NBA Thread

[ryanbruner]

I hate the politics, but my love for basketball — and sports for that matter — will have me watching this thing. I’ll feel gross for the first few days, but will get over it. I just miss sports! So frustrated by the Covid-19 overreaction and the daily clownish acts of our governor (seriously Andy, all my cheap string masks broke, will you buy me a new one?). I just need a distraction.

BTW, I like the Lakers in 6 over the Bucks. AD gets his ring.

I have the Lakers over the Bucks as well! I think the Lakers may actually win 2-3 in a row really. Maybe more depending on ADs health. They have a lot of money and valuable assets (Kuzma, Caruso, Wagner) and no one talks about that. This is the last stand for Lebron before he does what I think he will which is go back to Cleveland and play with his son.

At that point you're talking about AD as one of the greatest big men of all time. He probably goes back to Chicago as the best player in the league.

 

[seccats04]

Just gotta ignore it. Things change over time its just how it is and its hard for people to accept. You just have to remember these players are humans too and they have feelings and care about things. For decades athletes kept quiet and respected the viewers wishes even if it bothered them. Now they're asking for the same in return. If you disagree its an easy thing to ignore. Selective hearing as my wife likes to call it. I spend the majority of my day nodding at her and half listening. If you don't agree with something its easy to do that.

That is fine if the players wanna be PC warriors away from work. But I know if I pulled the stunts at work the players are getting away with, my butt would've been fired long ago and it should be no different with them. It's stupid for any company to take a political stance on anything, let alone to piss off the majority of your fanbase. Average everyday workers that have to work 40 hours a week used to watch sports as an escape from the problems of the world. Now sports are part of the problem. I only watch college football and college basketball now.

 

[ryanbruner]

That is fine if the players wanna be PC warriors away from work. But I know if I pulled the stunts at work the players are getting away with, my butt would've been fired long ago and it should be no different with them. It's stupid for any company to take a political stance on anything, let alone to piss off the majority of your fanbase. Average everyday workers that have to work 40 hours a week used to watch sports as an escape from the problems of the world. Now sports are part of the problem. I only watch college football and college basketball now.

Well they don’t have a normal job. Their job is built around having a platform. Playing basketball is secondary anymore. The NBA is 90% African American so when an racial issue comes up of course they’re going to be on top of that because they represent the black community. It’s not really being a PC warrior when it’s something that involves them. I’m sure people got mad at Bill Russell for being open about his relationship with DR MLK but it was the right thing to do. We don’t have a platform nor do we have a responsibility to represent a group of people so of course we would be fired but it’s much different for them and they are at all time high in terms of popularity right now so they don’t feel they have a need to change that.

 

[buck8113]

will not be watching the NBA this year

 

[EliteBlue]

I'll take a stab at explaining it, because I hear this all the time.

To me, basketball is more than the skill set of the players, and athletic dunks and remarkable shooting skills. Basketball - and all sports - have to be about the drama of a team -- and individual players - you care about putting everything on the line to win or lose. There has to be an emotional stake in it. That emotional stake can be rooted in deep childhood memories - as is mine with Kentucky. Or it can be rooted in other things, like the admiration for the character and style and dignity of individual players or teams. But without it, the games are tedious.

I have felt that emotional connection with different NBA teams during my life - the Celtics back to Dave Cowens, the Lakers with Magic, the Bulls with Jordan. And I have felt that way about specific players -- Bird, Magic, Jordan, Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, several others.

Today's players - even the ones who are immensely talented - don't engage me on an emotional level. I don't care about the culture, the preoccupation with politics, the selfishness inherent in guys choosing up 3-4 player all-star teams, then moving on to the next city in search of a fake "legacy." I don't see the same character and respect for the game and certainly not for the fans in today's players.

So, I've opted out. And I haven't missed anything about the NBA. I didn't care when the playoffs were canceled. I don't care that the players are now imprisoned in horrible conditions at DisneyWorld. I'm not curious about what "social justice" causes will be on whose jersey. I'll be happy for AD if he gets a ring. But I won't be watching it.

