First Take (2020‒2021)

[digiskunk]

We're entering yet another season, Stephen A — and you know what that means! — that means we have to start a fresh thread. Oooh, I'm so excited! As you know, the Phoenix Suns won the finals, which is why I'm wearing these hot new sunglasses to commemorate the occasion. Thank you for the custom-fitted shades, Ray-Ban's. Don't they look fantastic? I think so.

But let's tackle some more important matters. It's draft day, Stephen A, and I have a lot that I'd like to discuss. The first 5 selections have already been made, and they've certainly been interesting ones: The Miami Heat have broken things wide open by selecting World B. Free (who I can guarantee will be a star within the next decade), the Bucks selected Devin Booker (who's already charming all the ladies with his charisma and knowledge of Chinese checkers), the Raptors selected Ramsay Bolton (whose basketball IQ is second only to my own), and the Warriors selected Collin Sexton (I'll get to him later).

Out of all these draft-day selections, I'm intrigued the most by World B. Free, simply because he has the exact kind of skillset you'd like to see in a 1st overall pick. He can score the ball at will, he can play the role distributor and pass the ball to his teammates, and his defense is immaculate. Need I say more? Now, if I had to pick a player who has the most "bust potential", it would have to be Collin Sexton. Stephen A, there's absolutely nothing about this player that impresses me in the slightest bit. Sure, he may develop a good jumpshot down the road, but other than that he doesn't have that high of a ceiling. I think they would have made off with the steal if they picked Cheick Diallo, but instead they chose to SCREW THEMSELVES like the Warriors usually do.

[kucoach7]

We're entering yet another season, Stephen A — and you know what that means! — that means we have to start a fresh thread. Oooh, I'm so excited! As you know, the Phoenix Suns won the finals, which is why I'm wearing these hot new sunglasses to commemorate the occasion. Thank you for the custom-fitted shades, Ray-Ban's. Don't they look fantastic? I think so.

But let's tackle some more important matters. It's draft day, Stephen A, and I have a lot that I'd like to discuss. The first 5 selections have already been made, and they've certainly been interesting ones: The Miami Heat have broken things wide open by selecting World B. Free (who I can guarantee will be a star within the next decade), the Bucks selected Devin Booker (who's already charming all the ladies with his charisma and knowledge of Chinese checkers), the Raptors selected Ramsay Bolton (whose basketball IQ is second only to my own), and the Warriors selected Collin Sexton (I'll get to him later).

Out of all these draft-day selections, I'm intrigued the most by World B. Free, simply because he has the exact kind of skillset you'd like to see in a 1st overall pick. He can score the ball at will, he can play the role distributor and pass the ball to his teammates, and his defense is immaculate. Need I say more? Now, if I had to pick a player who has the most "bust potential", it would have to be Collin Sexton. Stephen A, there's absolutely nothing about this player that impresses me in the slightest bit. Sure, he may develop a good jumpshot down the road, but other than that he doesn't have that high of a ceiling. I think they would have made off with the steal if they picked Cheick Diallo, but instead they chose to SCREW THEMSELVES like the Warriors usually do.

Skip, I think this might be the second time in a row I'm going to say this but... I AGREE WITH YOU. World B. Free is going to be great. Devin Booker will be good. YOU CAN BOOK THAT. HOWEVER. HOWEVER. I MOST CERTAINLY DO NOT AGREE WITH YOU REGARDING COLLIN SEXTON AND CHEICK DIALLO. Let me tell you WHY. Because after the first two picks, the only way to NOT SCREW YOURSELF as you so eloquently said, is to TRADE OUT OF THE DRAFT. GET WHATEVER YOU CAN RATHER THAN DRAFT ONE OF THESE BOZOS. This draft class is DISGRACEFUL, DESPICABLE, DISRESPECTFUL, DISEMBOWELED, AND DYSENTERY. This draft class is SO BAD, that it is going to take 3 DAYS to complete the draft because everyone is trying to get AS FAR AWAY from this rookie class as humanly possible.

