NBA: *** 2024 NBA thread ***
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Reading a bit about Josh Kroenke who is the son of Stan who owns Nuggets and bunch of other pro teams. Also his mom is a Walton (Walmart) family member. Talk about being born with a silver spoon. Holy ****.
But this was the most interesting bit from his wiki page…
He graduated from the University of Missouri, where he received a full basketball scholarship.[2] While in college, Kroenke found himself involved in a scandal which led to the resignation of Larry Eustachy, the coach of the Iowa State basketball team. In 2003, Eustachy, a friend of Josh's father, attended a student party with Josh in Columbia, Missouri.[9]Photos of Eustachy drinking with college students at the party later surfaced and led to his resignation from his position at Iowa State.
But this was the most interesting bit from his wiki page…
He graduated from the University of Missouri, where he received a full basketball scholarship.[2] While in college, Kroenke found himself involved in a scandal which led to the resignation of Larry Eustachy, the coach of the Iowa State basketball team. In 2003, Eustachy, a friend of Josh's father, attended a student party with Josh in Columbia, Missouri.[9]Photos of Eustachy drinking with college students at the party later surfaced and led to his resignation from his position at Iowa State.
There are 6 teams in the western conference that could easily be #3 seed or in the #8 play in game with only 3 games left.
It could very well be one game difference from 3 seed and a team getting bounced in play in game.
Lakers currently are #3. They could go 1-2 and be 7/8 spot, lose one game, no playoffs.
It could very well be one game difference from 3 seed and a team getting bounced in play in game.
Lakers currently are #3. They could go 1-2 and be 7/8 spot, lose one game, no playoffs.
Grizzlies and Timberwolves will be huge game tomorrow. Right now this is how I power rank the West going into playoffs and likelihood of winning it.
1. Thunder
2. Warriors
3. Lakers
4. Rockets
5. Nuggets
6. Timberwolves
7. Clippers
8. Grizzlies
I think Thunder is clear favorite but twist my arm and I'd take the field over Thunder which is a lot more open than East
What are your thoughts on the Warriors at 2? I haven't been able to watch them much since the Butler trade but have seen them moving up the standings. Experience wise they have some real potential but are the young guys finally contributing? The experience would seem to work against them also in my mind, the main guys are just getting older.
Butler has been better compliment than I even expected. I too thought they were a little long in tooth. Butler has made the warriors elite defensively. 22-6 since the Butler Trade. They have 2 great defenders in Green and Butler that can guard and switch on to anyone. Neither is ball dominant either they just make the right pass and still committ 100% to defense pretty rare traits for superstars. Curry is still impossible to guard when he's on and podziemski is really becoming a weapon. I think with all the winners and experience they have they're going to be a tough out in a 7 game series. I'm interested to hear what others think though.
They definitely are more legit now but I question if they are deep enough to make a real run, especially depending on their draw. They could theoretically have to go Denver, OKC, LAL. That'd be brutal when your big three are 37, 35 and 35 respectively.
Also, Playoffs are a different animal. I'd have concerns about guys like Podziemski and Post effectiveness playing big roles in the postseason.
Hard to find anything I disagree with. After the Thunder though I think you can find legitimate concerns with every other team in the West. I really like the Rockets future Amen Thompson looks like a future top 5-10 player. It's hard to put them above warriors though with their youth and lack of permiter shooting. I think to your point on warriors cast the key is going to be Kuminga. There's a huge difference from good and bad kuminga.
Given your post which again I don't disagree with my question would be how do you handicap the West after OKC?
I'd agree that every team has serious questions outside of OKC. Behind them I think it all depends on the way the matchups actually shake out with the amount that could change from 3-8 yet. We mostly agree I think. Without knowing matchups I'd go...
- OKC - duh
- Lakers - Luka is one of the best playoff players ever already and Lebron, plus I think the supporting group of Reaves/DFS/Hachimura/Vanderbilt/Vincent all are more proven, have playoff experience and can defend (well other than Reaves)
- Warriors - Playoff Jimmy is a different animal, so I gotta have them at three
- Nuggets - only if Murray is back! The coaching drama is a mess, but if they are healthy, then Jokic will make sure they are a factor. If Murray is out, then knocking them down a couple of spots
- Rockets - Just not sold on them in the playoff environment with much of their rotation having zero playoff experience. Plus Brooks, one that actually does have some experience, has been a disaster his last few trips to the postseason with Memphis
- Timberwolves - Quietly have been playing really well, but I don't think there is enough offense around Ant. Julius Randle was an absolute liability in the playoffs with the Knicks and him being the 2nd option would scare me as a wolves fan. That said, I don't think the Rockets would like to see them first round
- Clippers - A fun team, but don't think they can do much without a super human performance from Kawhi and I just don't think his body can do it any more.
- Grizzlies - They are a mess and the injuries are stacking up. Hard to see them making any noise.
- Kings - Such bad roster construction. That said, wouldn't be shocked if they got out of the play-in games.
- Mavericks - Someone had get the last play-in spot but they'll be gone quick
I saw someone also mention Honeymoon Jimmy Butler. So this year is not just playoff Jimmy but Jimmy being nice on a new team Jimmy. So you get a double dip of good basketball from him.
Great minds think alike. We're on same page mostly. Timberwolves might be team I'm least sure of. Kind of a wildcard. I think they matchup well to a lot of teams with their size and defense but they may also get OKC first round.
The Athletic (@theathletic.bsky.social)
In Nikola Jokić’s first public comments since the Denver Nuggets fired coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, he said the moves jolted the locker room and the team’s mindset heading into the playoff push.
bsky.app
Man, the Warriors have been playing so well and then they lay an egg in the easiest but yet most important game of the season… lost to the Wemby and Kyrieless Spurs at home. Makes me think this run with Jimmy was a bit of smoke and mirrors and that they won’t be much of a contender after all. Did this a couple weeks ago, too, against a Jokerless Nuggets team. Definitely playing to the level of the competition.
Sorry. Mixed up my injured Texas guards. Should have said DeAaron Fox.
Tyrese and the Pacers are absolutely white hot and healthy heading into playoffs. Not sure if they’ll make ECF again but better regular season by far despite terrible start.
