#Malcolm DeWayne

[thewordisbond]

Malcolm DeWayne - 'Dreamcast Chronicles' [Album Review]

Posted on https://www.thewordisbond.com/malcolm-dewayne-dreamcast-chronicles-album-review/

Malcolm DeWayne - 'Dreamcast Chronicles' [Album Review]

Rising rapper/songwriter Malcolm DeWayne drops his new nostalgia-themed project Dreamcast Chronicles which was written over a decade ago. The 7 track body of work sees him dwelling on personal loss, self-growth and past memories over experimental backdrops. He handles most of the writing

[docrotten]

THE GHOST IN THE INVISIBLE BIKINI (1966) – Episode 187 – Decades of Horror: The Classic Era

“I’m steaming. I’m steaming. I’m… I’m so exaggerated! I’m mad at that princess. The only girl I ever loved and now she and them street slobs are going to steal a million clams from them folks and they didn’t even invite me. ” Eric von Zipper has a way with words, doesn’t he? Join this episode’s Grue-Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Jeff Mohr, and guest Dirk Rogers – as they check out one of the last of AIP’s beach party movies, The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini (1966).

Decades of Horror: The Classic Era Episode 187 – The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini (1966)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel! Subscribe today! And click the alert to get notified of new content! https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

ANNOUNCEMENT Decades of Horror The Classic Era is partnering with THE CLASSIC SCI-FI MOVIE CHANNEL, THE CLASSIC HORROR MOVIE CHANNEL, and WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL Which all now include video episodes of The Classic Era! Available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, Online Website. Across All OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop. https://classicscifichannel.com/; https://classichorrorchannel.com/; https://wickedhorrortv.com/

A corpse has 24 hours to mastermind a good deed without leaving his crypt, to go “up there” and have his youth restored.

Directed by: Don Weis

Writing Credits: Louis M. Heyward and Elwood Ullman

Selected Cast:

Tommy Kirk as Chuck Phillips

Deborah Walley as Lili Morton

Aron Kincaid as Bobby

Quinn O’Hara as Sinistra

Jesse White as J. Sinister Hulk

Harvey Lembeck as Eric Von Zipper

The Rat Pack

Andy Romano as J.D.

Alberta Nelson as Puss

Myrna Ross as Boots

Jerry Brutsche as Jerome

Bob Harvey as Bobby

Sam Page as Chauncey

John Macchia as Joey

Allen Fife as Beard

Basil Rathbone as Reginald Ripper

Patsy Kelly as Myrtle Forbush

Boris Karloff as The Corpse

Susan Hart as The Ghost

Nancy Sinatra as Vicki

Claudia Martin as Lulu

Francis X. Bushman as Malcolm

Benny Rubin as Chicken Feather

Bobbie Shaw Chance as Princess Yolanda (as Bobbi Shaw)

George Barrows as Monstro the Gorilla

Piccola Pupa as Piccola

Luree Holmes as Luree

Ed Garner as Ed

Frank Alesia as Frank

Mary Hughes as Mary

Salli Sachse as Salli

Patti Chandler as Patti

Sue Hamilton as Sue

The Bobby Fuller Four as Themselves (Bobby Fuller, Randy Fuller, DeWayne Quirico, Jim Reese)

Elena Andreas as Statue (uncredited)

Herb Andress as Statue (uncredited)

Philip Bent as Beach Boy (uncredited)

Gary Daily as Boy in Blue and White Trunks (uncredited)

Bobbi McCall as Girl in Blue Bikini (uncredited)

Christopher Riordan as Beach Boy (uncredited)

The Grue-Crew and guest host Dirk Rogers take a trip to the beach with one of the last of the Beach Party movies. Wait, what? There’s no beach? No ocean? No surfing? And AIP disliked the product so much that they added Boris Karloff and the whole ghost-in-the-invisible-bikini schtick after the fact?

Well, The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini (1966) makes for a nice title. Let’s face it. It’s a bad movie. It’s even a dumb movie. But it can be a fun movie, especially if you love the lame, teen music numbers inserted throughout the film as much as the Grue-Crew do. And even if you despise the music (yeah, the Grue-Crew didn’t like it either – except Doc, of course), you can have fun with this flick.

With Deborah Walley and Tommy Kirk (subbing for Annette and Frankie), Basil Rathbone, Patsy Kelly, Harvey Lembeck (Eric von Zipper!), Jesse White, and Nancy Sinatra, there’s always something to watch. Think “the Three Stooges in an old dark house.”

At the time of this writing, The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini (1966) is available to stream from MGM+, Amazon Prime, and several PPV options.

Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror: The Classic Era records a new episode every two weeks. Next in their very flexible schedule – this one chosen by Jeff – is The Shadow of the Cat (1961), a Hammer Film directed by John Gillin, featuring Barbara Shelley and André Morell, recently released as part of Scream Factory’s Universal Horror Collection Vol. 6! 

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel, the site, or email the Decades of Horror: The Classic Era podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com

To each of you from each of them, “Thank you so much for watching and listening!” 

Check out this episode!

[str8outdaden]

Malcolm DeWayne x Fashawn x Skyzoo Trades Bars On “Skyline”

Malcolm DeWayne x Fashawn x Skyzoo Trades Bars On “Skyline”

Nashville’s own Malcolm DeWayne holds his own with a few heavyweights on his latest single “Skyline”.

Featuring Fashawn and Skyzoo, the Zen Buddah-produced joint finds the wordsmiths trading potent bars over the classic golden era production.

Press play on the single below.

[anakin89]

Tell me why!!??

Now this hurts me to say this but I have to. I love The Rock, pause, from when he started out in the old WWF. Loved when he roasted Jabronies (my best ones were on Billy Gunn, the Big Slow, Chris Jericho and Kane), hit people with the Rock Bottom, sing his Smack down hotel hook, his matches with Stone Cold Steve Austin (Stone Cold, another fave), his This is your day segment with Mankind, bringing out Ronda Rousey at Wrestlemania, I could go on. Anyways, now he's owning Hollywood, some say the next Arnie, he may well be.....but does that mean he's not allowed to star in at least one black movie!!?? And Why did I get married too does not count. 4real tho, let's look at this. The man has done a good fair share of movies, action, drama, true story, comedy, family, but not one movie with a full black cast. Why is that!!?? I mean, the guy is half black and half Samoan. I think it's easy to say that Hollywood has got a lock on him, I believe that to true but I'm sure he can talk for himself and say "Hey, the Great one wants to be in a movie with Wesley Snipes", that would be dope! Could you imagine him in a movie directed by Jordan Peele or Malcolm D. Lee, Antoine Fuqua (that would be an intense flick), F. Gary Gray. I would say my man Spike Lee but even I know that'll be too deep for him. But do you see where I'm getting at? The dude can act. Just cuz he has a good build doesn't mean he must have a big ass gun too, pause. It's like what Halle Berry said once a long time ago. She said because of her looks she won't get a serious role in a movie. Although she did but that was later on in her career. Remember, she was in The Flintstones and Catwoman smh! Now if she didn't look so damn good in those films then hardly anyone would have seen them flicks, or care about them. The same can be said for DeWayne Johnson, I don't need to see the Tooth fairy to know how bad that was. Even John Cena checkmated him with that. You know full well he wouldn't be in no silly movie like that with a mainly black cast movie. I know there's still plenty of time but I just don't want him being totally whitewashed.

Johnson isn't the only one. One actor who I believe is definitely elite, is Will Smith. Tell me, what was the last black movie he was in? And don't say Ali

Is it a money thing? Probably

[careythewriterandersonstuff]

QOTD!!! Are you team Malcolm? I often wonder if people see him the way I truly see him. My Beta readers were always cheering for him. While I honestly said I would never tell anyone to hang in there with him. Digging a little deeper I could see why Chantel adored him. Amber hung in there with him (even though I didn’t want her to #honestlyspeaking). Torrie obsessed over him to change her reality. I understood Tracy’s puzzlement behind him. If you’re team Malcolm, WHY? I didn’t fall in love with him until much later. Nobody loves Dewayne? 🦗 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️#careyanderson #careythewriteranderson #QOTD #reading #read #readers #readersofinstagram #teammalcolm #teammalcolmneverdies #wallacefamilyaffairs #wallacefamily #beyondthewallaces #careyscorner https://www.instagram.com/p/CEXNi2yD5gb/?igshid=458gceopev22

[sportsv]

《2019 FA》大魚頻頻開獎 出手精準的開市日

文/ 小鐵

以往，自由球員市場的開啟時間是美東時間7月1日的凌晨0：00（即台灣時間中午12：00），據說某些東區球隊GM抗議，這讓他們得熬夜燒腦，不論是不是這個原因，總之今年的自由市場開市，就提前六個小時，在美東時間6月30日晚上6點，也就是美西時間下午3點。

也許不用熬夜讓各家總管都能帶著清醒的腦袋做決定，也許是今年特殊的情勢讓各隊目標一致早就設定好人選，但結局是，明明今年市場上大魚滿佈，卻沒有讓人眼花撩亂、「捉龜走鱉」的不知所措，反而是從開市的第一分鐘起，各種下手精準、價碼合理的簽約就頻頻出爐，幾個預計平均年薪可破2000萬、甚至薪資總額破億的明星球員，也都紛紛塵埃落定，開市六小時後，只剩總冠軍賽MVP Kawhi Leonard還在市場上待價而沽。

由於各隊總管下手實在太精準，多數球隊都以合理的狀態作收，其實自由市場上還是有許多人，只剩其他小修小補，這一場搶人大戰，可說是在短短六小時內就激烈的興起並落幕，後續只有單一案例的點綴而已。

大戰的起始點

這一場自由球員的血戰，其實是可以預期的。2016年，因為轉播收入大漲，每隊的薪資上限從大約7000萬直接飆到9400萬，等於每一隊都平白無故多了2400萬可以使用，原本薪資卡死的球隊得到紓解，原本薪資有控管的球隊突然得到進場資��，原本已經有空間的球隊更成為大戶，但當年憑良心說，在市場上出現的頂尖球星不多，原本的球隊二當家如Mike Conley、Bradley Beal都因此身價上漲，當時正流行的副手側翼與一貫被認為稀有財的中鋒更成了最大受益者，當年自由市場的失衡，讓許多配角都領到平均年薪破千萬甚至兩千萬的合約。

