2022-23 Around the NBA Thread

[Covert Rain]

Warriors… 9th? Steve, whatever you’re smoking, DON’T pass it this way. I think we’re the 5 or 6 seed.

DOH! I miss that. Steve you are definitely on something.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Warriors… 9th? Steve, whatever you’re smoking, DON’T pass it this way. I think we’re the 5 or 6 seed.

Reasons to predict a significant drop for the Warriors: Post championship malaise, Draymond Green contract drama, Curry turns 35, lost super sub GPII and the West should be much tougher and deeper this season.

With their mainstays all in their 30's and showing some wear and tear, the Warriors will need to rely on Kuminga, Wiseman, Poole and a few rookies. It's a nice group of kids and they could well form the nucleus for another dynasty in a few years, but that kind of youth is often a death sentence for teams with high expectations.

As for the Suns, I find little to like about this offseason. Maybe they put the problems way behind them, maybe they make every opponent look like the playoff Mavericks. We won't know till we see them play. Win it all, miss the playoffs - neither would shock me. But, right now, IMO, we probably finish no better than 3rd in our division.

I figure there are 9 teams, any of which, could easily finish above us this season. That's a lot of competition for a team that just went through our offseason from hell and the Sarver distraction could continue for months if not longer. I'm not writing us off but I'm not penciling us in either.

 

[Covert Rain]

Reasons to predict a significant drop for the Warriors: Post championship malaise, Draymond Green contract drama, Curry turns 35, lost super sub GPII and the West should be much tougher and deeper this season.

With their mainstays all in their 30's and showing some wear and tear, the Warriors will need to rely on Kuminga, Wiseman, Poole and a few rookies. It's a nice group of kids and they could well form the nucleus for another dynasty in a few years, but that kind of youth is often a death sentence for teams with high expectations.

As for the Suns, I find little to like about this offseason. Maybe they put the problems way behind them, maybe they make every opponent look like the playoff Mavericks. We won't know till we see them play. Win it all, miss the playoffs - neither would shock me. But, right now, IMO, we probably finish no better than 3rd in our division.

I figure there are 9 teams, any of which, could easily finish above us this season. That's a lot of competition for a team that just went through our offseason from hell and the Sarver distraction could continue for months if not longer. I'm not writing us off but I'm not penciling us in either.

That's not a malaise. That's an outright collapse. No way Curry or the Warriors organization let's that happen. They are not the type of organization to sit pat at the trade deadline if they need to make a move. No shot they collapse like this.

 

[Proximo]

I think the Suns are probably a 3rd or 4th seed, but nobody will really know till we see them play. I certainly see the potential for growth from within, but I also see the potential for drama.

This is the toughest overall NBA environment I can ever remember, there are 9-10 legit playoff contenders in both the East and the West, so I don't think any team is going to run away with the best record. I expect a lot of low 50 high 40 win teams at the top of the playoff brackets.

 

[AzStevenCal]

That's not a malaise. That's an outright collapse. No way Curry or the Warriors organization let's that happen. They are not the type of organization to sit pat at the trade deadline if they need to make a move. No shot they collapse like this.

Maybe but I could easily see them reach the point where they have to decide between building for the future or gambling on another championship. Like I said, they have good young talent but those players need minutes and at this stage of their careers they are likely to hurt you almost as much as they help you.

If Green becomes a major distraction and Curry shows more stretches like his most recent mid-season slump, I believe they will look to the future. For them, the future doesn't have to be that far away especially if they decide to move some of their older players.

 

[Phrazbit]

1 Grizzlies
2 Warriors
3 Suns
4 Nuggets
5 Clippers
6 Wolves
7 Pelicans
8 Mavs
9 Lakers
10 Kings

 

[Covert Rain]

1. Memphis
2. Golden State
3. Suns
4. Mavs
5. Clippers
6. Nuggets
7. Pelicans
8. Lakers
9. T-Wolves
10. San Antonio

 

[AzStevenCal]

1. Memphis
2. Golden State
3. Suns
4. Mavs
5. Clippers
6. Nuggets
7. Pelicans
8. Lakers
9. T-Wolves
10. San Antonio

Well, I hope you're better at predicting than I am.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Maybe but I could easily see them reach the point where they have to decide between building for the future or gambling on another championship. Like I said, they have good young talent but those players need minutes and at this stage of their careers they are likely to hurt you almost as much as they help you.

