₦airaland Forum

Roland17:
Facts only!
No cap!!

You don find abbreviation for our favorite quote ba?

Lol normal levels. Keep it short and sweet

Unlimited22:
There haven't been any terrible signings lately, just ones that underwhelmed. Besides he might still come good, he's still young

And tbh I am a bit glad y'all are the front-runners for De Ligt.

I will have to see proper evidence before I trust any member of tht Ajax 2019 ucl semi team again. And that includes Noussair Mazraoui.

The return for the ungodly amounts we have spent on defense are not visible. The lack of league competition is why we have gotten away with these mid signings so far

To be fair they are all still quite young. Even Upa is just turning 24. But it says a lot as to how he's rated that we are targeting his competition in a position that requires stability

Khanben:
Thank you, I don't understand people who claim that someone who is great at being the 4th best player of a championship side, is somehow better than someone who is the number 1 option for a playoff team. The usual excuse is that they impact winning, which is just ridiculous.

Impact winning. What does that even mean? I hate hearing vague nonsense like that.

Anyone making comparisons like that IMO doesn't understand basketball. That would be like saying Draymond Green is better than Chris Webber. He can never be even if they win 7 chips.

airmark:


You should go and read interests shown recently by Roma and other teams before disgracing yourself further. You must have been living under the rock recently.

You no dey shame. Beloxxi crackers has been available as free agent since 30th of June.

Werey say na interest shown. You mean not even newly promoted Nottingham Forest are interested in picking him up free of charge. A 28 year old striker?? Mi o ri eleyi ri oh

Decent players get signed by January even before their old contract expires. A fraud like Beloxxi 2 weeks after contract expired even Udoji United are not interested

airmark:
Boathand was banished by your team and getting benched by asylum seekers in Lyon and in Yuropa, while the likes of Thiago Silva, VVD, Kalidou Koulibaly will be playing Ucl yearly.

Belotti wants to stay in Italy and it's a matter of time. Meanwhile enjoy his goals.

[url]https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DfA0iVuNuBxI&ved=2ahUKEwiLovSoxfT4AhUaHuwKHcJYCs8QwqsBegQIaRAF&usg=AOvVaw0FWtKJALg8PSyhMRaf6GLn[/url]

We all know BoaTANKs off field wahala played a role in him leaving

Mugu. Jerome Boateng won several titles. The only outfield Bayern defender a part of 2 trebles. World Cup champion. 3 world cups. Boateng had already conquered the world at 25. The other also rans you mentioned will never achieve that feat

As for your Beloxxi let's all pray and fast that he finds a club. Even if na MFM FC. You're not even ashamed. All my life following football I've never seen a 28 year old striker club less and no one interested in even for free. Shior

airmark:


Where were you before injury truncated his rising profile? Where were you when your boss, Raumdeuter rated him among top10 strikers in the world?

I will ask Raumdeuter to slap you for me. Check Dayo's rating below and GTFOH.

Oh shut up. Ronaldo De Lima had two serious knee injuries. Michael Owen, several players have recovered from injuries to be elite. Why is Belloxxi case different.

raumdeuter:
Upa is as the spirit leads, he can win the ball and start driving forward for 40yards until they dispossess him

I am looking at having a backup fr each position in defence. We need to trade Bouna Sarr

So Mazroiu/Stanisic, Upa/Deligt Lucas/Nianzou Davies/??

We need a backup LB then we might be able to let Pavard go. T be realistic I dont see how Naggelsman will want to give up on Upa after 1 season

Hahaha who is going to collect Bouna Sarr from us? The best thing is to keep him like Team mascot to help Sadio Mane acclimatise.

We certainly need a backup LB but then Pavard too if we don't sell him then it would be smart to extend him. He's still 26 and if we let his deal wind down we would risk losing him for a very low price

Upamecano isn't moving anywhere yet. Just that his starting shirt will be under threat

Unlimited22:
Someone once said Konate was the better defender when they were at Leipzig, I think it was Raumdeuter.

Now it's showing.