然而，很快的，在接下來幾年薪資上限上漲幅度沒有像2016年那麼誇張後，各隊紛紛發現2016年簽下的大合約成了一個又一個包袱，這些包袱限制了他們在2017和2018的手腳，甚至導致2018成為自由市場上難得的寒冬，許多2018年的FA都只簽一年約，就是希望在2019、球隊逐漸因為當年的肥約只剩一年或者已經到期而可以重新進場、或是在2014、2015年簽約的球員們再次成為自由之身時，一起來一場自由市場的錢鬥。

球隊努力在錯誤中記取教訓，努力在夏天來臨前清出空間，球員們一個個合約到期，趁市場上有人可以互相競爭、球隊也薪資較闊綽的情況入池試水溫，造成整個聯盟約200名球員都是自由之身，更有例如快艇、尼克、籃網等球隊保有可開出兩張頂薪的空間，於是這場大戰，早在水面下就暗潮洶湧，只等待6月30日、市場開啟的鈴聲響起。

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2019 NBA 自由球員簽約懶人包 – Isaiah Thomas 改作巫師再出發

綠葉球員的領跑

爆料時間或許有先後之別，但今年在市場上第一筆正式送件的簽約，是��熊用3年4500萬續簽去年季中轉隊後繳出19.9分、10.7籃板、1.6火鍋優質數據的Valanciunas，對照2016年第一槍，是前一年平均6.3分、4.4籃板的Timofey Mozgov領到4年6400萬的合約，隨後也引爆一連串直到這兩年都困住球隊的溢價數字，今年Valanciunas的簽約，說明了今年的行情，並沒有因為市場大戰爆發而失衡。

經過幾個球季的摸索，各隊紛紛了解球員在市場上的價值，幾個球隊必須仰賴的主力自然是各種符合資歷的頂薪，綠葉就以平均1500萬的年薪作為比照標準，中產起薪是940萬，所以700萬以下的球員就是更次一級的配角，Valanciunas用這3年4500萬的標準，開啟綠葉們各種「符合身價」的合約。

總計今天綠葉球員們的合約如下：

・Brook Lopez和公鹿續約，4年5200萬

・Dewayne Dedmon和國王簽約，3年4000萬

・Rudy Gay和馬刺簽約，2年3200萬

・J.J. Redick和鵜鶘簽約，2年2650萬

・Thaddeus Young和公牛簽約，3年4100萬

・Ricky Rubio和太陽簽約，3年5100萬

・Jeremy Lamb和溜馬簽約，3年3150萬

・DeAndre Jordan和籃網簽約，4年4000萬

這些球員全部都是符合當今潮流、卻又不至於溢價的球員，尤其以太陽為例子，去年的薪資空間，買了一個陣型上不缺的Trevor Ariza，把他拿來當小球四號的計畫也失敗，又讓原本就存在的控衛缺口平白留了一年，但今年太陽繼選秀會的漂亮操作補上四號缺後，又在FA一開市就買進自己需要的控衛，陣容堪稱近年來最整齊，也許經驗仍有些不足，卻已經看見未來希望。

公鹿必須保留陣容主體，鵜鶘、溜馬需要有投射能力的側翼，太陽需要控衛，公牛馬刺需要能打兩個位置的前鋒，國王需要不會阻礙Marwin Bagley和Harry Giles的中鋒，這些願望都在合理的支出中獲得解答，各隊都明顯有所補強，陣容更為整齊。

也許不能保證這些球隊馬上就能突飛猛進，但至少不必帶著太多疑問和失望開季，2019-20勢必會是他們懷抱希望的一年。

大魚的果決

2016年，KD吊足大家胃口，等了三天、一票配角都簽約後才宣布自己要「跳脫舒適圈」，但今年不論是否因為阿基里斯腱傷勢讓他沒辦法拿翹，總之在開市前一天，就有風聲透露KD會在第一天就決定自己的落腳處。既然市場最大咖如此，其他同樣頂尖的球員也紛紛跟進，在原本還以為會留在市場上繞繞的D'Angelo Russell最終點頭、成為完成籃網勇士先簽後換的主菜後，今年12位預計可拿到破億合約的頂級自由球員，除了Leonard還沒簽約以外，另外11條大魚都找到自己應得的高薪（註）。

（註）：Jimmy Butler決定前往熱火，領取4年1億4200萬的高薪，但沒有空間的熱火需要用先簽後換和七六人交易，又需要找第三隊吃自己其他球員的薪資，原本第三方找上小牛，但交易破局，目前需要再找另一個第三方才能完成交易。

這些在首日就決定落腳處的頂薪球員如下：

・Kevin Durant先簽後換加入籃網，4年1億6400萬

・Kyrie Irving和籃網簽約，4年1億4100萬

・Khris Middleton和公鹿簽約，5年1億7800萬

・Kristaps Porzingis和小牛簽約，5年1億5800萬

・Kemba Walker和塞爾提克簽約，4年1億4100萬

・Tobias Harris和七六人簽約，5年1億8000萬

・Al Horford和七六人簽約，4年1億900萬

・Nikola Vucevic和魔術簽約，4年1億

・D'Angelo Russell先簽後換加入勇士，4年1億1700萬

・Klay Thompson和勇士簽約，5年1億9000萬

這些大魚全部出現在自由市場上，就是今年市場會如此受人矚目的原因，但在開市後六小時內，就已經全數簽約，只剩Leonard和Butler還未塵埃落定，也許讓整個市場的高潮像煙火般快速燃燒後消逝，但看這些球隊在補強自己想要的人選後要如何進行下一步，比如塞爾提克怎麼找禁區、魔術怎麼找後衛、小牛怎麼找下一個幫手等等，都是值得討論的。

這是近年來少見、許多大魚的自由市場，也是近年來少見、每個球員都找到適合的落腳處、也都拿到符合身價合約的自由市場，在下一次勞資協議再做出其他改變之前，這些替明星球員訂下的行情價，應該還會在市場上通用好一陣子。

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開市首日的輸家們

大致上，今年市場上多數球隊都在自己的計劃內、找到適合自己的補強對象，例如原本可能是競爭對手的溜馬和太陽，都因為一筆交易、兩個簽約，反而組成更適合的陣型，太陽出清人手過多的側翼，現在只要等受限自由球員Kelly Oubre Jr.的報價，卻找到適合搭配陣中側翼群與年輕中鋒的Rubio，而溜馬沒有找來看似不像總教練Nate McMillan喜好的Rubio，卻能成功買進受限自由球員、技術比較全面的Malcolm Brogdon，又能在失去Bojan Bogdanovic之後還能用T.J. Warren、Jeremy Lamb補足側翼，都是市場上值得肯定的佳作。

但在這一天，終究還是有幾支球隊成了明顯的輸家。

第一個輸家是夏洛特黃蜂，固然因為Kemba Walker今年入選聯盟第三隊，讓他符合領取DVPE的資格，黃蜂背負著得開更高薪水的壓力，但以Walker這幾年在黃蜂的鞠躬盡瘁以及他高度配合且不斷進步的現況，黃蜂都應該釋出一點誠意，結果不只有風聲傳出黃蜂的開價相去甚遠，最後在Walker和塞爾提克簽約後黃蜂找Terry Rozier當備案，價碼卻是明顯高於行情的3年5800萬，這實在難以讓人肯定。

去年25.6分、5.9助攻、1.2抄截、3.2個三分球、PER 21.7、入選聯盟前三隊的Walker在黃蜂眼中不值得DVPE，去年9.0分、2.9助攻、1.5個三分球、PER僅12.9的Rozier，卻讓黃蜂認為值得比上述綠葉球員更高的3年5800萬，就算黃蜂要賭他生涯先發時的14.4分、5.9籃板、5.1助攻，仍冒著太大的風險。而且黃蜂近年之所以會捉襟見肘，就是因為2016年被太多配角以破千萬的高薪卡住薪資空間，如今好不容易等到距離解套只剩一年，又用一個破千萬的高薪搶下原本只是替補控衛的Rozier，絕對是今天最讓人質疑的選擇。

第二個輸家是紐約尼克，當初在交易截止日前清光薪資，就是坐著���到狀元籤後交易AD、再買進KD+KI的三巨頭美夢，結果不只狀元籤被鵜鶘自己抽走，AD被湖人捷足先登，KD和KI都落空，還讓這兩人都掉進鄰居籃網的手裡，清出薪資空間的尼克，只能把錢砸在Julius Randle、Taj Gibson、Bobby Portis、Reggie Bullock等人身上，這些人不是一無是處，但和原本的三巨頭野望相比，實在是太大的落差。

第三個輸家則是洛杉磯湖人，同樣坐著三巨頭美夢的湖人，在掏空未來買進AD之後，竟因為上季買斷Luol Deng後攤提的薪資成為死薪水，而必須絞盡腦汁才能努力擠出下一張頂薪的薪資空間，結果當薪資上限一公佈，湖人又很尷尬的距離頂薪還有些微的差距，當他們只能期待大魚稍微放棄一點堅持的時候，回頭卻發現所有大於都已經游到新家，僅剩的Leonard也不見得必然會選擇洛城。

最麻煩的是，四支手握大把薪資空間的大城市球隊，只有籃網如願以償，但尼克和快艇都沒有時間壓力，快艇更擁有最健康的現有陣容可以從長計議，但湖人由於LeBron James今年底將滿35歲，是最有時間壓力的球隊，而現在的湖人，不只還找不到拼湊本季戰力的陣容，現在有約在身的球員，更只有LBJ、AD和Kyle Kuzma三人。

上次自由市場大亂鬥，各隊瘋狂的砸錢，導致最近三年各種問題，這次大亂鬥，各隊總管紛紛繳出亮眼的成績單，接下來的焦點或許只剩Leonard的落腳處，但這開市第一天的驚喜，已經讓2019-20球季，有了許多讓人期待的理由。

更多最新 NBA 精選好文：

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只為關鍵而生！Klay Thompson 季後賽巔峰時刻 Top 5

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[junker-town]

Big up to Brooklyn

We have that and more in Monday’s NBA newsletter.

