2013-14 NBA Thread part 1

Yeah, this isn't creepy as hell at all...

https://twitter.com/PelicansNBA/status/395708337540841472/photo/1

 

Gortat is an expiring contract who didn't fit in the team's long-term plans. Okafor is expiring as well and will probably be released at some point. I love what the Suns are doing. Instead of stumbling around with shitball players like Michael Beasley on the roster, the new GM has a firm direction. I'm fine with tanking. There's no point with that draft coming up of trying to piecemeal a roster that might win 30-35 games this year. It's just not smart management.

Also, the Sixers beat the Heat tonight. MCW goes off ... 22 points, 12 assists, 7 rebounds, 9 steals

 

The more I look at the upcoming draft class, the more I think the Wizards didn't do so badly in the trade with the Suns. That pick they gave up will likely be in the 13-18 range for Phoenix. Here's a look at a recent mock draft:

http://www.nbadraft.net/2014mock_draft

Anyone in that 13-18 range really jump out at you? Me, either.

I keep hearing how this draft is the deepest in years. Well, I see a draft that's pretty top heavy.

 

I think it was a fine trade for both teams. Wiz essentially traded expiring contracts, getting someone who could play right away (Gortat) in exchange for someone who is hurt (Okafor). Little risk in giving up that pick, though I'd love some Doug McDermott on the Suns, who incidentally, didn't look awful last night. Though I don't think you should bank on 18-15 every night from Plumlee. Ha.

 

Pat Riley has announced that, as a result of last night's game, the Heat are tanking so they can get Andrew Wiggins in next year's draft.

 

Seriously, though, MCW obviously can't keep this up, but man was he impressive. So was Victor Oladipo when I saw him against Indiana. What impressed me was both players adjusted and learned as the game went on. That's a good sign they're going to get better and better.

 

What a first night of games, huh?

MCW goes off.

Dwight Howard 26 rebounds.

Klay Thompson 38 points.

The Sixers beat the Dwyane Wade-less Heat.

On the down side, 2 points from Zach Randolph and 3 from Tim Duncan.

 

Andrew Bynum plays! (For 8 minutes)

 

Duncan got hurt, didn't he?

 

Yeah, elbow to the chest. Played 17 minutes.

Another no-show: Larry Sanders, 0 points, 4 rebounds, 5 personal fouls.

 

This is not breaking news, but the Warriors are really fun to watch. They might be the most entertaining team in the league.

 

League pass is free through Nov. 5, FYI.