First Take 18-19

[kucoach7]

Well, Skip, the first sim has come and gone and it is time for us to make a bunch of rash comments and throw out hot takes on stuff we have no business talking about. I'll throw some bait out and I'll let you pick which you want to foolishly bite at. This is the year the Grizz finally put it all together. They've been mediocre for about 6 years now despite having a lot of potential (and a ludicrously high payroll I might add) but this year they they are going to win the division, the conference, and the finals. They are the real deal. Sticking with the Southwest, I don't buy the Mav's nice start. They brought in two savvy vets in Smith and Rubio but I'm calling shenanigans, this is fool's gold, they're going to regress. Too many home games. Too weak of a schedule. Next up, the Sixers just aren't ready yet and that's okay. Do I think they will get better over the course of the season and ultimately make the playoffs? Yes. But they're not ready yet. The good news is Hayward is only 28, Kanter and Barnes are 26, these guys will still be in their prime when Grim, Simmons, and Fultz start to enter theirs. We'll go back to the Southwest one more time to finish. The Rockets have failed to launch. Has Father Time caught up to this team? I'm going to withhold judgement for now.

[digiskunk]

Well, Skip, the first sim has come and gone and it is time for us to make a bunch of rash comments and throw out hot takes on stuff we have no business talking about. I'll throw some bait out and I'll let you pick which you want to foolishly bite at. This is the year the Grizz finally put it all together. They've been mediocre for about 6 years now despite having a lot of potential (and a ludicrously high payroll I might add) but this year they they are going to win the division, the conference, and the finals. They are the real deal. Sticking with the Southwest, I don't buy the Mav's nice start. They brought in two savvy vets in Smith and Rubio but I'm calling shenanigans, this is fool's gold, they're going to regress. Too many home games. Too weak of a schedule. Next up, the Sixers just aren't ready yet and that's okay. Do I think they will get better over the course of the season and ultimately make the playoffs? Yes. But they're not ready yet. The good news is Hayward is only 28, Kanter and Barnes are 26, these guys will still be in their prime when Grim, Simmons, and Fultz start to enter theirs. We'll go back to the Southwest one more time to finish. The Rockets have failed to launch. Has Father Time caught up to this team? I'm going to withhold judgement for now.

Stephen A, I have to admit that I was completely SHOCKED by the results of sim 1. As you well know, the Philadelphia 76ers are my "team to beat" in the east, so you can only imagine how incredibly RATTLED I was when I looked at the standings this morning. I was in complete disbelief that my beloved Sixers, a team who prides themselves on winning the good old fashioned way, didn't walk away UNDEFEATED. 2-5?! Are you kidding me!? They're practically the Utah Jazz of the Atlantic division! SOMETHING is going on in Philadelphia, Stephen A... And I have a sneaking suspicious that it's Markelle Fultz. If you recall that article that was written about him last month, it mentioned how much of an avid finger painter he was... Well is it really that much of a stretch to consider the idea that perhaps he's spending too much time in his own little art studio and not enough time on the basketball court? Cut me a break, Stephen A... We all know how good the Sixers are, and although it didn't show in sim 1, I have complete faith that they're going to bounce right back in sim 2 and make up for all that lost ground. Expect Ben Simmons and Van "Grim Reaper" Grimaldi to go off like a firework on the 4th of July. And you want to know why, Stephen? Because read my lips: The 76ers are going to win the Eastern Conference — that's why!

[kucoach7]

Can we talk for just a minute about Daniel Randle? Just for a minute. The dude is currently second in the league in blocks, averaging 3.1 a game. He's 6 feet, 4 inches tall. 6'4" tall! That's it! Not only that, but he plays POWER FORWARD. This guy is regularly guarding guys that are 6 inches taller than him and he's racking up 3 blocks a game. This is BLASPHEMY. THIS IS LUDICROUS! You're going to tell me that you're 6'10" and you're going to let some little punk guard block you? This is outrageous. This tells me something about the new players coming through the draft and the old vets. 1. The Vets are SOFT! They're soft. Shawn Kemp wouldn't have put up with this. I CAN GUARANTEE YOU THAT! 2. It tells me that these new guys with unusual skills that we all sit and hem and haw about really do translate to the professional level.

