[Schefter] NFL is targeting May 11th as the schedule release date

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1652672850833076226

[Platte] The #Vikings are the only team I've posted so far who didn't take a single elite tier #RAS player in the 2023 draft. Their NFC counterparts all very heavy in that department.

https://twitter.com/MathBomb/status/1652452012938739712?s=19

[Video]Jimmy Butler getting in a late night workout ahead of tomorrow's Game 1 vs. Knicks 👀

https://ift.tt/Pb6TB8q

[Fowler] Undrafted Syracuse RB Sean Tucker got $155,000 guaranteed from the #Bucs, per source. Good opportunity with a team that could have drafted a running back but didn’t.

https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1652712443871739906

GAME THREAD: Miami Heat (0-0) @ New York Knicks (0-0) - (April 30, 2023)

Time: 1 PM Eastern / 1200 Central / 1100 Mountain / 1000 Pacific

Game preview: https://www.nba.com/game/mia-vs-nyk-0042200201

Reddit stream: https://reddit-stream.com/comments/auto (You must click this link from the comment page.)

Scott Foster is assigned as the referee for game 7 between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings

Scott Foster is the crew chief for today's game 7 matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings

Source

LeBron James on Instagram: If you ever see me fighting in the forest with a Grizzly bear, HELP THE BEAR 👑

Link to post

If you ever see me fighting in the forest with a Grizzly bear, HELP THE BEAR 👑

I wonder who this is in reference to...

LeBron James strikes again on Twitter: Unlike you little 🤬 I'm a grown ass man...

Link to tweet

Unlike you little 🤬 I'm a grown ass man

Big shoes to fill 🤬, grown ass pants

Prolly hustled with your pops, go ask your parents

Its apparent you're staring at a legend

Who, put a few little 🤬 in the they place before

Trying to eat without saying they grace before! 🤫👑

This dude cannot be stopped! This series was personal.

Round 5 - Pick 9: Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh (New York Jets)

https://ift.tt/dc1NDfr

With the Lakers' win over the Grizzlies, this marks the first time in NBA history that a 7 seed and an 8 seed have won a playoff series in the same year

https://ift.tt/tweXFc7

Round 4 - Pick 21: Cameron Young, DT, Mississippi State (Seattle Seahawks)

https://ift.tt/t4ldMgW

[Highlight] Rich Eisen talks about Jake Moody

https://ift.tt/M8iBWal

[On3] Kentucky QB Will Levis not staying in Kansas City for Day 2 of the draft

https://twitter.com/On3sports/status/1651952297658703873?s=20

This is how you fight hate: Dwyane Wade continues to be an ally of trans community.

https://ift.tt/BP4QeOR

[Fowler] Sources: The Lions are receiving trade calls on running back D’Andre Swift, whose representatives have been in contact with the team about potentially moving to a new team. With Detroit drafting Jahmyr Gibbs, the talented Swift appears poised to leave Detroit.

https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1651969512319639554?s=20

[Owczarski] Jae Crowder on his time with the Bucks: “I’m very confused as to why I was brought here. I don’t know my purpose here and why I was brought here.”

Crowder played 18 seconds Wednesday night in the Bucks’ Game 5 overtime loss to the Heat that sent them home. He did not play in Game 4 and averaged 13.6 minutes through the first three games.

“I’ve never been in a situation like that,” Crowder said. “Eleven years. Check my résumé. I’ve been playing. I’ve always been playing. I’m very confused as to why I was brought here. I don’t know my purpose here and why I was brought here.”

“Yeah, I wasn’t expecting that, DNPs,” he said. “I haven’t had them in my career so why start now?”

Yet, Crowder won’t rule out re-signing with Milwaukee this summer. He enjoys being around his current teammates.

“I would (return), because in the locker room it’s a great group of guys who puts work first and we have fun after that,” he said. “I can work in that type of environment and I really do appreciate my teammates for welcoming me. From day one it’s just been love from that side. But that’s a conversation that has to be had.”

Source

[Windhorst] "In a possible tipping point move, Suns & Mercury become first teams to walk away from their financially-troubled RSN and are putting their games on local TV for free and on a streaming service."

https://twitter.com/WindhorstESPN/status/1651940227273859074?t=4okik1rarA7Kl9Rdms0vzA&s=19

[Dianna Russini]I’m told the Arizona Cardinals are currently mulling trade offers from multiple teams interested in moving to No. 3 overall.

https://twitter.com/diannaESPN/status/1651608895838908416?s=20

Mike Budenholzer is getting criticized, and rightly so, but how about praise for Eric Spoelstra, one of the best coaches in the NBA.

He won the lineup battles, he had better plays and better defense drawn up coming out of timeouts, he trusted his players when they asked him to, and he maintained that even-keeled, never-say-die confidence which he has been known for during his 15 years as a head coach.

The main reason people fear the Zombie Heat is Jimmy Butler, that’s reason 1A, but reason 1B should be their coach.

[Tessler] Anthony Richardson is going to go a lot higher than most people expect tonight and that's not a guess.

https://twitter.com/TesslerSports/status/1651624579008167939

Annual PSA: A Gentlemen's Sweep is not just a series win in 5 games

I see this same mistake made every year, but a Gentlemen's Sweep is not just a series win in 5 games...

Gentlemen's Sweep: Where Team A wins the first 3 games of the series, Team B wins Game 4 of the series, and then Team A closes out the series in Game 5. Team A has basically already won the series by being up 3-0, but they're being a "gentlemen" by not sweeping the opponent and letting them win 1 game before closing them out. An example of this is Denver beating Minnesota this year.

Bonus definition for another type of 5 game series...

Backdoor Sweep: Where Team B wins Game 1, but then Team A wins 4 straight games to win the series in 5 games. An example is the Suns vs Clippers this year where the Clippers won Game 1, but the Suns still won the series in 5 games.

[Around the NFL] 2023 NFL Draft Buzz: Will Anderson not a fan of being seen as a "safe" pick, telling @PSchrags , "I’m gonna let them call it that, but at the end of the day, I’m a lottery pick."

https://twitter.com/AroundTheNFL/status/1651600085329821703

[Schrager] I don’t know on Houston at 2. Admittedly. Not proud. I couldn’t crack the code. Worked hard too. We will see tomorrow.

https://twitter.com/PSchrags/status/1651434652354191362?s=20

[Murray] T Lue: "Bringing Russ here saved our season... hats off to Russ."

https://twitter.com/lawmurraythenu/status/1651088786091302912?s=61&t=boHV-h7ETm6aAH3-9kIL7Q

[Smith] "This is twice that the Clippers haven't been up front about Kawhi Leonard and an injury. You can call it gamesmanship, but it's also dishonest in a time where the injury reports, both short- and long-term, mean more than ever."

https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1651228397123645440?t=mx3qvHmS5dMtzBmD_enJCw&s=19

[Birkett] C.J. Stroud on questions about his ability to process: “It’s football, I’m not a test taker. … The people making the picks know what I can do.”

https://twitter.com/davebirkett/status/1651254723461218309?s=46&t=IX8yKIxZkEL6TendVkcZZQ

[Wojnarowski] ESPN Sources: The Portland Trail Blazers will begin operating a G League franchise with the 2023-2024 season – leaving only the Phoenix Suns without a minor-league affiliate team:

http://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1651238135009886211

[Jhabvala] The Commanders are not going to exercise DE Chase Young’s fifth-year option, per sources.

https://twitter.com/NickiJhabvala/status/1651250615853502472?s=20

LeBron James has never missed a playoff game due to injury

He has played 270 games which is more than anyone else in NBA history.

But he has never missed one where he could play. I think that is pretty amazing given how many super stars have been out. Last few years he has been hurt going into the playoffs, but he seems to suit up every game despite being close to 40.

source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30062087/appreciate-absolutely-stunning-lebron-james-playoff-stats

The 2023 NFL Draft: What's In A Name

US President Division

 

Parker Washington

Kearis Jackson

Truman Jones

Jalen Carter

Arquon Bush

 

Ya'll Got The Same Middle Initial Division

 

BJ Thompson

CJ Shroud

DJ Coleman

PJ Mustipher

TJ Bass

 

Guy Love at Sacred Heart Division

 

Dorian Williams

Michael Turk

 

Across The Rainbow Division

 

Gemon Green

Keion White

Ji'Ayir Brown

Eric Gray

Kyu Blu Kelly

 

Wait Are You My Father Division

 

Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson Jr

 

Double Barrel Bonanza Division

 

Jarrick Bernard-Converse

Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Christian Beal-Smith

Tyler Baker-Williams

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

 

Gotta Take Your Hat Off Division

 

Micah Baskerville

Stetson Bennett

 

Learn To Count Division

 

Andre Carter II

Lew Nichols III

Will McDonald IV

Starling Thomas V

 

Lil French Penis Division

 

Paris Johnson Jr

 

New Gated Community Division

 

Brandon Hill

Josh Downs

DJ Dale

Myles Brooks

Antoine Green

 

NHL/MLB/NBA Superstars Division

 

Kendre Miller

Jose Ramirez

Jalen Green

 

Why? Division

 

Jadakis Bonds

 

Lesser Known Dickens Protagonist Division

 

Devon Witherspoon

Clark Phillips III

Nathaniel Dell

Xavier Hutchinson

Bryce Ford-Wheaton

 

New Star Wars Character Division

 

Kelee Ringo

Xazavian Valladay

Kayshon Boutte

Kilian Zierer

Nikko Remigio

 

Real Name, No Gimmicks Division

 

Cory Trice

 

Tough year for names this year, come back stronger in 2024

[Clark] Source confirms Joel Embiid has a sprained LCL. He may have to wear a brace for the knee when he returns. There is some hope that he can play towards the beginning of the Sixers second round series but he will be playing through a knee injury

Source confirms Joel Embiid has a sprained LCL. He may have to wear a brace for the knee when he returns. There is some hope that he can play towards the beginning of the Sixers second round series but he will be playing through a knee injury @ramonashelburne was first

Tweet

Ramona Shelburne Source

[SteelersDepot] Kenny Pickett Says He Slept With A Splint On His Hands To Make Them Bigger

https://twitter.com/Steelersdepot/status/1650902125067796481

Daily Discussion Thread + Game Thread Index

Game Threads Index (April 25, 2023):

Tip-off	GDT	Away	Score	Home	PGT
07:30 pm ET		Atlanta Hawks	PRE-GAME	Boston Celtics
09:00 pm ET		Minnesota Timberwolves	PRE-GAME	Denver Nuggets
10:00 pm ET		Los Angeles Clippers	PRE-GAME	Phoenix Suns

Jameson Williams Celebrates Suspension by Betting on Fights in Las Vegas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFpaPgZxgD0

Charles Barkley on Jimmy Butler’s 56 point performance: “That was the best performance I’ve seen since I’ve been on television. It was flat out incredible, it was a honor and privilege to watch it, but man, that guy was not gonna let them lose tonight.”

https://ift.tt/h9GtRuU

The Will Levis to go at #1 or #2 Feels a lot like Mac Jones to be drafted at #3 Rumors.

If anyone remembers that draft with all the QBs. This draft feels very eerily similar to me. All the noise about Levis going Number 2 or even possibly number 1 feels similar to when everyone was saying Mac Jones was going to go pick number 3 or higher. Only for Jones to fall to the Patriots in the teens. I could be wrong but just an observation I had. I don’t dislike Levi’s as a prospect but this feels a lot like smoke screens from teams trying to get someone to bite and trade up for a Diffrent prospect.

[Charania] Sources say there is optimism Miami's Victor Oladipo will be able to resume basketball activities in six months and return to action next season. Oladipo is set to undergo surgery on his left knee this week.

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1650536474624835588

[Kahler] At least 20 senior QBs decided to return to school or transfer portal rather than declare for the NFL draft. NIL collectives are delegating funds specifically for keeping/recruiting QBs, using NFL rookie salaries as their own pay scale guide.

https://twitter.com/kalynkahler/status/1650480546642788353

Anyone else really miss the old all-weekend-long NFL Draft format?

I used to love waking up on Saturday, watching the first round and then finding random DIY projects around the house to do all weekend with the draft on in the background. Not a fan of the two primetime slots and then half day on Saturday schedule.

[MacMahon] They [Memphis] threw 4 picks at the Nets trying to get Mikal Bridges. They really weren’t able to get the Raptors in serious conversations, but they would have given up a few picks to get OG Anunoby. They’ve tried to move on from Dillon Brooks already.

Source

It’s been at a point [with Brooks] for a while now:

They tried to upgrade at the trade deadline. They threw 4 picks at the Nets trying to get Mikal Bridges. They really weren’t able to get the Raptors in serious conversations, but they would have given up a few picks to get OG Anunoby.

