You mean the way the Warriors dominated the Nets at home..
Yeah, on their way to 24 straight
2015 - 2016 NBA Thread - NBA where amazing happens - all rookie team named!!!
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Yeah, on their way to 24 straight
Life depending on it... Gotta say Jordan. Not because of talent, but because of the damn near petty level of competitiveness. It won't matter how important that game is to him personally, I know he's going to leave it all out there. Not that Bron wouldnt, it's just other worldly how competitive Jordan is. That variable would make me pick him.
Damn jus counted the Spurs out like that?Well... if they are of the mindset of coasting they will be watching the Warriors celebrating on their home court again in June...
Xmas . Big game
I said Bron bro. And I gave you a graphic that shows MJ's last second shot heroics in the postseason are not as outter worldly as projected. First off, most games don't come down to last second buzzer beaters. That being said Bron's already tied MJ for those in the postseason (3). MJ's famous "Shot" was a last second buzzer beater over Ehlo in the FIRST ROUND of the playoffs. He celebrated it like he just won a title.If Bron does that after a first round matchup all we'll hear is "pipe down", its just the first round, win a ring.
Now if you got 1 game left in a series and your life depends on it and you need somebody to go out there and get you 12 dimes or to control glass and lead the way outrebounding the other team (you know more realistic scenarios) who you taking? MJ or Bron? Obviously Bron cuz MJ wasn't a great facilitator or rebounder in that regard. Hence him never winning a playoff series without Scottie Pippen who handled those duties much better. My point being, the other 47 minutes and 55 seconds in a game matter too family. And basketball is more than just scoring particularly buzzer beaters that rarely happen. Clutchness goes beyond that.
Listen what you just said has nothing to do with what im saying; Im saying your life is dependent on this shot; not no game shit; not no last second shit; you need MJ or LBJ to make the shot; who u riding with or dieing with lol lol
game on the line gotta go with jordan
Lebron against Orlando >>>>
The gift and curse of playing in the NBA on Christmas
LeBron James has played on Christmas every one of the past 10 years and is basically never home for the holidays.
The Cavs star, who will be in Oakland this year, leads all active players with seven roadChristmas games.
“I won’t be with my family on Christmas, unfortunately,” James says. “So, no, we have no traditions. If I can get a home game on Christmas, then we’ll have a tradition."
And that's about how it goes: If everything is going beautifully with your NBA career, if your dreams are coming true on the court, then chances are you'll be working on Christmas, when games traditionally are reserved for champions, MVP candidates, teams on the rise and the highest-profile matchups.
NBA players know this and accept this. But it does somewhat complicate celebrating the holiday.
Carmelo Anthony, Knicks
Melo has had some huge Christmas performances in recent years -- his 37 points and eight assists in a win over Boston in 2011 come to mind -- but those games have come on a schedule suited to his son, Kiyan, now 8. "He's always the first one up," Anthony says, "so the gifts are out, the toys are open and there's no rest."
There’s also a mood shift. "You have to turn that right off and then get right into work mode," Anthony says. So it's the gift and the curse of playing on Christmas Day."
Chris Bosh, Heat
Bosh, whose children are ages 2, 3 and 7, says the trick is to set a certain mood.
"A few years ago, Christmas was on a Wednesday, so we had to leave," the Heat's big man says. "We ended up celebrating Christmas on the Sunday before we left, three days before. We woke up that morning and I'm about to go, but I’m yelling, 'It’s Christmas everyone. Merry Christmas! Let's open the presents. Santa came, yayyyy! Oh, my god!'
“They never even knew it wasn't Christmas.”
But on the road, Christmas can present a whole different problem, Bosh says: "Two years ago, I was in L.A. and it was the most boring-est Christmas ever. It was just boring. After the game, it was like nowhere is open to eat, nowhere to go on the road."
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
The 20-year veteran says one of the keys is to create Christmas traditions that don't have to happen on that actual day. "Every year," Bryant says, "we go and watch "The Nutcracker." So this year, American Ballet Theater, we went and watched "The Nutcracker." We do that every year, for the last 15 years."
The day itself is typically a little rushed for Bryant. “Yeah, it's always really interesting. Our house was always like, you wake up in the morning, see what Santa brought you, you open up the gifts, then it's like: OK, you got to go. You know what I mean? ... It's always tough. Every year.”
James Jones, Cavaliers
Cleveland veteran James Jones takes a page out of the Kobe playbook by creating a tradition on another day with his kids -- 10-year-old Jadynn, 8-year-old James Dylan (aka J.D.) and 6-year-old Jodie:
"I take my kids to Toys R Us, and they each have their own shopping cart and they just load it up with the gifts. So it's pretty much like a shopping spree. Imagine giving a kid a free leash on life in a toy store, their smiles, they'll be beaming.
"But it's getting a little tougher. My 10-year old, she's a little older, and so Toys R Us doesn't work for her anymore. So for her now it's more fashion, it's more mall shopping sprees and girl stuff. So we made the transition."
