AROUND the NBA:

[khaled1987]

Of course he is still very young and can improve a lot, but I was not so impressed. He is definitely gifted offensively, but he can't shoot threes (11% on less than 1 attempt per game) and is undersized for a center (plays PF). He is also a bad defender, I think both at C (not big enough) and PF (not quick enough) position. 

NO has several "issues" with him now. On a positive side. He is very similar profile as Zion - scoring PF who can't/doesn't shoot and is iffy on defense. While Zion is better offensively, he is also constantly injured. Quinn enables them to close the Zion chapter. Based on the assets they paid for him, it makes little sense to play him behind Zion. 

On the downside, thinking about building a contender with Quinn as one of the pieces. While he is gifted offensively, I doubt he can be so good to be a franchise offensive cornerstone (for a contender). Can he be a beta? I think this is a minimum for teams to accept his iffy defense. Otherwise, he is sixth man or less, imho. Thinking of him, he gives me a lot of John Collins vibes (he also couln't shoot in his rookie season). He can put up great numbers on bad teams, but can't really be a part of a contender level team. These kind of players (basically undersized non-shooting centers) are so difficult to build around, imho. You would need to find him a rim protecting big on defense, who shoots threes on offense.

His draft measurements is 6'9.25 barefoot, 6'10.5 in shoes, 7'0.5 wingspan, 9'1.5 standing reach while being almost 250 lb, those are Jokic and AD numbers with identical height to AD entering the draft, 0.5 inch shorter than Jokic, shorter wingspan than both with higher standing reach. 

It will come down to talent and improvements, as always. Turning into the Batman or even a Rubin in contender is always the outlier, considering the amount of talents in the NBA, but he surely has a lot of talent

[Chicagojk]

His draft measurements is 6'9.25 barefoot, 6'10.5 in shoes, 7'0.5 wingspan, 9'1.5 standing reach while being almost 250 lb, those are Jokic and AD numbers with identical height to AD entering the draft, 0.5 inch shorter than Jokic, shorter wingspan than both with higher standing reach. 

It will come down to talent and improvements, as always. Turning into the Batman or even a Rubin in contender is always the outlier, considering the amount of talents in the NBA, but he surely has a lot of talent

I think Queen is really fun.  I think he has been good too.  I do agree that his match is tricky for good teams.    It can be done but it is not a plug and play as a lot of players.   You really need the right front court players to hide his weaknesses and play to his strengths.    I think especially in a playoff series.   I had some similar thoughts of Senguin though.  Senguin grew a little but he made himself into a much more well rounded player while keeping his strengths.    We will see.

[Chicagojk]

Two of the cup teams who got off to hot starts (Heat and Raptors) are both on 4 game losing streaks.   

The Bulls who got off to a hot start have lost 7 in a row and are firmly in their safe place of battling for a play in spot.   

I have only seen highlights lately, but it is criminal the Spurs wound up with Harper.    He looks great.  I guess better Harper than Flagg, but he is going to force a lot of playing time really soon.   Does him and Fox work longterm together or will Fox be eventually moved.   If I were to guess, Fox is probably there 2-3 years and then quietly exits stage left via trade.

[omahen]

Two of the cup teams who got off to hot starts (Heat and Raptors) are both on 4 game losing streaks.   

The Bulls who got off to a hot start have lost 7 in a row and are firmly in their safe place of battling for a play in spot.   

I have only seen highlights lately, but it is criminal the Spurs wound up with Harper.    He looks great.  I guess better Harper than Flagg, but he is going to force a lot of playing time really soon.   Does him and Fox work longterm together or will Fox be eventually moved.   If I were to guess, Fox is probably there 2-3 years and then quietly exits stage left via trade.

I think Spurs will roll with what they have, unless they perhaps go after Giannis. Evaluate in the summer where they are. I think they will be patient with Castle and Harper

[omahen]

Rich Paul did a conversation with Kellerman a couple of days ago, touching many current topics like Giannis, and talked a lot about Lakers. It is not my intention to go into opinions about what he said. What is interesting for me is, that an agent is so publicly vocal. Agents are traditionally figures that move in the shadows and pull the strings in the backstage. Every agent has an obvious confilict of interest when discussing current players and teams, since he represents some of them and not others. Do you think this kind of public appearances make Paul more or less appealing as an agent in the long term?

