AROUND the NBA:

[omahen]

Sounds like Gilbert Arenas is also in some trouble with gambling.    This will continue to be an issue, no doubt.

His case is entirely different though and has nothing to do with basketball. Seems like he was hosting illegal poker games in his house to some organized crime figures. His claim is he was only renting a house and had nothing to do with what was happening, but it seems like police has more than just that - I saw something about a poker table with "Arenas poker tournament" or something similar written on it.

[Hooper21]

His case is entirely different though and has nothing to do with basketball. Seems like he was hosting illegal poker games in his house to some organized crime figures. His claim is he was only renting a house and had nothing to do with what was happening, but it seems like police has more than just that - I saw something about a poker table with "Arenas poker tournament" or something similar written on it.

We saw how his card games worked out when he played for the Wizards...

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1951044624279060606


Mikal Bridges' extension gives the Knicks flexibility under both aprons.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

We saw how his card games worked out when he played for the Wizards...

For sure. Watched the Netflix documentary aptly named, "Shooting Guards"

[omahen]

Since not much is going on, I made a future outlook for top teams and it might be very interesting. Looking just at potential contenders, avoiding Mavs and lakers When I write next season, I mean season 2026-2027.

In the East I only see four teams worth mentioning. Atlanta still needs to prove they are more than a play-in team (they have very clean books moving forward). Detroit had a nice season, but they depend a lot on further growth of their young core. It seems they still miss a significant player to become serious contenders and they will have to make decisions on Duren and Ivey. Indy took two huge hits with Hali season ending injury and Turner walking for nothing. Who knows if they can rebound from that. Milwaukee is imho done. Philly seems to be destined to be an injury mess until Embiid and George expire, rest of East is meh.

Boston
Boston shed salary this season, but they still have 180 mil committed for next season for a "core" of Tatum, Brown, White, Pritchard and Hauser (notice the big drop-off after first the big three). Biggest need is the center and another starting level player. They lost all three centers this season and brought in none, so their current center line-up is Tillman-Garza-Queta, three career third string centers, at best. Assuming they don't want to touch the "big three" and how much of the cap they take, they will have to operate near or over the second apron to be competitive. They have plenty of draft assets available so best move might be to asset whip to make a trade for a center on a rookie deal (Kessler, Duren and such). Than they could either just sign Simons to a new contract next season, trade him this season for a better (and cheaper) player or let him walk and find a wing for tax MLE.

Cleveland
They are probably in most problematic cap position, as they are already over the second apron for next season, if they keep the players they have. So a trade seems imminent in their case. Either they dump Strus to BKN or they trade Garland for a cheaper defensive minded guard (prime JRue type would be perfect for them). Or perhaps they decide to put Mobley full time on center and trade Allen without taking much salaries back.

NY
With Bridges signing an extension, they have their core locked moving forward. They have 16 mil under the 2nd apron for next season and their only heavy minutes player becoming UFA is Robinson. Yabusele could walk if he has a good season (5.7 mil player option without NY having bird rights). We will see if a new coach can push this core to the top.

Orlando
They are becoming expensive next season, as they are right at the second apron with their current contracts but they have no rotation players becoming UFA. I could see them moving one of Isaac, Carter Jr., Jett Howard (big rookie dissapointment) or Bitadze for expiring salary to give them a bit more flexibility for next offseason.

Wide circle of potential contenders in the West. I will not discuss LAC and GSW, as they are simply getting (too) old and will have to tackle the rebuild at some point. Memphis got a bit weaker and they will depend on how guys on their rookie deals develop - they have several interesting players there. Utah is rebuilding and PHX, NOP, Sac and POR are meh until they prove me wrong. SA seems to have a very bright future ahead, but I would also like to see some results first.

Denver
They have 200 mil committed for next season and they will have to resign Braun. Someone could money whip him away from Denver, as it happened in KCP and Brown cases. Orlando regretted the KCP money whipping, while Indy used overpaid Brown to trade for Siakam. Since Denver doesn't have any assets left, we will likely watch more or less same team, patching holes with vet min players.