[digiskunk]

Now that we've finished the first two days of unrestricted free agency, I think it's about time that we weigh in with our comments before the regular season kicks off. And let me tell you Stephen A, I have a lot of built-up rage that's just begging to be unleashed. I can't believe that I'm sitting here and the Phoenix Suns have somehow, someway gotten better than last season. They went out and exchanged James Harden — one of the league's most premiere guards in the league ‒ for three brand new guards, plus Thomas Robinson, who was only second behind Anthony Davis in this year's free agent class. How the HELL did they managed to do this, Stephen A? I think the Commissioner needs to STEP IN and address the possibility of CORRUPTION and/or COLLUSION because I sincerely believe that there's more than meets the eye here. Now I'm unsure if there was money exchanged, back-door-promises made, or what, but I promise you this, Stephen A: Skip Bayless is going to get to the bottom of this nonsense and there's nothing you nor anybody else can do to STOP ME.

[kucoach7]

Right now people all around the league are overreacting after the first sim. It's madness. I heard there is a fire sale in Milwaukee, for example. But I've got one hot take that is most certainly NOT an overreaction. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG IN BROOKLYN, SKIP BAYLESS. SOMETHING VERY WRONG. Let's talk about the numbers. 45.6. That is how many millions of dollars this team is over the cap. 144. That is their current projected tax bill. 100. That is Buddy Pedraza's defensive rating AND inside scoring rating. 90. That is F. Cole Medina's defensive rating. 600. That is Buddy P's shooting percentage. 6. That is the number of starting quality players on this squad. And yet, after all that, they are 1 and 5. FOR THOSE WHO THOUGHT THEM MISSING THE PLAYOFFS LAST YEAR WAS AN ABERRATION, I'M HERE TO YELL YA, IT WASN'T A FLUKE. It wasn't AN OFF YEAR. They just dropped three in a row at home to the BUCKS, WIZ, AND RAPTORS. This team is BAD AND THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE TO FIGURE IT OUT OR THINGS ARE GOING TO GET UGLY.

[kucoach7]

I want to throw some water on a fire that folks have been cryin about. The DETROIT PISTONS are NOT as good as they APPEAR. Look, Anthony Davis is fantastic. CJ McCollum is an elite scorer. I'm not saying they aren't GOOD. I'm not even saying that they aren't GREAT! I just want to POINT OUT that the Pistons have player THIRTEEN HOME GAMES in their first SIXTEEN GAMES! I don't know what IDIOT at the league office put together this schedule but THIS IS RIDICULOUS. NINE of their next TWELVE are on the road. They gonna cool down. So everyone in the East can just CHILL OUT!

[kucoach7]

I'd first like to APOLOGIZE, to our MANY loyal viewers. Skip and I have been LAZY, LACKADAISICAL, and downright ABSENT. So I'd like to PERSONALLY COMMIT to get back on the horse. I'd like to take a minute to give a well-deserved shout out to my man GARY HARRIS. This dude, is shooting seven threes a game and making FIFTY PERCENT OF THEM! FIFTY! NOT TO MENTION, he LEADING THE LEAGUE IN STEALS. This guy is one of the elite two way players in the league. He has saved the Knicks future along with Jokic. Unfortunately, they can't SAVE THEIR PRESENT, because they are both INJURED. Their current season now rests in the CAPABLE hands of Phil Hogg. May GOD have MERCY on your souls, New York Knicks.

[kucoach7]

I think a word should be be said about the trade deadline before it gets too far behind in the rear view mirror. There are some around the league that feel like Clippers GM Clipsrback should have included #metoo when he accepted the Durant trade. I am not of that opinion. In all honesty, when I first saw the trade, I threw up a little in my mouth. Then I TOOK A STEP BACK, thought about it FROM THE NUGGETS PERSPECTIVE, and proceeded to PUKE MY PANTS! I wasn't thrilled about this trade for the Clippers simply because they already have a point guard on a long-term deal. In terms of talent, I like Chet and Durant is about to WALK in free agency. If Chet is the best they could get, then SO BE IT. My dislike of the trade from the Nuggets perspective is simply a matter of taste. The Nuggets are ONE HUNDRED PERCENT ALL-IN. I think the league is trending away from this sort of behavior but when you look at the SUCCESS the MAGIC HAD WITH IT, why not take a shot? So, while I'm not a huge fan of it, I UNDERSTAND IT and believe it is CONSISTENT with the syndicate's plan for this year, so GOOD FOR HIM.

