with the wrong person. If you watch the replay, the first person to get their hands on that ball is a Bucks staffer. I don't know how the hell he lost it but his ire should be focused on that dude, not random players who don't give a shit
 

Kliq

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Nah he still rules. He wants the ball. Give him the damn ball! It's not enough to vanquish the Pacers, he wants the trophy too!
 

lars10

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Nah he still rules. He wants the ball. Give him the damn ball! It's not enough to vanquish the Pacers, he wants the trophy too!
If I were the pacers I’d take it and throw it in with 30 other balls and let him figure out which one it is. Pacers do seem like a team that likes to jaw when they’re ahead.. sort of nice to see them take a hit.
 

AB in DC

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Wizards (and Caps) apparently agree to move from DC to Potomac Yards, which is outside Alexandria, VA. VA has agreed to invest $3B into what is envisioned as a "sports entertainment district."

Mystics will stay in DC.

Will be a blow to DC; will be interesting to see the downstream effects. All this after DC agrees to pony u $600M to improve the arena.

https://www.axios.com/2023/12/13/wizards-capitals-virginia-arena-plans-photos
Route 1 traffic is already a nightmare in that area, and that's before all the development. I don't get it. Metro access won't be nearly as good either.
 

lars10

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You're missing a ton of context with that. It's not cool to sprint to the tunnel like a lunatic and yell at Tyrese Haliburton about it who had nothing to do with it. And then trying to say that he wanted the ball for Lillard is about as lame as it gets. Cool is owning it. "I wanted the game ball because I crushed them".

Also, his beef is with the wrong person. If you watch the replay, the first person to get their hands on that ball is a Bucks staffer. I don't know how the hell he lost it but his ire should be focused on that dude, not random players who don't give a shit
"I have no idea. I'm not going to lie," he said. "I really don't know. I have a ball, but I don't know if it's the game ball. It doesn't feel like the game ball to me. It feels like a brand-new ball. I can tell. I played, what, 35 minutes today. I know how the game ball felt. The ball that I have, which I'll take and I'll give it to my mom, for sure -- but I don't know if it's actually the game ball."

He wanted the ball for Lillard so he could give it to …his mom?
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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Route 1 traffic is already a nightmare in that area, and that's before all the development. I don't get it. Metro access won't be nearly as good either.
There is a WMATA station that looks to be pretty close to the arena according to some preliminary renderings.

The interesting thing is that they aren't building many parking spaces in the entire complex. While maybe - and that's a big maybe - fans will be willing to take the Metro to and from games, how many people are going take the metro just to eat out or go out for the night?

https://wjla.com/news/local/how-a-move-to-alexandria-virginia-could-impact-washington-wizards-capitals-fans-commuting-to-games-basketball-hockey-sports-complex-arena-entertainment-district-potomac-yard-neighborhood-metro-transportation
 

Sam Ray Not

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Is 64 points on 28 shots good?
It’s excellent, although not quite as ridiculously efficient as it seems when you factor in the 32 free throw attempts. Still .760-ish true shooting, tho (depending on how many of the fta might have been and/ones or fouls on 3fga).
 

radsoxfan

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They came within a missed free throw of storming all the way back from 20 down in the 4th to tie the game against the Lakers, with Wemby hitting some clutch 3s. The two really aren't alike other than that they lost last night.
The only reason they aren't alike is the Spurs have Wemby. Obviously that's a big difference as far as long term outlook.

So far this season, they are similarly terrible so far (as lovegtm pointed out).

I wasn't expecting a major impact on winning in year 1 from Wemby, but thought there might be some. Overall the Spurs look as bad as last season. I'm also slightly surprised the Pistons look THIS bad.
 

HomeRunBaker

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That whole thing is super weird. Guy has always seemed like a generally nice guy, but that's all kinds of "do you know who I am".
Imagine you are an unheralded rookie. You're just called up, you're excited. You score your first freakin NBA basket and are given the game ball. The elation! The happiness! The sense of finally making it!.....

Then here comes a multi-time MVP who also has a Finals ring. A first-ballot HOF. And he comes barreling in demanding the ball from you? I'd be like...for real? Ok man here's the ball you POS. Then I'd share my story all over social media. Complete garbage and immature play by Giannis.
 

HomeRunBaker

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The only reason they aren't alike is the Spurs have Wemby. Obviously that's a big difference as far as long term outlook.

So far this season, they are similarly terrible so far (as lovegtm pointed out).

