Ok, so I ditched the idea of making this completely playoff specific IMMEDIATELY. I encountered some questions that would too fun not to answer, and ignoring them would be a crime.
I posted a question box on my Instagram about a week ago, just to give anyone who may read this blog an opportunity to participate in the experience. It's pretty self explanatory from that point on.
Join me, as I attempt to appease an audience of NBA fans with my answers. I thought I'd add a little profile for everyone who submitted questions as a token of my appreciation.
LFG.
Ethan Kenmuir
- Avid Khris Middleton Hater.
- Deadly percentage shooter.
- Well known instigator of shit-housery.
"How do the Bucks look if they have PJ? How does the east shake out in general?"
Playoff basketball has such an emphasis on defense, especially in the Eastern Conference (Miami, Boston, Milwaukee, Toronto - all extremely talented on that end).
PJ would be filling the spot of an injured Khris Middleton in this scenario most likely. Matching Boston's defensive abilities definitely would have been easier. Tatum and Brown arguably have a tougher time getting buckets that way.
However, consider these factors:
Boston's defense held Milwaukee to 101 - 86 - 103 - 108 - 110 - 95 - 81 in order of the 6 game series. Khris Middleton getting injured destroyed that extra 18 points per game that pushes them into an absolute machine offensively. Boston evidently being the best defensive team in the entire playoffs does the most damage to Milwaukee here. Adding another defender doesn't exactly help them get over the hump.
Pat Connaughton shot the ever-living-shit outta the basketball (53.8% FG, 42.3% 3PT). PJ most definitely gives you high percentage shooting, but not at the volume Pat had in this series. I chalked a lot of this series up to the lack of versatile offensive punch for Milwaukee. If anything a lot of fans realized how valuable Khris Middleton is to that offense. Just from a shot creator perspective.
PJ certainly makes an impact in this series and many Eastern Conference games, I don't believe it was the impact Milwaukee was lacking. Especially considering I marked down this specific series as the two best defensive teams in the NBA. Anyone who can go out and get a bucket in those circumstances is needed.
Brody McKay
- Not related to me.
- Surprisingly bouncy.
- Jordan Poole Enthusiast.
"What teams in recent memory have bridged the gap successfully between a core of veterans, and promisingly young talent? While still finding playoff success?"
*He used Golden State as an example which is obviously the best example*
2022 has been an awesome year for this specific team demographic.
Think about how Miami and Toronto have recently built around a lot of undrafted players that came up through the G-League system. Boston has 4 dudes on their starting line that they drafted, Golden State turned Jordan Poole and Gary Payton ll into majorly impactful bench players.
Also, KEVON LOONEY?? Fuck outta here. That man is surpassing Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli in the Warriors centre position lore. Player development is massive.
The veteran presence is what I believe is understated. That's where you get serious with our two teams that are currently in the Finals. The Warriors dynasty trio would now be considered Veterans. Al Horford had the Finals MVP on LOCKDOWN until he scored 2 points in game 2.
If you compare the experience of these teams to someone like Memphis, Charlotte, Minnesota, or the Spurs. It's evident that going super young is a long process working towards success. Obviously Memphis has done the best in this case, but what is going to push them over into a Conference Finals? Arguably a consistent and active veteran presence.
It's why Al Horford has been a hot commodity over the last couple years in my opinion. He's 16 ppg, good defense, stretches the floor, great playoff experience, 2-time College National Champion.
He's also unreasonably gorgeous? Does that make me like him more? Of course.
The message here is the teams with the most appropriate balance of veteran pieces exceed in playoff basketball. Even when the Warriors entered the NBA Finals for the first time, think about some of those guys on the team.
Andre Iguodala (Finals MVP, never forget), Leandro Barbosa, Shaun Livingston, David Lee.
That's a killer veteran core, especially when you're not exclusively relying on them to take over a game.
Aidan Klein
- My Highschool point guard, dime dropper.
- Master of making lay-ups way tougher than they have to be.
- We used to have beanie baby fights in my basement as kids. Some of them were felt like you were getting hit with a brick.
"Where is Jimmy Butler on the list of players who perform well in the regular season, but go absolutely ballistic in the playoffs."
I love this question.
Jimmy Butler is an enigma, when he's on fire it looks like he's just waltzing into his ideal shots. When he's cold or passive, he looks like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Sorry Mike, I love you).
I looked up the top 50 playoff scorers by points per game average to see if that would show me anything surprising. Anyone who only had a single series worth of games played, I didn't pay attention too.
