Murphy13

Nik came alive at least.

Julius Randle is a beast. This game can’t be over quick enough.

Lack of depth showing in this game; lac have like 30 bench points to our 9. Defense is bad too obviously

It’s never useless to enlighten yourself. You don’t have to believe me, that’s immaterial. I don’t say things without good reason to back it up though and in this case it’s easily verifiable.

It never occurred to me to consider his single greatest strength! Really? ... Looking forward to the game tonight.

I saw it, and I’d point out negative facts about him every day if it led to meaningful performances by him like last night! It’s hard not to like his play last night. I’ve never been one to ignore his good play when it happens. I’ve felt over the years that he has been overvalued by just a few and more acutely been kind of an empty stat guy that got more benefit of the doubt than anyone but games like last night really show the he has the ability to contribute meaningfully. I couldn’t be happier with him this am.

Wow what a game and timely performance by Fultz. It was great to see AG play well in a high leverage win also.

Jokic is definitely a star.

I’m sorry but do you research things before you respond? His ts% has been down since his second year in the league- with a brief blip last year thanks to his 3point proficiency that I already mentioned. It’s gone now anyway. Either way, everything else was down. Everything. Just go look at his advanced stats on bball reference...look at EVERYTHING. There is a clear trend. Again I have nothing against him; given our position we would be wise to sell as high as possible. His value is not going up, that is all. No emotion.

I’m not trying to open can of worms. He’s been declining for two years across the board aside from a temporary blip in 3 point efficiency that is gone. He was basically plateauing the year and a half before that as well-across the board, only reason I care is that I want max value for him. No hate. I know you watched the games. Nik was double teamed almost the entire time and the complete focus of the Raptors on defense. Yes, the other post player benefitted the most statically from that. That happened to be AG; look how it went. Case in point. None of that is relevant because AG is not the same so far this year as last year, or the year before, probably not the year before that either, much less in playoffs.

I’m not taking away from that win at all but I’m not sure we have the depth to beat Miami 60% of the time in the playoffs, maybe not Boston either but as you said it’s early. I wouldn’t want to get rid of Ross, I mentioned Fournier. AG doesn’t have that kind of bearing on our playoff chances like Fournier or even Ross has but I get your point. We just need to offload AG while we can get value for him.

I know it’s early but with the way the east is unfolding does anyone think there’s a realistic shot at making it to the second round of playoffs this year? We could probably sell Fournier and AG and still potentially get the seventh seed, still lose in the first round, but also continue the retooling for the future with cleaner finances and more conforming roster mates. Maybe the team gels around Fultz in the coming month+ but to me it seems there’s a clear ceiling with this core.

I'm not trying to rehash old conversations here but are you suggesting that AG is a star? That last one was in desperation and would have been called on anyone. He shouldn't even have had the ball. He's not that kind of player.

Nik is consistency defined. I'd pass on Booker but I can see where you're coming from with that.

I'm really excited for this season to start up. Football has been more boring to me than ever and the Braves really shat the bed so I am ready for some basketball. It doesn't hurt that we are looking to be at least as good as last season-maybe even better! I think our Mod has it right, if we start off strong this season I think we have a chance to take a real step forward collectively. I'm excited!

What is a star exactly? All star? There are many non-elite all stars each year. If we’re equating elite to star then those expectations are unrealistic at this point. He’s still trying to figure out how to be a #3 on a decent team. He’s got a ways to go to be elite. That said he should still be getting better.

No, he has become vastly overrated.

Not really, it just means (again assuming Fultz plays at a reasonably high level) that he won't have to force things as much. His numbers might go down a little but he'll be more efficient at what he does do. He's our best and therefore most important player for now, arguing his level of importance is impotent. If he's as good as his contract dictates, he should understand that taking a step back so the team can step forward is a good thing that benefits him.

Fultz's game is not one of ball domination. Having a big to toss it down to and then moving without the ball will change your mind. And no, attempting to devalue someone's value doesn't change the fact that high post players love them some active pg's. Time will tell, assuming Fultz plays.

It shows the value of buckets. Harris has become a better teammate since he left us, that has allowed him to stick around and get this payday. If Randle continues his growth he will be right behind Tobias in two years as well contract wise. The other guys on your list are of different makeup or caliber. AG is a good teammate but not a scorer or top 3 option, Barnes has a chance to bridge the gap between the two categories but is running out of time. I don't believe Gay was ever accused of being a good teammate. Portis is like a Glen Davis clone with less personality.

Nik would do really well on GS.

Gordon is not a star and that has nothing to do with Nikola Vucevic. No one on the roster would benefit from a healthy Fultz more than Vucevic. Get used to him.

I think these lists are good for showing trajectories of players as well as giving an outside perspective. I wouldn't have had Jokic #2 on mine for example but he's an incredible player.

Randle is turning into a star. It's nice to see Jrue keeping it up.

It's a good game, love the way NO plays when AD is on the bench.