The 2017-2018 Around the NBA thread

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

This is great, ESPN has a story spinning The Rock as the guy who is helping rebuild the Lakers "winning culture". I really don't know how they can spin this. It's an insult to their roster and team to suggest a WWE wrestler/actor is the guy who is turning around their team. The ESPN big market bias is real and this is a perfect example. Posting this the night before NBA free agency starts.


http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...ebrity-speaker-series-promote-culture-success

Did you read the article? because that’s not what it’s about at all.

 

[Hoop Head]

Did you read the article? because that’s not what it’s about at all.

Yeah, it's pitching their players on being around successful people like the Rock to get them used to being around greatness and what it takes to achieve great things and be at the top of your industry.

They don't pitch the Rock that hard in the article but they pitch the Lakers as the team that their fans always talk about, with their 16 titles and how their history will attract top level players. That isn't happening though. It hasn't happened yet and there's no sign it's happening now. Sure, they have some good young pieces but selling them on the idea of being a "Laker" as something to take pride in is great and it may work to get them dedicated now but eventually those players are going to look around and wonder why they aren't winning and why they haven't been able to attract the stars to that team to play. They're hooked on the past, which is rich in history but it is the past and having guys who aren't even professional athletes pitching them on reaching the top of the industry seems odd.

 

[AzStevenCal]

They're hooked on the past, which is rich in history but it is the past and having guys who aren't even professional athletes pitching them on reaching the top of the industry seems odd.

I don't find it odd. I can't tell you how many times I've had to sit through the same kind of things that Pelinka and Johnson have arranged. It's pretty common even if it's not the norm in basketball. I know it's been done in the NFL many times. It could be worse, they could have brought in the motivational speaker they used in The Natural.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Yeah, it's pitching their players on being around successful people like the Rock to get them used to being around greatness and what it takes to achieve great things and be at the top of your industry.

They don't pitch the Rock that hard in the article but they pitch the Lakers as the team that their fans always talk about, with their 16 titles and how their history will attract top level players. That isn't happening though. It hasn't happened yet and there's no sign it's happening now. Sure, they have some good young pieces but selling them on the idea of being a "Laker" as something to take pride in is great and it may work to get them dedicated now but eventually those players are going to look around and wonder why they aren't winning and why they haven't been able to attract the stars to that team to play. They're hooked on the past, which is rich in history but it is the past and having guys who aren't even professional athletes pitching them on reaching the top of the industry seems odd.

It’s called out of the box thinking. And it works wonders for people who “get” it because they attack the industry from more creative angles. Some of the pioneers were guys like Herschel walker doing ballet and I think Jerry rice studying martial arts to gain alternative skills they could incorporate into their games. The lakers are mostly young players. Getting guys to speak to them about achieving success in different ways is genius because you never know what clicks for whom.

 

[Hoop Head]

It’s called out of the box thinking. And it works wonders for people who “get” it because they attack the industry from more creative angles. Some of the pioneers were guys like Herschel walker doing ballet and I think Jerry rice studying martial arts to gain alternative skills they could incorporate into their games. The lakers are mostly young players. Getting guys to speak to them about achieving success in different ways is genius because you never know what clicks for whom.

That makes sense with the football players doing other athletic things to sort of expand on what they're capable of doing with their bodies but I'm just not seeing it with an actor and basketball players. Flopping is bad enough as it is.

Ok the flopping joke was too much, but I just don't see the relation between the industries that much. I get it with sales jobs or office jobs of just about any sort but when you're using your body to succeed in your industry, learning to use it in different ways can help a lot but training your mind differently? Not so much. Maybe with certain players, perhaps, but I just don't see young athletes in the NBA thinking anything other than "The Rock is a cool guy" rather than "I'll start thinking like this and practicing this much because it helped him in his field" sort of a thing. I guess I can't get past the Rock aspect of it. Kobe? Fine, I get that 100%, but not someone like the Rock talking to them. It's got to be someone who is also competing physically. He played some college football and he is an athlete of sorts because of wrestling but it's not a competitive environment where being able to perform in certain ways would guarantee him success.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

That makes sense with the football players doing other athletic things to sort of expand on what they're capable of doing with their bodies but I'm just not seeing it with an actor and basketball players. Flopping is bad enough as it is.

Ok the flopping joke was too much, but I just don't see the relation between the industries that much. I get it with sales jobs or office jobs of just about any sort but when you're using your body to succeed in your industry, learning to use it in different ways can help a lot but training your mind differently? Not so much. Maybe with certain players, perhaps, but I just don't see young athletes in the NBA thinking anything other than "The Rock is a cool guy" rather than "I'll start thinking like this and practicing this much because it helped him in his field" sort of a thing. I guess I can't get past the Rock aspect of it. Kobe? Fine, I get that 100%, but not someone like the Rock talking to them. It's got to be someone who is also competing physically. He played some college football and he is an athlete of sorts because of wrestling but it's not a competitive environment where being able to perform in certain ways would guarantee him success.