In terms of stat increases, Luke Doncic and Donovan Mitchell immediately caught my eye (32.54 ppg, 28.33 ppg respectively). Despite the fact both of them have "loud" regular seasons usually, this is playoff evolution regardless.
Jamal Murray in the bubble was something to behold, his battles with Donovan Mitchell made for the most entertaining first round series in recent memory. Kobe Bryant is very hard to ignore in this scenario also, he had some duds, but had way more explosive performances.
My mind immediately goes to role players that absolutely start taking over, not that Jimmy is a role player, but it's proof that being hot is the most dangerous factor in basketball.
Danny Green in 2013 and 2014 playoffs for the Spurs, unreasonably hot.
Duncan Robinson in 2020 for the Heat, unreasonably hot.
JR Smith in any playoff basketball scenario with the Cavs, minus that time he ran away from the basket. The series vs the Hawks in 2016 sticks out.
Jason Terry in the 2011 Conference Finals against the Lakers, scalding.
Nick Young when he played for the Clippers, and they came back from down like 30 points vs the Grizzlies in a must win game.
TJ Warren averaging a billion points per game in the Bubble.
Anytime Micheal Jordan started hitting 3's, it was over.
What you'll notice from these examples, is that Jimmy has the biggest sample size of playing out of his mind when it's needed. This is why we say enigma, his style of play makes the least amount of sense in terms of going nuclear. I'd like to say if Miami had their role players step up a bit more in these scenarios, Jimmy doesn't have to do this. He walks in, looks around, decides he's scoring 40 points. Very Jordan-esque, just more of a microwave.
Cam Sale
- Local PG Sniper.
- hit 10 3's in a game at BC Provincials.
- Houston Rockets sympathizer.
"Assuming Harden will be back next year, does he have to take care of his body better?"
It definitely wouldn't hurt, the Philadelphia experiment ended up being a weird one. We can chalk it up to some Joel Embiid injuries, but Harden was making defenders hit the salsa on every possession not that long ago. Is it due to his game shape? I don't entirely believe this, fat Harden was kinda hooping for awhile.
Harden really struggled to manipulate the refs this season, and that's deadass a valuable NBA skill. Sometimes he looked demoralized due to his style of play not always being rewarded in certain games. Relying on inconsistent factors like officiating isn't the hill to die on. He often braces for contact whether there's going to be physicality or not, to me this whole thing seems mental?
Houston Harden was shooting more 3's, throwing more lobs, hitting more floaters. He has been overly concerned with drawing contact when he's talented enough to not really rely on that. In all honesty, I think he needs to look for himself more. Embiid is going to get his numbers no matter what, you don't have to be a "run the offense" point guard.
Getting in shape could help, but part of me wants to see jelly doughnut Harden absolutely Marshawn Lynch his way to the rim, without worrying about strength or contact. His mentality has changed more than anything, and he's one of those players that thrives with a good paced offense that's catered to him. Doc just needs to get him involved more, easier said than done.
Steve Kunar
- Swarm Esports CSGO Head Coach.
- Boston hardcore, Leon Powe sympathizer.
- Avid Romeo Langford hater.
Ok so Steve asked a rapid fire amount of questions, so I'm gonna give him his due and answer in rapid fire style.
"Would the Celtics have beat the Lakers if Kendrick Perkins wasn't injured for game 7? I'm still not over it. (2010 NBA Finals)."
Andrew Bynum only had 2 points in game 7 anyways? However, Pau Gasol had 19 points and 18 rebounds. if Perk is on Pau and KG is on Bynum? He'd foul out for sure but it would've made a difference.
"Does Philly resign Harden?"
I don't exactly know where they're heading if they don't? they only had half a season with that portly gentleman, so I'd be willing to see it out. They should sign & trade for Kyrie and send him back to Brooklyn. Anarchy.
"Do the Suns let Ayton go? and re-sign McGee as a budget Ayton?"
Re-sign McGee for sure, but I would try and engineer a sign-and-trade for Myles Turner? It seems that Ayton and the Suns have mutual interest in parting ways. You want someone young and talented enough with an ability to anchor a defense.
"Will Brunson get paid for his dues for the playoff performances?"
College athlete of the fucking decade, he better get paid. He doesn't exactly want to play for a basement dwelling team, so that gives Dallas an actual chance to pay him.
"If the Nets have Ben Simmons at full strength, do they beat the Celtics?"
They'd automatically be so much better defensively, but he can't cover 3-4 players at once. Which is probably what they needed him to do. Boston wins regardless.