[digiskunk]

I think a word should be be said about the trade deadline before it gets too far behind in the rear view mirror. There are some around the league that feel like Clippers GM Clipsrback should have included #metoo when he accepted the Durant trade. I am not of that opinion. In all honesty, when I first saw the trade, I threw up a little in my mouth. Then I TOOK A STEP BACK, thought about it FROM THE NUGGETS PERSPECTIVE, and proceeded to PUKE MY PANTS! I wasn't thrilled about this trade for the Clippers simply because they already have a point guard on a long-term deal. In terms of talent, I like Chet and Durant is about to WALK in free agency. If Chet is the best they could get, then SO BE IT. My dislike of the trade from the Nuggets perspective is simply a matter of taste. The Nuggets are ONE HUNDRED PERCENT ALL-IN. I think the league is trending away from this sort of behavior but when you look at the SUCCESS the MAGIC HAD WITH IT, why not take a shot? So, while I'm not a huge fan of it, I UNDERSTAND IT and believe it is CONSISTENT with the syndicate's plan for this year, so GOOD FOR HIM.

Sigh Stephen A, first I want to preface by apologizing to our legions of fans throughout the world. I have been lazy, I've been guilty of procrastinating, I've been a bad father and an even worse husband. But I'm back baby!

Now there's a great deal that I wish to discuss and respond to, Stephen A. Let's start off with this: I couldn't be any happier for the Clippers right now. Kevin Durant, as almighty as he is — we all know he's going to decline eventually. So with that said, I think it was great to see the Clippers come to terms with reality and begin building for the future. Now I love me some Chet Dooley, we all know that — but like you Stephen A, I can't help but wonder if the Clippers could have gotten a better deal for Durant — who is, may I remind you once again, is one of the greatest players this sim has ever seen. The Clippers are going to struggle for a few years, I think... Unless they act fast and begin building around Dooley immediately, while he's still in his prime. They have a lot of money heading forward and although this season will be a forgettable one, they have the potential to make a big splash in the offseason. MARK My WORDS STEPHEN A.

Now let's rev our engines and do a burn out because I'm coming at you fast and furious with this next hot take, Stephen A: Even without Nikola Jokic, the Knicks are going to continue to win ballgames, because that's what winners do, they win; and the New York Knicks are winners, Stephen A, can I make myself any more clear? They still have John Wall, they still have Gary Harris, and they still have Serge Ibaka... There's absolutely NO reason, and I repeat NO REASON WHATSOEVER, why the Knicks shouldn't be continuing to win ballgames at a high rate.

As for this next sim, I predict the Bulls to continue dominating. I also predict that the Utah Jazz will take a few steps back after a rough sim. I also predict that by 2050, the entire Earth will be completely enveloped in ice, an event that would surely wipe out all of humanity. But that's to be seen.

[kucoach7]

Skip Bayless, I agree with you. The Knicks are going to be fine. They might not win the division but that is not the real question. The real question is whether they can survive 75 more days. They just need to make it 75 MORE DAYS until their hero comes to save them. 75 days from now is approximately the time the Finals will be starting. Do I think they can make it that long? NO CHANCE.

But nobody feels sorry for them. Every season the injury bug bites teams where it hurts. Look at the Blazers. They cut their roster down to 10 to get under the apron and IMMEDIATELY, they lose BOTH of the centers on their roster to injuries. I'm not sure what they are going to do but it ain't going to be pretty! And the Blazers are fighting FOR THEIR PLAYOFF LIVES, so the NEED A LITTLE PRETTY RIGHT NOW. Look at the NETS. Another team fighting to make the playoffs. They've got to make it THIRTY DAYS without starting center GORGUI DENG. The team the Nets are tied with, the Milwaukee Bucks have been playing without Russel Arciniega essentially all season and they're going to have to wait 18 more days. These injuries have opened the door for the Celtics and Pelicans and they are sprinting to try to make it in while it is open, but if I were them I'd watch my step or else they might be the next team stung by the injury bug.

