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ckret2 · 5 years

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King Ghidorah?

I got two of these asks lmao. I choose to believe it's two people who wanna know how I feel about Ghidorah rather than tumblr screwing up.

How I feel about this character

Listen, there's nothing cooler than a three-headed lightning*-breathing dragon from outer space. You've got the objectively best mythological creature ever—the dragon, which is the best because it's a lizard and/or snake, and also flies—and, on top of that, it's an ALIEN, and then you triple that. Best character concept. 10/10.

*Gravity beam shmavity beam. I know lightning when I see it.

And then, on top of that, they've got this wildly underexplored capacity for pure, undiluted angst, the likes of which most people would never think of applying to a character concept that seems tailor-made to be airbrushed on the side of a van—but there it is anyway. They might be pets that were deliberately abandoned in order to mutate them into monsters. Or they might be one-time would-be alien conquerors who were then conquered and mind-controlled by every wave of would-be alien conquerors to come since. Or they might just be the only aliens alone on a world where even the monsters have other monsters to hang out with. And there's nothing I love more than taking characters whose entire character concept is an answer to the question "what would be really really cool?" and then slathering them in emotional depth.

All the people I ship romantically with this character

I came out of KOTM, looked at what fandom was doing with Ghidorah, went "mmm I'm not sure about this sticking-them-with-Rodan thing," and it took y'all all of five minutes to suck me into Rodorah anyway.

I'm determined to drag more folks into Ghidorah/Gigan with me, they have such wonderful potential to be horrid world-flattening alien sadists together, and also empathize over being extremely physically modified and mind-controlled.

While I'm intrigued, theoretically, by the potential of Godzilla/Ghidorah, I've yet to see anyone do it in a way that hits precisely what I'm looking for. ... Or, for that matter, even vaguely what I'm looking for. So I'll hold onto that one and maybe someday someone will make it Just Right.

I also ship the heads with each other due to the fact that Wouldn't That Be Messed Up. What if one head likes another but the other doesn't return the feelings. They've just gotta live with that knowledge and they can't get away from each other. What if you had a crush on someone and a mad scientist saw it and went "ah, these ones are compatible!" and stitched you together and you were stuck like that for the next million years. That's messed up right. That's super messed up.

My non-romantic OTP for this character

It's on my ship list, but Ghidorah & Gigan is also my top platonic pair for Ghidorah, for the same reasons.

But going with someone who isn't on the list! Okay quick partial movie summary for those of y'all that haven't seen 1991 Godzilla vs King Ghidorah: in Heisei, King Ghidorah is made by time-traveling humans from the future, including one named Emmy Kano who explains that dorats are genetically engineered pets with empathic abilities, and interacts with them the most before abandoning them in the past to be nuked into King Ghidorah. They fight Godzilla, Godzilla rips off Ichi and kills them, Emmy goes into the future to get their corpse a cyborg resurrection with a new middle head, and goes back to the past with Mecha King Ghidorah while serving as Mecha Ichi's pilot and commanding them as a whole. They die again defeating Godzilla but Emmy survives and goes home.

ALL THAT TO SAY: it's never stated, but I like to headcanon that the dorats were Emmy's pets—or at least that she was in charge of taking care of them until they could be mutated and they FELT like they were her pets; that they were broken-hearted when she abandoned them in the past; that they could sense Emmy nearby due to their Unexplained Empath Powers the first time they fought Godzilla; and that when they were brought back from the dead to find Their Owner Was Back and fighting alongside them they were overjoyed to see her again and do anything she wanted.

So, Emmy & Ghidorah, because the idea of these sweet tiny pets being turned into a big terrifying monster but at heart remaining sweet tiny pets around their owner enchants me. I do plan on writing a substitute-Emmy into my KOTM Ghidorah's backstory.

My unpopular opinion about this character

"hey didn't you sorta talk about this yesterday" yeah because while trying to answer this question i got distracted by an overlapping topic and had to go make a post about it in order to stop thinking about it

This is sort of an overall one about KOTM, but vaguely sticking to the parts of it applicable to Ghidorah:

So we've got all these titans that have been alive for like, five minutes. Ghidorah's been awake probably a sum total of four hours. Until now nobody even knew that he was from a different planet, so I mean, Monarch's got less than zero information on him. The only three things he's been observed doing so far are 1) trying to kick Godzilla's ass, 2) successfully kicking Rodan's ass, and 3) yelling so loud a dozen plus other titans wake up.

And then this dude whose defining character traits are "hating Godzilla and other titans in spite of the mounds of scientific evidence that they're great for the environment" and "deciding that he knows everything better than the actual experts in the room who have dedicated their lives to these subjects and pigheadedly shouting over them with his own just-walked-in-the-room ideas," he looks at this situation and "oh, this Ghidorah, he's definitely a rival alpha to Godzilla," he says, as if the "alpha dog" theory hasn't been thoroughly and painfully debunked in the very wolves he studies, and as if it makes sense for seventeen-odd different species who might never have been awake and alive during the same era until now to not only have identical alpha-based social hierarchies but also share a social hierarchy across species and predator/prey lines, and as if it makes sense for an alien animal who didn't evolve on Earth to have anything in common with the local animals, including an understanding of and agreement with their local hierarchical structures...

And we're just... as a fandom, we're really just collectively accepting everything Man Who Became A Drunk And Abandoned His Family Because He Doesn't Know How To Express Any Emotion But Anger says about this hyper-masculine social structure that he's projected onto these wildly inhuman species? As if what he says is the gospel truth? Everything that gets said about alphas and kings, we're just assuming that the titans—who again, are not human, and may have never communicated with humans—have the exact same mental constructs about "alpha dog" theory and monarchy that humans do? We're assuming animals have concepts of kingship identical to ours? We're assuming that the theories that these humans tossed out within the first few hours of seeing most of these species move for the first time are 100% correct, even though in real life we'd been observing wolves for literal millennia before we came up with "alpha dog" theory and then within a century figured out it was totally wrong? Really? That's what we're going with? Not questioning whether anything about the humans' assumptions might have been wrong?

Okay.

So anyway my interpretation of Ghidorah is a hypnotic siren who doesn't know or care about Earth leadership, solely wants to destroy Earth for funsies, and only has a rivalry with Godzilla because Godzilla doesn't want the planet that he is living on to be destroyed and happens to be the sole dude tough enough to beat Ghidorah up.

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon.

Mecha King Ghidorah Mecha King Ghidorah Mecha King Ghidorah.

But unlike other folks, I don't really want him to show up in Godzilla vs. Kong. I want that conflict to be the focus of the movie. Throw in MKG, and Godzilla and Kong's rivalry—whatever it's based on—has to get truncated to deal with this other threat, and MKG won't get a whole movie to shine as the primary villain. I'd like to save him for a future movie, where he can be billed as the primary threat rather than something that swoops in to interrupt someone else's movie.

#king ghidorah #ghidorah #godzilla #anonymous #ask #meme

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orchidvioletindigo · 5 years

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Okay let's recap some things about Adam, his scar, his mask, and the White Fang.

Blake obviously knew about the branding. She was too intimately close to Adam to have not known; we can see this in the confrontation he has with her when he pulls the ribbon off his face. The way he speaks about it and the expression on her face convey familiarity. This is an old topic for them.

But did anyone else in the White Fang know? If not, how and why?

Going back to V5, in the few short seconds between Adam stabbing Sienna and her falling to the ground dead, Sienna tries to pull his mask off. Why does she do this? A few ideas come to my mind.

Maybe she didn't know what was beneath the mask and wanted to see the true face of her killer. This seems unlikely, given that Sienna was Adam's mentor and is implied to be responsible for his rising through the ranks of the WF. I doubt she would have promoted him the way she did without knowing his story.

Maybe she and the rest of the WF knew about the scar and Sienna was simply making one last bid to knock Adam down a peg by reminding him and everyone else of his previous subjugation at the hands of the Schnees. This feels like a bit of a stretch considering the scar could also serve as inspiration for following Adam in his bloodlust.

Maybe Sienna knew what was beneath his mask, but the rest of the WF didn't. This to me is the most likely answer narratively speaking. (Realistically speaking I think the most likely answer is MKG didn't know where they were going with Adam's mask yet and just wanted to throw in another cliffhanger.)

Consider the Adam short, wherein Adam demonstrably lies to a group of fresh-faced rebels about the purpose of his mask. He could have told them the truth and used his story to push his agenda, but instead he chose to tell a story that hid his weakness and his past loss against the humans. Adam is a dangerously proud character; this decision fits his personality. But he's also a manipulative and power-hungry character. If Sienna had offered him a higher rank in the WF and her trust in exchange for giving her his trust, he may have weighed his options and decided that telling Sienna about his scar and convincing her to keep it a secret was worth the reward of greater power.

