Official NBA 2016-2017 Thread - 30 teams, 1 goal. 2 weeks left, so much can happen!!
What a time, they add names but not necessarily players for that system. Well to me they don't seem to fit but what do I care.
My take on the NBA eastern conference..
East
Cleveland Cavs: If they lose J.R. it could actually come back to haunt them but not necessarily for his shooting, but due to his perimeter defense that he worked so hard to master.. Even if they do resign him being such an emotional player he may be feel hurt and betrayed (especially if he is forced to sign for much less than he is worth) and if this happens he has the potential of being a cancer in the locker room, the last thing an over achieving, hustling team with that many young players need..
However, they do have a contingency plan that is Jordan McRae, K Fielder and Liggins three specialist who have the capability of offering the Cavs things they lacked last year..
Fielder and McRae gives them speed in the back court and when they are on the court playing with LeBron the Cavs all of sudden becomes on of the fastest teams in the league.. So now on paper at least the Cavs should be able to floor a outside shooting team, a half court set unit and now a run and gun squad along with mix match hybrids between the three.
Kevin Love looks better and so far it appears he's spent a lot of time dedicating his workout to improve his release speed and his outside shot, remember last year he spent the off season rehabbing and the year before in limbo, prior to the trade, so this is really his first off season he had to work on and home in on the specific skills the team needs him to play.
Indiana Pacers: For the first time since the Hibbert years, the Pacer have a roster that potentially can match the style and play of Paul George, matter fact on paper this team may actually be better.. A lot of their success may depend on the consistency of Monte Ellis and how well Al Jefferson fits in..
In the very compeditive and improved Eastern conference out of all the teams not headed by LeBron James, I think the Pacers have the highest ceiling for potential growth..
Boston Celtics: If the Pacers have the highest ceiling then the Celtics should be the 2nd favorite team coming out of the East, one thing you have to say about Boston is that they have so many moving parts on that squad and if they put the right pieces together they should be a real legitimate threat to give the Cavs some problems.. Out of all the potential opponents vs the Cavs only the Celtics have a balanced enough team to really stir things up.. Like I said on paper perhaps the Pacers, but more things have to work out for the Pacers for them to be a real threat..
On top of everything the Celtics have a strong home court and players with playoffs experience..
Toronto Raptors: After success in the playoffs last season, holding on to their key players while adding some promising rookies, the Raptors may be ready to step up even further this season.. However, this may be harder than last year due to the East getting better across the board.. The Raptors are a difficult team for many to match up against, but better balanced teams like the Celtics and Pacers may make things a lot more difficult for them before getting to the championship game, like last season.. Until the younger players are ready to step up the Raptors are still going to be thin in the bench causing them to drop a few notches back, this season..
Chicago Bulls: Yall know how I feel about older slower back courts that cannot shot the three's, however the Bulls are a little different in this way, they have so such a vet club who like the Heat last season should be able to slow down the pace of the game and beat you with the half court set..
Well this approach to the game will beat many teams, especially the younger less experiences and less patient teams, however the teams above them should have no problem over powering a slower, older Bulls lineup..
Heat/Pistons/Wizards: I really hate lumping the Pistons in this group because I think they can actually be better than the Bulls and give the Raptors some problems, but that is their ceiling, whats more realistic is that they are lumped up with the Wizards and Heat who also lurk as mid level Eastern Conference teams that or teams that can beat anyone when all is falling right yet lose to the worst teams in the league the next night..
Its going to be interesting to see what tempo the Heat will attempt to play now that Wade is gone. My guess is that if they stumble out the gate and fall behind in the standings, I would not be surprised if they make some big trades and mail it in for the season.. Riley (especially at his age) is the type that has no problem knocking down all the blocks so that he can rebuild again..
As for the Wizards, Meh to me the are very overrated and wont be surprised if they miss the playoffs..
Bucks/Knicks/76ers/Hawks: Lets keep it real two of these teams, Bucks/76ers should be on the rise while the Knicks and the Hawks look like they will not be as good as they think they are..