"Would D'angelo Russell be more likely to re-sign with Minnesota if they made it to the second round?"
That would've been a massive milestone for the T-wolves, so yes, that would lean towards re-signing. However, he definitely underperformed in the first round series, and it outlined some of Minnesota's limitations defensively with him and KAT on the floor together. I think they'd be smart to use that money for defensive improvements.
"Would the Bucks beat the Celtics if Khris Middleton was healthy?"
Neutralizing Giannis is much easier without Khris on the floor creating, my bet was on the Bucks making it back to the Finals with him in the lineup. That being said, Tatum showed some incredible defensive abilities in this series. Not unlikely that he has the potential to get all up in Middleton's shit and make it a nightmare. I'll still bet on Boston's elite defense in this case.
Aaron Brouwer
- UNBC Men's Basketball Assistant Coach.
- Easily has the best shooting stroke out of our coaching staff.
- Extremely talented distance runner.
"Who should retire after their playoff performance this season, and was Jimmy Butler's Game 7 3 point attempt in the final minutes a good shot?"
Excellent questions AB.
I get the whole idea of having Udonis Haslem on the Heat bench as an extra coach I guess, but he could retire comfortably at this point LOL.
No disrespect to UD.
Chris Paul is an answer most people want to hear, just based on his playoff struggles. He also went 14/14 from the field though in one of those games. There's still some magic there, but Phoenix needs to have some role adjustments. Especially with Ayton likely to leave.
If Golden State wins an NBA Title, Iguodala can also comfortably ride off into the sunset.
Grayson Allen can also retire, no specific reason, but I've seen enough.
When it comes to the controversial shot Jimmy Butler took at the end of game 7 vs the Celtics, I am completely cool with him shooting that. Everything people are saying about it is based on "what-if?" scenarios. No one else on the floor really deserved to be taking that shot for Miami, that's your best player taking a huge shot to put you up a point. Folks were held up by the fact there was 18 seconds left on the clock, but he was WIDE open. Are we assuming they get a better shot against a vicious Boston defense? Is someone else taking it? Should he have driven to the rim? Try to get fouled? Those just aren't guaranteed situations. He was presented with an opportunity and took a shot that star players should be confident taking. I have no issues, I can see a drive to the rim ending up with him flailing around for a call.
You expect me to denounce a 3 point shot AB? I've never done that in my life.
Mason Kroeker
- A 6'0 ft tall demon in the paint, picture Zach Randolph if he was Metis.
- Finished 8 mimosas in a single brunch sit-down.
- Lugeuntz Dort enthusiast.
"If Kyle Lowry had a gun, would the Heat beat the Celtics in game 7"
Ok let's paint a picture.
Jimmy misses that clutch 3 with 18 seconds left, the rebound careens out to Al Horford. Kyle Lowry happens to be the closest man to Al when he grabs it, so Kyle blasts Al in the foot with no remorse. They call a foul, but Spoelstra challenges the call. The refs go to the monitor, while Al is literally bleeding out right under their feet on the sideline. Steve Javie comes on the screen and explains why superstars get preferential treatment?? Kyle is deemed not guilty in the use of his gun. Call is overturned, jump ball at centre court. Rob Williams knee is really bothering him, so Al Horford must take the jump ball with a hole in his foot. Bam wins the tip, Jimmy gets the switch on a ball-screen with YOU GUESSED IT, AL HORFORD. The hole in his foot makes him immobile, Jimmy waltzes to the rim for an and-one, as Marcus Smart inexplicably tackles him on the lay-up. Game, set, match. Kyle Lowry wins again bitches.
Saymon Loki
- Averaged 40 points and 20 boards at BC Provincials, I don't know the exact stats but this is somehow a close guess?
- Leads all men's league tournaments in dunks.
- Coca-Cola enthusiast.
"Should CP3 be slandered? or is Pat Beverly tripping?"
When is Pat Bev not tripping?
Pat's analysis since that infamous incident has actually been somewhat solid? That doesn't take away from the fact that he has no ground to slander the point god. We can't pretend these two are on the same level, or even rivals. Patrick Beverly will never be Chris Paul, and I think that's where the animosity comes from.
Rich Abney
- UNBC SIO, extremely talented journalist and a whiz at promotional graphics.
- Chris Duarte Enthusiast.
- Had an obscene amount of penalty minutes in his college hockey career.
"Pacers for 2022 - 2023 NBA title, what are the chances?"