If Green becomes a major distraction and Curry shows more stretches like his most recent mid-season slump, I believe they will look to the future. For them, the future doesn't have to be that far away especially if they decide to move some of their older players.

This feels like wishful thinking more then reality. They’ve shown the ability to develop guys their entire run. Integrated Poole and Wiggins easily. The idea that somehow that stops and disrupts the team so much that they go from Champions to out of the playoffs makes very little sense to me.

 

[AzStevenCal]

This feels like wishful thinking more then reality. They’ve shown the ability to develop guys their entire run. Integrated Poole and Wiggins easily. The idea that somehow that stops and disrupts the team so much that they go from Champions to out of the playoffs makes very little sense to me.

I don't see how it's wishful thinking. I could be way off but it's not because I have some kind of problem with the Warriors. If I have to see some team other than the Suns win it all, GS interests me as much as any team and far more than most. And it's not like I think we have a better chance if only they weren't so good.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Reasons to predict a significant drop for the Warriors: Post championship malaise, Draymond Green contract drama, Curry turns 35, lost super sub GPII and the West should be much tougher and deeper this season.

With their mainstays all in their 30's and showing some wear and tear, the Warriors will need to rely on Kuminga, Wiseman, Poole and a few rookies. It's a nice group of kids and they could well form the nucleus for another dynasty in a few years, but that kind of youth is often a death sentence for teams with high expectations.

As for the Suns, I find little to like about this offseason. Maybe they put the problems way behind them, maybe they make every opponent look like the playoff Mavericks. We won't know till we see them play. Win it all, miss the playoffs - neither would shock me. But, right now, IMO, we probably finish no better than 3rd in our division.

I figure there are 9 teams, any of which, could easily finish above us this season. That's a lot of competition for a team that just went through our offseason from hell and the Sarver distraction could continue for months if not longer. I'm not writing us off but I'm not penciling us in either.

I think you’re nuts

 

[Cheesebeef]

I don't see how it's wishful thinking. I could be way off but it's not because I have some kind of problem with the Warriors. If I have to see some team other than the Suns win it all, GS interests me as much as any team and far more than most. And it's not like I think we have a better chance if only they weren't so good.

if it’s not wishful thinking then it’s time to stop smoking the upholstery. The only way the Warriors finish 9th is if Steph goes out for the season at some point. I mean... he missed 20 games last year and they still won 53 Games.

 

[AzStevenCal]

if it’s not wishful thinking then it’s time to stop smoking the upholstery. The only way the Warriors finish 9th is if Steph goes out for the season at some point. I mean... he missed 20 games last year and they still won 53 Games.

I don't want to predict an injury for any player but yes, I think there's a fair chance that whether from injury or wear and tear this will be a seriously off year for Curry. It's the main reason I think they could be a borderline playoff team this season. And it's not like I'm predicting they'll win 20 games. But like the Suns, I expect them to win probably 10 fewer games this next season.

 

[Phrazbit]

I don't want to predict an injury for any player but yes, I think there's a fair chance that whether from injury or wear and tear this will be a seriously off year for Curry. It's the main reason I think they could be a borderline playoff team this season. And it's not like I'm predicting they'll win 20 games. But like the Suns, I expect them to win probably 10 fewer games this next season.

If the Suns win 10 fewer games they're still a top 3 seed.

As for Golden State, I think they are a team who knows when to hit the gas and when to coast. Barring multiple, catastrophic injuries next year, they're going to be in the mix... again.

The Suns meanwhile... they've still got top 3 talent in the West, if their chemistry isn't a problem then the only thing holding them back from the top seeds will be if they've decided to pace themselves better and not treat the regular season like it is the playoffs.

I don't see the drastic improvements across the West that others do.

Sure... the Nuggets might be healthier... but we've seen these Nuggets healthy, they're a 3 or 4 seed.

