#lonzo lob to zion

[paleyshelie]

In NBA 2K25, one of the most exciting roles you can take on is the Point Guard (PG) position. As a PG, you’re the leader on the court, controlling the game, setting up plays, and distributing the ball to NBA 2K25 MT your teammates. The role is both rewarding and demanding, with the ultimate goal of leading your team to victory. NBA 2K25 offers plenty of opportunities to customize your MyCareer experience, and choosing the right team to develop your Point Guard is crucial.

Not all teams are created equal, and not all are well-suited for an up-and-coming Point Guard. Some teams may be in need of a leader to orchestrate their offense, while others might have established point guards and depth that makes it difficult to break into the starting lineup. In this article, we’ll focus on the 5 best teams in NBA 2K25 where you, as a Point Guard, can carve out a prominent role and take your career to the next level.

5. Chicago Bulls: A Team in Need of a True Playmaker The Chicago Bulls have been in a tricky situation in recent years, particularly in terms of the Point Guard position. With the injury woes of Lonzo Ball, who was once considered the team’s floor general, the Bulls have lacked consistency at the position. While they still have a star in Zach LaVine, who has taken on much of the offensive load, the team would benefit immensely from a true Point Guard to help facilitate the offense and alleviate some pressure from LaVine.

Why the Bulls are a Great Fit for Your Point Guard:

Plenty of Playing Time: Given the current state of the roster, the Point Guard position is up for grabs. If you’re looking for significant minutes, Chicago offers an opportunity to step in as a starter. Help LaVine Shine: With LaVine focusing on scoring, you can take the reins of the offense, making plays and getting the ball to him in ideal spots. Your leadership could elevate the team’s play and make you the focal point of their offense. Improve the Team’s Overall Play: The Bulls’ performance has been inconsistent, and adding a strong Point Guard could be the missing piece they need to take the next step. Chicago is a team that can offer both immediate playing time and the chance to make a lasting impact as a Point Guard. If you want to step into a leadership role on a team with a budding star like LaVine, the Bulls are an excellent choice.

4. New Orleans Pelicans: A New Opportunity to Lead The New Orleans Pelicans have shown promise in recent seasons, with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram leading the charge. However, the team has struggled to find a true floor general to run the offense, especially since CJ McCollum has been more of a shooting guard than a traditional Point Guard. As a result, there’s a significant gap in the backcourt that you, as a Point Guard, could fill.

Why the Pelicans are a Great Fit for Your Point Guard:

A Star-Studded Frontcourt: Playing alongside Zion Williamson gives you a unique opportunity to create highlight-reel plays. Zion’s explosive athleticism means there are plenty of opportunities for lob passes and fast breaks, which can make for exciting gameplay and allow you to rack up assists. A Potential Playoff Contender: With the right leadership and strategy, the Pelicans have the potential to make a deep playoff run. As the Point Guard, you can be the catalyst that pushes the team to the next level. Easy Transition Into the Role: The team is looking for a true Point Guard to take over the responsibilities McCollum has handled in recent seasons. This provides a clear path to the starting lineup and a chance to make your mark early on. The Pelicans have a solid roster with a lot of potential, and your presence as a Point Guard could be just what they need to become a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.

3. Phoenix Suns: A Championship Team in Need of a Facilitator The Phoenix Suns are an intriguing option for any Point Guard in NBA 2K25. With the likes of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, the Suns boast two of the most dynamic scoring threats in the NBA. However, since the departure of Chris Paul, the team has lacked a true facilitator to run the offense and create opportunities for their stars.

Why the Suns are a Great Fit for Your Point Guard:

Elite Scoring Threats: With Durant and Booker on the roster, the Suns offer you the chance to play alongside two of the best scorers in the game. Your role would be to create space for them, setting up plays and getting them the ball in positions where they can excel. Contender Status: The Suns are just one piece away from potentially winning a championship. With the right Point Guard to lead the offense, they could become an even more dangerous team. Wide Open Space for a PG: Since the team is missing a true facilitator, you’ll have an opportunity to earn the starting job quickly. If you can play your role effectively, Phoenix could become your team to lead to a title. If you’re looking to play for a team with championship aspirations and star power, the Suns could be the ideal fit for your Point Guard. The chance to play with Booker and Durant and be the one to set them up for success is an exciting prospect.

2. San Antonio Spurs: A Legacy of Development The San Antonio Spurs have always been a team known for their development of young talent. With the addition of Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have a generational talent who will likely be the focal point of their future success. However, the team is still looking for a true leader at the Point Guard position, especially with Chris Paul coming in as a veteran, but not someone who will be able to start for many more seasons.