They’ve tried to move on from Dillon Brooks already. I don’t know if Dillon Brooks is on this team after this series.

[Charania] Sources: Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will return to the lineup in Game 4 vs. Heat tonight barring any setbacks. Antetokounmpo missed Games 2 and 3 with a lower back contusion.

https://twitter.com/shamscharania/status/1650513580591120390?s=46&t=ka8EeYeZtjf62NX9lN1LRg

[Palmer] #eagles QB Jalen Hurts was asked why he didn’t want a fully guaranteed contract. Hurts went on to say when you look at the best teams in the league “it takes a village”. Hurts added that they have something special building in Philly. “Money is nice. Championships are better.

https://twitter.com/JamesPalmerTV/status/1650516898998792192

[Rapoport] After a dormant couple weeks, the Jets and Packers recently re-engaged on trade talks surrounding star QB Aaron Rodgers, sources say. A deal is not imminent, but the two sides are at least talking — with hopes a deal can (finally) be done this week.

https://twitter.com/rapsheet/status/1650203782813237252?s=46&t=x5-NzdOmzxVdg9621hs9Tw

[woj] The NBA has reviewed Dillon Brooks' flagrant 2 foul on LeBron James and there will be no additional penalty, sources tell ESPN. League reviews all flagrant fouls.

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1650171945600663552?s=46&t=3MN91oJhL7tCeLgkvFUZ_g

Seven years after the Jets infamously selected fullback Roger Vick in the first round, the 49ers drafted a fullback (William Floyd) in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft

https://ift.tt/pQcDeSn

GAME THREAD: Cleveland Cavaliers (1-2) @ New York Knicks (2-1) - (April 23, 2023)

That's your early Sunday game. Should be fun.

[Highlight] 4 days until the NFL Draft! Throw back to Trent Williams getting drafted 4th overall in 2010

https://ift.tt/NaWUH8J

Lebron on Ja: "That boy's good…I mean, he's good. He's so good at attacking the rim that you want to try to keep bodies in front of him, make him try to work on the perimeter. Well, tonight he made six 3's. That's a guy that gets going on the outside and he can do whatever he wants offensively."

https://ift.tt/K06xJXl

Daily Discussion Thread + Game Thread Index

Game Threads Index (April 22, 2023):

Tip-off	GDT	Away	Score	Home	PGT
01:00 pm ET	Link	Philadelphia 76ers	00:00 4Q 96 to 88	Brooklyn Nets
03:30 pm ET		Phoenix Suns	PRE-GAME	Los Angeles Clippers
07:30 pm ET		Milwaukee Bucks	PRE-GAME	Miami Heat
10:00 pm ET		Memphis Grizzlies	PRE-GAME	Los Angeles Lakers

[Hofmann] Doc Rivers said “I’m not sure” how long Joel Embiid will be out. As a coach, I hate those three letters because it never comes out well. It just feels like that whenever we tell a coach, ‘Hey, we’re going to get an MRI.’ It doesn’t turn out well most of the time and this one did not.”

Doc Rivers said “I’m not sure” how long Joel Embiid will be out.

Doc Rivers (1/2): "They checked his knee out right after the game because he was complaining about soreness behind the knee, which is always a scary thing when it’s behind the knee with players. And there was swelling already, which was way too early and so we did the MRI..."

Doc Rivers (2/2): "As a coach, I hate those three letters because it never comes out well. It just feels like that whenever we tell a coach, ‘Hey, we’re going to get an MRI.’ It doesn’t turn out well most of the time and this one did not."

Tweet

[Highlight] 5 days until the NFL Draft! Throw back to Ja’Marr Chase getting drafted 5th overall in 2021

https://ift.tt/yAimVnb

Family: QB Haskins was drugged before he was fatally struck

https://ift.tt/hUb284n

Anthony Edwards talking to his teammates: Game 4, 1st to 4 games bro. The series ain’t over. I promise you it ain't over, everyones counting us out. It ain't over”

Anthony Edwards didn’t talk to the media postgame. But in the background of Mike Conley’s interview Ant was uplifting his teammates. He said “Game 4, 1st to 4 games bro. The series ain’t over. I promise you it ain't over, everyones counting us out. It ain't over”

https://twitter.com/SneakerReporter/status/1649645276460732416?t=hkyWpDfyoArE3eHsPnri0Q&s=19

Do you see them coming back ?

[@JBush____] I’ve been training NFL players for a while now, and even though I haven’t trained em all, I can’t name too many WRs that can power clean 315 for a triple like this! @Real10jayy__ making it look EZ for Big Clean Friday!

https://twitter.com/JBush____/status/1649470442493583370?t=A5hSMHPEp5Gg_wzoqOXWSQ&s=19

Daily Discussion Thread + Game Thread Index

Game Threads Index (April 21, 2023):

Tip-off	GDT	Away	Score	Home	PGT
07:00 pm ET		Boston Celtics	PRE-GAME	Atlanta Hawks
08:30 pm ET		Cleveland Cavaliers	PRE-GAME	New York Knicks
09:30 pm ET		Denver Nuggets	PRE-GAME	Minnesota Timberwolves

[Klassen] don't know what the NFL expected after getting in bed w/ Vegas. understand that they have to take action in these instances, but this is as much their fault as it is the individual players.

https://twitter.com/qbklass/status/1649436500994723842?s=46&t=h2AVKCPrTa7ANwxrgoJ1Ng

[Pelissero] Unlike other NFL personnel, players are permitted to participate in sports betting -- just not on NFL games, and not on any sports while inside NFL venues/facilities.

https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1649439148875317249

[Guru] Joel Embiid has More Flagrant Fouls than Draymond Green in Half the Games Played, was not ejected after Groin Kick to Nic Claxton

Per DrGuru_ via Twitter:

"The @NBA cited Draymond’s “history” as part of the reasoning for his suspension.

Career games played:

Draymond - 905

Embiid - 441

Flagrant Fouls:

Draymond -19

Embiid - 21

Your can’t make this up."

​

Of note: Joel Embiid was not even ejected (much less suspended, thus far) for a groin kick to Nic Claxton.

[Meirov] The #Lions also recently parted ways with several staff members in various departments for violating the gambling policy, per @E_Woodyard . So this wasn’t just players.

https://twitter.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1649438665783889922?s=20

[Rapoport] Sources: NFL suspended 5 players, including #Lions WR Jameson Williams, for violations of NFL gambling policy. #Lions’ CJ Moore & Quintez Cephus, plus #Commanders' Shaka Toney, are suspended indefinitely (at least 1 year). Williams & DET’s Stanley Berryhill are suspended 6 games.

https://twitter.com/rapsheet/status/1649434440450359301?s=46&t=x5-NzdOmzxVdg9621hs9Tw

[Highlight] Davis Mills finds Jordan Akins in the endzone on 4th and 20 and the subsequent 2 point conversion

https://ift.tt/cR7fMu4

[Burke] Steve Kerr: “I've said many times we don't have a single championship without Draymond Green. That’s the truth. He’s crossed the line over the years, and that's part of it

Kerr on Draymond:

“I've said many times we don't have a single championship without Draymond Green. That’s the truth. He’s crossed the line over the years, and that's part of it, you know. We will go to bat for Draymond, and go to battle with him every day of the week.”

https://twitter.com/KerithBurke/status/1648800971831799808?s=20

Admitting Draymond's dirty plays helped them win championship?

Former Warrior Matt Barnes responds to JJ: “Game 1 Fouls called on the Warriors 25. Fouls called on the kings 23. Game 2 Fouls called on the warriors 26. Fouls called on the kings 25. Kings have just wanted it more in these first two games. The kings are the reason they’re up 2-0 not the refs”

Former Golden State Warrior and NBA Champion Matt Barnes:

@jj_redick tighten up 🙄😂

Game 1 Fouls called on the warriors 25. Fouls called on the kings 23.

Game 2 Fouls called on the warriors 26. Fouls called on the kings 25

Kings have just wanted it more in these first two games. This series is far from over tho.

And then in reply to another Warriors fan

The kings are the reason they’re up 2-0 not the refs

And then in reply to another Warriors fan

Man quit cryin

And then in reply to another Warriors fan

I coulda been your dad

And then in reply to a Warriors analyst saying they shouldn’t light the beam

Who tf is this clown.

[Crumpler] Texans GM Caserio: "We had a player in this spring with multiple coaches at his position who made some less than flattering comments about his coach... Is he going to take ownership and accountability, or will it be someone else's fault?"

https://twitter.com/JohnHCrumpler/status/1649033292610523136

The incessant media support for the Warriors today perfectly illustrates how much control they, and their award winning PR team, have over the narrative

I know people are sick of hearing about this but it's worth noting just how much influence this franchise has over the media and, as a result, fan perception.

For days members of the media have made impassioned arguments for why the Warriors are the victims of an unfair league.

Chris Mannix just wrote an article, for SI, placing the blame squarely on Sabonis, and suggesting that Draymond shouldn't have even been kicked out of the game.

Hell, we had JJ Redick claim the refs have been unfair to the Warriors.

Dude actually said “other than that 2016 incident I can’t think of another dirty Draymond play. What history is the league talking about? ONE incident?”

So this guy, who supposedly always does his research, couldn’t unearth Steven Adams getting kicked in the nuts in two consecutive games?

Or Lebron having his eyes clawed?

Or Harden having his eyes clawed?

Or Jokic having his eyes clawed?

And, of course, neither Stephen A. nor any of the other panel members contradicted him in the slightest. On this one topic, there was no debate between personalities. Everyone on the panel agreed Draymond was treated unfairly.

Look at the influence this team has on the media, then look at the influence the media has on the fans.

Look at the 180 this sub has done since JJ told them that Dray shouldn’t have been suspended and the refs were unfair to the Warriors.

What I can’t figure out is WHY the league is supposedly instructing its refs to bounce one of the most popular and profitable teams in the first round.

Why the league would prefer a Kings-Lakers match up instead of another legendary Lebron-Steph showdown?

What’s more likely, the league rigging things for THE KINGS or…the media being fed a narrative by one of the best PR teams of all time?

[Ryan Clark on Twitter] CJ Stroud did not make a commitment to the Manning Passing Academy

https://twitter.com/Realrclark25/status/1648878447215640576?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

[Furones] Tua Tagovailoa said he was told my specialists that he is not at greater risk for future concussions and that he's not at greater risk for CTE, that it comes more from constant, repeated blows to the head that are more common for LBs, RBs and such.

https://twitter.com/DavidFurones_/status/1648737769995239434?t=SJDn844c6N47Z67okMip3A&s=19

JJ Redick calls out Sabonis' dirty plays in the Kings vs Warriors series. Also claims "the referees have dictated too much in the Kings favor in this series"

https://ift.tt/2aHMxGb

I’m draft expert Daniel Jeremiah. Ask me anything!

I’m former NFL scout and current NFL Media lead draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks on Twitter). I worked as a scout for the Eagles, Browns and Ravens from 2004-2012 before joining NFL Media. Throughout the offseason, I’ve been breaking down the top prospects and interviewing football experts and insiders on NFL＋. Tomorrow (4/20), I’ll have my final pre-draft call with reporters. You can live stream my call on NFL＋ beginning at 1 p.m. ET. Ask me anything about the 2023 NFL Draft!

PROOF: https://i.redd.it/lz3tzjj9mqua1.jpg

Shannon: “Normally, if a guy grabs my foot, I’m jerking it. Draymond raises it, stomps on the chest, and acts like it’s what he had to do. In 2016, he was a FMVP. His production today isn’t worth this…Kings didn’t come there to praise the Warriors. They came to bury you. 3 seed for a reason”

https://youtu.be/HAZgfkg3nm4

[Rapoport] On the last day of visits, Stroud is Atlanta, while #Florida QB Anthony Richardson is in Baltimore.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1648677886981808129?t=Pnwvz7_sducCTO3a4znCUQ&s=19

[Schefter] Boston College WR Zay Flowers - Mel Kiper’s No. 10 overall prospect - is in Texas today to workout with Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes at the request of the team, per source..

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1648714933805170690?s=20

[Rapoport] While no trade is imminent, and the #49ers would almost certainly want to make sure Brock Purdy's rehab continues to go as smoothly as it's been going, the interest from other teams in Lance has been there.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1648675461742960647?t=kbd7vq_Qt-p02_zWxe_Gow&s=19

[Getzenberg] Josh Allen said that he realizes a time will come when he will have to transition from being a football player 1st and QB 2nd to a QB first and football player second. "I'm getting older."

https://twitter.com/agetzenberg/status/1648361029250830336

[Amick] One thing I didn’t write enough about here: Draymond’s stomp isn’t the only thing for the league to analyze here. His back-and-forth with the fans will surely be looked at too.