[digiskunk]

Stephen A, one of the things that has fascinated me most about basketball is statistics — but this clearly isn't one. Daniel Randle may be 6'4", but let's not forget the amount of PASSION this guy has in his heart and the amount of COURAGE he brings onto the court day and day out. We're talking about a guy who may very well have ICE in his VEINS, Stephen A, and that concerns me, because I feel it may bring his temperature down and bring him back down to reality. Here in the PBSL, we pride ourselves on being able to win a game when your team is coming up short, and that is exactly what Daniel Randle does! So I would agree with you in the sense that he has that winner—and killer's—instinct, but I can't help but feel he's missing the most important bit: a healthy temperature. He's in overdrive right now, attempting to COMPENSATE for his OWN TEAM'S lack of ability. That's right, he's single-handedly INFLATING his own statistics to bring out the best in himself, and I feel that this is harmful to the league. The minutes that he is given— and God bless him because he's been given these minutes—I can't help but feel as if he's just making the best out of the situation for himself. He will jack up shots, he will rebound for you, but God forbid you ask him to attend Church on a Wednesday — he won't be there. He is incredibly selective when it comes to these sort of things. Heading forward, I hope to see him make more sacrifices for his team; and that means his stats will drop — and that's alright as long as he is doing the right thing. But I'm not buying what you're selling just yet, Stephen A. This guy hasn't proven a damn thing to me just yet. And you'll see why soon enough once the Hawks begin losing SOME GAMES.

[ballsohard]

I'm going to trust you guys are going to keep this going since we have evidence from last year and award you both 5 points.

[kucoach7]

I want to take a minute, Skip, to talk about a team we don't talk much about. You might even call them under appreciated. We talk all the time about the big stars of this league. Anthony Davis. Kevin Love. Durant. Your favorite, MR. LEBRON JAMES. Bur I want to take just a minute to appreciate the INDIANA PACERS. I mean, how are they winning games? They have a winning record. In the East. They are due some serious respect and ADMIRATION. Look at their roster. It simultaneously reads like a Training Camp hit list and the 2010 top prospects report. These guys have been deemed washed up by the league. Steph Curry, DeMarcus Cousins, DeMar DeRozan. And yet, here they are, 6 games over .500. Steph and Reggie are both putting up 21, 4 and a half, and 5 and a half. Let me tell you how these guys are winning games. THEY SHOW UP! EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! THEY COMPETE LIKE IT IS 2010. So here is my warning to Eastern Conference, WATCH OUT FOR THE INDIANA PACERS.

[kucoach7]

You know what, Skip? I get it. I say we're not going to talk about you favorite player, LEBRON JAMES, and you just shut off. Don't even bother to respond. Either THAT OR, you're too busy scrambling to look at your phone to see who is on the Pacers roster to be able to RESPOND. So maybe this topic will be a little more to you liking. Let's talk about the Nets. They have a better record THAN ANTHONY DAVIS AND THE DETROIT PISTONS. You want star power? Try Buddy Pedraza and Russ Westbrook. Russ's minutes and overall numbers are down but he has never been more efficient. AND THAT MEANS SOMETHING because lest you forget Russ is a two time CHAMPION. Same story for Buddy. Numbers may be down but efficiency is off the charts. Tyreke is one of the best third options in the league. Forget the Knicks as the Atlantic powerhouse. Forget the Sixers as the team of the future. The Nets are winning now and with young guys like Medina and Buddy, they are here to STAY!

[digiskunk]

Stephen A, first I want to preface this by apologizing for my recent absence. It's been a rough Christmas break for me, so please cut me some slack. But I'm back, baby. Now secondly, I would like to take a moment to wish everybody a Happy New Year. It's been a long and difficult year for many of us — especially for franchises such as the Dallas Mavericks, who have somehow — perhaps one could even argue miraculously — recovered from last season. Stephen A, last season the Mavericks finished with a DEPLORABLE record of 21-61. THIS season however, they're 28-19. And I can't help but feel as if it's all thanks to their STAR-STUDDED roster that's COMPLETE with both former and current all-stars. If it wasn't for Dwayne Wade, Zach Randolph, Ricky Rubio, and Josh Smith, this team wouldn't be in this position right now. These guys have risen to the occasion, taken Bradley Beal under their wing, and shown him what it means to be a winner in this league.