Why the Spurs are a Great Fit for Your Point Guard:

Wembanyama’s Presence: Having Wembanyama anchoring the paint gives you a unique opportunity to dominate in pick-and-roll situations. You can work off of him and facilitate easy baskets for the team. Veteran Leadership: With Chris Paul on the roster, you’ll have a Hall of Famer to mentor you, which can speed up your development. Paul’s experience and wisdom will be invaluable as you grow into the leader of the team. Long-Term Opportunity: As the Spurs rebuild around Wembanyama, there will be plenty of opportunities for a young Point Guard to take over the starting job and become the face of the franchise. The future is bright in San Antonio, and you can be a major part of it. If you want to develop your skills and grow into a star while also being part of a team with a rich history of success, the Spurs offer a great opportunity.

1. Utah Jazz: A Team Ready for a Point Guard to Lead The Utah Jazz are a team in transition, having recently lost longtime Point Guard Mike Conley. While Lauri Markkanen has emerged as the team’s star, the Jazz are still in need of a true floor general to help lead the offense. The absence of Conley has left a hole at the Point Guard position, and you could be the one to fill it.

Why the Jazz are a Great Fit for Your Point Guard:

Easy Path to the Starting Role: With Conley’s departure, there’s an opening at Point Guard. If you can perform well in training camp and show you’re ready to lead, you can quickly earn the starting job. Complementing Markkanen: Lauri Markkanen is one of the most talented young forwards in the NBA, and he needs a Point Guard who can help him thrive. Your role would be to set him up for success and help him take his game to the next level. A Bright Future Ahead: While the Jazz may not be a title contender right now, they’re building a young, talented roster. As their Point Guard, you could be the key to unlocking their full potential and leading them into future playoff contention. Utah offers an exciting opportunity for a young Point Guard. With a clear path to the starting role and the chance to play with a rising star like Markkanen, it’s a great place to build your career.

Conclusion Choosing the right team to start your Point Guard career in NBA 2K25 is a key decision that will shape your journey. Whether you want to step into a leadership role on a team in need of a true facilitator, like the Chicago Bulls or New Orleans Pelicans, or join a championship-contending team like the Phoenix Suns, there are plenty of options to explore. Each of these teams presents a unique opportunity to grow as a player and make a significant impact on the court.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal goals and the kind of Buy NBA 2K MT Coins challenge you want to take on. No matter which team you choose, remember that the Point Guard is one of the most important positions on the court. It’s your job to lead, set up plays, and make your teammates better. The future of your NBA 2K25 career starts here.

[dailyvideovault]

New video posted on: https://dailyvideovault.com/matt-barnes-breaks-down-how-the-pelicans-can-get-better-at-finding-zion-williamson-get-up/

Matt Barnes breaks down how the Pelicans can get better at finding Zion Williamson | Get Up

[bestmengqin]

Once being taken inside the arena

Once being taken inside the arena, we were able to see a myriad of activities going on  NBA2king behind us, such as pre-game shows, security in the stands, looking at the fans, and of course, the players warming up. A familiar voice, however the one that was new, welcomed us into the arena. Brian Anderson, from TNT.

Anderson will make his broadcast debut with Grant Hill, Allie LaForce and sideline reporter. Anderson will be making his debut with the broadcast team alongside Allie LeForce and Grant Hill. While I'm not sure anyone is complaining about Anthony, Harlan or Aldridge as a whole, it's difficult to disapprove of the addition of fresh voices.

My personal preference is to never think about the video's gameplay. It doesn't matter if you watch it on your mobile or computer. It's difficult to tell the way it feels until you actually play it. But... to what it's worth, this game looks as smooth as described. The lob that Lonzo Ball of the Pelicans throw at Zion over Steph appeared extremely fluid and while it was very predictable (I throw many, many lobs on the pick and roll) but it did not appear to be forced.

What I mean by that is that in recent games, it's felt as if players are locked into specific motions. This one just felt like Curry had a chance to be there and was taken over by the athleticism of Zion. Two things we don't be able to know until we begin to play the game is how we can adjust the settings , while still keeping the game fluid. The video shows them racing at 50 mph. I'm assuming they're referring to the 60-65 speed since it is more realistic.

Additionally, it is fair to suppose that they are playing at a high level on Rookie. According to the game I'm playing I can move from All-star to Hall of Fame. If me and my friends are looking to play a serious game, then we put it in the Hall of Fame, but it also means lots of missed threes unless the release is green, which can often detract from the realness of  Buy MT 2K22 PS4 it all. To avoid the frustrations and aches of having a controller tossed out the window It is possible to set the difficulty to Superstar. If you're stressed, All-Star will come on. Don't be a judge.

[24seconds48minutes]

3 Ways to Deal with Basketball Withdrawal

Last Wednesday, the NBA announced that it was indefinitely suspending its season due to concerns about Covid-19 after Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for the virus. Since then, Donovan Mitchell, Christian Wood, and four Brooklyn Nets players have also tested positive for Covid-19. While the league was absolutely correct in its decision to postpone the season, NBA fans everywhere are left feeling lost without nightly basketball games. Here are 3 ways to deal with the NBA withdrawals:

1) YouTube Highlights

Luckily for sports fans, there are YouTube clips for basically any highlight play of the past five years. While watching these compilation videos is less thrilling than watching a game in real-time, some plays will still get you excited time after time. Over the past few days, I’ve found a new appreciation for Ja Morant’s handles, Lonzo Ball’s lob passes to Zion, and LeBron’s no-look assists. 

