The Dugout – The NBA Talent Scramble
The Young And The Drafted
A new generation of men has been initiated into the player depths of the National Basketball Association.
No real surprises there. The Lakers could have gone big, but they can also go big in free agency. Getting D’Angelo Russell fills a much greater need for them – plus he looks like an incredible player. Porzingis to the Knicks wasn’t the healthiest reception, though he’s a guy who went soaring up mock drafts in the last few weeks with his potential upside.
The biggest steal? Without a doubt it’s Justice Winslow falling all the way to tenth and to the Miami Heat. There’s no way they were banking on that.
Hey whaddaya reckon, does Jahlil Okafor look happy to be a 76er or what?
Part of that might be to do with the fact that Philly has drafted Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid in the last two drafts, also big men. And three men don’t fit two positions. Eh, they’ll trade one of them soon enough, this is Philadelphia we’re talking about!
The Older And The Free Agented
LEBRON’S OPTING OUT! LEBRON’S OPTING OUT!
… but don’t panic. He’s opting back in too. It even sounds like Kevin Love might re-sign as well after he also opted out (the team probably prefers this because it gives them more financial flexibility with the new deals).
The guy you wanna worry about is LaMarcus Aldridge. The chances of him returning to Portland are basically nil now, so he’s gotten on the phone with his agent and sorted out a whole bunch of meetings with prospective teams for the first day of free agency. Which is today, yay.
It’s been widely said that LMA wants to go back to Texas, so it’s no shock he’s meeting with all three Texan teams. He’s also been fielding calls from Melo. The teams are, in order of likeliness:
- San Antonio Spurs
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Dallas Mavericks
- Houston Rockets
- New York Knicks
- Phoenix Suns
- Toronto Raptors
Meanwhile, here’s the list of teams that Marc Gasol is planning to meet with:
- Memphis Grizzlies
Folks reckoned the Spurs were in with a big shot but for now they’re putting their eggs in the Aldridge basket. Obviously they cannot afford both. In fact, even with LMA there’s a chance that his signing would signal the end/retirement of Manu Ginobili. Hmm. Although Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are both expected to be present at LMA’s pitch meeting with San Antonio. Gregg Popovich too. All the Aldridge meetings will be held in Los Angeles, if you choose to take that as an omen. The Spurs have always been favourites, but the Lakers are gaining fast.
Who else we got? DeAndre Jordan wants a four year deal so that he can take advantage of upcoming salary cap hikes that are expected as TV deals and such get renewed in the next few years. Which just so happens to be a major blow to the Clippers chances of retaining him. See, as his current team they can offer slightly more cash and an extra year… but DeAndre doesn’t want that year. Opening him up to a level playing field for the likes of the Lakers, Mavericks and Knicks – all three of whom are fishing for something big this offseason.
Other players who are probably going nowhere:
- Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
- Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
- Draymond Green, GS Warriors
- Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets
- Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
- Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Brandon Knight, Phonix Suns
- Goran Dragic, Miami Heat
- Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks
- DeMarre Carroll, Atlanta Hawks
Aaron Rodgers Has A Way To Go
Drafted In The First Round, Still Got Time For Chores
Not That The Rooks Get A Choice
Frank The Tank
Not Drafted, Still Parties
Classic Home Run Derbies
Meanwhile The Modern Show's Getting A Makeover
Kevin Durant Destroys A Kid At Pop-A-Shot
Quote of the Week:
“He actually sent me a great message yesterday, which is really funny. I looked at it, and it was like, ‘This is when you know it’s about time to hang these things up, when your teammate writes you, ‘Hi, Mr. Bryant’ I was like, ‘What the fuck?’ But it was really nice and apologetic about what had happened. I said, ‘Dude, listen. We’ve all said things and done things that we regret and wish we could take back. It’s water under the bridge, man. Welcome to the team.’ He writes back, ‘Thank you, sir.’ I was like, ‘What the fuck?””
Kobe Bryant responds to the dug up old tweets of Lakers’ second rounder Larry Nance, specifically one that was notably critical of ‘Mr. Bryant’.
Kobe also admitted that he’s made a teammate cry before. Who else reckons it was Dwight Howard?
Good Week:
Steven Matz (New York Mets) – 3 for 3 at the plate with 4 RBI on major league debut. That’s something any rookie should be proud of. It’s even more impressive when you’re a pitcher and you also threw 7 2/3 innings for the win.
Chris Sale (Chicago White Sox) – The probable Best Pitcher In The Game does it again. 8 straight games with 10+ strikeouts, just the second man to do that since 1900 (after Pedro Martinez).
Houston Astros – After taking a couple games off the Kansas City Royals, it’s pretty clear now who the best team in the AL are and the 46-34 Astros now have the record and bragging rights to prove it. Dallas Keuchel has been pitching the lights out.
Bad Week:
Giancarlo Stanton (Miami Marlins) – The Marlins slugger and MLB home run leader this season will miss the next 4-6 weeks with a broken bone in his hand. The damage was done in a loss to the Dodgers. Stink, bro.
New York Knicks – It’s like there’s nothing they can do. The pick of Kristaps Porzingis was met with unanimous boos from NYK fans. What do you reckon the reaction would’ve been if the Spurs had taken him at four? Anyway, the Knicks are about to sign a massive free agent… right?
Player of the Week:
Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) – Forget the added expectations and all that, there’s no higher individual honour for a college player than to be picked first overall. The hard work starts now, though.