This sums up most of it. It’s why Pro sports aren’t as big in the south in general.

There isn’t a natural connection to a team that makes you invested since we don’t have pro sports in our state. I guarantee you that if Louisville gets a team (or even Cincinnati) that the next generation will be more invested in the NBA. Right now, I can hope Ky players do well and loosely follow it but it doesn’t make me feel passionate about a team.

For me, I’ll watch some of the playoffs but mainly the conference finals and finals just bc I enjoy basketball and it gives me a reason to go to the bar

 

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

I became a Dr J fan watching him light up the Colonels in the ABA, so became a Sixers fan by proxy when the leagues merged. Then became a Bird (I realized pretty quickly that I could mimic his game a helluva lot better than the Doc's) and Celtics fan. I had a couple of conflicting seasons there, as I phased into a Celtics fan. Still wanted the Doc to show off against everyone else. Had the ****** luck of having my 2 favorite teams have to go through each other every year during the playoffs.

I also used to do the "pretend" games in the driveway w/ my younger brother and cousin; much more fun than playing them 1 on 2. We started out being UK, but that caused too many arguments over who got to be each player, so we made up our own team (us 3 and a couple of older neighborhood kids comprised our "team") who'd play the different colleges...usually whoever UK's last opponent was, so that the line-ups were fresh in our heads. I pulled double duties as player and announcer. Who needed Nintendo?

 

[DelkBowl]

He does I mean hes the best Center in basketball but he's just a villain. Its who he is. If he wasn't on my team I wouldn't like him either but outside of basketball he is a good dude. He embraced the city of Philadelphia and does some great things there. He is almost like Philly's son. But I can see where you are coming from!

AD plays center. I’ll also take KAT over him. Look at all aspects of the game.

 

[ryanbruner]

AD plays center. I’ll also take KAT over him. Look at all aspects of the game.

AD is a PF. He’s been pretty adamant about that. Looking at all aspects of the game.......KAT isn’t the defender Embiid is and doesn’t win and head to head Embiid dominates that battle consistently. The only argument against Embiid is Jokic.

 

[DelkBowl]

AD is a PF. He’s been pretty adamant about that. Looking at all aspects of the game.......KAT isn’t the defender Embiid is and doesn’t win and head to head Embiid dominates that battle consistently. The only argument against Embiid is Jokic.

What’s Embiid won?

 

[ryanbruner]

What’s Embiid won?

A playoff spot

also head to head Embiid is 5-1 against KAT
Embiid: 22 PPG 9 RPG 3 APG 49%
KAT: 18 PPG 10 RPG 2 APG 44%

In terms of the best center in the league it’s between Jokic and Embiid and then KAT and Bam are 3 and 4

 

[dvillecatfan]

What’s Embiid won?

Four more playoff games as Davis and KAT....combined. You asked.

 

[seccats04]

Well they don’t have a normal job. Their job is built around having a platform. Playing basketball is secondary anymore. The NBA is 90% African American so when an racial issue comes up of course they’re going to be on top of that because they represent the black community. It’s not really being a PC warrior when it’s something that involves them. I’m sure people got mad at Bill Russell for being open about his relationship with DR MLK but it was the right thing to do. We don’t have a platform nor do we have a responsibility to represent a group of people so of course we would be fired but it’s much different for them and they are at all time high in terms of popularity right now so they don’t feel they have a need to change that.

I just don't want to be complicit for making racists like LeBum any richer. I will not watch anymore and that is my choice and will not affect their wallets much. But if more people like me would take a stand and say enough is enough then these guys may think twice before they piss their customers off.

 

[ryanbruner]

I just don't want to be complicit for making racists like LeBum any richer. I will not watch anymore and that is my choice and will not affect their wallets much. But if more people like me would take a stand and say enough is enough then these guys may think twice before they piss their customers off.