I think our scouts are legally blind

raumdeuter:
A 28yr old in his home country and part of his National Team when top clubs in his country are buying Origi, Giroud, Lukaku and players who flopped everywhere, But no one wan reason son of the soil Belotti? Maybe he is relapsing from that injury he had for less than 30days

Anyone hearing of that almost 5yr relapse would be forgiven to think it was a plane crash or earthquake that he survived

You know when you set the bar low for someone and somehow they end up beneath that bar. I mean some of us knew Belotti was mid from day 1 but holy Bleep has he exceeded even our worst expectations

raumdeuter:
I agree with you. We need to offload at least one of those defenders. Personally I will sell Pavard or Upamecano. Upamecano first because Pavard can double as Right back if Mazroui is out.

Deligt is young and prefers to move to Bayern so I will be for that. But that fee is high men. On the other hand if you are hearing Koulibali moving for 40M Euros at 30yrs with 1yr left on his contract and they are asking 45M for Ake, over 60M for Kounde maybe that puts it into perspective

That type of money is what we should be gatherin to buy an elite forward Maybe Kane

Nothing we can do about the present market. This is why we also need to get the best possible deals on the market. De Ligt is a Dutch international and only 22. Realistically with his experience and age we were never going to get him for cheap.

Upamecano has just been such a spectacular disappointment I don't even know what can be made of him. He's giving me Umtiti vibes

etidy:
You no see say I no bother replying the argument. When someone use him full chest talk say Duncan was better than Kobe by a far margin. That's blasphemy now .

I pick Duncan has being better but it's really a game of splitting hairs because both of them were awesome.

Me I pick Kobe over Duncan

I have
MJ
Lebron
Kareem
Kobe
Magic
Duncan
Shaq
Bird
Olajuwon
Steph

Khanben:
Thanks for all those who contributed to the kobe vs TD debate. I really appreciated the tought put behind each person's choice.
I just want to ask another question, which criteria is best for ranking players?.
Some background,I came across a podcast where everyone on it believes that Prime Draymond Green is better than Prime Blake Griffin, which was shocking to me, and they kept repeating their reason as Draymond impacts winning more than Blake.
My issue with that approach is, one guy is judged on his impact as the 4th best player on a championship winning team, while the other is judged on being the 1st option on a team. I truly believe that players should be ranked on a level playing field.
So really looking forward to reading your opinions

Lol Blake vs Draymond is an asinine comparison. You wouldn't even make the playoffs with prime Draymond Green as your second best player. Let him keep enjoying his Golden State tax abeg. MFJPM

raumdeuter:
More and more rumors linking us to Deligt

I dont know if we want to spend more on this defence but that is a damning verdict of the failure of the Upamecano transfer if we are still seeking a RCB at this time, One even younger than them all

Brazzo needs to be arrested for money laundering. We had scouts and they went and chose Upamecano over Konate

I'm not crazy over De Ligt but he's young and has resale value. Now if brokeass Barcelona can just pay up I'm sure the monies from that transfer would be used to fund the De Light transfer. For some reason I never knew De Ligt was that young.

Maybe two of them can compete this upcoming season. Our defense was not up to scratch. But my main issue is with the scouting. We should not be overpaying this ridiculously for defenders. There are always bargain signings to be made. We saw what Madrid did with Militao and Alaba. Why are we spending over €200m on mostly mid defenders

Pavard
Hernandez
Upamecano
De Ligt

BlaqFaze:
Your dude was only influential against small teams like Porto and all of sudden Mane is a shadow of himself because he's no longer with you guys...I taught Liverpool fans always rate Mane ahead of Salah

They will learn this season just leave them. The engine room of their attack na him dem sell so buy some South American frauds

Airmark.

Wetin happen to your Bellotti Belloxxi crackers? I never see where 28 year old striker dey find club before oh. Even BoaTANK wey you dey yab quickly landed in Lyon. Come and explain why even Katsina United are not interested in that fraud?

etidy:
While I agree with some of your points especially with the fact that Duncan had consistent success for a longer period of time. I disagree a bit on the having help part.
It's not like Duncan was playing with some scrubs. Duncan had David Robinson earlier in in his career then ginobili, Tony Parker and lastly Kawhi.