Minny
Another team that has their core locked, while they managed to decently clean-up the books by trading KAT. They will likely be the first apron team moving forward, but they are comfortably below the 2nd apron. Their biggest need will be to replace Conley. Dillingham growing into that role would be their best option. If not, they will likely need to use the trade market with limited options beyond breaking up their core. Perhaps they should start exploring the long term Gobert situation on the team.

OKC
By extending JDub and Holmgren they are projected to be far over the second apron next season with their current team. However, they have several players still on rookie deals that are perhaps ready for bigger roles (Wallace, Topic, Ajay Mitchell) and plenty of future picks. So my biggest interest is what they do with Dort and Hartenstein next season, as they have team options on both of their deals (over 45 mil combined). It might not be smart to tear down a championship team during this season, but they both might become very available in the summer, if they want similar money going forward. Both can be instant starters on most of contenders.

Houston
They are becoming a first apron team, assuming they extend Durant at maximum possible number. Eason will be RFA next summer and his new deal could push them very close to (or over?) the second apron. A lot depends on how this season goes.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Omahen, I noticed you didn't include the Mavs. What's your outlook on them if you don't mind me asking? I can't really disagree on your analysis, but one of those teams could possibly break through. It always seems to be at least one.

[myconsumerclub]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xNfO5gH0M0
Klay Thompson, Evan Mobley, & Carter Bryant *GO CRAZY* in NBA Open Run

[omahen]

Omahen, I noticed you didn't include the Mavs. What's your outlook on them if you don't mind me asking? I can't really disagree on your analysis, but one of those teams could possibly break through. It always seems to be at least one.

Mavs have a nice cap situation for next season. They can comfortably stay under the 2nd apron even with PJ on 20 mil deal. They have the contracts and assets to make solid moves if needed, once they see how "The Vision" works on court. Longer term they will of course get older and players will need to be replaced. Unlike LAC and GSW they have a long-term young corner stone to build around, though, so transitiion shouldn't be difficult. GSW actually got their chance a couple of seasons ago, but they wasted it (Wiseman with #2).

[Chicagojk]

Since not much is going on, I made a future outlook for top teams and it might be very interesting. Looking just at potential contenders, avoiding Mavs and lakers When I write next season, I mean season 2026-2027.

In the East I only see four teams worth mentioning. Atlanta still needs to prove they are more than a play-in team (they have very clean books moving forward). Detroit had a nice season, but they depend a lot on further growth of their young core. It seems they still miss a significant player to become serious contenders and they will have to make decisions on Duren and Ivey. Indy took two huge hits with Hali season ending injury and Turner walking for nothing. Who knows if they can rebound from that. Milwaukee is imho done. Philly seems to be destined to be an injury mess until Embiid and George expire, rest of East is meh.

Boston
Boston shed salary this season, but they still have 180 mil committed for next season for a "core" of Tatum, Brown, White, Pritchard and Hauser (notice the big drop-off after first the big three). Biggest need is the center and another starting level player. They lost all three centers this season and brought in none, so their current center line-up is Tillman-Garza-Queta, three career third string centers, at best. Assuming they don't want to touch the "big three" and how much of the cap they take, they will have to operate near or over the second apron to be competitive. They have plenty of draft assets available so best move might be to asset whip to make a trade for a center on a rookie deal (Kessler, Duren and such). Than they could either just sign Simons to a new contract next season, trade him this season for a better (and cheaper) player or let him walk and find a wing for tax MLE.

Cleveland
They are probably in most problematic cap position, as they are already over the second apron for next season, if they keep the players they have. So a trade seems imminent in their case. Either they dump Strus to BKN or they trade Garland for a cheaper defensive minded guard (prime JRue type would be perfect for them). Or perhaps they decide to put Mobley full time on center and trade Allen without taking much salaries back.

NY
With Bridges signing an extension, they have their core locked moving forward. They have 16 mil under the 2nd apron for next season and their only heavy minutes player becoming UFA is Robinson. Yabusele could walk if he has a good season (5.7 mil player option without NY having bird rights). We will see if a new coach can push this core to the top.