Some recommendations: 1) Buzzer beaters (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxClTxKQHNo), 2) Blocks (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bldN-4ZE530), and 3) The King (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkMixGa8ei0).

2) Turn to Netflix

For many of us socially-isolating and working from home for the foreseeable future, Netflix is becoming an increasingly important fixture. (Side note: I’ve watched about 10 hours of Criminal Minds in two days. Desperate times, desperate measures). Personally, I’d recommend re-watching Space Jam, a true classic and oddly fitting for our current situation, and checking out The Carter Effect, a documentary on Vince Carter’s impact on Toronto and the game. 

3) Re-watch old games

Sometimes, you just need to watch an entire basketball game, catching every moment, no matter how uneventful. Here are a few suggestions: 1) 1993 NBA Finals Game 4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy0sIU56klI), 2) Raptors vs Pelicans at the start of this season (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrT5i2oHyvs), and 3) OKC vs GSW in the 2016 playoffs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrT5i2oHyvs). Also for any other NBA League Pass subscribers, you can always access this season’s past games on NBA.com!

While the past two weeks have felt unreal in many ways for many reasons, one positive thing is seeing communities come together to help the most vulnerable and under-served. We see it in the NBA with players and teams paying their hourly workers despite cancelled games. In the midst of adjusting to working from home, avoiding crowded places, and stocking up on necessary supplies, let’s not forget others who may need extra assistance in these trying times. If you can, donate some money you would have spent going out to a local food bank or homeless shelter!! Keep safe, help others, and stay ballin.

[theblackarticle]

#BlackArticle - VIDEO: Lonzo Ball and Zion Williamson Connect for Insane Near Full-Court Alley-Oop

#BlackArticle – VIDEO: Lonzo Ball and Zion Williamson Connect for Insane Near Full-Court Alley-Oop

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New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson and Lonzo Ball connect for a sensational alley-oop.

Lonzo Ball’s ability to throw up a lob to a teammate from virtually any spot on the floor is one of the most under-appreciated tools in his kit, but it’s been on full display of late, as he and Zion Williamson continue to develop a strong rapport. During Sunday’s game against the Wolves, Lonzo…

[jankarmtic]

Lonzo Ball Lobs To Zion Williamson Twice In A Row | March 8, 2020 https://ift.tt/38BdLwg

[paleyshelie]

NBA 2K25: Best Teams for Point Guards to Thrive In - Top 5 Picks The Point Guard (PG) position is often considered the "floor general" of a basketball team. In NBA 2K25, just like in real-life basketball, the PG role is critical for orchestrating the offense, facilitating plays, and making crucial decisions in fast-paced situations. A Point Guard is responsible for bringing the ball up the court, setting up the NBA 2K25 MT offense, and ensuring that the team executes its game plan effectively.

In NBA 2K25, the freedom to customize your player in MyCareer mode allows you to choose the team that best suits your style of play and the type of role you want to assume on the court. But with so many teams to choose from, how do you determine which one is the best fit for your Point Guard? It’s important to select a team where your skills as a PG will be valued, where you can earn significant playtime, and where the team's existing structure can complement your strengths.

In this article, we’ll discuss the top 5 teams in NBA 2K25 that offer the best opportunities for Point Guards to thrive. Whether you're looking for a team with a need for leadership at the point guard position, a squad with a strong offensive core to distribute to, or a place where you can quickly step into a starting role, these teams offer all that and more.

Chicago Bulls – A Team in Need of a True Point Guard While the Chicago Bulls have struggled in recent seasons, they still feature one of the league's most dynamic players in Zach LaVine. The Bulls are in need of a true floor general to complement LaVine’s scoring ability and unlock the potential of the team's offense.

Currently, the Bulls’ point guard position is in flux, especially with the absence of Lonzo Ball, who was once expected to be the team's long-term PG solution. Ball's knee injuries have sidelined him for an extended period, leaving the Bulls without a solid playmaker to orchestrate the offense. In NBA 2K25, this situation provides a perfect opportunity for a player to step in and become the centerpiece of the offense.

As a Point Guard on the Chicago Bulls, your role would be to alleviate the pressure off LaVine by running the offense and facilitating the ball to key scorers like DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. With plenty of playing time available and a need for leadership, you can quickly earn the respect of your teammates and take on a critical role in the team’s future success.

Key Advantage: High playing time and opportunity to be the starting Point Guard. Strong scoring options (LaVine, DeRozan) that you can feed the ball to. A need for leadership and a true floor general to guide the team.

New Orleans Pelicans – A Team on the Rise with Zion and Ingram The New Orleans Pelicans are an intriguing team with significant potential, particularly thanks to the star power of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. However, the Pelicans' offense has been hampered in recent seasons by a lack of a true Point Guard to run the floor and set up plays.

