I’ll agree they could’ve been a bit better but with salary cap restrictions there wasn’t a lot they could do most of the time especially with Milwaukee not being a free agent destination.

They had Middleton who was pretty good until injuries and traded for Jrue when they were contending and that worked out for them. They tried to run that back the next ~2 years which makes sense but injuries to Giannis and Middleton in the playoffs were just unfortunate. Maybe in that window they could’ve upgraded the wing for sure but it wouldn’t have changed the outcome with the other injuries.

Once that had run its course they took a big swing for Dame and it just didn’t work. At that point they’re out of draft capital.

Maybe I’m missing something in there though?

Issue is probably that paying Middleton the max isn’t great compared to a lot of other players so maybe moving on earlier from him for an upgrade?

As a Bucks fan I’m really glad it’s not more serious and I think it’s a sign that they just need to trade him. The org did their best to build around him but just had bad injury luck after the championship. It’s no one’s fault but they have no more moves to make.

The best move for Giannis career and the Bucks future is to trade him now. He can go contend and they can get picks or players back to help with the future. Giannis will still go down as the greatest Buck of all time and I don’t think most fans will be upset about him leaving. I’d rather he leave now on good terms than this getting dragged out any further.

Hopefully he can come back and retire at the end of his career here.

Apparently the Knicks tried in the offseason but didn’t make a good offer.

I don’t think OKC makes a big change like that given they’re the champs and have started out amazing.

I think the Spurs could make a good offer without gutting their team too much and pairing Wemby and Giannis would be great to watch. I’ve heard people say they shouldn’t speed up their timeline trading for Giannis but they already have Fox who isn’t super young and a player like Giannis doesn’t become available all that often.

Houston is another possibility but I haven’t seen how the math works on that yet.

Edit:

Houston would have to trade Sengun and Van vleet but I think they do that for a chance to knock off OKC.

Warriors have a lot of first and could trade Kuminga and Green, could see them going all in on Currys last years.

Yeah my thought was are they trying to get ahead of a gambling investigation or something similar.

I feel the same lol, actually became somewhat likable towards the end of his career but before that was a complete villain

Have to imagine it being on NBC is playing a part. I haven’t been able to watch as much with having kids now but the games I’ve caught on both have been good. ESPN is much better now that they have the TNT crew.

Not surprising, the new ownership probably want to bring in their own people.

Nice to see Zion back playing. Hopefully no more setbacks this season.

Pels @ Nuggets 11/19

You’re not helping them long term which was the point of the Sankara quote.

It forces these countries to be dependent on food aid rather than self sufficient which means that if they try to go even somewhat against neoliberalism and actually raise the living standards and wages of their people the US then pulls the aid (as well as likely aiding armed groups to kill the leadership) in order to force the government out and installing comprador regimes in its place.

Just didn’t re-sign, makes sense to go take your brand independent while you’re a player still.

Don’t know if any player will ever top the Jordan brand tho as far as sales and popularity

Yeah the core of the issue is Zions health. But since it’s easier to replace coaches than star players that’s what they’re doing.

Really feel like if he’s not healthy this year they need to move on

It looked good until Giannis went down :/

I appreciate that they’re trying different things but the core of the issue is the players won’t try for the all star game most years so no matter the format that’s gonna be the issue.

I think a 1v1 tournament is the best idea just given it’ll put the players personal pride on the line.

Yeah them getting Flagg immediately after was pretty sus especially since they didn’t even reach out to other teams

It’s weird because I can’t imagine he traded Luka without the new owners approval so I’m guessing they underestimated the blowback and are now trying to win back the fan base with this move.

Have to imagine Nico would expect a golden parachute for that since I can’t see him getting another role in the league after that whether ownership pushed for it or not.

They are so lucky they got Flagg, anything less and I think they would’ve lost even more fans.

Thank you, I’m at work and didn’t have a chance to edit the headline until now

I’m not sure how much that plays in given sports often seem to exist outside stuff like that but overall what does this offer that current leagues don’t unless they’re going to do something that actually involves NBA teams or players which I don’t really see working out.

My guess based on the limited info we’ve seen so far would be no to pretty much all of those.

Seems like they’re just trying to create an NBA owned Euroleague but maybe with the worst ideas from the attempt at a super league in soccer (permanent teams, etc.)

Guessing they’re hoping the NBA branding will give it draw, if they’re smart they will invest a bit and have better salaries than current European leagues cause I agree what else does this provide that isn’t already available?

Can’t really see games with NBA teams, given the travel it would involve I feel like the players and teams shoot that down pretty quick. During season it would be a huge scheduling challenge and off season players want to relax.

Yeah given the pacers and Celtics injuries and just the general weakness of the conference any team could make the playoffs and I wouldn’t be too surprised.

After the Knicks/Cavs it’s pretty wide open for seeding as all the other teams have glaring issues that could hold them back.