Now, what does this mean for their division? I know the Grizzlies are expected to run away with this division, but the Mavericks have one thing that the Grizzlies don't: Dwayne Wade. And why is this so important? In 2007, Dwayne Wade averaged 20.4 points and 6.3 assists per 36.2 minutes. THIS season, he's averaging 4.5 points and 1.4 assists in 12 minutes. When you do the math, he's averaging 9 points and nearly 3 assists in 24 minutes, which are some pretty remarkable numbers for somebody of his ADVANCED age. He's practically carrying this team right now, through his overall ability and his leadership, and I want you to recognize that fact. I think we're looking at one of the best teams in the west right now, and it's all thanks to Dwayne Wade, who puts it all on the line day in and day out.

Prove me wrong, Stephen A, PROVE ME WRONG!!!

[kucoach7]

Stephen A, first I want to preface this by apologizing for my recent absence. It's been a rough Christmas break for me, so please cut me some slack. But I'm back, baby. Now secondly, I would like to take a moment to wish everybody a Happy New Year. It's been a long and difficult year for many of us — especially for franchises such as the Dallas Mavericks, who have somehow — perhaps one could even argue miraculously — recovered from last season. Stephen A, last season the Mavericks finished with a DEPLORABLE record of 21-61. THIS season however, they're 28-19. And I can't help but feel as if it's all thanks to their STAR-STUDDED roster that's COMPLETE with both former and current all-stars. If it wasn't for Dwayne Wade, Zach Randolph, Ricky Rubio, and Josh Smith, this team wouldn't be in this position right now. These guys have risen to the occasion, taken Bradley Beal under their wing, and shown him what it means to be a winner in this league.

Now, what does this mean for their division? I know the Grizzlies are expected to run away with this division, but the Mavericks have one thing that the Grizzlies don't: Dwayne Wade. And why is this so important? In 2007, Dwayne Wade averaged 20.4 points and 6.3 assists per 36.2 minutes. THIS season, he's averaging 4.5 points and 1.4 assists in 12 minutes. When you do the math, he's averaging 9 points and nearly 3 assists in 24 minutes, which are some pretty remarkable numbers for somebody of his ADVANCED age. He's practically carrying this team right now, through his overall ability and his leadership, and I want you to recognize that fact. I think we're looking at one of the best teams in the west right now, and it's all thanks to Dwayne Wade, who puts it all on the line day in and day out.

Prove me wrong, Stephen A, PROVE ME WRONG!!!

Well, I never thought I would say this but, when you're right, you're right, Skip. I'm not sure if you've cleared your inbox since returning from your leave but there was a tremendously thoughtful article recently on Dwyane Wade's shot selection. Check it out. It's terrific but it failed to note that D-Wade has rebounded this year. He is taking more inside attempts than jump shots for the first time since 2011! D-Wade is back, BABY! He started to turn it around last year and has continued his, as you say, MIRACULOUS comeback this year. I wouldn't say he is carrying the team but he is contributing in a way he hasn't in years. He has a positive plus minus, real and raw. His offensive efficiency is 107.7! HIS DEFENSIVE EFFICIENCY IS 96.6! So even though he's only been playing for one month, I'm ready to declare him BACK!

[kucoach7]

Okay, Skip, let's talk contenders and pretenders. In the East as contenders, I got the Nets and Hawks. That's it. The Nets have Russ and we all know Russ makes you a contender. He has Buddy and Reke and I think that's enough to keep them in contention. I don't need to say a word about the Atlanta Hawks they have the strongest 7 deep depth chart in the league and a savvy coach. The Pistons are pretenders for me this year. They're duking it out with Cleveland Cavaliers for the division. That alone says pretender to me. The Magic have a lot of stars but only one of them has had significant post season success, DeAndre. The Bobcats have two point guards, two small forwards, and an 80 year old center. The Sixers have turned it around, AS I PREDICTED, but still just aren't ready.