I’ll ask again, did you read it? Looks like Kuzma got something outta the rock talking to them. You’re being awfully myopic thinking that just because yiur job is sports you can’t learn from greats in other industries. Basketball is not all physical. It’s also preparation, studying, learning to think outta the box (like Westphall years ago recommending to his coach that they get a technical, give up the free throw to get the ball back and tie the game. Westy was capable of thinking outside the box but not all players are without help. I don’t mean to pick a fight with you, but your view of this is awfully narrowminded.

 

[Hoop Head]

I’ll ask again, did you read it? Looks like Kuzma got something outta the rock talking to them. You’re being awfully myopic thinking that just because yiur job is sports you can’t learn from greats in other industries. Basketball is not all physical. It’s also preparation, studying, learning to think outta the box (like Westphall years ago recommending to his coach that they get a technical, give up the free throw to get the ball back and tie the game. Westy was capable of thinking outside the box but not all players are without help. I don’t mean to pick a fight with you, but your view of this is awfully narrowminded.

I'm just not seeing it as you are. Perhaps it's my view on the Rock and wrestling that has me looking at the way that I am. I did read it, like I said I see the value in it also when you're talking about crossing lines with other professions but his involvement that is sort of putting me off. I can admit that I have sort of a narrow minded view on prowrestling and the Rock though so perhaps that's what is influencing me to view it a certain way.

 

[Folster]

That makes sense with the football players doing other athletic things to sort of expand on what they're capable of doing with their bodies but I'm just not seeing it with an actor and basketball players. Flopping is bad enough as it is.

Ok the flopping joke was too much, but I just don't see the relation between the industries that much. I get it with sales jobs or office jobs of just about any sort but when you're using your body to succeed in your industry, learning to use it in different ways can help a lot but training your mind differently? Not so much. Maybe with certain players, perhaps, but I just don't see young athletes in the NBA thinking anything other than "The Rock is a cool guy" rather than "I'll start thinking like this and practicing this much because it helped him in his field" sort of a thing. I guess I can't get past the Rock aspect of it. Kobe? Fine, I get that 100%, but not someone like the Rock talking to them. It's got to be someone who is also competing physically. He played some college football and he is an athlete of sorts because of wrestling but it's not a competitive environment where being able to perform in certain ways would guarantee him success.

It's abundantly clear that you can't smell what the Rock is cooking.

 

[BC867]

I'm just not seeing it as you are. Perhaps it's my view on the Rock and wrestling that has me looking at the way that I am. I did read it, like I said I see the value in it also when you're talking about crossing lines with other professions but his involvement that is sort of putting me off. I can admit that I have sort of a narrow minded view on prowrestling and the Rock though so perhaps that's what is influencing me to view it a certain way.

Pro wrestling is fixed. It has been for sixty years. With the player arranged super teams in the NBA . . . . . . . . 'Just saying!

 

[Hoop Head]

It's abundantly clear that you can't smell what the Rock is cooking.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I'm just not seeing it as you are. Perhaps it's my view on the Rock and wrestling that has me looking at the way that I am. I did read it, like I said I see the value in it also when you're talking about crossing lines with other professions but his involvement that is sort of putting me off. I can admit that I have sort of a narrow minded view on prowrestling and the Rock though so perhaps that's what is influencing me to view it a certain way.

The fact that you only credit the Rock with his wrestling career is baffling to me. He’s a major success story like few others. He was a collegiate football player became a superstar as a pro wrestler has transformed into a box office smash actor so much so there’s even ridiculous thoughts that he may run for president. You don’t think there’s a lesson to be learned about working towards success there? Also, the program isn’t centered around the rock. He’s one of many that they are having talk to the team. Like Elon musk. Opening perspective.

 

[Hoop Head]

The fact that you only credit the Rock with his wrestling career is baffling to me. He’s a major success story like few others. He was a collegiate football player became a superstar as a pro wrestler has transformed into a box office smash actor so much so there’s even ridiculous thoughts that he may run for president. You don’t think there’s a lesson to be learned about working towards success there? Also, the program isn’t centered around the rock. He’s one of many that they are having talk to the team. Like Elon musk. Opening perspective.

The Rock running for President shouldn't happen. Have we learned nothing as a country regarding electing "celebrities" to the highest public office possible? Yes, he's a success story and that's great. He has accomplished a lot in his life, there's no denying that but it seemed like he was an odd fit to sort of talk to players to sell them on becoming champion players. I think I see the disconnect now but I having trouble explaining it properly.

How I took their reasoning behind that program was to push them to be great players and restore the Lakers image as a championship team rather than producing great young men from the organization that didn't end up like your Behind the Music sort of cautionary tales who end up filing for bankruptcy before they're 40. If they were doing it to produce great men that reflect great on the Lakers as a team that develops players mentally more so than helping them receive accolades in the sport they're participating in, then I could see touting it as a great sort of change for an NBA team but I see them doing it as a way to sell people on the Lakers as the sort of class above everyone else and that them being great men will turn them into great players who win titles and that can only being done by doing things the "Laker way". Pushing their image above everything else. Sort of like every team can give you a good career in the NBA but being a Laker would be like getting a degree from Harvard while playing elsewhere throughout your career is like going to city college. Not only will you get educated by being a Laker but you'll also be part of winning these rings if you follow the path laid out for you, which actually has no proven success rate. Do you see what I'm saying?