I guess man idk lol I just wanted to start a thread to talk some basketball thats all I really care about.

 

[Blueaz]

I have the Lakers over the Bucks as well! I think the Lakers may actually win 2-3 in a row really. Maybe more depending on ADs health. They have a lot of money and valuable assets (Kuzma, Caruso, Wagner) and no one talks about that. This is the last stand for Lebron before he does what I think he will which is go back to Cleveland and play with his son.

At that point you're talking about AD as one of the greatest big men of all time. He probably goes back to Chicago as the best player in the league.

Lakers could be in trouble with no Rondo, no Bradley and the addition of JR smith...it's subtraction by subtraction

 

[ryanbruner]

Lakers could be in trouble with no Rondo, no Bradley and the addition of JR smith...it's subtraction by subtraction

Yea possibly but I think you could put nearly anyone else the line up. They went out and grabbed guys Lebron likes so I’m sure they’ll be fine but it’s possible that weird things happen during this. It’s still Lebron and AD it’s hard for me to look at that and think anyone can beat them.

 

[CatfanMike47]

AD is a PF. He’s been pretty adamant about that. Looking at all aspects of the game.......KAT isn’t the defender Embiid is and doesn’t win and head to head Embiid dominates that battle consistently. The only argument against Embiid is Jokic.

Jokic is the man! Him and Murray are fun to watch! The Nuggets as a team is fun!

 

[DelkBowl]

Four more playoff games as Davis and KAT....combined. You asked.

So won nothing from all three? You said he wins. What has he won? Nothing in college. Nothing in the NBA. So he doesn’t win. He did go 0-13 one game so there’s that.

 

[DelkBowl]

A playoff spot

also head to head Embiid is 5-1 against KAT
Embiid: 22 PPG 9 RPG 3 APG 49%
KAT: 18 PPG 10 RPG 2 APG 44%

In terms of the best center in the league it’s between Jokic and Embiid and then KAT and Bam are 3 and 4

Instead of being U6 fans and cherry picking stats, look at over all stats and efficiency.

 

[univky12]

ABA > NBA every single day.

For those of you not old enough to remember that red/white and blue ball going through the hoop...I'm sorry for your loss.

Won't watch a minute now......MLB and NFL are getting that way for me as well.............Never, ever thought I would type that.

 

[ToniTonyToneDelkDelkDelk]

I can't wait. I love the NBA. Now that there are so many UK players in the League, there's always something or someone to watch.

 

[ryanbruner]

Instead of being U6 fans and cherry picking stats, look at over all stats and efficiency.

Bleacher Report just ranked the top 15 centers as well and it was Jokic and Embiid 1 and 2.

 

[dvillecatfan]

So won nothing from all three? You said he wins. What has he won? Nothing in college. Nothing in the NBA. So he doesn’t win. He did go 0-13 one game so there’s that.

I only replied to your question...that's my only post in the thread. Never mentioned him winning anything outside of my post.

 

[Shaudylo]

I hope people don’t seriously think college basketball is a better brand of basketball than the NBA

 

[drew_ukfan_rivals]

We go months without sports and a lot of you aren’t going to watch nba or mlb? How many times can you guys rewatch Greys Anatomy?? Give me some GD f’ing men throwing a ball around and sweatin!!!!

 

[It'saDoneDeal]

Yea possibly but I think you could put nearly anyone else the line up. They went out and grabbed guys Lebron likes so I’m sure they’ll be fine but it’s possible that weird things happen during this. It’s still Lebron and AD it’s hard for me to look at that and think anyone can beat them.

Losing Rondo is addition by subtraction, but Bradley could have been a nice piece for them in the playoffs.

 

[ryanbruner]

Losing Rondo is addition by subtraction, but Bradley could have been a nice piece for them in the playoffs.

Rondo turns it up in the playoffs so I expected him to do it again. He just doesn’t bother to try in the regular season anymore. But Bradley is a big loss but I think Caruso and JR should alleviate some of that.