So when Adam betrayed Sienna's trust by fatally impaling her, Sienna made a final desperate bid to return the betrayal by exposing the injury Adam was most ashamed of to the people he wanted to command and dominate.

The problem with this theory is while it does explain more than the other two, it still feels highly unlikely that Adam could have been such a prominent member of the WF for so long without slipping up at some point. It's his face ffs. He'd have to sleep in the mask during overnight missions and he'd have to somehow prevent it from being knocked off or broken every time he entered combat. If he got a head injury whoever examined him would want to remove the mask to give him medical attention. He'd never be able to do covert missions that required blending in with other people. If his mask was damaged, he wouldn't be able to take it off for repairs until he was alone.

So ????????

#RWDE #RWBY spoilers #Adam Taurus

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saltwukong · 6 years

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Volume 6 Episode 1 Thoughts (Part 1) aka This Is Ugly And Ya’ll Need Glasses

Yes, I am opening this post with salt. After Volume 5, I earned that much.

Rwby spoilers, spoilers, v6 spoilers, whatever other tags you’re blacklisting.

Right off the bat, we already have a problem: Remember that infamous scene in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender movie where several earthbenders do a complicated martial arts dance to slowly float a rock at some firebenders? I was vividly reminded of that when I watched Weiss slowly slide across a few glyphs on top of the train. I won’t blame you if you didn’t have the same reaction given most of us have blocked that movie from our memories.

Now there’s a unique idea: using Blake’s grappling weapon to yank on enemies to open weak areas up for punching by Yang. It only took them four years to think of a way they could partner up that wasn’t “throw Yang at it”.

Combined with the Slow Weiss, the opening also packs Ren’s submachine guns flashing their gunfire at significantly slower a rate than the sound effects imply he is firing. I want every one of you who called this animation “improved” hit over the head.

Oh god. Oh god. The red and white flying blob. THE RED AND WHITE FLYING BLOB. I HATE IT!!!

We don’t see where the Great Christmas Blob heads off too, since we then cut to a scene of Adam being given shit for folding like a napkin at Haven under Blake and abandoned their men.

Which, as I already pointed out multiple times, doesn’t make any sense since Adam’s committed far worse infractions with greater consequences and still maintained support.

But the more important part is, Adam lashes out and murders every single person in the room. Yeah, it’s offscreen, but at least there’s blood puddles, right?

No, not right. The camera pans across a completely still scene (seriously, we don’t even get jitter or shaky cam as Adam is murdering people offscreen, much less any masks or god forbid, blood flying into our view) until it settles on Adam seated on his throne, looking evil. It is abundantly clear that they just set up a still scene and recorded violent voice-overs here. This is ugly.

Qrow is writing a letter to Ironwood in his opening letter. I have to wonder if the crew have been reading my page, because I...I think that’s something akin to character development for him. Shock of shocks.

THE RED BLOB WHIZZING AROUND THE ROOM, GOD IT’S UGLY. STOP THIS.

“Well I’m sure you’re all excited, but I don’t think you appreciate all the trouble I went through to leave Atlus.” Yeah no fucking kidding Weiss. Say it again so Miles and Kerry can hear. And you got out there before the borders were locked. But I’m sure borders are nothing to the magic of plot.

I actually appreciate Ruby’s condolences towards her however, as Weiss’ entire schtick is isolation and the damage it causes.

Oh look, two sleazy guys for the characters to show up. I wonder if the CRWBY will ever get tired of throwing those at us.

“Mistral’s really scraping the bottom of the barrel.” Well yeah Qrow, it would make sense for them to be doing that, since apparently Tyrian and Hazel fucking murdered all the good ones. Did you forget about that?

“I do hope those weren’t Beacon graduates” Ozpin, with you at the helm, I’m almost certain they are. The only reason it’s “almost” is because we got introduced to Lionheart last volume.

Ilia actually looks pretty bitchin’ in her new outfit. Blake, conversely, still looks like she walked out of an anime protagonist’s dumpster.

Yeah, that was totally fuckin’ gaybaiting. I can’t even try to reason that it’s not. The whole tiptoe-lean-then-cut-to-hug? That’s. That’s deliberately misleading. How is that not gaybaiting.

Oh look it’s Sun.

Holy fucking shit it’s. Uhhh. What was your name again? ...Neptune? I swear I’ve heard of you.

“Need I remind you we have our own trip to plan?” This, too, is news to me.

I’m not actually mad at the “barking up the wrong tree” joke.

Excuse me for one moment.

MILES LUNA. KERRY SHAWCROSS. YOU ASININE MOTHERFUCK--

Okay. Okay. Retain sanity. Let me just. Let me just play that scene back so I can tear it apart bite by bite.

“So, you’re really going to Vacuo.” “That’s right. Seeing you with the rest of Team RWBY made me realize something. I am like, the worst team leader ever.”

YOU FUCKING WROTE HIM THAT WAY. NO, I’M NOT TAKING THAT AS “SUN”, I’M TAKING IT AS MKG. YOU IDIOTS WROTE HIM THAT WAY BECAUSE YOU ONLY CARED ABOUT HIM BEING AROUND FOR BLAKE’S BENEFIT, AND MADE EVERY POSSIBLE EFFORT TO IGNORE HIS TEAM’S EXISTENCE. I WAS QUITE SURE THIS VOLUME WOULD PASS WITHOUT YOU EVEN MENTIONING THEM, AGAIN! HOW DARE YOU TRY AND PLAY THIS OFF AS SUN JUST BEING A BAD LEADER.

“Me and the boys were cool with a little hiatus,”

IT WAS THREE FUCKING YEARS. IT WASN’T EVEN A HIATUS, A HIATUS IMPLIES YOU WERE ACTUALLY DOING THINGS BEFORE YOU VANISHED.

“but we gotta make up for lost time.”

IMAGINE THAT. IT’S NOT LIKE OTHER PEOPLE FROM OTHER FUCKING CONTINENTS WENT AND DEFENDED YOUR HOME TOWN AND SCHOOL LAST VOLUME. YOU CAN’T MAKE UP FOR IT! THERE IS NO FUCKING MAKING UP FOR THAT, MILES. SHUT UP.

As a final note, no. They are not leaving to go to Shade for the reasons I outlined (as in, there’s a goddamn relic there they could be getting to finding and safeguarding). No, they’re going just because. Of fucking course.

I’ll continue this in a part two because holy shit, I’m not even 10 minutes in and this episode wants me to die.

#rwde #V6 thoughts

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criticalrwbysideblog · 7 years

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I was recently writing a post about Yang and I realized that my point about bad writing also applies to two other members of the group.

Weiss and Blake were done dirty by the narrative. Both girls are on the opposite spectrum of experiences consisting of violence and oppression that overlap in the middle and both have done things in the show that are outright bad and are never resolved on screen

Let’s start with Weiss. The problem with her is that she grew up in a household that profited from the exploitation of an entire race. That means that her whole life has been just marinated in racism brain washing juice. After so many of her formative years spent in that environment, it’s of no surprise that she acts the way she does when she sees Sun.

That doesn’t make it right, as Blake points out. She was racist af. And then, after twelve hours of thinking, she suddenly doesn’t care about Blake being a faunus or a former White Fang member. You’ll notice that isn’t an apology. You’ll also notice that it’s never mentioned again.

There’s that bad writing again! Now, I mentored in another post that, for Weiss, I was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. If there’s anyone who can find her own flaws and just refuse to let them control her, it’s Weiss. And that’s actually canon, too. She did the same thing with Ruby and being the best teammate ever. She decided she was going to and she fucking did that thing she said.

She proves it time and again and I truly believe that she’d tackle her racism the same way. That being said, however, there’s the matter of an actual apology. Now, it can be argued that Weiss doesn’t do apologies, that she’s too proud, but I actually think that the real issue here is off screen bonding.

Off screen bonding has been a thing since volume 1 and we more than see the problems with it crop up throughout the entire show. When we’re just told that these girls have already hung out, talked to each other, grown closer while we weren’t looking, it takes a great deal to suspend your disbelief enough to actually believe that.

That’s why such serious issues, like ‘getting over’ racism, being resolved off screen is such a terrible writing decision. There’s no weight or depth to three struggles and issues if they’re just hand waved away, especially in Weiss’s case where her getting past her issues is a huge, huge part of her character arc.

Weiss is one of the characters that has shown the biggest amount of growth in the show and a great majority of that growth hasn’t even been shown on screen. You can’t blame the fans for thinking that her rising above the racism if her family is so insincere when that’s all we’re given in the show.

Which brings me to Blake. Blake, who my opinion of fell so far in volume 4 that I didn’t even want to watch her short at first. Blake, who has become the abuser now.