Tweet

One thing I didn’t write enough about here: Draymond’s stomp isn’t the only thing for the league to analyze here. His back-and-forth with the fans will surely be looked at too.

Prediction: Draymond will be suspended for 1 game, but the suspension will be reduced by 1 game due to time served at the end of Game 2.

[Pelissero] The #Steelers are working to finalize a trade to acquire veteran WR Allen Robinson from the #Rams and have been granted permission to give him a physical, per sources. If the Steelers are comfortable with the physical, Robinson is expected to land in Pittsburgh.

https://twitter.com/tompelissero/status/1648373727216775168?s=46&t=IX8yKIxZkEL6TendVkcZZQ

Sabonis was absolutely justified in protecting his face when he fell down. Draymond kicked a player in the head just 7 games ago.

Since mods randomly removed my previous clip, here is the link to the incident here: https://streamable.com/067cz0.

As you can see, Draymond deliberately kicks Herb Jones in the head and gets off scot-free by the refs. Sabonis is absolutely justified in trying to protect his face from a player who literally has a very recent history of kicking players in the face.

Thread from 3 years ago: “who is the most overrated draft prospect (of the 2020 draft)?”

https://ift.tt/ANG5nwX

[Capaccio] Damar Hamlin is preparing to play this season. All specialists are in agreement that he is cleared to resume full activities.

https://twitter.com/salsports/status/1648338026152570880?s=46&t=wzhGlLvcmDNRt7i6cTAe9Q

John Hollinger on why banning the charge would be a mistake: "In a league that has given offense every advantage and made it virtually impossible for defenses to keep up, it would likely open the floodgates toward pure ridiculousness."

Tweet

You want to ban the charge in the NBA?

@johnhollinger offers a counter:

"In a league that has given offense every advantage and made it virtually impossible for defenses to keep up, it would likely open the floodgates toward pure ridiculousness."

[Meirov] When Lamar Jackson became eligible for a new deal, the highest paid QB in the NFL was Patrick Mahomes at $45M per year (on a 10-year extension) and then Dak Prescott at $40M. The market is now at $51M per year. And it's only going up. 📈

https://twitter.com/mysportsupdate/status/1647982498058518528?s=46

[Front Office Sports] Jalen Hurts has spent the last few years building an all-female management team. “I have a team of straight hustlers. And that’s how I am on the field and off the field,” he told @SInow.

https://twitter.com/fos/status/1647993959111589890?s=46

[Charania] There is optimism surrounding Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) availability for Game 2 vs. Miami on Wednesday, sources say. From Run It Back on @FanDuelTV:

http://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1647975347932250112

[Ellison] Side-by-side comparison of Jalen Hurts’ deal with the Eagles and the Ravens’ offer to Lamar Jackson last September (per @AdamSchefter) TOTAL VALUE JH: $255M LJ: $250M FULL GTD AT SIGNING JH: $110M LJ: $133M TOTAL GTD JH: $179.3M LJ: $200M

https://twitter.com/sgellison/status/1647987432128692228?s=46

LeBron on how he brings out the best in his teammates: "I think it comes from being a father... I gotta parent my kids differently... Some of them I can yell at. Some I gotta be more comforting. Some I need to pull away to the side. Some I can yell at in front of the group"

Here is a clip of his full answer to the question.

And here is the full quote if you'd just rather read:

You have to pay attention. Thats all. You have to pay attention on a day to day basis and know ever individual is different. So you have to try to figure out how you can get the most out of every individual. And its different ways.

I think it comes from being a father, I think, too. You know having 3 kids I understand that, you know, I gotta parent my kids differently to get the best out of them. Some of them I can yell at. Some I gotta be more comforting. Some I need to pull away to the side. Some I can yell at in front of the group and they'll be fine with that. So I think that helps.

[Slater] Sixers put a graphic on the jumbotron telling fans to chant MVP when Joel Embiid is at the line. Kinda weak if you ask me. That stuff should be organic.

Source: https://twitter.com/erikslater_/status/1647299293206724608?s=20

Sixers put a graphic on the jumbotron telling fans to chant MVP when Joel Embiid is at the line.

Kinda weak if you ask me. That stuff should be organic.

Thoughts? Do you agree with Erik?

Scott Foster has been assigned as crew chief for the Game 1 of Grizzlies - Lakers

Source

Scott Foster has been assigned as crew chief for the Game 1 of Grizzlies - Lakers

[CBSsports] DeAndre Hopkins knows how to use his body language to make a statement about where he may wanna head next 👀👀 @ATCoveredPod

https://twitter.com/cbssports/status/1647623025263804417?s=46

[Charania] Hip-hop artist E-40 says racial bias was the reason behind him being kicked out of Golden 1 Center midway through the fourth quarter of Golden State-Sacramento on Saturday night and he is requesting the Kings to investigate. Full statement:

https://twitter.com/shamscharania/status/1647599310534586370?s=46&t=rr_mXXjZIWyqc2C9s4Q0uw

[Highlight] Megatron comes down with the jump ball (2010)

https://ift.tt/xPdtNH9

In year 20 and at age 38, LeBron James was the league leader in fast-break points.

At 6.2 PPG. See here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrEEyemLHrZ/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

James is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history and ranks fourth in career assists. He has won four NBA championships (two with the Miami Heat, one each with the Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers), and has competed in 10 NBA Finals. He has four MVP awards, four Finals MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals.

Daily Discussion Thread + Game Thread Index

Game Threads Index (April 15, 2023):

Tip-off	GDT	Away	Score	Home	PGT
01:00 pm ET	Link	Brooklyn Nets	03:15 4Q 94 to 117	Philadelphia 76ers
03:30 pm ET	Link	Atlanta Hawks	PRE-GAME	Boston Celtics
06:00 pm ET		New York Knicks	PRE-GAME	Cleveland Cavaliers
08:30 pm ET		Golden State Warriors	PRE-GAME	Sacramento Kings

[Highlight] In the ‘99 Browns expansion draft, the Rams left QB Kurt Warner unprotected. Unknown to everyone in the league, Warner would have a Hall of Fame career. Cleveland was free to choose him at any time, but did not. Instead, they opened the season with Ty Detmer before turning to Tim Couch

https://ift.tt/rjDKZ7h

With the Bulls losing last night, Patrick Beverley has missed his first career playoffs while healthy.

Pat Bev has been on some great teams in his career, and has made the playoffs every single season aside from 2017-2018, where he got injured 11 games in and was out for the remainder of the season. As Beverley was a key contributor to the Bulls and Lakers for a majority of the season, he is obviously healthy.

It's good that the Heat defeated the Bulls, lest Pat Bev drop 50 on Giannis's head for a clean Bulls sweep had that first round matchup happened.

[Hunter] Report: Kings Players Have Noted Draymond Green's Disrespect from October: “I can’t get up to play against the sorry motherfuckers [like the Kings]. The Kings stink”

https://ift.tt/oz3wdYX

GAME THREAD: Brooklyn Nets (0-0) @ Philadelphia 76ers (0-0) - (April 15, 2023)

NBA PLAYOFFS BEGIN HERE!

May the best team win.

Let's do this!

[Field Yates]: The Cardinals will be unveiling their new uniforms on April 20th

https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1647039474616999936

[Discussion] Imagine you’re Sam Presti: You have Chet Holmgren coming in off injury, an additional 30 million in cap space to play with next year, 17 firsts, and 16 seconds through 2029. How would you build a championship team?

Do you try trading up for guys like Taylor Hendricks/Jarace Walker in the 2023 draft?

Do you try making potential star trades with Chicago/Toronto/Miami/Charolette/other. If so, for* who?

Do you use all those picks on building the best depth the league has ever seen?

What would you do?

Embiid: “A lot has been said, and a lot of people haven’t been happy, about how people keep bashing each other and all that stuff. Where was all that [sympathy for me]? People kept bashing me the last two seasons, putting me down. But now other guys are being put down, now it’s an issue.”

Joel Embiid is kind of speaking in truth, no one seemed to care about when it was Embiid the receiving end of the toxicity but now that it’s Jokic everyone wants to be more cautious.

“A lot has been said, and a lot of people haven’t been happy about how the whole thing has been going on, about how people keep bashing each other and all that stuff. Where was all that [sympathy for me]? People kept bashing me the last two seasons, putting me down. But now other guys are being put down, now it’s an issue.”

source

[Browns] We have signed Marquise Goodwin

https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1646905774223020032?t=42cjbzukYog6FDrWIVracQ&s=19

[Ben Taylor/Thinking Basketball] Guys get shoulders plowed through the middle of their sternums as they’re sliding perfectly on defense and it’s a defensive foul

Ben Taylor had a mini-rant at about the 1:21:00 mark on his latest Thinking Basketball pod about the state of NBA officiating and how unbalanced it is in favoring offensive players.

I think almost everyone is tired of seeing offensive players get rewarded with free throws for plowing over or lunging into defenders.

[NBA PR] The NBA announced today that the Dallas Mavericks organization has been fined $750,000 for conduct detrimental to the league in an elimination game against the Chicago Bulls on April 7.

https://twitter.com/nbapr/status/1646917539828490252?s=46&t=3MN91oJhL7tCeLgkvFUZ_g

[Sharp] The Patriots haven't won a playoff game since 2018.. Their longest such drought since Dick MacPherson was coaching in the early 1990s... Only 11 teams have gone longer without a playoff win ... examining their roster's strengths & weaknesses & draft needs:

https://twitter.com/SharpFootball/status/1646884187754962944?t=Z0BDu-r6jI1MXgris067TQ&s=19

[B/R] Sources: Raptors expected to go in another direction; Siakam, Anunoby linked as trade candidates. Nick Nurse knows the team doesn’t work

https://ift.tt/hpsE3yK

Daily Discussion Thread + Game Thread Index

Game Threads Index (April 13, 2023):

Tip-off	GDT	Away	Score	Home	PGT

[Barnwell] ESPN has passer rating in the pocket dating back to 2009. Lamar Jackson pocket passer rating, 2018-22: 97.9. Ben Roethlisberger pocket passer rating, 2009-21: 94.2. (If you prefer QBR in the pocket: 64.9 for Jackson, 63.4 for Roethlisberger)

https://twitter.com/billbarnwell/status/1646555898020495368

Anonymous coach has Grizzlies beating Lakers in 5: "Grizzlies have too much firepower for the Lakers. Ja Morant is unguardable."

https://ift.tt/sUa1bJo

Josh Harris to Buy Washington Commanders for $6 Billion

https://ift.tt/htejM9S

[OC] Assuming she holds opponents to 50% free throw shooting, Diar DeRozan's acoustic defense over a full season is statistically worth the supermax

The Raptors shot 18/36 (50%) from the line tonight, visibly staggering at the charity stripe as Diar DeRozan surgically picked apart the fragile defense of their vestibular systems.

Naturally, we should assume all opponents will shoot 50% from the foul line if Diar is audible.

But what, exactly, is this worth?

Using cutting edge methods adapted from John Hollinger's BORD$ system of player valuation, I have determined an objective and indisputable answer.

First, let's see how many points this is worth on a per-100-possessions basis. The average NBA team this season took 23.6 free throws per 100 at 74.9%. With Diar shrieking, they will make only 50%. Therefore, Diar's defensive presence is worth 5.87 points per 100 (23.6 * .749 - 23.6 * .5).

Now, let's compare that to replacement level. Hollinger used an unnecessarily complicated value for replacement level that was based on position. Diar is a modern player who is versatile and positionless, so let's use Basketball-Reference's estimate of replacement value at -2.0 points per 100. Thus, Diar is worth 7.87 points over replacement per 100.

Let's get to the money. Hollinger estimated that the value of each minute of performance at one point above replacement level was worth about $2511. However, that was under the 2019-20 salary cap of $109.1 million. This season, the salary cap is at $123.7 million, an increase of 13.4%. For convenience, let's just scale that $2511 figure up by 13.4% to arrive at $2847 for each minute of performance at one point above replacement level.

Diar goes all 48, and more if need be. Assuming she also doesn't load manage, she'll perform for 82 games at about 48.4 minutes per game (the average team played 48.4 minutes this season because of overtime). So our total is:

$2847 * 7.87 * 82 * 48.4 = $88,924,496

Turns out the supermax would be an egregious underpay. Pay up Reinsdorf.

[Walder] Trading up in the first-round is, on average, a losing proposition. This chart shows which side of a trade ultimately yielded more total Approximate Value (from @pfref). This is an overly simplified way of looking at the question, but I think it conveys the general point.

https://twitter.com/SethWalder/status/1646519776091701252?t=CrCbH9NiRjSqv3HxSTRGEA&s=19

CJ Stroud's full name

Is Coleridge Bernard Stroud IV.