In the West I got the Wolves as contenders because Porter and Wiggins have turned into legitimate super stars. For pretenders, I see everyone else. Derrick Rose doesn't get to the free throw line like he used to, that spells postseason trouble. The Suns little midseason renaissance was a flash in a very hot Phoenix pan. The Mavs, Pelicans, and Rockets only look good because they are in the West. So I guess for me it probably comes down to a Hawks-Wolves finals with the Hawks winning yet again.

[digiskunk]

Stephen A, you know me: I like to lead a healthy, clean lifestyle. That means no drinking, no drugs. But I couldn't help but feel as if I was high as a kite watching the Bulls these past few weeks — and that's why they're my one and only PRETENDERS in this league. Right now, we're looking at a team that's decked out with talent and they have absolutely no clue what they're doing. They have one of the best young big men in the league in Vernon Desantis, one of the next rising superstars in Dennis Smith, Jr., and a myriad of other talent but what do they have to show for it, Stephen A? A record of 22-35. My paralyzed grandmother could do that chained to a white picket fence, easily. They pretend to have a good team, then just sit idly by and do nothing when the trade deadline arrives, aside from cutting KEY ASSETS such as GERALD GREEN and NANDO DE COLO. I don't know what they've been smoking out there in Chicago, but whatever it is, they need to light a fire under the rest of this young team quick, because they're being out-paced, out-hustled, out-scored, and it's beginning to look disgraceful, pathetic, like they're the freakin' Utah Jazz. You've gotta be kidding me, Stephen A! They ain't fooling anybody out there.

As for real prime-time CONTENDERS, how's this for a hot take: The Charlotte Bobcats and the Phoenix Suns. I know we don't talk about these two particular teams often, but these past few seasons they've done a lot to improve their rosters, and they've quietly climbed my list of "teams to watch" for numerous reasons. You ever sit back in your recliner, bowl of potato chips in hand, and you watch a team and think to yourself, "wow, these guys can play the game of basketball?" Well that's exactly what I think when I watch the Suns and Bobcats. Forget the Cavaliers and Knicks, I'm not ready to subscribe to those magazines any time soon. Watching them is a lot like going to the doctor's office for a quick check-up and getting a surprised rectal examination instead. But when I turn on the Bobcats and Suns, I see two teams who are ready to fight to the literal death. They mean serious business, Stephen A. Just trust me on this one.

[kucoach7]

Skip, I believe that you are high as a kite if you think the Suns are contenders. The Suns don't have a point guard! You think PATRICK RIORDAN is going to lead these guys to a championship!?!? HAHAHAHA! Also, the Bulls? As PRETENDERS? To be a pretender you have to look like something that you're not and the Bulls the look like a bad team with a bright future and, IN MY OPINION, THAT IS PRECISELY WHAT THEY ARE.

Now, on a related note, I want to talk about an interesting situation that is taking place in both conferences. Because the division winners get the top three seeds, the 6th seed is more desirable than the 4th and 5th seeds. Would you rather get locked into a battle to the death of evenly matched teams between some combination of the Blazers, Pelicans, or Mavericks, or Magic, Bobcats, and Sixers or would you rather fall to the sixth spot and get matched up against the Suns or Cavs? This is a joke. It's a TRAVESTY. The league has got to fix the playoff situation because it just ain't right to be giving the Suns the third seed over more-deserving teams.