The Pacers are undoubtedly headed in the right direction, they fleeced the Kings for Haliburton, Chris Duarte is amazing, and every Canadian should be rocking with Oshae Brissett.
Unless Haliburton averages 30 points and 15 assists next season, no fucking chance. The rebuild looks great though Richie, keep your head high.
Vova Pluzhnikov
- UNBC legend, all around special.
- The Weeknd enthusiast.
- Has the only recorded triple-double in UNBC History.
"How does this article effect Lebron's legacy?"
I'll be completely real with y'all, I've been very hard on Lebron as of late.
But the truth is, I don't believe anything effects Lebron's legacy at this point. From a basketball standpoint that is. He's still doing the damn thing, I can't exactly tell him shit from a gameplay perspective.
From a social perspective, fuck me, he's becoming a nightmare.
Endorsing China in the wake of anti-communist party protests, denouncing the human rights of an entire Country.
Not seeming to understand that his namesake isn't worth more than several countries effort for freedom when called out by Enes Kanter. Even with Enes Kanter making an ass of himself every single day following that engagement.
Endorsing Deshaun Watson's move to the Cleveland Browns while he has 22 active sexual assault cases.
Bringing Russell Westbrook on board a team that didn't exactly require a massive change. Hollowing out their roster for a shitty season. Lack of awareness.
Lebron's basketball legacy will never take any damage, he's the fucking GOAT of our generation. Lebron as a human being isn't nearly as balanced as he is as a basketball player. Reading and educating yourself is necessary for change, if our athletes with the largest platforms aren't going to do it, we're moving backwards.
Tanner Watt
- KIJHL and SIJHL legend, former member of the Golden Rockets and Dryden Ice Dogs
- Terrace softball all-star
- Expert on doing the Gary Sheffield batting stance before smoking a ball.
"Is Lebron done?? Especially if he doesn't have a super team around him??"
Lebron is done when he says he is, at this point I have no idea when that would be. Considering he wants to play with his first-born son Bronny at some point, I'm thinking that there's more basketball to be played. Which in most cases, equates to playoff basketball. The Lakers biggest issue is their age and health, so yes, I could see him moving teams at some point. Would that be a super team? I'm not sure, the era of calling a bunch of free agents to pair up on a team is dwindling. He needs a young core, and the Lakers have tossed that out the window because of Lebron. I'm feeling like a change is necessary, which in my eyes means he'll be around longer than we all expect. That has to contribute to another title run of some sort right?
Franco Kouagnia
- Canada West All-Star 2014-2015, tries to rip the rim off every time he dunks
- 6'7, 255 pounds, an absolute specimen in the weightroom, could deadlift a Fiat.
- Can murk a literal 5 pound plate of fish & chips like it's nothing.
"What's your first course of action to fix the Lakers? Do you run it back with the same squad?"
These boys need some SHOOTERS big man, Lebron and Russ both thrive in scenarios where they're surrounded with 3 point threats. There's absolutely a way to fix this team, but it involves a serious overhaul of role players. Unfortunately, they don't exactly have the leverage or money to land a bunch of those players. That Russell Westbrook contract is essentially untradeable at this point, so they'd either have to dump him for some picks and shooters, or keep him and ride it out. Considering Lebron engineered this team forming in the first place, they should absolutely run it back. When they're fully healthy they can obviously still be a playoff team. Rehashing the offensive systems will be key, getting Russ to sit down and play defense will be key, AD staying healthy is key.
They may not be a title contender with this current lineup, but health is a key to moderate success. Try to land a couple more 3 point threats, they'll survive that way at least. Way better than having Lebron and Russ taking spot-ups they've never shot while playing off each other.
Erin Yule
- My least favourite co-worker.
- Avid basketball hater.
- Agrees that Nicki Minaj's verse on "Monster" is pure insanity.
"How many Kevin Durant's would it take to fight the sun?"
Ok so Kevin Durant has a 7 foot 4 inch wingspan.
The sun's diameter is about 14,326,783,680 feet long.
We're gonna need a collective wingspan that is equal to, or more than, the diameter of the sun. That way KD can comfortably lock up a massive ball of gas.
By my calculations, 14,326,783,680/ approximately 7.5 = 1,910,237,824
So we'll say 1,910,237,824 Kevin Durant's would be able clamp up the sun.
If things don't go Kevin Durant's way, he could always sign a contract with the Solar System next season. They annexed Pluto like how many years ago?? They've had an open roster spot for so long, why not sign the army of Kevin Durant's?
Thank y'all for participating :).
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