First with the Knicks, sure they have added a lot of moving parts and on paper they look fine, however I don't see that team being great at anything.. I have to question their ability to play defense, pass the ball and rebound.. Things could get good if Rose and Mello were somehow able to turn back the hands of time, but at this point its wishful thinking.. At this point I don't see Jackson with the passion to build a winner in NYC, and he is doing what all the Knicks GM have been doing since the Ewing era, that is grab former superstars past their prime, then market them as top bill talent.. They know in NYC they will eat it up and sell out the joint.
So until the Knicks become more concern about winning than filling in fannies at the garden I look for more of the same bla bla bla from them.
The Hawks on the other hand have no scorers and I am so not sold on Howard, I think by mid season they may be mailing in games.. This year they may be one of the most boring teams in the NBA (its going to be a tough battle royal between them and the Nets, the Magic the Lakers , Kings, Hornets and Memphis) they may actually get a few wins by boring their opponents to death..
I do like the Bucks and see them as a very gritty team, who are very similar to the Raptors and a little like the Bulls, however I don't see where they are going to get the offense they need to beat the top teams.. However if they stay healthy they are going to be a problem..
Now speaking of staying healthy, the 76ers are my wild card team for this year, because if they do stay healthy they are going to be real good.. How that translates to actual wins, well wins and loses are not that important this season, the main thing if for them to play and stop getting healthy, they have all the time in the world to get good.
But I will say this, I really believe that if the front office doesn't screw things up big time, the 6ers should be in the finals with in 3 years...
They have the best young core team I've seen since the Thunder and Warriors, hopefully they can develop in similar fashion..
East
Cleveland Cavs: If they lose J.R. it could actually come back to haunt them but not necessarily for his shooting, but due to his perimeter defense that he worked so hard to master.. Even if they do resign him being such an emotional player he may be feel hurt and betrayed (especially if he is forced to sign for much less than he is worth) and if this happens he has the potential of being a cancer in the locker room, the last thing an over achieving, hustling team with that many young players need..
However, they do have a contingency plan that is Jordan McRae, K Fielder and Liggins three specialist who have the capability of offering the Cavs things they lacked last year..
Fielder and McRae gives them speed in the back court and when they are on the court playing with LeBron the Cavs all of sudden becomes on of the fastest teams in the league.. So now on paper at least the Cavs should be able to floor a outside shooting team, a half court set unit and now a run and gun squad along with mix match hybrids between the three.
Kevin Love looks better and so far it appears he's spent a lot of time dedicating his workout to improve his release speed and his outside shot, remember last year he spent the off season rehabbing and the year before in limbo, prior to the trade, so this is really his first off season he had to work on and home in on the specific skills the team needs him to play.
Indiana Pacers: For the first time since the Hibbert years, the Pacer have a roster that potentially can match the style and play of Paul George, matter fact on paper this team may actually be better.. A lot of their success may depend on the consistency of Monte Ellis and how well Al Jefferson fits in..
In the very compeditive and improved Eastern conference out of all the teams not headed by LeBron James, I think the Pacers have the highest ceiling for potential growth..
Boston Celtics: If the Pacers have the highest ceiling then the Celtics should be the 2nd favorite team coming out of the East, one thing you have to say about Boston is that they have so many moving parts on that squad and if they put the right pieces together they should be a real legitimate threat to give the Cavs some problems.. Out of all the potential opponents vs the Cavs only the Celtics have a balanced enough team to really stir things up.. Like I said on paper perhaps the Pacers, but more things have to work out for the Pacers for them to be a real threat..
On top of everything the Celtics have a strong home court and players with playoffs experience..
Toronto Raptors: After success in the playoffs last season, holding on to their key players while adding some promising rookies, the Raptors may be ready to step up even further this season.. However, this may be harder than last year due to the East getting better across the board.. The Raptors are a difficult team for many to match up against, but better balanced teams like the Celtics and Pacers may make things a lot more difficult for them before getting to the championship game, like last season.. Until the younger players are ready to step up the Raptors are still going to be thin in the bench causing them to drop a few notches back, this season..
Chicago Bulls: Yall know how I feel about older slower back courts that cannot shot the three's, however the Bulls are a little different in this way, they have so such a vet club who like the Heat last season should be able to slow down the pace of the game and beat you with the half court set..
Well this approach to the game will beat many teams, especially the younger less experiences and less patient teams, however the teams above them should have no problem over powering a slower, older Bulls lineup..