NBA free agency began Sunday evening. It pretty much ended Sunday evening, too. Kawhi Leonard is the only max-level star who hasn’t already made a decision on where to play next season. The next best free agent on the board is probably DeMarcus Cousins. Thank goodness the NBA cracked down on tampering!

Here’s our running tally of the biggest winners and losers of free agency. The Nets were the team that scored the vaunted Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving coup, an incredible turn of fortune for a team that spent much of the last half-decade somewhere between laughingstock and forgotten team. Durant, of course, will miss the season recovering from a ruptured Achilles. But Irving should give Brooklyn a turbo boost next season. Can’t wait to see how Kyrie and KD get along on the court.

Durant’s choice of the Nets led to the biggest shocker of the night: the Warriors elected to use that move to acquire D’Angelo Russell in a sign and trade with Brooklyn. Yes, D’Angelo Russell is now a Golden State Warrior. The 5-time defending West champs signed Russell to a 4-year, $117 million deal. Yes, that’s the wildest possible turn of events on every level. The Warriors had to trade Andre Iguodala to avoid being hard-capped after the deal; they gave up a future pick to the Grizzlies to salary dump Iguodala in Memphis.

There was lots, lots more. We’ll run down as much as possible in the next section, but there was so much there’s bound to be something missing.

C.R.E.A.M.

Klay Thompson got his money from the Warriors.

Kemba Walker chose the Celtics. Boston worked out a sign and trade to send Terry Rozier to the Hornets on a pricey deal. Yikes.

Al Horford went to the Sixers! Philadelphia also paid big to keep Tobias Harris. And ...

It looks like Philly will pick up Josh Richardson in a sign and trade to send Jimmy Butler to the Miami Heat ... except that deal hit a snag when the Mavericks got involved.

The Bucks kept everyone but Malcolm Brogdon, who is heading to the Pacers, and added Brook Lopez’s twin Robin.

The Suns picked up their point guard with a three-year deal for Ricky Rubio.

The Magic kept everyone (Nikola Vucevic and Terrence Ross).

The Pelicans landed J.J. Redick and Derrick Favors.

The Jazz, who’d already traded for Mike Conley, added Bojan Bogdanovic and Ed Davis.

The Kings are going for it, re-signing Harrison Barnes and adding Trevor Ariza, Dewayne Dedmon, and Cory Joseph.

The Knicks ... yeah, the Knicks did stuff, too.

Links

Gonna go light on links in the wake of the first blast of free agency news -- more on Tuesday.

How the Nets got here. Zach Lowe on the Nets’ rise from the ashes.

A former NBA GM explains how free agency actually works.

Kemba is not Kyrie, but the Celtics can still be better.

What D’Angelo Russell did for Brooklyn his short time there.

Fully imagining what LeBron would have been as a football player.

The Lakers are one step from being the most hated team ever.

Against James Dolan.

And finally: Maya Moore stepped away from basketball to help seek justice for a man she believes was wrongly convicted.

Be excellent to each other.

[thewordisbond]

Top submissions EP3 July, 2020

Posted on https://www.thewordisbond.com/top-submissions-ep3-july-2020/

Top submissions EP3 July, 2020

We are still dedicated to showcasing the best tracks/videos from the underground by searching far and wide in order to bring you our weekly list. It's a tough job as we sift through a ton of high-quality tracks just to settle for just 5 so we switched it up so now we curating the Top Submissions.

[biofunmy]

With Room at the Top of the East, the 76ers Could Soar

The Toronto Raptors lost Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, the Philadelphia 76ers lost Jimmy Butler, the Boston Celtics lost Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, and the Milwaukee Bucks lost Malcolm Brogdon.

There is still plenty of talent on the Eastern Conference’s top teams — and there is the looming threat of how great the Nets can become once Kevin Durant returns, most likely next season. But a series of high-profile off-season moves caused enough chaos that it could take all season to figure out which teams best repositioned themselves for the N.B.A.’s most wide-open season in recent memory.

Taking a look, team by team, reveals a conference where there are a few top contenders, a large middle class, and a small group bordering on irrelevance.

Atlantic Division

Philadelphia 76ers

Key additions: Al Horford, Josh Richardson

Key subtractions: Jimmy Butler, J.J. Redick

Draft: Matisse Thybulle (No. 20), Marial Shayok (No. 54)

Ben Simmons’s hitting a 3-pointer in the preseason set off waves of jubilation in Philadelphia. Al Horford’s signing meant that one of Joel Embiid’s nemeses in the Eastern Conference was now playing alongside him. With Kawhi Leonard out of the East, the Sixers have reason to be optimistic, given how close they came last season to knocking off the eventual champions.

But … Horford showed signs of slowing down last season. And the Sixers are very tall. Is the spacing going to be an issue on the offensive end? And let’s not forget that Philadelphia will be without Butler, although Josh Richardson is a solid replacement. If Simmons starts hitting jumpers, the Sixers will instantly have two top-10 players and will be finals favorites. If Simmons is essentially the same player as last year, Philadelphia won’t advance. The Sixers are not deep. SOPAN DEB

Toronto Raptors

Key additions: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Stanley Johnson

Key subtractions: Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green

Draft: Dewan Hernandez (No. 59)

No matter what happens this season, the Raptors will be the defending N.B.A. champions until June. It’s hard to argue with a straight face that losing Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, while adding little to replace them, won’t significantly weaken Toronto, but it’s probably not time to panic, either. Pascal Siakam is already a star and could get even better. Kyle Lowry is still a terrific player. And some vital cogs in the title run (Marc Gasol, Fred VanVleet, Serge Ibaka) are still around, making this a strong team in the East.

Brooklyn Nets

Key additions: Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, DeAndre Jordan, Taurean Prince, Wilson Chandler

Key subtractions: D’Angelo Russell, Jared Dudley, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Ed Davis, Allen Crabbe

Draft: Nicolas Claxton (No. 31), Jaylen Hands (No. 56)

Can a team be the biggest winner of the off-season and not be expected to appreciably improve in the season that follows? The Nets seem to have accomplished just that by signing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, while accepting that the costs would be having the injured Durant sit out this season and losing a young All-Star in D’Angelo Russell, as well as a number of solid veterans who were integral to the team’s surprising playoff run last season.

The Nets may already be better this season, but Irving must be engaged and healthy and mesh with Spencer Dinwiddie in the backcourt; Caris LeVert will have to keep improving; and Coach Kenny Atkinson will have to find the right balance of minutes at power forward and center for DeAndre Jordan, Jarrett Allen, Taurean Prince and Wilson Chandler.

A .500 record would probably get Brooklyn into the playoffs; in a season without Durant, that would probably be the most realistic goal. Anything on top of that is gravy, as the Nets set their sights on dominating in 2020-21.

Boston Celtics

Key additions: Kemba Walker, Enes Kanter, Vincent Poirier

Key subtractions: Kyrie Irving, Al Horford

Draft: Romeo Langford (No. 14), Grant Williams (No. 22), Carsen Edwards (No. 33), Tremont Waters (No. 51)

Replacing Irving and Horford with Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter is less of a downgrade on offense than it might seem at first, but more of a downgrade on defense than can adequately be explained here. There’s an argument that chemistry will improve with Irving gone, but Coach Brad Stevens has to find the right mix of minutes among three positions for Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart, Romeo Langford and Grant Williams.

New York Knicks

Key additions: Julius Randle, Marcus Morris, Bobby Portis

Key subtractions: Emmanuel Mudiay, Mario Hezonja

Draft: R.J. Barrett (No. 3), Ignas Brazdeikis (No. 47)

For a second consecutive season, the Knicks should focus far less on wins than on development. It’s not that wins should be avoided — The Process is not the only way to build a team — but this season should be judged largely on whether R.J. Barrett thrives, Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina figure out what’s gone wrong for them and Mitchell Robinson adds more to his game than blocks and dunks. The elements are there for this team to be fun, and Julius Randle will look like a star — at least on offense — but barring significant development from several players, it’s hard to see the Knicks being good.

Central division

Milwaukee Bucks

Key additions: Robin Lopez, Kyle Korver, Wesley Matthews, Dragan Bender

Key subtraction: Malcolm Brogdon

Draft: None

As long as Giannis Antetokounmpo is around, the Bucks will be a top team in the East, but losing Malcolm Brogdon is quite a blow to the team’s offensive versatility. Soaking up Brogdon’s minutes with a combination of Wesley Matthews and Kyle Korver is not ideal, but Milwaukee still has one of the deepest rotations in the conference and should be considered a legitimate contender for a finals appearance.

Indiana Pacers

Key additions: Malcolm Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb, T.J. Warren, Justin Holiday

Key subtractions: Thaddeus Young, Bojan Bogdanovic, Cory Joseph, Kyle O’Quinn, Darren Collison

Draft: Goga Bitadze (No. 18)

The Pacers were set to improve just because of Victor Oladipo’s return from an injury, but they scored a potential breakout star in Malcolm Brogdon, who had a 50-40-90 season as a starter for Milwaukee last year. Brogdon, who turns 27 in December, is on the older side for a fourth-year player, but he seems to fit well in Indiana’s culture. With good health, this team should be in for 50 wins and a decent playoff run.

Detroit Pistons

Key additions: Derrick Rose, Markieff Morris

Key subtractions: Ish Smith, Wayne Ellington, Jon Leuer

Draft: Sekou Doumbouya (No. 15)

It was a bit of a triumph for Detroit to make the playoffs last season with a roster that doesn’t seem particularly modern, no matter how many 3-pointers the team attempts. Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin have found ways to work together in the frontcourt, and Reggie Jackson finally found some stability (only for the team to sign Derrick Rose to compete with him). But while the Pistons once again seem capable of a seventh or eighth seed, it is worth questioning the value of maintaining a roster that seems capable of little more than that.

