Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 7/7/15
There have been a flurry of deals agreed upon since the commencement of the free agent signing period on July 1st. A number of teams have made high profile additions, while others have felt the sting of players departing for other locales. While there are still more signings and player movement yet to come, it’s never too early to speculate on what impact all these comings and goings will do for the NBA standings in 2015/16.
This brings us to the question of the day: Which NBA team has improved itself the most thus far this offseason? Sound off in the comments section below with your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.
Of course, there will always be differing opinions. While we absolutely encourage lively discussion and debate, we do expect everyone to treat each other with respect. So, please refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults or attacks, as well as the other taboo types of discourse laid out in our site’s commenting policy. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Hoops Rumors. Just put in your name, email address, and comment and submit it; there is no need to become a registered user.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 7/6/15
The Lakers have failed to land a marquee free agent thus far this offseason, and unless LeBron James has a major change of heart regarding where he’d like to play next season, that’s not likely to to be altered. No disrespect to reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams and forward Brandon Bass, but those agreements don’t necessarily qualify as franchise-altering deals. Adding big man Roy Hibbert via a potential trade could turn out to be a solid move for the team, and Los Angeles did add a potential superstar via the NBA Draft in D’Angelo Russell. But this season’s Lakers don’t appear on first pass to be a fundamentally better squad than the 2014/15 version.
But that’s just my take, and this is my segue to the question of the day: How do you grade the Lakers’ offseason moves thus far? If you’re a Laker fan, are you content with what the team has accomplished, or are any of you seriously contemplating switching allegiances to the Clippers as a result of your frustrations? What move that the team has made has impressed you/frustrated you the most? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions, or to simply vent your angst at the state of the purple-and-gold. We look forward to what you have to say.
Of course, there will always be differing opinions. While we absolutely encourage lively discussion and debate, we do expect everyone to treat each other with respect. So, please refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults or attacks, as well as the other taboo types of discourse laid out in our site’s commenting policy. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Hoops Rumors. Just put in your name, email address, and comment and submit it; there is no need to become a registered user.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 7/3/15
The free agent signing period is underway, and a number of big names have already come off the board by agreeing to new deals. If history is any guideline, some of these deals will be considered bargains, while others will weigh down teams’ salary cap figures like an albatross for years to come. Yesterday we discussed which recently agreed upon deal was the most team friendly. Or to put it another way, which team got the best value on the free agent market thus far. Today we focus on the opposite end of the spectrum. I’m talking about the signings that are true head-scratchers as to the length and amount agreed upon to be forked over to the player.
It’s with that sentiment that I present to you the question of the day: What free agent agreement made thus far is the worst value?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on which recent deal offends your sense of propriety (and economics) the most, and more importantly, why? We look forward to what you have to say.
Of course, there will always be differing opinions. While we absolutely encourage lively discussion and debate, we do expect everyone to treat each other with respect. So, please refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults or attacks, as well as the other taboo types of discourse laid out in our site’s commenting policy. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Hoops Rumors. Just put in your name, email address, and comment and submit it; there is no need to become a registered user.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 7/2/15
The free agent signing period is underway, and a number of big names have already come off the board by agreeing to new deals. If history is any guideline, some of these deals will be considered bargains, while other will weigh down teams’ salary cap figures like an albatross for years to come. The big trend thus far this offseason is for players to go for deals that include player options that will allow them to hit the market again just as the salary cap is predicted to explode. This is a sound financial strategy…provided one doesn’t suffer a major injury early in the contract. It will take some time before all of these new agreements can be fully judged. But what fun is waiting?
It’s with that sentiment that I present to you the question of the day: Which free agent signing thus far can be considered the best deal for the team?
Do you think the Knicks got the best deal by inking Arron Afflalo to a short-term pact? How about the Warriors locking up Draymond Green for a slightly less than max deal? A different arrangement altogether? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on which signing you believe is the best, both in terms of talent locked down, as well as how much it cost the franchise to do so. We look forward to what you have to say.
Of course, there will always be differing opinions. While we absolutely encourage lively discussion and debate, we do expect everyone to treat each other with respect. So, please refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults or attacks, as well as the other taboo types of discourse laid out in our site’s commenting policy. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Hoops Rumors. Just put in your name, email address, and comment and submit it; there is no need to become a registered user.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 6/29/15
Some of the greatest joys of being a sports fan, besides your favorite team winning the championship, are the debates that arise between fellow sports nuts along the way. It’s with this in mind that we have begun providing a forum for basketball fanatics to voice their opinions, debate trending topics, and simply hang out with like-minded hoops aficionados. We’ve begun been posting a new topic for readers to discuss each weeknight, which we hope that this will become a regular part of your sports day. If you missed our previous discussions you can view them here, or simply head over to the sidebar and select “Hoops Rumors Community Shootarounds.”
Of course, there will be differing opinions from time to time. While we absolutely encourage lively discussion and debate, we do expect everyone to treat each other with respect. So, please refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults or attacks, as well as the other taboo types of discourse laid out in our site’s commenting policy. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Hoops Rumors. Just put in your name, email address, and comment and submit it; there is no need to become a registered user.