Blake was handled badly not just by the writing, but also by the directing. So, what’s been implied by the narrative so far is that Blake, who has been shown to be easily stressed out by inaction or the feeling of having a threat lurking nearby, has unintentionally allowed that stress to find an outlet by physically assaulting her friend.

She slaps Sun on two different occasions, first for following her and being a nuisance, then for eavesdropping and continuing to be a nuisance. In the second incident, she even throws his scroll over a balcony! How incredibly abusive is that?

However, this should not have happened for a few reasons. First, and I cannot stress this enough, Blake herself is a former abuse survivor. Second, because physical abuse should not be used for laughs. And third, it’s incredibly out of character for someone who dedicated her life to faunus rights and left TWF because she didn’t agree with their bullying tactics to raise her hand against a friend.

There is no excuse for this kind of oversight. The fact that the animation wasn’t even reviewed is so incredibly unprofessional that I can’t even fathom how it happened. As for the blame that bad writing shares with these problems? That’s a much more believable excuse. Mkg are not educated writers by any means and it shows in the constant fumbling of almost every character in the show.

Blake and Weiss are just two more victims of incompetence.

#rwde

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lovinlinda · 4 years

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To all you normal, amazing people being totally honest with yourselves.

To all of you. It's normal, lonely, dont want to talk to anyone cause their are bo words and you might feel like your being negative. Its okay! Talking to yourself had the day! Days becoming months. You know why? These are absolutely normal feelings! Behaviors! We all need a purpose without a purpose we feel useless and we want to hide from the ones we love, miss but we cannot talk to them or only for a few minutes is we do! We feel guilty and do it over and over. So how do we ourselves?? Did u try meditation to teach your inner self? Why? It will remind you of feelings of the things you used to love to do. With that said, Now it's time to make new routine to keep our sanity, to feel happy and stay active, otherwise, all are going to sink into deep depression, if not thee already. Write in a journalnor diary how you feel when u awake that morning. Dint make a list! If u make a list , you are going to feel pressured. You are the only one who will see thos hournalbor diary. Try starting g your garden of fruits and vegetables! It's going to be ESSENTIAL! FARMERS GOT HIT HARD AS WE ALL DID. They cannot produce enough crop for everyone and the prices are going to be expensive! The quality will be not up to par! Do it slowly but plants already started with veggies the best you can. Get soul horse maneuver & put banana peels in the garden for cobalt. This will take time dont hurt your backs dig rest difmg test make it extra nice! Most will come back next year! After digging they have fkar felt it's a weed stopper stops weeds fm growing. 1- dig hole, however big u want.2- put dòn soil and maneuver. 3- take Rick's and put in a bucket off o side( you can decotatecor put around trevor bushes or do a crafting project paint themmdiffernt colors, glue some together mkg shapes, whatever your vision is save for later. 4- put felt down.5- cut x's with scissors where you will plant your veggies and fruits. 6- with lil garden rake, push aside soil, mk li holes and put plants in the x's you cut out. 7- After all in ground, in the x's, put test of soul around and maneuver on top of felt around your harden olsnts. 8- When all sprad evenly let sit overnight. 9- Water garden nxt day! Ypu will be so greeted to dod this for yourself.If I get alot , share with loved ones, seniors that cannot do, YPU WILL FERL SO HHOD SHARING, GOING IN YARD TO PICK, NOT RUNNING TO STORE SND OAYING CRAZY HIGH PRICES! NOT BEING ABLE TO FIND BUT CRAPOY PRODUCE.( THATS WHATS HAPPENING NOW AND WILL GET WORST. MAKE AMAZI G HRAJTHY DISHRS. YPU WILL FEEL ACVOMPMOSHED EBEN IF NEVER DID BEFORE! THIS IS ESSENTIAL! YPU WILL BE DOING GOOD AND HELPING OTHER TGAT CANNOT DO, BRINGING THEM A DISH OR 2 IVER YOUR HEART & SOUL WILL BE FILLED WITH HAPPINRESS, EMPOWERMENT THAT TGIS PART OF YOUR LIFE NOT RUNNING AROUND YOU ARE CONTOLOING YOURSELF! KEEPING BUSY. BE PROUD! SELF FOFILLMENT, INDEPENDENCY THESE ARE ALL POSITIVE THINGS YOU ARE FOCUSING ON. THE APPRECIATION FROM OTHER'S WILL MVR BE FORGOTTEN!✝️❤ MAKE A CUP OF TRA, NO CAFFEINE, CURL UP WITH A GOOD BOOK AND YOU WILL GET A PRACEFUL WELL DESERVED SLEEP! YPU CAN ALSO DO WITH A NEIGBOR AND SHARE! THIS WIL TAKE TIME, YOU HAVE TIME. BUT DO IT TGIS WEEK. GETTING STARTED IS THE HARDEST PART ONCE YOU BUY THE PLANTS,AND TAKE OUT OR BUY TOOLS FROM HOME DEPOT ITS NOT EXPENSIVE & PUT THEM WHERE YPU ARE GOING TO PUT YO GARDEN NO WED OULLING CAUSE YPU HAVE THE FELT TO STOP WEEFS FROM GROWING. PLANTS ARE LREADY GROWN IN LILTTLE SO THEY WILL GROW FAST. WATER EVERYDAY. CORR- FOR COMPOST YOU PUT INYOUR FLOWER BED USED COFEE BEANS, EGG SHELKS, APPLES TGAT ARE FOUNG BAD, BANANAS FO BAD FADT ALL THIS SND YOU COULD LOOK UO KORE IS EXCELLENT FERTIKUZER FOR YOUR GARDEN. SAVING YOU KINEY AND NOT THROWING AWAY FRUITS AND USED COFFE FRINDS FINE BAD EGG AHELLS, LESS GARBAGE, NOT WASTING ANYTHING..YOU WILL BE PRPUD VERY PROUD. SACE SO MUCH MONEY ALOT OF MONEY! GOOD LUCK TP YOU AL. I GURANTEE INCE YOU GET THE STUFF YOU NEED AND LEAVE OUT TOU WILL STAET CAUSE YOU WILL KOT LEAVE IT TO DIE AND LEAVE GARDEN TOOLS LATUNG IN GRASS FUILT WILL SET IN AND YOU WILL START PUT MUSIC ON POT A GLASS OF WINE IK F YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGE!ENJOY! TAKE PICTURES SHOW OTHETS BAD GOOD DORSNT MATERF A FOOD LAUGH IS ALWYS GOOD BUT YOU WILL BE GTTTG HEALTHY PRODUCE & WANTING TO SHARE THE NEWS WITH OTHER'S. GO YOU CAN DO THIS!! YPU WILL BÈAPOY, THANKFUL AND YPUR HEART WILL BE FULLED IF YOU SHARE WITH ELDERLY! #LOVIN'LINDA " GOD BLESS ALK YOUR CRIPS AND HE WILL!"👍✝️❤❤✝️✝️🙏💯🍏🥝🥒🍆🥔🥕🍓🍊🍇🥦🍄 HAVE FUN !! SHARE INSPIRE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME..SMILES NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE WE JUST GOT TO TURN OUT FROWNS - UPSIDE DOWN !🙃🙃🙃😋😋😋😂😂😁😁😁😀😀😀😄😄😄😄

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flauntpage · 5 years

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The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers

The below has been excerpted from this week's Outlet Pass, to get caught up on everything else you need to know in the NBA this week read the rest of the column here.

One of the most surprising delights of Los Angeles’s season has been Danilo Gallinari’s transformation into Cal Ripken, Jr. Gallo has been everything good health promises he should be: a potent outside shooter, relentless mismatch, frequent vacationer at the free-throw line, and a generally bad defender. The team is promoting his All-Star candidacy and even though he almost definitely won’t make it, right on! Gallo is seventh in Offensive Real Plus-Minus, making a laughable 56 percent of his wide-open threes, averaging more points than he ever has, with career highs in points, rebounds, and PER.

He’s due $22.6 million next season, which is fair if he stays healthy and continues to produce at this level. But that’s no small “if” for someone who’s played in at least 63 games only twice this decade. And that brings us to an interesting thought exercise. I don’t think the Clippers will (or necessarily should) sell high on his contract, but doing so may then give them the borderline-impossible-but-technically-achievable chance to sign two marquee free agents without losing Tobias Harris, who’s four years younger than Gallo.

It’s complicated, but maybe the Clippers should consider offloading Gallinari for a cheap man’s version of himself in an effort to replace his salary with Harris’s cap hold this summer? Moving Gallo also may mean they can keep their lottery-protected draft pick, pending what they actually get back. Not a lot of teams that have expiring contracts will be motivated to take on that much salary next season and hypothetical trade partners aren’t easy to come by, but here are a few.