Chicago Bulls

Key additions: Thaddeus Young, Tomas Satoransky, Luke Kornet

Key subtraction: Robin Lopez

Draft: Coby White (No. 7), Daniel Gafford (No. 38)

If they can stay healthy — a big if — both Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine could be All-Star-level players. Kris Dunn is looking like a bust, and expecting Wendell Carter Jr. to stay healthy in long stretches seems rash. But given how Otto Porter Jr. thrived after a midseason trade from Washington, there are reasons for a little optimism in Chicago.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Key departures: Channing Frye, Marquese Chriss

Draft: Darius Garland (No. 5), Dylan Windler (No. 26)

The Cavaliers were a moving target last season, using 27 players over the season, but all of the combinations they tried were bad. Hope for this season depends on better health for Kevin Love, more development from Collin Sexton and Cedi Osman, and a belief that Cleveland snagged something special in Darius Garland. Considered by some to be a Stephen Curry-like game changer in terms of shot selection, accuracy and ball-handling, Garland steps into a confusing backcourt with Sexton just as Curry did alongside Monta Ellis a decade ago.

Southeast DIVISION

Miami Heat

Key additions: Jimmy Butler, Meyers Leonard

Key subtractions: Josh Richardson, Hassan Whiteside, Dwyane Wade

Draft: Tyler Herro (No. 13)

Jimmy Butler is an upgrade from Josh Richardson, at least in the short term, but is he an upgrade from Richardson, Hassan Whiteside and a first-round draft pick? Miami better hope so as it tries to build into something new in the post-Dwyane Wade era. Beyond Butler’s intensity, Miami should be intriguing based on how the team uses the versatile Justise Winslow, how it maximizes the shooting impact and brash confidence of the rookie Tyler Herro, and how much Bam Adebayo develops in his third season.

Atlanta Hawks

Key additions: Evan Turner, Allen Crabbe

Key subtractions: Dewayne Dedmon, Kent Bazemore, Taurean Prince

Draft: DeAndre Hunter (No. 4), Cam Reddish (No. 10), Bruno Fernando (No. 34)

The Hawks already had a promising young core with Trae Young, John Collins and Kevin Huerter, and they added to that by trading for the versatile Evan Turner and drafting one of the safer players in this year’s draft (DeAndre Hunter) along with one of its biggest boom-or-bust prospects (Cam Reddish). Things could take some time to come together, but Atlanta has the start of what could be a terrific team for a long time.

Orlando Magic

Key addition: Al-Farouq Aminu

Draft: Chuma Okeke (No. 16)

It seems clear what to expect from most of Orlando’s roster, with Nikola Vucevic being the best of the bunch while Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier provide versatility and consistency. The thing to watch will be the development of players like Mo Bamba and Jonathan Isaac, and also of the reclamation project Markelle Fultz, the former No. 1 pick, who has struggled from his first day in the N.B.A. Orlando’s picking up a contract option on Fultz, who has not appeared in a game since Nov. 19 of last year, was a bit of a surprise, but the Magic believe they were handed a lottery ticket in him and seem determined to find out if the numbers hit.

Charlotte Hornets

Key additions: Terry Rozier

Key subtractions: Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lamb

Draft: P.J. Washington (No. 12), Cody Martin (No. 36), Jalen McDaniels (No. 52)

The Hornets tried to justify throwing a king’s ransom at Terry Rozier by insisting that he would be a lottery pick if he were in this year’s draft. Debate that point all you want, but most lottery picks aren’t 24 and they don’t come with a price tag of just under $57 million for three seasons. The choice to not step up and pay Kemba Walker will most likely result in a fourth consecutive year of missing the playoffs in Charlotte, with no real optimism in the near future.

Washington Wizards

Key additions: Isaiah Thomas, Ish Smith, C.J. Miles

Draft: Rui Hachimura (No. 9), Admiral Schofield (No. 42)

Otto Porter Jr. was traded away during the last season, and John Wall is expected to miss all or most of this season with an Achilles’ tendon injury, so Washington will live or die by Bradley Beal. Rui Hachimura is an intriguing prospect to watch, and he should bring plenty of attention Washington’s way as the highest-drafted player ever born in Japan. But the new Wizards front office may take a few years to sort out the mess Ernie Grunfeld left.

Sahred From Source link Sports

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[jordstyle]