Heat/Pistons/Wizards: I really hate lumping the Pistons in this group because I think they can actually be better than the Bulls and give the Raptors some problems, but that is their ceiling, whats more realistic is that they are lumped up with the Wizards and Heat who also lurk as mid level Eastern Conference teams that or teams that can beat anyone when all is falling right yet lose to the worst teams in the league the next night..
Its going to be interesting to see what tempo the Heat will attempt to play now that Wade is gone. My guess is that if they stumble out the gate and fall behind in the standings, I would not be surprised if they make some big trades and mail it in for the season.. Riley (especially at his age) is the type that has no problem knocking down all the blocks so that he can rebuild again..
As for the Wizards, Meh to me the are very overrated and wont be surprised if they miss the playoffs..
Bucks/Knicks/76ers/Hawks: Lets keep it real two of these teams, Bucks/76ers should be on the rise while the Knicks and the Hawks look like they will not be as good as they think they are..
First with the Knicks, sure they have added a lot of moving parts and on paper they look fine, however I don't see that team being great at anything.. I have to question their ability to play defense, pass the ball and rebound.. Things could get good if Rose and Mello were somehow able to turn back the hands of time, but at this point its wishful thinking.. At this point I don't see Jackson with the passion to build a winner in NYC, and he is doing what all the Knicks GM have been doing since the Ewing era, that is grab former superstars past their prime, then market them as top bill talent.. They know in NYC they will eat it up and sell out the joint.
So until the Knicks become more concern about winning than filling in fannies at the garden I look for more of the same bla bla bla from them.
The Hawks on the other hand have no scorers and I am so not sold on Howard, I think by mid season they may be mailing in games.. This year they may be one of the most boring teams in the NBA (its going to be a tough battle royal between them and the Nets, the Magic the Lakers , Kings, Hornets and Memphis) they may actually get a few wins by boring their opponents to death..
I do like the Bucks and see them as a very gritty team, who are very similar to the Raptors and a little like the Bulls, however I don't see where they are going to get the offense they need to beat the top teams.. However if they stay healthy they are going to be a problem..
Now speaking of staying healthy, the 76ers are my wild card team for this year, because if they do stay healthy they are going to be real good.. How that translates to actual wins, well wins and loses are not that important this season, the main thing if for them to play and stop getting healthy, they have all the time in the world to get good.
But I will say this, I really believe that if the front office doesn't screw things up big time, the 6ers should be in the finals with in 3 years...
They have the best young core team I've seen since the Thunder and Warriors, hopefully they can develop in similar fashion..
@KingTaharqa in 3 2 1..........Dwyane Wade opens up about the LeBron James-Michael Jordan debate
Getty
Win an NBA championship. Check. More importantly, fulfill promise to win an NBA Championship for Northeast Ohio. Check.
Having accomplished two of the biggest goals he set for himself when he arrived in the NBA, LeBron James has certainly elevated his level of greatness since defeating the 73-9 Golden State Warriors and bringing the title to The Land.
Now that he’s done so, his next challenge isthe ghost that played in Chicago, as he calls the great Michael Jordan. Jordan’s six championships in six tries is something James will not be able to catch as he already has four blemishes on that record, but many still think James can catch and even surpass the legacy Jordan left behind for everyone to admire. LeBron James’ best friend and former Miami Heat teammate, Dwyane Wade, is not among those who think LeBron can surpass Jordan.
Via Nick Friedell of ESPN:
“No, it’s not possible,” Wade said with a laugh. “It’s not possible. The only thing you can do is tie it,” Wade said. “There’s no 19th hole.”
If you’re wondering where the golf reference is from, it’s from a quote Wade had in an interview back in 2012 about the same topic of comparing LeBron James to Michael Jordan.
“I don’t know if [James] has the ability to surpass him or not,” Wade said in 2012. “That’s yet to be seen. My version as LeBron being on par with Michael is this: They’re both on the golf course. Michael’s on the 18th hole; LeBron is somewhere on like the fourth hole. He’s got a long way to go, but he’s on par to get to the 18th hole.
“I think everyone knows that [James] is a phenomenal, phenomenal player. He’s one that we haven’t seen, with the makeup of a 6-8 guy who runs as fast as any point guard, jumps as high as any center, and has the ability that he has to do so many things. But Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time, that’s who everyone shoots for. So it’s going to be hard to surpass that.”