In the past, CJ McCollum has filled in at the PG position for the Pelicans, but McCollum is naturally a shooting guard and doesn't quite fit the playmaking mold that the team needs. This leaves the door open for a talented Point Guard to step in and make an immediate impact.

With a Point Guard leading the charge, the Pelicans would have the opportunity to create easy scoring chances for both Zion (who thrives on lob passes and alley-oops) and Ingram (a versatile scorer). New Orleans has the pieces in place to be a true contender, but they need a Point Guard who can help them take the next step.

As a Point Guard on the Pelicans, you would be tasked with facilitating the offense, making quick decisions, and getting the ball to your playmakers in the right spots. This team offers a solid balance of veteran presence and young talent, making it an excellent environment for a rising Point Guard to make an impact.

Key Advantage: A high-scoring offense with players like Zion and Ingram who thrive with great passing. Opportunity to step into a starting role and potentially lead a team with playoff aspirations. A need for a true PG to maximize the team's potential.

Phoenix Suns – A Championship Contender with a Missing Piece The Phoenix Suns are one of the most well-rounded teams in NBA 2K25, boasting a stellar lineup led by Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Deandre Ayton. However, since the departure of Chris Paul, the Suns have been without a true Point Guard to lead the offense.

Booker is an excellent scorer and playmaker, but his best role is as a Shooting Guard, not as a primary ball handler. The Suns are arguably one piece away from truly contending for an NBA championship, and that missing piece is a skilled Point Guard who can distribute the ball and create opportunities for the rest of the offense.

With Kevin Durant and Devin Booker as the main scoring threats, a strong PG could quickly earn a starting spot by proving their ability to create plays for the team. A Point Guard who can run the offense, facilitate ball movement, and hit open shots would fit perfectly into the Suns’ system and give them the chance to return to the championship stage.

Key Advantage: A championship-contending team with elite scorers in Durant and Booker. Opportunity to fill a critical gap at the PG position and play alongside superstars. A system that maximizes shooting and spacing, ideal for a PG to distribute the ball.

San Antonio Spurs – A Team Rebuilding Around Wembanyama The San Antonio Spurs are entering a new era with the arrival of Victor Wembanyama, one of the most hyped prospects in NBA history. With Wembanyama taking control of the paint, the Spurs are in need of a Point Guard to facilitate their offense and help the team navigate their rebuilding process.

The Spurs have signed Chris Paul in the offseason, but Paul’s age and declining athleticism may limit his ability to be the long-term solution at Point Guard. For a young, talented PG entering the league, the Spurs represent an excellent opportunity to step into a starting role.

In this scenario, your job as the PG would be to set up the offense, especially with Wembanyama controlling the paint, and help him develop into the player the Spurs hope he will become. With the right leadership, the Spurs could quickly return to being a playoff team, and a young PG would be at the center of that transformation.

Key Advantage: Opportunity to play alongside Victor Wembanyama, a future superstar. A rebuilding team with plenty of playing time and leadership opportunities. The chance to take over as the team’s starting Point Guard sooner rather than later.

Utah Jazz – The Perfect Fit for a New Point Guard The Utah Jazz are currently in the midst of a transition, with their core being built around Lauri Markkanen, the reigning NBA Most Improved Player. While Markkanen has proven to be a star, the Jazz have struggled to find consistent playmaking at the Point Guard position since Mike Conley’s departure.

With Conley no longer on the team, the Jazz have a clear need for a Point Guard to take over the offense and complement Markkanen’s scoring ability. Utah’s roster is filled with young, talented players, including Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler, but they lack a true floor general to help bring everything together.

For a Point Guard in NBA 2K25, the Utah Jazz offer a clear path to a starting role and a chance to become the focal point of the offense. You would be tasked with setting up the offense for Markkanen, getting him open for outside shots, and helping the team to score efficiently. The Jazz are not a championship contender just yet, but with the right Point Guard leading the way, they could make a jump into playoff contention in the coming seasons.

Key Advantage: A clear path to the starting Point Guard role with no established PG. Opportunity to play alongside Lauri Markkanen and other young stars. A team in need of leadership and a true playmaker to help develop their young core. Conclusion Choosing the right team for your Point Guard in NBA 2K25 can significantly impact your MyCareer journey. Whether you're looking to lead a team like the Chicago Bulls or San Antonio Spurs, or contribute to a team on the rise like the Utah Jazz or New Orleans Pelicans, these teams offer unique opportunities for Point Guards to thrive. By assessing the team’s needs, current roster, and your own strengths as a player, you can find the best fit and start your career with confidence.

As you embark on your NBA 2K25 MyCareer journey, these five teams provide the Buy MT NBA 2K25 ideal environment for a talented and ambitious Point Guard. Choose wisely, and make your mark on the court!