Fünf wichtige Offseason-Fragen: Milwaukee Bucks

Paul Rutherford-USA heute Sport Die Bucks waren ein beliebter Vorsaison Pick zu einem Top-Vier-Samen in der Eastern Conference und vielleicht sogar gewinnen eine Playoff-Serie zum ersten Mal seit 2001. Trotz eines großen Jahres von Giannis Antetokounmpo, kämpfte Milwaukee, um Gewinne zusammen zu stricken. Das Team feuerte Mitte der Saison seinen Cheftrainer ab, holte sich den Startplatz 7 im Osten und wurde in der ersten Runde wieder aus der Nachsaison geworfen. Mit wenig Flexibilität bei den Caps, die es ihnen ermöglichen, ihren Dienstplan zu erweitern, müssen sich die Bucks in erster Linie auf einen neuen Cheftrainer und weitere interne Entwicklungen verlassen, um in der nächsten Saison einen Schritt nach vorne zu machen. Hier sind fünf Schlüsselfragen, denen sich die Franchise in diesem Sommer stellen muss: Benny Sieu-USA HEUTE Sport 1. Ist Mike Budenholzer der richtige Cheftrainer für die Bucks? Budenholzer war mit dem Job der Bucks verbunden, kurz nachdem das Team Jason Kidd entlassen hatte, als Budenholzer noch die Hawks trainierte und Joe Prunty der Interimstrainer in Milwaukee war. Er hat die Position erst Monate später offiziell abgesichert, aber die Tatsache, dass sein Interesse an den Bucks offensichtlich vor seiner Abreise aus Atlanta zurückliegt, ist ein Signal dafür, dass Budenholzer sich auf den bevorstehenden Job freut. Während seiner einleitenden Pressekonferenz sprach Budenholzer speziell über die Absicht, das defensive Potenzial der Bucks freizusetzen, was eine faszinierende Möglichkeit ist. Budenholzers beste Trupps in Atlanta gehörten zu den besten Defensivmannschaften der NBA, und Milwaukee hat das Personal, um den Gegnern an diesem Ende des Platzes Probleme zu bereiten. Mit athletischen, klugen Spielern wie Antetokounmpo, Eric Bledsoe, John Henson, Tony Snell und Thon Maker auf der Liste, sollten die Bucks eine bessere Defensivwertung haben als in den Jahren 2017-18 (110.1; 19. in der NBA). Auch wenn sein Einfluss auf die Offensive interessant zu beobachten sein wird, bin ich gespannt, wie viel Einfluss Budenholzer auf D haben kann. Isaiah J. Downing-USA HEUTE Sport 2. Werden die Bucks Jabari Parker erneut unterschreiben? Parkers freie Agentur wird wahrscheinlich außerhalb der Saison etwas unter dem Radar stehen, wenn Spieler wie LeBron James, Paul George und DeMarcus Cousins ??die Teams wechseln könnten. Dies ist jedoch eine ehemalige zweite Gesamtauswahl, die eine PPG-Saison von 20+ unter seinem Gürtel hat und ist nur 23 Jahre alt. Es wird faszinierend sein zu sehen, welche Art von Interesse er als eingeschränkter Free Agent erhält. Obwohl die pro-minute Produktions- und Schußzahlen von Parker in den Jahren 2017-18 für einen Spieler, der seine zweite ACL-Operation beendete, solide waren, war er etwas inkonsequent, und die Bucks waren offensiv und defensiv eine bessere Mannschaft, wenn er nicht auf dem Platz war. Dieses Up-and-Down-Spiel könnte das Verdienstpotenzial von Parker in diesem Sommer einschränken, vor allem, weil so wenige Teams in der NBA eine signifikante Deckungsquote haben. Während es möglich ist, dass ein Club mit Platz wie den Bulls, Mavericks oder Suns ein starkes Spiel für Parker macht und Milwaukee zu einer schwierigen Entscheidung zwingt, würde es mich nicht überraschen, wenn der ehemalige Blue Devil nach dem Großteil des Cap Rooms nicht signiert ist Die NBA ist ausgetrocknet. In diesem Szenario konnten die Bucks in den Verhandlungen für ein langfristiges Geschäft hart spielen, vielleicht Parker für ungefähr die Hälfte des maximalen Gehaltes und nicht für den fast-Max-Vertrag, für den er einmal auf dem richtigen Weg war. Es ist auch nicht ausgeschlossen, dass Parker in diesem Sommer sein Qualifying-Angebot unterschreibt, mit dem Ziel, seinen Vorrat an Zeit für eine uneingeschränkte freie Agentur im Jahr 2019 zu erhöhen. So oder so, abgesehen von einem unerwartet aggressiven Angebotsblatt von einem Team mit Cap-Room, Die Bucks scheinen in einer guten Position zu sein, um Parker zu behalten, vorausgesetzt, sie wollen dies tun. Sergio Estrada-USA HEUTE Sport 3. Welche Spieler werden auf dem Handelsblock sein? Antetokounmpo und Khris Middleton sind wahrscheinlich die einzigen zwei unantastbaren Spieler in der Offensive der Bucks, aber das bedeutet nicht, dass das Team versuchen wird, Bledsoe, Snell, Maker oder Malcolm Brogdon zu bewegen. Die logischsten Handelsmarken auf dem Dienstplan sind wahrscheinlich Matthew Dellavedova und Henson. Dellavedova ist ein Nutznießer des freien Agentur-Booms von 2016 und hat zwei Jahre und 19 Millionen USD auf seinem Vier-Jahres-Vertrag. Während die Bucks ihn zunächst für seine Härte und umfangreiche Playoff-Erfahrung unterzeichneten, sank Dellavedovas Produktion und Rolle auf dem Platz in den Jahren 2017-18, als er im Durchschnitt nur 4,3 PPG und 3,8 APG in 18,7 MPG (38 Spiele) erzielte. Mit Bledsoe und Brogdon, die die Aufgaben der Wachmannschaften übernehmen, wären die Bucks wahrscheinlich mit einer billigeren dritten Option auf der Bank besser dran, aber Dellavedova wird als Handelsplättchen keinen großen Wert haben. Was Henson anbelangt, so hat er sich in der vergangenen Saison als Milwaukees Start-Center etabliert und das Team für sein Vertrauen in ihn mit ordentlichen Zahlen belohnt (8,8 PPG, 6,8 RPG, 1,4 BPG). Allerdings ist der große Mann in der Offensive immer noch sehr eingeschränkt und hat Probleme in bestimmten Matches zu spielen. Er ist auch nicht billig, mit zwei Jahren und $ 20M + auf seinem Deal, obwohl seine fallenden Kappenschläge einen potentiellen Bucks-Handelspartner ansprechen könnten. Kevin Sousa-USA HEUTE Sport 4. Können die Bucks die Mittelposition verbessern? Wenn die Bucks einen Trade machen, konzentrieren sie sich auf die zentrale Position. Die Kombination von Henson und Dellavedova ist nicht gerade verlockend, aber das Duell mit der ersten Runde könnte das Interesse einiger Teams wecken. Obwohl der First-Rounder der Bucks 2019 Phoenix gewidmet ist, könnten sie dieses Jahr ihre Nummer 17 wechseln – sie müssten nur den Spieler selbst entwerfen und dann den Handel nach der Tat offiziell abschließen, um zu vermeiden, dass sie in die Luft gehen der Ted-Stepien-Regel. Hassan Whiteside, DeAndre Jordan, Tristan Thompson, Robin Lopez, Jonas Valanciunas und Mason Plumlee gehören zu den hochbezahlten Veteranenzentren, die sich die Bucks erkundigen konnten. Dwight Howard könnte auch zum Preis des Klubs passen, aber er ist wahrscheinlich nicht bereit für ein Wiedersehen mit Budenholzer, nachdem er im letzten Jahr in Atlanta schlecht abschneiden konnte. Wenn die Bucks keinen Trade finden, der funktioniert, ist es möglich, dass sie sich an den Free-Agent-Markt wenden und nach einer günstigeren Option mit ihrer Mid-Level-Ausnahme suchen. Brook Lopez, Kyle O'Quinn und Dewayne Dedmon könnten Ziele sein. Brad Penner-USA HEUTE Sport 5. Was machen die Bucks mit dem Pick Nr. 17? Während die Bucks mit ihrer Erstrundenauswahl die Mitte des Platzes ansprechen konnten, gibt es nicht eine Tonne von faszinierenden jungen Zentren, die nach der Lotterie verfügbar sein werden. Und viele von denen, die im Vorstand erwartet werden, wie Mitchell Robinson, wären wahrscheinlich Projekte, die nicht sofort bereit wären, einen Beitrag zu leisten. Wenn die Bucks ihre erste Runde behalten, ist es besser, wenn sie einen jungen Spieler zu ihrem Backcourt oder zur Flügelrotation hinzufügen. Troy Brown und Zhaire Smith wären Kandidaten, wenn sie noch verfügbar wären. Boston College Point Guard Jerome Robinson, der Milwaukees Wahl in Jonathan Givony jüngsten ESPN.com Mock Entwurf ist, wäre eine weitere realisierbare Option, ebenso wie Kollege Point Guard Aaron Holiday. Eine Aussicht, die ich im Auge behalten würde, wenn ich die Bucks wäre, ist Keita Bates-Diop. Mit 22 Jahren ist er mehr als viele andere Spieler aus der ersten Runde bereit, um gleich um die Zeit zu spielen. Seine defensive Vielseitigkeit – und seine Fähigkeit, Außeneinsätze zu machen – würde ihn zu einem sportlichen Milwaukee-Kader machen. Hier stehen die Dinge, die momentan für die Bucks finanziell stehen: Garantiertes Gehalt Giannis Antetokounmpo ($ 24,157,304) Eric Bledsoe ($ 15.000.000) Khris Middleton ($ 13.000.000) Tony Snell ($ 10.607.143) John Henson ($ 10,577,466) Matthew Dellavedova ($ 9.607.500) Mirza Teletovic ($ 3.500.000) – Verzicht auf Streckung Thon Maker ($ 2,799,720) D.J. Wilson ($ 2.534.280) Spencer Hawes ($ 2.007.058) – Verzicht auf Streckung Larry Sanders ($ 1.865.546) – Verzicht auf Stretch-Angebot Sterling Brown ($ 1,378,242) Gesamt: $ 97.034.259 Spieler Optionen Teamoptionen Nicht garantiertes Gehalt Eingeschränkte freie Agenten Uneingeschränkte Freie Agenten / Andere Cap Holds Projizierte Gehaltsobergrenze: 101.000.000 $ Projected Cap Room: Keine Während Trades oder Kürzungen ein wenig Spielraum für die Bucks eröffnen könnten, werden sie in diesem Sommer mit größerer Wahrscheinlichkeit ein Over-the-Cap-Team bleiben. Ihre neun garantierten Verträge, das nicht garantierte Gehalt von Brogdon, Parker's Cap Hold und der Cap Hold für die Erstrundenauswahl bringen das gesamte Teamgehalt der Bucks auf $ 105.373.063, was über der Obergrenze liegt, aber deutlich unter der geplanten Steuerlinie liegt. Fußnoten: Jennings 'Gehalt wird nach dem 1. Juli vollständig garantiert. Brogdons Gehalt wird nach dem 1. Juli vollständig garantiert. Hinweis: Rookie Scale Cap Holds sind Schätzungen, die auf Projektionen der Gehaltsobergrenze basieren und je nachdem, wo der Cap landet, steigen oder fallen könnten. Gehaltsangaben von Basketball Insidern wurden bei der Erstellung dieses Posts verwendet.

Der Beitrag Fünf wichtige Offseason-Fragen: Milwaukee Bucks erschien zuerst auf XBET.TIPS.

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[helpfromheaven]

And Life Continues

Today,  the oldest daughter of my late son, Malcolm, gave birth to a baby boy, and she named him, Malachi Dewayne, a slightly different first name but the same middle name. The picture I received of young Malachi touched my heart and sent it reeling in joy and thankfulness. I also cried today, and as I prayed to God the Father for strength to get through this day, I hoped that somehow Malcolm in…

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Malcolm Delaney, Tyler Dorsey, Taurean Prince, John Collins and Dewayne Dedmon will start Wednesday vs. the Pistons.

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2018 NBA選秀結果整理與短評

文／黑熊

今年的NBA選秀有點讓人出乎意料，像是前狀元熱門Michael Porter Jr.就爆冷差點掉出樂透區。

延伸閱讀： 狀元通常都不是最棒的！今年 NBA 選秀誰有最佳前景？

NBA 2018選秀結果：

1.太陽：DeAndre Ayton  C

太陽長久以來的首支狀元籤，可以說是沒有意外的選擇了在當地唸大學的DeAndre Ayton。Ayton一直是狀元熱門，身材條件出色以外，球技也讓人眼睛一亮，讓人聯想到Joel Embiid與David Robinson。雖然在防守上有些為人詬病，但他的天賦條件就在那裡。在拳王持續老化，及Alex Len可能不留的情況下，Ayton應該有很多空間可以好好發揮。

2.國王：Marvin Bagley  PF/C

原先預期Luka Doncic會是國王的目標，但是經過最近幾次的試訓，國王還是選擇跳過了Doncic。杜克近幾年出產的幾位新人，都獲得高順位的肯定，包含今年的Tatum、去年的Brandon Ingram。雖然如此，但是杜克出產的球員還是多少會讓人有些疑慮，因為K教練的體系能夠掩蓋球員缺點，放大優點，Bagley進入聯盟後的表現還是得在觀察一下，畢竟也是有適應不良的Jahlil Okafor這種例子。

3.老鷹：Luka Doncic  SG/SF （與小牛5順位交易）

小牛將2019受保護的首輪籤與今年5號籤送去與老鷹換取3號籤，選來了原先也是狀元熱門之一的Doncic。此前小牛還與Bamba眉來眼去，但最後還是Doncic更對小牛胃口。許多人看好Doncic會很適合小牛教練Rick Carlisle的體系，能分擔控球，球風又全面的Doncic將讓小牛的調度更加有彈性。

4.灰熊：Jaren Jackson Jr.  PF/C 灰熊雖然在此前持續將四號籤與Chandler Parsons的組合包拿去詢價，但最後都沒能如願。現在Marc Gasol已經來到33歲了，是個即將開始走下坡年紀。因此挑選Jackson這位長人除了能夠與Gasol搭配外，將來如果Gasol離開或是退化，他也有可能能夠頂上Gasol的位置。順帶一提Jaren Jackson的父親是馬刺1999年的奪冠班底。

5.小牛：Trae Young  PG（與老鷹3順位交易） 老鷹在認定德國軟豆（Dennis Schroder）不是球隊控球後衛的解答後，選擇了今年在大學最火紅的Trae Young來接控球後衛這位置可以說是非常合理的選擇。但用第三順位來選擇有點浪費，於是發動了一筆交易來拿到更多資產。被譽為下一個Curry的Trae Young在打團隊球風的老鷹應該能打出不錯的表現。

6.魔術：Mohamed Bamba  C

原先魔術的目標應該是Trae Young，畢竟交易掉Elfrid Payton後，他們在控球後衛的位置上需要一名球員來填補。選秀前曾傳出魔術有意向上交易換取更高順位的選秀籤來選取心儀的球員，但最終這情況沒有發生。在魔術重金搶來的Bismack Biyombo表現不如預期，Nikola Vucevic與現在流行球風並不是那麼適合的情況下。今年體測成績破紀錄，擁有非常高天花板的Bamba就成為了魔術的目標。如果魔術今年留下Aaron Gordon的話，這兩人的禁區組合活動力將會非常可怕。