 

[ryanbruner]

We go months without sports and a lot of you aren’t going to watch nba or mlb? How many times can you guys rewatch Greys Anatomy?? Give me some GD f’ing men throwing a ball around and sweatin!!!!

Right! I need my manhood back. I can’t go another month without sports.

 

[IFerg1969]

I told myself I wouldn't watch but I'm sure I will watch some of the restart. If for no other reason than to see how everything plays out. I grew up in Augusta, Georgia in the late 80s and was a fan of all the Atlanta teams. Dominique Wilkins (in the pro game) was my hero as a kid. Kenny 'Sky' Walker and shortly after, King Rex were my UK heroes growing up. Unfortunately, I had to suffer through all of Hawks playoff losses to the Pistons, Bulls, Celtics, you name it. But, I have a lot of fond memories of those days.

Like a lot of others on this board though, the culture in basketball in general and the NBA specifically has been a big time turn-off to me. I still follow the Hawks a little when they are decent, like when Boudenholzer was there. But those moments have been few and far between since the 80s. They've got a decent 'Young' team now (pun intended) and I'm sure they will get more good draft picks coming up. But, it'll never be the same as it was when I was younger. Too many other things going in life to obsess over basketball anymore.

 

[DelkBowl]

Bleacher Report just ranked the top 15 centers as well and it was Jokic and Embiid 1 and 2.

I’ll take AD

 

[ryanbruner]

I’ll take AD

Well he’s a PF not a center

 

[ryanbruner]

Good news for sports in general that the NBA tested 350 players and none tested positive this week.

 

[natchezrule]

My man! I've got my Dr J jersey hanging up in the man cave right now. Malone, Wilt, Dr J, and Iverson! Thats the Mt Rushmore.

I do not want an invite to yo cave

 

[natchezrule]

I usually don’t watch the nba until the second rd of the playoffs. I probably won’t watch any of it this summer though. I’ll watch UK basketball and football, but my overall interest in sports has just been nose diving over the years, the last few months I haven’t even thought of sports. I can usually tune politics out, but its reached peaked levels lately. Also, don’t have much interest in watching an empty arena for playoffs.

I usually don’t watch the nba, ever

 

[DelkBowl]

Well he’s a PF not a center

Funny he played there damn near 100% two years ago and last year many, many times. Maybe he’s a point guard. Just because he wants to play PF doesn’t mean he’s not both. Joella is way too slow if picking a starting 5. Putting a cancer in the locker room is way too risky.

 

[akaukswoosh]

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Good news for sports in general that the NBA tested 350 players and none tested positive this week.

This is outstanding news. Proof bubble wrap works.

 

[wildcatsboston1984_rivals]

Not nearly into sports as much as I used to be, I guess getting burnt out on working in sports has a lot to do with that, but I can’t wait for the NBA to return. Love it.

 

[wildcatsboston1984_rivals]

Idk why but the empty arena is almost more interesting to me. Like are guys who are known to choke in big moments (Harden being the major one) going to just completely shift that and become some bubble legend because there isnt any actual pressure. From what I've been told though is that there will be some sort of crowd. Whether its a crowd that will make any noise (because maybe its mostly media) is something im interested in.

lol at thinking the pressure in games comes only from the fans.

 

[wildcatsboston1984_rivals]

I respect that , but IMO watching it kinda supports their overwhelming liberal views . I cant do that .

So do you also avoid giving your time or money to any business that is run by liberals?

 

[wildcatsboston1984_rivals]

I have the Lakers over the Bucks as well! I think the Lakers may actually win 2-3 in a row really. Maybe more depending on ADs health. They have a lot of money and valuable assets (Kuzma, Caruso, Wagner) and no one talks about that. This is the last stand for Lebron before he does what I think he will which is go back to Cleveland and play with his son.

At that point you're talking about AD as one of the greatest big men of all time. He probably goes back to Chicago as the best player in the league.

As long as Giannis stays healthy, he will likely ensure AD is never generally considered best in the league.