I wasn't expecting a major impact on winning in year 1 from Wemby, but thought there might be some. Overall the Spurs look as bad as last season. I'm also slightly surprised the Pistons look THIS bad.
They both look awful with zero leadership. The primary difference over the last several weeks is that Detroit seems to be going through the motions while the Spurs are competing their asses off and coming close to winning games. That speaks more to Pop > Monty which also passes the smell test.
 

MyDaughterLovesTomGordon

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The only reason they aren't alike is the Spurs have Wemby. Obviously that's a big difference as far as long term outlook.

So far this season, they are similarly terrible so far (as lovegtm pointed out).

I wasn't expecting a major impact on winning in year 1 from Wemby, but thought there might be some. Overall the Spurs look as bad as last season. I'm also slightly surprised the Pistons look THIS bad.
I'm also surprised, but I think it actually speaks well of the league as a whole and should make us reconsider a little bit what the Celtics are doing. Almost all these teams are really good. If you don't bring a solid effort, you're going to get rolled, even if you've got high picks up and down your roster and one of the greatest coaches of all time. There's just too much talent and experience on most teams to get away with not being really, really good. Can't believe there isn't more talk of expansion. The NBA should be 32 teams ASAP.
 

Bread of Yaz

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Route 1 traffic is already a nightmare in that area, and that's before all the development. I don't get it. Metro access won't be nearly as good either.
The VA General Assembly and the City of Alexandria still need to sign off on the project and so its no sure thing that it will happen.
 

radsoxfan

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Imagine you are an unheralded rookie. You're just called up, you're excited. You score your first freakin NBA basket and are given the game ball. The elation! The happiness! The sense of finally making it!.....

Then here comes a multi-time MVP who also has a Finals ring. A first-ballot HOF. And he comes barreling in demanding the ball from you? I'd be like...for real? Ok man here's the ball you POS. Then I'd share my story all over social media. Complete garbage and immature play by Giannis.

According to Giannis he didn’t get the actual game ball, just a random new one. Which is also comedy.

The entire thing from Giannis about demanding the game ball and being that upset was so so bizarre.

His post game press conference sounded like an SNL skit.
 

Jimbodandy

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Nah he still rules. He wants the ball. Give him the damn ball! It's not enough to vanquish the Pacers, he wants the trophy too!
I'm fine with a little "because fuck you, that's why" from Giannis. He does that, and it adds to his edge. No problem with that. But it's a ball. Dunk on a guy with a 28pt lead in the 4th, no problemo. But a ball is a dumb thing for him to bang his shoes on the table for. Hell, he elevates the Pacers with that stuff, which is not what he wanted.

Imagine you are an unheralded rookie. You're just called up, you're excited. You score your first freakin NBA basket and are given the game ball. The elation! The happiness! The sense of finally making it!.....

Then here comes a multi-time MVP who also has a Finals ring. A first-ballot HOF. And he comes barreling in demanding the ball from you? I'd be like...for real? Ok man here's the ball you POS. Then I'd share my story all over social media. Complete garbage and immature play by Giannis.
It's a ball. Giannis getting wound up enough to run up the tunnel for it is just weird.
 

Auger34

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According to Giannis he didn’t get the actual game ball, just a random new one. Which is also comedy.

The entire thing from Giannis about demanding the game ball and being that upset was so so bizarre.

His post game press conference sounded like an SNL skit.
Getting into Haliburton’s face trying to make him go get the ball is also hilarious.

Haliburton is like really? I don’t fucking care, get out of my face you weirdo
 

AB in DC

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There is a WMATA station that looks to be pretty close to the arena according to some preliminary renderings.
But the current stadium is on (or within walking distance of) all five Metro lines. This site isn't. And the car/road plans seem incredibly amorphous for an area that's already a headache to get around. Hell, I live in Virginia, and I would much rather drive downtown than to Potomac Yard. Pretty easy to get to and from via the 3rd street, 7th street, or 12th street tunnels. Parking is a bear, of course, but doesn't seem a whole lot better at the new development.
 

Euclis20

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Giannis' shot chart from last night's game (free throws not included):

75129

That looks like 20 made shots inside 5 feet. Indy might have a problem with their interior defense.
 

benhogan

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According to Giannis he didn’t get the actual game ball, just a random new one. Which is also comedy.

The entire thing from Giannis about demanding the game ball and being that upset was so so bizarre.

His post game press conference sounded like an SNL skit.
Hilarious stuff. He sounds like a 10yr old.