7.公牛：Wendell Carter Jr.  C 或許公牛對Michael Porter有些疑慮，所以沒有在這裡將他選走，取而代之的是Wendell Carter。在今年芬蘭司機（Lauri Markkanen）打出成績的情況下，選擇能防守能策應的Carter成為他的未來搭擋是很棒的選擇。Carter能幫Markkanen擦屁股之外，還能餵球給他，這樣一攻一守的組合值得期待。

8.騎士：Collin Sexton  PG 騎士原先最心儀的球員應該是Trae Young，但是被攔胡後，剩下較好的控球後衛應該就是Sexton了。不選擇Michael Porter的原因除了有傷病疑慮外，就是有可能想嘗試留下James，所以不選擇位置重複的Porter。Sexton的模板有小Lebron的Eric Bledsoe，先前James曾表示希望能打更多的無球，而能夠自主持球進攻的Sexton預計可以幫James分擔持球壓力（但前提是James得留下來）。

9.尼克：Kevin Knox  SF/PF

尼克隊這次的選擇不意外的又被噓了，這似乎快成為尼克隊的傳統了。Kevin Knox模板有Harris，而Harris的模板是甜瓜，或許尼克對甜瓜念念不忘！？ 其實能3能4的Knox應該很適合尼克，能與Kristaps Porzingis搭擋前鋒出擊，小球陣容時也能與其一起捍衛禁區。其實這1.2年尼克的選秀並不差，或許尼克在Knox身上看出別隊沒發現到的優點。另外Knox進入聯盟後能不能再次打臉尼克球迷會是一大看點。

10.76人：Mikal Bridges  SG/SF（與太陽16順位交易） Bridges在當地念大學之外，媽媽任職的公司老闆剛好也是76人隊的老闆，這樣的背景讓他被76人挑走會是非常棒的劇本，許多人也因此這樣恭喜他。但是高興沒多久就被76人交易了，相信Bridges心情就像坐雲霄飛車一樣。在太陽側翼有Devin Booker與Josh Jackson的情況下，相信身手全能的Bridges最多也只能從替補出發，他要競爭的對手應該是簽下四年約的T.J. Warren。

11.黃蜂：Shai Gilgeous-Alexander  PG （與快艇12順位交易） 黃蜂在選秀前出清了Howard，目前看起來是準備要重建了。在選了Alexander後又將他送去快艇，多換了兩隻二輪籤回來，替重建多累積了一些資產。Alexander是名高大的控球後衛，但他6呎6吋的身材讓他也有機會往上打到2號位置。快艇在接連送走Paul與Griffin決定重建後，選擇一名能替球隊後場增添彈性的後場是不錯的選擇。

12.快艇：Miles Bridges SF/PF （與黃蜂11順位交易） Bridges能守多個位置，體能又勁爆，是現在許多球隊都想要的球員類型，他的多功能讓將要重建的黃蜂在陣容上有更多的彈性選擇。未來不論是要頂上Marvin Williams、Nicolas Batum或是Michael Kidd-Gilchrist都有機會。另外他的一些精彩灌籃與火鍋相信能幫這1.2年戰績不佳的黃蜂多賣幾張門票。

13.快艇：Jerome Robinson  SG

除了稍早的Alexander以外，快艇又選擇了一名雙能衛。一次將兩隻首輪籤花在後場是比較讓人意外的，尤其是沒有選擇一名長人以防將來Jordan離開球隊，沒錯我現在說的就是原先預期會被快艇選走的Robert Williams。快艇就算不留Milos Teodosic，陣中還有Austin Rivers、Patrick Beverley與Lou Williams這些球員。今年首輪兩位新秀應該獲得的機會會比較少，除非快艇後續還有交易。

14.金塊：Michael Porter Jr.  SF

Michael Porter掉到這位置是比較讓人意外的，他原先是狀元大熱門，卻因為背部傷勢問題一路往下掉。背部傷勢嚴重的話可以影響一名球員甚多，曾經西科東麥中的T-Mac就可以說是因為背部問題而離開顛峰。但是在選秀前，Porter的聲勢也曾一度回復上漲，甚至傳出國王有可能在第二位順就選他的風聲。

後續來看，這次Porter並沒有將醫療告報給大部分的球隊檢視，造成多支球隊會有疑慮而避開他也是可以理解的。模板有當今FMVP : Kevin Durant的Porter是大號小前鋒，沒有這背部傷勢的話，光看球風絕對是非常適合當今聯盟風氣的。

金塊隊的陣容雖然整齊有競爭力，但是缺乏頂級天賦，目前陣中核心的Nikola Jokic也不過是二輪選秀球員，這不是說他不好，只是說他離頂級天賦還有段距離。能夠在這個選秀位置賭一把頂級天賦絕對是值得的，畢竟如果只是一般首輪中段的球員的話，應該是很難幫金塊大耀進。但如果Porter打出他模板的8成功力的話，也會是明星球員等級了，這樣要幫金塊打進季後賽甚至走得更遠就不是妄想了。

首輪非樂透區：

15.巫師：Troy Brown  SG/SF

巫師這個順位的選擇，出乎很多人的意料之外。先前預測的Zhaire Smith、Zhaire Smith、Keita Bates-Diop甚至是被認為剛好能舒緩巫師禁區問題的Robert Williams都被放過。全能的Brown不是真的有多差，只是說在現在巫師陣型上最需要的不是他，只能說巫師的問題不是選秀就能改變的，後續應該還會有交易發生。如果暑假結束，總管Grunfeld還沒有任��動作解決巫師薪資與陣容上的問題的話，那這15順位的選擇甚至可以說是不及格的。國外不少球迷對這選擇感到失望，甚至憤怒，要求總管Grunfeld下台的言論更不在少數。 

16.太陽：Zhaire Smith  SG（與76人10順位交易）

太陽選到Smith後打包了2021年熱火的首輪籤跟76人交易，換來Mikal Bridges。76人在前場除了已經有優質又便宜的3D側翼Robert Covington，又有Dario Saric這名優異毆陸前鋒，除此之外76人很想在暑假找來LBJ或是Kawhi Leonard。比起再選擇一名前場球員，選一名可以防守多個位置的後場球員與累積球隊交易籌碼似乎是更好的選擇。Zhaire Smith有機會成為一名優質3D球員，這一個進可攻退可守的操作，可以說是非常的“76人”，不停累積球隊天賦與資產。

17.公鹿：Donte DiVincenzo  SG

當Robert Williams這樣的長人掉出樂透區後，需要禁區的隊伍不選擇他，難免會讓人問為什麼？公鹿也是那隻缺中鋒球隊，在換掉Greg Monroe後，公鹿中鋒大部分時間由John Henson、Thon Maker與Tyler Zeller來負責。但在Thon Maker養成不如預期的情況下，這位置還看不到解答，去年公鹿錯過Jarrett Allen後讓部分球迷覺得不滿，今年想必也會有類似的聲音。單以位置來看，公鹿還有Tony Snell、新人王Malcolm Brogdon與Khris Middleton等人可以使用，再選一名得分後衛感覺是比較可惜的。雖然Donte DiVincenzo被不少人看好，但是可能在公鹿現行陣容不會有太多表現機會。

18.馬刺：Lonnie Walker  SG

馬刺連續三年用首輪選擇後衛球員，先前的Dejounte Murray在當時被認為是一大偷。雖然現在看來馬刺後場還是各種老矮軟嫩，但再多選一名後衛莫非真的打算練蠱？雖然Walker的潛力不錯，模板甚至有Wade這樣的明星球員，但來就真的能找到空間磨練嗎？預計也是會下放G-League先，而不是期待一來就能替球隊產生貢獻。

而且再一次的，要再問這個問題，為什麼有Robert Williams卻不選。馬刺現行陣容很需要一名適合現代球風且有活動力的防守型中鋒，目前禁區可以說是只有老化明顯的Pau Gasol與LaMarcus Aldridge苦撐。除了Williams以外，我還曾期盼如果馬刺選不到他的話可以嘗試賭Mitchell Robinson看看，反正一般新秀都無法立即給予馬刺貢獻，選擇潛力看起來最高的來練，增加球隊天賦上限不是更好？

相信許多球迷無不期盼馬刺做點什麼來改善禁區這問題，但這1.2年的操作都讓人有討論的空間。雖然可愛沒有在選秀日被交易，但關於他的問題仍持續延燒。或許馬刺後續會有一些動作大幅改變球隊陣容也說不定。

19.老鷹：Kevin Huerter  SG

Huerter其實是很多球隊有興趣的一名射手，大學第二年三分命中率提升到超過4成，又帶有一點傳球組織能力。有人說是更棒一些的Kyle Korver、有人說像Mike Miller，從這些類比可以知道就是一名聰明的射手球員。雖然身材上的劣勢（臂展約等於身高）讓他在防守端就註定較吃虧，但如果有好的體系，可能可以掩護他這樣的缺點。 前幾年的老鷹有東區馬刺之稱，也讓Kyle Korver打出生涯高峰。Huerter能在老鷹的團隊體系打球對他來說應該是很幸運的，而老鷹稍早前選了號稱下一位Curry的Trae Young，或許老鷹想養出自己的浪花兄弟。過幾年後他們會讓人稱為東區勇士嗎？

20.灰狼：Josh Okogie  SG/SF

其實天賦狼隊上真的不少天賦，相對比較普通的位置應該是控球後衛。然而球隊不是在選秀會挑選控衛，而是側翼搖擺人，這讓人多少聯想到先前傳出想交易Andrew Wiggins的消息，這一選擇有可能是先替可能發生的交易在該位置做準備。Okogie活動力非常棒，雖然身高才6呎4吋，但是臂展卻有7呎，這讓他有機會成為一名大鎖，三分命中率在大學來到3成8，養成一名3D是基本期望。目前才19歲的他，有機會長成不只是一名3D球員。