Orlando
They are becoming expensive next season, as they are right at the second apron with their current contracts but they have no rotation players becoming UFA. I could see them moving one of Isaac, Carter Jr., Jett Howard (big rookie dissapointment) or Bitadze for expiring salary to give them a bit more flexibility for next offseason.

Wide circle of potential contenders in the West. I will not discuss LAC and GSW, as they are simply getting (too) old and will have to tackle the rebuild at some point. Memphis got a bit weaker and they will depend on how guys on their rookie deals develop - they have several interesting players there. Utah is rebuilding and PHX, NOP, Sac and POR are meh until they prove me wrong. SA seems to have a very bright future ahead, but I would also like to see some results first.

Denver
They have 200 mil committed for next season and they will have to resign Braun. Someone could money whip him away from Denver, as it happened in KCP and Brown cases. Orlando regretted the KCP money whipping, while Indy used overpaid Brown to trade for Siakam. Since Denver doesn't have any assets left, we will likely watch more or less same team, patching holes with vet min players.

Minny
Another team that has their core locked, while they managed to decently clean-up the books by trading KAT. They will likely be the first apron team moving forward, but they are comfortably below the 2nd apron. Their biggest need will be to replace Conley. Dillingham growing into that role would be their best option. If not, they will likely need to use the trade market with limited options beyond breaking up their core. Perhaps they should start exploring the long term Gobert situation on the team.

OKC
By extending JDub and Holmgren they are projected to be far over the second apron next season with their current team. However, they have several players still on rookie deals that are perhaps ready for bigger roles (Wallace, Topic, Ajay Mitchell) and plenty of future picks. So my biggest interest is what they do with Dort and Hartenstein next season, as they have team options on both of their deals (over 45 mil combined). It might not be smart to tear down a championship team during this season, but they both might become very available in the summer, if they want similar money going forward. Both can be instant starters on most of contenders.

Houston
They are becoming a first apron team, assuming they extend Durant at maximum possible number. Eason will be RFA next summer and his new deal could push them very close to (or over?) the second apron. A lot depends on how this season goes.

I am really interested to see what Boston does the next few years.     Brad has not been as good as Ainge in the draft.  Stevens appears to like getting second round picks and hoping one hits.  One hasn't hit yet.   The lack of young talent may catch up to them.  On the other hand, Stevens have been awesome in trades.   He even got off big salaries who probably weren't going to be a piece of their next interation.  A healthy Tatum, Brown and White is a great start.   I just have trouble seeing how they fill out the rest of the team and also having a deep team that is more the standard for good teams moving forward.  The lack of young pieces may really hurt either to develop or use in trades.   They do have picks though.

Huge year for Cleveland.   There were times last year that they looked like the best team in the league.  Reallly enjoyable watch as well.  Then in the playoffs Indy was just flat out better.  Cleveland had injuries in the playoffs for the second year, but no more excuses.   

I am not sure what Miami and Mil are.   They are not contenders but they at least going to get my attention.  The Bucks GM hasn't proven much the last few years.  Not very good moves.   Miami has more flexibility, but lack the top talent of the Bucks.  

On the West, Minny GM continues to make smart decisions.  I don't think they were a top two team in the west the past two years, but they made the conference finals.    I think Connelly just makes smart, smaller moves.   As you mention they have a lot riding on Dillingham.   Another veteran would be helpful at PG.   Rudy is also getting older but he invested in two young raw centers in the draft.  He has a star and a pretty good fitting cast.   I think they are probably 4-6 in my west rankings but regular season could be different.   

Houston is going to be really good.  I do wonder if they have too many bodies though.  Good players.   Although it seems like a lot of west teams are really deep now.   Just something to watch.  Especially if some aren't getting closing minutes.   That GM is on a hot streak though and they can make a 2 for 1 or 3 for 1 trade and still be deep.

[Chicagojk]

Since not much is going on, I made a future outlook for top teams and it might be very interesting. Looking just at potential contenders, avoiding Mavs and lakers When I write next season, I mean season 2026-2027.