[generoussheepblaze]

Williamson returned the favor after Ball found him for a lob dunk in the first quarter from CBSSports.com Headlines https://ift.tt/2Di8NLc https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

[junker-town]

Why the New Orleans Pelicans are the fastest team in 20 years

Zion Williamson and the Pelicans are playing FAST.

Zion Williamson and the Pelicans are turning every game into a track meet.

Speed has been the New Orleans Pelicans’ most distinct character trait ever since they hired Alvin Gentry, whose rationale has been based on a variety of factors — none easier to understand than the simple desire to feed Anthony Davis in the frontcourt before defenses could get back and pack the paint.

“What we do is not very complicated,” Gentry said earlier this season. “We want to be a running team all the time.”

Now, with Davis filling a similar role for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Pelicans are, in one way, playing faster than they ever have.

From 2015-16 to 2018-19, the league-wide average length for offensive possessions that occurred right after a made basket was 18 seconds. Over that four-year span, the Pelicans were the fastest team at 16.22 seconds. This season, particularly since Zion Williamson first stepped on the court, Gentry’s team has responded to opposing baskets by becoming a lightning bolt. Be it an antsy pull-up jumper by Brandon Ingram, a fly route for Williamson, Jrue Holiday quickly devouring a mismatch, or Lonzo Ball paragliding 94 feet, the Pelicans are in their purest form when prompting an opponent to wheeze.

After a make, the Pelicans average 15.62 seconds per offensive possession, making them the fastest team in that category in at least 20 years. The next four on that list literally changed basketball: The “7 Seconds or Less” era Phoenix Suns. (Gentry was an assistant coach on those teams, from 2004-05 to 2007-08.)

It’s generally beneficial in myriad ways, but also necessary for New Orleans’ current personnel, and no Pelican should appreciate it more than Williamson. Similar to how they once used Davis, Williamson’s strengths and weaknesses all but demand he be unleashed in an up-tempo style of play. Spacing is an issue. He refuses to shoot and remains too green on the defensive end to man the five for extended stretches. With that, there’s no time for half-court execution or side-to-side ball movement until the defense cracks.

According to Inpredictable, since Williamson’s debut the Pelicans’ offense needs a league-low 13.1 seconds before they shoot after a made basket. At their most extreme, they look like they’re playing a different sport:

Above, you’ll see Holiday respond to Danny Green’s three by flicking an inbounds pass directly to Williamson at the opposite three-point line. Below, Ball casually feeds the No. 1 pick with a full-court lob about two seconds after D’Angelo Russell made a layup.

There are 56 players who take at least two shots per game with between 22 and 18 seconds on the shot clock. Davis is the only one with a higher field goal percentage than Williamson’s 67 percent. When it’s below 15 his accuracy drops about 10 percent. This type of differential isn’t uncommon for most players, but it’s a particularly rough tread against defenses that know he wants to attack in the paint. Williamson is athletically brilliant, but increasingly predictable. Gentry wants his franchise player to attack as quickly as possible, be it one-on-one or against a defense that’s still backpedaling.

Sometimes that means going right at his own man before any help defenders are positioned to rotate over:

Sometimes defenses that run back into the paint to try and build a wall only give Williamson the head of steam he needs to unlock his inner cheat code:

Sometimes stopping Williamson when he doesn’t even have the ball can be just as important as getting in front of the ball itself:

Williamson throws hot grease on Gentry’s philosophy, but New Orleans’ primary ball handlers are its true catalysts, routinely initiating one-man jail breaks, kicking the ball ahead, and urgently filling lanes in the open floor. They make “basketball” and “tag” feel one and the same. In a recent matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, Delon Wright picked Ball up full court to keep sequences like this from occurring:

When defenders shadow them in the backcourt, Pelican guards fake like they’re about to set a ball screen along the sideline, then slip towards the paint for an easy two. Two years ago, Rajon Rondo and E’Twaun Moore would try this roughly 75 times per game. This season, Ball and Holiday have injected Gentry’s favorite play with steroids.

Sometimes the screen isn’t even necessary. Holiday and Ingram are two of the league’s most efficient isolation players; possessions where they race up the floor, find a relatively weak defender, and then ram the ball down their throat help explain why:

Ingram is sometimes even used the same way Davis was (and often is), as basketball’s own Randy Moss:

Big picture, all this has made the Pelicans one of the most entertaining teams in the league. But by itself, speed is little more than a band-aid that half-conceals blatant flaws seen on both sides of the ball. The Pelicans rank 21st in half-court offensive efficiency since Williamson entered their starting five, and they turn it over a ton when out in transition.

And just because their response to opposing baskets is a systematic choice to turn the court into a 100-meter dash does not sugarcoat the fact they give up a ton of baskets. Their defense is a clear work in progress.

That doesn’t make running antithetical to success — the Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Lakers all push the ball while taking care of business on the other end — but for the time being, with Gentry at the helm, this is what they are, and how they need to play.