21.爵士：Grayson Allen  SG

Allen在本屆的知名度非常之高，但卻不單單只是正向知名度，有人稱其南烈、天殘腳，最多的類比就是Bruce Bowen，這些標籤註定讓人很難只看他的球技。但撇除這些負面的地方，Allen的體測成績出乎不少人意料，彈跳超過40吋，能跳又能砍三分讓人想到另一位Allen，但相信現在沒有多少人將他們做對比，但以另一個Allen作目標或許可以激勵他打出更好的表現。

Allen因為一些原因讓他大學待完四年，加上他是杜克出產的球員。因為這些背景，相信他在團隊籃球配合上應該是沒有問題的，加入團隊取向的爵士應該讓他減少適應的時間。

被爵士選中的Allen肯定得先從替補出發，先以成為穩定3D為目標，這邊的D是Defnese，不是Dirty，更不是Destroy。當然，上季Rubio被各隊欺負的這麼慘，或許爵士這一選多少希望他能提供超過3D的貢獻，例如，成為Rubio保鑣、專業球隊圍事之類的。

白皮膚、小動作（髒）、強硬，這些特質或許會讓老爵迷回憶起老爵時光，像是John Stockton、Jeff Hornacek、哈隊長（Matt Harpring）等人。

22.公牛：Chandler Hutchison  SG/SF

公牛選擇Hutchison應該是看上他成為3D球員的潛力，臂展達到7呎1吋，三分命中率在大學後兩年超過3成5。雖然他大學籃板也抓得不少（大四場均7.7個），但是目前他必須得先增重才行，6呎7吋的身高不到200磅。不過好在公牛是重建球隊，有時間給他一年時間一邊增重一邊適應NBA。

23.溜馬：Aaron Holiday  PG

昔有長人Plumlee三兄弟，今有後場假日三兄弟。Aaron比起兩位哥哥Jrue與Justin還要瘦小，6呎1吋的身高讓他大概只能在控球後衛這位置發展。Aaron的速度不錯，運球能力不賴，時下最夯的三分投射他也有，大學三分命中率超過4成2。

溜馬現在隊上也有名矮後衛：Darren Collison，Aaron應該能跟著他學到一些東西。而Collison與另一名控球Joseph合約都只剩下一年，若之後有人留不下來，甚至都放掉，那到時已有一年經驗的Aaron應該多少能夠頂上一些時間。 24.拓荒者：Anfernee Simons  PG/SG

Simons因為父母是Anfernee（Penny） Hardway的球迷，他也因此得名。雖然同樣是後衛，但是他的身高不像Penny是出色的6呎7吋，只有6呎3吋的Simons因此不能複製Penny的球風來讓父母重溫往日時光。

模板有Monta Ellis的Simons目前仍是一名雙能衛，但是他6呎3吋的身高與6呎7吋的臂展在進入NBA後打2號仍是有些不足，尤其他現在也還不夠壯。第一年如果能夠邊增重並嘗試往控衛的方向磨練，對他的前景應該會是比較好的。如果這條路不順利，那以他的得分能力，預計往球隊第六人發展也是不錯選擇。

25.湖人：Moritz Wagner  PF/C

曾有傳聞湖人要在這位置選擇Mitchell Robinson，但最後湖人選擇了來自德國的Wagner這名長人。Wagner是典型的pick-and-pop長人，但是他有以他身高來說不錯的第一步，與不錯的跟進攻守轉換能力。

看到德國長人，有不錯的投射能力，不錯的移動速度，是不是讓人聯想到Dirk Nowitzki。但是不要高興得太早，如果真的是Drik接班人就不會掉到這位置了，他的模板是貧民版Drik的Kelly Olynyk。他也跟Olynyk一樣是手短一族，6呎11吋臂展才7呎，這手長讓人不用太期待他的防守。雖然是這樣，但是有投射能力的長人是湖人教練Walton愛用的類型，所以他或許有機會可以獲得上場時間。不然的話，南灣湖人也會歡迎他的。

26.76人：Landry Shamet  PG/SG

Shamet是名高球商的大型控衛，6呎5吋的身高加上一雙長臂。但是相比這樣優勢，他的體能就相對平庸。76人隊的T.J. McConnell合約將要到期，在後場多準備一個保險總是好的。而且Marco Belinelli與J.J. Redick合約也都已經到期了，除了先前跟太陽換來的Zhaire Smith以外，三分命中率超過4成4的Shamet或多或少可以補上一些外線火力。76人隊這幾年在培養球隊綠葉方面做得都挺不錯，Shamet天花板雖然沒有太高，但在76的培養下，或許能成為不錯的球隊第2.3號替補控球。

27.塞爾蒂克：Robert Williams  PF/C

綠衫軍在這位置撿到Robert Williams可以說是撿到樂透彩卷了，Williams曾經一度衝上前5順位，雖然比不上前面幾位長人且順位下修，但此前一般預期至少會是樂透末或是首輪中段。安吉這次不用做什麼操作就能拿到這樣一名球員，真的是非常好運，但相信又讓不少人想黑他了。（什麼？你說安吉什麼都沒做也能被黑，沒錯，誰叫之前太多人吃過他虧了。） 雖然Williams掉到這位置八成是有什麼問題，現在普遍消息來看是在態度上有問題。但今年打出優質表現，還曾有機會搶新人王的Jayson Tatum也曾傳出防守態度問題。後續來看，加入綠衫軍後Tatum在防守態度上並沒有外界一開始的疑慮，在帥哥教練Brad Stevens體系下也打出非常優異的成績。 當然Williams大概不可能複製Tatum這樣亮眼的成績，但是還是可以期待在綠衫軍制服組的照看下，他有機會改善態度替球隊做出貢獻。就算最後這張彩卷沒有兌現，那也沒有什麼損失，沒有花費太多代價只用27順位來賭根本不痛不癢。 以球風來看，他剛好是目前綠衫軍最缺的類型：有優異活動力的防守型中鋒。今年Al Horford在有Aron Baynes分擔髒活與防守的情況下，打出了更好的表現。Williams只要能有類似貢獻，對球隊就是不小的幫助了，如果真能成長到如模板的DeAndre Jordan與Clint Capela，那就是不花太多代價就獲得準明星等級的球員了。如果要給綠衫軍這次選秀評價的話，給個A不為過吧。 28.勇士：Jacob Evans  SG/SF 勇士已經決定不留下Nick Young，在側翼多空了一個位置出來。���經展現出不錯防守能力，籃球智商不錯又能投三分的Evans是一個不錯的選擇。這幾年在勇士完整體系之下，不少新人與綠葉都能因為明確分工打出不錯的成績。球商相對Young來說更高的Evans應該更能有所發揮，可以期待看看他能不能在新人年就在勇士隊上站穩腳步。

29.籃網：Dzanan Musa  SF

Musa是一個非常棒的歐陸球員，能從控球打到小前鋒。他的體能比外界預期的好，尤其是他的第一步，有些時候可以幫助他擺脫對手。他有非常出色的球商，這讓他在較有完善體系的球隊打球會更能發揮他的能力。原本他是馬刺的目標之一，但掉下來後被籃網撿到，這選擇對籃網來說非常不錯。他模板之一是Bojan Bogdanovic，Bogdanovic也曾經在籃網隊打過球，相信給予Musa差不多的角色任務，Musa也能交出不錯的成績。

30.老鷹：Omari Spellman  PF/C

Spellman的三分命中率超過4成3，能夠幫助球隊拉開空間。爭搶籃板的能力不錯，積極拼搶也能提供隊友搶到進攻籃板的機會。他的防守有些問題，在遇到身材比他高大，或是活動力比他好的球員容易陷入掙扎。老鷹的Dewayne Dedmon與Mike Muscala合約即將到期，在這個30順位這個位置選到一名長人，可以嘗試培養看看能否在兩位離去後，頂上一些禁區的時間。 二輪： 31.太陽：Elie Okobo  PG 32.灰熊：Jevon Carter  PG 33.小牛：Jalen Brunson  PG 34.老鷹：Devonte Graham  PG（交易給黃蜂） 35.魔術：Melvin Frazier  SG/SF 36.尼克：Mitchell Robinson  C 37.國王：Gary Trent Jr.  SG（交易給拓荒者） 38.76人：Khyri Thomas  SG（交易給活塞） 39.76人：Isaac Bonga  SF（交易給湖人） 40.籃網：Rodions Kurucs  SF   41.魔術：Jarred Vanderbilt  SF（交易給金塊） 42.活塞：Bruce Brown  SG 43.金塊：Justin Jackson MD  SF/PF（交易給魔術） 44.巫師：Issuf Sanon  PG/SG 45.籃網：Hamidou Diallo  SG 46.火箭：De'Anthony Melton  PG/SG 47.湖人：Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk  SG 48.灰狼：Keita Bates-Diop  SF/PF 49.馬刺：Chimezie Metu  PF/C 50.溜馬：Alize Johnson  PF 51.鵜鶘：Tony Carr  PG 52.爵士：Vince Edwards  SF（交易給火箭） 53.雷霆：Devon Hall  PG/SG 54.小牛：Shake Milton  PG/SG 55.黃蜂：Arnoldas Kulboka  SF 56.76人：Raymond Spalding  PF（交易給小牛） 57.雷霆：Kevin Hervey  SF/PF 58.金塊：Thomas Welsh  C 59.暴龍：George King  SF 60.76人：Kostas Antetokounmpo  SF/PF（交易給小牛）

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[rakelpinheiro-blog]

Supertime dos Warriors nasceu pela competência que falta nos rivais, não por dinheiro

Golden State Warriors, atual campeão da NBA

Kevin Durant acertou 14 dos 20 arremessos que tentou no Jogo 5 da decisão da última temporada NBA. Sempre que o Cleveland Cavaliers ameaçava incomodar a liderança do Golden State Warriors, o ala aparecia para castigar no ataque e fazer a vantagem continuar fora de alcance naquela partida que definiu o título.