That is the information I wanted to share but to make this post more worthwhile, here are some other bits of information I have learned about Coleridge.

• His dad, Coleridge Bernard III is currently serving 38-year sentence at Folsom State Prison, this made his childhood quite difficult, it's pretty impressive on what he has overcome in his life. He did not talk to his dad throughout his teenage years but their relationship was resumed when he got to Ohio State. He often talks to his dad on the phone after games.
• Coleridge did not have any silver spoon QB coach growing up and did not have much game film, thus he did not receive any scholarship offers until after his junior season, his first offer was from Colorado.
• Teammates have given rave reviews of Coleridge in the pre-draft process, he was named a team captain in 2022 and is described as “reserved and confident” and one of the “funniest” players on the team.
  

Bonus Content:

Hendon Hooker's first name is Alan, Hendon is his middle name.

Daily Discussion Thread + Game Thread Index

Game Threads Index (April 12, 2023):

Tip-off	GDT	Away	Score	Home	PGT
07:00 pm ET		Chicago Bulls	PRE-GAME	Toronto Raptors
09:30 pm ET		Oklahoma City Thunder	PRE-GAME	New Orleans Pelicans

[Highlight] QBs Pump Faking Past the Line of Scrimmage

https://ift.tt/wQnRhUv

[Pelton on the Hoop Collective Pod] "In the last 8 minutes of regulation they (the TWolves) did not take a shot closer than 22 feet to the basket"

KP made this reference after noting that teams get tired in the fourth quarter and have a harder time making perimeter shots. He did note that the wolves made a tip in, however, from set plays or off the break they stayed with the outside shot even when it wasn't falling.

This conversation begins around the 8m56s mark.

r/nba's 2023 NBA Playoffs Bracket Challenge is now live!

Hey guys!

I've just set up a group over on NBA Bracketology for this year's playoffs! Exactly the same as March Madness, choose which team is gonna win, and in how many games. The more accurate you are, the more points you get! And it's completely free to join!

In the past we've had upwards of 400 players competing, it's a ton of fun.

You can join the Bracket Challenge right here!

Due to 2023 being 2023, I'm unable to offer a cash prize this year for first place, apologies!

[Highlight] Gus Frerotte hits Bernard Berrian for a 99 yard TD

https://ift.tt/MDpE3Ki

Hatred hurled at Raptors stars shows ugly influence sports betting can have on fandom

https://ift.tt/vqLoh0e

[Schefter] Comp update: Falcons traded a 2023 5th-round pick to the Lions for CB Jeff Okudah, per source.

https://twitter.com/adamschefter/status/1645820920676732929?s=46&t=Y_KXHBgeHwLgY9UkD4KA1A

[Yates] Trade: the Falcons are acquiring Lions CB Jeff Okudah, his agent Kevin Conner of @UniSportsMgmt confirmed. Conner articulated that the GMs of the two teams involved - Detroit’s Brad Holmes and Atlanta’s Terry Fontenot - made it a seamless, collaborative process. The negotiations were des

https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1645820194638422017?s=20

[Podcast P] Paul George on Alperen Sengun: "The greatest part of his game is his playmaking. I've seen some flashiness where he on some Magic type sh*t... He's super super high IQ player."

https://youtu.be/4P_vtIuDUQg?t=3181

[Schefter] Amidst speculation that he wants to be traded, Browns’ CB Greg Newsome and his agent Drew Rosenhaus met today with the team to discuss his future role there. “Greg is happy to be with the Browns,” Rosenhaus said.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1645801834039132160?s=20

[Gifted] Lamar and OBJ were seen in Miami together celebrating the WR’s signing:

https://twitter.com/BeyondGifted/status/1645416543956656128?s=20

[OC] The main awards have been debated to death, so let's award some additional players (and groups) for their performances in the 2023 Alt NBA Awards!

This is my fourth year running the Alternative Awards, got great responses in 2020, 2021 & 2022 as well as a historical retrospective! Now presenting your candidates for the only awards that matter, the 2023 Alternative NBA Awards!

*For the awards with an asterisk, there were no stat-trackers that I found, so I had to scrape them myself. Here's the GitHub link for that (it's a mix of Python & R)!

The Real Sixth Man of the Year (presented by Brent Barry)*

(for players who are between sixth and ninth on their team in minutes played per game, must have played 50% of team's games and started less than 50% of games, credit to KokiriEmerald for the reasoning behind re-implementing the starting criteria)

By PPG:

1. Malcolm Brogdon (14.9)
2. Malik Monk (13.5)
3. Alec Burks (12.8)
4. Bruce Brown, Max Strus & Naz Reid (11.5)

By VORP:

1. Malcolm Brogdon (2.1)
2. Tyus Jones & Delon Wright (1.7)
3. Larry Nance Jr. (1.4)
4. Onyeka Okongwu & Brandon Clarke (1.3)

The Spark Plug Award (sponsored by Lt. Surge, presented by American Express CEO Stephen J Squeri)

Most charges drawn per 36 minutes (minimum 70% of games played), credit to morron88 for the idea to separate charges & loose balls

1. Kevin Love (0.962)
2. Isaiah Joe (0.509)
3. Patrick Beverley (0.423)
4. Jalen Brunson (0.411)
5. Davion Mitchell (0.378)

Shoutout to Jaylin Williams, who played in only 60% of games, but drew 1.69 charges per 36 minutes!

The Most Loose Balls Recovered Award (sponsored by Hungry Hungry Hippos, presented by Dennis Rodman & Nene’s doctor)

Per 36 minutes, minimum 70% of games played

1. T.J. McConnell (1.418)
2. Tari Eason (1.407)
3. Paul Reed (1.379)
4. Jordan Goodwin (1.145)
5. Jarred Vanderbilt (1.086)

The Plexiglass Award

most deflections per 36 minutes, minimum 70% of games played

1. Alex Caruso (5.217)
2. Matisse Thybulle (4.559)
3. Herbert Jones (4.09)
4. T.J. McConnell (3.953)
5. De'Anthony Melton (3.923)

The Wes Unseld Memorial Brick Wall Award

most points generated by screen assists per 36 minutes, minimum 70% of games played

1. Kevon Looney (14.28)
2. Domantas Sabonis (13.92)
3. Onyeka Okongwu (13.79)
4. Drew Eubanks (13.73)
5. Rudy Gobert (13.37)

Shoutout to Steven Adams, who played in only 51% of games, but generated 16.83 points by screen assists per 36 minutes!

The Deadshot Award (presented by Ray Allen & Reggie Miller)

best qualifying 3 point percentage (Basketball-Reference)

1. Luke Kennard (49.4%)
2. Al Horford (44.6%)
3. Damion Lee (44.5%)
4. Malcolm Brogdon (44.4%)
5. Tyrese Maxey (43.4%)

The Stormtrooper Award

worst qualifying 2 point percentage (Basketball-Reference)

1. Killian Hayes (42.9%)
2. Tim Hardaway Jr. (43.1%)
3. Luguentz Dort (44%)
4. Dillon Brooks (45.1%)
5. Fred VanVleet (45.5%)

The "If He Dies, He Dies" Award (presented by Tom Thibodeau, sponsored by Ivan Drago)

most minutes played per game (Basketball-Reference) (credit to FurryCrew for the idea)

1. Pascal Siakam & Kyrie Irving (37.4)
2. Jayson Tatum (36.9)
3. James Harden (36.8)
4. Fred VanVleet (36.7)

alternatively: most total minutes played (Basketball-Reference) (credit to FrankEMartindale for the idea)

1. Mikal Bridges (2963)
2. Anthony Edwards (2844)
3. Zach LaVine (2764)
4. Nikola Vucevic (2747)
5. Julius Randle (2734)

The Black Hole Award*

most FGAs per assist, minimum 50% of games played (credit to Moose4KU for the idea)

1. Chris Boucher (18.2)
2. Kelly Oubre Jr. (15.2)
3. Mark Williams (13.9)
4. Jaren Jackson Jr. (13.7)
5. Michael Porter Jr. (12.6)

The Hot Potato Award*

least FGAs per assist, minimum 50% of games played (credit to Moose4KU for the idea & ajayod for the name)

1. Ben Simmons (0.918)
2. Draymond Green (0.948)
3. Jordan McLaughlin (0.98)
4. Chris Paul (1.27)
5. Ish Smith (1.31)

The Most Expendable Player Award (sponsored by the National Basketball Referees Association)

highest personal fouls per 36 minutes, minimum 50% games played & 12 minutes/game (credit to PsychoM & BrightGreenLED for the idea)

1. Christian Koloko (5.75)
2. Isaiah Jackson (5.32)
3. Zeke Nnaji (5.19)
4. Dwight Powell (5.16)
5. Naz Reid (5.06)

The "Weakest Link" Award (sponsored by Jack Link's Beef Jerky, presented by the 2015 Atlanta Hawks Starting 5)*

best 5th starter by VORP (must have started 50% of a team's games) (credit to memeticengineering for the idea)

1. Tyrese Maxey (1.3)
2. Gary Trent Jr. (1.1)
3. Grayson Allen (1)
4. Herbert Jones & Jonas Valanciunas (0.8)

The No Fly Zone Award (presented by Dikembe Mutumbo)*

most blocked dunks as the blocking player

1. Brook Lopez (23)
2. Drew Eubanks (20)
3. Jaren Jackson Jr. & Myles Turner (17)
4. Walker Kessler (15)

The Rejected for Boarding Award (sponsored by United Airlines)*

most blocked dunks as the dunking player (credit to Legdrop_soup for the idea and asw7412 for the sponsor)

1. Aaron Gordon (13)
2. Ivica Zubac (11)
3. Tari Eason (10)
4. Jarrett Allen (9)
5. Joel Embiid, Kenyon Martin Jr, Kristaps Porzingis, Patrick Williams & Walker Kessler (8)

The No Time to Taunt Award (presented by Tim Duncan)*

highest percent of blocks that stayed inbounds & recovered by blocker's team, minimum 40 blocked shots (credit to gibberisle for the idea)

1. Mo Bamba (72.1%)
2. Jabari Smith Jr. (70.3%)
3. Draymond Green (70%)
4. Patrick Williams (68.6%)
5. Tari Eason (68.1%)

The “Oops, I Dunked It Again” Award (sponsored by Britney Spears, presented by Gary Payton & Shawn Kemp)*

Most prolific alley-oop duo (credit to lactardenthusiast for the idea)

1. Clint Capela & Trae Young (91)
2. Onyeka Okongwu & Trae Young (35)
3. John Collins & Trae Young (33)
4. Dwight Powell & Luka Doncic (30)
5. Brandon Clarke & Ja Morant (25)

Topical: Kyle Anderson & Rudy Gobert are tied for 8th with 20 alley-oops completed (+ 1 punch)

The “He Trick Y’All, Running Around, Doing Nothing” Award (sponsored by Russell Westbrook, presented by Tony Snell)*

Lowest sum of per-36 percentile ranks in the following: charges, contested shots, deflections, defensive boxouts, defensive loose balls recovered (minimum 50% of games played)

Player	Charges Percentile	Contested 2-Pt Shot Percentile	Contested 3-Pt Shot Percentile	Deflections Percentile	Defensive Boxouts percentile	Defensive Loose Balls Recovered Percentile	Sum of Percentiles
Eric Gordon	17.25%	0.87%	0.87%	38.84%	6.67%	6.09%	70.58%
Collin Sexton	46.38%	19.13%	8.70%	18.84%	1.74%	4.35%	99.13%
Jalen Green	17.25%	6.67%	45.22%	12.46%	0.58%	24.35%	106.52%
Klay Thompson	17.25%	33.62%	8.41%	28.99%	5.80%	30.14%	124.20%
Malaki Branham	17.25%	21.74%	29.57%	9.28%	1.16%	52.75%	131.74%

a look at two other relevant players

Player	Charges Percentile	Contested 2-Pt Shot Percentile	Contested 3-Pt Shot Percentile	Deflections Percentile	Defensive Boxouts percentile	Defensive Loose Balls Recovered Percentile	Sum of Percentiles
Patrick Beverley	97.97%	20.29%	32.17%	75.07%	14.78%	40.29%	280.58%
Russell Westbrook	71.30%	18.26%	33.62%	64.35%	23.48%	70.14%	281.16%

The "Got that Dawg in Him" Award (presented by Air Bud)

Highest sum of per-36 percentile ranks in the following: charges, contested shots, deflections, defensive boxouts, defensive loose balls recovered (minimum 50% of games played) (credit to memeticengineering for the idea)