Paul has been vocal throughout his career and usually talked a lot about his main client, LeBron. Usually pointing out things that LeBrons team needs to be successful. On this episode he said that Reaves would be best as 6th man like Ginobili and Lakers lack of athleticism is a problem. While one could agree with the general notion of what he is saying, his conflict of interest doesn't play well here. Reaves is having a career year and is playing at an all star level. Since it is his contract year, I am not sure he is enthusiastic to be painted as 6th men. I very much agree that lack of athleticism is a Lakers problem, but with the conflict of interest in mind, one could take that as arrows towards teams main players Luka and Austin.

It is possible, that behind the scenes agent battle is going on. I think it is obvious that Duffy (Lukas agent) was behind Lakers moves this offseason. Ayton buyout and signing with Lakers for low money, Hayes signing for vet min,... LeBron is also pushed into third banana role with constant messages that this is Luka team and that Reaves will be his running mate.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

I think they will be patient with Castle and Harper

I agree.  I don't think there's any chance either of those guys is dealt.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Rich Paul did a conversation with Kellerman a couple of days ago, touching many current topics like Giannis, and talked a lot about Lakers. It is not my intention to go into opinions about what he said. What is interesting for me is, that an agent is so publicly vocal. Agents are traditionally figures that move in the shadows and pull the strings in the backstage. Every agent has an obvious confilict of interest when discussing current players and teams, since he represents some of them and not others. Do you think this kind of public appearances make Paul more or less appealing as an agent in the long term?

more appealing to NBA players

He said something to the effect of "Milwaukee should ask for Jalen Johnson in any Giannis trade."  Come to find out he represents Jalen Johnson and JJ is from Milwaukee.  Paul is letting the word know his client would be happy to be traded to Milwaukee.

The commissioner's office doesn't seem to care so players and agents will keep doing it.

[omahen]

more appealing to NBA players

He said something to the effect of "Milwaukee should ask for Jalen Johnson in any Giannis trade."  Come to find out he represents Jalen Johnson and JJ is from Milwaukee.  Paul is letting the word know his client would be happy to be traded to Milwaukee.

The commissioner's office doesn't seem to care so players and agents will keep doing it.

But Rich Paul is the only agent that is so publicly exposed. Why is there a need for such public statements, that you can always make in private negotiating rooms? He is not dealing with public, he is dealing with FOs. By saying it publicly, every team and player hears it, which might lead to some conflicts. As this latest example - Luka and Reaves could very easily conclude that what Rich Paul is saying is actually LeBrons words, that he can't say publicly himself. So why would LeBron choose to discuss this team issues publicly instead of doing it behind close doors?

[Chicagojk]

Rich Paul did a conversation with Kellerman a couple of days ago, touching many current topics like Giannis, and talked a lot about Lakers. It is not my intention to go into opinions about what he said. What is interesting for me is, that an agent is so publicly vocal. Agents are traditionally figures that move in the shadows and pull the strings in the backstage. Every agent has an obvious confilict of interest when discussing current players and teams, since he represents some of them and not others. Do you think this kind of public appearances make Paul more or less appealing as an agent in the long term?

Paul has been vocal throughout his career and usually talked a lot about his main client, LeBron. Usually pointing out things that LeBrons team needs to be successful. On this episode he said that Reaves would be best as 6th man like Ginobili and Lakers lack of athleticism is a problem. While one could agree with the general notion of what he is saying, his conflict of interest doesn't play well here. Reaves is having a career year and is playing at an all star level. Since it is his contract year, I am not sure he is enthusiastic to be painted as 6th men. I very much agree that lack of athleticism is a Lakers problem, but with the conflict of interest in mind, one could take that as arrows towards teams main players Luka and Austin.

It is possible, that behind the scenes agent battle is going on. I think it is obvious that Duffy (Lukas agent) was behind Lakers moves this offseason. Ayton buyout and signing with Lakers for low money, Hayes signing for vet min,... LeBron is also pushed into third banana role with constant messages that this is Luka team and that Reaves will be his running mate.