Os 39 pontos naquela oportunidade p ajudaram a confirmar o prêmio de MVP das finais e coroou um primeiro ano especial no novo time. Os Warriors contrataram Durant como agente livre em julho de 2016 e alcançaram um nível ainda mais alto em quadra, mas já eram um time muito forte antes disso.

Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson e Draymond Green foram peças importantes no título de 2015 e no vice do ano seguinte. Os três não só continuam entre os titulares como foram "all-stars" na última temporada.

Todos eles chegaram ao time via Draft e foram escolhidos fora do Top 5 no recrutamento em seus respectivos anos. Curry foi o sétimo em 2009. Thompson, o 11º em 2011. E Green só teve seu nome chamado na 35ª posição em 2012.

Curry, por exemplo, foi selecionado depois de Hasheem Thabeet e Jonny Flynn, que não estão mais na NBA -- e já há algum tempo. Thompson veio depois de nomes como Jan Vesely e Jimmer Fredette, que também foram tentar a sorte fora dos EUA, e Bismack Biyombo e Derrick Williams, que continuam na liga, mas que não passam de reservas com espaço limitado nos times em que atuam.

No caso de Green, essa lista é muito mais extensa, naturalmente. E dos 34 nomes chamados antes dele em 2012, só três chegaram a virar "all-stars": Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard e Andre Drummond.

Isso significa que os outros times tiveram a chance de contar com esses jogadores antes, mas os Warriors tiveram o mérito de enxergar talento em cada um deles e desenvolvê-los ao ponto de torná-los a base de uma equipe que hoje domina a NBA.

Ninguém mais na liga conseguiu fazer algo parecido. Olhando para todos os quintetos iniciais das equipes para a temporada 2017/18, alguns outros também reúnem três atletas adquiridos pela própria equipe no Draft ou na noite do recrutamento. Mas nenhuma equipe com três jogadores do tipo viu esses três virarem estrelas.

Oklahoma City Thunder e Washington Wizards, por exemplo, são outros times que têm entre os titulares jogadores que selecionou ou que adquiriu na noite do Draft. Mas só Russell Westbrook, no Thunder, e John Wall, nos Wizards, chegaram a virar all-stars.

Veja abaixo a lista com os quintetos iniciais de todos os times da NBA. As escalações levam em consideração a maneira como as equipes devem começar o campeonato e, portanto, exclui atletas lesionados que vão levar um tempo para voltar.  Entre parênteses, o número de jogadores obtidos via Draft.

Golden State Warriors - Zaza Pachulia, Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson e Stephen Curry (3 - Green, Thompson e Curry)

Oklahoma City Thunder - Steven Adams, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George, Andre Roberson e Russell Westbrook (3 - Adams, Roberson e Westrbook)

Washington Wizards - Marcin Gortat, Markieff Morris, Otto Porter, Bradley Beal, John Wall (3 - Porter, Beal e Wall)

Denver Nuggets - Nikola Jokic, Paul Millsap, Wilson Chandler, Gary Harris e Jamal Murray (3 - Jokic, Harris e Murray)

Philadelphia 76ers - Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Robert Covington, JJ Redick e Markelle Fultz (3 - Embiid, Simmons e Fultz)

Milwaukee Bucks - John Henson, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Tony Snell e Malcolm Brogdon (3 - Brogdon, Antetokounmpo e Henson)

Los Angeles Lakers - Lonzo Ball, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle e Brook Lopez (3 - Ball, Ingram e Randle)

Phoenix Suns - Tyson Chandler, Marquese Chriss, Josh Jackson, Devin Booker e Eric Bledsoe (3 - Chriss, Jackson e Booker)

Los Angeles Clippers - DeAndre Jordan, Blake Griffin, Danilo Gallinari, Austin Rivers e Patrick Beverley (2 - Jordan e Griffin)

Portland Trail Blazers - Jusuf Nurkic, Al-Farouq Aminu, Moe Harkless, CJ McCollum e Damian Lillard (2 - McCollum e Lillard)

Boston Celtics - Al Horford, Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum e Kyrie Irving (2 - Brown e Tatum)

Toronto Raptors - Jonas Valanciunas, Serge Ibaka, CJ Miles, DeMar DeRozan e Kyle Lowry (2 - Valanciunas e DeRozan)

Utah Jazz - Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors, Joe Ingles, Rodney Hood e Ricky Rubio (2 - Gobert e Hood)

Charlotte Hornets - Dwight Howard, Marvin Williams, Michael-Kidd Gilchrist, Jeremy Lamb e Kemba Walker (2 - Kidd-Gilchrist e Walker)

Dallas Mavericks - Dirk Nowitzki, Harrison Barnes, Wesley Matthews, Seth Curry e Dennis Smith Jr (2 - Nowitzki e Smith Jr)

Detroit Pistons - Andre Drummond, Tobias Harris, Stanley Johnson, Avery Bradley e Reggie Jackson (2 - Drummond e Johnson)

Orlando Magic - Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, Terrence Ross, Evan Fournier e Elfrid Payton (2 - Gordon e Payton)

Atlanta Hawks - Dewayne Dedmon, Ersan Ilyasova, Taurean Prince, Kent Bazemore e Dennis Schroder (2 - Prince e Schroder)

New York Knicks - Enes Kanter, Kristaps Porzingis, Doug McDermott, Tim Hardaway Jr e Ramon Sessions (2 - Porzingis e Hardaway Jr)

Sacramento Kings - Willie Cauley-Stein, Skal Labissiere, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Buddy Hield e George Hill (2 - Cauley-Stein e Labissiere)

Chicago Bulls - Jerian Grant, Justin Holiday, Paul Zipser, Nikola Mirotic e Robin Lopez (2 - Zipser e Mirotic)

Minnesota Timberwolves - Karl-Anthony Towns, Taj Gibson, Andrew Wiggins, Jimmy Butler e Jeff Teague (1 - Towns)

Houston Rockets - Clint Capela, Ryan Anderson, Trevor Ariza, James Harden e Chris Paul (1 - Capela)

Cleveland Cavaliers - Kevin Love, Jae Crowder, LeBron James, JR Smith e Derrick Rose (1 - James)

San Antonio Spurs - Pau Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green e Patty Mills (1 - Leonard)

New Orleans Pelicans - DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, Dante Cunningham, Jrue Holiday e Rajon Rondo (1 - Davis)

Memphis Grizzlies - Marc Gasol, JaMychal Green, Chandler Parsons, Ben McLemore e Mike Conley (1 - Conley)

Indiana Pacers - Myles Turner, Thaddeus Young, Bojan Bogdanovic, Victor Oladipo e Darren Collison (1 - Turner)

Brooklyn Nets - Timofey Mozgov, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, DeMarre Carroll, Caris LeVert e D'Angelo Russell (1 - Hollis-Jefferson)

Miami Heat - Hassan Whiteside, James Johnson, Rodney McGruder, Dion Waiters e Goran Dragic (0)

[junker-town]

Atlanta Hawks

The franchise is starting over, so fans must get used to a lot of new faces. How quickly will they grow?

Projected starters in bold:

GUARDS: Dennis Schröder | Malcolm Delaney | Quinn Cook | Tyler Dorsey

WINGS: Kent Bazemore | Taurean Prince | Marco Belinelli | DeAndre’ Bembry | Nicolas Brussino

BIGS: Dewayne Dedmon | Ersan Ilyasova | Mike Muscala | John Collins | Luke Babbitt | Miles Plumlee

A Q&A with Brad Rowland of SB Nation’s Hawks site Peachtree Hoops.

What needs to happen for this to be an enjoyable season for Hawks fans?

Development from young players. Atlanta's performance this season may not be fantastic in terms of wins and losses, but the progress of players like Dennis Schröder, John Collins, Taurean Prince, and DeAndre' Bembry is paramount. If nothing else, the rebuilding Hawks need to be able to grasp which of these prospects represent real core pieces for the future.

What makes Hawks fans most excited about this year? What makes Hawks fans most nervous?

The excitement surrounding the Hawks is largely rooted in youth and optimism for the future, as well as something shiny and new. Atlanta's playing style should be more entertaining this season after what was kind of a slog a year ago, and the nightly progress of the young roster should be fun to monitor.

In terms of nervousness, there is some reason to be fearful that the Hawks overachieve (and cost themselves in the NBA Draft Lottery) because of Mike Budenholzer's wizardry and the presence of some solid veterans.

What storyline might a national audience be missing about the Hawks?

Prince as "a thing" for the future. 3-and-D wings are perennially undervalued by most basketball fans and Prince projects to be another example. He doesn't appear to be a 20-point scorer, a 40 percent three-point shooter, or an absolutely elite defensive player. But there is big-time value in a 6'8, physically gifted wing who can provide average (or even above-average) production on both ends.

There aren't many of those guys in the NBA, and the Hawks may have found one with a late 2016 lottery pick.

Why should neutrals pay attention to the Hawks this year?

Collins is a lot of fun, and the young talent is intriguing.

It might be hard to sell purely casual fans on the Hawks because of the lack of big names, but it should be a relatively entertaining product. By the end of the year, the youth movement should be in full effect.

What's your prediction for the season?

26-56, 13th in the East.

[southernnba]

Report: Hawks signing Luke Babbitt to one-year contract - ProBasketballTalk (blog)

ProBasketballTalk (blog)

Report: Hawks signing Luke Babbitt to one-year contract ProBasketballTalk (blog) Between Marco Belinelli, Ersan Ilyasova, Miles Plumlee, Malcolm Delaney, Kent Bazemore, Dewayne Dedmon and now Babbitt, Atlanta is committing a lot of its roster spots to players who will be at least 28 when the season begins. For a likely bad team ... Kyrie Irving requesting trade out of Cleveland to find bigger roleESPN Cleveland Cavaliers Scribbles looking at Kyrie Irving trade possibilities -- Terry Pluto (photos, video)cleveland.com Glen Taylor and Rob Antony (ep. 87)1500 ESPN cleveland.com all 141 news articles »