Player	Charges Percentile	Contested 2-Pt Shot Percentile	Contested 3-Pt Shot Percentile	Deflections Percentile	Defensive Boxouts percentile	Defensive Loose Balls Recovered Percentile	Sum of Percentiles
Paul Reed	50.43%	94.78%	87.83%	96.81%	89.86%	97.97%	517.68%
Thaddeus Young	94.20%	71.01%	81.74%	99.42%	68.12%	88.26%	502.75%
Alex Caruso	95.94%	58.26%	99.13%	99.71%	49.28%	93.77%	496.09%
Herbert Jones	96.52%	62.03%	90.43%	98.55%	55.65%	88.26%	491.45%
Andre Drummond	69.86%	84.64%	68.99%	91.59%	87.83%	87.25%	490.14%

The Bowling Ball Award (sponsored by Pete Weber, presented by Glen "Big Baby" Davis)*

most charges committed (credit to Kdog122025 for the idea)

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (23)
2. Kyle Kuzma (19)
3. Bennedict Mathurin (16)
4. Deni Avdija & Julius Randle (15)

"The Good Ol' Hockey Game, is the Best Game You Can Name" Award (presented by Dominik Hasek)*

most goaltends committed (credit to Kdog122025 for the idea)

1. Daniel Gafford & Nic Claxton (19)
2. Nick Richards (16)
3. Jalen Duren & Mark Williams (13)

"The Thing about Arsenal Is They Always Try to Walk It In" Award (presented by MLS Commissioner Don Garber)*

most kicked ball violations

1. Nikola Jokic (47)
2. Nic Claxton & Nikola Vucevic (19)
3. Jakob Poeltl (18)
4. Jaden McDaniels (16)

The "David vs Goliath" Award (presented by Dwyane Wade)*

most shots blocked as the blocker where the blockee is at least 5 inches taller

1. Fred VanVleet (28)
2. Patrick Beverley (23)
3. Kyrie Irving (21)
4. Chris Paul (18)
5. Donovan Mitchell & Kyle Lowry (16)

The Most 3-Pt Shooting Fouls Committed Award*

credit to watchingsongsDL, kingcobweb & An-Indian-In-The-NBA for the idea

1. Dillon Brooks (10)
2. De'Anthony Melton, Deni Avdija, Jalen McDaniels & Luguentz Dort (9)

The "Master Baiter" Award (sponsored by Bass Pro Shops & Kleenex)

most 3-point shooting fouls drawn (Source at PBPStats)

1. Stephen Curry (37)
2. James Harden (34)
3. Jayson Tatum (33)
4. Jordan Clarkson (31)
5. Damian Lillard (30)

The "This Game Has Always Been, And Will Always Be, About Buckets" Award*

highest points as percentage of counting stats (rebounds, assists, steals, blocks), minimum 70% of games played

player	Points Per Game	Rebounds Per Game	Assists Per Game	Steals Per Game	Blocks Per Game	Points as Percentage of Other Stats
Bojan Bogdanović	21.6	3.8	2.6	0.6	0.1	75.26%
Norman Powell	17	2.9	1.8	0.8	0.3	74.56%
Gary Trent Jr.	17.4	2.6	1.6	1.6	0.2	74.36%
Klay Thompson	21.9	4.1	2.4	0.7	0.4	74.24%
Tyrese Maxey	20.3	2.9	3.5	0.8	0.1	73.55%

The Empty Calorie Stats Award (sponsored by Pop-Tarts)*

highest percentile rank within position in usage, descending VORP, descending TS% (minimum 50% of games played) (credit to eewap for the idea)

player	True Shooting %	Usage %	VORP	TS Positional Percentile Rank	Usage Positional Percentile Rank	VORP Positional Percentile Rank	Sum of Positional Percentiles
Dillon Brooks	0.494	21.8	-1.1	100.00%	79.31%	98.28%	277.59%
Jeremy Sochan	0.509	19.8	-0.7	94.29%	75.71%	97.14%	267.14%
Simone Fontecchio	0.495	20.2	-0.6	98.28%	74.14%	89.66%	262.07%
RJ Barrett	0.531	26.2	-0.7	77.65%	84.71%	97.65%	260.00%
Jaden Ivey	0.528	25.4	-0.7	83.53%	77.65%	97.65%	258.82%

The "Can’t Win With These Cats" Award (sponsored by Scar from The Lion King, presented by Kevin Durant in a fake mustache)*

biggest difference in on/off splits in weighted average with and without best (minimum 50% of games played) (credit to eewap for the idea)

player	team	Net Plus Minus per 100 Poss	Team Avg NPM per 100 Poss With	Team Avg NPM per 100 Poss Without	NPM Difference
Nikola Jokić	DEN	22	4.41	1.89	2.52
Nic Claxton	BRK	9.1	-0.30	-2.09	1.79
Draymond Green	GSW	13.1	1.05	-0.58	1.63
Damian Lillard	POR	12.8	4.06	2.63	1.43
Josh Hart	POR	12.8	4.06	2.63	1.43
Jrue Holiday	MIL	12.8	3.45	2.02	1.42

The "Anchors Aweigh" Award (presented by Ron Burgundy)*

biggest difference in on/off splits in weighted average with and without worst (minimum 50% of games played and 10 minutes/game) (credit to eewap for the idea)

player	team	Net Plus Minus per 100 Poss	Team Avg NPM per 100 Poss With	Team Avg NPM per 100 Poss Without	NPM Difference
Jeff Green	DEN	-15.8	4.41	6.72	-2.31
Max Strus	MIA	-9.1	0.82	2.43	-1.61
Lonnie Walker IV	LAL	-10.7	0.89	2.34	-1.45
Reggie Bullock	DAL	-4.7	1.50	2.91	-1.42
Paolo Banchero	ORL	-4.4	0.64	1.82	-1.18

Wouldn't take too much stock in this tbh, Banchero was carrying the Number 1 scoring burden for the Magic as a rookie

The “Fine, I’ll Do It Myself” Award (sponsored by Thanos, presented by Allen Iverson)

Highest percentage of unassisted field goals as portion of total field goals, minimum 50% of games played

1. Luka Doncic (84.7%)
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (79%)
3. Trae Young (78.7%)
4. Ja Morant & De'Aaron Fox (76.1%)

The “You Gotta Feed Me” Award (presented by Joey Chestnut & Marcin Gortat)

Highest percentage of assisted field goals as portion of total field goals, minimum 50% of games played

1. Duncan Robinson (97.7%)
2. Davis Bertans (97.1%)
3. Reggie Bullock (95.3%)
4. Joe Harris (94%)
5. Mike Muscala (93.9%)

The “FUCK OUTTA HERE, I GOT THAT SHIT” Award (presented by Carmelo Anthony)

Lowest contested rebound percentage, minimum 50% of games played

1. Tyus Jones (7.5%)
2. Seth Curry (8%)
3. Dennis Schroder (9.1%)
4. Cameron Payne (9.4%)
5. Austin Rivers (9.6%)

alternatively: restricting to players > 6 foot 6 inches in height

1. Joe Ingles (13.4%)
2. Terrence Ross (14%)
3. Amir Coffey (17%)
4. Bojan Bogdanovic (17.6%)
5. Jayson Tatum (18%)

The "Glass Cleaner" Award (presented by Dennis Rodman, sponsored by Windex)

Highest contested rebound percentage, minimum 50% of games played

1. Wenyen Gabriel (63.9%)
2. Mitchell Robinson (60.5%)
3. Luke Kornet (58.9%)
4. Romeo Langford (57.8%)
5. Isaiah Jackson (55.7%)

alternatively: restricting to players < 6 foot 7 inches in height

1. Romeo Langford (57.8%)
2. Derrick Jones Jr. (51%)
3. Josh Okogie (45.9%)
4. Kenrich Williams (42.5%)
5. Aaron Wiggins (39.9%)

The Stonks Award*

contract overperformance by fewest contract $ per 1 VORP, excluding rookie contracts & lower salary than CBA minimum (like 10-days, two-ways, hardship, etc) (credit to memeticengineering for the idea)

player	salary	vorp	VORP per $1M
Drew Eubanks	1836090	0.8	0.4357
Kenrich Williams	2000000	0.8	0.4000
Moritz Wagner	1878720	0.7	0.3726
Josh Okogie	1836090	0.6	0.3268
Domantas Sabonis	18500000	5.4	0.2919

alternatively, also excluding players making less than 5% of the salary cap:

player	salary	vorp	VORP per $1M	Salary as Percent of Salary Cap
Domantas Sabonis	18500000	5.4	0.2919	14.96%
Nikola Jokić	33047803	8.8	0.2663	26.73%
Kyle Anderson	8780488	2.2	0.2506	7.10%
Kevon Looney	8000000	2	0.2500	6.47%
Delon Wright	7804878	1.7	0.2178	6.31%

The Rotation Awards

(the awards I agonize over the most & still get wrong lmao)

I value depth over one solitary star (it’s a rotation after all). My attempt to make this more objective than past years:

• Get position estimates from Basketball-Reference
  • players with most minutes at PG & SG: guard
  • players with most minutes at SG & SF or SF & PF: wing
  • players with most minutes at PC & C: big
  • exceptions: all players greater than 7 foot are bigs and all players less than 6 foot are guards
• Filter out players with less than 12 MP/G
• Rank teams based on highest positional VORP without positional VORP leader

The Best Guard Rotation Award (sponsored by Buckingham Palace)

East

1. Wizards (Delon Wright, Bradley Beal, Monte Morris, Jordan Goodwin, Kendrick Nunn)
2. 76ers (James Harden, De’Anthony Melton, Tyrese Maxey)
3. Cavaliers (Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Ricky Rubio)
4. Boston (Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, Marcus Smart, Payton Pritchard)
5. Knicks (Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, Derrick Rose)

West

1. Grizzlies (Ja Morant, Tyus Jones, Luke Kennard)
2. Mavericks (Luka Doncic, Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyrie Irving, McKinley Wright IV, Frank Ntilikina)
3. Warriors (Steph Curry, Donte DiVincenzo, Ty Jerome, Jordan Poole, Gary Payton II)
4. Nuggets (Jamal Murray, Bruce Brown, Bones Hyland, Reggie Jackson)
5. Pelicans (CJ McCollum, Devonte’ Graham, Jose Alvarado, Dyson Daniels)

The Best Wing Rotation Award (co-sponsored by Lou Williams and Magic City)

East

1. Boston (Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, Grant Williams)
2. Bulls (Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Derrick Jones Jr, Ayo Dosunmu)
3. Raptors (Scottie Barnes, Chris Boucher, OG Anunoby, Thad Young, Juancho Hernangomez)
4. Cavaliers (Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade, Cedi Osman, Lamar Stevens)
5. Pistons (Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks, Saddiq Bey, Hamidou Diallo, Kevin Knox, Eugene Omoruyi, Isaiah Livers, Rodney McGruder, Jared Rhoden)

West

1. Suns (Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Torrey Craig, Josh Okogie, Ish Wainright, Damion Lee, Terrence Ross, TJ Warren)
2. Clippers (Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Terance Mann, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris, Luke Kennard, Amir Coffey)
3. Kings (Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray, Malik Monk, Terence Davis, Kessler Edwards)
4. Pelicans (Trey Murphy III, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, Josh Richardson, Naji Marshall)
5. Timberwolves (Kyle Anderson, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Taurean Prince, Jaylen Nowell)

The Best Big Rotation Award (jointly sponsored by Tom Hanks, Cadbury and Sex and the City)

East

1. Bucks (Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis)
2. Nets (Kevin Durant, Nic Claxton, Cam Johnson)
3. Knicks (Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jericho Sims, Obi Toppin)
4. Cavaliers (Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, Kevin Love)
5. Hawks (Clint Capela, Onyeka Okongwu, Jalen Johnson, John Collins)

West

1. Lakers (LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Thomas Bryant, Wenyen Gabriel)
2. Grizzlies (Jaren Jackson Jr, Brandon Clarke, Santi Aldama, Steven Adams, Xavier Tillman)
3. Jazz (Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt, Kelly Olynyk, Damian Jones, Rudy Gay)
4. Pelicans (Zion Williamson, Larry Nance Jr, Jonas Valanciunas, Willy Hernangomez, Jaxson Hayes)
5. Timberwolves (Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, Karl-Anthony Towns)

What are some other awards you'd like to see? Feel free to give me feedback on my choices, especially for the Rotation Awards contenders!

[Schefter] At least six teams have inquired with the Arizona Cardinals about trading up for the third overall pick in the upcoming April 27 NFL Draft, per league sources. Cardinals still are mulling whether to move pick or make it.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1645451234357264385

[Sam Quinn] What could the Timberwolves get if they traded Rudy Gobert? Probably less than you think

https://ift.tt/TPB6bKW

[Windhorst] Dame Lillard came in and said a number of things, and one of the things he said was, “I expect Jerami Grant to be back next year.” Considering the tone of the rest of this postgame interview, I think the Blazers will have to pay Jerami Grant just about anything he asks.

