Yeah Harper has looked quite good, so I wouldn’t drop him below Edgecombe because of the hot start
1 Like
Yeah, Harper is doing 15/5/5 on above league average true shooting in 26 minutes, he’s arguably been their second best player in these 4 games (Castle’s prolific turnover rate is again raising question to me about what exactly he is). 4 games is way too small for any hard and fast conclusion, but if he was #2 on your board he has only solidified that standing.
On the Pelicans, I guess I’d say Fears is playing about as I’d have reasonably expected, I’m worried that the theory of Queen hasn’t been in evidence (a passing hub, etc). More importantly though is that a version of Zion who shoots 46% from 2 is just absolutely devastating to any future you can possibly see here.
2 Likes
I agree on VJ looking like the ROY frontrunner! I know that your comment was based on the rookie of the year, which is why I responded to another take that was career-oriented.
I know I’m in the minority on this, but I don’t mind the Flagg at PG thing. The Mavs have obviously been a mess of an organization in the last year, but the Kyrie injury, AD’s injury prone nature (got injured last night), and this year being the last 1st rd pick of theirs that they possess for the foreseeable future should point the Mavs towards a gap year and they can hope to be a lot more competitive in 2026-27.
In the long-run, I think placing a player like Flagg in a different role will only help him improve at a faster rate. Some nights he is going to look like a fish out of water, and other nights he is going to show growth. Kidd did the same thing with Giannis and I don’t think this move will hurt Flagg’s potential, only enhance it. The Mavs on the other hand…I agree with you that this hurts their chances of being a good team this year, but the same could be said about injuries to Kyrie and AD. They’re staring down the lottery, so they should embrace this season as an opportunity to get better for the future.
2 Likes
Through 5 games, the Pistons are averaging 28.2 fouls called against them, good for second most in the league. Indy leads(?) with 28.5 whistles per game.
Also, the league average is 23.0 and last year’s was 18.6. So, maybe this is just a start of the year thing where refs are calling games tighter because of some offseason league mandate? I hope that’s the case. I’d rather the refs let them play a bit.
1 Like
I’ve seen them Play twice, I think it’s three things:
- As you say, fouls tend to be high early, refs make a point
- Guys like Duren, Cade, Stew, Thompson are foul prone as part of their deal
- Duncan god bless him can’t guard anyone
1 Like
Michigan’s own (one in a line of strong Toledo Rocket guards) Ryan Rollins had 28/8 to lead the Giannis-less Bucks over the dubs
2 Likes
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young sustained a sprained MCL in his right knee and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, sources tell ESPN. Young underwent an MRI on Friday and multiple doctor reviews that showed he dodged major structural damage in the knee. Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young sustained a sprained MCL in his... - ESPN http://espn.com/app
I believe Kobe Bufkin is available…..
4 Likes
Hawks can not sign Bufkin this year
1 Like
I’m sticking with VJ over Harper. I’m sure Harper will be a nice player but VJ just struck me as the guy with higher upside and something about his game made me think he’d be one of those guys who just got better with the leap.
I also liked Kuminga more than Cade though that yea. I’m a sucker for those bouncy athletes.
2 Likes
I just realized the pistons mavericks game is in Mexico City. Thought it was odd the game started at 9:00 PM CST. This will be my first first glimpse of Flagg
2 Likes
Duren is going to have 50 and Cade 20 assists if Dallas can’t figure out how to stop pick and roll.
1 Like
Great 4th by the Pistons to get a W. Duren has been great.
2 Likes
Awesome game from Cade and Duren.
21 and 18 assists for Cade. Couldn’t quite reach that 20/20 mark
33 and 11 for Duren
4 Likes
Cade last 2 games 28 assist 1 turnover
7 Likes
It’s what we’ve all been dreaming of.
Flagg (as you saw last night) is having a super rough start
I’m not down on his future at this point but I think it’s a statement on how jacked up that roster is and how badly Nico Harrison probably needs to be relieved of history
They built a team centered on all fours and fives, their three best bets at those spots are constantly hurt, Flagg is a 4 sized guy tasked with playing on-ball too much and also guarding the other teams best perimeter defender a ton
maybe it will be good long term but it’s ugly now
2 Likes
Meanwhile the Pacers have gone from one of the best PG situations in the league (Hali, Nembhard, McConnell) to…Talon Peter and Quinton Jackson (I don’t know who these people are)
1 Like
Nico detonated their franchise and definitely should be fired. The Luka trade has to be the worst trade in the history of the NBA. It’s incomprehensible that he traded Luka in the first place but to get that type of return is criminal. How do you only talk to one team when you are trading away a top 5 player who is 25 years old.
I think people should be patient with Flagg. He should be a freshman in college this year. He got way better in college as the year went along if you look at his season splits at Duke. I think he’s going to be a great NBA player but it will take time and more playmaking around him.
2 Likes
Kobe Bufkin, where art thou?