Exactly. Duncan prime years was 98-07. But aside the first Championship when they beat a Knicks team without Ewing. (You can argue they were winning without him) but it still has to be said. And 03 vs the Nets. Where he had help just not superstar help.

Every other title since he's had more than significant contributions from others. Just look at the numbers from their 05 and 07 Championship. People are pretending like he was playing with bums

birdman:
You do have a point there. Kobe Lakers whopped Duncan Spurs the first 2 WC finals and had a 3-1 advantage in all their first 4 matchups.

But was that Kobe's doing? I think not. Remember Kobe had Shaq at his most dominant! In fact the year Shaq left to Miami, Lakers didnt even make the playoffs! So it wasnt so much Kobe's brilliance as much as having a superior supporting cast. In fact Shaq was responsible for dousing Duncan's fire, not Kobe.

After the Kobe/Shaq era, the next time Spurs would meet Lakers in the playoffs, Kobe again had a Pau Gasol to help offset Duncan. Finally, as both Duncan and Kobe's careers came to an end, Duncan's consistency helped them get to the finals versus the deadly Heat back-to-back, and they won another ring.

Duncan can carry a team to a ring. Kobe can will a team to win games. Big difference.

You are factually wrong.

It was definitely Kobe's doing. Shaq was a perennial underperformer vs Duncan and the Spurs. All their matchups the Lakers won was primarily because of Kobe's play. Kobe always outplayed Shaq wherever they were able to get the win. Duncan always outplayed Shaq as well in the series the Lakers lost to San Antone

1999. Shaq 23ppg Duncan 29 ppg

2001 Kobe 33-7-7 Duncan 23 ppg

2002 Kobe 26 ppg Shaq 21 ppg

2004. Kobe 26ppg Shaq. 22ppg

They were 3-2 and Kobe was the best player in all 3 series wins unquestionably. People always get caught up in Shaq's final numbers. Go and watch all their playoff series after 2000 season and see the work Kobe was doing

Lakers missing the playoffs is majorly due to Kobe missing 16 games while adding dross like Caron Butler etc.

Again another myth and urban legend. Paul Gasol in 08 averaged 13ppg in that 5 game series. He averaged fewer pts, fewer assists, fewer rebounds, fewer blocks so pray tell how did he offset Duncan? Duncan averaged 22ppg. It was Kobe's 29ppg that enabled them wipe the defending champion San Antonio Spurs with oraimo cord in 5.

Duncan played in a position that allowed him age with grace. He wasn't picking up guys 90 ft like Kobe could. Also anyone being honest will know that from 07 onwards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were arguably the best players on that Spurs team. At the very worst they were essentially a big 3. And in their battle with the Heatles claiming Timmy was still carrying the Spurs then is just flat out dishonest. They had like 4-5 guys averaging double digits every night

If you say Kobe can't carry a team to a ring then what did he do in 2009 and 2010? What do we call that? Kobe was the OG Spurs killa and the biggest reason Tim Duncan never repeated. Never forget it

Khanben:
That is one way of looking at it, but one of the salient point, is Steph has a reputation for selflessness and willingness to sacrifice for the team's glory.
So based on that, the equation for the team is simple. All but guarantee the next 3 chips barring injury and then start a rebuild after that, or have a very good chance of winning any of the next 3 chips and also have a strong core that will remain competitive after those 3 yrs. Also it might actually be cheaper for the team to bring in KD and if Wiggins and Poole are the ones leaving, yes a 3rd team has to be involved if Wiggins is going to be part of the deal, but GSW will definitely save money on luxury tax payments if those 2 are the core of what they are giving up.

But that's the thing. They have shown they don't need KD to win. Steph has finally shown he's an Alpha dog. And forget his selflessness it's clear he's heard the slander and wants to prove again he's that guy. Adding KD again just waters down and cannibalizes his legacy.