Matt Bonner, Spurs
The San Antonio forward says being away on Christmas just "comes with the territory" of playing in the NBA, but it's getting tougher as his son and daughter, now 3 and 6, respectively, are more aware.
"This might be the first year to be gone since my kids have been old enough to understand Christmas. So it's definitely going to be tough not being there on Christmas morning to see the looks on their faces when they come down and see the presents from Santa and everything. I'm definitely gonna Facetime it, but it's still not the same."
Jason Terry, Rockets
"It’s a special day," says Houston's 16-year veteran and father of four. "You know the world is watching."
This year, he's in luck because he can be with his Dallas-based family -- Terry played in Dallas for eight years -- on Christmas Eve. "For me, my family is in Dallas, I have a home game in Houston [Christmas Day], so I'll be able to see them, so it works out, it works out. ... We'll open gifts on Christmas Eve, do dinner Christmas Eve, and then I'll get out late that night."
As for the shopping?
"Fortunately we're in the Internet era, so we do a lot more of it online," Terry says. "But for my younger kids, Santa Claus is doing much of the grunt work. They don't know yet."
David West, Spurs
San Antonio's 12-year veteran says that for him Christmas with his family is usually "just phone calls." But sometimes you can make a little Christmas magic with the team's private jet.
"The year we played in Orlando when I was with the Hornets, the game was at noon. So we were home by 7, 8 o'clock that night. So we just had a later deal that night. The other times, it just didn’t make sense ... You sacrifice a lot in terms of your personal life and your family life at times for the game. It's something we sign up for."
LeBron James has played on Christmas every one of the past 10 years and is basically never home for the holidays.
The Cavs star, who will be in Oakland this year, leads all active players with seven roadChristmas games.
“I won’t be with my family on Christmas, unfortunately,” James says. “So, no, we have no traditions. If I can get a home game on Christmas, then we’ll have a tradition."
And that's about how it goes: If everything is going beautifully with your NBA career, if your dreams are coming true on the court, then chances are you'll be working on Christmas, when games traditionally are reserved for champions, MVP candidates, teams on the rise and the highest-profile matchups.
NBA players know this and accept this. But it does somewhat complicate celebrating the holiday.
Carmelo Anthony, Knicks
Melo has had some huge Christmas performances in recent years -- his 37 points and eight assists in a win over Boston in 2011 come to mind -- but those games have come on a schedule suited to his son, Kiyan, now 8. "He's always the first one up," Anthony says, "so the gifts are out, the toys are open and there's no rest."
There’s also a mood shift. "You have to turn that right off and then get right into work mode," Anthony says. So it's the gift and the curse of playing on Christmas Day."
Chris Bosh, Heat
Bosh, whose children are ages 2, 3 and 7, says the trick is to set a certain mood.
"A few years ago, Christmas was on a Wednesday, so we had to leave," the Heat's big man says. "We ended up celebrating Christmas on the Sunday before we left, three days before. We woke up that morning and I'm about to go, but I’m yelling, 'It’s Christmas everyone. Merry Christmas! Let's open the presents. Santa came, yayyyy! Oh, my god!'
“They never even knew it wasn't Christmas.”
But on the road, Christmas can present a whole different problem, Bosh says: "Two years ago, I was in L.A. and it was the most boring-est Christmas ever. It was just boring. After the game, it was like nowhere is open to eat, nowhere to go on the road."
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
The 20-year veteran says one of the keys is to create Christmas traditions that don't have to happen on that actual day. "Every year," Bryant says, "we go and watch "The Nutcracker." So this year, American Ballet Theater, we went and watched "The Nutcracker." We do that every year, for the last 15 years."
The day itself is typically a little rushed for Bryant. “Yeah, it's always really interesting. Our house was always like, you wake up in the morning, see what Santa brought you, you open up the gifts, then it's like: OK, you got to go. You know what I mean? ... It's always tough. Every year.”
James Jones, Cavaliers
Cleveland veteran James Jones takes a page out of the Kobe playbook by creating a tradition on another day with his kids -- 10-year-old Jadynn, 8-year-old James Dylan (aka J.D.) and 6-year-old Jodie:
"I take my kids to Toys R Us, and they each have their own shopping cart and they just load it up with the gifts. So it's pretty much like a shopping spree. Imagine giving a kid a free leash on life in a toy store, their smiles, they'll be beaming.
"But it's getting a little tougher. My 10-year old, she's a little older, and so Toys R Us doesn't work for her anymore. So for her now it's more fashion, it's more mall shopping sprees and girl stuff. So we made the transition."
Matt Bonner, Spurs
The San Antonio forward says being away on Christmas just "comes with the territory" of playing in the NBA, but it's getting tougher as his son and daughter, now 3 and 6, respectively, are more aware.
"This might be the first year to be gone since my kids have been old enough to understand Christmas. So it's definitely going to be tough not being there on Christmas morning to see the looks on their faces when they come down and see the presents from Santa and everything. I'm definitely gonna Facetime it, but it's still not the same."