 

[GatorAZ]

San Antonio’s leverage with LA took a hit when George re-signed with OKC. Lebron can sign with the Lakers and sign Kawhi next year while keeping their young players.

 

[Hoop Head]

San Antonio’s leverage with LA took a hit when George re-signed with OKC. Lebron can sign with the Lakers and sign Kawhi next year while keeping their young players.

Since the Lakers have consistently struck out signing free agents though, I don't know how much of a hit it took. I can see Popovich saying having fun trying to sign him away from the Celtics and moving on. They almost need to trade for him to convince Lebron to sign there, if he hasn't already. It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

The Rock running for President shouldn't happen. Have we learned nothing as a country regarding electing "celebrities" to the highest public office possible? Yes, he's a success story and that's great. He has accomplished a lot in his life, there's no denying that but it seemed like he was an odd fit to sort of talk to players to sell them on becoming champion players. I think I see the disconnect now but I having trouble explaining it properly.

How I took their reasoning behind that program was to push them to be great players and restore the Lakers image as a championship team rather than producing great young men from the organization that didn't end up like your Behind the Music sort of cautionary tales who end up filing for bankruptcy before they're 40. If they were doing to produce great men that reflect great on the Lakers as a team that develops players mentally more so than helping them receive accolades in the sport they're participating in, then I could see touting it as a great sort of change for an NBA team but I see them doing it as a way to sell people on the Lakers as the sort of class above everyone else and that them being great men will turn them into great players who win titles and that can only being done by doing things the "Laker way". Pushing their image above everything else. Sort of like every team can give you a good career in the NBA but being a Laker would be like getting a degree from Harvard while playing elsewhere throughout your career is like going to city college. Not only will you get educated by being a Laker but you'll also be part of winning these rings if you follow the path laid out for you, which actually has no proven success rate. Do you see what I'm saying?

Not really because I think if these players tap into becoming “great men” (using your vernacular) I think it WILL translate to success on the court and eventually championships. When you look back on championships you often refer to the players on those teams being “great.” But each’s greatness might be defined differently. And that’s what a program like this can do . . . speak to different players through different means to hopefully help each of them find their unique greatness.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Can I just say how happy I am that Paul George didn’t sign with the Lakers? All that history . . . fech.

 

[Chaplin]

Can I just say how happy I am that Paul George didn’t sign with the Lakers? All that history . . . fech.

Maybe Lavar Ball was at PG’s meeting with the Lakers.

 

[Bufalay]

Can I just say how happy I am that Paul George didn’t sign with the Lakers? All that history . . . fech.

He kind of sucks though.

 

[CardsSunsDbacks]

He kind of sucks though.

Who? PG? No he most certainly doesn't "kind of suck".

 

[Hoop Head]

Who? PG? No he most certainly doesn't "kind of suck".

An argument can be made he's overrated. OKC improved by 1 win by adding him and he didn't help them much in the postseason. Indiana got better by trading him for Oladipo who was viewed as a disappointment of sorts and Sabonis, who was unproven at the time. He may be a good player but I'm not sure he's worth bending over backwards to sign him to max money is a move that helps improve a team very much. He hasn't been the same since his injury he got playing for Team USA. Melo wasn't helping him acclimate well in OKC but at the same time, if he's that good of a player he should have been able to pair with the reigning MVP to make more noise than the Thunder did.

 

[CardsSunsDbacks]

An argument can be made he's overrated. OKC improved by 1 win by adding him and he didn't help them much in the postseason. Indiana got better by trading him for Oladipo who was viewed as a disappointment of sorts and Sabonis, who was unproven at the time. He may be a good player but I'm not sure he's worth bending over backwards to sign him to max money is a move that helps improve a team very much. He hasn't been the same since his injury he got playing for Team USA. Melo wasn't helping him acclimate well in OKC but at the same time, if he's that good of a player he should have been able to pair with the reigning MVP to make more noise than the Thunder did.

Overrated, maybe, but he is absolutely a good player and does not "kind of suck".

 

[SunsTzu]

Maybe Lavar Ball was at PG’s meeting with the Lakers.

Even better, they couldn't even get a meeting with him. If they don't get LeBron and/or Kawhi it's going to be fun watching them gear up for another FA class next year.

 

[Ronin]

Knicks Trade Rumors: New York has made Courtney Lee available

https://sports.yahoo.com/m/88805322-74b9-343b-af5a-8a937d61d6bb/knicks-trade-rumors:-new-york.html

 

[Ronin]

Kawhi Leonard Trade Rumors: Clippers Consider Star 'High Offseason Priority'
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...lippers-consider-star-high-offseason-priority


Lakers Trade Rumors: LA Has Not Been Aggressive in Recent Kawhi Leonard Talks
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...been-aggressive-in-recent-kawhi-leonard-talks

 

[TJ]

Can I just say how happy I am that Paul George didn’t sign with the Lakers? All that history . . . fech.

Now let’s hope they miss on LeBron and Kawhi. Lakers could still become very good