NBA Drama is nightly. League Pass is so undervalued

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg3mpo3yWq0
 

PedroKsBambino

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That's an awesome pull. Kudos to Giannis for being diligent about shot selection, though as you note if the other team lets you get lay-ups it's not that hard to just take them!
 

radsoxfan

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Hilarious stuff. He sounds like a 10yr old.
It honestly made me wonder if there is some particular significance to game balls in Greek culture. He did mention how he will be giving it to his mom, so maybe?

The behavior was juvenile and just plain odd. Maybe he planned to worship it night or something.
 

snowmanny

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Remember the time Larry Bird went off for 60 in New Orleans to set a Celtics record and it turned out the ball had previously been promised to a charity auction? And Bird argued that the charity should still get the ball? Although I don’t think they did.
 

benhogan

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It honestly made me wonder if there is some particular significance to game balls in Greek culture. He did mention how he will be giving it to his mom, so maybe?

The behavior was juvenile and just plain odd. Maybe he planned to worship it night or something.
I have a feeling Giannis won't be charging the Pacer's locker room or putting up a 60-spot on them anymore without retribution

James Johnson is 36 years old, which is kinda ancient in pro basketball terms. But few, if any, people in the NBA would dare mess with him. That’s what happens when word gets out that Johnson has earned a black belt in karate and is said to own a 20-0 record in kickboxing matches. Johnson’s nickname is “Bloodsport,” which is a damn cool nickname to have. “The whole league would say the same thing,” one player said of Johnson. “That’s not smoke they want. I’ve seen it in person.”

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/273970/James-Johnson-Pacers-Agree-To-One-Year-Deal
 

Auger34

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I have a feeling Giannis won't be charging the Pacer's locker room or putting up a 60-spot on them anymore without retribution

James Johnson is 36 years old, which is kinda ancient in pro basketball terms. But few, if any, people in the NBA would dare mess with him. That’s what happens when word gets out that Johnson has earned a black belt in karate and is said to own a 20-0 record in kickboxing matches. Johnson’s nickname is “Bloodsport,” which is a damn cool nickname to have. “The whole league would say the same thing,” one player said of Johnson. “That’s not smoke they want. I’ve seen it in person.”

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/273970/James-Johnson-Pacers-Agree-To-One-Year-Deal
Ish Smith was on Jeff Teague’s podcast recently and they were talking about their Wake Forest team with James Johnson.

Apparently Chris Paul used to go by and play 5 on 5 pick up with them and in one run Teague was cooking him. On one play he crossed him over and hit a reverse lay up which made James Johnson scream out “oh shit, this dude is nice!”
CP looked at Johnson and said “shut up motherfucker you ain’t do it”

That was the end of that particular pickup game because James Johnson chased Chris Paul out of the building trying to kick his ass…..

Long story short, don’t fuck with James Johnson
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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It wont happen but something like Collins for Draymond Green plus the NBA napkin that is Cory Joseph works after the Dec 15th date. Not sure that solves anything for either team or whether Janos (though remember that he likes chippy players) or the Dubs would do it. That said, you will never get value for either player for a variety of reasons so maybe exchanging problems is the next best alternative.
 

HomeRunBaker

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Ish Smith was on Jeff Teague’s podcast recently and they were talking about their Wake Forest team with James Johnson.

Apparently Chris Paul used to go by and play 5 on 5 pick up with them and in one run Teague was cooking him. On one play he crossed him over and hit a reverse lay up which made James Johnson scream out “oh shit, this dude is nice!”
CP looked at Johnson and said shut up motherfucker you ain’t do it”

That was the end of that particular pickup game because James Johnson chased Chris Paul out of the building trying to kick his ass…..

Long story short, don’t fuck with James Johnson
Good thing no refs were around.
 

luckiestman

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Someone please tell me the Pacers will sell Molon Labe tees with two basketballs on the front and the back is a Rick Carlisle quote.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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Sacramento crowd is riding Giddey pretty good and it feels like its affecting his game thus far in the first half of the Thunder/Kings.
 

Tony C

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Warriors grinding back into the game -- just 1 point down. Pretty impressive. And Klay is back...for at least a game, but weirdly Steph has been off (albeit the Clippers are really hounding him -- clearly the only player on GS that they're worried about).
 

HomeRunBaker

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Warriors grinding back into the game -- just 1 point down. Pretty impressive. And Klay is back...for at least a game, but weirdly Steph has been off (albeit the Clippers are really hounding him -- clearly the only player on GS that they're worried about).
Klay got the wakeup call after his benching last game. No George so the Clips go deep into their bench to not disrupt their second unit and Amir Coffey has come up huge. They have all the pieces in place to be able to have someone like Coffey step right in. Harden has been fantastic tonight too.