Jason Terry, Rockets
"It’s a special day," says Houston's 16-year veteran and father of four. "You know the world is watching."
This year, he's in luck because he can be with his Dallas-based family -- Terry played in Dallas for eight years -- on Christmas Eve. "For me, my family is in Dallas, I have a home game in Houston [Christmas Day], so I'll be able to see them, so it works out, it works out. ... We'll open gifts on Christmas Eve, do dinner Christmas Eve, and then I'll get out late that night."
As for the shopping?
"Fortunately we're in the Internet era, so we do a lot more of it online," Terry says. "But for my younger kids, Santa Claus is doing much of the grunt work. They don't know yet."
David West, Spurs
San Antonio's 12-year veteran says that for him Christmas with his family is usually "just phone calls." But sometimes you can make a little Christmas magic with the team's private jet.
"The year we played in Orlando when I was with the Hornets, the game was at noon. So we were home by 7, 8 o'clock that night. So we just had a later deal that night. The other times, it just didn’t make sense ... You sacrifice a lot in terms of your personal life and your family life at times for the game. It's something we sign up for."
NBA Christmas wish lists: One thing that could really help every team
By Eye on Basketball staff / None
December 23, 2015 04:12 PM ET
Christmas is upon us, and what is Christmas without a little gift wishing? Right now, every GM in the NBA is sitting at his desk wishing his team had something it currently doesn't. Even Bob Myers out in Warrior land. Every team could use something -- be it a deal for a player currently on another team, or getting more out of one, or a few of, your own. And these are real wishes -- things that aren't asking for the moon or LeBron James to suddenly demand a trade to your team for pennies on the dollar.
Well, you can wish for that. But you won't get it. You might, however, be able to get a few of the things on this list.
So what do you say, Santa? Got time to slide down a few NBA chimneys? Here's one thing that would really help every team in the Association:
San Antonio Spurs
Danny Green's jumper. Where has it gone? If Santa can give the gift of marksmanship back to Green, who has shot 42.3 percent from 3-point range in his four previous seasons but is making only 29.5 percent of his 3s this year, then the Spurs will truly have everything. It's a testament to how great they've been this season that this has barely been a story.
Dallas Mavericks
Another playmaker. I'm not necessarily saying the Mavericks miss Monta Ellis, but the Mavs have the fewest shot attempts inside five feet of any team in the NBA. They could use some easier opportunities, and a slasher who can get into the paint and create for himself and others would really help. Of course, this is another way of saying that it would be nice if Santa delivered Dallas a fully healthyChandler Parsons.
Memphis Grizzlies
Every Christmas, the Grizzlies are hoping for the same thing. They keep trying to find it in the draft, the trade market and/or free agency, but they can never quite get the sort of shooting necessary to win big in today's NBA. Memphis, like the rest of the league, would love to find several two-way players who can stretch the floor wrapped up nicely for them in a couple of days. It seems unlikely.
Houston Rockets
Houston is that kid who can't decide what to ask for. Some health for Dwight Howard, some defense for James Harden, some magical potion to fix the Ty Lawson situation? The Rockets have a lot of things to figure out, even though they've found a few wins of late. I'd probably give them the magic Lawson potion, as he hasn't looked like himself for a single second this season.
New Orleans Pelicans
A mulligan. More than perhaps any team, the Pelicans would love to start this season over again this holiday season. This team was an injured mess at the start of the year, and it hasn't recovered even as players have returned to the lineup. Give Alvin Gentry a proper training camp with a full roster and see if he can make this group into something functional.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets want Santa to bring them peace on Earth, good will toward men. You know why? They don't need anything basketball-wise. They honestly don't. You can say they're not contenders, and that's probably true, but not every team can have title aspirations. The Hornets are the best version of themsleves, and that's all any team can ask for. They're a great shooting team that plays terrific defense and rebounds incredibly well (they are No.2 in allowing the lowest opponent rebound percentage). They also have a great bench, the starters are contributing, and even Frank Kaminsky has looked good. Seriously, nothing but good cheer for the Hornets.
Washington Wizards
Something to change with the coaching. All Randy Wittman did was adapt the system that everyone asked for, but it just hasn't worked. Their defense is a total disaster and their offense hasn't clicked either. Marcin Gortat looks miserable trying to cover for everyone else on defense, and John Wall has been trying to carry the team on his shoulders. It's not working, and this team is too talented to fall this far. Something's gotta change.
Orlando Magic
An Elfrid Payton jumpshot. Their talented point guard is having a really good season, but he's shooting 41 percent from the field and 31 percent from 3-point range. If they could just get a little bit better shooting from Payton, they'd be in a really good spot offensively, instead of where they rank, 20th. The Magic are still having a great season, but they need to be able to spread the defense out better with improved shooting from Payton.