[digiskunk]

Stephen A, take a look at me. Take a guess: Who am I pretending to be? ... ... Give up yet? I'm pretending to be your boys the CHICAGO BULLS, who are still dominating the DETROIT PISTONS with a 12 game lead, despite the fact that the PISSTONS field the league's very best player. Stephen A, I want to dedicate this entire segment to the Chicago Bulls, who are single-handedly turning this league into their own personal playground. The Pistols finished last season with a 65‒17 record. Right now, they're 12 — I repeat 12 — games behind the Chicago Bulls. Stephen A, I want to be clear that I am very sincere in my belief that the Chicago Bulls are the next Finals champion. We're talking about a team that's really flexing their muscles right now and I think it's about goddamn time you recognized that fact, Stephen A.

[kucoach7]

Stephen A, take a look at me. Take a guess: Who am I pretending to be? ... ... Give up yet? I'm pretending to be your boys the CHICAGO BULLS, who are still dominating the DETROIT PISTONS with a 12 game lead, despite the fact that the ****TONS field the league's very best player. Stephen A, I want to dedicate this entire segment to the Chicago Bulls, who are single-handedly turning this league into their own personal playground. The Pistols finished last season with a 65‒17 record. Right now, they're 12 — I repeat 12 — games behind the Chicago Bulls. Stephen A, I want to be clear that I am very sincere in my belief that the Chicago Bulls are the next Finals champion. We're talking about a team that's really flexing their muscles right now and I think it's about god**** time you recognized that fact, Stephen A.

Skip Bayless, there are two things that separate the Bulls and the Pistons. ONE, Anthony Davis, arguably the greatest player to ever GRACE THE HARDWOOD WITH HIS PRESENCE, missed FOURTEEN GAMES this year. FOURTEEN! The PISTONS went THREE and ELEVEN in those games. So that is one reason the Bulls are DOMINATING. NUMBER TWO! The Pistons had the sixth pick in the 2018 draft. They selected Stephen Keitt. Now, I got nothing against Keitt. He is going to be a PROLIFIC player some day. He can defend inside and out. He can score inside and out and YET, AND YET, I WAS SHOCKED! SHOCKED! I thought for sure they would draft NONE OTHER THAN the starting point guard for the CHICAGO BULLS, DENNIS SMITH JR. Dennis will not be as complete a player as Keitt when all is said and done but Dennis was ready to start on day one and Keitt, well, some might say that Keitt still isn't ready. Taking more than three years to develop isn't a crime, it's the norm, but when you have ANTHONY DAVIS, you need studs now. Dennis Smith Junior has an assist to turnover ratio of FOUR POINT THREE NINE and a PER of TWENTY POINT FOUR. HE IS THIRD IN THE LEAGUE IN STEALS. Imagine if AD had that dude playing next to him!

[kucoach7]

It is playoff time and I could not be more excited. This season has been a drag for me. An absolute DRAG. The series I am most excited for in the first round is undoubtedly the Jazz-Suns, an upstart Utah team against the setting Suns. Kevin Love gonna Kevin Love but the Jazz took two out of three from Phoenix in the regular season. They lost the first game but won the last two after moving Joe Knows Ball Kight to the starting four spot. Can we take a minute, CAN WE TAKE A MINUTE, to recognize THE GREATNESS of JOSEPH KIGHT? SECOND TEAM ALL-LEAGUE, FIRST TEAM ALL-DEFENSE! 11TH DRAFT PICK ONLY FOUR YEARS AGO! AND THIS DUDE IS ALL THE SUDDEN A TOP TEN PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE! Kevin Love is great, but the DEPTH of this JAZZ squad makes the CONTENDERS THIS YEAR and for YEARS TO COME!

[digiskunk]

Stephen A, as much as I love the Utah Jazz, I can't help but disagree with you on this one. When I take a look at the Phoenix Suns, who are the REIGNING CHAMPIONS might I add, I see a team that's built on unselfish play and sharing the ball. We went through this before, Stephen A, but when Kevin Love is on the court, there's simply no stopping him. It doesn't matter if you play him at small forward or power forward, he's still going to take over the game. Now, the Jazz may have gotten lucky against the Suns earlier in the season, but the Suns are an entirely different beast come playoff time. Watch out, Joseph Kight.