[linkmlre2525]

[Highlight] Lonzo full court lob to Zion

[theblackarticle]

#BlackArticle – Jalen Rose on Lonzo Ball’s lob, Zion getting sleepy on the bench & Jahlil Okafor | Jalen & Jacoby Follow on blackarticle.com! #BlackArticle X #ESPN

[grzzlee]

NBA Hot Takes: Girlfriend’s Guide

OK Ok OK.... I meant for the GG to be done before the season started - all thirty teams, and I had plenty of time, I have no one to blame except global capitalism, and it’s insistence that I maintain a full time job, during waking hours, with which I use to earn money and pay for food and rent. anyways.

Here’s my 30 teams hot takes... Well, not 30, but the one’s I’ve seen snippets of. 

Lakers: They suck. I’m not just saying that, but I am. I am a Dubs fan, so I wanted to get that out of the way: they sold the farm to get AD, Lebron wants him to be the bestest, and will feed him, and they will be unstoppable in any Two-on-Two pick up game they play. But the NBA if 5 on 5. I wish Danny Green was a Warrior.

Clippers: They are pretty good, but I don’t believe the hype. They beat the Lakers, Kawhi is a total beast, but I don’t get all the talk about how deep they are...  ok they have like 9 good NBA players (2 of which are HoFers, - and one is hurt) but come on... Montrezl is sick though, on offense at least.

Pelicans: Good, solid, even with the loss. I saw a smattering of highlights, and a terrible over-time where they couldn’t score - but even without Zion, they are good. I’m sold on Lonzo - didn’t get it his rookie season. Not on Ingram though, too much ISO. Jrue looks like he could run a great team. And I’ve always like Josh Hart. 

Raptors: They are good - I absolutely think they should be more respected. Just seeing Fred Van Fleet after killing the Warriors, he looks confident. Lowry deserves that pay day ($31 mill extension). And Siakam?! Oh my!

Kings: Re-hire Joerger. I’m not kidding. There was something about this team last year that I just didn’t see during game 1. There’s some new faces, but it was a me-first affair. Last year it was a team. People need reps. Cory Joseph was out for the pre-season, and when Fox got in foul trouble, it was up to him and Bogie. Bogdan: be yourself. Good hustle from Nemanja though. 

Suns: This team is better than you think. To be honest, I never really got Booker. But now that he’s got something around him, he looks good. Rubio is a pro. Baynes is a pro. I love Oubre, he seems a little wild though. Ayton is no longer lost in his home town, and Mikal Bridges... he’s gonna be good. 

Trail Blazers: They still got it. I was worried about their lopsided height (since the Knicks have all the power forwards) but its not much different from last year. They lost two swing forwards, who were skinny, and ran a 3 guard line up last year. And Bazemore might not be Seth Curry on offense, but he’s much better on defense. 

Nuggets: They are bad, which means good. Really good. Again, they were the best team in the NBA for a bit last year, and when they lost in 8 games to the Blazers in the playoffs (remember: like 4 overtimes, that counts as extra) people called them soft and too young. But Jokic is going to kick everyone’s ass this year and be the MVP. And they added another 6′8″ dude (they have like 10 now)

Thunder: This team got all that stuff that made people think the Clipper’s were deep, but for some reason people think the Clippers are still deep. Chris Paul: I am on the CP-bus. I honestly hated him since Lob City, but for some reason now I am rooting for him. I wanted to like him, but didn’t, but now I do. If he doesn’t complain to the refs anymore, he will be my favorite player. I want him to stay in OKC, and light the doubters on fire. I am rooting for this dude, and Steven Adams. 

Nets: Yeah right. This is the worst story ever. Pretty good underdog team signs ISO-ball god and savior guard Kyrie Irving. He goes for 50 in the opener, and misses the game winner to lose. All the magic is gone, and the badnews bears are now Kyrie’s supporting cast. The court looks dope though. 

10 is enough for tonight. I’ll have a drunk warriors reactions tomorrow, and other teams if I get to watch the Highlights. 

[bapakharyoso]

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Lonzo Ball and Zion Williamson are making the most of their first New Orleans Pelicans training camp.

On Wednesday, Ball lobbed an

[otisoverturf]

Zion Williamson Has No Desire To Compete In NBA Dunk Contests

Zion Williamson is the most talked about incoming NBA rookie since LeBron James entered the league in 2003 - and like LeBron, Zion doesn’t have any desire to compete in the annual NBA Dunk Contest.

The 18-year old phenom has shown off his ridiculous hops and thunderous slams both pre-game and in-game dating back to his high school days, but he says he simply isn’t a dunk contest guy. During a pre-draft interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, Zion explained:

“Honestly, I don’t think I’m gonna do it. To be honest, but, unless something can change my mind.”

“I’m not much of a dunk contest person. It’s kinda like, I just do it in warmups to get myself going.”

When pressed further, the soon-to-be No. 1 overall pick added, “They already got some great dunkers, they ain’t missing nothing with me.”