This quote that I transcribed came in at about the 55 minute mark of The Hoop Collective.

Jerami Grant will be eligible for a 5/$233M contract from Portland on June 30. Grant has a gold medal from the 2020 Olympics, one more than his All-Star selections (0) and All-Defense selections (0).

He also hired Rich Paul right after the trade deadline so…

[Charania] Sources: Clippers star Paul George is expected to be sidelined to begin the first-round playoff series against the Suns, but is making some tangible progress from his March 21 knee injury.

http://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1645443788306010112

[Mod Post] 2023 Playoffs Rules Refresher

With the Play-In beginning tomorrow and the playoffs beginning on Friday, we wanted to remind you guys of some of the subreddit's rules.

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1) In an effort to promote higher quality posting and overall quality of the subreddit, we will be disabling self posts during the games.

Beginning tomorrow, self posts will be disabled roughly 15 minutes before the start of games for that day and will be re-enabled roughly 15 minutes after the games have ended for that day.

Game threads will be automated and stickied to the top of the subreddit.

Post game threads will be submitted by mods.

The only other allowed threads while the games are occurring will be Highlights and Twitter posts.

In the event of a record being broken, you can message us to have that approved as a self post with a source confirming the record.

We trialled this change during last season's playoffs and received positive feedback from the majority of the users.

---

2) Direct Twitter links are for news only and need to follow the format of: [Author's last name] Exact text of tweet News is considered to be things such as League/Team/Player updates (player availability, injuries, etc.).

This means that any other self posts will need to wait to be posted until after that day's slate of games have come to an end.

Tweet posts from the r/nba Approved Twitter accounts list will be allowed

---

3) Highlight Quality Enforcement

Highlights should show as much of the play as possible, and not abruptly cut off at the end. If a better version of the highlight is posted after the original (this includes overall quality, duration, replays, etc.), the original highlight may be removed in favor of the higher quality one.

If you are a user posting a better quality highlight of one that has already been posted, you can message us to let us know.

Highlights should be posted via Streamable and have a title that begins with a [Highlight] tag. Highlights are required to follow quality requirements (720p+, no screen recordings) and contain the original broadcast audio. The title of the highlight should be a description of the highlight.

In the event of an injury, these clips do not need to be labeled as a [Highlight] and you can use an [Injury] tag instead.

---

[Highlight] 42-year old Haslem throws down an alley-oop and has 13 points in the 1st

https://ift.tt/4xDZhsf

Blas from the Past: Roger Craig

Welcome back to another shitpost. Today, I'll be talking about Roger Craig. He was an outstanding running back for the 49ers and holds the distinction of being the first running back to record both 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.

Before we get started, let's get three things out of the way: 1) I'm a bored fan in the offseason like you.
2) Keep it civil if you disagree with a take. It's just the internet. 3) "You can't tell the story of the game without mentioning him!" Is a very weak argument to try and say a player should be in the Hall of Fame.

ANYWAY, YOU CLICKED TO READ ABOUT ROGER

Roger Craig was a badass running back, mostly known for his dual threat ability out of the backfield and his brutal knee shots when running. Defenders would often get a knee right below their chin strap going in for a leg tackle. Why go for the legs? Well, Roger wasn't really a dodger. He could just as easily lower the shoulder pad and leave you looking at the sky wondering, "Why wasn't I an accountant?"

His style of play was so balanced and well-rounded that he could do it all really. He had just enough finesse to make your knees buckle, he'd attack opposing linebackers by shooting his forearm into their mouth, he could hurdle, one handed catch, had good enough breakaway speed, and a great burst through the hole. Besides his catching ability, his best asset was his vision. Remember the old Madden games and the cone of vision? Rookies had a tiny sliver, and Payton Manning could see the whole field? Well, that was Roger in the backfield.

Let's talk about his early career and then hit up his professional career.

Coming out of high school, Craig was a great athlete. Leading Iowa to state championship, being named to the All-District team, and kicking ass at wrestling, too. (As is tradition for Iowans.)

Nebraska (1979-1982)

He decided to follow his brother to Nebraska and put up good, solid numbers while there.

He played 3 full seasons with his best coming in 1981, where he posted 1,060 yards on only 173 attempts for 6.1 average yard per rush and 6 touchdowns.

Surprisingly, he did not put up great receiving numbers in college. Mostly due to scheme really. There's not a lot of chances to catch the football when you barely throw it out of an I-Formation and run the ball 95% of the time. This was Nebraska, after all. Not like today, they were good back then.

NFL (1983-1993)

49ers (1983-1989)

Roger was a well-regarded running back coming out of college. He was the 5th running back selected, #49 overall in the 2nd round.

Running backs selected before him include:

• Eric Dickerson
• Curtis Warner
• Michael Haddix
• Gary Anderson

1 HoF'er, 1 very good, 1 good, and idk anything about Haddix to say anything smart. So it wasn't like he was snubbed in the draft. I don't think.

His rookie year, he saw pretty good playing time right out of the gate. Starting 13 games, he ran for 725 yards on 176 carries for 8 tds and caught 48 catches for 427 yards and 4 tds. It was a sign of things to come as his production only got better.

His second year his rushing production went down slightly but he still had good numbers. 649 yards, 155 attempts, 7 tds and caught 71 catches for 675 yards and 3 touchdowns. He made his biggest mark in the SuperBowl that year, becoming the first player to score 3 touchdowns in a 38-16 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

His 3rd year was one for the history books, literally. He ran for 1,050 yards, 9 tds, on 214 attempts and caught 92 passes for 1,016 yards and 6 touchdowns. This marked the first time in history that a running back had ever accomplished 1k rushing and receiving. With the help of fellow Cornhusker Tom Rathman, this marked the beginning of a beautiful relationship known as the Cornfield Backfield. Surprisingly, he was not named All-Pro!

In '86 & '87 Roger didn't post 1k rushing yards but he was still productive. He ran for 830 & 815 respectively and posted 1,116 receiving yards for those two years.

His best rushing year came in '88 when he rumbled for 1,502 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns while catching 76 passes for 534 yards and earned All-Pro.

He followed it up with another 1k season with 1,054 yards 6 tds and caught 49 catches for 473 yards.

The forgotten years (1991-1993)

Did you know he played for another team? I had no idea. He played one year with the Raiders and two with the Vikings. No longer the bell-cow back he once was, he still had good back up years with these two teams.

Also, he never missed the playoffs his entire career.

Career Accolades:

3× Super Bowl champion (XIX, XXIII, XXIV)

NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1988)

First-team All-Pro (1988)

Second-team All-Pro (1985)

4× Pro Bowl (1985, 1987–1989)

NEA NFL MVP (1988 - Chosen By NFL Players & Coaches)

First Player To Score 3 Touchdowns in a Superbowl, and Still Shares the Record for Most Touchdowns in a Superbowl

NFL receptions leader (1985)

NFL 1980s All-Decade Team

San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame

Also here are his honors:

In 1987, Craig was inducted into the Quad City Sports Hall of Fame.

Craig was Inducted into the Davenport Central High School Hall of Honor in 1989.

In 1989, Craig was inducted into the Des Moines Register's Sunday Register Hall of Fame.

Craig was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

In 2002, Craig was inducted into the Iowa's IHSAA Football Players’ Hall-of-Fame. (His brother, Curtis Craig, was subsequently inducted in 2003).

Craig was inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) in 2008.

Craig is a member of the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame.

Craig was selected as a running back on the National Football League 1980s All-Decade Team, alongside Walter Payton, Eric Dickerson and John Riggins.

Craig was named one of 25 semifinalists considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2009 and one of the 15 modern-era finalists for the Class of 2010.

In 2019, the Professional Football Researchers Association named Craig to the PFRA Hall of Very Good Class of 2019.

Thank you for reading this far! I do take requests if you have a player you'd like for me to write about. I'd just ask they be retired for at least 10 years and is not in the Hall of Fame.

Happy Easter!

Career Highlights

Blast* from the Past. Damnit I messed up the title and now my Easter is ruined.

Udonis Haslem has arrived for the last regular-season game of his career.

https://ift.tt/ZwD94hj

Report: Kareem Hunt won’t return to Cleveland, Browns think he has lost speed

https://ift.tt/ohGcYHk

[McMenamin] The Lakers are signing two players today to add depth for the postseason, sources told ESPN. L.A. will sign guard Shaq Harrison, a defensive-minded point guard, and Tristan Thompson, a veteran center with playoff experience on LeBron James’ teams in Cleveland. Both players provide insura

https://twitter.com/mcten/status/1645088817135886337?t=jTGayGgG9eHbLPhtclFe7g&s=19

[PFT] Jets coach Robert Saleh says RB Breece Hall "looks fantastic" in ACL recovery.

https://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/status/1645063762926350336?t=l9ukVICD8oZHlryk7yLnRg&s=19

Daily Discussion Thread + Game Thread Index

Game Threads Index (April 08, 2023):

Tip-off	GDT	Away	Score	Home	PGT
03:30 pm ET		Denver Nuggets	PRE-GAME	Utah Jazz
04:00 pm ET	Link	Minnesota Timberwolves	PRE-GAME	San Antonio Spurs
04:00 pm ET	Link	Portland Trail Blazers	PRE-GAME	Los Angeles Clippers

[Wojnarowski] ESPN Sources: Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams is likely to miss the postseason with his injured right knee. Adams, who underwent a stem cell injection a month ago, has been out with a PCL sprain since late January.

http://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1644754411028365312

[Highlight] Asante Samuel nearly picks off Manning in Super Bowl XLII, one play before the helmet catch.

https://ift.tt/7quD8zY

The Toronto Raptors now have the hardest remaining schedule in the NBA at .716

With one (1) game left on the calendar, the Raptors take on the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks are the winningest team in the NBA, making them a formidable opponent for any other team to face.

Conversely, the Chicago Bulls have a cupcake Mickey Mouse back end to their schedule, with a game against the Pistons to close out the year, a remaining SOS of .210.

PFF's 5 best and worst drafting teams in 1st round since 2015: Best 5: Green Bay, Carolina, Dallas, Detroit, LA Chargers. Worst 5: Las Vegas, New England, Seattle, Chicago, Arizona

https://ift.tt/Y67my9h

The police body cam footage from Ja Morant's altercation with a 17 year old

https://ift.tt/TLZa5r7

[Sharp] since drafting Justin Herbert, the Chargers are 26-24 in those 3 years, they have: 1 trip to the playoffs 0 playoff wins that's with Herbert's cheap rookie deal... and time is running out on that contract ..

https://twitter.com/SharpFootball/status/1644385812648165412?t=lrm1tKNI1-lv9xFTb178eA&s=19

[Mavs PR] Kyrie Irving (right foot injury recovery), Josh Green (rest), Tim Hardaway Jr. (left ankle soreness), Maxi Kleber (right hamstring injury recovery) and Christian Wood (rest) will all miss tonight’s game against the Bulls.

https://twitter.com/mavspr/status/1644378465620074497?s=46&t=D_M269iewsje6aeQl3Leww

[Gery Woelfel] In the last two weeks, I spoke with three NBA officials. I posed a simple question and sought a simple yes or no response. The question was: Would Thanasis be on any NBA roster, if not for his brother’s exalted stature with the Bucks?

In the last two weeks, I spoke with three NBA officials. I posed a simple question and sought a simple yes or no response. The question was: Would Thanasis be on any NBA roster, if not for his brother’s exalted stature with the Bucks?

Here are their responses:

• An NBA player personnel director: “No,’’ he responded immediately.
• An NBA scout: “Let me think about this for a few seconds. (He then pauses for about 10 seconds before answering). No.’’
• An NBA general manager: “Hey, we know what that’s all about. It’s all about appeasing Giannis. But to answer your question, no.’’