In the East I only see four teams worth mentioning. Atlanta still needs to prove they are more than a play-in team (they have very clean books moving forward). Detroit had a nice season, but they depend a lot on further growth of their young core. It seems they still miss a significant player to become serious contenders and they will have to make decisions on Duren and Ivey. Indy took two huge hits with Hali season ending injury and Turner walking for nothing. Who knows if they can rebound from that. Milwaukee is imho done. Philly seems to be destined to be an injury mess until Embiid and George expire, rest of East is meh.

Boston
Boston shed salary this season, but they still have 180 mil committed for next season for a "core" of Tatum, Brown, White, Pritchard and Hauser (notice the big drop-off after first the big three). Biggest need is the center and another starting level player. They lost all three centers this season and brought in none, so their current center line-up is Tillman-Garza-Queta, three career third string centers, at best. Assuming they don't want to touch the "big three" and how much of the cap they take, they will have to operate near or over the second apron to be competitive. They have plenty of draft assets available so best move might be to asset whip to make a trade for a center on a rookie deal (Kessler, Duren and such). Than they could either just sign Simons to a new contract next season, trade him this season for a better (and cheaper) player or let him walk and find a wing for tax MLE.

Cleveland
They are probably in most problematic cap position, as they are already over the second apron for next season, if they keep the players they have. So a trade seems imminent in their case. Either they dump Strus to BKN or they trade Garland for a cheaper defensive minded guard (prime JRue type would be perfect for them). Or perhaps they decide to put Mobley full time on center and trade Allen without taking much salaries back.

NY
With Bridges signing an extension, they have their core locked moving forward. They have 16 mil under the 2nd apron for next season and their only heavy minutes player becoming UFA is Robinson. Yabusele could walk if he has a good season (5.7 mil player option without NY having bird rights). We will see if a new coach can push this core to the top.

Orlando
They are becoming expensive next season, as they are right at the second apron with their current contracts but they have no rotation players becoming UFA. I could see them moving one of Isaac, Carter Jr., Jett Howard (big rookie dissapointment) or Bitadze for expiring salary to give them a bit more flexibility for next offseason.

Wide circle of potential contenders in the West. I will not discuss LAC and GSW, as they are simply getting (too) old and will have to tackle the rebuild at some point. Memphis got a bit weaker and they will depend on how guys on their rookie deals develop - they have several interesting players there. Utah is rebuilding and PHX, NOP, Sac and POR are meh until they prove me wrong. SA seems to have a very bright future ahead, but I would also like to see some results first.

Denver
They have 200 mil committed for next season and they will have to resign Braun. Someone could money whip him away from Denver, as it happened in KCP and Brown cases. Orlando regretted the KCP money whipping, while Indy used overpaid Brown to trade for Siakam. Since Denver doesn't have any assets left, we will likely watch more or less same team, patching holes with vet min players.

Minny
Another team that has their core locked, while they managed to decently clean-up the books by trading KAT. They will likely be the first apron team moving forward, but they are comfortably below the 2nd apron. Their biggest need will be to replace Conley. Dillingham growing into that role would be their best option. If not, they will likely need to use the trade market with limited options beyond breaking up their core. Perhaps they should start exploring the long term Gobert situation on the team.

OKC
By extending JDub and Holmgren they are projected to be far over the second apron next season with their current team. However, they have several players still on rookie deals that are perhaps ready for bigger roles (Wallace, Topic, Ajay Mitchell) and plenty of future picks. So my biggest interest is what they do with Dort and Hartenstein next season, as they have team options on both of their deals (over 45 mil combined). It might not be smart to tear down a championship team during this season, but they both might become very available in the summer, if they want similar money going forward. Both can be instant starters on most of contenders.

Houston
They are becoming a first apron team, assuming they extend Durant at maximum possible number. Eason will be RFA next summer and his new deal could push them very close to (or over?) the second apron. A lot depends on how this season goes.

On a nerd level, I think Memphis is a team to watch over the next few years.    They are probably not a contender even if Ja and JJJ are healthy ad productive, but they have no chance if they are not.    Memphis FO does have an eye for talent and they still have a deep roster and they have proven to be a good regular season win team even with injuries.