Sure... the Clippers are almost certain to be healthier, but we've seen them healthier, they were a 4 seed and they "game manage" their stars to an extent no one does, basically removing them from the conversation of a top seed.

The Grizzlies are the team that I think might make a huge push for a top seed. They're young, deep, and Ja Morant isn't the type to be "game managed" at this point in his career. If he can stay upright I think they're a likely 1 seed. I still think the Warriors, Suns, Clippers and probably the Nuggets would be a huge threat to them in a series if all parties are healthy, but that is the team I see going all out to win every game this season. Similar to us last year.

The Wolves might make a push for the top 4 but I don't see them getting beyond the 1st or 2nd round. I also could see them in a play in spot. It just depends out how well the league goes about exploiting their very odd lineup.

 

[Muggz]

None of those team can could will or would hang with us and they wont this year.
1 Suns
2-10 who cares

 

[95pro]

If the Suns win 10 fewer games they're still a top 3 seed.

As for Golden State, I think they are a team who knows when to hit the gas and when to coast. Barring multiple, catastrophic injuries next year, they're going to be in the mix... again.

The Suns meanwhile... they've still got top 3 talent in the West, if their chemistry isn't a problem then the only thing holding them back from the top seeds will be if they've decided to pace themselves better and not treat the regular season like it is the playoffs.

I don't see the drastic improvements across the West that others do.

Sure... the Nuggets might be healthier... but we've seen these Nuggets healthy, they're a 3 or 4 seed.

Sure... the Clippers are almost certain to be healthier, but we've seen them healthier, they were a 4 seed and they "game manage" their stars to an extent no one does, basically removing them from the conversation of a top seed.

The Grizzlies are the team that I think might make a huge push for a top seed. They're young, deep, and Ja Morant isn't the type to be "game managed" at this point in his career. If he can stay upright I think they're a likely 1 seed. I still think the Warriors, Suns, Clippers and probably the Nuggets would be a huge threat to them in a series if all parties are healthy, but that is the team I see going all out to win every game this season. Similar to us last year.

The Wolves might make a push for the top 4 but I don't see them getting beyond the 1st or 2nd round. I also could see them in a play in spot. It just depends out how well the league goes about exploiting their very odd lineup.

I dont think anyone is saying dratic improvements, but a few teams did get better meaning the schedule will be tougher for everyone. This win/losses should have a tighter grouping this season than the last couple.

Nuggets, i'm not worried about them even if healthy. MPJ and Gordon aren't impactful in the playoffs. Jokic is great though.

Clippers, i'd be worried about them. They are deep. Deeper than the Grizz and they have a great coach. Lou is very underrated. They took us for a good run 2 years ago, i wouldn't worry about their record but come playoffs they're seasoned veterans who are just young enough to make a run this year at a deep playoff push.

 

[Covert Rain]

Well, I hope you're better at predicting than I am.

Probably not. Unless the Suns make a move by the deadline or get an impactful piece back in a Jae trade? I can honestly see the Suns slip almost anywhere 1-5. Even though I think they are going to still have one of the best records IMO losing so much toughness between McGee and Jae is going to take its toll over an entire season. Still can't fathom your GS prediction (minus a major injury).

 

[AzStevenCal]

Probably not. Unless the Suns make a move by the deadline or get an impactful piece back in a Jae trade? I can honestly see the Suns slip almost anywhere 1-5. Even though I think they are going to still have one of the best records IMO losing so much toughness between McGee and Jae is going to take its toll over an entire season. Still can't fathom your GS prediction (minus a major injury).

Well, the possibility of major injury was certainly factored into my prediction. But honestly, if you go back to my original post I thought it was clearly a bit tongue-in-cheek. I think "predicting" at this stage of the year is closer to making a WAG than a reasoned analysis. I believe my reasons why they (and the Suns) might take a big drop are valid but that doesn't mean there aren't valid reasons to believe otherwise.