But the one series that I can't wait to see is the #1 Nuggets and the #8 Trailblazers. The Trailblazers shouldn't stand a chance in this one, but if they play their cards right, they could upset the Nuggies. Even at his ADVANCED AGE, Derrick Rose knows how to get the job done and he can make terrible players such as Roy Hibbert even look good. But he's going to need a lot of help from Lavar Ball and Jeremy Lamb if they want to avoid being STEAMROLLED by the NUGGIES

[ballsohard]

You both can claim 5 points. KU you're capped at 25

[kucoach7]

Stephen A, as much as I love the Utah Jazz, I can't help but disagree with you on this one. When I take a look at the Phoenix Suns, who are the REIGNING CHAMPIONS might I add, I see a team that's built on unselfish play and sharing the ball. We went through this before, Stephen A, but when Kevin Love is on the court, there's simply no stopping him. It doesn't matter if you play him at small forward or power forward, he's still going to take over the game. Now, the Jazz may have gotten lucky against the Suns earlier in the season, but the Suns are an entirely different beast come playoff time. Watch out, Joseph Kight.

But the one series that I can't wait to see is the #1 Nuggets and the #8 Trailblazers. The Trailblazers shouldn't stand a chance in this one, but if they play their cards right, they could upset the Nuggies. Even at his ADVANCED AGE, Derrick Rose knows how to get the job done and he can make terrible players such as Roy Hibbert even look good. But he's going to need a lot of help from Lavar Ball and Jeremy Lamb if they want to avoid being STEAMROLLED by the NUGGIES

I WOULD agree with you but DERRICK ROSE, like everyone else on the Blazers, is INJURED. He won't play a game this post season. WAKE UP, SKIP BAYLESS. NOW, there wasn't really much unexpected about the first sim. It was boring. It was predictable. IN FACT, the most SURPRISING THING TO ME, was that the SUNS stole game one. WHERE WAS THE JAZZ BENCH!?!? They got TORCHED. All of the starters had positive plus minus but the bench combined for NEGATIVE FORTY-FOUR! That is a JOKE! That is a TRAVESTY! IT IS EMBARRASSING! They better find a way to step if up in Phoenix or this season will be OVER in SIX.

[digiskunk]

As I sipped my champagne and watched the Jazz/Suns game from my gazebo last night, I couldn't help but be reminded of the Brooklyn Nets, who lead the league in assists per game this past season — and if you want to know why, it's because the Utah Jazz were putting on a clinic by sharing the basketball. The Jazz had 31 assists that game; the only player who didn't have an assist was Cole Aldrich, who spent most of the evening trying to figure out how to tie his own shoelaces. The Jazz simply out-scored, out-hustled, and out-played the Phoenix Suns, who I must admit looked a little shaken out there. Maybe I was wrong about the Jazz, Stephen A. And maybe for once in your life you were right.

Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I'd like to revisit the Nuggets/Trailblazers series. As you recall, yesterday I predicted that the Failblazers didn't stand a chance in this series and I'm happy to announce that once again, I was right. That's literally all I have to say about that.

But another series I'd like to highlight is this Bulls/Celtics matchup, which is equally as fascinating as it is one-sided. Unless Karl-Anthony Towns gets his act together, this series is going to be over really, really soon, Stephen A. Towns is simply being manhandled out there; they're squeezing him, pinching him in the post, giving him the good ol' reach-around when he least expects it, etc. If the Celtics want any shot of winning this series, Towns is going to have to come out ready to play in game 3. Not only that, they're going to need to score some more points. And most importantly, they're going to have to jump Otto Porter Jr. with a baseball bat and shatter both of his kneecaps so that he can't play. If they do all of these things, they'll win the series, I promise.

[kucoach7]

As I sipped my champagne and watched the Jazz/Suns game from my gazebo last night, I couldn't help but be reminded of the Brooklyn Nets, who lead the league in assists per game this past season — and if you want to know why, it's because the Utah Jazz were putting on a clinic by sharing the basketball. The Jazz had 31 assists that game; the only player who didn't have an assist was Cole Aldrich, who spent most of the evening trying to figure out how to tie his own shoelaces. The Jazz simply out-scored, out-hustled, and out-played the Phoenix Suns, who I must admit looked a little shaken out there. Maybe I was wrong about the Jazz, Stephen A. And maybe for once in your life you were right.

Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I'd like to revisit the Nuggets/Trailblazers series. As you recall, yesterday I predicted that the Failblazers didn't stand a chance in this series and I'm happy to announce that once again, I was right. That's literally all I have to say about that.

But another series I'd like to highlight is this Bulls/Celtics matchup, which is equally as fascinating as it is one-sided. Unless Karl-Anthony Towns gets his act together, this series is going to be over really, really soon, Stephen A. Towns is simply being manhandled out there; they're squeezing him, pinching him in the post, giving him the good ol' reach-around when he least expects it, etc. If the Celtics want any shot of winning this series, Towns is going to have to come out ready to play in game 3. Not only that, they're going to need to score some more points. And most importantly, they're going to have to jump Otto Porter Jr. with a baseball bat and shatter both of his kneecaps so that he can't play. If they do all of these things, they'll win the series, I promise.

You forgot about ONE THING, Skip Bayless. Or I should say, ONE PERSON. TYLER ULIS. Ulis hung THIRTY-NINE on the Bulls. This dude is the REAL DEAL. HOW DARE YOU? HOW DARE YOU DISRESPECT, DISREGARD, and OUTRIGHT DISMISS TYLER ULIS? This guy is super athletic. He can score from ALL OVER THE FLOOR and CAN DEFEND. When ULIS and JDLR are all growed up, this team is going to be LEGIT! Combine those two with KAT and not even the MIGHTY 76ers will be able to hang with them. So don't you dare. DON'T YOU DARE IGNORE THE BOSTON CELTICS AND TYLER ULIS!

[digiskunk]

You're absolutely right, Stephen A, I *did* forget about Tyler Ullis — but that was by design because no matter how hard he tries, we BOTH know that he's incapable of carrying this Boston franchise on his back — especially when you're going up against an opponent with the amount of toughness and fearlessness as the Chicago Bulls. I've been saying it all season-long, Stephen A: The Chicago Bulls are bound to become champions this year, and the Boston Celtics aren't going to be spoiling their plans anytime soon. Tyler Ulis can score 50 points in game 5 — I don't give a shit. The truth of the matter remains that the Boston Celtics have absolutely no shot of winning this series, just like the Frailblazers.

Now We haven't been talking about this Rockets/Warriors series, which I'm surprised has reached game 5. Stephen A, nothing excites me more than a good game of basketball, and that's exactly what we're getting out of this series. How on earth the Warriors are continuing to compete against the ROCKETS, however, is beyond me. Sure they have some good players, but they're lacking the most important ingredient to a championship-caliber team, and that's TESTICULAR FORTITUDE, Stephen A. They're throwing guys out there who are playing like they've got no balls, Stephen A, and I'm overwhelmingly surprised that the Warriors have been able to keep up with the Houston Rockets. And that's about all I've got to say about that.

[kucoach7]

You're absolutely right, Stephen A, I *did* forget about Tyler Ullis — but that was by design because no matter how hard he tries, we BOTH know that he's incapable of carrying this Boston franchise on his back — especially when you're going up against an opponent with the amount of toughness and fearlessness as the Chicago Bulls. I've been saying it all season-long, Stephen A: The Chicago Bulls are bound to become champions this year, and the Boston Celtics aren't going to be spoiling their plans anytime soon. Tyler Ulis can score 50 points in game 5 — I don't give a ****. The truth of the matter remains that the Boston Celtics have absolutely no shot of winning this series, just like the Frailblazers.

Now We haven't been talking about this Rockets/Warriors series, which I'm surprised has reached game 5. Stephen A, nothing excites me more than a good game of basketball, and that's exactly what we're getting out of this series. How on earth the Warriors are continuing to compete against the ROCKETS, however, is beyond me. Sure they have some good players, but they're lacking the most important ingredient to a championship-caliber team, and that's TESTICULAR FORTITUDE, Stephen A. They're throwing guys out there who are playing like they've got no balls, Stephen A, and I'm overwhelmingly surprised that the Warriors have been able to keep up with the Houston Rockets. And that's about all I've got to say about that.