Miami Heat
They're asking Santa for some beakers and a test tube... because they need offensive chemistry. They need better flow, and that means Goran Dragic and Chris Bosh getting the pick-and-pop going, and Dragic being able to find Wade on the cut better, and basically... Goran Dragic playing better overall. But their problems go beyond just Dragic. They lack consistent ball movement, which Chris Bosh has said makes it hard for him to find shots consistently. Miami has all the makings of a serious Eastern Conference contender, but until they get their 17th-ranked offense to flow better, they'll hit a ceeiling somewhere short of that. They can't shoot 3-pointers, but that's not going to change -- they don't have shooters. They have to find better shots with what they have.
Atlanta Hawks
Better rebounding. The Hawks have had weak rebounding numbers the past couple of seasons; it's their one big weakness outside of star power. They rank 28th in offensive rebound percentage and 25th in defensive rebound percentage. Most of this is because they use two talented, versatile bigs in Al Horford and Paul Millsap, neither of which is a great rebounder. Tiago Splitter is also only grabbing 14 percent of all rebounds when he's on the floor. This is a problem. The Hawks haven't had the great offensive flow from last year; they're not the same team without DeMarre Carroll. But they'd be much better if they had someone who could come in and control the glass. Whether that can work next to Millsap and Horford is a more complicated question.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors want Santa to put the entire team in the back of his sleigh and fly them out of the first round. For the third straight season, the Raptors are having a strong regular season. But this has happened before and after securing top seeds in the last two postseasons, Toronto has failed to make it out of the first round. With the addition of DeMarre Carroll and Luis Scola, the Raptors are looking like one of the top teams in the East. But they may need some Christmas magic to help them in the playoffs this year. The East is deep.
Boston Celtics
Boston's GM Danny Ainge is not keeping his holiday list a secret. Appearing on Boston sports radio Ainge said that he wants to add another "reliable scorer." Boston's offense is not far from the bottom of the league so Ainge's wish can't be granted soon enough. Boston has plenty of assets to potentially trade for a go-to scorer so maybe with some help from Santa, Ainge can mastermind a deal for the Celtics. Also, as a bonus, Boston sure would like the Nets to keep stinking as the Celtics get Brooklyn's pick next year, which obviously could end up being a very high selection.
New York Knicks
The Knicks need a better starting point guard.Jose Calderon is a fine player but he is the Knicks' weakest link in their starting lineup. Calderon is averaging a career low in assists and his defense leaves a lot to be desired. The Knicks may already have a better point guard in Langston Galloway, who has been a solid backup guard in 20-plus minutes a game, so they could just look at switching up their starting lineup.
Brooklyn Nets
With no draft picks for years, the Nets can only hope that Santa brings them some sort of future pick. Brooklyn mortgaged away their future by trading for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce two years ago, now they are not only one of the worst teams in the league, but there seems to be no end in sight. Maybe Santa can help the Nets get a pick by finding a willing trade partner for Joe Johnson, who is having an off year but is still a capable scorer.
Philadelphia 76ers
Just make this whole deal of bringing Jerry Colangelo on board as worthwhile as every Philly fan -- and frankly, ever NBA fan -- is hoping it will be. Colangelo knows how to build teams. We know that. And while the Sixers are a mess unlike any other, there is some talent there in Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel -- and don't forget about Joel Embiid, if he ever steps on an NBA court. Please, Santa. Whatever you can do. Sincerely, The Process.
Cleveland Cavaliers
We can talk about keeping Kevin Loveinvolved or keeping Kyrie Irving healthy, but however it happens, this Cavs season is only about one thing: winning a title. Preferably, they'd like to win it against the Golden State Warriors. Irving thinks they would've won last year had he stayed healthy. Who's to say if he's right, but either way, this is a rematch every NBA fan would want to see. Perhaps Santa can make that happen.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers need Santa to help speed upMyles Turner's recovery. Playing only eight games this season, Turner fractured his left thumb early and is expected to be back around the new year. Turner showed some skill and looked to be a promising player when he playedm but his injury may set him back a bit. If Santa can somehow make Turner return at full strength, then Indiana's postseason chances become even stronger as he can provide some much needed depth.
Chicago Bulls
This may be some black Christmas magic but the Bulls could use Derrick Rose to regain some of his athleticism. Beyond that, let's just get everyone on the same page. We're hearing talks of bickering in the locker room and Jimmy Butler says Fred Hoiberg should coach them harder and Joakim Noah says they need better camaraderie. Let's just button all this up. This is a good team if they can get out of their own way. And figure out their identity. And their lineups. Got all that, Santa?
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons need Brandon Jennings to be holly and jolly coming off the bench. Jennings has said that he is comfortable in a bench role but has also been a starting point guard for most of his career, so the transition may not be as smooth as he thinks it will be. Detroit has a real shot at making the playoffs this season and if Jennings can lead the Pistons' second unit, their postseason chances will only get stronger.