Let’s start with fireworks: What about Gallinari to the Philadelphia 76ers for Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala, and Justin Patton? Would Sixers ownership agree to absorb that 2019-2020 money for someone who perfectly complements their big three but hurts their depth and doesn’t solve some defensive issues that may crop up during the playoffs? Gallo would all but shut the door on their financial flexibility, too, but imagine him on the floor in a tight playoff game with Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler, Ben Simmons, and JJ Redick. Then ask yourself what Philly will do in the event Butler flees as a free agent? Can they sign anyone better than Gallinari? The Sixers have been extremely good with Chandler in that starting unit, but Gallo opens up a completely different dimension. It’s interesting to think about.

Now let’s go rapid fire: Gallo to the Sacramento Kings for Iman Shumpert and Nemanja Bjelica? Or the Minnesota Timberwolves for Taj Gibson and Anthony Tolliver? Or the Utah Jazz for Derrick Favors and Georges Niang? Or the Charlotte Hornets for Frank Kaminsky, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Devonte Graham? (The Clippers don’t do that unless they know MKG will opt out of his $13 million option.)

These are semi-realistic deals that would do really interesting things to L.A.’s cap situation this summer. Signing two max stars is a possibility either way, but if only one feels certain, they can shop around without losing Harris and still have plenty leftover for another useful role player (like Danny Green?!). It’s fun to think about.

The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/

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amtushinfosolutionspage · 6 years

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The Outlet Pass: Charlotte’s Tailspin, Cavs Trade Targets, and NBA What-Ifs

1. Can Charlotte Turn Things Around?

The Charlotte Hornets are stuck in an injury-induced tailspin. They’ve dropped eight of their last 10 games, including two straight at home against the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls. Their head coach is out with a health issue (get well soon, Steve Clifford) and they’re four games back of a playoff spot, with four teams—the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Brooklyn Nets—standing in their way.

At one point last week they went to their bench and I literally didn’t know the first names of two players on the court. Michael Carter-Williams is making Marcus Smart look like Glen Rice and Malik Monk is barely in the rotation while Donovan Mitchell (the next guard selected) is averaging 27.2 points per game in December.

Charlotte’s starting five is fine when everybody’s healthy but they’ve only played Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum, Marvin Williams, Dwight Howard, and Jeremy Lamb together for seven minutes all season. Normally, they are stuck with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist on the floor, dragging the offense down. Just look at how disrespectful the Thunder are to MKG in the play below.

Kidd-Gilchrist isn’t fooling anyone from deep, but he’s now a modestly-reliable safety valve from 15 feet and in. The Hornets are rushing to execute a 2-for-1 on this particular sequence, but it’s still jarring to see an NBA starter find himself SO open and not come close to touching the ball.

Their primary Batum + Bench unit was doing pretty well before Cody Zeller had knee surgery, though, partially because Lamb was in it. When Dwayne Bacon replaces Kidd-Gilchrist in the starting lineup they destroy people.

Ultimately, it all comes down to the Hornets just not being very good when Walker isn’t in the game. According to Cleaning the Glass, Charlotte is 22.1 points per 100 possessions better with Walker on the floor. Even if Batum is the de-facto primary ball-handler, their offense is stagnant and averages less than one point per possession. That’s so bad, but everything goes to hell when they’re both out. (The starting five is okay, but not crushing opponents enough to justify heavy minutes together while the bench can’t fend for itself.)

In what almost felt like season-saving victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, interim head coach Stephen Silas stretched Walker and Lamb’s playing time into a 15.5-minute stint to open the second half. In his eyes, Charlotte’s bench was a Rob Zombie-directed blood bath. Slaughter would commence the second he switched up his backcourt.

Silas knew Charlotte needed that game. For extending his starters, he was rewarded with ridiculous, completely unsustainable shot making against a defense that sorely missed Andre Roberson (I think Alex Abrines just fouled another three-point shooter). But a win is a win is a win.

With their upcoming schedule providing zero seconds to exhale, the Hornets will either get healthy, tinker with the rotation and stop their ship from sinking, or face some difficult questions before the trade deadline. (‘Does anyone want the $76 million left on Batum’s contract? How about the $29 million owed to Marvin Williams?’ or, ‘Can we please for the love of God find a backup point guard?’)

Barring a significant transaction, next year’s roster will look about the same as this one, plus whoever they get in the draft. But whether or not this team views itself as a buyer or a seller is another relevant discussion. The Hornets have enough talent to make the playoffs and even win a few games once they get in (or even an entire series if they can somehow grab the sixth seed).

Rebuilding won’t be easy with this cap sheet, and Walker is smack dab in the middle of his prime. If Monk doesn’t make rapid progress from here on out, do they think about dealing him and/or their first-round pick in the 2018 draft for immediate help? Injuries stink and so does bad luck, but the Hornets aren’t as rudderless as they currently feel. We’ll know even more about the direction they should head as the next couple months unfold.

2. This Year’s NBA What-Ifs Are Pretty Great

This season has been filled with a handful of shocking developments. After a possible career-altering injury to their best all-around player, the Boston Celtics are very good. With their entire roster 100 percent healthy (relatively speaking), the Oklahoma City Thunder are not very good. The Indiana Pacers are good. The Miami Heat are bad. The Portland Trail Blazers are Stranger Things Season 3.

Based on reports and rumors from various points throughout the offseason, here’s a semi-educated look at how things might look today had a few key moves gone down a bit differently.

A. Carmelo Anthony is traded to the Portland Trail Blazers

For the sake of argument, let’s just say Portland gave up Evan Turner, Mo Harkless, and a future first-round pick. So, in all likelihood, the Blazers would start Melo at the three, Al-Farouq Aminu at the four, and Jusif Nurkic at center. That starting five looks offensively unstoppable on paper, but, like, so does Oklahoma City’s. Make this trade and what happens to Portland’s top-five defense? Are they still rebounding this well? Do they score at will or does Anthony further impede what’s been an unusually static offense?

Photo by Joseph Weiser-USA TODAY Sports

In addition to transforming into a gigantic whoopee cushion whenever he’s around the basket—Melo’s days of getting to the free-throw line are, at 33 years old, understandably dunzo—his assist to usage ratio ranks in the ninth percentile at his position. Even though the percentage of his shots that are unassisted hasn’t been this low since he was with the Denver Nuggets (which feels 7,000 years ago), he still loves long twos and there are defiant insecurities related to how he’s approached the seasons’ first couple months. His stubbornness has contributed to the league’s most glaring disappointment, and he’s shooting 37.6 percent from the floor over the Thunder’s last 10 games.

Would things be different in Portland? Would Anthony play better off C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard, next to role players who won’t clog the floor and know how to pass? The stakes would be pretty low; Portland would remain unable to circumvent its own flaws and triumphantly battle through a ruthless playoff bracket. But they might be incrementally better than they are now, guaranteed a spot in the postseason, with pleasant vibes carrying them forward.

The other key side effect, assuming every other move happens as it has, is that Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott would still be on the Thunder instead of enjoying Westbrook-free serenity in midtown Manhattan. How would Anthony being in Portland affect Paul George in Oklahoma? Besides more shot opportunities, it’s hard to say. Assuming Billy Donovan chose to stagger his two best players, George would have more time on units that’d call for him to be one of the dozen best players in the world. The team’s defense might be even better than it already is.

Westbrook could also spend more time going Full Westbrook, even though Full Westbrook as we knew it last year might be a permanent thing of the past.

B. Gordon Hayward signs with the Miami Heat

Would Kyrie Irving express interest in re-signing with the Boston Celtics if Hayward chose a different team, or were Al Horford’s harmonious style, stable ownership, and Brad Stevens’ genius already enough? If not, the Celtics would likely be in the middle of the Eastern Conference with Marcus Smart starting at point guard and Terry Rozier playing 30 minutes a night. They’d disintegrate when Horford hit the bench, and any long-term injury that’d keep him out would be fatal. Also, Jae Crowder would still be around, likely clogging a pipeline that’s seen Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown flourish.

If Hayward is healthy, what does Miami’s roster look like? (WHERE IS KELLY OLYNYK?!?) Is Miami better than it is right now or would Hayward struggle within the cramped confines of a Hassan Whiteside-Justise Winslow frontcourt? Even if they didn’t want to re-sign James Johnson or Dion Waiters with Hayward in tow, the Heat might still turn to decreasingly unconventional means, perhaps permanently plopping the one-time All-Star at the four, and having guards like Goran Dragic and Wayne Ellington set ball screens for him 35 feet from the basket.

C. Paul George is traded to the Boston Celtics

Things have so far worked out fine in Boston, but let me crawl out on a limb and declare that this team would be really freaking good if they somehow had Paul George, healthy Hayward, Irving, and Horford on the same team. Sub George for Tatum right now and they’re (maybe but not definitely) a better regular-season team. Their ceiling elevates on both ends in the postseason.