We’ll have to wait and see if “something can change his mind” but basketball fans can still look forward to watching Williamson’s prolific in-game dunks, including lobs from Lonzo Ball. 

During one of his many pre-draft interviews, the former Duke Blue Devils star spoke about the new-look New Orleans Pelicans, specifically Lonzo and Brandon Ingram. Says Zion, “Lonzo, I think he’s a great PG, very old school and I respect that about him. Brandon Ingram I think he’s a bucket-getter, he can give you 25 or 30 a night.”

The post Zion Williamson Has No Desire To Compete In NBA Dunk Contests appeared first on Social Juicebox.

Source: https://socialjuicebox.com/ Zion Williamson Has No Desire To Compete In NBA Dunk Contests published first on https://socialjuicebox.com/

[badlands75]

Badlands75RT @BillSimmons: Lonzo throwing alley-oops to Zion let’s goooooooooooo!!!! Lob City 2.0

Lonzo throwing alley-oops to Zion let’s goooooooooooo!!!! Lob City 2.0

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) June 15, 2019

from Twitter https://twitter.com/Badlands75 June 15, 2019 at 09:34PM via IFTTT

[leehaws]

John Collins is the Rarest Jewel

Atlanta Hawks power forward John Collins is, in just his second NBA season, already making the first leap of his career. He’s a walking (also running and jumping) double-double who, after missing the first 15 games of this season with a left ankle injury, currently boasts the NBA’s fourth-highest two-point field goal percentage and is averaging 22.9 points and 12.7 rebounds per game in December.

Collins is more efficient than last year, with a usage rate that’s increased by almost seven points. There’s some undeveloped Amar’e Stoudemire here, the incessant jackhammer who doesn’t know his own limitations but can’t wait to figure out what they are, or if they even exist. If for whatever reason you’re still not impressed, so far he’s doing it all without ever having any designed opportunity to create for himself.

“We make a big deal about not running anything for him,” Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce said. “But everything kind of runs through him.”

Collins gets involved without getting in the way. He bounces into put-back dunks and treats the paint like a runway. This is a skill opponents can’t really gameplan against, and it was nurtured in college by Wake Forest head coach Danny Manning, back when Collins was always the most athletic player on the court. His ability to leverage that advantage over everyone else is a major reason why his potential feels like a map that hasn’t been drawn. If he’s this good existing outside Pierce’s playbook, it’s scary to imagine what he’ll be when his number is regularly called and teammates are able to thrive off him instead of the other way around.

“Coaches aren’t drawing up a set play where they say ‘JC, here go get a bucket. Here, this play is for you to score,’” Collins told VICE Sports. “I think I just had to learn how [to score] without the ball in my hands. Now, when I can do that with elite talent, or more NBA talent around me, it looks that much better, you know?”

After an impressive albeit understandably overlooked rookie season, Collins spent last summer at Atlanta’s new practice facility, the Emory Sports Medicine Complex—“It’s like a country club with a basketball court,” he told me—tiring himself through late-night workouts alongside Hawks guard Tyler Dorsey, his best friend on the team. In an effort to become the most quintessentially modern big he could possibly be, while also slowing the game down and adjusting to the league’s blurry tempo, Collins focused on ways to expand his awareness and make better use of his physical tools. He tuned his ball-handling. Launched countless jump shots.

“I know how to play basketball. I know the flow of the game,” he says. “But it was always too fast. I wanted to try to see if I could slow it down and see if the pace would slow down if I worked on a few things.”

Gaudy box scores are enough of a draw towards any player who just turned 21, but even more impressive is how soon his game has mutated into what it currently is. Collins is as overambitious as any second-year player whose team needs him to dominate (which is reflected by a high turnover rate), but over the past few weeks he’s set himself on a different track.

“John Collins. He’s a beast, man.”

He’s catching, finishing, and rebounding everything in sight, drawing fouls like a star, and quietly understanding where to whip the ball against defenses that rotate to double him in the paint (his assist rate has skyrocketed this year). But some of the most revealing moments pop whenever Collins veers off-road to create something out of nothing. The play seen below begins with Trae Young setting a back screen to ostensibly free Dewayne Dedmon up for a lob. But Collins’s man, Ed Davis, sniffs it out and immediately picks Dedmon up.

Once Collins realizes that Jared Dudley is momentarily confused by the switch, he unleashes a graceful Eurostep that was not physically intended for use by anyone his size.

“He’s a four, but he moves like a three,” Hawks guard DeAndre Bembry told VICE Sports. “He shoots like a two.”

In 1,785 minutes as a rookie, Collins took nine non-corner threes. In 432 minutes this year he’s already jacked up 22. Only four have gone in, but the Hawks are happy with how comfortable he already looks doing a new thing that’s ultimately necessary to unlock even more for himself and his teammates.

“We’re trying to expand his three-point game. He only shot five percent of his shots last year from three,” Pierce said. “It’s a number we want to increase, but we want to do it at a very moderate pace. It’s not just ‘stand out there and shoot threes’ because you’re taking so much of his other game away, but that’s something that has to grow in time.”