Milwaukee Bucks
Santa needs to get the Bucks the Delorean from Back to the Future. Milwaukee is a super young team and may have overachieved last season by making the playoffs. If they can somehow fast forward a few years into the future, Milwaukee's young core will be all grown up and could potentially be one of the league's best teams. Of course if Santa can't actually give them time travel, he can give them the gift of patience. Something the Bucks will need as they suffer through their growing pains.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The best holiday gift for the Thunder is an answer at the shooting guard position. The three options the Thunder have at the 2-guard right now are Andre Roberson, Dion Waitersand Anthony Morrow. Roberson is a staunch defender with a broken, scared jumper. Waiters is a fun-house mirror of basketball decisions at all times. Morrow struggles defensively but he's one of the deadliest 3-point shooters in NBA history. They need consistency there to help defend and stretch the floor for Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The answer to this probably doesn't exist on their roster, but it might be the only thing keeping them from being in the same class as the Warriors and Spurs.
Portland Trail Blazers
Give Damian Lillard a running mate inside for the holidays. While the defensive complications of having a C.J. McCollum-Damian Lillard backcourt certainly exist, you can see the firepower of that backcourt. But they still need a big man to team up with and they need him to be really good. LosingLaMarcus Aldridge hurt, but what's done is done. Where do they go from here to not waste this backcourt?
Utah Jazz
Just give the Utah Jazz their Rudy Gobertback. At this point the Jazz know they're nothing more than a learning playoff team with 7- or 8-seed aspirations, but Quin Snyder needs to keep developing the identity and move forward with that process, and he can't do it without Gobert in the middle. As good as Derrick Favors has been in Gobert's absence, he's that much better with the two of them on the floor together. Bring back the Stifle Tower and make sure the knee is sturdy.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Andrew Wiggins could really use a handle in his stocking this Christmas. Karl-Anthony Towns is a monster who is already putting up historical numbers as a rookie. Wiggins, a dynamic scorer, is a capable running mate, but he still needs to open up his game with a better handle. Once that develops, he's going to be impossible to stop. He gets to the free throw line a ton and will be in better rhythm on a lot of jumpers with that handle. This is one of the most promising two-man combinations for a rebuilding franchise we've seen. When Wiggins can get anywhere he wants, the defense can only pray.
Denver Nuggets
Give Emmanuel Mudiay that jumper the Nuggets need him to have so badly. The Nuggets appear to be happy sacrificing some wins to bring Mudiay along, with the hope that in the second half of his rookie season, that will start leading to more wins. The learning curve with Mudiay could be pretty quick. He will need to find a way to put the ball in the basket, whether it's by becoming a super finisher at the rim, a threat with his jumper, or an expert free throw shooter. I'm picking the jumper for Mudiay because with that, his physical attributes could make him the next big thing.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors' best gift idea would be the Spurs and/or the Thunder in the playoffs this coming postseason. Sixty-seven wins and a title wasn't enough. A historical point differential wasn't enough. A 24-0 start wasn't enough. Some people are still sore their favorite team isn't as good as the Warriors so they try to dismiss it by saying they haven't played anybody. I don't believe the Warriors are scared of anybody in the West and would welcome a matchup with the Spurs or Thunder or both in the playoffs to take care of business and prove they're real champions. And really, that's a gift that gives to everybody out there if we get to see this.
Los Angeles Clippers
A bench. Oh man does this team need a bench for Christmas. Paul Pierce has been virtually useless so far, although you got him for a playoff run. Austin Rivers' defense has been good but his offense is horrendous. We don't even know what Lance Stephenson is doing half the time out there. Josh Smithhasn't had a decent true shooting percentage since President Obama's first administration. Even Jamal Crawford has a TS% under 50. Give Chris Paul and Blake Griffin some help off the bench. Let's see this team become a real contender.
Sacramento Kings
Some calm, structure, and help for DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings are barely a competitive team without Cousins on the floor but they can actually win with him on the floor. But we've seen his back start to hurt a little bit from carrying this team and he can't carry an entire roster all season long. It's asking too much. The Kings need to find him more help than just Rajon Rondo. He needs another star alongside him and he needs the franchise to allow him to build continuity with that star. A Cousins-led team can be great; you just have to put a team around him.
Los Angeles Lakers
A great gift for the Lakers would be a top-3 pick. I'd really like for the wish to be prioritizing Kobe Bryant's sendoff, as he's earned that, but really that doesn't do anything for their long-term prospects. This team needs D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson to develop, but they also need to add another top draft pick next to these guys. Give the Lakers a top-3 pick (it heads to Philadelphia otherwise), and you'll see a swift rebuild of a once model big-market franchise.
Phoenix Suns
The best thing you could do for the Phoenix Suns this Christmas is get them a new everything. Nobody on this team seems to be playing together, Jeff Hornacek is a lame duck coach who looks beaten down before the New Year, and the malaise around the surprise of the 2013-14 season is too thick to cut through it with a machete. Blow the roster up and start over. None of this looks fun right now. Happy holidays!
