₦airaland Forum

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.

felix00:
I don't know man. There has to be more to the story.
Maybe the nets FO stopped consulting him on the team?

I don't care. He a heaux for backing out of that situation. After all they did to satisfy him. And after getting swept. Where is his sense of pride?

Man. I apologize to everyone who I ever argued with about KD. That dude is buttersoft fam

Android17:
This Victor Wembeyanma? Dude is at least 7'5. See how much taller he is than 7'1 Chet and 7'2 Gobert.

Yeah I probably got the height wrong. And he seems to me a better ball handler and has a softer touch than Chet. Obviously much better than Gobert offensively already

And why is Chet always slouching like a grandpa. Is it a medical thing. He has really odd posture

Spurs are going full blown prime No Limit tank mode for 7'2 Victor Wembeyanma. Them go start that tanking from Summer League. Pop has had enough

Spurs got a pretty decent haul for a mid PG like Murray. Yes he fills up stats sheets but not in a way that adds up to wins, no point remaining in purgatory

Also interesting game the Suns are playing with DeAndre Ayton. I don't know if he has leverage but he shouldn't overplay his hand. The problem in today's league is too many non max players are out there commanding max salaries and this has condemned several teams to mediocrity

Lastly what the hell is wrong with Miles Bridges? How do you catch that type of charge. I really think the GOAT should sell that team. It seems they are just cursed with mediocrity. They can't get a half decent coach and it appears now they're about to form a RICO starting five

etidy:
Bradley Beal is 'very likely' to opt out of his $36.4M player option and re-sign with the Wizards on a five-year max contract, per @wojespn https:///zGyDinoLv2

I have zero respect for players like Bradley beal and Dame Lillard.

I am all for player loyalty but when the team you're playing for has consistently shown that they are incapable and unwilling to build a winning team around you then Bleep loyalty.

Even the great Kobe Bryant threatened to leave the Lakers.

Some of these players just want to hide in their comfort zone, avoid scrutiny and get the Supermax while hiding under the loyalty toga.
Yet they want the respect that comes with winning titles.

Winning should be 1a, Money can 1b. Bleep these mental midgets

Na you dey put those expectations on Beal. Did Beal tell you he was GOAT level. Even Lillard I'm still asking wetin e play to make NBA 75. These are guys with good PR finish

kendrick93:

And you had to wait till after the final..
He wasn't even fit coming into that game...

As for Sadio joining bayern, I would have been distraught if this was Mane of 2019/20...
The guy down turn in form was the reason klopp invested in Diaz..
He looked a shadow of his former self till he was shifted to a Central position as a No9 where he was reinvigorated..
Bundesliga is a weaker league so maybe he can still tear it up as a wideman in Germany but in the PL his days as a wideman was clearly over especially at the highest of levels Liverpool were competing in...
I wish him good luck Sha in his newest adventures

I don't have to wait to know Thiago will go ghost mode. He spent 7 years at Bayern. We know him intoto.

Mane was the engine room of your attack. You will not realize what you have till it's gone. You will not understand what it means to lose someone that was dropping 20+ goals a season from open play and scoring in big games that Salah typically goes ghost mode in. You just wait. Mane is a hired gun. We don't need more than 2 quality seasons from him. We will need him for those difficult away Champions league games that Lewandowski used to ghost in frequently.

As for Diaz. He's already 25 going on 26 in January and he's still largely unproven. A good player but nothing spectacular

Roland17:
The Colorado Avalanche have defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 to win this series 4-2 and win the Stanley Cup! Their 3rd Stanley Cup, this time they destroy the Lightning dynasty.. @A40, for me, D. Kuemper was the better goalie in this series. The Lightning could not find a way around him..

Hahaha Kuemper was the reason it didn't end in 5. I told you the Avs were just the better team. If Kuemper is half decent the series would not have gone beyond 5. Credit to him for stepping up in Game 6. But he didn't face nearly as much pressure as Vas

Credit to Cale Makar and McKinnon. This Avs team definitely have the pieces to go back to back

Roland17:
Man had a tough life growing up, struggled with a lot of family dysfunction and weight issues but made it to the league.

Sometimes the demons of the past never leave, they haunt you and sometimes they keep people stuck. I am not sure what happened, hopefully, we get more information and clarity as the days come by.

You are absolutely right about making it to the league and success!

The Jaylen Ferguson thing too. It just always rubs me the wrong way seeing 25 year old black men dying over mysterious reasons. This Ravens guy had 3 young kids

Kadri for the win.

Avs are simply the better team. Provided their goalie don't shit the bed again this series ends in 5. Vasilevskiy is the only reason the game was close

When you have like 4 or 5 people playing for big contracts on a squad they are ready to die on the ice

raumdeuter:
If Brazzo can get upwards of 40M from Barcelona and extend Gnabry this will be a A rated transfer window

Gnabry, Sane, Coman, Davies. Ol boy!!

We have some deadweight we have to offload as well. I heard we're in for Laimer. If we can offload Sabitzer and Bouna Sarr I would be thrilled

Marc Roca is already gone. We need depth but not just any depth, quality depth cause last season our bench was an eyesore at times

Roland17:
Caleb Swanigan’s story is heartbreaking. I watched this man while he was at Purdue. I knew he would have a short NBA career because of his limited skill set when compared to what the league expects from today’s NBA big man.
Sometimes it’s best for these guys to just stay in the league or any competitive professional sports because it may be the only reason they are still breathing.
This life no balance at all! Stay safe out there everyone.
#RIPCalebSwanigan
#RIP24

Something is wrong somewhere. This life no easy, everybody just dey wing am.

There's a Ravens defender too. 26. With 3 kids and I'm like what's going on? Is it something in the air or water.

Perspective is so crucial cos making it to a major league has to be seen as success.

Mental strength and grit is really important. Because the sad truth is we are never going to have a kumbaya world. So an open mind to criticism is essential

Hopefully his energy will rub off on the likes of Sane. InsaneMane connection. I mean Sane is Senegalese by way of his father at least

As for Barcelona they should pay up or shut up. Mafejopami

The workhorse and eruku in attack. Belle just dey sweet me since

Roland17:
The Lightning are going to get the needed to make this series competitive again. They absolutely have to win game 4, else the Avalanche are going to cruise to the Stanley Cup. They are doing a great job today in not just matching the physicality but initiating it and dominating their lines which led to more PPs. Speaking about PPs, the Lightning gave to do a better job in being clinical/ efficient when they have the PP.

Final score: Avalanche 2-6 Lightning
Series: Avalanche 2-1 Lightning

They're a battle tested team. Would be crazy to expect a sweep. I think the Lightning have a distinct goalie advantage so if they keep the game close they will have the edge.

The Avs cannot afford close games but overall I still give them the advantage because I don't see the Lightning winning 3 more of a possible 4 barring injuries. The Avs look like a threat to score 5 every night just with Makar and guys who are chasing big contracts next season playing their tails off. Guys like Nichuskin, Burakovsky etc. Kadri as well even though he's hurt

McKinnon has been a bit disappointing but I also expect he improves

Where's LeNoHelp? Agba carrier of our time? You mean he's not on the list? Naaa Apostle must hear this one. O wrong nau