The more important ripple effect here is with Westbrook and the Thunder. Does he sign his extension or demand a trade? What does professional basketball in Oklahoma City even look like? And where are the Indiana Pacers? They don’t have Victor Oladipo (a hipster’s MVP candidate if there ever was one) or Domantas Sabonis. Their optimism would instead spout from Tatum’s magical touch and any other assets Kevin Pritchard could pry from Danny Ainge.

Even though this exercise is purely hypothetical, I’m far too lazy to trace imaginary steps and figure out what Boston’s roster would actually look like, but if the Celtics’ starting five somehow had four All-Stars and Jaylen Brown, um, that team would probably go to the Finals.

3. So, Who Isn’t Shooting Threes?

The highly scientific requirements to answer this question are such: A) a player has to launch no more than one three per game, B) he must average at least 12 minutes, and C) he needs to have appeared in at least 20 games. Here are the 49 players who qualify.

If you hold those benchmarks up against last season (and raise the minimum number of games to 55) that number rises by 12 players. Five years ago that same list had 99 players on it. For those counting at home, with my admittedly arbitrary qualifiers, that means the number of players (who actually play) who don’t use the three-point line is about half what it was during LeBron James’ third season in Miami—hard evidence of a revolution that’s been identified in real time.

Photo by Shanna Lockwood – USA TODAY Sports

Let’s go back to this year’s group, which reads like an endangered species list. How many players on there are useful despite their inability/unwillingness to shoot threes? If we first look at total minutes played, Ben Simmons unsurprisingly ranks first and is a revelatory prospect who’s simultaneously defying convention while meeting his expectations. From there we’re infested by a crap ton of traditional big men who impact the game in other areas. They rebound, protect the rim, and set screens. Some space the floor by diving through the paint. Some are still dangerous at the elbow, and can engineer decent offense with their vision and a mid-range jump shot. A very small handful do damage with their back to the basket.

The non-bigs here are exactly who you’d expect: T.J. McConnell, Kyle Anderson, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Shaun Livingston, Tony Allen, Ish Smith, Kidd-Gilchrist, Dejounte Murray, etc. Omri Casspi is on there for some reason, too, somehow posting the highest True Shooting percentage of his career and the lowest three-point rate (The. Warriors. Are. Not. Fair.)

Over a third of everyone listed is at least 29 years old; five years from now this register will probably be half as long as it is today. This is foreseeable and a little depressing. The three-point shot is a game-changing roller-coaster, and when a collection of great shooters help frame the court in a way that broadens driving and passing lanes, the aesthetics can be breathtaking. (The. Warriors. Are. Not. Fair.)

I also just enjoy watching guys like Kidd-Gilchrist and Hollis-Jefferson—those who stand out with idiosyncratic limitations—but if you’re trying to win a championship right now it’s hard to justify their presence in your rotation. None of this is new, but stopping to think about what it means for basketball’s future every so often is necessary. I don’t want every team to play like the Rockets even though no team in the world is more entertaining.

4. Houston’s Angles are Ridiculous

Speaking of the Rockets, I’ve thought about this pass almost every day since it happened:

Like, what the hell? I have so many questions, starting with: In the moment: when did Chris Paul first believe that flinging a one-handed cross-court pass—directly parallel with the baseline—would actually work? Was it born from frustration or design?

As the shot clock ticks on, Tarik Black appears unsure of what he’s supposed to do. Paul directs him to set a down screen for Trevor Ariza, but Ariza instead jogs away in an attempt to drag his man to the weakside corner. Black then runs up to set a ball screen for Paul. There’s six freaking seconds on the clock and not even two dribbles into his assault Paul rifles the ball at an impossibly difficult and rare angle to create a wide-open three on the other side of the floor.

As the pick-and-roll unfolds, Thabo Sefolosha points for Royce O’Neale to stay in the paint and help defend what, in all likelihood, will either be a shot from Paul or Black. Does Paul see this and know it means Sefolosha is about to drop half a step toward the baseline to worry about Ariza in the corner? How is he so smart?!?

Paul and James Harden combine to average 19 assists per game. They’re second and third in the league in that category, respectively. But the Rockets only rank 12th in assist percentage and 29th in passes per game. They’re 28th in secondary assists and 13th in potential assists. That’s partly due to the fact that no team isolates more frequently than Houston. They maximize the space provided by their collection of human catapults and take advantage of the virtuous one-on-one skills possessed by their dual MVP candidates. (Not only do they isolate more than anybody else, no team is more efficient when attacking that way. This team is absurd.)

But Houston’s offense doesn’t peak when the ball is dribbled. Jaw-dropping, spontaneous passes made at angles very few players can even dream about allow the Rockets to generate efficient shots that catch defenses off balance. The surgical precision seen above is not attainable for most guards around the league, but it’s basically second nature for Paul and Harden. Quick sidebar: Harden is probably going to win his first MVP this season, but not enough words can be written about Paul, who’s re-asserted himself as the second-best floor general in basketball and an automatic All-NBA member. Passes like that one help explain why.

5. J.J. Redick’s Game Isn’t Supposed to Expand, but it Has

At 33 years old, Redick is playing 33.5 minutes a night for a team that’s averaging 103.2 possessions per 48 minutes when he’s on the floor. Redick has never played this fast and his minutes have never been this high. As everyone fawns over Paul distancing himself from the formulaic style he enjoyed in L.A.,, Redick is experiencing the exact same thing in a role that doesn’t allow him to step on the gas whenever he wants.

Instead of seeing his responsibilities narrow, Redick’s doing more stuff in different ways. According to Synergy Sports, the percentage of all his jumpers that were off the dribble last season was 39 percent. Right now, that number is 47 percent, somewhat-expected uptick that’s lowered his accuracy and can partially be attributed to greener teammates.

But heading into the season, without Paul for the first time in half a decade, I wasn’t sure Redick could do much beyond space the floor while Simmons ran high pick-and-rolls or Joel Embiid corralled entry passes on the block. Glue him to the corner and run him off a bunch of pindowns and Philly couldn’t be criticized for misunderstanding their marquee free agent acquisition. Instead, they’ve expanded his responsibilities in some very smart ways.

The ball feels like it’s in his hands far more than it was in Los Angeles. Instead of running through an endless maze of bodies, Redick’s slicing defenses open with direct hand-offs and a bit more pick-and-roll action, all ultimately designed to turn the defense’s brain into toast.

Knowing the Lakers want to switch everything, Philly has Redick’s DHO turn into a staggered screen-and-roll. But Kentavious Caldwell-Pope doesn’t stop his pursuit—because Redick is that scary—momentarily putting two on the ball and allowing Redick to find Robert Covington wide open on the opposite wing. Kyle Kuzma switches off Amir Johnson in time to run Covington off the three-point line, but his off-balanced helps introduce the ball to the basket.

Whenever he sets a ball screen, two defenders are forced to communicate in an instant. Should they switch or fight through? Sometimes that question goes unanswered and both follow Redick. And sometimes the split-second hesitation is all a monster like Simmons needs to spark a match and pour gasoline all over the court.

Philadelphia is not good when Simmons and Embiid aren’t on the floor, but Redick stabilizes things as best he can, preventing bad from becoming apocalyptic. His assist rate in those minutes soars up to 25.8 (with a dependable 5.67 assist-to-turnover ratio) and his True Shooting is an uncanny 68.2. Covington is the only Sixer with a higher usage percentage.

All this is a pleasant surprise. I, personally, thought Redick was entering a different phase of his career after Joe Ingles crushed him in the playoffs. But in a new environment, as an elder statesman, Redick has shown that he’s far more than a shooter, in a league that should be able to make good use of his talent for years to come.

6. C.J. Miles and The Babies

Since O.G. Anunonby cracked Toronto’s starting lineup and Delon Wright dislocated his right shoulder (two events that basically happened at the same time, about a week before Thanksgiving), Raptors head coach Dwane Casey decided to hitch 30-year-old C.J. Miles to a bunch of children. Norm Powell (24 years old), Jakob Poeltl (22 and in need of a better nickname than “Austrian Hammer”), Fred VanVleet (23), and Pascal Siakam (23).

This is Toronto’s second-most common five-man group over the past month, and they’ve been absolutely dreadful on both ends. But guess what? I don’t care! Stubborn Casey is good sometimes. Yes, the Raptors should go back to a Lowry + Bench unit that makes opposing second units weep—swap Lowry in for Miles and that exact same supporting cast crushes everybody—but this makes me feel like Miles is a lovable babysitter that you can’t, in good conscience, stay mad at.

Playing Miles at the three as opposed to the four doesn’t make a ton of sense, but using him to space the floor for an inexperienced collection of players Toronto will need in the playoffs is fine enough for now.