Now's the time to make a wish in the NBA. (USATSI)
By Eye on Basketball staff / None
December 23, 2015 04:12 PM ET
Christmas is upon us, and what is Christmas without a little gift wishing? Right now, every GM in the NBA is sitting at his desk wishing his team had something it currently doesn't. Even Bob Myers out in Warrior land. Every team could use something -- be it a deal for a player currently on another team, or getting more out of one, or a few of, your own. And these are real wishes -- things that aren't asking for the moon or LeBron James to suddenly demand a trade to your team for pennies on the dollar.
Well, you can wish for that. But you won't get it. You might, however, be able to get a few of the things on this list.
So what do you say, Santa? Got time to slide down a few NBA chimneys? Here's one thing that would really help every team in the Association:
Danny Green's jumper. Where has it gone? If Santa can give the gift of marksmanship back to Green, who has shot 42.3 percent from 3-point range in his four previous seasons but is making only 29.5 percent of his 3s this year, then the Spurs will truly have everything. It's a testament to how great they've been this season that this has barely been a story.
Another playmaker. I'm not necessarily saying the Mavericks miss Monta Ellis, but the Mavs have the fewest shot attempts inside five feet of any team in the NBA. They could use some easier opportunities, and a slasher who can get into the paint and create for himself and others would really help. Of course, this is another way of saying that it would be nice if Santa delivered Dallas a fully healthyChandler Parsons.
Every Christmas, the Grizzlies are hoping for the same thing. They keep trying to find it in the draft, the trade market and/or free agency, but they can never quite get the sort of shooting necessary to win big in today's NBA. Memphis, like the rest of the league, would love to find several two-way players who can stretch the floor wrapped up nicely for them in a couple of days. It seems unlikely.
Houston is that kid who can't decide what to ask for. Some health for Dwight Howard, some defense for James Harden, some magical potion to fix the Ty Lawson situation? The Rockets have a lot of things to figure out, even though they've found a few wins of late. I'd probably give them the magic Lawson potion, as he hasn't looked like himself for a single second this season.
A mulligan. More than perhaps any team, the Pelicans would love to start this season over again this holiday season. This team was an injured mess at the start of the year, and it hasn't recovered even as players have returned to the lineup. Give Alvin Gentry a proper training camp with a full roster and see if he can make this group into something functional.
The Hornets want Santa to bring them peace on Earth, good will toward men. You know why? They don't need anything basketball-wise. They honestly don't. You can say they're not contenders, and that's probably true, but not every team can have title aspirations. The Hornets are the best version of themsleves, and that's all any team can ask for. They're a great shooting team that plays terrific defense and rebounds incredibly well (they are No.2 in allowing the lowest opponent rebound percentage). They also have a great bench, the starters are contributing, and even Frank Kaminsky has looked good. Seriously, nothing but good cheer for the Hornets.
Something to change with the coaching. All Randy Wittman did was adapt the system that everyone asked for, but it just hasn't worked. Their defense is a total disaster and their offense hasn't clicked either. Marcin Gortat looks miserable trying to cover for everyone else on defense, and John Wall has been trying to carry the team on his shoulders. It's not working, and this team is too talented to fall this far. Something's gotta change.
An Elfrid Payton jumpshot. Their talented point guard is having a really good season, but he's shooting 41 percent from the field and 31 percent from 3-point range. If they could just get a little bit better shooting from Payton, they'd be in a really good spot offensively, instead of where they rank, 20th. The Magic are still having a great season, but they need to be able to spread the defense out better with improved shooting from Payton.
They're asking Santa for some beakers and a test tube... because they need offensive chemistry. They need better flow, and that means Goran Dragic and Chris Bosh getting the pick-and-pop going, and Dragic being able to find Wade on the cut better, and basically... Goran Dragic playing better overall. But their problems go beyond just Dragic. They lack consistent ball movement, which Chris Bosh has said makes it hard for him to find shots consistently. Miami has all the makings of a serious Eastern Conference contender, but until they get their 17th-ranked offense to flow better, they'll hit a ceeiling somewhere short of that. They can't shoot 3-pointers, but that's not going to change -- they don't have shooters. They have to find better shots with what they have.
Better rebounding. The Hawks have had weak rebounding numbers the past couple of seasons; it's their one big weakness outside of star power. They rank 28th in offensive rebound percentage and 25th in defensive rebound percentage. Most of this is because they use two talented, versatile bigs in Al Horford and Paul Millsap, neither of which is a great rebounder. Tiago Splitter is also only grabbing 14 percent of all rebounds when he's on the floor. This is a problem. The Hawks haven't had the great offensive flow from last year; they're not the same team without DeMarre Carroll. But they'd be much better if they had someone who could come in and control the glass. Whether that can work next to Millsap and Horford is a more complicated question.
The Raptors want Santa to put the entire team in the back of his sleigh and fly them out of the first round. For the third straight season, the Raptors are having a strong regular season. But this has happened before and after securing top seeds in the last two postseasons, Toronto has failed to make it out of the first round. With the addition of DeMarre Carroll and Luis Scola, the Raptors are looking like one of the top teams in the East. But they may need some Christmas magic to help them in the playoffs this year. The East is deep.