I'm sure he wants to surpass Magic as the GOAT PG. He's never going to do that with KD on the team.

Warriors are like the Yankees of NBA right now. If there's a team that will gladly pay luxury tax it's them. If the owner puts them on the market today he will not get less than $4-5bn

Skrrrrrrr:
There is not reason at all for him to leave.
If he stays, Kyrie stays too. Simmons isn't a bum, his shot needs improvement but he is fine. They have TJ, Seth Curry can shoot.
If they all stay healthy, that's a pretty solid Team.
The nets have showed him loyalty, signed him, knowing that he'd sit out a year and may not be the same player. They took the Gamble. It's time for him to return the favor...
I am sure Kyrie would behave, going forward. No one cares for his antics anymore.

These new players are just divas and buttersoft. This is what they are calling Player empowerment? Smh. All I see is the softest era ever

Even as much of a fraud I consider Ben Simmons I don't see why he's not a good fit with the Nets. There's enough guys and shooters they are never going to need shooting from him and he can defend. It's a crying disgrace if KD is allowed to run from this team. If he wins just 1 chip with the Nets. he will win back so much respect. There's something about winning a team it's first title. It permanently alters your legacy positively. Guys like Olajuwon, Dirk, Wade and Giannis will forever live off that tax and be respected like KD never will unless he can do it with the Nets.

birdman:
Duncan, and its not close. If Duncan hogged the ball half as much as Kobe did, he would have 50 20 10 every night. He could score with his back to the basket on anyone. Or kiss it off the glass, an unblockable money shot

I would have picked Duncan just for consistency and stability till I dug into their playoff series clashes. Kobe used to absolutely destroy them. I can't in good conscience put Duncan over Kobe after seeing how much Kobe used to torch Duncan and the Spurs.

Kobe averaged 28 a game on Duncan. And dethroned him and his team 3x. There's a reason Timmy never repeated. Kobe

Khanben:
You see what you just mentioned is exactly the issue. With what they have they are in the conversation for the next 3 championships, with KD barring injuries they are guaranteed 3 of them. So that is the issue for GSW right now, do you want to have a very good chance at the chip for the next 3 years, and then have a competitive team going forward from there. Or do you want to all but guarantee the chip for the same 3yrs and then after that start a rebuild.

I think 2019 proved that you can never guarantee a title till these guys actually play on the court. Bear in mind KD had injury issues last season as well.

Honestly I feel that good vibes died with 2019. I don't see any sense rekindling it. The Warriors winning one more chip with this team would be worth more than 3 straight chips adding KD. And I can guarantee you they are not winning 3 straight. Too many things have to go your way for that to happen.

Hell this Warriors team as presently built are likelier doing a 3peat than what they will be left with after gutting their entire young depth for KD.

KD and Steph will be 35 with 16 and 14 years of ball respectively. Klay coming off an ACL and Achilles injury. I daresay trading for KD would be suicidal

Khanben:
Personally adding Kuminga to any trade is a no no. The dude has the potential to be a number 1. I can swallow Wiseman and even Poole. But Kuminga is a no go area.
As for the Curry time line, that is another reason they might be thinking of KD. We know for a fact that a team with a healthy KD, Steph, Klay and Green is practically unbeatable. They might just bring him in, to all but guarantee, a GSW 3peat.
Giving steph 6 rings

Why will they want to cannibalize their legacy like that? Getting KD will help them win more rings but surely it will not boost his standing in the pantheon of all time greats. Now imagine he wins another ring sans KD now we are discussing whether he's actually surpassed Magic

Skrrrrrrr:

What you on about. Kd said he'd like to return to the warriors. Let me tell you this, the only reason this deal won't pull through is because the organization aren't foolish enough to give up all that for KD. KD would return to the warriors at the drop of a hat if they are willing to pay.