7. Austin Rivers is an Isolation Genius…or Something

Thanks to a slew of notable injuries that have quickly transformed the perennial playoff-contending Los Angeles Clippers into the Los Angeles Clippers, Austin Rivers has been thrust into a role far greater than his ability can handle. But despite being an inefficient, borderline first-option with shaky shot selection, Rivers is also one of the league’s top one-on-one players.

Photo by Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports

According to Synergy Sports, Rivers averaged 0.94 points per possession in isolation situations last year, a figure that placed him in the 73rd percentile. That’s not bad, even though it was likely boosted an unquantifiable degree thanks to Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Jamal Crawford, J.J. Redick, Marreese Speights and even Ray Felton occupying the opposition’s attention in various ways.

This year, surrounded by G-League talent more nights than not, Rivers’ isolation numbers are even better. He’s averaging 1.05 points per possession (74th percentile) and is actually more efficient than established All-Stars like Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and DeMar DeRozan.

Some of this is because the career 35.5 percent three-point shooter has canned 40.7 percent of his outside attempts—including 42.7 percent of his 3.0 pull ups per game. And some of it’s because he never ever ever turns it over. But few players symbolize the “million dollar move, 10 cent finish” expression better than Rivers, who’s a master at breaking his man down off the dribble, entering a crowd of rim protectors, and lofting a prayer towards the basket.

Given that this is such an uncertain time for the Clippers, swapping Rivers out for a second-round pick and expiring money (he has a $12.6 million player option for next year) should be an objective for their front office. Maybe there’s a general manager out there who sees these numbers (particularly that impressive shooting) and wonders if Rivers can help his playoff team in a seven-game series.

8. Cleveland’s Juiciest Asset Is Not Really That Juicy

The Brooklyn Nets are, officially, no longer atrocious. Heading into Wednesday night’s action, they had a higher winning percentage than 10 teams despite not having their opening night backcourt starters for most of the season. They’re below average on both sides of the ball, but only three teams launch threes more frequently and only one owns a faster pace.

Brooklyn’s starting five—DeMarre Carroll, Spencer Dinwiddie, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Tyler Zeller, and Allen Crabbe—has obliterated opponents by 25.3 points per 100 possessions since Kenny Atkinson turned to it right before Thanksgiving, and adding Jahlil Okafor, Nik Stauskas, and healthy D’Angelo Russell to the mix will only improve their depth and diversify their offensive options.

When teams start to really tank in March and April, the Nets will be busting their ass to win games and get better at everything they do. All this is bad news for the Cleveland Cavaliers. What was once their crown jewel for Kyrie Irving might now be Zach Collins (who’s actually playing pretty well, but that’s beside the point).

Does this mean Koby Altman should aggressively shop his best asset around the league? It’s probably still a little too early for that, considering their current rhythm and fact that they’ve yet to see what Isaiah Thomas looks like in their rotation. But the odds of that pick staying in Cleveland feel a lot lower today than they were a couple months ago.

The pick’s dropping value also changes what it’s worth. That means strapping a top-three protection to it and checking on Aaron Gordon’s availability is far more likely than getting someone like Paul George or DeMarcus Cousins. Realistic targets are now closer to the Harrison Barnes, Batum, or Rodney Hood mold (a lottery pick for any of those three is still a dramatic overpay, even though they’d help the Cavs match up better against the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets in the Finals).

A couple weeks ago, before the Memphis Grizzlies fired David Fizdale, I wrote that Cleveland should give up the Nets pick for Marc Gasol. I didn’t believe they ever would, but now it’s not so crazy! When you have LeBron James doing UNBELIEVABLE LeBron James things every night, holding back as a front office feels criminal.

What’s the worst that could happen? They lose in the Finals, he leaves, and they don’t have the 10th pick in the draft? How much better off would Cleveland be if they hold onto that pick, lose in the Finals and watch him leave? They were arguably the worst franchise in the league during the four seasons he spent in Miami. Dark days lie ahead no matter what. The best thing they can do is go all-in and capitalize on a historic season from an all-time icon. Trade the pick, Cleveland! Convince him to stay! You’re screwed if he leaves even if you have it!

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9. David Nwaba is a Good NBA Player

Every time I watch Nwaba he makes three to five effort-intensive plays that makes Chicago feel like a competitive team. He’s just so damn physical, a tenacious rebounder who defends, draws fouls, finishes around the rim, and never turns it over.The Bulls (yes, the Bulls) are outscoring opponents by 4.5 points per 100 possessions with Nwaba on the floor, performing like a 53-win team. He’s awesome, and aside from the fact that he doesn’t shoot threes and there won’t be a ton of money to go around this summer, one of the league’s 30 teams would be smart to offer present the restricted free agent with an offer sheet.

10. Finding Hope in Memphis

Almost exactly one year ago, Deyonta Davis tore the plantar fascia in his left foot, a devastating injury for any human being but particularly savage for someone who plays professional basketball and weighs 240 pounds. It essentially ended his rookie season.

In year two, as Marc Gasol’s primary backup thanks to Brandan Wright’s nagging groin injury, Davis is averaging 3.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. But in limited time he’s shown decent mobility on the defensive end and a feathery touch around the basket.

As someone who isn’t fast enough to scamper around the perimeter, Memphis has him drop defending almost every pick-and-roll. Here he is stepping up to force Abrines to pass to Jerami Grant, then sliding back and forcing a turnover.

Now, against an actual playmaker who knew how to string his dribble out a bit longer, this sequence would probably not have the same result. Davis struggles against bigs who can shoot, too, forcing the Grizzlies to late switch or surrender open threes.

But according to Cleaning the Glass, whenever he’s on the floor Memphis allows a ridiculous 11.3 fewer points per 100 possessions. (Opponents are also barely hitting threes when Davis is in the game, so, yeah, that’s kind of meaningful and has nothing to do with his defense.)

On the other end, he’s shooting 79 percent at the rim. That’s really good! And aside from the natural hiccup as he learns to read the floor, taking shots as a roller when he should hit the open man, there are examples of him identifying what he needs to do and executing immediately.

Before he even catches Ben McLemore’s pass out of Washington’s trap, Davis’ eyes are set on the opposite wing, initiating a sequence that leads to an open three and one of the most beautiful possessions Memphis has experienced all season.

He’s still a project, but one who only played 600 minutes in college and hardly saw the floor last season. Davis is shooting 72.7 percent whenever he rolls to the basket; the day Gasol leaves Memphis will be dark, but Davis is beginning to flash the talent of someone who deserves a chance to *attempt* to fill those humongous shoes.

The Outlet Pass: Charlotte’s Tailspin, Cavs Trade Targets, and NBA What-Ifs syndicated from http://ift.tt/2ug2Ns6

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eighty8tray-blog · 7 years

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NBA Mock Draft 2017

NBA FINAL MOCK DRAFT 2017

Trevon Cheatham

1)Philadelphia 76ers

Markelle Fultz

Other Potential Draftees:

None

Why? Can play with the ball in his hands, or off the ball. Perfect compliment to the Ben Simmons experience that the 76ers fans and people who've never questioned #TheProcess have been waiting to see.

2)Los Angeles Lakers

Lonzo Ball

Other Potential Draftees:

De'Aaron Fox

Why? "Lonzo Ball will be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers" and that's the bottom line because Triple BS is here to stand because LAVAR BALL SAID SO. It's also a great fit because of his playmaking and pass first mentality, in which coach Luke Walton is all for.

3)Boston Celtic

Jayson Tatum

Other Potential Draftees:

Josh Jackson, Jonathan Isaac

Why? The Celtics drafted Jaylen Brown last year and drafting Josh Jackson would be a little repetitive. Jayson Tatum can come in and score 12-15 as a rookie and take some of the scoring load off the 5'9 IT.

4)Phoenix Suns

Josh Jackson

Other Potential Draftees:

De'Aaron Fox, Dennis Smith Jr.

Why? Perfect fit alongside Devin Booker & Chriss. TJ Warren and Josh Jackson can switch offense for defense and would work together in small ball lineups.

5)Sacramento Kings

De'Aaron Fox

Other Potential Draftees:

Josh Jackson, Jayson Tatum

Why? Everything points to this kid being a star in this league. Well almost everything. His jumper still needs work (try telling that to Lonzo Ball) but should come along with more gym time. Mike Conley at worst, John Wall at best only the Kings can mess this one up if he fell in their lap.

6)Orlando Magic

Jonathan Isaac

Other Potential Draftees:

Dennis Smith Jr, Lauri Markkanen

Why? Greek Freak. Thon Maker. Those names alone are the reason why the Orlando Magic call Isaac's name if still on the board under new GM John Hammond. Tall, lanky, athletic. Check. Check. Check.