Now that the preamble has been taken care of, on to the topic of the day: What team is the best fit for Greg Monroe?
Monroe, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this Wednesday, will reportedly meet with the Celtics, Knicks, Bucks, Lakers and Trail Blazers once free agent negotiations begin. While it doesn’t appear that a return to the Pistons is likely to occur for the big man, stranger things have happened. Which of the previously listed teams would be the best fit for Monroe’s skill set? How much is Monroe worth annually, and how much do you think he’ll eventually sign for? Will Monroe’s performance over the life of his next contract be considered a bargain, a bust, or just right? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 6/26/15
Some of the greatest joys of being a sports fan, besides your favorite team winning the championship, are the debates that arise between fellow sports nuts along the way. It’s with this in mind that we have begun providing a forum for basketball fanatics to voice their opinions, debate trending topics, and simply hang out with like-minded hoops aficionados. We’ve begun been posting a new topic for readers to discuss each weeknight, which we hope that this will become a regular part of your sports day. If you missed our previous discussions you can view them here, or simply head over to the sidebar and select “Hoops Rumors Community Shootarounds.”
Of course, there will be differing opinions from time to time. While we absolutely encourage lively discussion and debate, we do expect everyone to treat each other with respect. So, please refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults or attacks, as well as the other taboo types of discourse laid out in our site’s commenting policy. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Hoops Rumors. Just put in your name, email address, and comment and submit it; there is no need to become a registered user.
Now that the preamble has been taken care of, on to the topic of the day: Who was the most surprising pick in the 2015 NBA Draft?
With the 2015 NBA Draft now complete it’s time to begin critiquing all of the selections. Whose name being called surprised you the most? Was it the Knicks’ selection of Kristaps Porizingis with the No. 4 overall pick? Perhaps the Celtics taking Terry Rozier at No. 16? Or was it another player who you feel had his name called too high or too low during Thursday night’s big event? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and express your opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 6/24/15
Some of the greatest joys of being a sports fan, besides your favorite team winning the championship, are the debates that arise between fellow sports nuts along the way. It’s with this in mind that we have begun providing a forum for basketball fanatics to voice their opinions, debate trending topics, and simply hang out with like-minded hoops aficionados. We’ve begun been posting a new topic for readers to discuss each weeknight, which we hope that this will become a regular part of your sports day. If you missed our previous discussions you can view them here, or simply head over to the sidebar and select “Hoops Rumors Community Shootarounds.”
Of course, there will be differing opinions from time to time. While we absolutely encourage lively discussion and debate, we do expect everyone to treat each other with respect. So, please refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults or attacks, as well as the other taboo types of discourse laid out in our site’s commenting policy. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Hoops Rumors. Just put in your name, email address, and comment and submit it; there is no need to become a registered user.
Now that the preamble has been taken care of, on to the topic of the day: What should the Kings do regarding DeMarcus Cousins?
There are reports swirling that new Kings head man George Karl would prefer it if his job description didn’t include coaching the talented big man next season. This is a bit of a puzzler, seeing as team owner Vivek Ranadive and vice president of basketball and franchise operations Vlade Divac have adamantly opposed any idea of dealing away Cousins. If there indeed was a disconnect between Karl and Cousins, one would think that would have come up during the interview process. Nevertheless, there remains the distinct possibility that Boogie may be terrorizing the paint in another uniform during the 2015/16 campaign.
What do you think the team should do regarding Cousins? Firing Karl and replacing him with a coach who embraces Cousins is likely not an option since Karl recently inked a multiyear pact. There has been talk that the Lakers could be in play with the No. 2 overall pick, though it would likely take more than that to land such a talented player. What realistic return should Sacramento expect for Cousins? What does the fact that we’re discussing this potentiality say about the Kings organization as a whole? Sound off in the comments section below with your thoughts, opinions, and trade ideas. We look forward to what you have to say.
Note: There won’t be a Shootaround posted on Thursday night. But I will be hosting a live chat during the NBA Draft that will begin at 6pm (Central). Come join us as we discuss, debate, and critique all of the selections as they occur.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 6/23/15
Some of the greatest joys of being a sports fan, besides your favorite team winning the championship, are the debates that arise between fellow sports nuts along the way. It’s with this in mind that we have begun providing a forum for basketball fanatics to voice their opinions, debate trending topics, and simply hang out with like-minded hoops aficionados. We’ve begun been posting a new topic for readers to discuss each weeknight, which we hope that this will become a regular part of your sports day. If you missed our previous discussions you can view them here, or simply head over to the sidebar and select “Hoops Rumors Community Shootarounds.”
Of course, there will be differing opinions from time to time. While we absolutely encourage lively discussion and debate, we do expect everyone to treat each other with respect. So, please refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults or attacks, as well as the other taboo types of discourse laid out in our site’s commenting policy. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Hoops Rumors. Just put in your name, email address, and comment and submit it; there is no need to become a registered user.
Now that the preamble has been taken care of, on to the topic of the day: In three years’ time, which player selected in this year’s NBA Draft will be considered the biggest steal?