[IamQuailman]

Hey Skip & Stephen A, what are your thoughts on the new CBA discussions (Suggestion box revamp threads)

[kucoach7]

Hey Skip & Stephen A, what are your thoughts on the new CBA discussions (Suggestion box revamp threads)

You know I think that Wignosy has shown his wisdom, his genius, his GREATNESS many times over as the GM and Coach of the Atlanta Hawks, the greatest team in this league's history. But with his latest set of proposals, Wig has shown that as a commissioner, AS A COMMISSIONER, he may be even more impressive. Wig has no incentive to "fix" this league. As a GM and coach he has a wealth of talent and an unprecedented run of success with no end in sight. He is pretty much punking every other GM in the league year after year and YET, AND YET, here is offering up thoughtful solutions that may help him, it's true I don't deny it and neither would he, but may be of a bigger help to the whelp GMs wilting in his shadow! I think the MLE is a great idea, especially because it may cut back on the super discount deals the Hawks have been able to land year after year (and that saved the Grizz this year). I think the raise amount needs to go down because two max contracts can sink a team's chance at long term success. I think the tax apron could be a little higher. I think that the current rookie training system is an unqualified mess that needs to be simplified. I think that THE WAIVER SYSTEM could be a nice FIX. Wig is fixing everything, EVERYTHING. So all I have to say is, can we get this man a raise?

[digiskunk]

Hey Skip & Stephen A, what are your thoughts on the new CBA discussions (Suggestion box revamp threads)

Stephen A, one of the things that makes this league the best in the world is the fact that it functions democratically — for the most part. At the end of each season, general managers come together and voice their opinions (i.e. vote) on any pending rule changes or alterations to how the game is played, or how it functions; and just like them, here we are, you and I, discussing these same matters. I must admit, I am a little honored to be given the opportunity to voice my complete and utter DISGUST at how SOME of these so-called GENERAL MANAGERS wish to change the face of the PBSL. A few seasons ago, we granted lottery teams the right to rename their draft picks. This makes the game much more enjoyable for everybody involved, because you can sort of "customize" your players to an extent. This rule allowed for players such as LAVAR BALL, LONZO BALL, and DESEAN HAWKINS to enter the league. But because of a SELECT FEW CONTROVERSIAL NAMES (shoutouts to Barmelo Xanthony), all of a sudden we're talking about REVOKING the rule. How about instead, we ALTER the rule, and allow for some OVERSIGHT from the COMMISSIONER himself, eh?

Now that I've gotten that out of my system, let's discuss the rookie training. As we saw last offseason, it was nothing short of a complete mess; newbies had no clue what the hell they were doing, and even veterans were a little confused. I think it would be in the league's best interest to do something to help rookies develop at a faster rate, quite like many of their NBA counterparts (here's looking at you Joel Embiid). I say, let's allow for some ADDITIONAL free rookie training — or at least let's give the youngsters a lil boost in their attributes or some crap like that. And while we're at it, let's allow for some FREE player insurance as well — let's say, 2 per team. This will help PROTECT a team's assets while giving them the TOOLS to develop at a FASTER RATE. If Bernie Sanders were commissioner of this league, it would happen, you know it would happen.

Lastly, let's discuss this new MLE proposal. I have no clue how the hell the MLE (mid-level exception) works. I can barely pay my car insurance on time, let alone pay attention to a mid-level exception rule. HOWEVER! I will say this! If the league believes it to be something that is DESIRABLE and would make the league more realistic and balanced, then I am all in favor. Wigs has a long-standing record of making sound, logical proposals, as well as coming up with responsible and desirable solutions. Unlike Adam Silver, he's everything that this league needs and wants right now (besides more 711 hotdogs) and I'm sure everything will be fine JUST AS LONG as he is in complete control of everything.

Any more questions, mysterious Quailperson?

[NOLa.]

Great stuff guys, I always enjoy seeing my notification that there are new posts in this thread, keep it up!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[digiskunk]

Stephen A, last night we witnessed something we haven't seen in a long while: the Utah Jazz win 3 games in a sim. I know we've come a long way since the days of Ricky Rubio, Paul George, and Andrew Bogut — and yes I understand that they're currently 12-59 — but I sincerely believe that this team is slowly but surely taking the next step to competing in that division again. After acquiring BONAFIDE BIG MEN John Hagerman and Alton Towers in that trade with the Bucks, they've had a record of 4-18, which is remarkable when you consider their prior record was much less than that. They even had a 2-GAME WINNING STREAK last sim, and nobody blinked an eye. Nobody blinked an eye when John Hagerman had a 25 point game neither.