7)Minnesota Timberwolves

Lauri Markkanen

Other Potential Draftees:

Jonathan Isaac, Malik Monk

Why? If I had to predict the first trade of the draft it would be in this slot. Thibbs is known for his defense but the best players at this pick are not his preference. Monk & Markkanen will bring offense to the table right away, but that's not exactly the problem with the Wolves. If they stand though I guess you can't go wrong with either one.

8)New York Knicks

Frank Ntilikina

Other Potential Draftees:

Malik Monk, Dennis Smith Jr.

Why? Because stars who break out for a career high 6 made field goals in the playoffs (overseas) are rare finds in the draft you know. Phil Jackson is stubborn about forcing the Knicks to play the triangle, and this guy is tall and can play defense overseas apparently. Knicks fans should be hoping the Mavericks leap frog their team so the Knicks can draft a superior talent in Dennis Smith Jr. 　

9)Dallas Mavericks

Dennis Smith Jr.

Other Potential Draftees:

Frank Ntilikina, Lauri Markkanen

Why? Yogi Ferrell, Seth Curry just ain't it. Role players at the point will only get you so far in today's NBA. Mavericks will get the steal of the draft if Smith Jr falls into their lap at 9. Rick Carslisle is one of the most underrated coaches in the league and will get everything out of this kid.

10)Sacramento Kings

Zach Collins

Other Potential Draftees:

Malik Monk, Harry Giles, Justin Jackson

Why? Best big available. Malik Monk might be too redundant to Buddy Hield to draft even with his Kentucky ties with #5 pick De'Aaron Fox. In only 17 minutes per game you Zach Collins revealed he is everything an big man needs to be in today's NBA.

11)Charlotte Hornets

Malik Monk

Other Potential Draftees:

Luke Kennard, Donovan Mitchell

Why? Every time MKG shoots a jumper a tear flows from Chuck Hayes free throws technique. Malik Monk is instant offense. Would work well with Kemba & Batum facilitating and providing him with good looks to make up for his so-so ball handling skills.

12)Detroit Pistons

Donovan Mitchell

Other Potential Draftees:

Luke Kennard, John Collins

Why? Ish Smith is a career backup, yet he started plenty of games last season for the Pistons while Reggie Jackson struggled to return to form after his surgery. Mitchell at worse is a capable defender, whom improved his outside shooting and has a chance at developing into a quality starter down the road.

13)Denver Nuggets

John Collins

Other Potential Draftees:

Bam Adebayo, Harry Giles

Why? The Nuggets need to find a athletic big to run along with Nikola Jokic. Collins judging from the workouts look the part of a finisher with the potential to spread the court, and protect the rim.

14)Miami Heat

TJ Leaf

Other Potential Draftees:

Justin Jackson, Harry Giles

Why? Defense is a question mark so putting him with one of the best defensive centers only makes sense. Luke Babbitt received plenty of playing time for the Heat last year and Leaf can easily replace him.

15)Portland Trailblazers

Bam Adebayo

Other Potential Draftees:

Harry Giles, Justin Jackson

Why? Ed Davis and Noah Vonleh are solid but aren't getting any better. Bam didn't get to show off too much in his lone year in Lexington but future may be brigther than Coach Cal may have let loose.

16)Chicago Bulls

Luke Kennard

Other Potential Draftees:

Josh Jackson, Terrance Ferguson, Jarret Allen

Why? Jimmy Butler, D.Wade & Rondo need space. Kennard may be the best shooter in this draft and the Bulls need to give into Fred Hoiberg's system and help him spread the floor.

17) Milwaukee Bucks

Harry Giles

Other Potential Draftees:

Bam Adebayo, Justin Patton

Why? Bucks have had success shooting for the stars and the moon in recent drafts and they will hope to strike again. Knee surgeries and lack of production drops Giles out of the lottery, but was one of the top prospects coming out of high school.

18)Indiana Pacers

Justin Jackson

Other Potential Draftees:

Tyler London, Terrance Ferguson

Why? Somebody is going to have to score the ball when PG13 packs his bags and heads home, or wherever he ends up before he goes home.

19)Atlanta Hawks

Justin Patton

Other Potential Draftees:

O.G Anunoby, Terrance Ferguson

Why? They let go of Dwight Howard and Paul Milsap is likely next to go. Somebody is going to need to occupy those minutes.

20)Portland Trailblazers

Isaiah Hartenstein

Other Potential Draftees:

Kyle Kuzma, Justin Patton

Why? With three draft picks in the first round the Trailblazers are likely to spend one on a player they can stash and bring over in a couple years.

21)Oklahoma City Thunder

Terrance Ferguson

Other Potential Draftees:

Justin Jackson, Harry Giles

Why? Opted to play in Australia rather than going to college and struggled. Still was highly touted coming out of high school and the Thunder hope he can regain his shooting stroke and grow into the running mate MVP Westbrook needs.

22)Brooklyn Nets

DJ Wilson

Other Potential Draftees:

O.G Anunoby, Tony Bradley

Why? Brooklyn will be paying 9 million for Trevor Booker again this year, a player who is solid but doesn't thread the needle. In DJ Wilson Nets hope to find his replacement and a player who can develop into a high end role player.

23)Toronto Raptors

Jonah Bolden

Other Potential Draftees:

Tony Bradley, Tyler London

Why? Patrick Patterson and Serge Ibaka are both free agents, and Masai Uijiri isn't afraid to take a flyer on a prospect who may turn out to be the next Greek Freak, but more than likely to be the next Bruno Caboclo.

24)Utah Jazz

Jarrett Allen

Other Potential Draftees:

Kyle Kuzma, Jawaun Evans

Why? Derrick Favors is a free agent, and his athleticism seems to be on the way. Finding a cheap replacement who can spell the Stifel Tower for short minutes should be answer here.

25)Orlando Magic

Frank Jackson

Other Potential Draftees:

Jonah Bolden, Tyler London

Why? Magic passed on drafting a PG with their sixth pick so look for them to pick up one here with their second first round pick.

26)Portland Trailblazers

Tyler London

Other Potential Draftees:

Derrick White, Tony Bradley

Why? Blazers need more shooting from their front court. Mo Harkless & Aminu are not that. Blazers draft Tyler hoping he can develop into a low ceiling Chandler Parsons.

27)Los Angeles Lakers

Derrick White

Other Potential Draftees:

Ivan Rabb, Ike Anigbogu

Why? With Nick Young and D'Angelo both on their way out the Lakers need to find players to fill out their guard rotation. A senior who can do more than one thing is a good way to start.

28)Los Angeles Lakers

Jordan Bell

Other Potential Draftees:

Josh Hart, Wesley Iwundu

Why? Tarik Black has done all he can to prove he's a NBA player, but now it's time to find his replacement. There's no question what Jordan Bell's role will be.. defense and rebounding. Another local kid, and if all things fail you can at least say Magic has made a couple So Cal natives dream come true.

29)San Antonio Spurs

Josh Hart

Other Potential Draftees:

Derrick White, Wesley Iwundu

Why? Danny Green on the trading block with his replacement on the way. Everything about Josh Hart game, demeanor screams Spurs player. Or they will draft a player no one ever heard of, stash him, and wait for him to be the perfect system player.

30)Utah Jazz

Kyle Kuzma

Other Potential Draftees:

Frank Mason, Semi Ojeleye

Why? Gordon Hayward and Joe Ingles are both free agents and the Jazz may be on the lookout for a potential replacement.

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flauntpage · 5 years

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The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers

The below has been excerpted from this week's Outlet Pass, to get caught up on everything else you need to know in the NBA this week read the rest of the column here.

The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/

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flauntpage · 5 years

Text

The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers

The below has been excerpted from this week's Outlet Pass, to get caught up on everything else you need to know in the NBA this week read the rest of the column here.

The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/

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flauntpage · 5 years

Text

The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers

The below has been excerpted from this week's Outlet Pass, to get caught up on everything else you need to know in the NBA this week read the rest of the column here.

The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/

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flauntpage · 5 years

Text

The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers

The below has been excerpted from this week's Outlet Pass, to get caught up on everything else you need to know in the NBA this week read the rest of the column here.

The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/

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flauntpage · 5 years

Text

The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers

The below has been excerpted from this week's Outlet Pass, to get caught up on everything else you need to know in the NBA this week read the rest of the column here.

The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/

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flauntpage · 5 years

Text

The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers

The below has been excerpted from this week's Outlet Pass, to get caught up on everything else you need to know in the NBA this week read the rest of the column here.