Boston's GM Danny Ainge is not keeping his holiday list a secret. Appearing on Boston sports radio Ainge said that he wants to add another "reliable scorer." Boston's offense is not far from the bottom of the league so Ainge's wish can't be granted soon enough. Boston has plenty of assets to potentially trade for a go-to scorer so maybe with some help from Santa, Ainge can mastermind a deal for the Celtics. Also, as a bonus, Boston sure would like the Nets to keep stinking as the Celtics get Brooklyn's pick next year, which obviously could end up being a very high selection.
The Knicks need a better starting point guard.Jose Calderon is a fine player but he is the Knicks' weakest link in their starting lineup. Calderon is averaging a career low in assists and his defense leaves a lot to be desired. The Knicks may already have a better point guard in Langston Galloway, who has been a solid backup guard in 20-plus minutes a game, so they could just look at switching up their starting lineup.
With no draft picks for years, the Nets can only hope that Santa brings them some sort of future pick. Brooklyn mortgaged away their future by trading for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce two years ago, now they are not only one of the worst teams in the league, but there seems to be no end in sight. Maybe Santa can help the Nets get a pick by finding a willing trade partner for Joe Johnson, who is having an off year but is still a capable scorer.
Just make this whole deal of bringing Jerry Colangelo on board as worthwhile as every Philly fan -- and frankly, ever NBA fan -- is hoping it will be. Colangelo knows how to build teams. We know that. And while the Sixers are a mess unlike any other, there is some talent there in Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel -- and don't forget about Joel Embiid, if he ever steps on an NBA court. Please, Santa. Whatever you can do. Sincerely, The Process.
We can talk about keeping Kevin Loveinvolved or keeping Kyrie Irving healthy, but however it happens, this Cavs season is only about one thing: winning a title. Preferably, they'd like to win it against the Golden State Warriors. Irving thinks they would've won last year had he stayed healthy. Who's to say if he's right, but either way, this is a rematch every NBA fan would want to see. Perhaps Santa can make that happen.
The Pacers need Santa to help speed upMyles Turner's recovery. Playing only eight games this season, Turner fractured his left thumb early and is expected to be back around the new year. Turner showed some skill and looked to be a promising player when he playedm but his injury may set him back a bit. If Santa can somehow make Turner return at full strength, then Indiana's postseason chances become even stronger as he can provide some much needed depth.
This may be some black Christmas magic but the Bulls could use Derrick Rose to regain some of his athleticism. Beyond that, let's just get everyone on the same page. We're hearing talks of bickering in the locker room and Jimmy Butler says Fred Hoiberg should coach them harder and Joakim Noah says they need better camaraderie. Let's just button all this up. This is a good team if they can get out of their own way. And figure out their identity. And their lineups. Got all that, Santa?
The Pistons need Brandon Jennings to be holly and jolly coming off the bench. Jennings has said that he is comfortable in a bench role but has also been a starting point guard for most of his career, so the transition may not be as smooth as he thinks it will be. Detroit has a real shot at making the playoffs this season and if Jennings can lead the Pistons' second unit, their postseason chances will only get stronger.
Santa needs to get the Bucks the Delorean from Back to the Future. Milwaukee is a super young team and may have overachieved last season by making the playoffs. If they can somehow fast forward a few years into the future, Milwaukee's young core will be all grown up and could potentially be one of the league's best teams. Of course if Santa can't actually give them time travel, he can give them the gift of patience. Something the Bucks will need as they suffer through their growing pains.
The best holiday gift for the Thunder is an answer at the shooting guard position. The three options the Thunder have at the 2-guard right now are Andre Roberson, Dion Waitersand Anthony Morrow. Roberson is a staunch defender with a broken, scared jumper. Waiters is a fun-house mirror of basketball decisions at all times. Morrow struggles defensively but he's one of the deadliest 3-point shooters in NBA history. They need consistency there to help defend and stretch the floor for Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The answer to this probably doesn't exist on their roster, but it might be the only thing keeping them from being in the same class as the Warriors and Spurs.
Give Damian Lillard a running mate inside for the holidays. While the defensive complications of having a C.J. McCollum-Damian Lillard backcourt certainly exist, you can see the firepower of that backcourt. But they still need a big man to team up with and they need him to be really good. LosingLaMarcus Aldridge hurt, but what's done is done. Where do they go from here to not waste this backcourt?
Just give the Utah Jazz their Rudy Gobertback. At this point the Jazz know they're nothing more than a learning playoff team with 7- or 8-seed aspirations, but Quin Snyder needs to keep developing the identity and move forward with that process, and he can't do it without Gobert in the middle. As good as Derrick Favors has been in Gobert's absence, he's that much better with the two of them on the floor together. Bring back the Stifle Tower and make sure the knee is sturdy.
