Make sure to listen and add the 13 Rules: NBA Random Thoughts podcast to your list! This week Steve shares his thoughts after NBA Week 18.
NBA Week 18 – All Star Game Random Thoughts
- Once again the All Star Game was a waste of time. The NBA has tried numerous ways to get the players to play hard. They have had former stars speak to the players and this year tried a new game format but all tries have failed. I don’t have an answer as to how to get the players to care. I support the players and believe they should be paid well but I also believe the least the players can do is play hard in the game. This is the fan’s game and real NBA fans want to see the best players in the league do more than dunk, shoot open threes and throw alley-op passes for dunks.
- Staying on the All Star theme. I thought LeBron James and Anthony Edwards not playing in the game was selfish. If the players weren’t going to play they should have announced it earlier. If they did the NBA would have been able to get deserving players in the game like Domantas Sabonis and Norman Powell.
NBA Week 18 – Western Conference Random Thoughts
- It is a shame Victor Wembanyama is out for the season. He was a lock for Defensive Player of the Year. Because he won’t play the 65 games he can’t win the award. I totally support the NBA rule but I have a suggestion for the league. Instead of determining league leaders by per game averages do it by season totals. For instance the player who has scored the most total points in for the season should be the scoring leader. By doing this players that are 50/50 on whether to play can dress and be used by their team if needed. By playing 15 minutes in the second half to help their team will not hurt their average.
- Draymond Green proclaiming the Warriors are going to win it all is an interesting statement. As I look at the standings the Warriors are ninth in the league right now. They are just 2.5 games ahead of the eleventh place Phoenix Suns who if the season ended today would be out of the playoffs. The Warriors are also 2.5 games out of sixth. Sixth place removes them from having to play Play-In games. My advice to Draymond is before you start talking title get your team into at least sixth and then you can begin to talk about a title.
NBA Week 18 – Eastern Conference Random Thoughts
- Joel Embiid is trying to play. The problem is he is just a shell of himself. It’s time for the 76ers to sit him and take care of his problems which may include surgery. One thing the Sixers should do is whenever he returns make sure he is in better shape. If he did this it would be less wear and tear on his knee.
- The Toronto Raptors are an interesting study. They just signed Brandon Ingram to a three year almost $40 million a year contract. This along with Immanuel Quickley‘s $32,500,000, RJ Barrett‘s $25,794,000, Jakob Poeltl‘s $19,500,0000 and Scottie Barnes‘ next year salary of $38,661,700. These salaries alone put the Raptors right around the salary cap. When the Raptors fill out their roster they will definitely be in the tax, if not into the second apron. If this is their core for the future, the only question I have is that core good enough to compete for a title? If you can’t compete for a title it’s not wise to pay the tax.
- The New York Knicks just got walloped by the Cleveland Cavaliers last night. They play the Celtics Sunday in Boston. I expect the Knicks to come out and give a big effort because they are wounded. If they get pounded by the Celtics the Knicks have some obvious problems. I doubt the Knicks will sit back back and not do anything. I’ve said this before this isn’t Tom Thibodeau’s type of team; but Thibs is a good coach. When situations like this occur management usually turns on the coach especially after making the trades for Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl Anthony-Towns. It’s a good thing he got a contract extension before this season. The one thing that could keep things status quo is Mitchell Robinson is returning soon and if healthy could provide the defense with the rim protector they need so management may want to see if he’s able to help before doing anything.
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