I saw some clips but it won't be on my listen to list.  I do found it strange.  Seems like this is something that will cause more drama than good.   Especially if it is something people want to listen to.   Seems like an agent feeling himself a little.   Usually not something you want to do.   You know how the media cycle goes....they go up to Reaves and says Lebron agent says you should be the sixth man because you can't defend and then go back to Lebron.  Just seems like something they can do to cause stress.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

But Rich Paul is the only agent that is so publicly exposed. Why is there a need for such public statements, that you can always make in private negotiating rooms? He is not dealing with public, he is dealing with FOs. By saying it publicly, every team and player hears it, which might lead to some conflicts. As this latest example - Luka and Reaves could very easily conclude that what Rich Paul is saying is actually LeBrons words, that he can't say publicly himself. So why would LeBron choose to discuss this team issues publicly instead of doing it behind close doors?

Putting all your life and business and negotiations out in the open on social media seems to be the way US society is trending.  (I don't have FB, Twitter, or IG)

The other super agents like Jeff Scwartz and Bill Duffy are probably in their 60s.  That generation had a different way of doing things.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

 You know how the media cycle goes....they go up to Reaves and says Lebron agent says you should be the sixth man because you can't defend and then go back to Lebron.  Just seems like something they can do to cause stress.

I assume everything he says is intentional.  I would not be surprised if Lebron is putting on a happy face in public but mad at the Lakers.

[omahen]

I would not be surprised if Lebron is putting on a happy face in public but mad at the Lakers.

Not saying that I think it certainly is so, but it is possible. I certainly hope it isn't.

If I assume that this is the case - It is very difficult to step down from the throne after being a king for 21 years and a half. But you know, he had every possibility to decline his PO and go to whichever contender that would allow him to continue to rule. Show Lakers what a stupid decision they made by deciding to build around Luka. But wait. There was no such team, as LeBron is not able to rule the league anymore. Father time catches up with everybody at some point.

[Chicagojk]

Things can change quickly but I am astonished how good and dominant OkC is. Maybe mavs blowout loss was nothing to sneeze at?? I just have no idea how anyone challenges them this year. Next year? The year after? Game after game they just another you and take the life away from you. Just absolutely dominate so far.

[Mavs2021]

Things can change quickly but I am astonished how good and dominant OkC is.  Maybe mavs blowout loss was nothing to sneeze at??  I just have no idea how anyone challenges them this year.  Next year? The year after?  Game after game they just another you and take the life away from you.  Just absolutely dominate so far.

Spurs look pretty good without Wemby, too. Absolutely insane that some people think we do not need another top 8 pick to allow Flagg to compete with these guys. Also Bron will kill the Lakers season.

[Knutsen]

Things can change quickly but I am astonished how good and dominant OkC is.  Maybe mavs blowout loss was nothing to sneeze at??  I just have no idea how anyone challenges them this year.  Next year? The year after?  Game after game they just another you and take the life away from you.  Just absolutely dominate so far.

And the worst thing is they already won their first title, which is kind of the hardest. Would they have lost to the Nuggets in the playoffs for example, then it could have become mental in these playoffs - if they are just one of the best regular season teams ever. But now? I see them winning a lot of titles the next 5 years. Even if Chet goes down again they have enough to compete with anyone.

[FireNicoHarrison]

Spurs look pretty good without Wemby, too. Absolutely insane that some people think we do not need another top 8 pick to allow Flagg to compete with these guys. Also Bron will kill the Lakers season.

Castle-Harper-Wemby is a fantastic trio... I don't even know if Flagg+top pick are enough to beat them in future.

[khaled1987]

But Rich Paul is the only agent that is so publicly exposed. Why is there a need for such public statements, that you can always make in private negotiating rooms? He is not dealing with public, he is dealing with FOs. By saying it publicly, every team and player hears it, which might lead to some conflicts. As this latest example - Luka and Reaves could very easily conclude that what Rich Paul is saying is actually LeBrons words, that he can't say publicly himself. So why would LeBron choose to discuss this team issues publicly instead of doing it behind close doors?

It is who he is, Rich Paul is currently too big for an agent to care tbh. He is representing all timers, in the league and the media, he is dating an all timer. He isn't going to be touched. He is one of those who wants attention for himself and see it as a good marketing strategy, this will attract some clients and be a deal breaker for some others. 

Also, many agents work under him now, many are Klutch agents rather than directly Paul's one.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://x.com/TimBontemps/status/1998952824596804050

OKC is a juggernaut.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

https://www.reddit.com/r/lakers/comments...arnes_and/

It's happening...

[FireNicoHarrison]

Fakers are a joke. Trust me.