Wade, however, does see a drastic climb up the ladder for James. In the ESPN interview, Wade now says that LeBron James is on the 15th hole of an 18 hole golf course.
“I think last year — not only in my eyes, but in a lot of people’s eyes — really put him … he’s on the 15th hole right now,” Wade said of James. “And he’s on his way, for sure.”
Wade and James have apparently not discussed the whole legacy chasing of Jordan, but it makes for a very entertaining discussion among the fans. Jordan didn’t lose in the Finals, but LeBron James has already been there more times than he has. Jordan beat some incredible team featuring Hall-of-Famers, but he also never beat a team that won an NBA record 73 games. Comparisons go both ways depending on which way you look at it, but Wade just can’t see anyone passing Jordan no matter what they do.
“You can’t go past it,” Wade said of Jordan’s legacy. “How can you? That’s as great as it gets, man. The only thing you can do, like I said, is be A-1, A-B. There’s no way higher.”
Cavs offered J.R. Smith a considerable amount of guaranteed money
Tim Fuller l USA TODAY Sports
Last offseason, Tristan Thompson’s contract negotiations dragged all the way till the third week of October. Now, it’s J.R. Smith’s time to be on the limelight with his own contract impasse.
The mercurial shooting guard has proven his worth to the Cleveland Cavaliers organization. He’s done his part and became an integral piece to the team’s recently completed championship puzzle.
Still, the two sides appear to be far off on an agreement. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrotein his recent article that the Cavs offered Smith a sum that is rather close to his perceived asking price.
Multiple sources told ESPN that the Cavs have offered a three-year escalating contract to Smith with a partial guarantee in the fourth year, bringing the total guaranteed money north of $42 million — the same amount Jamal Crawford got when he re-signed with the LA Clippers this offseason, except his deal only included $30.5 million guaranteed.
A source familiar with the negotiations told ESPN on Friday about the Cavs’ offer: “I don’t see it changing anytime soon.”
The common belief is that Smith’s camp is seeking somewhere around $15 million for three years. Cleveland’s offer is obviously short by a bit, but it is guaranteed money.
Despite the standoff, one thing that’s going for the Cavalier hopeful is that Smith has been very expressive in his desire to stay in Cleveland. He’s been hanging out with his “former” teammates and also attended Cleveland Browns games.
At least, on that aspect, there is a mutual desire to continue with their partnership and defend the title this season.
Tim Fuller l USA TODAY Sports
Last offseason, Tristan Thompson’s contract negotiations dragged all the way till the third week of October. Now, it’s J.R. Smith’s time to be on the limelight with his own contract impasse.
The mercurial shooting guard has proven his worth to the Cleveland Cavaliers organization. He’s done his part and became an integral piece to the team’s recently completed championship puzzle.
Still, the two sides appear to be far off on an agreement. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrotein his recent article that the Cavs offered Smith a sum that is rather close to his perceived asking price.
Multiple sources told ESPN that the Cavs have offered a three-year escalating contract to Smith with a partial guarantee in the fourth year, bringing the total guaranteed money north of $42 million — the same amount Jamal Crawford got when he re-signed with the LA Clippers this offseason, except his deal only included $30.5 million guaranteed.
A source familiar with the negotiations told ESPN on Friday about the Cavs’ offer: “I don’t see it changing anytime soon.”
The common belief is that Smith’s camp is seeking somewhere around $15 million for three years. Cleveland’s offer is obviously short by a bit, but it is guaranteed money.
Despite the standoff, one thing that’s going for the Cavalier hopeful is that Smith has been very expressive in his desire to stay in Cleveland. He’s been hanging out with his “former” teammates and also attended Cleveland Browns games.
At least, on that aspect, there is a mutual desire to continue with their partnership and defend the title this season.
Report: Jazz's Gordon Hayward breaks finger, will miss six weeks
Utah Jazz swingman Gordon Hayward dislocated and broke a finger on his left hand, according to the Desert News' Jody Genessay. Hayward is expected to miss six weeks.
Hayward is arguably the Jazz's best player, and he led them in scoring last season. It's never good news to lose a player of his caliber, and, given that Utah has been constantly dealing with injuries to its best players over the past couple of seasons, there might a bit of an oh no, not again feeling around the Jazz.