But I'll tell you this much, Stephen A Smith: I've watched this team ever since Digiskunk took over as GM many seasons ago, and they're beginning to look very, VERY scary. Remember the horror movie HALLOWEEN where Michael Myers stalks his sister from afar and murders anybody who gets in his way? And then one night, suddenly, he strikes? That's the Jazz right now. They keep getting knocked down, but they keep coming after these teams, because they want that "sister" — they want that Finals championship — and there's nothing you can do to stop them, aside from beating them back down on a fairly regular basis. But unlike Conor McGregor, they keep getting back up. And it's only a matter of time until the UTAH JAZZ are back in the playoffs. That is my hot take for the day, Stephen A Smith.

[kucoach7]

There's no doubt the Utah Jazz have compiled an impressive bunch of prospects, including the much lauded John Hagerman. . . At least that is what it looks like ON THE SURFACE. I hate to burst your bubble SKIP but there are DEEPER PROBLEMS WITH THIS BUNCH. ROBERT NEELEY has the makings of a point guard that can successfully attack the rim. BUT THERE'S A COUPLE PROBLEMS! HE HAS WEAK HANDLES AND CAN'T SHOOT FREE THROWS. THOSE THINGS ARE GOING TO BE A NIGHTMARE FOR AN ATTACK FIRST POINT. GET READY JAZZ FANS FOR FABULOUS DUNKS, TURNOVERS, AND MISSED FREE THROWS. JAMES GEBHART looks like a solid 3 and D shooting guard. PROBLEM IS, HE CAN JUMP OUT OF THE BUILDING BUT CAN'T FINISH AT THE RIM! JOSEPH KNIGHT CAN FINISH AT THE RIM BUT HE IS ONLY SO-SO DEFENSIVELY AND ATHLETICALLY! NOT TO MENTION HE CAN'T HIT THE BROAD SIDE OF A BARN SHOOTING THE BALL OUTSIDE THE KEY. NOT TO MENTION ALTON TOWERS MAY HAVE THE FAKEST BLUE POTENTIAL IN THE LEAGUE TODAY! NOW, do I like this bunch as a whole. YOU BET I DO! THIS IS A GREAT YOUNG BUNCH. BUT THEY HAVE A WHOLE LOT OF WORK TO DO!!

[digiskunk]

Stephen A, it has come to my attention that a new contender has arisen out of the smoky ashes that is the battlefield of the Southwest Division — and I think you know exactly who I'm talking about. The New Orleans Pelicans went 3-1 in the last sim and 7-3 in their last 10 games. Lead by proven GLADIATORS such as Blake Griffin, Damian Lillard, and Phil "I Got This!" Pressey, they have single-handedly STEAMROLLED anybody who has gotten in their way. I know that we like to discuss the Dallas Mavericks and the moves they've made to reach the top of that division, but let us not forget about the New Orleans Pelicans, who have persevered through thick and thin. Rather than going out and overhauling their team like the Mavericks, they went out and got the guys who they KNEW would get the job done — and so far they've done it wonderfully.

Stephen A, after last season's incredibly exciting playoff run, is it really that hard to consider the NEW ORLEANS PELICANS a contender for the Finals, after all they've been able to accomplish and prove? When I look at New Orleans, I see a team built on one thing: team. basketball. And that's how you win games in this league, unless you're the Detroit Pistons, then you can just ride on the back of one player. But for a team that has suffered through some unlucky times, the Pelicans really deserve to be in the position they are in right now. They're easily one of my favorites heading into the playoffs, and I'm willing to take those words to the f*ckin' GRAVE, Stephen A.

[kucoach7]

Stephen A, it has come to my attention that a new contender has arisen out of the smoky ashes that is the battlefield of the Southwest Division — and I think you know exactly who I'm talking about. The New Orleans Pelicans went 3-1 in the last sim and 7-3 in their last 10 games. Lead by proven GLADIATORS such as Blake Griffin, Damian Lillard, and Phil "I Got This!" Pressey, they have single-handedly STEAMROLLED anybody who has gotten in their way. I know that we like to discuss the Dallas Mavericks and the moves they've made to reach the top of that division, but let us not forget about the New Orleans Pelicans, who have persevered through thick and thin. Rather than going out and overhauling their team like the Mavericks, they went out and got the guys who they KNEW would get the job done — and so far they've done it wonderfully.