I don't want to believe KD is that bereft of shame. Even if he wins 3 straight chips he will still look like a clown. I don't know why he's running from the grind. The Nets just signed TJ Warren and if Ben Simmons can show some courage they might be in to something

Khanben:
I am not saying they will do the trade, i was just wondering why they would even consider it and the only thing i could come up with is finances.
Wiggins in case you don't know is on the last year of his Max contract at $33mil. Wiggins might be asking for a max contract at $172mil and every indication points to Poole getting around a $100mil/4yr deal, which might even now be higher seeing that Afrenee Simmons got that.
KD on the other hand, is signed on a $198mil/4yr contract.
In that same 4yrs span, Wiggins and Poole contract combined, might be at around $240mil
So considering GSW pays luxury tax at about 6x, it is something every good front office will do their due diligence on.

PS: Personally, I will not make the trade and I think GSW will not do it, but we are talking about money here

What will Golden State want to do with Kevin Durant again for the love of God? They have the right balance of youth to foil the veterans and be in the Championship conversation for another 3 seasons barring extreme bad luck

Khanben:
The Nets are only going to make the Kyrie for Westbrook trade if the Lakers also take Joe Harris

Not even this is an excuse to take on Westbrook. The Nets are such a badly run outfit. It's not even funny. Kyrie has opted in. You have leverage ffs

etidy:
And that's exactly the problem, 5 unrestricted first round picks , 1 pick swap and 4 players for a 50 million per year, 30 year d center with no offense. Yikes. When you already have a center.

You could have gotten a sign and trade for kyrie, beal, Zach Lavine or a trade for Siakam, Dejounte Murray for far far cheaper and they would have made far much sense.

For those assets, you could have gotten a Dejounte Murray and if you want a center so badly, grab a Capella and become a Juggernaut in the west.

You don't spend that level of talent for experimentation.

I am pretty sure the rest of the league are looking at the Timberwolves GM like a doofus right now. How do you give up that much for fvckin Rudy Gobert

The T.Wolves gave away a little too much for Gobert but I think KAT and Gobert can certainly function together. KAT can shoot

Android17:
His mentality. He is determined to prove he won't be a draft pick burst. He works really hard. I have seen some of his training videos.

To me, once a player has the will to be better, they definitely will. Kawhi was not a great shooter off the draft if you remember. That was what most scouts said about him.

Fair enough. He is still going to need to bulk up to a decent playing weight sha.

birdman:
The fact that Kyrie tried to opt out, and leave KD is what crossed the line in KD's mind. You brought me here to Brooklyn, and now you try to bail out. So even though Kyrie eventually stayed, the damage has been done.

Warriors have been complete @55holes since their win. It is good to see other NBA drama to wash away the stench of the sore winners

KD is a cupcake for being too scared to call out Kyrie. Now that shyte has hit the fan he wants to bail. He should stop acting shocked when fans and ex and current players treat a player of his stature with no respect. This behavior is why. I would be shocked if Kyrie doesn't get traded as well

Can't quit on a team that gave you $195m on the first year of the deal. He's never going to get respect for that no matter where he goes he will always be perceived as running away from the grind

The next CBA go bloody gaan. These divas have ruined it for everyone. Na Ben Simmons I just dey sorry for. That one go kuku retire

Khanben:
The Bucks ownership are going cheap again IMHO

Lol. What would you have them do? They retained Portis. Kept Connaughton. Got Ingles. With their cap space and what they have on ground I don't know what else they could have done. No need for overreacting since they probably beat Boston with a healthy Middleton anyway

Android17:
Victor is a phenom. He even outplayed Chet in that U19 finals that USA won. But players that tall always have injury problems.

As for Chet, he has a very bad standing posture. I don't know if he has scoliosis.

He definitely looks polished. I don't see the hype around Chet. There's not a particular thing I think he does well maybe besides rebounding but his physique. Ohh brother

Android17:
You are forgiven. I saw the light after he left GSW. I was mesmerized before.

He's just a mentally weak cupcake. The fact that they are the only team that got swept due to his play and lack of leadership. Unless you're a Golden State level type team that is functional a guy with that diva mindset will come and scatter everything when things don't go his way.