It's not time to panic, though. Utah is much better equipped to handle an injury like this than almost any other team in the league, especially with the additions of playmakers George Hill, Boris Diaw and Joe Johnson in the offseason. Swingman Rodney Hood is more than capable of handling the ball and defending the opposing team's best wing player, too. Plus Hayward will only miss a few weeks of the regular season.
Gordon Hayward averaged 19.7 points last season. USATSI
The Jazz will obviously hope that Hayward won't be sidelined long and this won't be a lingering concern. While he's out, though, their depth should be able to carry them.
Utah Jazz swingman Gordon Hayward dislocated and broke a finger on his left hand, according to the Desert News' Jody Genessay. Hayward is expected to miss six weeks.
Hayward is arguably the Jazz's best player, and he led them in scoring last season. It's never good news to lose a player of his caliber, and, given that Utah has been constantly dealing with injuries to its best players over the past couple of seasons, there might a bit of an oh no, not again feeling around the Jazz.
It's not time to panic, though. Utah is much better equipped to handle an injury like this than almost any other team in the league, especially with the additions of playmakers George Hill, Boris Diaw and Joe Johnson in the offseason. Swingman Rodney Hood is more than capable of handling the ball and defending the opposing team's best wing player, too. Plus Hayward will only miss a few weeks of the regular season.
Gordon Hayward averaged 19.7 points last season. USATSI
The Jazz will obviously hope that Hayward won't be sidelined long and this won't be a lingering concern. While he's out, though, their depth should be able to carry them.
Alessandro de' Medici
Banned
Watching Warriors training camp
WATCH: LeBron, J.R. Smith energize Indians crowd before ALDS Game 2
Wanting to fire up their home crowd before Game 2 of their American Division Series matchup against the Boston Red Sox, the Cleveland Indians called in the big guns. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Addressing the crowd before the game James was accompanied by Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye and James Jones out on the field. Interestingly enough, J.R. Smith, who has still not re-signed with the Cavs, was also part of the group.
Showing support on social media and filming a best of luck video with several of his teammates, James has been quite supportive of the Indians this postseason. James has often been criticized for being a Yankees fan and not supporting his home team but he seems all in now. And the Indians are surely happy that LeBron, the man who helped break Cleveland's 52-year championship drought, is on their side as they hope to bring another title to the city.
Wanting to fire up their home crowd before Game 2 of their American Division Series matchup against the Boston Red Sox, the Cleveland Indians called in the big guns. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Addressing the crowd before the game James was accompanied by Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye and James Jones out on the field. Interestingly enough, J.R. Smith, who has still not re-signed with the Cavs, was also part of the group.
Showing support on social media and filming a best of luck video with several of his teammates, James has been quite supportive of the Indians this postseason. James has often been criticized for being a Yankees fan and not supporting his home team but he seems all in now. And the Indians are surely happy that LeBron, the man who helped break Cleveland's 52-year championship drought, is on their side as they hope to bring another title to the city.
This nigga still hatin' on Lin?
Jabari Parker hits his head on the Rim! Didn't know young fella had ups like that! 
Alessandro de' Medici
Banned
Dwight Howard on the Warriors: 'I don't really know who's on their team'
Dwight Coward couldnt guard former Warrior now Suns player Lenandro Barbosa.
Celtics' Bradley eyeing improved playmaking, and looking good so far
Avery Bradley looks to pass more this season.USATSI
Now he has his eye on improving in another area: playmaking. Bradley averaged just 2.1 assists last year, only slightly higher than a dismal career rate of 1.6 per game, but has 11 assists in two preseason games. It's hard to take much from preseason, but ESPN reports that passing is indeed a big part of where Bradley sees his game going:
"At first it was defense; then it was improving my shot; now I think I need to add something else, and that's what it is -- involving my teammates," said Bradley. "I think it can help my team out a lot and help me out a lot."
"I challenged myself this summer. Working on ball-handling, working on decision-making, working on [isolation] moves," said Bradley. "Just trying to improve every single year. That's my goal."
"I think the thing that helps you get to the next level is being able to affect the game in different ways," said Bradley. "And that's me getting my teammates shots instead of me just coming off pin-downs. Me coming off a pin-down and creating a shot for somebody else, I think that's the next step for me."