But with SAS and so many others almost guaranteeing the Warriors will repeat, I figure it's worth looking at the other side. Which has to also include the fact that the Warriors benefitted from injured opponents in the postseason just as much as we did the year before. And when that happnened, most pundits wrote us off as nothing but lucky.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Well, the possibility of major injury was certainly factored into my prediction. But honestly, if you go back to my original post I thought it was clearly a bit tongue-in-cheek. I think "predicting" at this stage of the year is closer to making a WAG than a reasoned analysis. I believe my reasons why they (and the Suns) might take a big drop are valid but that doesn't mean there aren't valid reasons to believe otherwise.

But with SAS and so many others almost guaranteeing the Warriors will repeat, I figure it's worth looking at the other side. Which has to also include the fact that the Warriors benefitted from injured opponents in the postseason just as much as we did the year before. And when that happnened, most pundits wrote us off as nothing but lucky.

Wha? No one here is almost guaranteeing the Warriors repeat and I’m not seeing that in the media either. By all accounts, the league is as wide open as it’s ever been. Hell, before the Celtics coach news broke, they were the odds on favorite in Sportsbooks to win the whole thing.

 

[Covert Rain]

Well, the possibility of major injury was certainly factored into my prediction. But honestly, if you go back to my original post I thought it was clearly a bit tongue-in-cheek. I think "predicting" at this stage of the year is closer to making a WAG than a reasoned analysis. I believe my reasons why they (and the Suns) might take a big drop are valid but that doesn't mean there aren't valid reasons to believe otherwise.

But with SAS and so many others almost guaranteeing the Warriors will repeat, I figure it's worth looking at the other side. Which has to also include the fact that the Warriors benefitted from injured opponents in the postseason just as much as we did the year before. And when that happnened, most pundits wrote us off as nothing but lucky.

I didn't see anybody guarantee that. I think the idea that GS is going to go from champ to chump defies all logic. It doesn't give credit to that owner or organization that never sits still, doesn't give credit to Kerr or the competitiveness of Steph. I just don't see any reasonable logic to predict a fall that far off a cliff. Nobody is saying they are title bound but it wouldn't suprise me one bit.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I don't want to predict an injury for any player but yes, I think there's a fair chance that whether from injury or wear and tear this will be a seriously off year for Curry. It's the main reason I think they could be a borderline playoff team this season. And it's not like I'm predicting they'll win 20 games. But like the Suns, I expect them to win probably 10 fewer games this next season.

I honestly think it’s crazy to think the reigning champions, with a presently healthy curry, a Thompson who is further removed from injury, a wiggins who has grown into an all-star, and a bevy of promising young players who are a year older, is going to finish with . . . 43 wins.

 

[Superbone]

I hope you're right, Steve. I'm sick of the Warriors.

 

[JCSunsfan]

There are a lot of good teams this year.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I honestly think it’s crazy to think the reigning champions, with a presently healthy curry, a Thompson who is further removed from injury, a wiggins who has grown into an all-star, and a bevy of promising young players who are a year older, is going to finish with . . . 43 wins.

I think it would be crazy to say it will happen but I don't think it's crazy to think it could reasonably happen. Curry turns 35 this season and he takes a beating every year. That stretch last season where he played the worst basketball of his career raises questions in my mind.

Also, Green and Poole are both looking for extensions that likely won't happen prior to the start of the season and it's not impossible to believe one or the other could be disruptive. Then, you have Draymond's second career potentially taking away his focus on the game.

Throw in that they have a lot of talented but very young players that need more than just spot minutes and I think the team could well end up having to make a tough decision come midseason. Do they trade away their young talent for the missing piece to get them one more championship or do they part ways with one or more of their big 3 to better position themselves for another run at a dynasty?

I can understand any of you doubting this will happen or telling me I'm wrong. But I'm surprised at all the "you must be nuts" or "there's absolutely no chance that can happen" that I'm getting for my post.

 

[Proximo]

I honestly think it’s crazy to think the reigning champions, with a presently healthy curry, a Thompson who is further removed from injury, a wiggins who has grown into an all-star, and a bevy of promising young players who are a year older, is going to finish with . . . 43 wins.

I would agree, barring a steph injury they are going to be right at the top.

I still say the Clippers are the best team though. Nobody else has their quality depth, and 2 top 15 players.