AROUND the NBA:

[Winter]

All of this is true, but having some luck is involved as well.

Yes, probably true. I mean Golden State had the best regular season team ever and was a game away having three championships in a row. They couldn't pull it off.

[Chicagojk]

Hollinger said after two minutes the Thunder decided Hartenstein was unplayable against Wemby and was never on the court with him again.   It will be interesting to see if this is the case this series.  Also interesting if Wemby impacts how teams build with their centers.  The non space floor centers are just a good option with Wemby on the floor.

[cow]

Wemby is f'ing awesome.

[meistermatze]

I felt so dirty rooting for the Spurs, but I hate the always-fouling Thunder with a burning passion. To have the audacity to yell “Refs, you suck!” when their entire game plan revolves around foul baiting and getting away with hacking the opponent’s best player on every single play (Luka back in the day with us, now Wemby) is preposterous.

Also: Castle had 11 turnovers, which is embarrassing, but man — is there a better defender in this league for SGA? He was amazing guarding him. He should have it easier once Fox is back to handle the ball. Castle is going to be a superstar soon, and I think Harper will end up being the second-best player in Cooper’s draft class going forward.

This was one of the best games I have EVER watched. I hope everyone stays healthy and the Spurs prevail — but most of all, I want this series to continue.

[cow]

I'd probably root for anyone over the Zombie Sonics which isn't helped with SGA's whistle and as much as I hate to admit it, the Spurs have a likeable cast.

[windjc]

I think Caruso on Wemby was Daigneault's decision and it kinda worked. Not like the Spurs had a great game on offense. We focus on the possessions where Wemby was able to catch the ball deep in the paint but more often than not OKC's ball denial worked and the possession ended with a late shot clock drive into a clogged paint or a turnover.
But you are spot on with the neutralize something else part. One big chess match. Both teams have to make choices like this. Wemby isn't getting an open lane as the roll men. Isn't getting any short roll touches. Has a more favorable matchup if he actually gets the ball.

Spurs almost look like the Mavs in 2024. Sweeney's scheme. Deliberate decision to give up corner 3s from Dort and Caruso. Funneling the offense into a mobile rim protector (Lively, Wemby).

Wemby could have scored every possession if he was dedicated to going in front the rim. Look at the last few possessions. It was soooo easy. As great as he was he could have punished Caruso endlessly and without much effort.

[dirkfansince1998]

Biggest concern for the Spurs are the non Wemby minutes. Was already an issue against the Wolves. Could be even worse in this series.

Kornet -9 in 9 minutes. OKC 10/17 from the field
Wembanyama +16 in 49 minutes. OKC 31/84 from the field

Even without OT the Spurs probably need 40+ minutes from Wemby to be competitive in this series.

[dirkfansince1998]

Wemby could have scored every possession if he was dedicated to going in front the rim. Look at the last few possessions. It was soooo easy. As great as he was he could have punished Caruso endlessly and without much effort.

If he gets the ball. Sure. But you just need to look at Castle's turnover numbers to understand that it isn't as easy as it looks.

[F Gump]

If you weren't around to remember, the Wemby experience isn't unique. We have seen something very similar before.

This is more or less what it looked like when Kareem came into the NBA. The overly-tall player with hoop skills, hard to know how to deal with. In his 1st 12 years, Kareem won 6 MVP's (and was in the top 5 all the other years).

But in all those first 12 years, he only won 2 titles. (He won several more titles later, after he was 34 and playing second-fiddle to Magic.)

If Wemby stays healthy, his teams WILL win titles. But the NBA will figure out ways to deal with him, too. It's a very competitive league with some really smart people.

[dirkfansince1998]

If you weren't around to remember, the Wemby experience isn't unique. We have seen something very similar before.

This is more or less what it looked like when Kareem came into the NBA. The overly-tall player with hoop skills, hard to know how to deal with. In his 1st 12 years, Kareem won 6 MVP's (and was in the top 5 all the other years).

But in all those first 12 years, he only won 2 titles. (He won several more titles later, after he was 34 and playing second-fiddle to Magic.)

If Wemby stays healthy, his teams WILL win titles. But the NBA will figure out ways to deal with him, too. It's a very competitive league with some really smart people.

Will Wemby impact roster construction in the same way that Shaq did in the late 90s/early 00s?

[F Gump]

Will Wemby impact roster construction in the same way that Shaq did in the late 90s/early 00s?

Yes, I'm sure he will. Every great player (and team) forces the rest of the NBA to figure out an answer. I don't think Shaq was an especially different question than the others have been, even though he presented his own special issues for teams. In the moment, each one feels like a never-before, totally impossible type of task.

But teams have to find multiple answers, not just one player. As I recall, in real time in those days, SA was just as frightening to try to overcome, as Shaq/LA was. In 2026, you have to build your roster to get past OKC as well as Wemby.

[DallasMaverick]

Yes, I'm sure he will. Every great player (and team) forces the rest of the NBA to figure out an answer. I don't think Shaq was an especially different question than the others have been, even though he presented his own special issues for teams. In the moment, each one feels like a never-before, totally impossible type of task.

But teams have to find multiple answers, not just one player. As I recall, in real time in those days, SA was just as frightening to try to overcome, as Shaq/LA was. In 2026, you have to build your roster to get past OKC as well as Wemby.

Versatility. 

Gafford and Lively and ??

[mvossman]

Versatility. 

Gafford and Lively and ??

I don't think Gafford could stay on the floor any more than Hartenstein.  A better option would probably be PJ at the 5.

[Knutsen]

I'm not seeing this.  Castle is legit and only 21.  Harper is only 19 and looks like he is on the same path.  Vassell, Champagnie and Johnson are all quality players.  OKC might have a little more depth, but top 7 talent looks similar to me.

The starting five of the Spurs yesterday was under 23 years old on average. That’s just wild how much they can improve from within…

[Chicagojk]

New ownership brings changes. Still not a great look for the Portland owner. I was looking at their roster to see if I would have interest in any player for a salary dump. Don’t really see much there though

https://x.com/highkin/status/2056814070909800471?s=46

[DallasMaverick]

I don't think Gafford could stay on the floor any more than Hartenstein.  A better option would probably be PJ at the 5.

My point is that teams need versatility to counter a variety of opponents’ styles and strengths.

There are matchups that Gafford will handle better than Lively, and vice versa. Each can fill a needed and useful function.

[mvossman]

My point is that teams need versatility to counter a variety of opponents’ styles and strengths.

There are matchups that Gafford will handle better than Lively, and vice versa. Each can fill a needed and useful function.

I don't disagree with this.  He provided legit value in the Minnesota series.  But I question if its worth 18 mil a year for a situational center.

[dirkfansince1998]

Knicks making a comeback. Brunson is on fire. Was a terrible game up until the mid 4th quarter but at least we get some clutch minutes.

[dirkfansince1998]

Cavs take the worst meltdown of the playoffs crown from the Pistons. Up 22 with 7:52 left in the 4th quarter. From this point on the Knicks go on a 44-11 run. Win in OT.

[CooPerFan]

What a choke job by the cavs. But i want the knick to make the finals.