Stephen A, after last season's incredibly exciting playoff run, is it really that hard to consider the NEW ORLEANS PELICANS a contender for the Finals, after all they've been able to accomplish and prove? When I look at New Orleans, I see a team built on one thing: team. basketball. And that's how you win games in this league, unless you're the Detroit Pistons, then you can just ride on the back of one player. But for a team that has suffered through some unlucky times, the Pelicans really deserve to be in the position they are in right now. They're easily one of my favorites heading into the playoffs, and I'm willing to take those words to the f*ckin' GRAVE, Stephen A.

You know I'm going to agree with you on this. The Pelicans have had a really nice year. The GM has received heavy, and in my opinion completely undeserved criticism, for the Aaron Gordon deal. Look, I'm OKAY with that deal. OKAY! Just because it isn't a ton of money and he's young. But focusing on AARON GORDON overlooks BRANDON JENNINGS AND TIMOFEY MOZGOV! Those deals weren't flashy. They weren't the big splash everyone likes to talk about but they filled needs. All of the sudden, THIS TEAM LOOKS PRETTY GOOD! So I'm with you on this, Skip. The Pelicans are looking very good heading into the post season.

[NickMalone77]

I knew I could count on my boys, STEPHEN A, and SKIP, to promote and sing the virtues of the Bourbon Street Krewe. Will definitely help in the GMOY promo material

[kucoach7]

Okay Skip, I want to challenge you to make one bold, and ideally correct although that may be a problem for you, prediction about the first round of the playoffs. We've already heard chatter about a number of potential upsets in the Eastern Conference. So I'm going to forego echoing the cries of upset watch for the Nets and Pistons. They're in trouble and they know it. I'm not going to belabor the point any further. I'm actually going to go outside the box on this one. I predict that there will be A PLAYOFF ALTERING INJURY IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS. NOW BEFORE THE FANS START WHINING ABOUT JINXES AND ATTACKING ME ON TWITTER: LOOK AT THE INJURY LIST! LOOK AT IT! THERE IS NOT ONE SERIOUS INJURY TO A PLAYER OF SIGNIFICANCE! NOT ONE! I'M NOT JINXING ANYTHING. I'M JUST SAYING WE'RE DUE! WE'RE DUE. So knock on wood, go drink yourself a TB12 shake, buy one of those Gwyneth Paltrow magic crystals, or WHATEVER! Because believe me someone's gonna get it.

[digiskunk]

Stephen A, as you well know, bold predictions are my strong point. When I take a look at the current playoff bracket, I see a variety of teams who are unworthy of the PBSL Finals... I see numerous teams who are—albeit capable—unlikely to reach the PBSL Finals. And when I take a look at ball clubs such as the Denver Nuggets, unfortunately, I see early losers. That's right, I predict that the Timberwolves are going to win—but that isn't exactly a hot take, now, is it? Now how's this for a HOT TAKE: I predict that the CHARLOTTE BOBCATZ are going to upset the BROOKLYN NETS. Despite all the odds, I'm proposing that the Bobcats—armed with the likes of Klay Thompson, Lavar Ball, and Kyrie Irving—will overcome the might of Buddy Pedraza and Russell Westbrook. If you don't believe me, just go ahead and take a look at the percentages—matter of fact, don't, because it won't matter once the BOBCATS start reigning terror upon the Nets. Let me tell you, Stephen A, it's going to be a massacre: The Bobcats are going to ruin the Nets; they're going to decimate them like no other! It's going to be a blast. I'm going to buy popcorn for this event; it's going to be an extravaganza. I suggest you invite all of your shallow-minded friends as quickly as possible to this even, because the CHARLOTTE BOBCATS are about to TAKE OVER right about MEEEEEEOW. And if you aren't here for the journey, well then I guess I'll just have to hop on the next ride. But as for now, I think the BOBCATS are going to DEFEAT the BROOKLYN NETS.