The Trade That Will Save the Philadelphia 76ers published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/

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flauntpage · 6 years

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The Outlet Pass: Charlotte's Tailspin, Cavs Trade Targets, and NBA What-Ifs

1. Can Charlotte Turn Things Around?

Charlotte's starting five is fine when everybody’s healthy but they've only played Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum, Marvin Williams, Dwight Howard, and Jeremy Lamb together for seven minutes all season. Normally, they are stuck with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist on the floor, dragging the offense down. Just look at how disrespectful the Thunder are to MKG in the play below.

2. This Year’s NBA What-Ifs Are Pretty Great

Based on reports and rumors from various points throughout the offseason, here’s a semi-educated look at how things might look today had a few key moves gone down a bit differently.

A. Carmelo Anthony is traded to the Portland Trail Blazers

For the sake of argument, let’s just say Portland gave up Evan Turner, Mo Harkless, and a future first-round pick. So, in all likelihood, the Blazers would start Melo at the three, Al-Farouq Aminu at the four, and Jusif Nurkic at center. That starting five looks offensively unstoppable on paper, but, like, so does Oklahoma City's. Make this trade and what happens to Portland's top-five defense? Are they still rebounding this well? Do they score at will or does Anthony further impede what’s been an unusually static offense?

Photo by Joseph Weiser-USA TODAY Sports

In addition to transforming into a gigantic whoopee cushion whenever he's around the basket—Melo’s days of getting to the free-throw line are, at 33 years old, understandably dunzo—his assist to usage ratio ranks in the ninth percentile at his position. Even though the percentage of his shots that are unassisted hasn’t been this low since he was with the Denver Nuggets (which feels 7,000 years ago), he still loves long twos and there are defiant insecurities related to how he’s approached the seasons' first couple months. His stubbornness has contributed to the league’s most glaring disappointment, and he’s shooting 37.6 percent from the floor over the Thunder's last 10 games.

The other key side effect, assuming every other move happens as it has, is that Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott would still be on the Thunder instead of enjoying Westbrook-free serenity in midtown Manhattan. How would Anthony being in Portland affect Paul George in Oklahoma? Besides more shot opportunities, it’s hard to say. Assuming Billy Donovan chose to stagger his two best players, George would have more time on units that’d call for him to be one of the dozen best players in the world. The team's defense might be even better than it already is.

Westbrook could also spend more time going Full Westbrook, even though Full Westbrook as we knew it last year might be a permanent thing of the past.

B. Gordon Hayward signs with the Miami Heat

Would Kyrie Irving express interest in re-signing with the Boston Celtics if Hayward chose a different team, or were Al Horford’s harmonious style, stable ownership, and Brad Stevens' genius already enough? If not, the Celtics would likely be in the middle of the Eastern Conference with Marcus Smart starting at point guard and Terry Rozier playing 30 minutes a night. They'd disintegrate when Horford hit the bench, and any long-term injury that'd keep him out would be fatal. Also, Jae Crowder would still be around, likely clogging a pipeline that's seen Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown flourish.

C. Paul George is traded to the Boston Celtics

3. So, Who Isn’t Shooting Threes?

Photo by Shanna Lockwood - USA TODAY Sports

Let’s go back to this year’s group, which reads like an endangered species list. How many players on there are useful despite their inability/unwillingness to shoot threes? If we first look at total minutes played, Ben Simmons unsurprisingly ranks first and is a revelatory prospect who's simultaneously defying convention while meeting his expectations. From there we’re infested by a crap ton of traditional big men who impact the game in other areas. They rebound, protect the rim, and set screens. Some space the floor by diving through the paint. Some are still dangerous at the elbow, and can engineer decent offense with their vision and a mid-range jump shot. A very small handful do damage with their back to the basket.

4. Houston’s Angles are Ridiculous

Speaking of the Rockets, I’ve thought about this pass almost every day since it happened:

But Houston’s offense doesn’t peak when the ball is dribbled. Jaw-dropping, spontaneous passes made at angles very few players can even dream about allow the Rockets to generate efficient shots that catch defenses off balance. The surgical precision seen above is not attainable for most guards around the league, but it's basically second nature for Paul and Harden. Quick sidebar: Harden is probably going to win his first MVP this season, but not enough words can be written about Paul, who’s re-asserted himself as the second-best floor general in basketball and an automatic All-NBA member. Passes like that one help explain why.

5. J.J. Redick’s Game Isn’t Supposed to Expand, but it Has

Instead of seeing his responsibilities narrow, Redick’s doing more stuff in different ways. According to Synergy Sports, the percentage of all his jumpers that were off the dribble last season was 39 percent. Right now, that number is 47 percent, somewhat-expected uptick that's lowered his accuracy and can partially be attributed to greener teammates.

The ball feels like it’s in his hands far more than it was in Los Angeles. Instead of running through an endless maze of bodies, Redick's slicing defenses open with direct hand-offs and a bit more pick-and-roll action, all ultimately designed to turn the defense’s brain into toast.

All this is a pleasant surprise. I, personally, thought Redick was entering a different phase of his career after Joe Ingles crushed him in the playoffs. But in a new environment, as an elder statesman, Redick has shown that he's far more than a shooter, in a league that should be able to make good use of his talent for years to come.

6. C.J. Miles and The Babies

Since O.G. Anunonby cracked Toronto's starting lineup and Delon Wright dislocated his right shoulder (two events that basically happened at the same time, about a week before Thanksgiving), Raptors head coach Dwane Casey decided to hitch 30-year-old C.J. Miles to a bunch of children. Norm Powell (24 years old), Jakob Poeltl (22 and in need of a better nickname than "Austrian Hammer"), Fred VanVleet (23), and Pascal Siakam (23).

This is Toronto's second-most common five-man group over the past month, and they've been absolutely dreadful on both ends. But guess what? I don't care! Stubborn Casey is good sometimes. Yes, the Raptors should go back to a Lowry + Bench unit that makes opposing second units weep—swap Lowry in for Miles and that exact same supporting cast crushes everybody—but this makes me feel like Miles is a lovable babysitter that you can't, in good conscience, stay mad at.

Playing Miles at the three as opposed to the four doesn't make a ton of sense, but using him to space the floor for an inexperienced collection of players Toronto will need in the playoffs is fine enough for now.

7. Austin Rivers is an Isolation Genius...or Something

Photo by Kim Klement - USA TODAY Sports

Given that this is such an uncertain time for the Clippers, swapping Rivers out for a second-round pick and expiring money (he has a $12.6 million player option for next year) should be an objective for their front office. Maybe there's a general manager out there who sees these numbers (particularly that impressive shooting) and wonders if Rivers can help his playoff team in a seven-game series.

8. Cleveland’s Juiciest Asset Is Not Really That Juicy

When teams start to really tank in March and April, the Nets will be busting their ass to win games and get better at everything they do. All this is bad news for the Cleveland Cavaliers. What was once their crown jewel for Kyrie Irving might now be Zach Collins (who's actually playing pretty well, but that's beside the point).

9. David Nwaba is a Good NBA Player

Every time I watch Nwaba he makes three to five effort-intensive plays that makes Chicago feel like a competitive team. He’s just so damn physical, a tenacious rebounder who defends, draws fouls, finishes around the rim, and never turns it over.The Bulls (yes, the Bulls) are outscoring opponents by 4.5 points per 100 possessions with Nwaba on the floor, performing like a 53-win team. He’s awesome, and aside from the fact that he doesn’t shoot threes and there won't be a ton of money to go around this summer, one of the league’s 30 teams would be smart to offer present the restricted free agent with an offer sheet.

10. Finding Hope in Memphis

As someone who isn't fast enough to scamper around the perimeter, Memphis has him drop defending almost every pick-and-roll. Here he is stepping up to force Abrines to pass to Jerami Grant, then sliding back and forcing a turnover.

But according to Cleaning the Glass, whenever he's on the floor Memphis allows a ridiculous 11.3 fewer points per 100 possessions. (Opponents are also barely hitting threes when Davis is in the game, so, yeah, that's kind of meaningful and has nothing to do with his defense.)

On the other end, he's shooting 79 percent at the rim. That's really good! And aside from the natural hiccup as he learns to read the floor, taking shots as a roller when he should hit the open man, there are examples of him identifying what he needs to do and executing immediately.

Before he even catches Ben McLemore's pass out of Washington's trap, Davis' eyes are set on the opposite wing, initiating a sequence that leads to an open three and one of the most beautiful possessions Memphis has experienced all season.

He's still a project, but one who only played 600 minutes in college and hardly saw the floor last season. Davis is shooting 72.7 percent whenever he rolls to the basket; the day Gasol leaves Memphis will be dark, but Davis is beginning to flash the talent of someone who deserves a chance to *attempt* to fill those humongous shoes.

The Outlet Pass: Charlotte's Tailspin, Cavs Trade Targets, and NBA What-Ifs published first on http://ift.tt/2pLTmlv

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