---

Source: Gery Woelfel

[Around the NFL] WR Brandin Cooks on helping Texans win Week 18, Houston missing out on No. 1 pick: "You never suit up to lose"

https://twitter.com/AroundTheNFL/status/1644337841110155266

[Dehner] Joe Mixon being recharged by police, @Enquirer reporting, for downtown incident in his car that occurred prior to team’s flight to Buffalo in playoffs. Original charge was dismissed, but left open to refile once properly investigated.

https://mobile.twitter.com/pauldehnerjr/status/1644362680000495617

[Charania] Bucks star Khris Middleton underwent an MRI on his knee Thursday and he is expected to rehab for the next week or so in hopes of being ready for start of the playoffs, sources say.

https://twitter.com/shamscharania/status/1644339325214261253?s=46&t=hdMYR5VNI3D4hupTVErxeg

(OC) Deep Ball Passing Efficiency (attempts >= 25 air yards), 2022

https://ift.tt/i8Pu2lt

[MikeReiss] During today’s Patriots Hall of Fame nomination committee meeting, Robert Kraft showed up to announce that he is naming Dante Scarnecchia as a 2023 inductee — in the contributor category. Scarnecchia, in attendance as a member of the committee, was stunned. Standing ovation.

https://twitter.com/mikereiss/status/1644040599048187913?s=46&t=9p9zA49Z201cdWFhDZiBYA

Daily Discussion Thread + Game Thread Index

Game Threads Index (April 06, 2023):

Tip-off	GDT	Away	Score	Home	PGT
07:00 pm ET		Cleveland Cavaliers	PRE-GAME	Orlando Magic
07:30 pm ET		Miami Heat	PRE-GAME	Philadelphia 76ers
08:00 pm ET		Portland Trail Blazers	PRE-GAME	San Antonio Spurs
09:00 pm ET		Oklahoma City Thunder	PRE-GAME	Utah Jazz
10:00 pm ET		Denver Nuggets	PRE-GAME	Phoenix Suns

[Charania] The NBA has denied the Mavericks' game protest of March 22 loss to the Warriors.

https://twitter.com/shamscharania/status/1644030843977887746?s=46&t=07DBEZvOkSUlGr63NY7tXw

[Garafalo] The Jets are signing veteran QB Tim Boyle to a one-year deal, source says. He reunites with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who was his OC with the Packers. And that means someday between now and the end of time, he’ll reunite with this guy, too…

https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1644018832787251215?t=tW9N6bkzzlKUECna0awQsw&s=19

[Eesfandiari] The Lakers are tied for least back to backs of anyone in NBA this season. Games at beginning of season count as much as ones at end. Spare me blaming schedule.

https://twitter.com/samesfandiari/status/1643679658096095233

The Lakers are tied for least back to backs of anyone in NBA this season. Games at beginning of season count as much as ones at end. Spare me blaming schedule.

Lakers had 12 B2B's this season, including four that have no travel (SAS/SAS, BKN/NYK, and two sets of home B2B's

Clippers were tied for most B2B's this season with 15

https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAC/2023_games.html

[Highlight] Jim Mora shares his thoughts after a scrimmage game

https://ift.tt/MCIUpBQ

[Azarly] LeBron James’ 8 straight losses against the Clippers is his longest losing streak against any opponent in his career, regular season or playoffs, per @OptaSTATS

After his worst half of basketball in a Lakers uniform, James bounced back, but the Clippers were just too far out ahead. He will likely end up having a gap of at least 3-and-a-half years between 2 wins against them.

[Odegard] Your long national nightmare is over. The Cardinals will have new uniforms this season, multiple sources told me. Official unveiling expected to be in the lead-up to the draft, which begins April 27.

https://twitter.com/Kyle_Odegard/status/1643641378738700290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1643641378738700290%7Ctwgr%5E7b0118c6cadcd4696f6b8830a14327ebcf8a9dd8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.sportslogos.net%2F2023%2F04%2F05%2Freport-arizona-cardinals-to-unveil-new-uniforms-ahead-of-nfl-draft%2Ffootball%2F

Can't write a better script: The Battle of LA tonight with both the Clippers and Lakers tied at 41-38 and Westbrook's 1st game back in Los Angeles.

The Clippers and Lakers are both tied at 41-38. The winner will move up to the 6th seed. Also this will be Westbrook first game back in LA against his former team.

Anthony Davis is questionable due to the Lakers playing yesterday so this will be a back-to-back for them, but it should be a good game regardless.

[Lindsey] Ravens PR steps in at Ravens pre-draft press conference and tells media to stop asking questions about Lamar, only about the draft (video)

https://twitter.com/lindseyyok/status/1643647369160933377?t=gtNQcVpo8Mhg934CIkaqGQ&s=19

[Hartwell] Grant Williams accuses Celtics-76ers refs of unfair treatment after technical foul

https://ift.tt/nAE7o1N

LeBron James and Anthony Davis have just played 5 full regular season games together in a row, for the first time since January 27th 2021, 798 days ago

The Lakers have been hit with a curse of not being able to play their two stars together for 5 full consecutive regular season games for almost 800 days, from January 27th 2021 to April 4th 2023. A shitty ass curse that I've been tracking for over a year that just wouldn't seem to end until now.

The full cursed, shitty, awful depressing timeline of events and my pain :

Early 2020/2021 : the defending champion Lakers fresh off a 7 week offseason look surprisingly spry, cruising to a 21-6 2nd best record in the league.

January 27th 2021 : last time Bron and AD play 5 straight full games in the regular season (until yesterday). AD was in and out of the lineup after that game with quad soreness.

February 2nd 2021 : AD goes down with a right heel and calf injury that keeps him out 30 games

March 20th 2021 : after holding down the fort without AD, LeBron injures his ankle and misses more than a month

April 22nd 2021 : AD returns

April 30th 2021 : LeBron returns ... for two games, before missing more time due to the ankle still being sore

May 15th 2021 : LeBron returns for good, but there are only 2 regular season games left in the season. The Lakers win the 7/8 play-in and face the Suns in round 1, but all hopes for a competitive series end when AD injures himself in Game 3 and aggravates it in Game 4. LeBron never looks 100% on that ankle for that series, having had just 3 games to ramp up.

Early 2021/22 season : AD is playing but LeBron is in and out of the lineup with groin pain

December 12th 2021 : LeBron finally plays 5 straight games for the first time that season, but AD misses a game with wrist pain when LeBron returns. He comes back and plays 2 games then goes down with an MCL sprain.

January 25th 2022 : AD comes back but LeBron misses time with soreness again.

February 16th 2022 : LeBron comes back and the pair play 4 straight regular season games together. My dumbass compiles this post thinking this awful stretch is finally over, but we still got more than a year to go baby, because in that 5th straight game, AD turns his ankle on Gobert's foot, and I cry myself to sleep.

April 1st 2022 : AD rushes back but by then LeBron is out with soreness and doesn't return for the rest of that godforsaken season. AD only plays 3 games anyway, clearly not close to 100%, and LA shuts him down as the Lakers miss the play-in.

Early 2022/2023 season : LeBron and AD play 4 straight games together but then LeBron misses a game with soreness. He returns a game later but misses 5 of the next 6 with injury/illness.

November 25th 2022 : LeBron returns to the lineup, but AD is rested one game with a wrist pain

December 6th 2022 : The pair plays 4 straight games and I prepare the post as they are both probable for the next game. They suit up ... and AD leaves with a weird stomach bug, throwing up in the tunnel. He returns the next game, and I shelf the post. They play the next 3 games and I get ready to update the post, when AD injures his foot badly and will miss several weeks, and I decide to give crack addiction a try because I need to escape this reality. AD finally returns after 20 games, and they play 2 games together before being rested.

February 7th 2023 : AD and LeBron have played 4 straight games together and my suffering is almost at an end, but LeBron decides to be a tease and is rested a couple of games with foot soreness.

February 26th 2023 : Westbrook is off the team, the new look Lakers look fun, LeBron and AD are on their 3rd straight game together and orchestrate a monster comeback against the Dallas Mavericks ... during which LeBron powers through a foot injury that makes him miss the next few weeks, seemingly out for the rest of the regular season and this motherfucking streak will extend until the heat death of the universe and existence is pain.

March 26th 2023 : LeBron makes a surprise return to the team against Chicago, weeks ahead of expectations.

April 4th 2023 : Having played 4 straight regular season games together, and both listed probable for a game in Utah, I dare not hope. I do not update the post. I will not jinx it again. They both play, and are up 10 points with 1:42 left in the game. 1 minute and 42 seconds until the pain stops. Until I can breathe again. Until the sun finally rises on this endless night. But of course, they decide I should experience edging once in my life, and choke the lead to add another interminable 5 minutes of OT to my near 800 days of pain. LeBron hits a layup at the end of OT, THT bricks a shot like the good ol days, and the Lakers dribble out the clock. It's over. It's finally over. They made it through 5 straight regular season games, in full, together, for the first time since January 2021. And they're 4-1 in that stretch with the loss being the game LeBron came off the bench for in his return.

Just in time to get rested against the Clippers I guess.

Almost no Detroit Lions fans want Sheila Hamp to sell the team - Pride Of Detroit

https://ift.tt/1AJET9q

[Caplan] Luka Doncic, when asked whether he and Kyrie Irving have had enough time to learn to play together: “I don’t think offense is the problem. I’ve always said this. It’s our defensive end. I think anybody can score on us. Whoever it is, anybody can score on us.”

https://twitter.com/CallieCaplan/status/1643310208066699265

Daily Discussion Thread + Game Thread Index

Game Threads Index (April 04, 2023):

Tip-off	GDT	Away	Score	Home	PGT
07:00 pm ET		Toronto Raptors	PRE-GAME	Charlotte Hornets
07:00 pm ET		Miami Heat	PRE-GAME	Detroit Pistons
07:00 pm ET		Cleveland Cavaliers	PRE-GAME	Orlando Magic
07:00 pm ET		Milwaukee Bucks	PRE-GAME	Washington Wizards
07:30 pm ET		Minnesota Timberwolves	PRE-GAME	Brooklyn Nets
08:00 pm ET		Boston Celtics	PRE-GAME	Philadelphia 76ers
08:00 pm ET		Atlanta Hawks	PRE-GAME	Chicago Bulls
08:00 pm ET		Denver Nuggets	PRE-GAME	Houston Rockets
08:00 pm ET		Portland Trail Blazers	PRE-GAME	Memphis Grizzlies
08:00 pm ET		Sacramento Kings	PRE-GAME	New Orleans Pelicans
09:00 pm ET		Los Angeles Lakers	PRE-GAME	Utah Jazz
10:00 pm ET		Oklahoma City Thunder	PRE-GAME	Golden State Warriors
10:00 pm ET		San Antonio Spurs	PRE-GAME	Phoenix Suns

[Tim MacMahon] Luka Doncic: “I’m playing tomorrow. When there’s still a chance, I’m going to play.”

https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status/1643299996031148048

[Popper] An NFL exec to @SandoNFL on #Chargers offseason: "It is hard to imagine a team being that leveraged when they are probably the fifth- or sixth-best team in the conference, they haven’t won a playoff game in four years and they just lost to the Jags."

https://twitter.com/danielrpopper/status/1643273408359337984

[Haynes] Jared Dudley, sources told me, will be coaching the Mavericks Summer League team on his quest to gain more experience to becoming a top flight head coaching candidate in the NBA.

Haynes wanted to flex some more inside Mavs knowledge on Stein, the premiere Mavs insider, toward the end of their podcast. Stein jokingly replied that he’s gonna call everyone he knows in Portland to get an exclusive about Dame.

Colts owner: ‘You have to be careful’ to not do what the Rams did

https://ift.tt/x123YjK

[Wallach] Madison Square Garden’s lawsuit against the New York State Liquor Authority has been dismissed by a NY Supreme Court judge.

Tweet

NEW: Madison Square Garden’s lawsuit against the New York State Liquor Authority has been dismissed by a NY Supreme Court judge. MSG was seeking to enjoin SLA license revocation proceedings over MSG’s adverse lawyer ban. Per the judge’s ruling, the lawsuit was dismissed because of MSG’s failure to demonstrate irreparable harm (a must for a preliminary injunction) and failure to exhaust administrative remedies.

James Dolan’s media tour may have cost him a shot an injunction against the SLA. In a footnote, Justice Engoran pointed to Dolan’s admission on Good Day New York that “we don’t make a lot of money on alcohol” as undercutting MSG’s claim of irreparable harm

The private investigator hired by James Dolan to tail the NYS Liquor Authority investigator to his home ended up being detained by the NYPD, placed in handcuffs and taken to a local precinct, where he was placed in a holding cell and had his belt and shoelaces removed.

[PFT] Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Bill Belichick has shopped Mac Jones to multiple teams during the 2023 offseason. The full list of potential destinations isn’t known. The teams mentioned as potential destinations were the Raiders, Texans, Buccaneers, and Commanders.

https://ift.tt/IX4cfZz

[Charania] Golden State's Andrew Wiggins plans to attend Warriors-Thunder on Tuesday. The reason for Wiggins' leave of absence since mid-February is that his father, Mitchell Wiggins, has been dealing with a serious medical situation, sources close to the situation say. 🙏🏽

http://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1642945756255453188

[Knowles] You may have noticed less content going up on Football Outsiders in recent weeks. Champion Gaming, the parent company, is refusing to pay it’s contributors for work stretching back to December. Thousands of dollars of work, representing hundreds of hours, remain unpaid.

https://twitter.com/brykno/status/1642919920949157888

Official /r/nba Power Rankings #12 (4.6.2023)

27/30 rankers reporting this week. /R/NBA's Power Rankings are published every two weeks which is a bit different from most rankings. Other than that we rank the teams the same way as our competition. If write ups are left blank the team rep decided not to submit. We encourage any user to fill in the blanks in the comment section.