What interests me is they have their first round picks.   If they miss the playoffs they will get another lottery pick.  In addition, they have the better of PHX and MIL first round pick this year.  I assume PHX pick will be in the lottery.  So they may wind up with two first round lottery picks with a potential deep draft.  Just something to monitor.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

On a nerd level, I think Memphis is a team to watch over the next few years.    They are probably not a contender even if Ja and JJJ are healthy ad productive, but they have no chance if they are not.    Memphis FO does have an eye for talent and they still have a deep roster and they have proven to be a good regular season win team even with injuries.

What interests me is they have their first round picks.   If they miss the playoffs they will get another lottery pick.  In addition, they have the better of PHX and MIL first round pick this year.  I assume PHX pick will be in the lottery.  So they may wind up with two first round lottery picks with a potential deep draft.  Just something to monitor.

I've always said Memphis is on the cusp of being a contender. They do a great job of drafting and developing their young talent (case in point: Jaylen Wells, Santi Aldama, Edey, and GG Jackson). However, everything has to fall into place with Ja and JJJ being healthy.  They were knocking on the door a few seasons ago when they finished as the 2 seed in the West, only to be knocked out of the playoffs in 7 games by GS, I believe.

[DallasMaverick]

I've always said Memphis is on the cusp of being a contender. They do a great job of drafting and developing their young talent (case in point: Jaylen Wells, Santi Aldama, Edey, and GG Jackson). However, everything has to fall into place with Ja and JJJ being healthy.  They were knocking on the door a few seasons ago when they finished as the 2 seed in the West, only to be knocked out of the playoffs in 7 games by GS, I believe.

Fascinating to watch “one hit wonders” in the NBA. I was thinking about Sacramento the past couple of years. Or Utah a couple of years ago. Brooklyn in 2022-2023. Memphis in 2021-2023.

Teams that way outperform expectations for a season or two, but then fade quickly.

I’m wondering if Boston will drop significantly this year. Or the Lakers, as LeBron declines. Milwaukee might be poised for a dive.  Was Indiana’s run a flash in the pan?

[Chicagojk]

I am a point guard guy. Love the Kidd's, Chris Pauls, Steve Nash of the world. A good point guard who know how and when to get others the ball is my jam. Although, I have been thinking a lot what Pitino says below. It may be a dying breed of having that one table setter. Trends change but I think we have moved or are moving into having 3-4 guys on the court who can all handle and create and not the true point guard. Who is the point for OKC? Who was the point for Boston the year prior?

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1m...nt_guards/

[david75090]

PGs have the key to the offense. When teams have that identifiable PG, the other teams try and shut that guy down. Multiple ball handlers help with that. Back in the day, with Nellie coaching Nash, Nellie tried to get that secondary ball handler. Even tried Antoine Walker, which didn't work. Stockton would be another to add to your list. They're fun to watch, and it is a specific talent that teams usually try to keep.

Remember with the early Mavs, first year, they had trouble running Motta's offense. Struggled to get the ball past half court to get into the offense until they signed Brad Davis from the Northern Knights out of Anchorage. Davis was more of a hustle guy, but could at least handle the ball. That team blossomed when they drafted Derek Harper. Someone to get the ball to the scorers. Good times.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/luka-do...guccounter=
https://x.com/SloHoopsFan/status/1953533055861215699

Luka has allegedly lost 31 pounds after extensive training.


It's too bad he wasn't so serious about his conditioning while he was here.
He looks to be in the best shape of his life.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/mal...d=msedgntp&pc=


Malik Beasley evicted from his downtown Detroit hi-rise.

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/mal...d=msedgntp&pc=


Malik Beasley evicted from his downtown Detroit hi-rise.

I hate to see this.  I take no glee in professional athletes losing everything.

[Chicagojk]

Hot take: Rob got the second best player in the Luka/AD trade

https://x.com/Trevor_Lane/status/1954771836744482918

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://dallashoopsjournal.com/p/los-ang...ws-rumors/


Luka wants revenge for Dallas' "fat-shaming" him.

[DallasMaverick]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/4594...-26-season

Pretty fascinating that the team that almost won the championship last year (Indiana) isn’t even in their top 10 prospects.

Rodney Daingerfield would have comments…