Yesterday we took the glass is half empty approach when we discussed who would likely be the biggest bust/disappointment in this year’s draft. But each year there are players who are selected who exceed expectations, and in many cases, outperform those chosen ahead of them. It can sometimes take a few seasons before a player finds his footing in the league and his talent shines through. One of the more recent examples of this occuring is the Warriors’ Draymond Green, who just completed his third campaign in the league. Green lasted until the No. 35 overall pick, and now is in line for a max deal this summer as a free agent. It would be a safe assumption that there are 29 teams out there who are kicking themselves for passing over the talented two-way player from Michigan State.
Who do you feel will be the player we look at after the 2017/18 season as being the biggest steal of the draft? It could be a player who hears his name called during the draft lottery, or one who has to wait until the selections are dying down late in the second round. Sound off below with your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 6/22/15
Some of the greatest joys of being a sports fan, besides your favorite team winning the championship, are the debates that arise between fellow sports nuts along the way. It’s with this in mind that we have begun providing a forum for basketball fanatics to voice their opinions, debate trending topics, and simply hang out with like-minded hoops aficionados. We’ve begun been posting a new topic for readers to discuss each weeknight, which we hope that this will become a regular part of your sports day. If you missed our previous discussions you can view them here, or simply head over to the sidebar and select “Hoops Rumors Community Shootarounds.”
Of course, there will be differing opinions from time to time. While we absolutely encourage lively discussion and debate, we do expect everyone to treat each other with respect. So, please refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults or attacks, as well as the other taboo types of discourse laid out in our site’s commenting policy. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Hoops Rumors. Just put in your name, email address, and comment and submit it; there is no need to become a registered user.
Now that the preamble has been taken care of, on to the topic of the day: Which projected first-rounder in this year’s NBA draft is the likeliest to become a bust/disappointment?
The NBA draft is a source of optimism around the league, with each team hoping to select the next superstar with its pick. There have been countless players who have entered the league with a world of talent, as well as the hype to go along with it. Unfortunately, quite a few of these players never live up to their press clippings. Players like Darko Milicic, Hasheem Thabeet, Joe Alexander, Kwame Brown, and Adam Morrison immediately spring to mind. This year’s Draft will be no different. There will be players who will surprise us with how well they transition to the pros, and who make the front office personnel who made the call to take them look like geniuses. But there will also be a number of draftees who can’t cut it in the NBA, and will make us look back in puzzlement at how all the scouting reports could have been so wrong.
So whom do you think will be the biggest disappointment taken in the first round? It could be someone selected in the draft lottery just as easily as a player taken toward the end of the first round. Take to the comments section below to share your predictions. We look forward to what you have to say.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 6/19/15
Some of the greatest joys of being a sports fan, besides your favorite team winning the championship, are the debates that arise between fellow sports nuts along the way. It’s with this in mind that we have begun providing a forum for basketball fanatics to voice their opinions, debate trending topics, and simply hang out with like-minded hoops aficionados. We’ve begun been posting a new topic for readers to discuss each weeknight, which we hope that this will become a regular part of your sports day. If you missed our previous discussions you can view them here, or simply head over to the sidebar and select “Hoops Rumors Community Shootarounds.”
Of course, there will be differing opinions from time to time. While we absolutely encourage lively discussion and debate, we do expect everyone to treat each other with respect. So, please refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults or attacks, as well as the other taboo types of discourse laid out in our site’s commenting policy. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Hoops Rumors. Just put in your name, email address, and comment and submit it; there is no need to become a registered user.
That does it for the preamble, fine print, and exposition. Now it’s time for the topic of the day: What should the Sixers do with the No. 3 overall pick in the NBA Draft? Philly GM Sam Hinkie can never be accused of thinking strictly inside the box, taking the road more heavily traveled, or passing up an opportunity to acquire another second round pick. The jury is still out on whether or not his rebuilding strategy will be effective in the long-term. In fact, that’s a topic we’ll get to on another day. But for now we’ll concentrate on which player will be the best fit for the franchise in the draft.
The majority of mock drafts out there, including my own, peg the Timberwolves to select Karl-Anthony Towns with the No. 1 overall pick. Though the Lakers are projected by many to select Duke big man Jahlil Okafor at the No. 2 spot, Los Angeles could opt for a guard with their pick instead. Regardless of whom the Lakers nab, which draftee would be the best fit in Philadelphia? The Sixers already have Nerlens Noel, whose future is likely as a center, and Joel Embiid who also mans the pivot. Or will someday…hopefully. The latest reports have Embiid’s recovery from injury behind schedule, and he may miss the entire 2015/16 campaign as a result. Philadelphia also owns the draft rights to Dario Saric, a talented small forward who is likely a season away from joining the NBA. With an obvious need in the backcourt, should Hinkie go for Emmanuel Mudiay or D’Angelo Russell? Or should he snag Okafor and hope he and Noel can coexist in the same frontcourt? There is also the possibility of Philly drafting Latvian forward Kristaps Porzingis, despite having selected Saric a year ago.
All this and more is fair game for today’s discussion. So take to the comments section below to share your thoughts, voice your opinions, or if you are a disgruntled Sixers fan, vent to achieve some level of catharsis. We look forward to what you have to say.