#	Team	Δ	Record	Comment
1	Bucks	--	56-22	Although the defeat to the Celtics was humiliating (to be fair, it was the team's fifth game in seven days, a back-to-back, and the Celtics managed to shoot over 50% from 3), a statement win over the Sixers ensured that the Bucks remain in the driver's seat for the #1 seed. With only four games left and the entire roster (sans Myers Leonard) in good health, Bucks fans couldn't really ask for more with only 4 regular season games remaining.
2	Celtics	+1	54-24	What a wild two weeks. The Celtics over the course of two days were embarrassed in a loss to the 34-44 Wizards who were without Beal and Kuzma, only to turn it around and blowout the 56-22 Bucks who with a win would have officially clinched the 1 seed and been able to take it easy over the remaining few games. Barring an absolute disaster, the Celtics should be locked into the 2 seed and on-paper, staring down a potential matchup with the Miami Heat in the 1st round of the playoffs. The Celtics only have 4 games left in the season, with matchups @76ers, Raptors at home twice, and then the season finale at home against the Hawks. Sadly, all three teams still have a reason to play as they're all locked in the playoffs/play-in, so they'll be trying their hardest to win.
3	Nuggets	+1	52-26	The Nuggets can clinch the #1 seed with just 1 win in these final 4 games, but with Jokic having missed the last 3 games with a nagging calf injury and 3 of the final 4 games being on the road, it's not a lock by any means. The team will have to lean on Jamal, MPJ, AG, and the stellar rookie wings Christian Braun and Peyton Watson to wrap up the season if Jokic is shut down until the playoffs.
4	76ers	-2	51-27	The Sixers seem to be running out of steam. With the health of Harden and Embiid being in question (with perfect timing might I add), Sixers faithful are left with the same question as always: "How will they put it together in the postseason?" Hopefully they are just coasting now that they seem to be locked into the 3-seed, but they might look destined for another early exit.
5	Cavaliers	--	49-30	The Cavs went 4-2 since the previous power ranking, as Evan Mobley continues his ascension. He’s averaging 18/10/4 on .607 ts% with 2.5 blocks over the last month. He’s scoring at will on the inside, he’s terrorizing 1-5 on defense while defending the rim at an elite level, he’s finding rebounds despite contesting more 3s than anyone else in the league, all while his passing becomes the most underrated part of his game. His mix of instincts and athleticism is what has everyone watching him salivating. No one younger than 23 has ever won DPOY, and while Mobley’s making a very strong case for it at only 21, he will ultimately fall short to another worthy candidate, and will have to settle for a first team nod… wait, this sounds vaguely familiar. Here’s hoping that one day, he’ll fall just short of being MVP of the league and have to settle for a first team nod.
6	Grizzlies	+2	49-29	As we approach the home stretch of the season, the team continues to look inconsistent. Letting the Clippers get out to a 20 pt lead, only to come back and win decisively followed up by being up big on the Bulls only to let them blow them out in the second half has been the story all season long. The team misses Adams badly, as they have all season since he went down with injury. The team continues to rely on Ja to have masterful performances and frankly he just hasn't been consistent enough since coming back from his suspension. With rumors of Adams returning in the last week of the season, the team has some time here to get the gears tightened up for a playoff push. In order for the season to not be a disappointment, we must win in the 1st round and unfortunately that looks like it could be against a blazing hot Lakers squad, a proven team in Golden State getting back its key player in Wiggins, or the Timberwolves who we've built a small rivalry with over the past year; all matchups where the Grizzlies could lose.
8	Suns	+1	43-35	KD is back! Go Sun! If Monty can figure these rotations out, and we can cut our opponents FTAs down by even a third, I think we'll be really dangerous.
8	Kings	-2	47-31	This team isn't perfect by any means but if did something many fans haven't seen in a very long time… MAKE THE PLAYOFFS!! For many this will be enough, but if they want to avoid being swept they're going to have to figure out how to play defense and rebound as a team. I can't wait to watch them regardless! #LIGHTTHEBEAM
9	Knicks	-2	46-33	Randle out until the beginning of the playoffs. Brunson Burner incoming. Also, the meteoric rise of Immanuel Quickley has been a beautiful thing to witness. Quentin Grimes is a top 2 wing defender in the league don't @ me
10	Lakers	+6	40-38	The hopium is at an all-time high if you're a Lakers fan, the schedule has been relatively friendly but they did pick up vital wins vs. Thunder and Wolves which were huge boosts to the standings. The sudden return of LeBron James and the stellar two-way play of Anthony Davis has led to 6 wins in the last 7 games, as of Sunday night the Lakers are in possession of the 7th seed and are half a game from 5th seed! The 1.5 game cushion for the 7/8 play-in game, the upcoming schedule and the team being finally healthy as a whole (except for Mo Bamba) has led the fanbase to now be torn apart between wanting to avoid the Suns in the first round or the play-in. Lakers are currently on a 5-game road trip in which Anthony Davis is averaging 38.7p/11.7.r/1.7a/2.0b/1.0s on 65/33/81 splits through the first three games. A favourable seeding and a healthy Lakers have a case for a significant playoff run.
11	Warriors	+3	41-38	Just as it seems the Warriors are finding their stride just as they need to they lose to the Jokic-less Nuggets. Curry has looked close to his early season self. Kuminga is looking better every week. With Wiggins lingering in the shadows the Warriors aren't yet a full squad but rumors have been brewing that he will return soon.
12	Clippers	-2	41-38	Without PG, the playoffs look really tough. I have no doubt that the clippers can clinch an actual spot, but I worry about a 7 game series without PG13.
14	Nets	-2	43-35
14	Pelicans	+8	40-38
15	Heat	-4	41-37	Well, the last couple weeks did not go as hoped and it leaves our playoff hopes in more questionable standing. The games we lost were all against teams we could very well face in the play-in/playoffs. Bam Adebayo has also picked up an injury which has introduced Zeller more into the line up (got 20 points against the Mavericks). Our remaining games only have the 76ers being over .500, so we should win 3/4 at a minimum. However, the Nets and the Knicks are also dealing with similarly difficult games to close out the season, so it's a very likely possibility that we will be playing in the play-in. Looking at who the Raptors, Hawks, and Bulls face in their remaining games I would bet on us playing the Hawks. The Raptors are also a possibility, and both should be good match ups. Regardless of the play-in possibilities, we do not fare to make any noise this time around but we might as well enjoy it.
16	Raptors	+1	39-39	Raptors have looked good recently, winning 6 of their last 10 and being competitive every game. Unfortunately the ceiling for this team still looks like a 1st round exit.
17	Hawks	+1	39-39	The Midlanta Mids continue to be an all-around disappointment. Despite all the talent on the roster the team has been within a game of .500 for more than 2 months and are destined for the play-in games. Sure the Hawks could advance into the playoffs and maybe take a game or two off the Bucks or Celtics but does that really matter at this point? A season that was supposed to be a leap forward was marred by poor coaching, effort, and leadership from the day it started. The focus is now on next season where Quin Snyder has a chance to fully implement his system and get rid of anyone who won't fit in it.
18	Bulls	+2	38-40	The Bulls are on track to make the play in, and I am lucky to be writing this after the Bulls 40 point swing against the Grizzlies. We have Play in Champ Patrick Beverley on our team, so we are essentially guaranteed to get to the playoffs. Zach Lavine is back to his old self, being an elite scorer at all 3 levels. Coby White is becoming the 4th option, sometimes even the 3rd option, and primary bench scorer, which is amazing to see. Our young players have stepped up recently so DeRozan and Vuc don't need to be the people our team constantly relies on.
19	TWolves	--	39-40	In a season defined by injury and disappointment the trend continues on. After a 4 game win streak that included a win in Golden State and Sacramento thing fell apart for the Wolves between Naz reads injury and illness effecting the team. Now the Wolves will be playing for their lives in the home stretch to make it to the post season.
20	Thunder	-5	38-41	OKC really fumbled the bag a bit by dropping 2 of our easiest games on our schedule. The path to the play in is slim, but still there. So here's hoping!
21	Mavericks	-8	37-42	The Mavs' season did not go as expected at all, coming off of a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2022. They had high expectations, but the first game of the season ended up being a great metaphor for how the season would go: Build a strong lead vs Phoenix, only to blow the lead and lose the game. They would do this exact thing multiple times the rest of the year, and multiple times to Phoenix. The Mavs lost to the Hornets twice, couldn't hit free throws to beat Atlanta Sunday, and now face Sacramento, Chicago, and San Antonio to close the year. The Mavs are in danger of entering purgatory for this offseason, potentially losing their pick (top 10 protected) while also missing the playoffs. The Mavs also have Kyrie Irving as an upcoming FA, which will drastically shape the Mavs' future.
22	Jazz	-1	36-42	With the season coming to a close, it’s time to shamelessly promote the Jazz stars for the final time this year. Walker Kessler is a future DPOY. His time as a starter has seen the Jazz become the best team in the entire league at defending shots within 10 feet of the basket. Lauri Markkanen is your MIP. Undoubtedly. He recently became the first player in NBA history to record 100 dunks and 200 threes in a single season to show off his scoring versatility. After starting in the All-Star game earlier this season he hasn’t slowed down either, averaging 29/9 on 60% TS. Danny Ainge promised in the preseason promised "Exciting Basketball" and these two franchise centerpieces have certainly delivered
23	Magic	+2	34-44	Paolo is the Rookie of the Year.
24	Wizards	-1	34-44	This is a public service announcement that Corey Kispert has either tied or surpassed his career high in points in 3 out of the last 5 games and no one is talking about it because something happens in the league that overshadows his efforts. Maybe it is the panic that he is about to get get married, maybe it is the fact that Kyle Kuzma isn't playing (it is because Kyle Kuzma isn't playing), but he has been out of his mind and it has been an incredible viewing experience -- even as the Wizards find themselves eliminated from play-off contention. Don't get me wrong, watching losing basketball is not fun. But it has been therapeutic to watch some players get meaningful minutes that fans have been begging for only to watch said players struggle in this new found role. Maybe, just maybe, some members of the Wizards organization actually know what they're doing even if things aren't panning out in the ideal manner. The tank is completely on as showcased by Wes Unseld Jr actually listening to Deni Avdija's calls for a challenge when he clearly did something stupid that either lead to a turnover or a foul call. It won't be a fun final couple of weeks. Then again, you get pleasant surprises like beating the Celtics by 19.
25	Pacers	-1	34-45	Just a few more games remain, and it seems apparent that the Pacers are trying to improve their draft probability as much as possible. Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner haven't played many games over the past several weeks, so Indiana has used this period to experiment with different lineups involving the younger players. 3 losses would be ideal for Indiana to close the year, securing them the fifth best lottery odds.
26	Trail Blazers	--	33-45
27	Hornets	--	26-53	The Hornets will finish the season strong after an injury-riddled mess of a year. I think all hornets fans were disappointed with the performance of the team this year - even those who believed it could go badly. After back to back play in tournament losses, this is a fanbase starving for some improvement. Unfortunately, our offseason moves have not facilitated that improvement. I think Lamelo Ball has shown enough for the Hornets to pay him whatever they can to maximize team control, and hope to build a winning team around him. Our fate, as it stands, hangs in the balance while we wait to see what lottery ball comes up for us. Will it be the ball with the ticket to Wembanyama and a conference finals in the next five years? Or will it be just another ball that leads to mediocrity. You’ll have to follow along with a new power ranker to find out, as this is my last ever contribution to this project. I’ve enjoyed writing these blurbs for the past few years and arguing with you all in the comments. Go Hornets.
28	Spurs	--	20-58	Pop the Champagnie Spurs fans, the season is nearly over. It's hard to not get your hopes up for a top-2 pick, but do keep in mind that we only end up there 27% of the time and we only end up in the top-4 52% of the time. We're still gonna need a lot of luck to pull this one out, but I have faith that the Spurs FO will still make good on our highest FRP since Tim, regardless of where it lands.
29	Rockets	--	19-60	Another painful season nears its end, and the questions remain much the same as they were at the start of the season. Is Silas the right man to take us out of the rebuild? Are the youngsters going to be able to maintain their form from after the all-star break? Of course, the biggest question of all is perhaps the one that is left to luck. Come May 16, we'll find out if there is a silver lining to the suffering.
30	Pistons	--	16-62	1-20 in the last 21 games. Tank rolls on. The only question is "does the tank destroy our young players' psyches long term?". Probably. Exhibit A: Killian Hayes.