I'm with you on this Skip Bayless. The Rockets/Warriors series is CUT AND DRY. The home team has won every game so far, Rockets have home court for game seven. Rockets win. PUT IT IN THE BOOKS. The Warriors got back into this series by moving Gordon Hayward to the 2 and surprising the Rockets but Houston adjusted and barely stayed alive in game six. Now let me JUST SAY THIS. IF I'M THE KINGS, I'm HOPING and PRAYING the WARRIORS find a way to win but the Kings ARE NOT EQUIPPED to take on AL HORFORD!

[kucoach7]

Skip, I want to make my game 7 picks for the second round right here, RIGHT NOW. Hopefully, I can get them in before being proven wrong, unlike the first round. I desperately want to believe in the Utah Jazz but the solution for the Nuggets is simple. You have two ALL-WORLD wings on your squad. STOP PLAYING FRANK "THE OCTOPUS" GARDEN at the THREE! He's getting TORCHED by James Gebhart, who by the way is tragically underappreciated. All he has to do is switch THE FREAK or THE SLIM REAPER to the three and this series is over.

Now I know I went wrong using this method in the first round but the HOME TEAM has won EVERY GAME in the Sixers-Hawks series. So I got the Sixers in that one. The Hawks ain't gonna get FORTY-FIVE from Carlos Hamburglerstrom and Aaron Donald on the road.

Finally, I'm picking against the DESTROYER OF WORLDS, ANTHONY DAVIS. I love AD. He's a good friend. I got nothin' against him. It won't be HIS fault they LOSE. What I DON'T LIKE is CJ McCollum guarding RUSS WESTBROOK. Game 7. In Chicago. Russ gonna go off.

[digiskunk]

Skip, I want to make my game 7 picks for the second round right here, RIGHT NOW. Hopefully, I can get them in before being proven wrong, unlike the first round. I desperately want to believe in the Utah Jazz but the solution for the Nuggets is simple. You have two ALL-WORLD wings on your squad. STOP PLAYING FRANK "THE OCTOPUS" GARDEN at the THREE! He's getting TORCHED by James Gebhart, who by the way is tragically underappreciated. All he has to do is switch THE FREAK or THE SLIM REAPER to the three and this series is over.

Now I know I went wrong using this method in the first round but the HOME TEAM has won EVERY GAME in the Sixers-Hawks series. So I got the Sixers in that one. The Hawks ain't gonna get FORTY-FIVE from Carlos Hamburglerstrom and Aaron Donald on the road.

Finally, I'm picking against the DESTROYER OF WORLDS, ANTHONY DAVIS. I love AD. He's a good friend. I got nothin' against him. It won't be HIS fault they LOSE. What I DON'T LIKE is CJ McCollum guarding RUSS WESTBROOK. Game 7. In Chicago. Russ gonna go off.

Not bad Stephen A, sounds like you know your basketball — sorta. But there's one thing you're missing, and as a Chicago fanboy, you should be ashamed of yourself. How could you forget that the Chicago Bulls lead the league with 66 wins during the regular season, whilst the PISTONS only won 55? There was absolutely no way that the Detroit Pistons stood a chance against the likes of the Bulls, but they somehow managed to force 7 games despite all the odds. But as an avid fan of team basketball, I saw this Bulls victory from a mile away. And I foresee them beaing the 76ers tonight, too. If they can sweep the Sixers that would be making a HUGE statement but I don't see that happening.

As for the Jazz, I can't help but feel as if they've been cheated. They fought so hard during the regular season to redeem all those terrible seasons, only to lose their most important players when they needed them most. But here's the thing: Despite that, they still keep finding answers and continue to win. Even without Drummond and Kight, the Jazz have been holding their own. First, it was against the Nuggets (who they defeated) and now it's the Kings, their arch nemesis. Stephen A, would it be much of a stretch to consider the Jazz championship contenders? They're definitely playing like it, that's for sure.

Here's my prediction for tonight: Bulls win, Kings win, everybody wins except the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are the absolute worst team I've seen in a long time (shoutouts to Arron Afflalo)

[IamQuailman]

First time caller: Can I get your takes on Coach Skunk forgetting Kight was available to play in games 3 & 4?