Andrew Wiggins could really use a handle in his stocking this Christmas. Karl-Anthony Towns is a monster who is already putting up historical numbers as a rookie. Wiggins, a dynamic scorer, is a capable running mate, but he still needs to open up his game with a better handle. Once that develops, he's going to be impossible to stop. He gets to the free throw line a ton and will be in better rhythm on a lot of jumpers with that handle. This is one of the most promising two-man combinations for a rebuilding franchise we've seen. When Wiggins can get anywhere he wants, the defense can only pray.
Give Emmanuel Mudiay that jumper the Nuggets need him to have so badly. The Nuggets appear to be happy sacrificing some wins to bring Mudiay along, with the hope that in the second half of his rookie season, that will start leading to more wins. The learning curve with Mudiay could be pretty quick. He will need to find a way to put the ball in the basket, whether it's by becoming a super finisher at the rim, a threat with his jumper, or an expert free throw shooter. I'm picking the jumper for Mudiay because with that, his physical attributes could make him the next big thing.
The Warriors' best gift idea would be the Spurs and/or the Thunder in the playoffs this coming postseason. Sixty-seven wins and a title wasn't enough. A historical point differential wasn't enough. A 24-0 start wasn't enough. Some people are still sore their favorite team isn't as good as the Warriors so they try to dismiss it by saying they haven't played anybody. I don't believe the Warriors are scared of anybody in the West and would welcome a matchup with the Spurs or Thunder or both in the playoffs to take care of business and prove they're real champions. And really, that's a gift that gives to everybody out there if we get to see this.
A bench. Oh man does this team need a bench for Christmas. Paul Pierce has been virtually useless so far, although you got him for a playoff run. Austin Rivers' defense has been good but his offense is horrendous. We don't even know what Lance Stephenson is doing half the time out there. Josh Smithhasn't had a decent true shooting percentage since President Obama's first administration. Even Jamal Crawford has a TS% under 50. Give Chris Paul and Blake Griffin some help off the bench. Let's see this team become a real contender.
Some calm, structure, and help for DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings are barely a competitive team without Cousins on the floor but they can actually win with him on the floor. But we've seen his back start to hurt a little bit from carrying this team and he can't carry an entire roster all season long. It's asking too much. The Kings need to find him more help than just Rajon Rondo. He needs another star alongside him and he needs the franchise to allow him to build continuity with that star. A Cousins-led team can be great; you just have to put a team around him.
A great gift for the Lakers would be a top-3 pick. I'd really like for the wish to be prioritizing Kobe Bryant's sendoff, as he's earned that, but really that doesn't do anything for their long-term prospects. This team needs D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson to develop, but they also need to add another top draft pick next to these guys. Give the Lakers a top-3 pick (it heads to Philadelphia otherwise), and you'll see a swift rebuild of a once model big-market franchise.
The best thing you could do for the Phoenix Suns this Christmas is get them a new everything. Nobody on this team seems to be playing together, Jeff Hornacek is a lame duck coach who looks beaten down before the New Year, and the malaise around the surprise of the 2013-14 season is too thick to cut through it with a machete. Blow the roster up and start over. None of this looks fun right now. Happy holidays!
Now's the time to make a wish in the NBA. (USATSI)
Steph i love you like a play cousin but you're not the best player in the world, Lebron is until he goes out of his prime. You #2 though
Klay, stop smoking that good shit, you're not the best shooting guard in the nba. the best sg in the nba doesn't come up smedium for the entire playoff championship run and the best sg in the world can actually dribble the ball, and create a shot for someone else. You sir, cannot.
nba 2k16 modeled their dribbling off of klay thompson he's the most basic dribbling guard in the nba..no fluidity straight robotic
im sorry but that's just the truth
Klay, stop smoking that good shit, you're not the best shooting guard in the nba. the best sg in the nba doesn't come up smedium for the entire playoff championship run and the best sg in the world can actually dribble the ball, and create a shot for someone else. You sir, cannot.
nba 2k16 modeled their dribbling off of klay thompson he's the most basic dribbling guard in the nba..no fluidity straight robotic
im sorry but that's just the truth
I agree 100% and its not a knock on any of them.. With Curry he is by far the best offensive player in the game, may be one of the best in the history of the game, but there is more to the game than just offense... Don't get me wrong he can be more effective than LeBron because in the system they run in G.S. he doesn't have to do all the things that LeBron does for his club, so in that sense I do understand when people say Steph is better, but all you have to do is go back to the finals and see who looked like the best player game after game...
Why are the lakers playing on Christmas?
Large fan base...
So do the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons.
Again
Who wants to see trash on the court?
Is the Knicks and nets playing on Christmas?
BGOL, better power forward Dirk or Barkley?
You mean the way the Warriors dominated the Nets at home..
We're not as bad as our record states. If our coach was less stubborn would be around 500
Neither are the Knicks but some folks expect every good team to blow out every team they are better than, not understanding that these other teams are professionals and some of them are not as bad as their record..
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