With the rise of 3 point shooting, game to game variance is higher than ever and its gotten to the point where a 7 game series isnt always indicative of which team is better, rather who’s players are hotter at the moment.

To go along with that, I don’t believe the actual best team has won the championship the past 5 years. Meaning if we simulated the playoffs (got rid of injuries) and instead of a 7 game series we make it a best of 101, none of the last 5 champions would be the same.

Celtics new road guy (Drew) whos been gearing up to take over for Gorman has been really excellent

Kemba Walker for the Celtics. Really sucked he got injured and set us back a season or two, but ultimately I think the Kemba dysfunction directly resulted in Danny Ainge moving on and Brad Stevens taking over as GM and hes been amazing in that role. Kemba also brought Horford back so really maybe he ultimately helped us long term even if he potentially cost us a bubble ring. Kemba was clearly a great person and teammates… even if the ear to ear smiles as he went 2/13 from the floor got irritating at times lol

Tatum has had the hardest schedule in the league while the Mavs have had the easiest. Just something to note

Butler worked well and there are similarities there

Caruso to Celtics because they will be motivated to boost their bench depth and have the assets to make a deal giving up pritchard, salary and picks.

DeMar to Sixers, they have the salary and assets to make this move after the Harden trade and will be motivated to go all in for Embiid. Could potentially see LaVine here but its easier to match DeMar’s Salary.

LaVine to Lakers, Lakers continue to struggle and go all in for a talented third option. They cut their losses and build the trade around Reaves who continues to struggle at the deadline

Vucevic stays as a veteran glue guy. His contract is good and there likely isn’t much demand for him from other teams. Bulls are better off keeping him

The Sixers have been dominant in the regular season for years now. Nothing has been fixed until they can somehow continue it in the postseason. Which requires embiid to stay well conditioned, stay healthy and modernize his game

It almost feels like the NBA is pushing for this duo to work better than it has. Without freethrows Dame would be absolutely awful this season

Refs are ass this year

Because there’s enough evidence to put him there without seeing him play a regular season game

Ya no way people actually think there are even 50 players better than him right now

I just feel like Randle is almost a handicap to a team actively trying to win a championship. Needs the ball in his hands but hasnt shown he can be effective come playoff time. If im trying to take my team from bottom of the league to playoffs, Randle is that dude. But if I want a championship, id rather gamble on Porzingas’ health because he has tools that can completely elevate a team

Being a Celtics fan means ive witnessed the sharp decline of point guards. It happens almost out of nowhere. Its essentially a certainty it happens at some point during his current contract, and while I agree the preseason isnt going to be completely indicative of his actual season, it might be the first sign of age. Ive also been slightly lower on Dame than consensus ever since the Olympics where it felt like he didnt really fit in with other talented players

Im high on Amen but I just feel like theres almost too much talent with no established hierarchy. Too many guys that could reasonably be “the guy” maybe if Ime is really as good as many think he is, the Rockets can figure it out

He’s never been that great without Jokic though. Not sure he’s still the “best” role player without that type playmaking and gravity

Honestly I think Jayson Tatum would be really good against Wemby. Tatum is historically great defending KD because of his strength speed and length

It wouldnt surprise me if this is the year Dame takes a big step back. I dont think playing alongside Giannis will be quite as perfect a duo as everyone is making it seem

When he doesnt have a godlike team, he starts putting up 50 points every week. Dudes just good lmao

I would bet they are much closer to 22 wins than 38. Most teams got better, and the Rockets feel like they lack a true first option. I imagine a scenario where Jalen Green, FVV, Dillion Brooks and jabari smith jr are all kind of fighting each other for their shots. None of these guys are very efficient so I think itll be a little gross at times. Maybe 28-30 wins imo

Jaylen Brown using his left hand all over the Hornets, you know their D is cooked