“Coach [Pierce] was telling me ‘I want to see you shoot more threes. More threes,’” Collins told VICE Sports. “Sometimes I’m timid or not really too confident because I’ve never had to shoot threes in my career. I didn’t attempt a three at Wake or in high school at all. So it’s a little new and the learning curve is super high, but I’m doing my best and feel like I’m getting better with the jumper.”

Collins’s mechanics are lovely. He also won’t hesitate to turn a wide-open look into a drive, either to deliver a quick dump off or attack a closeout and finish himself. He’s thinking faster, on the fly, syncing his brain up with muscles that go zero to 100 on command.

During his rookie year, teammates would get on him for holding back some of the strength they knew he had. They’d chastise him. “He used to just do some little soft things,” Bembry says with a smile. “He’s a lot more physical than he used to be. John Collins. He’s a beast, man.”

Today, he plays basketball like an immortal kamikaze pilot. That includes standing up one of the game’s most able post scorers and making him claw for every inch, or skying into traffic and gobbling a ball off the glass.

He’s a rolling maestro who regularly finds himself in the right spot at the right time. He thrives midair, contorting his 6’10” frame in ways that defy physics, gravity, and every other fundamental law that exists to govern humanity.

“We know if we give it to him,” Dorsey told VICE Sports. “That’s gonna be an assist.”

Don’t let this ridiculous finish (which is also the first time Young ever assisted one of Collins’s buckets) distract you from how quickly Collins transforms into Sonic the Hedgehog upon realizing a transition opportunity is afoot.

“He’s the guy that kind of ignites everything for us offensively…His ability to catch pretty much anything, in the air or low,” Pierce said. “You just have a bounce and an energy in John that our offense is a little bit better when he’s out on the floor.”

But Collins wants more. For his three-point shot to be feared and for an evolving post-game to be something he can lean on as a real option, which it currently is not. There’s also work to be done on the other end. “I definitely need to learn how to at least survive out there on the perimeter as a big guy,” Collins told VICE Sports. “Learning how to guard smaller guys, especially with my athleticism, the way I move.”

Until then, he’ll have to settle (lol) for life as a priceless building block on a rebuilding organization that nailed a late first-round pick they could’ve otherwise squandered. The Hawks aren’t great when Collins plays, but their offense scores 5.3 more points per 100 possessions when he’s in the game. They go from ineffective on the glass to owning it, and their shot distribution changes somewhat dramatically: With Collins on the court, the percentage of Atlanta’s shots fired from the corner is 11.4 percent (good for first in the league) and they collectively live at the rim.

“I want to find plays to use him more. Still without calling a play, but to use him more, to have him involved in every play,” Pierce said. “Because his roll creates Kevin Huerter threes. His roll creates Trae Young layups. When teams don’t tag that’s when he gets the lobs.”

Seen below, the attention Collins draws rumbling towards the rim helps Jeremy Lin drive in for a layup. Markieff Morris refuses to get dunked on.

For some, this take will be held fresh out of an 800-degree oven, but there’s a decent chance Collins will wind up as one of the three best players from his draft class. With Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Lauri Markkanen, De’Aaron Fox, Jonathan Isaac, Kyle Kuzma, Jarrett Allen, Lonzo Ball, Dennis Smith Jr., and several other blue-chip prospects—like Markelle Fultz, Josh Jackson, Frank Ntilikina, and…dear god this draft class is so good—in this pool, that sounds like an impossible statement. Collins was drafted 19th overall and is already spectacular thriving off others, but he’s yet to exist as anything more than a supremely gifted complementary piece. (Nearly three quarters of his baskets are assisted.)

That’s perfectly fine, though. What Collins projects to be does not grow on trees. Relative to score-first wings and electric point guards, the rim-running, paint-diving, pick-and-popping power forward who switches on the perimeter, spaces the floor, protects the rim, passes, and puts the ball on the deck without hesitation is the rarest jewel. the kind of player who indirectly makes the game so much easier for everyone else, and every team wants one. (Think “more explosive Al Horford.”)

For now, Collins is moldable energy in a situation where expectations are low. The Hawks are 7-23 and should have two first-round picks in next year’s draft (their own and one owed by the Dallas Mavericks) to cultivate alongside him, Huerter, and Young, who’s pseudo-brilliantly stumbling through his rookie year. It’s an environment that will soon be crowded by elite young talent, and Collins is the perfect player to accentuate their strengths in so many different ways. When/if his outside shot comes around, he’ll be able to coexist with any type of big, including Zion Williamson (it’s hard not to faint when day-dreaming about that collective athleticism).

Today, Collins is seemingly in the background, putting up absurd numbers as Atlanta’s best player. He may also be one of the organization’s most appreciable forces for the next ten years. Just wait until his name gets in the playbook.

John Collins is the Rarest Jewel syndicated from https://justinbetreviews.wordpress.com/