[kucoach7]

Skip, I'm gonna call you out today! You're always talking about team basketball and guys that just know how to play the game. Well I'd just like to point out to you THAT YOUR BOYS, THE NEW ORLEANS PELICANS, THAT SUPPOSEDLY ARE SUCH A GREAT EXAMPLE OF TEAM BASKETBALL JUST GOT WHIPPED IN 4 GAMES BY THE GRIZZLIES! 4 GAMES AND OUT! HOW IS THAT PLAYING TEAM BASKETBALL? YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT A TEAM PLAYING TEAM BASKETBALL? LOOK AT THE HOUSTON ROCKETS! THESE GUYS ARE SELFLESS. They don't have a single player IN THE TOP 25 IN PLAYOFF SCORING. Horford's out there throwing down 16, 9, and four. Ty Lawson's averaging 16. Thad young is putting up 11. Chris Bosh is chipping in 11 AT THE AGE OF 97! And yet here they are after 4 games, TIED WITH THE NUMBER 2 SEED IN THE WEST. THAT IS TEAM BASKETBALL!!!

[digiskunk]

Skip, I'm gonna call you out today! You're always talking about team basketball and guys that just know how to play the game. Well I'd just like to point out to you THAT YOUR BOYS, THE NEW ORLEANS PELICANS, THAT SUPPOSEDLY ARE SUCH A GREAT EXAMPLE OF TEAM BASKETBALL JUST GOT WHIPPED IN 4 GAMES BY THE GRIZZLIES! 4 GAMES AND OUT! HOW IS THAT PLAYING TEAM BASKETBALL? YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT A TEAM PLAYING TEAM BASKETBALL? LOOK AT THE HOUSTON ROCKETS! THESE GUYS ARE SELFLESS. They don't have a single player IN THE TOP 25 IN PLAYOFF SCORING. Horford's out there throwing down 16, 9, and four. Ty Lawson's averaging 16. Thad young is putting up 11. Chris Bosh is chipping in 11 AT THE AGE OF 97! And yet here they are after 4 games, TIED WITH THE NUMBER 2 SEED IN THE WEST. THAT IS TEAM BASKETBALL!!!

Well Stephen A, team basketball is the name of the game. You win together, you lose together. The Pelicans simply lost together; the Memphis Grizzlies won together. You see, it's really not all that difficult to understand: You pass the ball around, right, you pass the ball around and then you wait until one of your teammates has an easy shot. Then you let them take it. That's exactly what the Grizzlies did! They just happened to play TEAM BASKETBALL much better than the Pelicans, who might I add, suffered from a severe case of POST-SEASON DEPRESSION these past few games. Yes, that's right, I think their attitude was holding them back — not to mention the Grizzlies were on fire. You win some, you lost some, and the Pelicans lost 4, and the Grizzlies won 4. But at the end of the day, you win and lose as a team and the Grizzlies played the better TEAM BASKETBALL.

Ahem. Now let me call YOU out, Stephen A Smith. A few weeks ago, you were QUOTED as saying the FOLLOWING sacrilegious nonsense:

Skip, I believe that you are high as a kite if you think the Suns are contenders. The Suns don't have a point guard! You think PATRICK RIORDAN is going to lead these guys to a championship!?!?

Right now, the Suns are 3-1 over the Trailblazers. And although you are right, the Suns don't exactly have a point guard, they play great TEAM BASKETBALL, which is further illustrated by the amount of assists that RYAN ANDERSON and KEVIN LOVE — two VERY BIG MEN — have been dishing out. For a guy who claims to know so much about basketball, you couldn't tell the difference between a Honda Civic and a Ford Model T! So far, Kevin Love has had games in which he's dishes out 11 assists, 8 assists, 4 assists. And you got guys like Ryan Anderson and Danny Green backing him up as well. For a guy who likes to pick on me for my PREFERRED STYLE of basketball, I expected you to know better, Stephen A. You laughed at me when I said that the Suns were contenders; now I'm forcing you to eat your words! Huzzah!