"And pick-and-roll, just gaining Brad's trust in me to make the right decisions. Like I said, that's what I worked on this summer. The rest of the preseason games, I'm going to keep showing that, how I worked on it. And gain Brad's trust, so maybe when the regular season starts, he can give me a chance to start making decisions out there."
Of course part of what will improve those assist numbers is an improved roster. Al Horford will make a difference, but Bradley's improvements do help. Watch the double move he gives here to go back to the other side of the screen and how he finds the passing lane.
Those pindowns are key, too, since Bradley in isolation isn't necessarily explosive or athletic enough to create space. Being able to read and react off those kinds of sets will really help. Here Bradley comes off a screen, scrambles the defense and makes an imaginative pass.
Now, this is preseason, and getting in the habit of making those kinds of plays is tough. But it really helps in the waythat he's looking to expand, using craftiness and movement to create better looks for a Celtics offense that ranked 22nd last season. If he can add that part to his game, it'll help Boston get where they need to go as they look to make a run at the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.
- By Matt Moore
- 6h ago • 2 min read
Avery Bradley looks to pass more this season.USATSI
Now he has his eye on improving in another area: playmaking. Bradley averaged just 2.1 assists last year, only slightly higher than a dismal career rate of 1.6 per game, but has 11 assists in two preseason games. It's hard to take much from preseason, but ESPN reports that passing is indeed a big part of where Bradley sees his game going:
"At first it was defense; then it was improving my shot; now I think I need to add something else, and that's what it is -- involving my teammates," said Bradley. "I think it can help my team out a lot and help me out a lot."
"I challenged myself this summer. Working on ball-handling, working on decision-making, working on [isolation] moves," said Bradley. "Just trying to improve every single year. That's my goal."
"I think the thing that helps you get to the next level is being able to affect the game in different ways," said Bradley. "And that's me getting my teammates shots instead of me just coming off pin-downs. Me coming off a pin-down and creating a shot for somebody else, I think that's the next step for me."
"And pick-and-roll, just gaining Brad's trust in me to make the right decisions. Like I said, that's what I worked on this summer. The rest of the preseason games, I'm going to keep showing that, how I worked on it. And gain Brad's trust, so maybe when the regular season starts, he can give me a chance to start making decisions out there."
Of course part of what will improve those assist numbers is an improved roster. Al Horford will make a difference, but Bradley's improvements do help. Watch the double move he gives here to go back to the other side of the screen and how he finds the passing lane.
Those pindowns are key, too, since Bradley in isolation isn't necessarily explosive or athletic enough to create space. Being able to read and react off those kinds of sets will really help. Here Bradley comes off a screen, scrambles the defense and makes an imaginative pass.
Now, this is preseason, and getting in the habit of making those kinds of plays is tough. But it really helps in the waythat he's looking to expand, using craftiness and movement to create better looks for a Celtics offense that ranked 22nd last season. If he can add that part to his game, it'll help Boston get where they need to go as they look to make a run at the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.
Lakeshow put a foot in they ass, and would have won the first game. Y'all not ready.
Carmelo on Jeremy Lin: 'He's the face of their franchise, believe it or not'
Lin about to cook Melo and the Knicks 3 or 4 times this year.
yo man...I won't forget when mavs won the chip...them brothers "enjoyed" that shit for like maybe 24 hours and was complaining about cuban almost instantly cuz he wasn't planning on re-signing players...I understood where they were coming from but that shit was funny af...you supposed to savor a win...them dudes drank that shit up and spit it out immediately
faggit
Y'all done.
Shit, Da Snitch looking good this year. We still got the 6th man of the year Lou (I look like the Somali Pirate from Captain Philips) Williams, Clarkson looks solid and Brandon "the stick man" Ingram is coming along nice. Timofey is ass, and fuck Lou Aw-dang but I think we will win close to 30 games.
Carmelo on Jeremy Lin: 'He's the face of their franchise, believe it or not'
that'd be brook lopez
Dwight Howard on the Warriors: 'I don't really know who's on their team'
Who the fuck is on the Hawks?
Have you seen Brooklyn's squad?
Crack is a powerful drug
Going pick and roll them to death
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